Hi Sheryl & thanks.  Missed you last Sat. also.  Zita used to say I was a 'good listener' - can you see why?!

Pardon my delay in posting my thanks, Sandy, for pulling off a terrific birthday party last Sat; and to Don, who we know helps with logistics and extends a friendly greeting when we meet.  It was a great success and well worth the rainy drive up from the TX hill country to see so many of our folks having fun and cutting up again. 

This makes twice in a row that my cousin, Larry Edwards and his wife Pat, have attended our events, including the 50^th – finally! 

And, a lady I hadn’t previously seen at one of our events came from behind, while I was talking to Rick Mitchell, gently took my arm and began asking questions about where I had been hiding for so long - ?  She had me stumped for a few minutes, until she mentioned our 6^th grade prom at Clara Oliver.  
(I tried to insert a small pic of us here, but an error occurred for excessive characters - maybe Sandy can help me post it later)

It finally dawned on me – she was Zita Campbell and I hadn’t seen her since high school.  I contacted her over 10 yrs ago while helping locate ‘Missing Bears’ for our 40^th reunion, but she was unable to attend  - no wonder I didn’t recognize her.  She could've kept me guessing for a while longer if she'd wanted, but it was good catching up.  She lived 1 block down from us on Marfa Ave., off Overton Rd. & Ramona Ave.

The 70 birthday program mentioned hot and cold finger food, so I expected chips, dips, etc., but I wasn’t expecting prime rib or roasted turkey from a carving station.  Not sure how that was possible for $20 per head, so if the pot’s not right, I hope you’ll let us know - it was sure tasty.  Glad we had some time to let that settle before they cut the cake, which I didn’t get a photo of, but hope Ronnie did – it was great also.

I contacted JD Garoutte by phone and told him we missed him at the party - we hadn't spoken since the 50th.  He told me he had no recollection of an e-mail about an upcoming birthday party - I told him that sort of thing happens at our age.  Anyway, he & his wife are doing well and both were over at their son's house making pizzas with their grand kids.  He asked me to tell all of you that he sends his best regards.

For those of us who headed south on Sun., I-35 bogged down about 15 mi. north of Temple.  I eventually saw a flashing sign that indicated water had crossed the roadway near Belton, so it was stop & go for a couple of hrs.  Some drivers managed to  zip-off down the grassy shoulders onto the service road and made some headway until they also backed up.  My normal 3.5 hr trip wrapped up about 6 hrs later.  But, at least I wasn't sitting in airports, wondering if & when, eh Richard?

Guess I can’t say enough, or more than others already have.  But, as always, Sandy, we’re very appreciative of your thoughtfulness and the many hours throughout the year you put into maintaining the SOC Class of ’66 website, organizing & hosting the events that help keep our family together – many thanks again!