Diana M. Codling (Reed)

Richard Marcum

Diana,  I loved these little witty comments.  Where did you find them?  If you wrote them, you should write a book.  My favorite is number 11.  So true!  Hope you're doing well!  Rick

Deborah Pike

Diana,

So funny and TRUE!! Especially number 17

James A "Jim" White

A BOMB and TOO MUCH SICKNESS:  My enticement to encourage our classmates to submit pictures and a little history of themselves by doing it myself ... bombed ... totally! No one did but know you can still post pictures and tell us about your last 55 years,

I know there is a pandemic going on but there is too much sickness without it. Has this happened to you? Does this happen to everyone our age? A short time ago, in a 5-day period, my wife and I got calls from three longterm dear friends and spouses. The calls were from Florida, Connecticut and Michigan and these dear, dear friends, all whom we have seen and been in their homes within the past year (as we travel in a 5th-Wheel), passed along their confidential history -- Liver Cancer, Colon Cancer, Cardio-Myopathy. Then Kathy and I get to the our port-in-the-storm (stay-in-place), the Winery in NW New Mexico. So, what is next? Our brother-in-law and owner of the winery, goes to a doctor's appointment and whoosh .... he is whisked away and immediately flown to the Heart Institute in Albuquerque for emergency open chest, open heart surgery. A few days later, another friend here at the winery (the bookkeeper and a Vietnam Purple Heart recipient) that we have lunch with everyday is diagnosed with cancer of the liver. Another friend here who works the wine festival with us every year had a heart transplant.

Now, you may be thinking I am overlooking COVID-19. Not at all. Today I learned that our dear classmate, Boyce McFarland's, mother-in-law, age 106, was just diagnosed with COVID-19.  The world is changing all around me so fast and I am not liking it. Is it changing suddenly for you too?

Diana M. Codling (Reed)

Rick, I wish I could say I was the author of these witicisms, but I am only passing along someone else's.  Occasionally some come along that must be shared!

Jim, on the health issues, I think we have lived long enough to have to have our poor choices earlier in life come back at us.  Or our genetics are catching up with us.  When one is young, "nothing can hurt us" is the attitude of life.  This allows us to be bold and push the envelope.  But, as my mom used to tell me, "When we knew better, we did better."  For us, this has meant we made some lifestyle changes to support our bodies better.  I wish we had gotten smart sooner, but we're still learning!  In the meantime, take care of yourselves and love those around you.

Deborah Pike

Guys,

I know that I missed out  on quite a lot of things I wanted to do because I listened to the voice of reason , i.e. my ex- husband. I find that I am not going to miss out any more. In 2016 I rode the mules down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and spent the night. I had always wanted to do that not realizing he was too afraid to go  on the trip. I realized after accomplished that trip that I had wasted a lot of time. I am going to take the chances I let go by.   It's not like I am Super Stupid, I just want to experienced life as much as I can now.  I am hoping to do the Grand Canyon trip again this year. I have my reserveation for July 26. (I heard that there is a company that will take tourists on a 7 day trip on horses on a cattle drive- as in we drive the cows. Any one want to go with me?????)

Just remember that we are not dead yet. I have one fake knee and  very few of my original parts but I am still moving around and do for myself (however I am not going to turn down a handsome mans who wants to carry my luggage)

 As Dory in "Finding Nemo", "Just keep swimming" 

Debbie

James A "Jim" White

DEBBIE -- love the adventuresome spirit. Maybe you should sky dive with JUDI ADAMS MORRIS whenever she goes again, if she does. Rumor has it that ELIZABETH GWARTNEY LOWNEY will be waiting at the bottom with wine or champagne to celebrate with you.

