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Beau Wann, Jr.

Just got word from Barbara Porter Raines, Jackies port insert (subclavian catheter) went very well, no complications such as a punctured lung etc...that was at 1:36 this afternoon. Cooper and I were at one of his schools helping the kids to read when the message came in. I didnt get the word out sooner because I generally leave my phone in the truck so not to disturb the reading, and didnt know their was a msg until now...They have already left the hospital and on their way home. Lot less pain than the biopsy...YEAAAAA! ! ! !They are probably at home now resting comfortably...

Beau Wann, Jr.

Howdy Mine waltripians...all's well at Jackies house. So far so good. Need to continue keep her in our thoughts and prayers...oh, and also keep Frans sister,  Linda Webster in your prayers...she has been waiting on a liver donor for over a year now...she said there were four last week??? but that none were matches...pray pray pray...linda you have been added to our prayer list at church...as well as Jackie...

If you were not at Clays Saturday, you were missed, and you missed a very good time...I was miserable because of my sinuses...every fall and spring, I go through this...cant take much for it, because of all the adverse reactions...well, being at clays more than made up for the inconvenience of a cold/allergies...

Watching everyone there was reminisent of being back at Waltrip during lunch...remember that???
My highlight of the day was lunch! ! ! Majored in LUNCH! ! ! And I make a mean one too, just ask my beloved about the lunches I fix for her..."you dont have to put so much in my lunch" she says, trying not to hurt my feelings..."darlin", I say, "I dont want you to go hungry, cause you need lots of nourishment with your busy schedule. And I dont want it to be said that I didnt take care of you in everyway" I added..."Well, you needent worry about that, cause that could never be an issue" she says as she unpacks the uneaten portion of her lunch...

I  put lots of extra food in there for when she's sitting on the freeway coming home or going to one of her schools. Who knows when one of those freeways is gonna get shut down due to a wreck or whatever...that wouldnt do having my sweety starve to death or die of thirst sitting on a stinkin freeway...

Back to waltrip lunches...Everyone at Clays I remember seeing at lunch as I wolfed down my two tuna fish sandwiches...everyday, two tuna fish sandwiches...wonder if I have a lot of mercury in my brain, or whats left of it...plus, the natural Histamines in tuna messed with my mind something fierce, that and the anti-histamines I took for this furshlurginer sinus problem...you can imagine the roller coaster ride my brain was on back in them good ol days...

Lots of good folks to visit with, and as per usual we are all saying to one another, "sorry I didnt get to spend enough time to talk with you..." But it was fun...Johnny did a really good job getting this together...and those that chipped in to work on it also...Lynn Wren Burkhardt, Jackie and dont know who else, but thanks to all that had a hand in putting it together...

Great time...saw a few folks I hadnt seen in quite a spell...I sure love being with all youse youtes...Hated school, but one of the happiest times of my life was spent with "all yall" at school from 2nd grade till college...

Hey Larry York, Mr Thiessen always asks about you at church on Sunday (well duh, when else would church be brainiac?)...oops hold on, just got a txt from Barbara...

Barbara just texted me that Jackie is with her daughter Carrie...and I was worried! ! ! !  Just like me, an old mother hen...got to know the people I care for are being cared for.

Ok, back to Mr Thiessen...he told a story to me about his old Volkswagen...said it was missing the hubcaps and Larry York and Steve Fain were at Mr Ts house and asked him "where are your hubcaps Mr T?"
Jim said he didnt know...Larry told him he would have some by morning...and sure nuff, when Jim walked out to his Volkswagen the next morn, there were shinny new hubcaps....Mr T says it was probably payment for all the lawnmower Gas Larry and Steve "borrowed" for their motorscooter...You should see the grin on his face...What great people Mr and Mrs Thiessen are...

He missed church last week, due to a hacking cough...we both read the same article about putting vicks vapor rub on the bottoms of your feet and that would stop the cough...some folks swear by it...I asked him if he tried it, and he said he went to the drugstore to buy some, but forgot what he went in for...sounds pretty familiar that scenario...

Next time I have a cough I am going to try it...at least my feet wont cough eh what! ! !

Got a CARING BRIDGE update on Lindsey Apostolo...her mom wrote the update...great story and I would try to relate it here, but my back is getting tired and need to go lay down...but you can get on CARING BRIDGE AND  I guess type in Lindsey Apostolo...and see where that gets you...

