Richard Marcum

All:

I would like to respond to Bill's comments regarding the coronavirus.  I agree it is a serious scenario and I can see how most of us will be fearful of this virus.  However, I can't relate this virus to the Bible because I am more believing in science that things found in the Bible.  I first must state that I am glad that Bill and probably the most of the Goddard & Roswell classmates get comfort from the Bible.  And I would fight for their rights to have such a faith and be able to proudly proclaim those beliefs.  However, I must admit that I am what is called an agnostic.  A 'gnostic' is a person with knowledge on one subject or another.  I am a gnostic in scuba diving, I know its science and as well it skill set requirements.  But regarding God, Heaven, Hell or almost anything in the Bible I am 'agnostic'...I know nothing.  And that includes that I do NOT know whether or not there is a God...I certainly can't rule it out.  But God or No God is not what I would like to discuss.

The reason I travel so much is because I want to pack as much wonder, excitement and pure fun into each and every day that I can.  And to be honest one of the things I hate most in life is fear.  So, I am going to give you some updated info that might take away some our most of the fear you might be experiencing.  Coronavirus has just replaced Donald Trump as the most talked about subject in the world.  And I think that we should step back and look at the stats...the numbers...and change focus.  The only A I ever got in college was in stats.  So, let me give you some numbers.  

 Beginning October 1, 2019 through February 29, 2020 the CDC estimates that there have been in the U. S.;

1) 34 -49 million cases of the flu, 2) 16 - 23 million medical visits of persons with the flu, 3) 350,000 - 620,000 flu hospitalizations, and 4) 20,000 to 52,000 flu deaths.  You can go to this site to get more details: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm .

And these numbers are pretty much in line with every other year.  Add in the car crashes, shooting victims, cancer, heart attacks, etc. etc. all are responsible for deaths.  The fact is this, each and every one of us is going to die.  No getting around it.  Being the son of football coach can make you some times look forward to it.  But as I have always done, I think NOT.  That is the why I travel to places that may appear weird, strange, unique, hostile, etc. etc.  I am wanting to pack as much living into each and every day of my life...and I refuse to live any other way.  People ask me 'where is the best place you've been to', and I answer that I don't know because I have not been to them all yet.  So, let's not crawl under our beds and fear getting up and going about life each and every day.  I am flying to Rosarito, Mexico on Apr. 30, with the intent of possibly living there for 2 or 3 years.  My wife is as excited as I am about the prospect of that.  

So my friends, I hope you will put things into perspective.  Throughout the annuls of time, there have been many plagues, dissasters, wars.  Heck, if it hadn't been for Adolf Hitler, I would not be alive, as my father married my Mom in Uxbridge, England and one year later, Elenor Roosevelt lobbied congress to pay for the transportation of all the war brides to get to the U. S.  Thus, I was concieved and here I am.  I do very much believe in doing good, not just so that I can get into a heaven in which I do not believe in, but because it feels good.  And life has taught me that the more good you put out, the more good you get back.  

Well, I just hate fear and what it does to one's psyche.  Let's all just worry about chasing all our rainbows...and adventures.  So in the words of Forrest Gump, "that's all I have to say about that."   

Hope to see you all whenever the next reunion is.  Take care and have some fun!!!

Richard Marcum

Bill, my comments really were intended to undo my earlier comments regarding coronavirus I made regarding Terry Boone's plans to visit Venice. ... which Italy has quarantined.  I did a horrible job making the point that we should base our activities on the 'odds'.  I should have done a better job of saying how we should be smart, yet not afraid to live our lives...but to do so within the boundaries of reason.  Nor do I in any way want to belittle your religious beliefs.  If they give you comfort, that is a good thing.  And as I said, beliefs are things to which I have no special knowledge of.  To me, teachings of the Bible have no relationship to knowledge...they only relate to faith and belief...of which I put very little value.  I only look to reason, logic, proof and practicality.  But I must say, it has been proven to me that doing good pays off in real time, however, I have been burned many times by faith.  And that history of betrayal may well be a weakness of mine.  I know my wife loves me and I know I love her...and I put all my strength in those two FACTS.

So, I hope with our exchange of these two comments to each other, we have better clarifyed our comments.  Hope to see you at the next reunion!  Be well and have fun!

Robin E. Lostetter

Well, you guys, this has been an interesting dialog to observe.

First of all, Bill, glad you're on the road to recovery.  Ankle, back, and knee . . . you're a walking miracle.  But I have you on number of screws . . . I have 12 in my hip, to the 7 in your back!  (plus knees and back issues)  Not that it's a willing contest.  ;)  Thank heaven for what surgeons can do today!  They're keeping both you and me mobile!