Saturday I had the good fortune to speak with MIKE TURNER and JILL WEBSTER REED. Mike is doing well staying-in-place in San Diego. Jill, as you may know, has been diagnosed with alzheimers and is very open about it (which is why I mention it). Hers is a unusual form as she knows when she is not recalling or remembering something. However, she and I talked for almost  half hour. Her courage is admirable. Jill would welcome a phone call or letter and I will provide such if you would like to contact her. Jill and her devoted husband, Harold (H.C.), live in Hurst, TX area. Oh, and speaking of Fort Worth area, I also had a brief visit with LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSON. Laurie is struggling along and staying in her home. Her husband, Andy, is out of the hospital and back at the assisted living facility. And CHARLIE "CHIP" KING and wife, Bonnie, are enjoying their home near Cocoa Beach, Florida. They have a deck with a hot tub on the Atlantic Ocean inlet. It seems a lot of classmates are like me, missing MARGARET NICHOLS KUENZLER but enjoy the fact she and her husband, Bill, passing were to close together. MARY HUSEMOLLER was in her California home when I last spoke with her. When I spoke to DOREEN WILLIAMS after her stroke, she seemed very positive. What a hard working, caring and sharing classmate she has been. And special thanks to MARIANNE COONS for volunteering to chair the 2021 55-year reunion. 

It appears Kathy and I will be leaving NW New Mexico next week for Kansas for our son's Change of Command ceremony (USAF), not to mention he and his wife, Sandy, have 5 of our grandchildren. Take care, everyone, and keep in contact with your classmates and let us hear from you.

Michaele Austin (Kelly)

What a great short film! Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t take much to make someone’s day a little better.

Deborah Pike

Bill,

The movie was so touching and  I loved it.  Every person should see  it.

Thanks a lot.

Debbie

Karen McCarty (Messina)

I thoroughly enjoyed both videos Bill. Thanks for sharing. These times are unprecedented and a little humor and feel good videos helps to pass the time. I sometimes wonder if life will ever go back to the way it was.... maybe not, but hopefully a new and improved (and safer) version will take its place! 

Deborah Pike

Karen,

Cheer up, we know everything will get better one way or another. For me, I keep thinking about seeing you and everyone else who will be at the  "Half" reunion.  Some times I get down but some thing will make me laugh or remember something from the past and I dust my attitude off and start walking again.

The other day my Granddaughter was going to heat up a new kind of snack her Mom had bought. I asked if she wanted help but of course she she said NO.  About  20 minutes later I smelled a gross odor and went into the kitchen and smoke was coming out of the oven. She didn't realize she was supposed to put the snack on a pan and not cook the plastic container. I calmingly told her to go call the Fire Department and tell them that there was no fire.(We have a smoke detecter that is monitored by the FD)

I managed to get most of the plastic tray out of the bottom of the oven. I think she learned that she does still need help. The funiest part was watching her explain the whole situation to her Mom. Trying to not laugh during the explaination .

Hang in...

Debbie

Karen McCarty (Messina)

Hi Debbie, 

Yep, kids and grands think they know how to do everything without reading the directions.  I'm glad you saw the humor in the situation!  I probably would have panicked running around the kitchen trying to locate the fire extinguisher!  Yes, there is a funny side to every situation .... I will try and make sure I look for it !  Take care and looking forward to a brighter year next year! 😁

James A "Jim" White

A very Happy Birthday to one of the nicest and most generous persons of our class, KAREN HARRINGTON REAM. Karen and her husband BOB REAM, also a '66 classmate, have traveled all over the world and have benefitted people all over the world. It was great that you two took time to meet with a few more classmates when we were in north Houston area last year.

I spoke with LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSON last night. She is confined in her large home all by herself. Laurie's husband, ANDY ANDERSON, is confined in a nursing home down the street and they cannot see each other. It is a struggle as they almost lost Andy recently and Laurie just lost a good neighbor and friend this past Sunday.