Yall rest easy and I am going to try to do the same...

Keep the sun at your 6 and ride boldly ride...

Your frien and brother Olbeauwannkanobi...

Susan Howard (Bowman)

Just got home late this afternoon from Houston, so I am a tad late posting about the wonderful turnout we had at Clay's on Saturday night.  My mom doesn't have computer access at her house, so I had to wait until today.  Thank you, Johnny, for putting this together for us and also for all the work you have done to give the planning committee a head start!  You are the best!  Also thanks to Barbara, Lynn and others that were involved in putting up banners, pictures, and all of the other things we love to look at when we get together!  It was a great evening!

It was so good to see everyone that was able to make it to Clay's.  We missed you, Jackie!  There were some other folks that usually come that weren't able to make it because of various reasons, so we hope to see you in the spring.

Take care, everyone!  Wake up everyday and count your blessings!  I count each and everyone of you in my blessings list.  We are so fortunate to have each other!

Jimmie Lee Smith (Brawner)

You're so right, Susan - we are fortunate to have each other for support.  And, we have that support through this website because of all the hard work Jackie does keeping it up and running, posting photos, etc.  So glad we have a fast, easy way to keep in touch with our classmates.  Thank you, Jackie, and hope today goes well for you.  Saw your photos posted on FB and you look FANTASTIC - as usual.  Know that our prayers are with you.

Kay Watters '65 (Greene)

Hello Fall, and GOOD_BY to ole Hot Weather.....one more day to go, they say, I've been doing 1 more day forever, so I hope this is true.  Well, there is every kind of germ floating around the community and school here in Richards.  I've been on the sick list last two weeks....funny, thought it was sinus, flu, took antibiotics, went to the doc, get advised it was "the krud" really gong around and more antibiotics, mucinex (went straight to the chest....cough, cough)  Sure makes you want to return to good health and cherish it when it returns...LOL.  Of course I'm at school, sharing it among those who gave it to me....LOL.  o.k. you know we are all guilty of it.

Sue and I used to sunbathe at the Oasis, I think Mom always wanted us to marry well, moved us into the right neighborhood from Hardy Rd, gave us plenty of lessons, roller skating, baton twirling, dancing -Larry Kane, acting lessons at the Alley - lost on both of us....I have dirt in my veins, acquired from Dad and his dairy and gardening family in Temple....love the smell of warm dirt and doing stuff in it. Mom, from Kansas City, Missouri never liked Aunt Bill's farm.....Sue and I loved it, and here I am.

Well, 2 wks ago, the old cat, Captain (of his own ship, he thought) bit the dust, finally on to a better place and the incessant crying and demand of food is over and other disdainful habits of toilettry, he was well tolerated, vetted and loved despite his old age habits and then....

I lost my Tinker dog two days ago....and we dug in the ole dirt out in the yard last night, underneath the oak trees, which made the earth easier to dig in.  Grandson Ryan digging, and his two little ones playing in the newly turned dirt, putting it in their little cars while the two remaining dogs sniffed around the black plastic bag which contained their friend.  Her life was lived totally in Grimes county when I got her as a small, run over pup and made her my own, a border-collie mix that had a spinal injury which limited her mobility throughout her entire life.  Spent thousands making her comfortable to the end....as days wind down, she slept most of the time, only to eat and go out (with help toward the end) But because I was sick, I got to spend the last 4 days and nights sleeping with her all during the day and night, just petting her on the head to let her know I loved her and it was plain to see her love and loyalty as well.  It was time and after eating her sandwich I made her,, only a special treat which she wolfed down, I think she just suffered a massive heart attack and was gone....I call that a good ending for her, not being drug to the doc to be put down.  I feel like I'm writing a book.....like ole brother Beau.

Well, welcome Fall....I am getting better and plan on attending the Madisonville Mushroom Festival once again, without my twin sis, who is also on the ailing side....but the old friend said he would go....Germans don't like to do anything out of their routine, i.e. ranching and farming, as of course he doesn't appreciate "wine"....such a loss, so I'll drink his samples as well.....what a wonderful event that Sue and I have looked forward to all year....Yay!

That's enough from me as I sit out here on the receptionist board with nothing to do, but glad for the time to just touch base with all of ya...can't wait to get back to my office. Everyone please take care and go to the doc if you get caught on the Krud, Flu or sinus and allergy attacks.....Jackie, take care.

