I was born on February 1, 1941, in Baird, Texas. We moved to Bonham, Texas, and then to Abilene by the time I was three years old, eventually moving to 3101 South 11th St. I went to Alta Vista, Crockett, South Junior, and Abilene High School. We drove a long way across town to attend University Baptist Church, thus making my friendship with many of you possible a long time before we entered AHS together.

After our graduation in 1959, Sherrilyn Crawford Davis and I went to Howard Payne College in Brownwood, Texas, as roommates for our freshman and sophomore years. We both graduated from Howard Payne in 1963.

In the summer of 1961 I met one of the 'boys' from the 5th Missile Battalion (Army) named Paxton Hutchison. We became engaged in 1962 and married in 1963 and moved to Ft. Worth where my husband, who was now out of the army, was living and working.

I taught school in the White Settlement ISD for 7 years before we started our family. In 1970 our oldest son, Andy, whom we adopted, was born. In 1972 our son Mike (not adopted) was born. Our boys are great sons, husbands, and fathers, and we are blessed with two lovely daughters-in-law. We have four wonderful grandchildren ages 13, 11, 10, and 8.

I taught Adult Education in the evenings for 21 years in the White Settlement ISD. I also worked in our church office for about 19 years and was pianist of our church for nearly 34 years. I retired from the church jobs in 2006. My husband worked for the Southern Baptist Radio TV Commission 35 years.

My husband and I are enjoying retirement and stay busy with the family, church activities, and volunteering. We are so thankful to God for His blessings. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the reunion and have enjoyed hearing from you through this email group.

From discussions about feed lots:

Greetings to all> am a little behind in reading e-mails so wanted to comment on animals and feedlots, calf fried (rocky mountain oysters), etc. When I married Fred Lookingbill and moved to the "beautiful" panhandle of texas, I encountered my first feed yard and smell> Fred is a real cowboy, roping, riding, processing cattle, whatever. One of the first things I learned to do after marriage besides taking care of six children compared to my two, was to clean calf fries. Fred was processing cattle and every afternoon, he brought home at least 1 five gallon bucket of them. Took me half a day and fingers were shot. We freezed them and then would have a calf fry for workers,friends and who ever else would show up. My first husbands parents visited us quite often and mother-in-law was always watching everything Fred cooked. Our ids loved them and was a special treat. Our four boys team roped and my daughter was put on a horse at 2 years of age and could outride and rope any guy. She won the Texas High School Rodeo Championship in break away roping and went to college on a rodeo scholarship> Guess this gets back around to a city girl that was always afraid of horses and knew nothing about cattle. We did own a growing feedyard for about 10 years and have to tell you, there is nothing like it. I still miss it to this day. We moved about 3 mos ago from Summerfield (surrounded by 3 very large feedlots) to Friona, and didn't realize how much nicer the smell is. Anyway that's my two cents worth and it was worth it all. We have all been very blessed.

I only went to Abilene High School. I lived On Sandefer. Before that, I lived on the panhandle of Texas. A farm girl who could drive a tractor and plow straight rows by the age of nine. So I enjoyed the tractor talk.

When I transplanted to California in 1986, I landed in San Jose. Then the '89 quake hit on a Tuesday(I think)---- I didn't like it, and was living in Sacramento by the end of the week. We don't get earth quakes here. The '89 was enough to last me the rest of my life. My son and his family still live in the area there, my daughters live here within walking distance from me.

One of the nicest things about where I live is the easy access to the wine country, Tahoe, the ocean and beaches and the wetlands of the delta where we can bird watch.

From discussions about teachers:

I already stated my thoughts on Miss Meyer, however, I think I will shock everybody and tell you more. I could have graduated early, but decided to stay until the end of the year and take only courses I loved. English was my 'A' class, so I went for her advanced class. We had all semester to write a final report. I chose Byron, of course, being a romantic sort. I carefully placed it on the kitchen table the night before it was due so I wouldn't forget it. Well, I overslept the next morning, dressed in a flash and ran to school. As I entered the room, it hit me... the report was still on the kitchen table.

Still out of breath from running most of the way to school, i gasped out my story to Miss Meyers and asked if I could go home and get it.. Adjusting her bra strap, she actually sneered at me, "I know you kids. You'll leave, go home and spend all day writing up the report and come in tomorrow with another excuse."

I turned around and left the room. When I got back to class with my report, I walked up to her desk, smiled and tore it in half in front of her. She told me to go to Mr. Webbs office, and, "I promise you won't be graduating."