BOBBY ALLISON is still the upbeat, positive guy we have known for over 55-years despite his fight with Parkinsons. Bobby and Ernie live in two of the prettiest places in the U.S. They have a condo in MS overlooking the Gulf of Mexico beach, and a summer home a half block off Main Street in Ouray, CO., advertised as "Switzerland of America" and it is. Kathy and I have been in both homes and enjoyed Bobby and Ernie's friendliness. MICHAELE AUSTIN KELLY has been there too. Oh, and Michaele, I love your picture.

I also spoke with RODNEY WESTENBARGER and MYRA (class of 67, I think) and they are doing well. Rodney is recovering from his two or three recent heart surgeries. Rodney was reading our class site this week for the first time in years, I think. Yea. More classmates need to check in.

While in Durango, CO yesterday, I was going to call MARY HUSEMOLLER but I think she is still at California home. Are you, Mary? How are you and Bill doing?

I did hear from DANNY DANIEL and he is still fine and doing business (Investment Management) from his home in Colorado Springs. I also found out JIM SANDERS is still working and doing well ... 'tho he feels his remote work is limiting he using his full intelligence and skills. Talking about work, Kathy and I just asked Good Sam to take us out of consideration for a traveling job we interviewed for.

BOYCE McFARLAND and ANNIE are waiting for Virus to modify so they can fly to see her 106-year-old mother in Stockholm who was just diagnosed with Covid-19. However, she no longer has the symptoms and is doing okay. Boyce and Annie just went to their NC home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are only a mile off the stunning beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.

I normally don't open movie or song clips unless they are performed by a classmate, but I did open The Bridge and it was a good video clip.

We have been in NW New Mexico two months, but will be leaving for Kansas on Monday for our son's USAF Change of Command ceremony. We will miss the deer, peacocks, wild geese with 6 goslings in the pond and much more ... especially the wine and loving relatives. Everyone stay safe ... and write to let us know what you are doing.

Karen Sue Harrington (Ream)

Jim, Thank you so much for your kind word....I had a great B day with a steak dinner and red  velvet cake.  Bob did the cooking ...   Most of our travel is now to Tulsa Ok. and Mandeville, La!! We try to see our grands often..we bave 5 grands,...22,19, 13, 11, and 7.... They keep us so busy!!  I enjoy seeing  Michaele Austin Kelly when she comes for a visit.... we connected several years ago and I really love our time together!! I sure do miss  Margaret who loved her girl friend weekends!!!    Bob and I loved getting together with the classmates here,  north of Houston, last year!!! We would love for ya’ll to come see us!!! Blessings to all!!!

Michaele Austin (Kelly)

Oh, Karen, I so look forward to our visits! Spending time with you and Bob is one of the highlights of my trips. I truly cherish our friendship and am so very thankful that we have regained that wonderful friendship we had when we we’re young. I’m hoping I can make another trip later this summer for another visit after we make our trip to South Dakota to see Wayne’s mom. He wants to stop at that Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas on our way home so he can find that gigantic diamond! Silly guy!

James A "Jim" White

First, I want to wish LAURA KNIGHT ATKINS a wonderful birthday. This Harvard University Master's graduate has worked over much of the world, including Belgium. Laura and her husband, Jesse (and boy is there a funny story about their meeting), took time to meet with KATHY and me when we were in Santa Fe. Laura and Jesse also drove to Fort Worth, Texas to attend the 50-Year Anniversary celebration of classmate LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSON and Andy Anderson. Laura and Jesse also looked up PEGGY WARE KOGER and Fred Koger when they were in the Phoenix/Gilbert area. I do not know who else Laura might have visited with but other classmates should follow Laura Knight Adkins example and visit classmates.

