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Beau Wann, Jr.

     It's me again Margaret! ! ! !  GOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING CHAPPELL HILLLLLLLLL, and all the ships at sea, especiaLLY the ones with Scotty and Sharon and Pat and Ron, yeah, that's the ticket fo sho!

    It's a good day and a bad day!  Good day to be alive, but bad day to be alive and hurt a 10 squared on the ricter scale. It's always something!   Been trying to woik on stuff, so far behind, I'll never catch up. I was thinking about having a "training" or "boot camp" for yippies and yuppies and midlinieals or whatever they wish to be identified with.

    Get em all up here and working on stuff, and pay me to do it!  I'd furnish lunch and refreshments etc, plus games of sorts like, 'weedeat down by the creek",  "paint the shooting range backstop", paint the containers", mow, build two decks, chop far wood etc, you know all the everyday stuff one is want to do.

    Heck far, they could even make a reality TV show out of it, yeah, that's the ticket.  Like "Flip or Flop", Fixer Upper", hmmmm, what could I call it......I know, "Hepin the old cripple out at the homestead". I know, it's kinda long, but we can shortin it out some with a little thought, damn little.

    The little woman is  in town for a retired teachers meeting and lunch, so me and the critters are having potluck for lunch. I know why it's called "potluck"!   You just throw something in the pot and if it doesnt burn, well that's luck. 

    Hmmmm, just had a thought!   Why am I not in ye olde swimming hole enjoying some zero gravity?   Sometimes I wonder how I managed to live this long, just dumb luck is all. Yet here I am sitting at a desk and puter tippy typing and hurting, go figure!

    Ok, guess I'll deplane and get on my "SEA HUNT"  swimming trunks. Yup, still got my US Navy issue swimming trunks, why I dont know. Boy do they look silly, or I look silly.  willy nilly....You know, you can see full episodes of SEA HUNT with Lloyd Bridges, who was actually a seal predecessor, UDT underwater demolition, or "frogman" in WWII, on YOUTUBE.  If you were so inclined.

     Keep the sun at your six and "ride boldly ride"...

Your frien and resident crazoid psycho, Cephus R Wacky esq  

Lynn Wren (Burkhardt)

09/11/2019  - Who could ever forget.  Please remember and keep in your hearts what today is really all about.  Pray for America and the men and women who have sacrificed all for us to live a life of freedom. 

Love and God Bless

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Yes, a date that will live in infamy for sure.  Wow, where has the time gone?  September all ready!  I use to look farward to september,  usually meant cooler weather wasnt far behind. Got a feeling that this year is gonna be hot till Christmas, but let's hope not. 

    I could be wrong, because the hummingbirds are swarming around Dianes 4 feeders.  Looks like bees swarming there's so many of em.  Diane mixes her own nectar for the little  blaggarts, and is having to refill one up everyday.  Maybe they know something about the weather that we dont.  They fly south for the winter, Mexico and some to south America. Some come from as far away as the north pole....hmmmm, that doesnt sound right, but seems I remember Diane telling me that. NO, from Alaska, or Canada, well, no matter, they are hard travelers. Maybe they could hitch a ride on one of the cruise ships, yeah, that's the ticket.

    Started on project number 8 million, an addition to the boat house which is next to the zero gravity pit.  Maybe we could have another "party on the hill" eh?????   It's a lot of work for sure, but a labor of love. Diane and I enjoyed it so much, we still talk about them from time to time and look at the fine binders that Jackie put together for us. God rest her soul. Sure do miss her! ! !

    Havent heard back from the neurospecialist about the MRIs, but Baylor Scott and White and Bob, Ted, Carol and Alice hospital system has a network where we, correction, Diane can access any info and tests, and so far the results have not been posted.  Well, I'm still alive, so cant be too serious eh.

    Today's Chappell Hill Garden Club Meeting, and Diane is there learning about stuff.  Every month they have a specialist come in and talk about stuff, like snakes, glad I missed that one, cause he brought one with him.  Why do "snake people" think they have to carry around a snake with them?   WE ALL know what snakes look like and if they bite you, you will die.  One of our classmates died from a rattle snake bite a few years back. Trying to think of her name, but you know me, a mind is a terrible think!

    We have a new classmate signup, Glenn Weissinger.  Welcome welcome welcome.  I read his profile, and he and his wife live in Chappell Hill.  Moved here bout the same time we did.  We've probably passed each other on the street in CH and Brenham and didnt know it, well, of course we didnt know it, or one of us woulda said something, I would have anyway. 