When I walked with the rest of the class into the auditorium, I found her in the audience and stuck out my tongue at her. And people thought I was such a mouse!

From comments on where we were born:

My mother chased down a hen, rung its neck and cooked fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner. As she reached across the table for the potatoes, a labor pain hit. Daddy took off for town on his horse, because there had been a storm the night before and washed out the bridge over Salt Creek. After he left, Mama lay down on the bed and with the next pain, she said I just sorta shot out. She pulled me onto her stomach and wiped me off with a corner of the sheet. After awhile, worried, she ripped a scap of cloth from her dress and tied the cord. After about two hours Daddy returned with the Doctor. Mother and baby both fine, though a bit tired.

From comments on growing up in the country:

I've churned butter and separated cream... we had a Dairy. Mama rung the chicken's necks, I couldn't, but I knew how to cut them up after they were plucked. Daddy dressed out the rabbits -- I cried. I milked cows and hoed the vegetable garden and gathered the eggs, and ate all the melons I wanted. We didn't grow cotton, but when I went into the woods I took the rifle with me and knew how to use it.... and, all of this by the time I was 9 and had to move to town.

CARROLL W. BARNES

Born: November 22, 1940, Abilene, Texas

Schools Attended in Abilene: Fair Park Elementary, South Jr. High, Lincoln Jr. High, Abilene High School

Universities Attended: North Texas, Texas Tech, Stephen F. Austin

Career:
Choral Director, Director of Visual and Performing Arts

Teaching Sites:

Ballinger, Texas, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-12
Perryton Texas, Grades 5-9
Lubbock HS, Lubbock, Texas
South Garland HS, Garland, Texas
Garland ISD Administration Building


Honors/Awards:

President of the Texas Choral Directors Association
State Choral Representative to the Texas Music Adjudicators Association
State Director for the Gold Wing Road Riders Association
Recipient of the Choral Excellence Award, given by the Texas Choral Directors Association
Award Winning Choirs at many Choral Festivals, University Interscholastic League Contests
Adjudicator and Clinician in Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Teacher of the Year, Garland Federation of Women's Clubs

Hobbies: Motorcycle Touring (Traveled in all 48 States, Adjoining Provinces of Canada and Much of Mexico)
Hunting and Fishing
RV Travel and Camping

Family: Wife, Terry and Son, Chris

After graduating AHS, I went to ACU (ACC then) and graduated in 1962. All my college friends were going to Dallas to teach, but that did not appeal to me so I went off on a wild idea to teach in Ruidoso, NM. which turned out to be a great idea since that is where I met my husband, Frank Jefferson. After teaching a year, Joan Titlow and I sailed off to Europe for an adventurous two- month tour.

Upon returning, I got married and we did move to Dallas. I did go back to teaching for several years, got an MLS, and was a school librarian in several school districts all over Texas. I did teach one year in Abilene at Lincoln. It was rather strange since I was on the faculty with Mrs. Nelda Chewning, who taught me at North Jr. and Lincoln. Some of you may remember her since she rode a motorcycle, which was not a common practice for school teachers back then.

Frank and I had two sons, but he died in 1993 of complications from heart surgery. I now have 4 delightful grandchildren. I retired from teaching after 32 years and moved to Colorado. I had come up to CU Boulder for a summer session while in college and think that was when I fell in love with the Rocky Mountains. When I retired, I thought if I am ever going to live in this area, it is now or never so I moved to the Denver area and have loved it. I do some parttime work for Edward Jones Investments and travel whenever the opportunity arises. Since I enjoy both very much, I plan to keep doing both for as long as I can. My mother went to China at age 80, and just passed away last year at age 104 so I have some good genes.

Well, that is my story and I'm sticking to it. Not very exciting, but it has had its moments. I do believe that we grew up in the best time possible; there was a real innocence in that era which I think was lost in the 60's. And we grew up in a good place where we could hold on to our innocence for longer than teens can today.

I am grateful for that. I consider my life very blessed.

