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Susan Howard (Bowman)

Wow!  I have been out of town for a week and all heck breaks loose on the Forum!  Thank you to Burge and Beau for a good kick in the pants for all of us who read the Forum, enjoy it so much, but don't participate much (or not at all)!  I will try to do better!

That being said, I hope Jackie is home from the hospital and feeling much better!  You are still in my prayers as you have been since you were ill back in the spring.  I am glad they found the root of your problem, but that is nasty "stuff", so please take care.  Lots of rest is in order as well as your antibiotics.  We love you Jackie!  Thank you Beau and Barbara for alerting us - what a support group we have for each other!  Can't be beat!

BJ, how nice to hear from you!  My dad had altzheimers, so I can appreciate your feelings.  He lived to be 82 and actually died about 18 years ago.  He also had alot of other complications that seem to go along with altzheimers.  And now your mom - at 90 - so dependent on you.  You are such a good son!  I can only imagine how difficult that must be.  It's so heart rendering to see the people we love deteriorate and lose their quality of life.  

For all of you that write frequently on the Forum, thank you!  If I need a smile I read Beau; if I need to be contemplative I read Burge.  You guys have so much to offer us.  The rest of you are icing on the cake!  

I hope you are right that fall may be right around the corner!  I think I feel a little fall in the air here in Sun City, especially in the evening.  Georgetown had record rain fall for the area while I was in LA, 4 inches - much needed!  It was all in one day, of course, but we will take it any way we can get it.  

Those of you who have health problems, family problems, financial problems, taking care of aging parents, whatever your need may be - know we are with you, thinking of you, and that you are in our prayers!

Bj Brady '65

Hey Beau (and all)-

Thanks for your kind words. In your last post, about in the middle, you mentioned San Angelo, TX. You said you had been to Stephensville (which is lovely) but not San Angelo. If you drove from Ft. Worth to Angelo you would travel through Stephensville. If you came here from Houston, just take I-10 West to Junction and go north.

San Angelo is considered W. Texas, however some folks think that it must be like El Paso, which it is not. It has 105,000 fine citizens, so it is not small. It has the Concho river running right through downtown and is teaming with huge pecan and Oak trees. Some say it is the best kept secret in Texas. It's just north of Uvalde and Garner State Park.

However, while right in the center of Texas, it is a long way to anywhere. Recently we drove to Coldspring,TX to visit Lynn and Peggy Kiel. It was 405 miles one way. El Paso is at least 400+ miles west of here. Houston is easily 400 miles East. My brother Jeff lives near Big Bend Natl Park and it is 400 miles  S.W. That, my friend is why I purchased a Toyota Prius last year - A tree-huggers dream car. It's one of the few in San Angelo. Everyone else drives a big ol' Ford or Chevy Truck or a Dodge Ram. Huge monsters with deer guards welded to the front. Must get about 8 miles a gallon on premium. Texas studs, we call 'em. They're living the dream, God bless 'em. God, bless you, also, my friend. Bernard

Kay Watters '65 (Greene)

Beau and Burge, I suppose summer got to most of us, with activities, family stuff, vacations, and all. A summer of change for me, as I've asked my grandson, wife and two little ones to live here with me until they can get ahead.

 I've had a lot on my plate, and mind, I might add, but faithfully preparing for 1st day at school tomorrow, after church today to listen to the new pastor, who is quite good I've been told. (Don't like to hear of our classmates having med problems or any other for that matter.  So Jackie, get well!

I went to Fonville Jr. High (mom worked there) and my childhood friends continued to Sam Houston High.  Just got notice of a pudgy large blond boy with a huge smile and affable? ways (everyone loved Billy Tillman)  that just passed away.  No one heard from him until now and he became a very attuned? jazz showman....wish we could have known so we could attended a few of his shows... glad we do have the forum to connect to the "old days" and you will hear from me shortly...next week will be BUSY.  Beau's Diane, Jimmy, the rest of school peoples, wish you success on these first days! 

Beau Wann, Jr.

Hey Kay ! ! ! Glad you jined in! Gonna be exciting around your place, or busy, to say the least. I pass Fonnville from time to time, and for the life of me, cannot remember where it is. I knew someone that went there, and cant remember who it was.(just what is it that I do remember)   I remember thinking that the name sounded "exotic", or "regal".