     Maybe with a little luck and timing, we can get together sometime.  My calendar is empty except for October 31st through Nov 4th.  Sister and Brother-in-lawr will be in for an Aggie game for his 80th birthday. Staunch loyal Aggie that one.  Retired from the Air Force a Colonel.  He mostly taught at the Air Force Academy.  I went through there in the winter of 65 or 66 on leave. Dont think I stayed over night, it was just a layover from Diego to Houston, or the other way round. 

     I do remember it was coldern a witches stuff  and a well diggers behind. Luckily I had my blues on and peacoat, still bout froze though. They took me to the Swiss Chalet restaurant up in the mountains somewhere round there. Dont recollect what I had, I'm sure it was good though.  They also showed me the Academy church, or cathedral. Wow, mighty impressive.  Went inside and the pipe organ was something to behold, like the National Cathedrals pipe organ.

    September....the day after labor day was when we started school wasnt it?   I remember wearing my new jeans. They sure were different back then than today. They were so stiff and smelled of dye? or something. That dye would color my legs blue.  By Easter though, they were worn thread bare at the knees, if not worn plumb out.  Cant believe folks pay big bucks for jeans that look like they should be thrown away if not used for a truck rag.

    Hmmmm, guess I'll deplane, so keep the sun at your six and "ride boldly ride"

Your frien and resident hoop de doo Cephus R Me esq

Beau Wann, Jr.

     It's me again Margaret ! ! !   Had a windy storm last eenin, minus the rain.  All that huffin and puffin and blowin about, produced only .08 inches of rain.  We are about 2 or 3 feet behind in the H2O dept.  The wind did manage to blow stuff off the deck, and blew one of my sunshades off it's attachements.  You know, the animals destroy the inside of the house, and mother nature destroys outside the house.  Just the price you pay for living in the country and for compassion for pups and kitties.

     Diane and I were wondering if anyone would want to have another reunion, ie "Party On the Hill" This next sprang (east texas for spring)?  I promise no more softball, Just good food and better company!  I really think that we could change the menu to mexican food.  We make very good tacos, beef and or chicken, or pulled pork.  Diane makes great guacamole if the avocados are good and ripe.  We have lots of salsa and dips etc. hot as you want them or mild as you want them.

     I realize we havent gotten through to the reunion in October, but it's never too early to plan.  Ok,  a party in the sprang fer shure, in memorium of Jackie and all those that have passed on, yeah, she loved the Party on the hill, so that's the ticket.  

    Time to deplane for now, keep the sun at your six and "ride boldly ride"...

Your frien and resident partier, Cephus R Phun esq 

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Goot eefening myne fyne Waltripynes.   It's Friday ! ! !  Big whoop!   Been remodeling one of our baths, taking out the single slipper claw footed tubs and building a tile shower.  I dont know what we were thinking having two of those tubs put in, neither one of us is a "tub" person, and if anyone stays with us, they have a hard time getting into the tub because the sides are so high.  I think we are going to list it on Ebay. They cost 850 dollars new, so I'm thinking 2000 dollars. Yeah, that's the ticket, it'll be a seller for sure.

    Today was the opening of the WCF (Washington County Fair) and I didnt get on this thing early enough to infor youse youtes.  It's free admission till Wednesday, then it'll cost you. $40 dollars a person for all the rest of the days, or 9 dollars? a person a day?    Us old veterans get a discount, maybe half off?   Dont really remember from last time. Slept many times since then.  I've got a good memory, it's just short! ! !

     I really wanted to go tonight, cause they opened up the Mechanical Bull at 6 pm, but works didnt leave till 9PM.   Yeah, I wanted to be first on that ol Mech bull like I know each and everyone of you to also to.  Today is some sort of pitch tournament, and Margarita Judging and steak shoot out judging.   I judge I'd like a margarita and just pass on shooting a steak. I mean, why shoot it again, it's already been shot!!!!

   Tomorrow is all sorts of things like Bean judging...So ifin you got any bean you want judged, taker out there. I guess they'll say, "ah judge this bean to be a....BEAN"!  I dont know if you judge it on color, or size or potency, ie methane.  Well, there's other things like a heifer and steer show. Dang, I haint been to one of them thangs in a coons age. 