Carolyn Beidleman Jefferson

Left Abilene in September of 1959 and headed east to Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.....the highlight of the year was meeting a beautiful young lady from Ft Lauderdale, Florida who I fell completely in love with and married on November 26, 1960. We were married in Abilene and after that moved to Dallas. In 1962 we moved to Florida.....first to Ft Lauderdale and then to Pompano Beach where we lived for about nine months. Florida was not for the likes of this Texas boy and we moved back to Abilene for a short while and then back to Dallas. I went into the electrical business in Dallas and started my career. Our first little one, was a girl, born at Hendricks Memorial Hospital back in Abilene. Our next little one, also a girl, was born at St. Paul's in Dallas. Two years later we were blessed again, but this time with a boy, who was born at Irving Community Hospital.

At this time my dad called Cynthia and I into the den at their home in Abilene and gave us a strong talk. He explained that my sis had a baby on her lap, my mom had a baby on her lap and he had one on his lap. I think he said, "now that is enough, he informed us both that he had a gift for us. He told my wife he had a cork for her and a knife for me and would like for both of us to use them immediately. I did not have a problem with the cork......but the knife was out of the question. back to Irving for the next few years and then I had a job change and we moved to Austin.

We remained in Austin for ten years and the company decided to open a branch in Houston. I was elected to make the move with four others and we were on the road again. While we were in Houston our children went thru school and graduated from McCullough High School in the Woodlands. When our younges of the three was a senior we lost the cork and I had long since thrown the knife away and at her fourty and me fourty one.......we were blessed with another son. We thought we were headed for peace and quiet and finally an empty house........W R O N G.......the boy could not wait for his normal delivery time and came seven weeks early and weighed four pounds and fourteen ounces.

We were excited and nervous and scared to death all at the same time. We were told the baby would be in the hospital for at least four weeks and maybe more and that did not sound good. As I drove my wife back home we talked about how we would have to make a long drive daily to get back and fourth to see our new son. The second day we went back the Doctor met with us as we went in to see young son and told us to take the brat home.....he was fine and did not need to be there anymore. We jumped with joy and excitedly packed his things and headed home with new son. Thru the years I had been playing softball with a class A team and we were constantly on the go. When our son was ten months old he went to his first national tournament in Colorado Springs.

At the age of two he got his first big barrel red bat. The players on the team would pitch him five gallon buckets of softballs for him to hit between the games and could not believe a two year old could hit a ball as far as he did. That began his baseball career and he is now twenty six and playing for the Boston Red Sox at their AAA Pawtucket franchise. When he was old enough to start playing, I hung up my gear and coached and followed my son to high school. At that point we followed him thru High School and on to College and then into the pros. Our wonderful children have blessed us with seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Life is good and we know exactly when it is time for them to go home.

I retired just over two years ago and face the reality that every day is now Saturday. It is perfectly alright to not finish everything I intended for a day because there is tomorrow, which is Saturday. We retired to Lake Raymond Gary in southeast Oklahoma, just thirty eight miles from Paris, Texas, where I was born. We live on the lake and enjoy our lives very much. To say we have been blessed is a mild statement compared to what God has done for us in our lives.

One year ago, yesterday, we found out that our fourty three year old son had cancer and it was at stage four. We spent the days and nights with him as he went thru his ordeal on his final journey. He loved the water and fishing and I was in the process of refinishing a bass boat for him that he had fallen in love with. He sat in it on two ocassions and pretended he was fishing, but he never got to sit in it on the water.....his time had run out. Thru his illness we moved in with my sister in Paris so we would be close to him and the hospital. Day after day we watched his body change from the fullness of life to the shell left by this terrible disease. The days and nights were long and we felt the drain of energy daily, but God gave us a daily renewing of strength, energy, love and understanding on how to deal with the situation. Jeff's pain management was wonderful and his suffering was kept to as low a level as possible. I had the early morning shift and each day as I entered his room I would bend over and kiss his precious bald head and tell him it was just dad and I was getting my sugar. Sometimes he would respond and sometimes he would not, but it did not matter he knew I was there. Our son passed away on November 26, 2008.

If you go back to the first of this page you will see that it is also our wedding date, fourty eight years earlier. We do not understand why some things happen but we accept the fact that there is a reason for it. Cynthia was listening to a preacher on the radio shortly after our son's death that has meant so much to us. He said we ask why are some taken so early and his answer was that God can see down the road of life for each of us and that He sees some terrible things that we would face and loves us so much He does not want us to have to suffer thru it and just takes us home a little earlier when our work is done. We know where our son is and that he will greet us when it is our turn to make that journey.