Good luck on a new school year! The kiddos start back in HISD today. Guess thats why I'm up early. Got to make breakfast and lunch for the little workin woman. She is actually a 12 month administrator, "special ed coordinator", so she is always working, even when she is off, they call her and email and txt. She is contemplating retirement at the end of this next school year. Whatever she decides, is fine with me. Although it would be nice to have someone to talk to during the day, other than 6 idiot cats and two dumb dogs. As you know, their end of the cornversation is none too stimulating. Oh, I guess a "meow" and a "woof", does have it's meaning, sort of, I suppose.  Means more likely, "FEED ME NOW" ...

I dont know when Haley (12 years old) starts back in Katy, but Taylor started his first day at Tx A&M Friday.
He shares an apt with 4 other guys, and since he checked in early this summer, he gets a room with a bath. Two rooms have to share a bath. He is hopeful that he can work at the apts to help with his expenses. I remember what an exciting time that was, "checking in at college".  I remember at San Houston State, the first day, they put me in an old dorm, North of the main hwy, called "Jackson Hall" (wonder if it was named after Stonewall Jackson), but by the end of the day, I was over in the new "departmental dorms", "I" dorm, with Jimmy Stockton as my roommate. I forgot who our "suitemates" were. Two rooms that shared a bath. We even had maids.

Seemed like complicated times, but looking back, they were such simple and glorious times. As Teddie mentioned in past posts, there was about 30 of us from Waltrip. (I think it was 30. sounds good anyway).
What a time we had! Of course the perfesser here, only lasted one semester. Thats how good a time I had!
"Get out, and dont come back" or woids to that affect. Next, it would be "Uncle Sugars" turn. They made me an offer I  couldnt refuse. Straightened up REAL QUICK, and flew right.  Nothing like a little motivation eh what?

I see by "Mickeys hands"  it is fast approaching 5:30 AM, in the morning, early, (see what college will do for you, learn ya to tell time). hope all is well with everyone.
"It's time to get up, It's time to get up, It's time to get up in tha mornin..." those are the woids to "Revellie"..I sure coulda told that "horn blowin guy" where he could hide that horn..

Be safe, be well, and be here...
Your frien and bretheren...Beaucephus DOD...

Susan Howard (Bowman)

Good luck to everyone connected to education these days!  I have been retired from teaching for 6 years, but still have dreams about the first day of school about this time every year.  Usually it's a dream of frustration - can't get the kids to listen or line up correctly, or be quiet - you who are teachers or have taught know the drill!  I don't miss all of the "politics" and paper work that were involved in teaching, but I sure do miss the kids!  Our pastor dedicated the entire church service yesterday to teachers, students, and anyone affiliated with education in Georgetown.  He did the kids sermon sitting on the floor with the kids, but it was to the entire congregation.  There was even a blessing of the backpacks.  Of course there were some kids too little to go to school today, but they were up there , too, and received a special blessing poem right along with the others.  I had never experienced this type of service before completely dedicated to students and teachers, etc., but it was very meaningful to all of those there!  So blessings to all of you who are teachers, aides, tutors, administrators, volunteers - however you touch the lives of childred!

Teddie Jordan

Great idea for a service Susan. I really believe there will be a special place in heaven for teachers, and aids, and administrators, and all educators, and all who help our children.. Some of the most unsung heroes in this world.

As the sign on our outfield wall at the old American Legion field on Judiway used to say, "No person stands taller than he (or she) who stoops to help a child". Amen.

Beau Wann, Jr.

Hey Teddie...thanks, I plumb totally forgot about that sign. We had a service a week ago, blessing the volunteers...and teachers...Me and ol Cooper got a good blessin we did...I've been blessed beyond all belief any way...Ol cooper is such a blessing to us and especially to the kiddos he helps...did I tell you, that we have two schools this next semester? One in CFISD, Lamkin Elem, and one in HISD, Thomas Jefferson Elem, over off Cavalcade and I-45...Looking forward to that..Did I also tell you, that Cooper can tell the difference between your regular standard kid, and the special Ed kids, "autistic", and "life skills", down syndrome children???

Make your eyes water just to watch him work...Oh, he doesnt lecture, cept with his big ol brown loving eyes, and he doesnt scold or grade, or judge, but he sure has a way of getting those kids to learning, or at least bring a smile to their faces, and make em want to learn. When he greets his regular reading kids, he noses em, and grins, and pushes against em...but when he greets his autistic friends, he goes up to them as far as they want him to, and then he stops...stands perfectly still, like Teddies Gus waiting for the command to "fetch the bird"...only the command Coopers waiting on is just a touch from the child...Cooper doesnt move, he lets them advance...I let them walk him, and when they step, he steps, when they stop, he stops...what a blessin to the whirld he is...and to think, he was a throw away and a rescue from "death row" at the pound.