    There's also a "Washer" tournament...I guess you take your washer up there and whoevers clothes come out the cleanest, wins!  Oh, and the Mechanical bull opens again at noon, then there's chicken judging, "ah say boy, ah do declare this heah to be a chicken" so sayeth Foghorn leghorn.  More bean bag tournaments, craft beer round up...???? Hmmm, ahm a thinking ahm gonna leave thatun alone.

     Sunday is a big day, Cowboy Church gathering and then at 6 pm, Carcass Hog Weigh in and Evaluation. Boy, cant wait for that one!  Monday's a set up day for "Country Creations Exhibits check in.  Tuesday they open up the Country store, and the carnival opens, and again they turn that ol mechanical bull a loose, golly I'm going to go everyday, not!  Well it is free till Wednesday!

    Wednesday there's something going on from 7 AM till past 9 PM. :Lots O stuff, like broiler and turkey shows and barrow show and some more of my all time favorite, Carcass Hog event. Yeah buddy! ! ! Of course there is a "Comedic Juggling show".  Yeah, that'd be me trying to carry two drinks and two corn dogs and some popcorn and cracker jacks all at the same time.  Oh yeah, they open up that ol mechanical bull again, thank goodness. 

     Oh, oh, oh, they crown the 2019 Fair Queen at 7PM.   I know yall dont want to miss that one. Then at 9 Jake Hooker and the outsiders will be entertaining the masses.  I'm just worn out tell all yall about this great and amazing stuff.

     Thursday is senior citizen day, dont perzactly know what that means, maybe all yall will get a discount in to see the Hog carcass toss or something. I know, you can ride that ol mechanical bull for half price, yeah, that's the ticket. I can see all youse old folks lined up to do that.   Bri Bagwell and Jesse Raub Jr will provide the entertainment from 8 till midnight.  (Bri is a good looking babe) Dont know ifin she can sing or not, but who cares, I love er!

    Friday is Veterans day, and all youse vets get in for half? Maybe?   Lots of goings on on Friday and Saturday, including that ol mechanical bull. I'll bet that ol boys gonna be tired at the end of next Saturday.  There's also the usual calf scramble, I prefer scrambled eggs myself, but different strokes eh waht.  Got a wild steer saddling contest, and dont get me to guessing abouot that one.   Here's two of my all time favorites, greased pig wrangling and hay hauling.  YEAH!  THAT'S WHAT AHM TALKIN ABOUT! ! !

    I've been practicing on the dogs and cats, but they just aint diggin it.  Now howm I gonna win if I dont get to priactice? Eh?   Oh well, our critters just have no sense of duty towards a true artist in Hog carcassing. Does cooking bacon count?   Ahm thinkin It do!

    there's lots of doings going on at the 151st WCF.  Last couple of times we went, I didnt find all that much to do or see.  The food is not near as outstanding as the Fair Food you see on the TV show "CARNIVAL EATS".  In fact I'd say it's just barely edible.  We had corndogs and lemonade and maybe fries, nothing special about that, and that's about all was offered.  Maybe we just didnt go down the right aisle.

    We looked at the rabbits and chickens and turkeys, and they all looked the same. Well, the rabbits and turkeys and chickens didnt look like each other, but all the rabbits looked like they were all from the same litter, Turkeys looked like bros and sis, if not kissing cousins. Same with the chickens, all the aforementioned were white, and didnt look especially edible.   You could see who won ribbons, generally it was kids from prominent and well known families.

    The Fair Queen is judged only by how many tickets to the fair she sells, or rather her family and friends sell. They set out in the HEB parking lot and other places around town and the parents and siblings sell the tickets whilst the future  Queen is...doing what?    Probably sleeping in or Iphone stuck to the end of her nose.  How's that teaching them anything, they win because someone else does their work for them.

     Oh well, I guess you're not suppose to judge one by ones beauty or lack thereof, just by the number of tickets your family and friends sell.  I remember trying to sell tickets to the Boy Scout Fair down at the coliseum.  they were $.50 cents, which was a lot of money in 1953 or 54 or whenever that was. Didnt sell a one. I cried.  Yup, cried like a idjified baby.   I did get to go to the Fair as a candy apple vendor.  Had a box with a strap to go round my neck, and red balloons tied to welding rods to look like candy apples on a stick. Also got a painted on mustache, even had some kind of hat on,  yeah, I was cool.