That brings us up to date my fellow classmates and I look forward to seeing those of us who remain at the reunion......Bill

After AHS graduation I enrolled at ACC in the Fall of '59, graduating in 1963 with a BS degree in Marketing. The next three years were spent in the US Army, most of it in Germany. (That was nice for me, as our family had lived there from 1949 to 1956 and I had attended German schools for 7 years. We were a missionary family; my father joined the ACC faculty when we came back to the States.)

I returned to Abilene in 1966 and enrolled in grad school. That Fall I met Glenna, who was in her senior year at ACC. We had our first date the following March, were engaged in September and married on December 27.

Less than six months later I accepted a job with a large shoe manufacturing and sales company in Endicott, NY. It is in 'upstate' NY; not everyone knows what that means, but basically it's everything north and west of NY City. Endicott was a beautiful place to live and a great place for a family. We were just a little north of Pennsylvania and 200 miles west of NYC. Our 2 children were born and graduated from high school there.

After 23 years there I accepted an assignment with my company and we moved to southern California in August of 1991. It eased the empty nest feelings in that it coincided with our daughters' leaving for ACU, where she joined our son, who by then was a junior there. Not long after the move to CA I changed jobs and joined a safety shoe company.

As much as we had liked NY, we enjoyed the climate of SoCal and were there for nine years. We had no plans to move, but my company asked us to do so and we transferred to Texas in May of 2000. I retired at the end of 2005. Glenna, meantime, had chosen to be a stay at home mom when we were expecting our first child in 1971. She returned to work part-time in 1988 and is currently working from home.

I must say that I truly enjoyed my 38 year career in the footwear industry. It was a wonderful job that allowed me to travel to almost every state in the US and provided well for our family. We're now happily settled in Texas--our son and family (2 granddaughters, 2 and 5) live in Houston and our daughter is only 2 miles from us in Dallas. God has been good to us in so many ways!

As I mentioned way back, Sherry Johnson Kachel and Richard Foster were dating and arranged a blind date with me and Joe Garvin (class of 1957). He was an older man, handsome, polite, and drove a brand new bright green MGA! As they say, the rest was history. I went off to North Texas State University and Joe joined the army--was stationed in Germany. I received an M.A. in Speech/Language Pathology.

We married in June of 1963 in Abilene. Jenna was my first roommate at NT and later my maid of honor. We lived in Arlington, Texas, for the next 10 years. Joe received a business degree from UT in Alington and started his career in insurance. I worked in the public school setting. Our daughter (Lynnly Diane) was born in 1970 while we were still in Arlington. We lived in Wichita Falls, Texas for a few years.

For the past 33 yrs., we have lived in San Antonio,Texas. I retired in 1997 and Joe in 2006. Our daughter and her high school sweetheart graduated from UT in Austin. They married and still live in Austin. We have three granddaughters and one grandson (of course, all are beautiful and smart)---ages 11, 9, 5 and 3! They are only a little over an hour from us, and we see each other often. Joe and I are enjoying our retirement. We travel some, have great friends and family, and are very involved in our church, St.Matthew,s United Methodist Church. God has truly blessed us.

After graduation I attended ACC summer school two summers and Mc Murry one year then Texas Tech. 9-1-61 married Shannon Young class of 1960. Three children and after 26 years of marriage divorced. Three grandsons and another grandson on the way and first great grand (don't know yet) on the way. I belong to two book clubs, play bridge, certified master gardener for 10 years and was church circle leader for the past two years. Busy enough. The only paid work I have done is stock brokers assistant and temp for Edward Jones. I have also had a real estate salesmans liscense.

My music story is that my Mother wanted me to play the drums. I was about 12 or 13 and she took me to Caldwell Music Company and they gave me a musical aptitude test. She never said another word about me playing the drums after that. ALSO at South Junior I wanted to be in the choir so I could go on the trips. I went in and asked the teacher and I can't remember her name if I could be in the choir and she said well sing me a little something and I did and then she paused and said well can you play the piano? Needless to say I am a listener to all kinds of music and not a participant.

After graduation, I completed four years and graduated from ACC with a BS in Agriculture. Worked 13 years with the USDA with the Soil Conservation Service and Farmers Home Administration. We (Margaret Stuard) were married in 1961 and raised three boys - living in Brownwood, Pearsall, Coleman and moved to Henderson in 1971 with USDA. Worked for RepublicBank in Henderson for 6 years and then was hired by Texas Utilities Mining Company as a landman. Retired in 1997, but they hired me back as a contract Landman. I currently work for them three days a week.