Big Oliver is a blessin, sort of...he is a wonder that ol fat boy...sort of makes me "wonder" just what the heck he's up to. I've given him a nickname, "lightening"...mainly cause he's slower than molassas in January in Minnesota...he sits at the door wanting out, so I open the door, and he just sits there, contemplating going out I suppose...oh, he doesnt stay out very long, that fur coat of his mixed with the heat, sees to that. When I let him out, I watch him to make sure he doesnt try to go exploring beyond the compound...He's so fat, dont think he can scale the walls, but I watch him just the same...

The other day, and I might have already mentioned it, stop me if I have....I havent? ok, well he was out at the south end of the cement pond, just sashayin round the pot plants and swing, and the dog house. there was a lizard on the edge of a plant just as "lightening" was saunterin by...Big Olie didnt see the lizard, so the lizard thinking, I suppose, that it would be better to hitch a ride on the walkin  ball O fluff, than to burn ones little lizard toes on the cement pond deck,  HE JUMPED ON BIG OLIES BACK...Oh my goodness, I was about to have a stroke, it looked so funny...I wanted to get the camera, but it was packed away, and I probably wouldnt have gotten back in time, so I just watched.

That ol lizard rode Big Olie all around the cement pond till Olie got to another pot plant on one of the wooden decks, then Larry the Lizard jumped off...Big Ollie never had a clue...Ol lightening just sauntered over to the back door, "I've had enough of this heat" his look seemed to say...I opened the door, and it took him a few minutes to finally get his big ol butt through the door...then when he saw there was no food out, he looked at me and uttered what had to be a "kitty Kommand" ..."hey you, dude, get some food out here" or meows to that effect...

Yes sir, never a dull moment here at the Wannzoo...thats sorta like Yazoo, only Wannzoo...or whazup???
I dont know, you know me, a mind is a terrible think to wit...

Got the pool table moved downstairs, tookem two hours to dissasemble and reasemble it...thing weighs a thousand pounds...I'll bet the 2nd floor is breathing a sigh of relief...I like it better down here on floor one...I even played a couple O games by myself...won one and lost one...as far back as I can remember, we have had a pool table, and my Uncles have had pool tables...that was some of the most funnest times for me, watching my dad and his brothers and their dad, playing pool in the garage, drinking beer and whiskey and smoking cigarettes...of course NOW, we know that stuff is bad for you, and will stunt your growth..among other things....ever now and again, uncle Ivan would give me a shinny coin for helpin him rack the balls...wish I'd kept those coins...well, I did keep the memories.

They would laugh and carry on, joking about stuff, which was all over my head...no really , it was all over my head, cause I was only bout 3 foot tall...or maybe 4 foot...Wouldnt mind revisiting at least one of those nights sometime...but, we all know that is not possible, at least here on this whirld...just in the whirld of my mind...

Annie-Bob, or Stumpy, as I sometimes call her because she just has a stump for a tail, jumped up on the pool table, thankfully the cover was on it. I told her to get off, so she promptly threw herself upside down and just stared at me..."yo dude, make me"...well, it wasnt worth the trouble, cause I knew she was just gonna get back on it again when I wasnt looking...The cover is very thick, so I dont think they can hurt it, the felt that is.

Well, guess I'll deplane, depart, or otherwise amscray...Hey Jackie if youre reading this, WE LOVE YOU, AND GET WELL...
Keep the sun at your six and ride boldly ride...
your frien and bretheren...Beaucephus DOD

Lloyd Pond

Bother Richard and I have expanding my workshop. It was a 8x16 "affordable Portable"and now it is 12x 16. We are on week two of construction. Tomorrow we put in the door ana finish the shingles. Did I tell you,"I've got shingles?", Paige?

At the old house I  had a building put together by the factory guys. They finished in five hours! It was amazing to watch them work. I shoulda called them I guess. Over the first few days , I was really tired and sore... now I am really tired and sore. My right hand wrist  is the big problem. I am especially glad that my back has not relapsed..with the lower lumbar vertabrae problems.

I am looking forward to a trip to Portland next month.

