Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 I'm back from the Carolina's and found my brother in rehab learning how to walk on his two new knees, which is no easy feat, as I know!  Thank you for your prayers, we were scared there for a while, but he seems to be doing well at this point.

We went to the Biltmore in Ashville, this being my 3rd time, and probably my last.  Too warm, too many people,  and too many steps for my liking, but I always find it interesting how the Vanderbilt's lived a life completely alien to the majority of people. I think I would have had constant anxiety living such a life.

My liking was downtown Ashville at night.  All the artists, hippies, street musicians, and tourists made for a fun, fun time!!!! Next time I'm rafting down the river, everyone I talked to said it is great.  Want a great vacation, try Ashville.

By the way, when is the 50th anniversary event for Waltrip.  My sister-in law is going to that.  Are any of you going to that too?  How do we see who is going?

Have a good one!

Jennie

Stephen Ray Puckett

Jen -  We spent a few days in Asheville a few years ago.  We loved the area.  A highlight was spending most of 1 day around the historic Grove Park Inn.  We drove by the Biltmore there - it was pretty but there were people everywhere, etc., so we passed. We have been a couple of times to the Vanderbilt mansion that is in Hyde Park, NY, on the banks for the Hudson River, close to FDR's big house. The last time was in the Christmas season and the house was decorated to the 9's with period-style decoration. It was extremely pretty but too way, way over the top in ostentation for us to be comfortable.  The grounds, though, were nice. We much prefer the FDR house & grounds - we can imagine ourselves actually living a real life in that house!

We just got back from a 1.5 week vacation to the annual Puckett Reunion between Fancy Gap & Groundhog Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway in SW Virginia.  It was fun to see all the relatives.  Just imagine 250+ Pucketts in one place, mostly 2nd cousins: that's a passel of Pucketts! Visiting, picking, visiting, singing, visiting, eating, etc., etc.  Folks around there love to pile cole slaw on their BBQ, sometimes along with mayonnaise and even mustard - very strange to us.  We like our BBQ 'straight' or alone on a bun.  I furnished some hickory-smoked chopped brisket BBQ from Texas but I doubt that folks could even taste it much with all that other stuff piled on.  One guy said his sandwich was OK but kinda hot.  We found that instead of using mayonnaise he had mistakenly slathered his sandwich with horseradish sauce!

On the way back north we stopped at the pretty New River Gorge in West Virginia and the wonderful Monticello, Jefferson's old digs.

Richard Meek

Kay you may have heard about it but the Chronicle reported that the Houston SPCA has taken control of a heard of 105 miniature horses and 46 dogs in Grimes County. They did this apparently at the request of the owner who could no longer care for the animals due to the economy. They will put them up for adoption after health evaluations. At least the animals are getting taken care of before they get in bad shape.

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

Just returned home from taking my mother to Doyle's for lunch.  There was one loud party going on, everyone talking, laughing and shouting to one another across tables, having a good ol time! I ask someone what was the occasion and they said it was Waltrip's Class of '70 reunion this weekend!

I'm sure looking forward to ours!

Jennie

Kay Watters (Greene)

Good morning all,

Good day for a visit...hee, hee.  3 wks til school starts again and I will be messaging more.  Back has recovered and I am walking, exercising and wanting to strengthen it, as I think that was the main problem.  Been trying to open and put in a new belt for both the washer and dryer today and those new belts defy a woman's strength...must call two manly men down the road, and I'm hoping all will be well.

Jennie, sounds as though your brother is undergoing H---, hope and pray all goes well!

Rain has kept me in, but I bought a new Kirby vacuum and am having fun using it, as a carpet shampooer, drape and vent cleaner, in the truck, and so on...really enjoying it.

I'm going to a small cattle raiser class at Texas A&M, Aug, looking forward to this as well.  Stay active and don't let the bed bugs bite ya.....and keep on dancing!

Richard Meek

Kay, glad your're back to moving around. Usually on those washers and dryers you can loosen a pulley or the motor bracket enough to slip the new belt on. Then just tighten it back up so the belt doesn't slip. Then as Steve Puckett says, "Bob's your uncle" (he must hang with some Brits). Or just get two manly men to come do it like you were planning. Hope your small cattle seminar turns out well. Are there folks still out there raising Emu's or did that fad fizzle? A client of mine sold out in Houston and moved to the country to do that. I noticed at Fudd's that you can get an Ostrich burger. I wonder if they're using domestically raised birds or if  it's imported? I admire your ambition on your new project.

All you folks that will soon be putting your education hats back on, Thank you! We certainly need a higher level of education.

Looks like it will be sizzling by Saturday. Everybody stay in the shade and sip some ice tea or lemonade. Or try limeade. Limes are really inexpensive right now.

Keep on dancing,

Rich

Richard Meek

I just had a call from a fellow Waltripian. His 91 year old mother,Mary, has gotten to the point of not being able to live alone. I know several of you have had to face this dilemma as I have. if you would sen me any solutions you used. You can send them to me at rmeek@bellgroup.com or send them to Ken Scott,'72 at fourkofk@aol.com. Thanks, I know Ken will appreciate any input as he walks this torturous road.

Keep on dancing,

Rich

Bernard Brady

Hey Rich- I will comment on parents.  I have decided to move to San Angelo

right next door to my parents. As their Executor, I found that a nursing home

would charge $5k for my Dad with Altzheimers and $4k for my Mom with Rheu.

Arthritis per month- Thats 9 grand a month. $108,000 per year. Can you imagine ???

So, with 5 caregivers 24/7 we can keep them at home for $6,700/mo.

They are 89 and 88. Realistically, it would be cheaper to put them in a nursing

home.  Why? it would break their hearts to take them out of their home.