Teddie Jordan

Good to hear from you Kay but so sorry about the loss of your pets. As with our human loved ones, even when their bodies are worn out and it's time, it is still not easy to say goodbye.

But what a poetic ending for Tinker to have mom home to pet and love on her for four days, than get to enjoy one of her favorite mom sandwiches at the end.

Beau Wann, Jr.

Good Morrow Mine Waltripians...Hey Kay...sorry youre having such a tough time with things, and especially on the loss of your beloved Tinker. (what a great name). Our pets, are so much more than "pets"...as Teddie put it, they are "family", amen to that. Makes for a better ending if our "babies" can cross over that "Rainbow Bridge" at home with the ones that love them.  So far, we have been blessed with that on the traumatic crossing for our beloved pets. Havent had to have em "put down". I hope that time never comes with our remaing herd, that would just kill my soul. I know, they say, "it's for their own good, so they dont suffer"...ok...

         Wish I could go to the Mushroom festival with you. I could use some hallucinatin 'speriences. Gonna have a couple of tables at the Houston Gun Collectors show down at the Reliant center this weekend, and then next weekend, down to Galveston for the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally.

       My marine friend Frankie and I are going Friday week. He just lost his wife Vickie to cancer a couple of weeks ago. I have a house we can stay at down there. He says he is really wanting to go, if for nothing else, distraction. I think they were married more than 30 years. He is also going to help me man my two tables at the gun show this weekend. Glad I can be responsible for helping someone recover, plus it helps me by having a friend around to chat with. Brother Frankie, as I call him, was the top technician in the phone company, with me and Don running a close 2nd and 3rd. Frank was also a door gunner manning an M-60 in a huey  in Vietnam.

       Talked to Jackie yesterday morning. SHE'S BACK AT WOIK! ! ! ! The resolve of the folks in our class is amazing ! ! ! I'm sure in other classes and groups too, but I like to extoll the merits of our good Waltrip Folks...no matter what year...Jackie is doing fine, under the circumstances. Waiting for the results of liver biopsy, and for the rounds of new tests, and treatment.  She sounded really good, even made her laugh at some of my corny old jokes and antics...GOOD...laughter is the best medicine...But, I dont think Jackie would complain, no matter what.

Saw lots O folks at the mini reunion at Clays last Saturday eenin. Glenda and Larry Smith came, and Jimmie Lee and Charles drove from Dallas area.  they brought a recipe for cheddar grits, which I tried last night, and they were SOOOOOOOO good. And, Jimmie lee even printed out an article on "CANCER PATIENTS NEED COMFORT FOOD" ! ! ! Had em folded and in envelopes with my name, Barbara and Glendas also. What a marvelous thing to do, so simple, so thoughtful but so necessary.  25 years ago, dont think there was much on the food needs of cancer patients, just crackers and water...

    The article that Jimmie lee put together, was from the HEALTHY LIVING section of the Dallas Morning News...GREAT IDEAS IN THE ARTICLE...Ginger for nausea; Eggs are one of the best things a cancer patient can eat"; sports drinks; greek yogurt; mashed potatoes; lemon...etc...there are even recipes for smoothies...strawberry-banana shake; Peach shake; orange cooler and a Basic Whey Protein smoothie.
I'm sure you can go on line to the Dallas Morning News and pull this article up and print it. It also has some Cookbook recommendations...

Keep the sun at your 6 and ride boldly ride...your frien and brother Beaucephus T Magillicuty Claiborn the whatever...      

Beau Wann, Jr.

Good early cool Saturday Mornin mine fine waltripines,
Me and Big Oliver are sitting in the swing out on the lanai/patio, just a swingin...whilst everyone else in the hood is asleep...This ol computer works wireless pretty much from anywhere in the house and outside also too.  Big Olie is diggin this weather, me too. The wind is really whippin around making howling sounds in the tree tops. I have my 30 year old flannel shirt/jac on, and big Olie is snuggled up next to me...Cold doesnt bother him cause he has a built in heavy fur coat... Oliver is a talker, low, but still a talker. Whatever I say, he responds with a deep, "meow"...answers to his name also.  Most cats are independent, and generally do what they please. Big Olie is sort of that way, just not pushy about it. Here it is, after midnight, wind howling, cold, and I'm outside sitting on a swing, talking to a cat and typing on a computer...