      Well guess I'd better deplane, my bottox is getting tired sitting in this here chair, and my fingers are gnumb from tippy typing. All that ,and the dogs are snoring and driving my crazy. Seems wherever I go, they like to fall asleep close to my ears.  How Ironic, cant understand what anyone is saying, but dang sure can hear noise.  I was down locking the gate last night and actually heard the crickets for the first time in years, I thought, wow those bubbas are loud until I remembered I had my hearing aids in.  Hmmm, so that's what crickets sound like nowdays, same as they did when I could hear without help.

    I believe I was signing off wasnt I, keep the sun at your six and "ride boldly ride..."

Your frien and resident sooth sayer and all round hell of a swell fellow, Cephus R county fair King esq  

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Gooooooooood morning Chappell Hilllllllllllll....and all the ships in port!      Did you people see that moon last night and this morn????   Wow, now that's what I call getting mooned brothers and sisters.   Ol sol was coming up just as Luna moon was going to sleep, and they both were red.    Yesterday was Friday the 13th, and didnt see the lost hockey player with the goalie mask,  what was his name....oh yeah, Jason. 

        Seems he cant be put out of our misery until he empties every summer camp of youtes with his chain saw, or is it Jaimie Lee Curtis he's after?  Hmmm I believe I'd go after her, but it wouldnt be with no dadburn chain saw. Just my lips and once supple body.   Well if I see him, I've got something that will end his rein of terror, 12 gauge 3 inch magnum buckshot, about half dozen rounds, now, that will stop most things cept maybe an efalump, and I certainly wouldnt want to hurt one of those creatures.

     Ok, show of hands, who's going to the WCF this phyne mornin?   NO ONE?? POR QUE? PIG?  I guess it is kinda early for all you old folk.  Been up since 1945 or round abouts thereof.   Im not going either neither eyether nyether cause got workers coming to work on the remodel.   Anyone want to buy that ball and claw footed single slipper tub????   NO ONE?   Oh come on now, open up your hearts and wallets, give a tub a home!

     Well, the smell of hog carcass ie bacon has got my taste buds excited bud, so I guess I'll give youse youtes a break and sing off for now, but not to worry I'll be back!   I know, "thanks for the warning."

Keep the sun at your six and "ride boldly ride..."

Your frien and resident moon rock, Cephus R Luna-tic esq

Jennie Anderson '65 (Dylan)

Leah Favela, one of our friend classmates is asking for prayers and thoughts as she faces surgery for lung cancer on 9/23/2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital.  

Beau Wann, Jr.

     And so she will have them!   She gave some wild parties at the fire station on 34th st  back in the day. Our band was always invited to play at them, and we did.  We thought we were good, but by todays standards, we were terrible. But we all had fun.  Prayers for Leah for sure.

     Thank you Jennie for the heads up.  Havent seen you in a long time since Fudds, hope all is well with you!

Teddie Jordan

Leah you are a special person! You have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and recovery next week

Scotty Croom

beau,just street sign for your old block/street...ella at 1100 dubarry..its still there....lol

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Howdy all yalll.   Scotty you betterr not steal that good ol DuBarry sign, cause I've been trying to think of a way to liberate it myneownself.    You know, been settin round thankin, (east texas for thinking) and or lamenting about nothing being special anymore like it was when we were kneehigh to a grasshopper, like Foleys windows at Christmas and how they would put brown paper on them so no one could see how they were going to decorate them, then the unveiling.  Always produced moren one oooh and aaahhh from folks.

    The toy department at sears on nawth shepherd, and Santas throne up on the 2nd floor. All that and the smell of popcorn and peanuts roasting down on the 1st floor.  Had to take a trip through the music dept and strum the guitars till the lady would run me off, then it was over to the hunting and fishing dept oogling all the guns and rods and reels.  Then a turn through the saddles and smelling all that REAL leather, and not from china too.

    What was that candle store down at Westberry Square....WICKS AND STICKS yeah, that's the  ticket. Boy the sweet smell from that store would knock you down and stomp on you.  I think they had one in Northwest Mall also too.   There was a deli in NW mall, hmmm what was it's name...?   Santinis?  Sand something, man their cornbeef and pastrami and spanish queen olives, what a treat. 

      f course who could resist a wheel burger all the way with fries and a malt, or spoke dog with chili from the Chuck Wagon. Ooh ooh oooh Monterey house up on the ccorner of Oak Forest and 43rd rat across from the OF elementary school. It was just a hole in the wall with small school desks to sit at, but that food was authentic tex mex and goooooooooodddddd. 