And Richard, I really admire (with a bit of envy) your ideal of traveling and learning, year by year. Keep it up!

I have one comment to add to your discussion.  Early on, Bill stated, "experts are warning that over half of the population of the world could eventually get this virus."  That is true, over a period of about two years.  But bear in mind what that really means -- The coronavirus is in the same family as the common cold and the flu.  And  more than half  of the population of the world has been exposed to other corona viruses.  (I hope I'm using the proper terminology now.)  Almost everyone has had a cold, and many have had the flu.  But by the time this new virus has made its way through the entire population, we should have a vaccine, as we do with flu, which will lower the risk of serious illness and death. And we will also be making our own immunities.  At this point, because it's new, we haven't developed any protection yet.

An interesting fact is that COVID-19 is predominantly an adult illness. There is a very small percentage (one study showed about 2%) of patients who are under the age of 19.  But it is most dangerous to those over the age of 60, and increasing with increased age, and to those who have underlying medical issues such as heart, diabetes, and lung problems.  I guess each bug has its own characteristics, but remember, this one is still within a family of viruses that give the medical community the benefit of some commonalities with the cold, flu, etc.

So - wash hands!  And don't pay $79 for antibacterial hand sanitizer!  And use common sense!

Bye, y'all!

Deborah Pike

Hi Guys,

First of all, Donna, I envy  you being so close to Roswell and I know exactly what you are talking about Roswell "feleling like home".  I know a teriffic reale estate Lady in Roswell. Her name is Charlotte and her phone number is 575-420-9277. Good luck.

Bill, I read your post of the ordeal in the hospital. Next time you want to have surgery, call me. I will stay with you overnight to protect the nurses! Besides I can stay in the daytime to listening to your stories and jokes. Let me know, My Two Black Belts are still good!

As for the theological conversation, very interesting gentlemen BUT.... Think about the BLACK DEATH in the Middle Ages. Bet they thought it was the end too.  My personal thoughts on the subject. I think that ALIENS have salted the air with the bugs so they can watch humans  run around like chickens. While the Aliens  laugh knowing that brussell sprouts are the cure, Dang those Aliens, they have terrible senses of humor

Don't think I am not concerned, it was brought home today. My granddaughter was  supposed to go to Disneyland and sing. The trip was just cancelled.

Stay safe, EVERYONE, the world needs us!

Debbie

Deborah Pike

Bill, 

Now I know what I want for my birthday!

Debbie

Deborah Pike

Of course!

Richard Marcum

Bill,

Sorry to hear about your family's loss.  I had many friends at Ruidoso myself.  I hope you have a safe trip to and from.  And if by any chance you run into an old pal of mine, Ronny Maskew, please tell him I would like to hear from him and my tel# 214-494-8497.  He was a big Methodist and the ex-football coach in Ruidoso.  Again, take care flying...lots of hand santizer. 

Rick Marcum  

James A "Jim" White

Hi Classmates ... I hope the CoronaVirus does not get you down. If you know of any classmate that has it, will you please advise us so we can send Get Well cards. My son (and girlfriend and future grandchild) live and work in the epicenter of COVID-19, Kirkland, Washington My daughter and granddaughter live next door. It has not been fun for them or any of us, right? 

The virus even cancelled a group get together on Possum Kingdom Lake at TERRY BOONE'S lake home. It is almost Biblical. There was pain and gnashing of teeth from JIMMY BROWN, RICK MARCUM,TOMMY ALEXANDER and ME. BOYCE McFARLAND was so disappointed over this get together and his trip to Sweden being cancelled, he went and had elective surgery ... before it became non-elective. He is doing well and recovering at home in South Carolina at present. Yes, I know, his home is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina but the South Carolina home is a long story. Speaking for Boyce's homes, he has an incredible, stunning home going up for sale northwest of Ruidoso in case you would like to have a home where you can shoot deer from your balcony. As for me, I am trapped at my oasis in a storm, the Wines of the San Juan, in NW New Mexico. There are worse things than being stuck at a winery along the San Juan River flowing out of Navajo Lake/Dam. A few days ago we were in an RV Park near Winslow, AZ and the winds had to be at least 30 MPH with gusts up to 40-50  across that caprock.

MARY HUSEMOLLER is in San Luis Obispo at present enjoying life. BILL SLOAN is currently in India on his trip around the world. MARDI GONYEA-NICKLIN is doing well but staying home. Mardi has had a lot of computer problems (possible hacking) so she cannot get online as much as she use to. I have not had a recent update on DOREEN WILLIAMS but best wishes to Doreen as she recovers from a stroke. As for everyone else, you need to report in. Drop a note on this, your,  class website. Let us know if you are (a) in hospital, (b) quarantined, (c) staying in your home or (d) going to stores and shaking your head at all the crazy, greedy people. Can you imagine if a diarrhea virus break out? People would rush to stores and buy out all the nasal spray. 