Beau Wann, Jr.

Thats what I want to do, build a workshop. But alas and alack, got no room. Of course I could build it over the cement pond, sorta like those homes built over the water wherever they do that sort of thing. I might as well build a workshop over the pool, cause some of my tools wind up there anyway. I could build a trapdoor like the ice fishing huts, and just drop tools into the coldy brine, or retrieve them with my 150 pound magnet. It doesnt actually weigh 150 pounds, but legend has it as being able to pick up 150 pounds...sounds kinda fishy to me. Theres not many people that could haul up 150 pounds of anything out of the water without some kind O help.

You know why things are built to the specs of 16 X 8???? thats because plywood comes in 4x8 sheets, so it makes it easier to put in floors and rooves...is that correct, "rooves" or "roofs"...I think I just conjured up a southern colloquialism eh what...yall feel free to jump rat on in and comment and or correct...doesn hurt my feelings at all about being wrong...shucky darn, I;'m generaallly wrong all over the place, I've just gottne use to it...

Hey Lloyd, the best part of your expansion is your brother helped you! ! ! ! Thats the best part of life right there.
My Dad and his brothers all use to help each other on projects. I loved it when they would get together and "be men" and do "men stuff", ie pouring concrete building fences, repairing rooves* etc...of course when they poured concreeete, (sorry the e stuck) that meant I had to handle the wheel barrow...that was one sadistic sob that invented that bad boy...it worked, and was bettern carrying stuff by hand, but just barely...musta been invented by a "half-wit", cause it needs two wheels, instead of one...

Anyway, my dad and uncles made great sport of me trying to push a concrete loaded wheelbarrow with out tumpin it over...I didnt weigh morin 125 pounds, if that. Man, I would just stagger under the weight of the cement and the unstableness of the stupid ol wheelbarrow. Ever now and again, uncle Ivan would see me just about to lose my balance and load, and he would just put one of his huge hands on the wheelbarrow, and it was like he had taken the weight of the whole load..in just one hand...Ivan was the strongest man I have ever ever seen. He wasnt tall, but he was built SO powerful, power just exuded from his eyes...I swear there wasnt anything he couldnt do. Yet, he possessed a gentleness as powerful as his strength..."there is nothing so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as real strength"...

Ivan could haul that 150 magnet and then some...I saw him carry a 250 pound "headache" ball (goes on the end of the line of a crane, to keep the line taut, and wreck buildings) around like it was his lunch box. I really miss Ivan...

Hey Lloyd, I still have those CDs you sent to me. I still play em. If I thanked you before, I thank you again. Some of those tunes are hard to find.

I didnt have a brother, and my sisters were older than I, so no real commraderie there. I guess thats why I hold such store in the treasure of our highschool group. We, most, went from 1st grade to college together. Lots joined in along the way. I guess thats as close to brothers as I could get! ! ! And Sisters too. Although, I didnt hang out with the girls back then. I just looked from afar and wished on a star!

Ok, time to take Huckleberry hound and Depty dawg for their mornin constitutional. Then pick up where I left off yesterday, wherever in the heck that was. Gonna put bifold doors on the "no critter zone" room. guess I could read the destructions and see where that would leave me...probably with a headache. See there, now is when a good brother or two would come in handy. We could make it a fambly project. Neither of the dogs go in for building stuff, and big oliver just lays on the plans, and when he lays down, it's hard to get him off of whatever he is laying on.  All the other cats run and hide when they see me pull out my tools.

HEY JACKIE, WE LOVE YOU, AND GET WELL NOW YA HEAR!  ! ! ! ! ! AND ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE THATS A AILIN...

Your frien and brother, Beaucephus DOD

Lloyd Pond

Having a family project is the best! Lots of memories of working with Dad and brother. Working hard and then for lunch or supper salami onion sandwiches. The other day, a cousin and I recalled the time that our Fathers decided to drill a water well by hand . Dad made a bit and they used long pipe wrenches and just turned the pipe round and round. Uncle Bill was like Beaus uncle Ivan. Strong as a bull from years of working on thee oil drilling rigs. Of course what do you expect from two Marine Corps WWII vets? They felt like they could buiuld anything and often did. Dad built our house! Really! Another great project wsa dad grinding a six inch reflecting telescope lens.

As Richard and I worked, I thought about Dad's lessons. What a wonderful legacy.

Beau Wann, Jr.