I served as Mayor of Henderson for two terms prior to going back to work with TXU Mining. The company is now called Luminant Mining Company.

I have been divorced once, widowed once, and married for the third time. Barbara Crow Tate Brown (she was an Alta Vista Rooster) and I have 5 children between us and 15 grandchildren.

My hobbies are woodworking and sometimes playing the fiddle. I have been a member of three different bands (bluegrass and C&W). Not playing much at the present time. I did get good enough to play the Orange Blossum Special. I also did a little singing with the group.

I wish I had played the fiddle in High School, but I spent all my extra time running track. It would have been fun playing with Gus Mitchell, John Compere, etc.

I'm glad to hear that so many of you girls liked to drive tractors. I grew up on an irrigated cotton-milo farm in Haskell County near Rochester. The last tractor I got to drive before moving to Abilene was a John Deere MT. I was nine years old and drove the tractor through the fence next to the barn. Dad was not too happy.

After Humble Oil discovered oil on our place (nine wells), dad moved us all to Abilene. I had four sisters and one brother. We were like the Beverly Hillbillies. We had an old fender-flapping truck that carried all our worldly possessions. We lived at 601 Amarillo Street. This was just up the 6th Street from Pam Oswalt and her family and down Amarillo street from Charles Scarborough's grandparents (Judge Dallas Scarborough). I noticed that Charles now lives there. We had a large number of children in our neighborhood - Kay Carroll, Susan Bajter, Sam Bass, Eddie Boykin, Robert Rice, Ted Howard, Sidney Seale, John McGowen and some more that I cannot remember at the moment. I was in the 4th grade at Central. Also went to South Jr. High and Lincoln Jr. High.

You know the old saying, "you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy..."?

I sure enjoy my tractor.

PULLING TOGETHER

Education was the way to cultivate the mind;

Where was the best school our parents could find?

Abilene was the hub that drew so many;

If only the school district could find plenty;

Yet, we kept pulling together.

Some came early and some came late,

And some found their much awaited mate.

Some of us were Coyotes, Broncos, Bobcats and Indians;

Some were Crocs, Mustangs, Yellow Jackets and Wildkittins;

Yet, we kept pulling together.

From Ackers to Zuber we came each day;

Some to study and some just to play.

The teachers tried the best they could;

Some showed they were as dense as wood.

Yet, we kept pulling together.

'59 was the year we finely got to soar;

Spreading our wings and wanting far more.

Higher education was not what everyone sought;

We wanted to see and feel what the world taught.

Yet, we kept pulling together.

As our future looked promising and bright;

We pursued our vocation with ultra-delight.

Some became doctors, lawyers, chiefs, and teachers;

Some became mechanics, clerks, and even preachers.

Yet, we kept pulling together.

Some of our 'mates have passed from Eagle to Angel;

Leaving us here on earth to rustle and wrangle.

The memories are so strong and painful to bear;

And to find better friends would be so rare.

Yet, we kept pulling together.

Though left behind to finish our race;

We can only continue at a slower pace.

Pains and heartaches occur all too regular;

They happen without respect and never particular.

Yet, we keep pulling together.

Foy I. Brown

My band memories are my most enjoyable that I have from high school. Does anyone remember sleeping in the overhead racks on our way to Denver? What about the Cotton Bowl half time show?. I was at the top of the "X" in Texas and next to me was the most delicious male from the Air Force Academy that I had ever seen in my whole life. Bet he is fat and bald headed now.

Like many of you, when I saw the list of the "Fallen Eagles", my heart became so heavy. I'm sad that so many people who where a big part of my life growing up are no longer with us. I wish I had been able to tell each of them how important they were to me. Hind sight is always 20/20 but it still makes me sad. Wish I had know about the 45th year reunion.

I stayed active in music for some time after high school. I had a scholarship from the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra as well as a band scholarship from the McMurry band. When we moved to New Mexico, I played for church. After moving to Greece, I ended up with a group of Birts who were into doing Gilbert & Sullivan. I was the one woman percussion section for several of their predictions. I finial got the role of the "daughter-in-law elect" in their presentation of "Mocodo". I even played base guitar with a Blue Grass Group.

While completing my degree after we moved to Greece, I spent my time between McMurry and La Vern University out of California taking classes. When I returned to Abilene, I had the thrill of doing my student teaching at AHS. What memories were awoken as I walked the halls again. I was up in the facility lounge one day, working on a lesson I had to present when I felt like someone was starring a hole though me. sure enough across from me sat Miss.Ball and Mrs. Weaver Finally Miss Ball said "I know you from somewhere", I said I was in your PE class" and then I told here me name. She just laughed and said that she remember me. I was the only student she ever had that failed her Volleyball test.