    All the Christmas specials on TV, Andy Williams, Perry Como, many more and others too.  That would sure get one in the mood for Christmas wouldnt it,  Which comes to my next point, I'm playing Christmas music now.  I dont think one can start too early dontchew!  Yall better s tart your Christmas shopping now, cause it'll  be upon us be fore you can sing Jingle Bells.  Well, it's just not the same as when we were kids!Guess we'll always have those memories to conjure up. 

    Out of all the rain that has inundated Houston and the surrounding communities, we have not gotten a drop. It looks like rain, acts like rain, but it just keeps thumbing it's nose at us.  We need it soooooo much, even have a sasquatch tree that parts of it are dying, and you cant kill one of those on purpose.  Most all the trees leaves are turning yellow and brown and falling off, looks like an early fall, but sadly it isnt. 

    Looks like Mildred has dinner ready, so I'll sing off for now, but I'll be back fo sho.

keep the sun at your six and "ride boldly ride..."

your frien and resident lamenter Cephus R Old N tired esq      

Johnny Sheffield

Allright***allright***allright

Just 20 days away from our 55th reunion  

There is still time to sign up for a good time, good food,

And  good music with good friends. As of now, we have 75 folks sign up

For the reunion that night. If you have any questions feel free 

To give me a call at 979-203-7209, or text me or 

E mail me at Johnnysheffield46@gmail.com 

Look forward to seeing everyone.

Johnny

Beau Wann, Jr.

     TWENTY DAYS????? OMG, WHATAMI GONNA WEAR?  WHAT ABOUT MY HAIR?   Well, nothing I can do about that anymore, unless I find a wig that'd be suitable, or maybe a whig, yeah, that's the ticket.  Hmmm seems like only yesterday it was 20 days till the re-onion, oh, it was, and now it's NINETEEN ! ! ! ! ! !

     Guess what the sawbones has scheduled for the day before the re-onion, go on, go ahead and guess.....no, not a brain transplant, that would require me actually having one to swap out.  Anyway, it's too late for changes, for "I yam what I yam" whatever in the heck that be.   Give up on the guess?    Another round of MRIs starting Friday morning the eleventh of October.  Seems they may have found something!  I dont know which is worse, actually finding something or finding no cause for all the payne.   WHATEVEA ! ! ! ! !

    Hey, how was YOUR first day of fall???  We had another 100 degree day, yet again, and on the first day of fall.  Seems fall failed to show up eh what!   Dont ever recollect it being this hot on this day evah ! Sure would like a little normalcy, unless of course this is the gnu gnormal, then "BLEAH THBSSSSSSS  HISS AND BOO...."

   Been workin round the clock because we have company coming at the end of the month of Octobver...(looks like ruskie for October doesnt it! But it's only "fat finger spelling", I know, hard to believe).   Already had the guest bath remodeled, took out the single slipper ball and claw footed tub and replaced ti with a genuine tiled shower.  Rearranged the livinkroom (again another ruskie word. try to keep up) and rearranged the "pink" rooom.  Took out George and Marthas "double wedding ring" arn bed and made a "man/woman" cave out of it, sort of.  Anyway it's cool.  

     Even hung pictures yesterday, it's only been  5 years since we moved in.  Well, I dont like to rush into things, just have to wait for the right moment, and yesterday seemed to be the right moment. Plus I hate putting nail holes in the walls.  If any of youse youtes ever visit again, youse can inspect it. Not too close though, too many flaws. 

     TODAY....I've started on the 12'  boathouse deck extension.  It should be relatively easy peasy....unless your'e me, then the only thing easy peasy is messin up, which turns out to be not easy atall, at least the fixin the mess up. Produces double the work.

    I've built so many decks, you'd think I'd be good at it!  Not so mon ami! ! !   That ol syaing of "measure twice cut once, is baloney. I can measure a hunert times and the outcome is still the same, off by an eighth of an inch, in eyether direction.  I cant blame it on my failing eyesight or shake of hands and borke of back, I've allus been "mentally challenged" in every area of anything!

    Had some deer come by this morning, havent seen any in quite a spell.  They sure were noisy!  Well, not the deah themselves, but Dixie-Belle was.   She was barking her fool head off, disturbing the peace she was.   Time to get up anyway, it was first light, and there are "DEER HERE, HERE DEER OMG DEER, AND IN MY DOGMAIN"  so sayeth ye olde deer hound Dixie-Belle.  She's actually suppose to be a birddog of sorts, and I guess she  is cause she doesnt like any birds to fly low over the property, especially buzzards. 