They would die in 6 mos. I can't do that to them. Love'em too much. They never

ever complain. How do I feel about moving to Texas from TN in just 8 weeks.??

Fine. I can handle it. It's just the right thing to do. That's the way true Texans do things...

Linda Marmion (Linder)

Great news; all Texans are thrilled you have back...Happy Birthday!

Stephen Ray Puckett

Sending cool thoughts to all you hot folks out there...

Eileen Caudel (Key)

Bernard, you have my utmost respect! I had my mom live with me for eleven years, the last few with Alz. It's no picnic, but well worth it! Blessings to you, my friend.

Bernard Brady

To all-

We closed on our patio home in San Angelo last Thursday - all done electronically.

It is right next door to my parents (aged 89 and 88). They are so pleased and we

are too. Susan and her sister have been consumed with cleaning the home of their

Dad who died 6 weeks ago. Probate process going well, but slowly. Our move to

San Angelo has been moved back to the last week in Sept. Our home here in TN

is sold. It's like running in molasses, but your prayers have been wonderful.

I am saddened to miss our 45th reunion, but the big 50th in Oct is

still a possibilty. Our daughter and fmly and 2 grandkids live in Katy and we want

to see them bigtime. We thank all of you for your kind comments , Bernard.

Peggy Lee Pratt (Ervin)

I am really looking forward to the reunion, this will be my first.

Want to say many thanks to everyone who has been giving time

to set up and take care of all these arrangements. You are

truly appreciated.

    Thank-you,  Peg

Mildred Sue (Suzie) May (Cunningham)

Robby, thanks for asking.

Richard Meek

I would agree. Thanks to all you folks who are working on putting this event together. I'm sure it will be a big success. How can it not be with the illustrious bunch that have signed up so far! Hopefully, many more will sign up soon.

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 I’ve haven’t been known to be politically active except in the last Presidential election, BUT I have found a candidate I wish to support in any way I can!  Her name is Kendra Yarborough Camarena and she grew up in Oak Forest, attended school with Casey and Kelli at Clifton Middle graduating from Scarborough High School and University of Texas at Austin. She has spent the past 7 years teaching at Scarborough. Kendra is married to a businessman and is the mother of two young children.  She knows OUR neighborhood and District 138.   She understands politics. Her father , Ken Yarborough, was a Representative for over a decade and always demonstrated the highest ethics in the political world. If our neighborhood could help Kendra in her quest for State Representative she very well could win this election.  I will be posting opportunities for volunteering on Facebook and through emails hoping you will join me in providing new leadership for our district.  Please contact me if you wish to offer any help.  I’m looking forward to having a fun time!

Richard Meek

Way to go Jennie. More people should be involved in the political process. if they were i don't think we would be in such a mess. When I used to do some lobbying in Austin, i used to call on Ken. He is a good guy.

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 I just bought my beautiful reunion dress.  I am going to look "Hot! Hot! Hot!, well maybe I'm just going to feel "Hot! Hot! Hot!" Regardless, I am ready to PARTY!

I hope someone out there wants to meet me tomorrow in Oak Forest, at 2:00 to canvas only 10 homes each for Kendra Yarborough!  How about it?  We'll meet at 6007 Spruce Forest Dr. Houston Tx 77092. This is Kendra's house.  I'm sure there will be refreshments!  2:00 and not more than 10 homes in her neighborhood.

Kay Watters (Greene)

Hey,  I'm going to start out Friday night, see what happens and see Jennie's dress too.  She has spunk! Hoping to see Sam Diaz and wife as well.

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

  Ummmmmm, I forgot about Friday.  Need something "hot" for then, too! I can't wait to see and hear all the laughing, chatting, hugging, music, stories, gossip, and more...... 

Thanks Steve for my cute, new little smiley!

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 Well, I don't just hug anybody.  Walter's grandmother was named Jennie, so I'm sure we will hug each other, b/c we have that strong connection.  In fact, I was named after my own grandmother!  Long live the great memories of grandmothers.  I so loved mine! 

Talley Hudson

At the risk of changing the subject (which I hate to do because this stream has been fun), I just want some good old Waltrip prayers for my dad.  He is turning 99 on August 20, but this morning he suffered what appears to be a TIA.  TIAs are not necessarily fatal, but he doesn't want any help and says he's ready to go.  My concern is that he may just live a lot longer than he wants and meanwhile he's refusing any aid that could help him recover.  He is the world's most stubborn man!!  I'm going to be really upset with him if he doesn't make it to 99.  Heck, I was counting on at least 100 out of him! 

Richard Meek

Talley, I'll be more than happy to include your dad and you in my prayers. My mom had a couple of TIAs that she recovered from.

Rich

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 Talley, I'm there with you praying.  What a goal, 100!  Sometimes I'm thinking I'm having them now, because I lose my words.  They are there I just cannot find them.  How depressing to be a teacher and you can't find your words.  My Mom is almost 91, and sometimes stubborn and fiercely independent like your Dad, but I honestly think that's what makes them live so long.  They are not quitters. My Mom seemed to always recover back to where she was with those kind of strokes and I hope it is the same for him.  Please keep us posted!

Robbie, the picture was taken in Hawaii and the photographer failed to capture Janne going down the zip line behind me at the exact moment he took the picture.  Oh, I failed to mention it was an electrical wire she was riding on.  Pretty cool, huh??????

Linda Webster

Talley I will put your Dad on my prayer list, and speaking of that I would appreciate prayers for my 29 year old daughter-in-law as she is having major back surgery tomorrow in San Antonio. My Dad was only 74 when he had a massive stroke and died 10 years ago and I wanted him to be around for at least 100 years.

Looks like it is one of those times to call on a higher power for all his blessings and healing powers. I hope and pray that they both have the best outcome.