I found out what mix of dog Cooper is. We knew he wasnt full Lab, but never could pin down just what. I thought bloodhound, or great dane...but neyether...Great Pyrenees and yellow lab...what a combination...and a good one too...If there were'nt so many homeless dogs in the whirld, I'd start breeding great pyrenees and labs...The lady that discovered, or helped us discover Coopers lineage, saw his picture, which I just happened to have with me...She said that her dog could be his twin, and showed me a picture of her dog...(what kind of people carry pictures of their dog to the grocery store???)  I dont know, but I'm one of em...I guess just silly people...

Anyway, she proceeded to list all the characteristics of the mix,  "laid back personality", very smart"...hmmm, one out of two aint bad...My sister had a great pyrenees that was just about as precocious an animal as I have ever heard of...same characteristics as Cooper, but smart and sneaky beyond all discription...when left alone too long, he proceeded to eat through a wall...got his head through the wall, and if they had been gone any longer, probably would have gone allthe way through...before they put a hasp and lock on the fridge, Bear, opened the door, and proceeded to sample the food...a 14 pound standing rib roast, a pound of real butter, a pound of bacon, and dont remember what else, but he took all the fruit and vegetables out and set them on the floor...seems he wasnt interested in "eating healthy"...

When Kathy and Jerry got home, Bear was laying upside down by the front door, moanin and groanin...they called the vet, and the vet said to give him Pepto Bismol...it worked...That dog was a trip and a half...

Ok, maybe I can  get to sleep...sure nice talkin to you, thanks for staying up and visiting...
Keep the sun at your 6 and stay warm...

hey Jackie and Barbara and Lynn, the pictures are great, dispite me being in them...

Scotty Croom

saw in obits that tom gann's sister,benegene, "62 passed away from breast cancer

Susan Howard (Bowman)

My mother, who turned 96 in September, has this posted on her refrigerator and I always read it every morning when I visit her.  I thought I would share it with you.  This was written by Maya Angelou as she turned 70 - wise words for us all.

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.  I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things:  a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.  I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.  I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."  I've learned that life sometimes gives you second chances.  I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.  You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.  I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.  I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.  People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.  I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Glenda McDonald (Smith)

Susan,  love those wise words, what a great thing your Mother has posted on her refrigerator!

Everything and everyone would be better to live by those wise words and remember them everyday.

Loved visiting with you at Clay's!   Happy Halloween everyone!

Teddie Jordan

Good stuff from your mom Susan.

Definitely words to live by.

Susan Howard (Bowman)

Missed the trick-or-treaters this year!  No kids in a 55+ community!  There were plenty of them downtown as I was going to choir practice, though!  Thank you for the kind words about my mom, Teddy and Glenda (it was nice to spend time with you, too)  .  I am truly blessed with a wonderful mother.  She is one of the sweet ones that everybody loves, even at 96. She is truly a treasure!  I would love to get her to come with me to Fudd's sometime.  She hears me talk about our get togethers often and how much your friendships mean to me.

Hope everybody had a fun and safe Halloween!  The holidays are upon us!!

Beau Wann, Jr.

Good Thursday moanin "all yall",

Susan, it was great seeing you and everyone at Clays...what a great group of fine folks...and to think, we pretty much all grew up together from 1st grade till college and then some...shared the same type childhood, mostly, in our "Mayberry", Oak Forestville...About the only thing I would change would to be rename one of the streets to "Maple" street...

Your Mom sounds like a neat lady...but then it's not hard to imagine, look at you...the apple doesnt fall far from the tree does it! ! ! Blessed I am that my life has crossed paths with each and every one of our "Waltrip Family" on our journey of life...Burge said it on the forum long ago about each of us being the thread in the "fabric of life", in our world in Oak Forest, or words to that effect...

I have a report on Jackie ! ! ! Talked to her yesterday Morning, and just now getting this posted...failed miserably in my duty to keep folks updated...Jackie is doing fine, and back to work. Results of the liver biopsy are, the cancer there has not matastisized (sp), and the good news, is that it is the same cancer as all the other they will be fighting...I guess the good news, is that they will only have to fight on one front...her first chemo will be next Wednesday. It will last for about 3 hours...there are multiple drugs involved...Jackie said they were going to be aggressive in fighting this...thats what they said when Diane went through it...IT WORKED TOO...