     What a manangerie of critters!   Got two dogs that like to dig to china, one dog that flys through the air chasing grasshoppers and likes to chew things till they are only fit for the trash or recycle, and two cats that hate each other, but get along well with the dogs,. Go figure! ! !  Diane's been transplanting things from old worn out flawr boxes to a flawr bed out back.  Jack and Dixie have been rearranging the rearranged flawrs just so they can lay in the soft cool dirt,  Izzydorable likes to chew the flawrs and bulbs up, which pretty much makes Diane VERY angry. I try to remain neutral, well,  they are HER dogs! ! !

     Time to deplane or other wise get the deck out of heah...Keep the sun at  your six, and "ride boldly ride..."

Your firen and and rural resident person,  Cephus R. Me.

Beverly Hengst (Allen)

I received sad news that Tom Gann lost his father this morning.  As you will read in the attached obituary, Tom's father had a very accomplished and full life during the 94 years he was here on this earth.   Let's keep Tom and his family in our prayers during this difficult time.

Woody Gann Obituary

     Nathan Woody Gann, 94, departed this life on September 24, 2019. He was born in Kurthwood, Louisiana on August 19, 1925. His parents were Laura Virginia Wheat Gann and Hughie Walter Gann.

    Woody was a longtime member of the Denman Avenue Baptist Church.

    Woody Gann was a skilled Historian and a Lufkin/East Texas business, community and civic leader. His Woody’s Toys slogan, “We don’t work….We dis-play”, became widely known over a four state area. Joe Ben Gann, a nephew, played an essential role in the development and success of Woody’s Toys, Inc.

    Woody was the founder and President of Woody’s Toys, Inc., WTI Properties, Inc. and Dunagan Warehouse, Inc.

    He was a Lufkin Kiwanis Club member since 1947 and was a Past President. A founding Director of Community Bank, now Capital One Bank, a founding member of the Lt. Nathan Gann Lufkin Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, a founding member of Gann Historical Society & Library, Inc., a Past Chairman of the Lufkin State School Volunteer Services Council, a long-serving member and Past Chairman of the Angelina County Historical Commission, a Past Board member of the Lufkin-Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, the first Chairman of the Museum of East Texas, served on the first Board of Directors of the Texas Forestry

Museum and was appointed to one and elected to two terms of the Lufkin Independent School District Board of Trustees.

   Woody’s recreational interests included Bridge, Texas 42, Poker, Dancing and Traveling.

    When World War II began he joined the Texas State Guard at age 16, 1942, later advanced to what was then called the U.S. Army Air Corp, 1943-46. When the Korean Conflict began he was activated into the U. S. Air Force, 1950-1951.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother, Benellon Gann Hill and Eugene Milton Gann, his wife of 64 years, Berta Marie Williams Gann, and his wife of 10 years, Charlene Kolb Gann, and his daughter, Benegene Gann Kring. He is survived by a son, Tom H. Gann and Vicki Gann, daughter, Natalie Gann Crowson and husband, Charles Crowson, and Charlene’s children Steve Kolb and Anita Scoggins, and families. Grandchildren Laura Virginia Crowson Lester and husband, Bill Lester, Nathan Thomas Gann and wife, Crystal Gann, great-grandchildren Kate Lester, Will Lester and Laney Gann and several nieces and nephews.

    The family would like to extend special thanks to the caregivers at PineCrest Retirement Community and Hospice in the Pines.

    Cremation will be in the hands of Gipson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association, East Texas Regional Office, 304 N. Raguet Street, Suite C, Lufkin, Texas 75904, Denman Avenue Baptist Church, 1807 E. Denman Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901 or a charity of your choice.

    At Woody’s request, there will be no visitation or memorial service…”most of my friends are already gone or too old to get out.”

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Tom, our condolences on the passing of your dad.  Sounds like a very interesting and busy man, your dad.  Missed, but not forgotten.

       Been having a heck of a time getting into the Waltrip Website. Donno if It's my computer or the website, but I'm in, now, obviously,  so guess it doesnt matter.   Hope the 100 degree day on the first day of fall isnt a harveywallbanger of things to come.  