Laura Anne Knight (Atkins)

Jim thank you so much for the birthday greeting and kind words. I have enjoyed seeing classmates over the years. I talked to Laurie Shuey Andersen last week. We were talking about visiting classmates and I reminded her that she and Andy visited us in Buenos Aires in 2007 or 08. Then in late 2009, Pam Liston Ricks and husband Bill were in BA on New Years Eve. One of my Harvard classmates was also in town with a former professor and a wonderful Iraqi-American women named Sahar, who is a professor of Middle Eastern history ay Holy Cross University. So, being the way I am, I invited all of them to our apartment for a New Years Eve party. It was great fun. Laurie wanted to see the picture of Jesse, Pam, Bill and me that was taken that night. I am posting it here because some of our other classmates might enjoy it. All I can say is ten years makes a huge difference in the aging process, for me that is. I haven’t seen Pam since but I bet she looks the same.

Margaret W. "Peggy" Ware (Koger)

Laura, you all look great! Hope you had a wonderful birthday!!

Richard Marcum

BIG EDIT to this posting.  My email is marcum8@gmail.com

My fault...demasiada ginebra, supongo!

I really appreciate Jim's comment, but I must make some edits to his post. 

1) I only have two pubished books

2) I do have two in early stages of going to a publisher, but are in a holding pattern.

3) Jim is correct in that I am dealing with an agent that is attempting to connect me to a major award winning screen writer.  And yes, I have just completed the first year's eight episodes for sale to someone in the web streaming series market.

4) I will NOT be pursueing the publication of my last two books via editing and marketing, until I chase the rabbit that is in front of me, screen writing of West Texas Crude and Message of the Locust.  In short, you make much more money selling screenplays than you do books.

Jim was very correct when he stated that I will send out a digital version of both books.  I like reading digital books much more than hard copies.  So, let me know if you would like one or both and I will send them to me.  You can send the request to marcum8@gmail.com.  Jim was also correct in that you can get a free epub digital reader free on line as he described.  FYI, I would rather read a digital book than any hard copy.  They are easier to read than all hard back copies.

I hope you all are washing your hands, maintaining distant social interplay, etc. etc.  I  also want to give kudus to Jim and  Bill for maintaining this website.  It is a means to appreciate where we all came from and the progress we have all made moving forward in our lives.  Best wishes to all.  And I would like to repeat what Smitty said, when he stated to me that he thought it was funny that I said I was the son of a losing football coach and I moved around alot.  The statement is so true, but please know this, Roswell High School was a very friendly last stop.  I hated Grandfalls and Odessa, Texas...but I loved Roswell...and for that matter...all of New Mexico.  If I am lucky enough to sell two years of episodes of West Texas Crude, I will be so happy...for the story is more about New Mexico than it is Texas.  The "Crude" portion of the book is not about oil, rather it is about people.  Let me cut to the chase, I have NOT ONE fond memory of Texas.  I live here now, but that is because my children and grandchildren live here.  But my goal is to move to Las Playas de Rosarito , Baja Norte, Mexico as soon as possible.

Best to you all.  Wash your hands, take long walks and if you are lucky enough to love the one you're with, give them a big hug tonight as I will do with my sweet wife, Johnene.   And always look on the brighter side of life.  Rick

James A "Jim" White

Deborah Pike

Bill,

Great post! I think it should remind  all or us of those times. We were all just one year away from High School. It was confusing to a lot of us who really had not paid a lot of attention to things as most of us were just starting out with college, new jobs, marriages, and all the wonderful things we had dreamed of while under the care of our parents, teachers, and the warmth of New Mexico. That time was shattered by 1968  and the knowledge that our friends and family going to Vietnam and some of the terrible consequences  of that fiasco. Others were awakened by riots and pictures of the Kent State Massacre. Our children  have had to watch their friends taken by war in the Middle Ease  as they watched the coffins return with their friends.  I can foresee that my granddaughter wiil soon be seeing the same.

Some place this has to stop or we will end up being extinct.  I say we start thinking about how to stop the terror and pain and start thinking about a way to get the government to stop encouraging the citizens to follow what is being fed to them and  start making the polititions start listening to how many people need help,  Soneone needs to run on a platforme that is centered on individuals and not on parties, Too many people in Washington are too worried about how many "friends" they have and start working to clean up the mess that started in the 1890's and has never been cleaned up even after the Great Depression.  