Boy, what as strange way to make an impression. I also got to see Mr. Sublett. He was going up the stairs as I was going down. He grabbed my arm and said "I know you but I can't remember you name" he proceeded to tell me what play I had been in and what character I played. I dearly loved that man. What fun being in his class.

As a young person you don't really know what you want out of life but you have some " wish I hads". I wish I had a car, I wish I had lots of money, I wish, I wish. And off you go into your life. I met Evan Allen through a blind date, the spring of 59. I had broken off with a serviceman, and wasn't looking to be involved with anyone. I laughed so hard on that first coke date and before the evening came to a close I knew I would marry this man.

We were married Jan. 23,1960 in my family's living room. Evan was going to Texas Tech that year after leaving McMurry the year before. He quit College and started working for a moving Co in Lubbock. A month later we were back in Abilene and he started working for his brother-in-law doing drywall. He had paid for college doing this so it wasn't new. Later that same year he decided to join the service (Air Force) He had been in ROTC at A&M two years before. They had asked where he wanted to go and since he had an aunt and uncle in California and he liked it there, he asked for CA. Second choice Florida, 3rd choice stay in Texas.

We headed for Ca.with all that we owned in a tomato red 1960 VW. Being a home spun girl I had never been to CA. and my big deal was to see a mountain. Each time I saw something larger than I had seen before I ask if that was a mountain. Finally upon arriving in California and getting near PS. He said to me, "that's a Mountain". Something this girl didn't know was that there are cities and towns and lakes on top of those mountains.

Evan and I had an amazing life. David was born in 1962 at Dyess AFB. That's another story. David has been married twice and has four children, two boys and two girls. They, David Rosi and the girls live in Mesa AZ. The boys live in Tenn. with Mother. John had been married once before and has two daughters and 3 grandsons. Evan and I lived in the Riverside area,of Southern CA. After service was over we lived in Tustin, then Corona, then bought a home in Riverside.

Five years later the earthquakes were scaring me and our Son was sick all the time with asthma. We decided to relocate back in Austin,Texas, less smog, no earthquakes. We redid one home and build several, including one for ourselves at lake Austin. I loved it there. I was in the country, had large pecan trees higher than our house and oaks you couldn't put your arms around.

We had to sell that home after 14 months due to those awlful gas prices where we sat in our cars, in line to get gas. No one wanted a house 22 miles from the city limits. House building came to a stop. We decided we needed to go back to CA. We bought a home there and put in a pool for our son, and his many friends and one of my early childhood dreams was fulfilled. A pool.

Evan and I went our separate ways about 7 years later. I got the house and the payments. I was working as an accountant about a mile from my home. I loved my work. I met my second husband at a PWP (parents without partners) function and married John Bailey Dec.5, 1983. He was partners with a man in a company called International Motorsports. My Mom referred to him as the motorcycle man. I left my job in 91. with a little nest egg.

By that time John and I had remodeled the home with the pool and we purchased our first home together. We had a beautiful home in San Jacinto very near those mountains I had seen in Dec 1960. John went to work for the State of California in Feb 1990. During our first fifteen years of marriage we took most of vacations on a motorcycle. I bought a wonderful camera that almost grew to my body. I still have it and I'm able to use my long lens with the newer digital camera. For anything more than a day trip, on the motorcycle, we pulled a trailer. We spent our nights in motels. We met and have maintained lots of friends from those days. I took classes and was able to ride motorcycles also. I also had 4 wheelers. They are great fun. We traveled to San Filippi Mexico, we incorporated a cruise with a motorcycle trip to Canada. It was a wonderful way to enjoy the out of doors and see some amazing country.

In March 2004 John had a back surgery. It didn't quite take care of the problem so Jan. 2005 he had rods put in. That summer we began to seriously look for a new retirement home. They had built a school off to the side of us and built 37 houses right behind our house on a mere 10 acres. Suddenly we were closed in with people more or less looking down into our yard. We had planted lots of trees but couldn't stand the noise. We had planned to retire there. We came back for two family reunions and looked at the Austin area. John didn't like it, and said it was too much like CA. We had bought a second home in Blythe, California for John to stay in during the work week. I spent most of my time in San Jacinto. Winters I spent in Blythe, but winter is short in Ca. We didn't want to retire in Blythe, because of the heat.