There's a lot of other stuff going on with Jackie and the doctors and treatment, and it sounds confusing to me, as it did to Jackie...you know, paper work, and scheduling, side effects from this drug and that drug...the only side effect I remember with Dianes chemo was loss of appetite and couldnt keep anything down even if she had an appetite plus the loss of her hair...of all the things Diane went through, that was the hardest and most traumatic, was losing her hair...she handled it well though, and it did come back...mine aint coming back...

This weekend should be uneventful for Jackie, healthwise...lets hope so...I will be out of town from tomorrow, Friday morning,  till Sunday evening...gonna take my friend Frank on a weekend vacation of motorcycle riding, beer drinking, cigar smoking, all sorts of debauchery and partying, provided we can be home before dark...mostly  just doing nothing, try to ease his mind on his wifes passing... I wont have internet access, but I will continue to keep in touch with Jackie...fortunately she has a plethora of friends and family keeping a watchful eye out for any help she might need...spiritual suppport is probably what she needs most now, more than anything...I know we in "our Waltrip Family", have plenty of that to give...

Gotta cut this short, got errands to run etc...

keep the sun at your 6 and ride boldly ride...
your frien and brother  "olbeauwannkanobi"...

Jimmie Lee Smith (Brawner)

Barbara, just want to thank you for taking all the great photos at the Clay's event.  Hope all those who didn't get to attend see how much fun we had and will join us at the next get-together in April.

Teddie Jordan

We were just talking on here about classmates with long marriages. Fran and I saw tonight, in an early copy of tomorrow's  Houston Chronicle, a very nice picture and announcement of the 50th wedding anniversary of classmates Anne Stewart and Bobby Helton, two old friends.

They both look great! 

Jimmie Lee Smith (Brawner)

Keep Jackie in your prayers today.  Her first chemo was scheduled for 8:30 this morning.

Beau Wann, Jr.

Hello mine buckaroos...Great ride and trip to Galveston for the Lone Star Motorcycle rally...lots of people to watch and beautiful bikes...As you can see, it is in the wee small hours...couldnt sleep, but then what else is gnu..

Havent been on the Forum, for several reasons...none of which I can remember...I did move the Whirld headquarters upstairs, and love our gnu office, but just dont like going upstairs, SOOOOOO, I moved the Whirld headquarters back down to the kitchen tableau...so much more convenient and condusive for "forum talk", especially at 3 am in the morning...well when else would 3 am be???? 

Talked to Jackie yesterday and she was at MD Anderson having more tests run etc...today was her first Chemo...Talked to Barbara Porter Raines this afternoon, and she says first session went well...Jackie was still at MD Anderson, but as of about 4 pm yesterday, so far so good. YEAAAA!!!! 

Jackie and I discussed the list of food items and helpful hints for chemo patients that Jimmie Lee put together...I think Jackies daughter Carrie and her son Doug took her to chemo today, er yesterday...Jackie has a wonderful and supportive immediate family and of course all of US, her extended family...

Thanksgiving is upon us...my absolute favorite Holiday, even more so than Christmas. It's not just the food, although that is a good thing, but the gathering of family and it signals the start of winter, for us down here in the south, and the goodness that Thanksgiving represents...

This year, howsomever, everyone will be out of town...BOOOOOOO.....Just be Diane and Me and of course Cooper, Jack, Katy, Peaches, Lacy, Big Oliver, Sammy and last but not least, Dixie Rose Annie-Bob Lee...They all like turkey and dressing and gravy and green beans...well the cats dont like green beans, but Cooper and Jack do...Greenbeans are good for dogs, and have almost no calloric value, but a good source of roughage...

Diane wants to cook a small turkey and trimmings for us, and I say OK...but I suggested just buying the already prepared dinner from K rogers...got the "teacher stare" for my suggestion...we have had them before, and they are pretty good, at least eye thinkso...but, preparing thanksgiving dinner and watching football games, is fun...but much more funner with a house full of people... watching the noses on the critters, snuffalupaling the wonderful and oderiferously preparations is fun also too...

I had an idear, about "chicken Frahed steak"...since regular beef is harder for me to digest than say, ground beef, what if I used ground round, properly bonded together with milk and eggs and maybe some bread crumbs and seasoning, ie salt and pepper, put in the icebox to "set up" , then put into a mixture of breading, (and I dont have a very good recipe for breading) and then "frahed"??????? Youall think that would work???
Well, doesnt matter, cause I'm gonna try it anyway...any of yall chefs out there got a good recipe for "breading"??? I dont have my moms recipe, and at 92, she doesnt remember much about it other than milk and egg...helpful hints will be graciously accepted...