Amen Lloyd, Amen...ONION AND SALAMI SANDRIDGES???? Oh man, folks after mine own heart, er or stomach...with lots o mustard and some good ol stinky cheese, on whole wheat or rye...hmmm hmmm hmmmm...I know, what if we had a diner, and just served those good ol sandridges???

Uncle Ivan was a marine in the pac in WWII also...them ol boys could do just about anything as you said...and I allus thought they hung the moon ! ! ! ! ! ! They probably did ! ! ! !

Beau Wann, Jr.

Just talked to Jackie, and she is doing better. Her treatment is over. They took the IV line out of her arm, which is a relief in itself. Probably going home tonight. Says she might go back to work the day after labor day.

She did sound better except for the "new computer system" at her doctors office...SNAFU...we have ceased to be patients, just bits and bytes of binary code..."Dave"? It's all right DAve"..."we can work together...Dave?"...

I went to the sawbones today, have em check mah errant ears...seems there was a blockage in the right one, which was causing all the trouble...He loaded up a HUGE metal syringe with water, and blasted it. 'LORD? IT'S A MIRACLE...I CAN HEAR AGAIN"...or woids to that defect...charged me 7 dollars and 43 cents...well hells bells, if ahd a node that, I'da just got out the garden hose and giver a shot...looks like I can put my sign language course on the back burner for now...

And, about that sandridge in the post above...can we add a slice of liverwurst, and some horseradish???

Jackie says "HI" to everyone, and she will deffinitly be at fudds nextr go round.

Some of Dianes results came back from her doctor...cholesterol too high, vitamin D too low...just no middle ground is there...I am putting her on an excercise program, called "walk the dogs, clean the pool, vacuum the house, wash and dry the clothes. put clothes away, clean litter boxes, clean up cat puke, mow de lawn and flu de coup, move the furniture etc..." yeah, thats my excercise program...ah thought ise was retired???

I am excercising right now, bending my right elbow with some vino, whilst I work my fangers out on this here keyboard...yaoughta try it...woiks fine...

I was trying to think of something to ask on the forum, but I forgot what it was I was trying to think of to ask! ! ! !
So if any of all yall remember, let me know, ok?

Your frien and brother Beaucephus DOD

John Burgess Webb

hey lloyd,its good to hear from you.take it easy on your back;im fighting a relapse with immobility,muscle relaxers and pain killers,its no fun at all,be carefull.the story about your father grinding a 5" lense is interesting,its no simple matter.i read an article about the 200" lense at mt. palomore;it was formulated by pyrex and cooled in stages that took months.all together it took 11 years to cast,grind and polish.ww2 took top technitions away from the project,hence the delay.they wanted it without a flaw;like everything else fine,it took time and patience.

burge

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

As always, this wonderful awesome group has brought me through.  I have experienced so much love and support through your calls, cards, emails and message forum wishes.  Words cannot express my thanks and love to all of you.

This is my first time on computer and "Message Forum" - I've missed all of you and am trying to get my "brain" back - if this is possible. 

I am home today and it's pretty quiet without my 16 months old grandson, since I was staying with my daughter, Carrie, for a week.  Maybe a little too quiet!!! 

This viral meningitis caused by herpes virus has been an ordeal that I don't want to experience again, but can.  Just FYI - any of us that had chickenpox as a child - I assume we all did, can get this.  Not only does the herpes virus lay dormant for Shingles. but also this.  Seems combination of our age, lower immune system and stress can bring this on.   If any of you start suddenly with a throbbing excruciating headache front and back, burning eyes that are sensitive to light, fever and stiffness in neck, fingers and toes (the stiffness came a day later), go to your doctor or ER!  I really thought I had West Niles - same symptoms.

Viral meningitis can be caused by many viruses, the problem it's take a while from the blood cultures for results.  Went into hospital Friday evening (Aug. 17) didn't get the results of herpes until Tuesday and West Niles takes a week.  There are no treatments for any other viruses or West Niles, they have to run their course.  But there is a treatment for herpes, it's IV treatment every 8 hours for 10 days.  They had already started me on treatment on Saturday, just in case it was herpes virus, then they would be ahead, if not, oh well.  Came home on Aug. 23 to Carrie's with a PIC line so she could continue to administer the IV.  Thank goodness she's a nurse.  The treatment ended Monday evening and I had PIC line out Tuesday (Aug. 28) - big relief!