       Sure wish we could get some rain. Last rain we had was in June, about 2 inches and before that, sometime in the spring, and not much then eyether.  Didnt know Washington county was a dry county.  Cant believe that in this day and age there is such a thing as a dry "no alcohol" county.  I'm assuming Polk county, where Sam Houston State is, is still dry.   Parts of the Heights in Houston is still dry.  They just made some of it "wet" for HEB or Kroger so they could sell wine and beah.  Amazing the doors money will open.

     Of course wishing for rain is dangerous because we just might get 40 inches in 40 seconds.   If that then, it'll wash all us dry folks away for sure.  Well, at least I can mow just about anytime I want to, except first thing in the morn.  No rain, but heavy dew that sometimes takes till after noon to dry up. 

     Guess I'll deplane, not much new to report up heah in the high drigh country.  I hear tell they are putting in a shopping center or mall up heah on the south side of 290 east of 36.  I'm told Krogers and Academy are going in, AH SURE HOPE SO ! ! ! !   That would be just gym dandy! ! !  Probably be late spring or summer before they are complete. 

     All the critters are doing swell,  One eyed Jack and Dixie-Belle still like to dig up Dianes flawrs, and Bizzy Izzydoreable likes to chew them up, fly through the air  chasing grasshoppers, and carry around frogs in her mouth. YUK, and both cats still hate each other. They fight through a window, glass inbetween them, and fight under the hall door.  Heavy sigh! ! !   Having 8 cats was easier to deal with than 2, especially with Big Oliver to ride herd.  When he was alive, everyone behaved.

    Keep the sun at your six and "ride boldly ride..."

your frien and resident zookeeper  Cephus R Noah esq 

Scotty Croom

tom,sorry to hear of your dad's passing..remember meeting him at you 50th birthday...spent my birthday in nola/new orleans at pat o's, natchez boat, tram/rolley cars. then lunch /slidell/middendorfs...will add some pics to my profile page ...

Scotty Croom

saw on facebook that tommy warren passed away..had been in hosp...not sure if it is same tommy we knew???

Beverly Hengst (Allen)

Sadly, from what I can tell, it is our classmate.  I will post more information as it becomes available.

Sandi Schlesinger (Stark)

Tom, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. He certainly seems to have accomplished a lot in his lifetime. There are so few left from that generation - men and women that set the bar high for those that followed. My sympathy to you and your family for your loss. 

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Tommy and I use to be best friends in high school, and sometime in the 70s after the service.  Like lots of folks, just drifted apart, different side of town, different interests, work etc.  Sorry to hear of his passing!   He loved boats, fast boats etc.  Had a custom boat dealership on the southwest freeway and for the life of me cant remember the name of the cross street, beverly hills or somethning.  California Boat Works was the name of it, oh, he loved California things.

    He and his wife Rose, and another friend Johnny and his wife Tuffy, and me and my wife Dolly, use to pal around together in the early 70s. Sounded like a vaudeville act, "now on our stage tonight, Tommy, Johnny, Beaucephus, Dolly, Tuffy and Rose will be performing something..."  Had some fast times,  hit a few bumps in the road, but still had some good times.  Which is as it should be.

    Went to a couple of boat shows where he had models displayed.  Two boats pulled in tandem on two big matching trailer.  One boat was a Hawaiian luxury cruising  boat, and the other was a Pickle fork racing boat, matching paint and things.   I think the pickle fork had a 427 in it, but it's been about 50 years ago.  He had a huge criscraft luxury powerboat that I helped him work on.  It had a 427 or larger motor in it.  Dont recollect what happened to it or any of his boats.  He was also a race boat driver.  That took a lot of stamina and strength because one of those boats would just about beat you to death driving or riding.

    He and I and others went to Garner one year in a 52 chevy.  "Crazy was us inc".  He had a black 57 chevy hardtop in highschool, and then out of HS, he had an Oldsmobile 442.  We, he use to race just about anyone that would race.  Lived a fast life, hope he went out easy. RIP TW....

Pat Brantley (Ross)

So sorry about Tommy.  I have only fond memories of him.  Had no idea that he owned that boat dealership.  I turned into a ditsy dame when I was about 25.  I overheated one day and after that I could not stay out in the sun without developing a migraine.  My family teased me about getting « the vapors ».  Silly phrase meant the woman’s corset was too tight.  My sister and her family spent lots of time on the water and visited that boat dealership often.  Beau, i would have been entertained by your vaudeville act.  