"Hey Dad, what do you want for Christmas"??? "What would Diane like"??? Questions asked every year for years, and my answer is always the same, "Diane and I have everything we need and want"...never been a good gift receiver, but always a good gift giver...one of my grandads loved canned peaches, so one year, I bought a case of the big cans and wrapped each can separately and then wrapped the box...that was a good idea...brought lots of smiles to everyone...

Here at the Wann household, we have been blessed beyond all imagination, so we really cant think of anything we want or need...maybe continued good health...continued good health and prosperity for all our friens and family...and to top it off with cornball, "peace on earth goodwill to all"...of the easiest ones, that seems to be the hardest of all...

Hmmm, it's 3:35 AM...tired and sleepy, but not sleepy enough...I'M HUNGRY! ! ! ! ! No, that wont do...to oily for breakfast...think I'll try to go to sleep...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zounds good to me! ! !

Wayne Lake

My 2 cents:

Veteran’s Day is next Monday and it is one of my most somber and respected National Holidays, not because I was reluctantly forced to serve in a non-combat capacity (Navy) during the Viet Nam conflict but for my enormous respect for all those that volunteered to put themselves in harm’s way in combat for our country over the past 200+ years. Most of my recollection of Veteran’s Day celebrations were flags for the fallen at cemeteries across the nation. However, the nature of warfare has changed so much over the years so that now many of our injured heros return home and should likewise be recognized.     

I did not learn much American of World history in school but:  

• I saw a PBS special this past summer on the lack of any burial process of those fallen in combat during the civil war (750,000+) and was shocked.
• I recently read the Band of Brothers story of the 82^nd Airborn (the best of the best of the greatest generation) during WWII, watched the HBO series on DVD and then re-read the book and was in awe of their bravery and willingness to sacrifice everything for country and world peace.
• A couple of weeks ago I watched a triple amputee (Marine) throw out the 1^st pitch at a world series game in San Fran and was amazed at his courage. That image and a recent comment by my long-time friend and fishing buddy, Jimmy Hilsher about how wonderful the Wounded Warrior Project is makes me want to do more than simply write about.   As war, emergency transportation and field first aid has changed/improved over the years we have ‘progressed’ from a very high field injury casualty rate  to a much higher survival rate  with the consequences of much higher return of wounded warriors:
• Only about 10-20% of the injured survived in the civil war and…….
• 20-30% WWI
• 40-50% WWII
• 60-70% Viet Nam
• over 80% in these recent Mid-East wars

I’m not sure of the exact figures above but you get my drift, there are a lot of young heros coming home to face life without full physical (and mental capacity) and we owe them a great deal of respect and gratitude. So as we honor our dead with flags at our cemeteries next week, please don’t forget those who are still living with the everyday reminder of the sacrifices they made.
 

God Bless America and all those who lay it on the line for flag and country.

With the holidays coming up, don’t forget the Salvation Army and all the good they do.

wtl, a proud, 2 year veteran bell ringer  

Jimmie Lee Smith (Brawner)

Thinking about comments from Beau about gifts from your family and telling them you "don't need anything" and Wayne's statistics about our veterans, I think my kids should forget gifts for me and give to a charitable cause. 

But, then I keep wondering where all that money went for Haiti relief and why people are still living in tent cities there. What are Clinton and Bush doing about that since I don't see any progress there.  (Have friend trying to adopt a girl from Haiti and as a nurse, she's made 5 trips and says nothing seems to improve on her visits). Beau had sent out statistics on salaries for CEOs of relief agencies such as Red Cross and those salaries are staggering.

One agency I've supported is Texas Baptist Men.  They aren't celebrated by the press as they should be, but they are always there to help in disaster situations and it is strictly a volunteer organization.  Go on their website and check out their capabilities for helping disaster victims - staggeringly amazing.  They even have a mobile laundromat - victims' comments on being able to get their own clothes clean are heartbreaking.

Charles' brother Tom is in NYC now as a disaster insurance adjuster and he said conditions are horrible and he could spend months there.

Keep praying for Jackie.

Beau Wann, Jr.