The doctor that took out PIC line told me this was very serious and had been manifesting for a while, so don't think I would bounce back immediately, it will take time.  So I'm taking everyone's advice and not going back to work until I feel "Together".

BroBeau, thanks for keeping everyone up to date along with Burge, Johnny, Glenda and Barbara.  Thank goodnesss I finally have a doctor's followup appointment tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.  Need to see how I can boost my immune system and just relax -- oh, sure.  Retirement may be around the corner!

Hugs and love to all of you - hope to see you at Fudd's!!!

J

Teddie Jordan

Jackie, so good to hear from you directly and so glad you are on the mend. I have looked at several websites to learn more about viral meningitus and just so thankful that you did something about it  and got a diagnosis and received treatment. Now just take your time going back to work and let your body heal.

Next  we will get Linda Webster fixed up and we'll be back in business.

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

Thanks, Teddie, I'm trying really hard.

Hugs,

J

Gloria Hornick (Walker)

So glad you are home and on the mend,  Jackie.  We will all need to be aware of symptoms, just in case.  It is so important to take care of ourselves, especially as we get older.  Take care of yourself and enjoy some "me" time.  

Darral and I just returned from 10 day trip to Colorado.  Enjoyed the cooler days and nights, and, of course,  the mountains.  Biggest highlight was a hot air balloon ride.  Could not believe what all goes into getting it ready and then putting away.

We recently went to baptism of newest granddaughter, Ainsley, who is now 3 months old.  Watching the grandkids grow really brings back memories.  The oldest granddaughter says I recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of my 16th birthday!  That makes me feel even older!  We really have been blessed, but can't believe how different it feels on this end of the age spectrum.  My parents both turned 91 this year, so life goes on. Makes you feel really small sometimes.

Hoping all of you are doing  well and enjoying the small things  as well as the special times we all have.

Scotty Croom

glad you are on the mend,jackie..see you at fudds...

Susan Howard (Bowman)

It's so good to hear from you in person, Jackie!  Also to know you are doing much better!  Please continue to take it easy and, like Gloria said, take advantage of a lot of me time.  I also appreciate all of the information on your illness.  I, like you, would have thought West Nile right away since the symptoms are the same and there is so much of it in Texas right now!  Thank goodness you are on the mend!  Take care and let people take care of you until you get your strength back.  Also, work on your immunity with lots of rest and less stress - perhaps retirement is closer than you thought?!  Hopefully your follow up to your doctor will share some light on your immune system.  Please keep us posted!  Know you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.  We love you, Jackie, and keep sending those "get well" thoughts your way!

Richard Meek '65

Jackie, it's great to hear that you're back at home. Follow your current thoughts about getting well before thinking about going back to work. The old saying, "if you've got your health, you've got everything" is toooo true!

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend. We've got a big family get together in College Station with kids, grandkids and dogs. There will actually be more dogs(7) than grandkids (6) there. Liz loves having all those kids to play with. She usually sleeps for two days after one of these get togethers,

Had a lot of reading to catch up on. Business has picked up significantly so I've been keeping my foot on the accelerator. As Paige's aunt used to say "ya'll be good and pure "!

Keep on dancing

Rich LH

Beau Wann, Jr.

Hello mine Waltripians, yeaaaaa Jackie is back. I typed in a long dissertation yesterday, and VOILA it disappeared. Lost my connection. Oh well, wasnt all that important, just my ramblins.
Went to my 4th funeral in less than 2 months. That sure is a drain on the emotions
.
The young man that died, was a singer/songwriter, and my sons stepbrother. They were all kinda close, so they are pretty shook up. David was an absolute hilarious and gregarious character. Some of his adventures, or misadventures, make mine look like I was asleep.

There was only one song at the services, and it was one he wrote, sung in person by his son David Jr. accompianied by one of Davids band members on the Guitar and Harp. David wrote the song in highschool some 35 or more years ago. One of his friends in highschool was killed in a wreck while they were in highschool. David and his friend Mark closed themselves off in their room, and penned words and music in 30 minutes.

What a fitting legacy for David. The name of the song, is "Will you remember me"...his son sang it flawlessly. WOW...it is as good as anything on the charts now, and or anytime. In fact, I have the words and chords in a book of songs that David put together for me some 25 years ago.