So here we are in Tuscola, five miles from a small 30 acre farm I have owned since the early 70's. I never would have thought I would be living here in my retirement. In retirement John and I have become Master Gardeners, I have quilted for about 14 years and I am the currant President of Abilene Quilter's Guild. I have Certification in propagation and rainwater harvesting. We love doing volunteer work for different programs presented by the Master Gardeners, we work at the Zoo, the extension office and other locations. Our next event will be Food and Fiber Day at the fair grounds. We have a quilt show each year and John helps out there too. A tall man is a good asset for hanging quilts.

We do miss California, own family there and the youngest grandson Mason, will be 3 in Sept.

It's been a great life and it is far from over. John and I aspire to be married 50 years and we are going on 26. We have a ways to go. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Doe Bailey Comments made in daily conversations:

I am retired, own a small farm (30 acres) and love growing things. I grew up in Texas and tranplanted to California for most of my adult life. Now I am back in Texas. This time I tranplanted my husband (native Californian) to our now Texas home that is sort of in the country.

I'm only 5 miles away from the farm after having it for 40 years and having it farmed from afar. Now I can go and see what is happening with my crop. Thank goodness the recent rains have helped and the hail a while back didn't take out the crop. I never make much money but love owning the land. I love landscaping design and making things grow. I'm very big on compost and rainwater harvesting. That's all for today.

Comments on Train Trips:

There must be something wrong with my memory. For the life of me I never knew anything about train trips to football games. Were they school sponsored trips? All I remember were buses and a few trips in someone's car. I loved football and was as faithful as I could be, going to every game possible. I've apparently lost it. Totally blank. Maybe I just couldn't afford it and have a mental block about it. I grew up with trains because my grandfather was a section foreman for the Southern Pacific Railroad and my mother and I went on the train all the time when I was young. We lived in Spur and went to my grandparents homes on the train. We went to Houston once, because I was the flower girl for my Dad's stepsister. Memories, I do remember that and that was long before when I was 5 years old. Was this just the band and the football players? Doe Bailey, Jimmy, I do sort of remember the cafeteria [Ft Worth]. What does that say? I remember vividly going to the Texas State Fair on a bus. I never laughed so, much and drank so many cokes. We sang that crazy 99 bottles on beer on the wall and I don't think we stopped until we were done. I rode the double Ferris wheel. It was a very long day. I can almost see the cafeteria. Tall ceilings? Maybe it's the wrong memory. Did you go to my church? It was first on Westmoreland, I think. A small Methodist church. It later became the Epworth Methodist and built a new building at 11th and Willis. My streets may be off. That was a long time ago. Wouldn't we have been freshman in 56? I was at North in the 9th grade.

Betty, I think we had P.E. together. I played basketball and just got by. I never could get my feet off the ground. I could do free throws and some times get a basket. We played half court,didn't we?

All this talk about airmen is sort of funny to me. I married the 3 year older than me College man and he still ended up an Airmen. He was Air Police and guarded the presidents plane on occasion at March AFB. They wanted to make him a lieutenant and send him back to College. It was boring to him and he refused. That's how I first went to CA. I thank God for all servicemen, and women. They all do us a great service. My now husband John was also in the service. He was Army and stationed near Soul Korea. He was single and they interrupted his motorcycle racing career and he wasn't real happy.

I took care of my Mom and Dad for a while here in Abilene. I lived in, California but she didn't want many people in her house. I lost her in 1999 and my Dad in 2000. I think you were a much better care giver than most of us could have been. When we were in Granbury we drove around quite a lot. We are always interested in towns and what they have to offer. We liked Granbury. We saw this area where people had built these giant covers and sheds and then they bring their motor homes there. I had never seen an area like that. I believe they were on water or some were on water. Do you know where I'm talking about?

After graduation my parents took me to Denton hoping I would fall in love with Texas Womens University and not North Texas State. After all, my mother and all her sisters went to TWU. My dad and all my Uncles went to A & M. Carry on the tradition, Jenna. Your chances of marrying an AGGIE will be better if you attend TWU.