Hey Wayne, you are so right about the wounded warriors. Been riding with the wounded warriors for a few years. Lots with missing limbs, and one burned so bad, It hurt the rest of us just watching him try to have a normal life.
One incident in particular, was down in sugarland. We gathered there at 4 AM for the ride to the Hotel where the Wounded Warriors were bunked...it is right across from City Hall in the town square. There were about 200 of us, making quite a noise. When we came into the town square in front of the hotel, the wounded men and women came running out of the hotel, yould think Santa Claus had arrived. They were honoring us by shaking our hands and thanking us for coming to see them...WE WERE THERE TO HONOR THEM...these folks never stop giving, which makes it so much more easier for the rest of us to give to them...

We've worked with the Gold Star Moms, and get to see the pain on both sides of things...The group of Gold Star Moms sent over 60K tons of goodies and necessary items to the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations in just one shipment alone. Moms that have lost a son or daughter, still in the fray, pitching away trying to help  make a difference, even though their hearts were broken...takes special people to do that, real special people...

Lots of unsung heros out there, The Baptist Men, and other groups...did you know that two years after Ike, the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist churches were still down in San Leon and Galveston area, GIVING AND HELPING FOLKS...never hear anything about that on the news...One of my east texas friends that lives in San Leon, whose house was under 8 feet of water, said if it werent for the churches down there, folks wouldnt have survived...as far as I know, those churches are still there working to help folks...

I ordered some gear, holsters, knives, flashlights, gun cases, etc a month ago to take to the Houston Gun Collectors show down at reliant center two weeks ago. Smallest crowd ever for a gun show that I've ever been to. Not much to do, but talk to the other vendors and dealers. Got to know quite a few. One in particular, Robert, a marine that got two purple hearts in Vietnam, in the Quang tri province and the rock pile...got shot in his right leg, and soon as it healed, a mine blew up and tore his left calf all to heck and gone...still finished his tour...Super nice, and funny...he and I laughed at each others jokes and attempts at being funny...thanked him for his service and sacrifices...

Saw and talked to any and all vets, from WWII to Korea and Vietnam and Iraq and Afghanistan, and everything inbetween...

Met a young marine at Mancusos HD while we were getting our bikes serviced for the rally...31, 8 and a half years in the Corp, and getting a forced medical discharge after being wounded countless times...what a fine young man he is, holding the door open for this old man...I thanked him for his service and sacrifices...I never hesitate to do that now...years before Iwould just wish, or think in my mind about saying something, but never did...same way with volunteering...just too concerned with my stupid life and self...glad I had an epihany, or revalation...it just feels so right to help, even in the tiniest way...we all can make a difference in someones life somewhere along the way...

My Friend Frankie, another vietnam vet, whose wife just passed away, and I went to the galveston rally over the weekend...he and I laughed till we cried, we had so much fun...we talked about a lot of things, from childhood to bootcamp to now...one thing we experienced in bootcamp, was to lose the words "I" and "me".
YOU NEVER SAID "I" OR "ME" in front of a drill instructor...only "us" and "we"...it works too...especially now...

We ate at Guidos on the sea wall...wow, never eaten there before...the lobster bisque is wonderful...

ok, time to go...back screaming at me for over working it...well thats just too bad, thats what they make pain pills for, right ? ? ? Right ! ! !

I sure do talk a lot dont I ! ! ! Well, you have my apologies...I just get wound up, and cut loose...I try to get it all out to the cats and dogs, so I dont type a dissertation or novel, but well, you know how they are, tight lipped..

Looking forward to seeing folks at fudges...

Your frien and brother Gabby beaucephus DOD...

Paige Talley (Meek)

Hi everyone. I have been following along the Forum and really appreciate your wisdom(s) and how much we all care about each other. I have been swamped at work and putting in long hours. I just want to say Hi and really look forward to seeing more of the Waltripians in the near future.