David and his band "Off the couch" played all around Houston, mostly at a club called Jumps on Synott road off Westheimer. He opened for Shake Russell and Ryders in the Sky at Rockafellers on Washington Ave and Heights blvd. For those that cant picture it, it is the old Heights State Bank.

David was also friends with Clint Black before Clint made it big. Got a picture of David and Clint siting on the couch the day Clint signed his first Album contract. I think Clint has 3 or 4 brothers. One, Kevin, was at the services. Both my sons got to pal around with the Black Family through David. How cool that was for them.

There were two speakers at the funeral, not counting a minister. One was Davids long time best friend Mark, that spoke for 30 plus minutes and had people rolling in the aisle with some of Davids antics. Then David Jr spoke for about 30 plus minutes on more of his dads antics. You want some crying at a funeral. this is the best way to do it, make em laugh till they cry.

Cant remember the last time I laughed that hard with what I call, "funny tears" rolling down my face. Oh man, now thats the way to have a service. No sad tired old hymns, just laughter.
I didnt actually hear all the stories, ears just werent responding, but I heard enough, and watching the "mourners" laugh and shake and scream with joy, was plenty enough.

 The church was SRO, and not much of that left.
He was only 53, and the hard life of an entertainer finally caught up with him. But, what a legacy he left for his family and friends and that was any and everyone he met. Everyone that knew him was rich for having known him...those that never met him, somewhat poorer...

Got me to thinking about mine own mortality. I have told my beloved that I wanted the song "Katmandu" played at my services. No sad tired old hymns. Thats not me. "Katmandu" is me.
Not Xanadu, but Katmandu...you know, it was a long time after Olivia Newton John came on the scene, that I found out she wasnt 3 people...like Peter Paul and Mary. Well, we are talking about me now...I am somewhat slow sometimes...

Bout the onliest (east texas for only) slow song I want would be "Stranger on the Shore" by Mr Acker Bilk...that is about the onliest moldy oldy that I do not have. Cant seem to locate one either.

Just about got the downstairs completed. All we lack is finishing up...duh!!!!!
Got doors now on the "critter free zone", and fixin to hang my big screen tv on the wall. It is so cool cause we can see it from the kitchen. In fact, on a clear day, I'll bet they could see it on the space station. I wasnt gonna get one, but relented so the game room would be complete.

Well, guess I better sing off for now. My son Billy is coming over to help me hang the big TV.
So, Rich the LH, have fun...and everyone else also too have fun...and above all, be careful
Your frien and brother...Beaucephus...DOD...

Post Script: Great to see so many folks on the forum...

Robert Derrick

Jackie, been following the reports on the site and are very glad you are on the mends. Looking forward to seeng you again soon at Fudd's.

John Burgess Webb

jackie,rest easy and avoid stress.you deserve a good rest and im happy that that ole bug is treatable.you know how much you and your helpers on this site are appreciated;i hope you can join in more often during your recovery.love,

burge( aka humpty- dumpty)

Beau Wann, Jr.

Ah, the ol "blue bird of happiness" flanked by two rainbows...dont get much better than that now does it...
I always wondered how folks get these amazing photos...patience and perserverance...I've allus been sorta short in the patience department...

Tom Donovan;
Ransom Stoddard
Dutton Peabody
Cassius Starbuckle
Pompy
Town of Shinbone
If I give anymore names, I'd give away the answer...which is what? Well, what movie did those names appear, and who played em.
Lee Van Cleef, strother Martin, woody strode, andy devine, John Carradine,  and a cast of a thousand well know character actors were also in it. I cant give you two of the names of the actors, or one of the characters they played, or you know it for sure.

This will be on the final, so study hard...

Your frien and brother beaucephus DOD

Post script: I finally bought gin for my golden raisins and gin arthritis cure/treatment. How long do I let them soak? You're suppose to eat 9 ad ay??? The man at the store said to pour out the gin and throw it away once the raisins have been soaking in them. He didnt say how long. I know a couple of youse good folks told me about the treatment, and one in particular said it really worked.  So someone let me know how long I let em soak. Guess you shouldnt eat em and drive either too! ! ! !

Susan Howard (Bowman)

Went to see "Expendables II" last night.  Usually don't care too much for shoot 'em up bang-bangs, but this one is real entertainment!  It was so much fun to see some of the oldsters - Sylvester Stalone, Arnold S., Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Claude Van Dam together in this sequel.  They are looking good, especially for their ages!  It was really a hoot in parts because they lifted up their senior citizenness!  I recommend it!