Finally, let me announce our Chairperson for the 55-Year Reunion in 2021. MARIANNE COONS McCULLOUGH has volunteered and we should be thrilled (at least I am) because she will do a great job, and surprised, because anyone who has chaired or hosted a reunion never wants to do it again. Marianne co-chaired a reunion with Mary Husemoller a couple decades ago. Know that the reunion will be scaled down as we do not have as many classmates, nor do we have any money. I will be asking for seed money soon and hope you will consider donating $10 to $200 to the class 2021 reunion. If you would like to help Marianne, please drop her a private note (located under her picture on her Classmate Profile). I think any suggestions to Marianne to host the reunion on a cruise ship because the prices are so cheap will go unanswered. Thanks, everyone.  HAPPY Saint Patrick's Day.

Margaret W. "Peggy" Ware (Koger)

So far, we are all well here in the Phoenix area. My sons from Ohio have been here this week as their Dad, my ex, died last month and they held his memorial service yesterday.  They are due to leave to fly back home this afternoon, God willing.   Hopefully, everyone stays well and healthy! 
 

Mardi Gonyea (Nicklin)

Hi Friends and fellow classmates.....

I am glad to see Cathy Morris Rhoades got onto the site and has checked in with her info. Welcome, welcome. Sorry you had some trouble getting through the first times on the site, you made it through it.

Peggy, love, so sorry to read about your loss. I think of you often sweet friend.

Thank you so much, Marianne, for stepping up to take on the chairpersonship of the 2021 (55-year reunion). I know the event will be super.

Sorry, I have had some laptop challenges....grrrrr. Lovely Windows updates automatically now and through those updates it has managed to wipe out an older email file, which I know is "somewhere" on the C/Drive....but I cannot find the danged  thing. So, I changed to my other email and have been generating new files on my 2nd laptop. I have discovered as I have aged that I can NOT multi-task....nope, out of the question....the brain can do well to handle one techno issue.

I am more than sure folks are beyond "ticked off," to put it nicely, in the wake of trying to get essential items are the stores. I am trying not to get on my soap box...but, you all know me, I am pretty unfiltered and mouthy when it comes to goings on in our world. I am semi-quaranteed. Not because I have anything medically going on, but because I have a challenged immune-system. I can't risk exposing myself to this pandemic. I have a very sweet and compassionate neighber here in out senior community who goes to the grocery for me from time to time. I tell this because not only is she wheel chair confined, SHE shops for me. Just astounding to me. We have a short list of items needed, and of course that list included TP. For 2 days she has waited in long lines, gone back and forth between the local grocery (HEB) and super Walmart. Only stores here in town. So she has come back with Zip....Zero....Zilcho...no surprise, but she has tried. So, today I told her I will go on line and do a search. Of course, Amazon is eliminated because they are providing medical type supplies only. On line Walmart....notices that say, "Purchase IN STORE only!!" Sooooo, I scroll down to possibly other options....and lo and behold...I discover you can purchase toiles paper on eBay!!! After I throw a tantrum like a three year would throw, I search further about trying to get the wet wipe types. Yep, zero, also. SO our options for purchasing TP_is to buy from eBay from people who have hoarded massive amounts leaving those who need it with none???!!! What part of WRONG dont I understand....no need to answer that. I will get down off my soapbox when you give me my walker.

I surely welcome you're comments and inputs. Stay healthy and be kind. We can do this, after all we are a resiliant bunch.

Love N Hugs from Mardi Gonyea Nicklin

James A "Jim" White

Diana - Bill Sloan and his wife, Margie, are most definitely on their trip. Margie posts something nearly every day on her Facebook page. They have been all over India (Jaipur and other places). I guess not much can frighten a retired Marine Colonel and his wife, a biologist.

Richard Marcum

All:

I agree that there is no way in hell that we should have a reunion on a cruise ship!!  No one has enough money to pay me to get on one,  I suggest that if there is a reunion, let us reunite in Roswell.  I have many memories there....good and bad, but would like to be with the people with whom I shared those memories in that town.

Rick

Deborah Pike

Mardi,

Don't worry about your soapbox, I have one of my own.  People here are acting like they have forgotten that 100 years ago do they think that toilet paper was at the local drygoods store. What pansies we have raised.

I am at home with my daughter and granddaughter. One more regae song and I am going to break out my Rolling Stones albums and turn it on LOUD! 