Only went to Garner once.  Jenny Taylor tried to use her high school Spanish on some policeman to ask where boys town was.  We wanted to see a brothel.  Almost got us arrested because the policeman thought we were looking for work!  Fun trip even though none of us were really prepared for the camping part.

Teddie Jordan

I had read on FB that Tommy had stage 4 Lung Cancer.

Rest In Peace Tommy!

Pat Brantley (Ross)

Beau, the name of your reality show should be Cripple Creek Job Exchange.  Kids can show up to do the work and you can look at your cell phone while they work on the project.  The cruise is a done deal.  We have to go.  I really enjoyed seeing the islands off Greece but the boat was very small.  Getting off and on the gangplank was rocky.  My mind was always on pirate movies.  

September 11th is on one of my granddaughters birthday.  She is twenty two and wanted to legally change her birthday.  Government won’t allow that.  You can petition the court for a name change but not date.  No one ever told Ron’s grandmother that.  Reading census files for her is hilarious.  every one of them from the age of 19 she lied about when she was born.

Beau i am so sorry about the MRI hurting you so much.  It has been uncomfortable for me but not painful.  I have never had a Xanax but they have to do something for you so that they can do the test.  We have had almost no rain here.  I am sorry that parts of Houston got hit so hard.  About that street sign Beaucephus, you can ask the city to let you buy it when they change them.  We got our street sign when Bunker Hill changed them.  Our girls spent 32 years on that street so they wanted the sign.  I think it was $10.00.  I have been reading classics between my detective/spy novels.  I have serious tremors so I read on my iPad.  Makes life simple.  Sorry about changing subjects so often in one paragraph but I can’t get the cursor to respond.  

Beau Wann, Jr.

    Pat, no apologies necessary on the subject change in your post, I'm just thrilled  to hear from you.  Your posts are informative concise,  brief and to the point. I believe they teach that in English 101, I skipped that day.  I eventually get to the point, in a round a bout sort of weigh.  Yall are coming to the "fall ball" eh what?  I'll save a "mint julip" for youse. 

    If and when I want to read, Little Miss comes and lays across my arms, voila, no tremors.  If it were big Oliver, however, my arms would fall off.   Sadly I dont read much if anything anymore.  Cant seem to concentrate.  When I pick up something to read and actually read, I can read it over and over, and still dont know what I'm reading.

    Another problem I seem to be having, if I go out alone to, say, Academy or places like that, I'm overwhelmed, almost confused, or lost.  I guess I stay by myself too much.  When Diane is with me, or I am with her, I'm ok, mental wise.  Well, I've never been mentally ok or wise, just sorta...here!  

    Would you believe the official CHIMACS temperature this past Saturday, was 105! ! ! ! !   HOT? WOW! SIZZLE! BOO HISS!   How's that for the use of onomatopoeias?   I cant remember what day it is somedays, but I remembered the O word.  I've allus thought that it was such a long and wasted word for such a trivial meaning.   Now "Iambic Pentameter" is of course a poetical referall not in the dictionary.  Iambic is sort of a referral to poetry, but Pentameter is a multiple of 5 or 15, at least that's what I read.  So where does it mean a 14 line rhyming poem?   Has I done gone and got it wrong?  Oh woe is me!

    Well, no matter.  The cool front is coming in now as we speak, been coming in since daybreak. Siort of a wimpy cool front, but it's bettern a HUNNERT AND FIVE GREEDEES, eh what?

    Ok, today is COSTCO day. The little woman is taking me to COSTCO for peanut butter and olives and other delightful stuffs.  Soooo I'm gonna deplane and get ready, ie comb my beard and other PH stuff. Dont think you've gotten rid of me, unless I wind up in the lost and found. But that's why I wwear a name tag and shop with Diane.  I dont think I'm going out by myself anymore.  "shudder", that's scary, getting lost!

    I remember I got lost in Foleys downtown, I cried!  Well, I was just 5 or 6 years old, I believe that's allowed, dontchew?  Been lost ever since! 

    Keep the sun at your six and "ride boldy ride", cause "I shall return"....

Your frien and resident soothsayer, Cephus R Here esq  

Beverly Hengst (Allen)

Just read some very sad new on Facebook.   Another classmate is gone.  Frances Lute Culpepper lost her battle with cancer October 5th.  Her daughters, Melissa and Robin, have set up a memorial website and would love people to share their favorite memories of her.  The date and time of her service can be found on the following link:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/…/the-woodlands-tx/frances-…

Please keep the entire Culpepper family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time.