James A "Jim" White
LONG: Allow me to tell you a classmate friendship story, and maybe a couple other class related items at the end. As you know, BOYCE McFARLAND and I have been friends since high school. Good enough friends, in fact, that Kathy and I are on a luxury 5th-Wheel, nationwide travel trip made possible by Boyce and his wife, Barbara, giving us their 38' Montana with 4-slideouts. As you may remember, Barbara passed away a year ago from cancer. Boyce was a devoted husband who took absolute care of Barbara for over a year in the home. They had been married well over 30-years and have traveled over the world. Yes, Boyce, served our country in military intelligence with the USAF so they went all over.
After Barbara's death, Boyce could not stay in the home. It brought too much sadness after a year of bedside care so Boyce went to stay with his daughter in NC for a few months. This daughter was from his first marriage to a Swedish blond, Annie, he met in England.
It turns out that Annie was a widow from her 2nd husband and, as she went to visit her daughter, Boyce and Annie had discussions. There were two other actions at work (my words, not his). First, the strength of a young love and all the remembrances. Second, while our kids see the end of their life clear across the country, we see the end of our life at the county line, maybe even the city limits. Whatever happend 40 years ago is forgotten.
So, Mr. Military Intelligence was doing some calculations in his head about our similarities and he determined while Kathy and I were having "Too Much Fun" (yes, his words) that we had gone 38,000 miles (41 states) in 18-months and he had gone 24,000 miles in 6-months .... yes, trip to Sweden where former family members and friends were enthralled to see him again, to the Calgary Stampede, to Colorado and New Mexico, and back to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina where he just purchased a very sweet two-story log home. Boyce message me and asked what we were doing?
We were having a glass wine at the Wines of the San Juan at the moment. What was Boyce and Annie doing at the time? You guessed it. They were also having wine on the deck of their new home.
Boyce's calculations were correct. So this is a story about classmate friendship and a rare 2nd chance at love. I am so lucky to be considered a friend by Boyce McFarland, and I am so thrilled with how is life is turning out after his horrific loss. Continued blessings to you, Boyce.
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You folks know I love live music. This past weekend I got to be the host (and security) at the Winery for AUSTIN GIORGIO (#2 in 2018 'The Voice') and his guitarist, JON DRETTO. These young men are not only incredible musicians and vocalists, but great guys with their heads screwed on right. I think this is a classic photo of them - Jon is on the left.
JUDI ADAMS MORRIS and ELIZABETH GWARTNEY LOWNEY, you were both missed.
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CHIP KING is home after his surgery on his foot and was doing very well the last I heard.
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In yesterday's birthday comment about TERRY BOONE'S loyal friendship to CLIFF SANDERS and me, I failed to say the same about JIM BROWN. Jim B was also with us in Las Vegas at Cliff Sanders last hurrah, and also attended Cliff's funeral along with BOYCE McFARLAND.
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An unknown classmate stopped by the Winery sometime back and mention he no longer receives his correspondence from the class or me. My sister-in-law failed to get the name. The only person I know that connects the Winery to me is DANNY DANIEL but I am certain he is still in contact. Anyone else?
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MARDI GONYEA NICKLIN has a YouTube or something coming out entitled "Bloom Where You Were Planted." I think that would apply to all of us and I am looking forward to seeing her posts.
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I will try to find out if JERRY ROBBINS has a music gig in Albquerque within the next couple of weeks and if so, I will announce.
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Everyone, please participate. Let us know if anyone is sick or needs prayers. Let us know if any classmate has passed and need to be put on the memorial page. Write and let us know what is going on in your life, even if you think it is not fun ... we still care. Help us hunt for lost classmates. View the 50-Year reunion video on this website and get up and dance!!!!
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