My daughter is the director at the nursing hme on Maui. She also has Type I diabetes and is still gong to work.  Her immune system is shot alone with having a nonfunctioning pancreas. I am really worried.

But I have hope and no brains. I just made reserrvations to go back to the Grand Canyon to ride the muled to bottom for an overnight. I am going to do that at the end of July. I need a break from paradise. (Anyone want to change places?)

Debbie

PS Everyone take care, The world needs us and our children still need us too.

Deborah Pike

Bill Leggett,

Hope you are feeling more human. At least your  sense of humor is still  intact.  Just stay home and plug into AmazonPrime and you can watch all kinds of old movies. All those terriblle monster movies from our youth.  that's what I do, also popcorn also helps.

Can't wait for the next reunion so I can sprnd more time with everybody. 

Debbie

PS  Scotch also helps

Deborah Pike

Bill,

I grew up watching "Navy Log" every Monday night with my Dad. He warped my female brain and changed my passion into World War II. That's why my Masters Degree is in Military History. Give me a military movie every time over any other moviie Except for Old Westerns.

Debbie

Karen Sue Harrington (Ream)

Hi from the Reams,   We have just returned from Branson and Tulsa. We spent spring break with our oldest, Rob and family, and had the best time, although cut short because of the virus. Branson was virtually closed, cold and wet, so we went back to Tulsa, also wet and cold, for the final few days. We are back in Conroe with the crazy TP crisis in full swing. I have always kept stocked up so we have plenty of everything and a full freeezer, so we should be fine.The c virus has certainly changed how most of us live.. Mardi, you take care!

William Samuel "Bill" Sloan

We made it to New Delhi on 12 March and India closed down visas on 13 March. We are currently in Jaipur, south of New Delhi, trying to find flights home before everything shuts down.

Diana M. Codling (Reed)

Bill, will keep you and Margie in my prayers for a quick, safe, and healthy return home.  Our stresses waiting to return home from Lake Tahoe are miniscule compared to yours!

Diana

Richard Marcum

Well, today President Donny Johnny prohibited my trip to Rosarito Beach, Mexico.  So, I am a tidbit p.o.ed.  But life goes on and I hope he made this declaration today based on science versus that all intelligent gut of his.  If the intelligence of one's gut is based on its size, then Pres. Donny Johnny is bound to be a genius.

So, our next vacation needs to be domestic.  I was thinking of Yellowstone N.P.  Anyone have any other ideas?

Rick

Laura Anne Knight (Atkins)

Rick we are going to Yellowstone July 22 with some friends. We were there three years ago with our grandsons and had a great time. Are you an opera fan? You could come to Santa Fe July or early August. I hope this darn virus doesn't cancel the opera. Meanwhile, everybody try to stay well. Laura

Richard Marcum

Laura, my daughter, Megan, and her husband are in Santa Fe right now.  Here is a picture of her with me at a book signing in Lewisville, Texas.  (God, my gut stuck out so much that day.) 

William Samuel "Bill" Sloan

Greetings from New Delhi. We are celebrating a nationwide curfew from 7:00am to 9:00pm. Our hotel has a minimal staff for a minimal number of guests but the staff is supportive and friendly. We enjoyed seeing temples and forts in Delhi (new and old), Jaipur, and Pushkar. At present (fingers crossed and knock on wood) we will return to the U.S. Sunday March 29th. We might drive to Agra Monday through Wednesday to take photos of the Taj Mahal from a hotel balcony, as with most of the world, significant tourist sites and memorials are closed.  My question is our flight from Delhi is scheduled to land at JFK Intl - does this mean we will be redesignated as high risk visitors when we try to leave JFK? We have enjoyed the 1st 10 days of our visit and we will just wait out the next 7 days. Food is varied and breat tastes from mild and exotic to usually spicy - I learned to ask for medium spicy. Wishing all of you the best.

Laura Anne Knight (Atkins)

Rick that's a nice picture. Your daughter is pretty. Do they live here or just visiting? I get caught on camera with my gut out too sometimes.

Margaret W. "Peggy" Ware (Koger)

We were lucky enough to have a visit with Laura and Jesse Atkins in January!  Here we are having a beer after our trip to the Musical Instruments Museum in North Phoenix .  Love this couple! 

Karen McCarty (Messina)

Hi Peggy!  What a nice picture of you all!  I love the MIM in Phoenix. We went several times while we lived there. It takes quite a while to go through 3 stories ( or is it 4stories?) of musical instrument displays. At any rate, we discovered they were always changing the displays and adding new ones. Then they had musical events that were fun to attend too. I never tired of it. You are living in such a wonderful area with so much to enjoy!