Hugs to all,

Paige

Richard Meek '65

Greetings all. It's been a while since I've been on the Forum. I've really been busy with work. I echo Wayne and Beau's sentiments about Veteran's Day this Sunday the 11th. Be sure and fly your flag and thank a veteran or veterans for their service. My Rotary Club always has a Luncheon honoring all the veterans and currently serving military folks near Veterans Day. this Wednesday was it this year. We had 100 military people in uniform there as our guest. I had three Coast Guard people and one Navy officer at my table. The CG officer is a helicopter pilot who does those at sea rescues, good weather or bad. All four of these young people were just outstanding. bright, articulate and very enjoyable to talk to. We had a very special guest, Col. George C. McDowell, U.S. Air Force Retired. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1937. He was involved in the invasion of North aFrica under Gen. George Patton's command and later in the invasion of Italy. He got his MBA from Harvard after the war and later transferred to Air Force. He just recently passed his 99th birthday. Our speaker was Gen. Kenneth Wisian. Commander of the Texas Air National Guard and Adjudant General-Air of the Texas National Guard. He really had a lot of interesting information regarding the National Guards role in our modern day military. Honor these folks because they are truly warriors of the modern military.

Everyone take care. I look forward to seeing the folks at Fudd's next week.

Keep on dancing,

Rich

Dance like no one is watching

Beau Wann, Jr.

Hey richard the LH...I sent an email to you, but it came back saying it failed...whasup with that ? ? ?
I think veterans day is very important,  I even got to ride in one a few years back...that was cool..my beloved and grandchildren talked me into it, and  were there to see it...they couldnt have been more supportive and seemingly proud of their grandpop...of course, I love em no matter what they think...you know, I never thought about it growing up, but I sort of like the idea of being a "grandad"...not too thrilled with the age that goes with it, but not much we can do about that...

My sons never fail to call me on Veterans day and thank me for serving...thats the best present they could ever give me, just to take the time out of their busy day and call and thank me for something that was my duty and was honored to do...I have even had classmates call me lately the last couple of years and thank me...I did nothing special, didnt serve with any particular distinction, just did my job, like millions of others have done...but it was such an honor TO serve...To think, my country needed me, trained me, and paid me to do a job that was such an honor to do...and look at all the benefits I received...

Winter is upon us, once again...you know how I know??? Got my L L Bean catalog, my Lands End catalog, and my Cabelas catalog, but I get Cabelas catalogs all year long...also got my Vermont Country Store catalog...I love catalogs dont you? Remember when one of the first catalogs was Lillian Vernon?? And Speigel (sp)?? What happened to Speigel?? Havent hoid a woid from them in years...the best leather flight jacket I ever owned came from Speigel and it only cost 99 dollars...Got a couple more, that were quite a bit more expensive than that from Foleys and Joskes and Oshmans, but the Speigel one is just perfect...

I think when my sons and grandchildren ask me what I want for christmas this year, I will tell them, SNOWSHOES ! ! ! ! I've always wanted snow shoes for some idiotic reason...I donno, they just look cool...plus, there is such a great need for them down here...hey Wayne, have you ever been in Minnesoooota in the winter and used snowshoes??? Anyone out there every had to use em???? Hey Bernd, where you be??? Havent heard from you in quite a spell...hope all is well...I know it snows in Germany, and surrounding countries, have you ever used snowshoes...???

I also like skis, even though I dont ski...also too, ice skates...I have ice skated before, and was never a contender for a medal of anykind at the winter olympics...I did have a pair hockey sticks for years...dont know where they came from, or where they went...probably just one of lifes mysteries...I still have a couple of pucks...why?  Only the good Lord knows the answer to that, and he aint sayin...

Oh, I remember Wayne and Teddie talking about Pelicans...I had forgotten how magnificent they look when flying in squadron formation...riding those thermals, they do look like pteradactyls when they are in the air...Also, when they come down to land in the water, none of that sissy duck and goose gliding and sliding gracefully across the waters surface...when a pelican decides to land in the water, they just take a nose dive and crash land...my kind of bird...I watched them over the last weekend, and failed to get a picture of them...I will next time...

Time to repair to the sleep chamber, or renamed the tossin and turnin chamber...I hear tell, it's gonna get real cold next week, down in the 30s...that will be at least a 3 cat night weather, maybe even 4..."yawn"
all yall have a good evening and a better tomorrow...in the words of CSN&Y..."if you cant be with the one you love, honey, love the one your with..." if you should happen by, I'll heat up the coffee for you...
your frien and brother ...Gabbybeaucephus DOD...

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

Happy Veterans day to all of you wonderful classmates and family who have served our country, Also  in rememberance of those  who have given the ultimate sacrifice.  In addition, special salute to my Dad, Uncles and son, Doug - Semper Fi!

Hugs,

J

(PS this is day 2 after chemo on Wednesday - prayers are working, I'm hanging in there and feeling much better than expected - y'all are so strong and positive for me)