I say we start doing something-------ANY SUGGESTIONS???

END OF SOAP BOX

Debbie  (Thank yoy for letting me vent)

James A "Jim" White

Have you taken a look at classmate birthdays lately? If you look at the "Home Page" you might see some recent birthday people who had their pictures taken at the 50-Year reunion. The upcoming birthday list is always on the Home Page. This weeks birthday pictures include fun loving LYNN HARRIS with her friend, ELIZABETH GWARTNEY LOWNEY (birthday in Sept.) Also, the ever smiling MARILYN MILLER MICHAEL, then the ever helpful JIM GILL talking with JOY WAGNER. I do not have a picture, or I do not recognize, PAUL ZIELINSKI or NETTIE CRAWFORD. I doubt either of them are on this classmate site but if they are, please let us know. The last I spoke with Paul was about 20-years ago and believe he was in Austin at the time. Nettie had an impressive career in the U.S. Air Force and was living in West Texas the last I knew.

We have amazing classmates. I received a picture of BOBBY ALLISON singing at a restaurant last week. That is really cool but I cannot find it to post. I spoke with DAN DANIEL last week and he let me know how blessed he was by having a wonderful wife all these years, three children which are all mature and special, and a career (investment planning) that he loved and one of his sons, Billy, is taking over.

TOMMY ALEXANDER has moved from Texas to Las Cruces. Hmmmm, has to be a story there. BOYCE McFARLAND is up in the blue ridge mountains and looking to come to NM to put his stunning New Mexico (near Capitan and Ruidoso) home up for sale. Interested?  Then if one looks through Facebook, they may be able to come up with a wonderful picture of MARY HUSEMOLLER and her husband, Bill  (I believe they are back in Durango, CO from their So-Cal home) and ....

.... it is possible to find a group of your classmates. I count five (below) that I recognize. How about you?

Stay in touch with classmates. They are like GOLD!

Margaret W. "Peggy" Ware (Koger)

We did this in Texas when tornado watches were around. I'm sure we would have been safe! Lol.

James A "Jim" White

So, assume you are approaching Albuquerque and asking  yourself, "Which classmate can I phone to meet me? I am on the road, needing to get back to the Winery (in far NW NM), and cannot spend much time here." Well, I phoned the ever fun DOREEN WILLIAMS and Doreen met Kathy and me with about 40 minutes notice.

Isn't it cool when you get to see classmates who very much enjoy seeing other classmates? We are only in NM for 2 or 3 weeks before we start heading back to Washington state. If anyone is nearby and would like to meet, give me a call or send an email. This week MARIANNE COONS McCULLOUGH (chairperson for 55-year reunion) and BETTY McCOMBS (oops, forgot married name) will travel to Albuquerque to see Doreen. I am trying to have Doreen bring them to the winery. DAN DANIEL has been here and can verify it is a fun place.

Happy Birthday STEVEN SMITH. I do not know if you, Steven, are still seeing the class website but I hope so. For those that knew Steven and wonder about him, Steven is a retired real estate broker in Roswell.

I was in Las Cruces for about three hours Thursday but wish I had more time so I could talk with TOMMY ALEXANDER about his move there, look up RHS star gymnast LEE TAYLER, who we have not seen in 50 years, and check on GAYLE MOORE DIORIO (are you still in Las Cruces or did you move to Texas?). There are many classmates living in Las Cruces area.

Finally, we web administrators ask two things of you. First, make certain your contact information is up to date. Go to your profile and check it. Second, make certain someone, maybe a couple people, in your family know to notify us if something happens to you. We wish to honor your life. Thank you.

Patricia "Patsi" Hughes

Top, is Don White, Tommy Allen (?) not sure of the other 2. Of corse I might be very wrong.