So, one weekend we headed for Denton. We got out of the car at TWU and were walking across the campus when suddenly a bird that was full of mulberries decided to unload on our family, but, I was the only one the birdie deposit hit. Did I have a change of clothes.... NOOOOO! So my mom went to the store and bought a blouse with red birds all over it. She could hardly keep a straight face as I opened the sack. She got a teenage eye roll for that one. Yes, this incident made my decision to go to North Texas much easier. In all my four years at NT not one bird pooped on me. I took this as a sign that I had chosen the right place to further my education. I graduated in 1963 with an elementary teaching degree.

Near the end of my senior year, Jefferson County Public Schools (Denver Colorado) came to North Texas State to interview for teachers. I was hired on the spot and went to Denver with two college girl friends. We all had teaching jobs with Jefferson County. A few weeks after we got settled into our apartment, Martha Fox Sauter came to live with us and work on her masters degree. And, and, she met Vern.

I arrived in Denver the latter part of August, about two weeks before school started. I met this incredibly handsome hunk at a college hang out (bar) about a week after I got here. Called my parents in October and told them I was bringing my fiance home for Thanksgiving to meet them and that we wanted to get married December 23, 1963. My mother pulled off an incredible wedding in a short time. After marrying off two daughters, I apologized to her for pulling that one on her.

Jan Lance Krankota finished his senior year at Colorado School of Mines with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. We headed to Cincinnatti (Reading) Ohio where he worked for General Electric making jet engines for one year and I taught first grade. We headed back to Denver so he could get his Masters Degree at the same School of Mines. I taught Kindergarten. We had our first child in January of 1967 and he graduated in June. We moved to San Jose, California where he again worked for General Electric making nuclear reactors. We had our first son in July of 1968 and second daughter in October of 1972.

We moved back to Denver in 1977 and have been here ever since. Jan took an early retirement from Rocky Flats in 1995 since they were closing the plant. He worked for the EPA part time for a few years. I worked as an Assistant Director of Children's Ministry at Arvada Covenant Church, where we attend, for six years and then substituted for six years.

We have three children and seven grandchildren. Two of our children live in the Denver area and one lives in Florida. We get to see our Florida kids at least three or four times a year. Being a grandparent is more fun than being a parent. Do you all agree?

My parents and my brother are deceased. My sister lives in the Seattle area. The only relative I have in Abilene is my cousin, Calvin Montgomery and his family. Calvin is also Jimmy and Percy Parsons' cousin.

On the morning after our high school graduation, I was scheduled to take my entrance exams at Abilene Christian University. We had been up all night for an after-graduation party. To say the least, I was surprised to even pass the exam and be accepted to ACU. I, along with Nancy Savage, were the only 2 persons from Abilene to sign up for a special summer program through ACU. We completed 26 hours in the summer after graduation. We had all Department Heads for our instructors, and the program was rigorous, to say the least. When I started my fall semester in September, I was certified as a Sophomore. with a major in medicine. In my Biology class I soon met my future husband, Joe Smithwick. We were married December 19, 1959, and continued with our education at ACU.

We had three children, one son and two daughters. They are all grown now and have families of their own. I have a total of seven grandchildren, whom I adore. I was one of the fortunate mothers who was able to be a stay-at-home mom for many years. My husband worked for General Dynamics and provided well for us. I was able to do the "room mother thing", helped coach little league and girl's softball teams, and tote kids everywhere.

In 1980, my husband suffered a mental breakdown, and was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic (which is an inherited illness). This was a really tough time for the entire family, especially the children. I remained in the marriage for another 2 years, before finally getting a divorce. I continued to love and care for Joe, just couldn't live in the situation any longer. On December 20, 1983 Joe died of a massive heart attack.

I still had three children at home, and found that I would have to go back to work on a full-time basis. I worked for almost 20 years for the largest land developer in Abilene (Musgrave Enterprises), which was a far cry from my training in the medical field. During the time that I worked there, I managed office buildings, shopping centers, restaurants, drilling rigs and an oil empire, built several houses and learned the "art of the deal" in real estate. I loved my work and was very good at what I did for the company. Mr. Kenneth L. Musgrave owned the company at that time. As I proved myself to him as an honest hard working woman, he gave me small interests in all of his projects. In April, 1998, I decided that it was time to retire, travel and relax for a change.

The "retirement" lasted for a few wonderful months, and then I became busier that I had ever been in my life!!!! My mother is 90 years old now, and I take care of her. She lives alone, but I manage everything for her. My son owns a company (Smithwick Construction, Inc.) which installs and maintains hi-line electrical lines all over Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. I work part time for him, and am an officer of the company. I also have a part time ebay business. In addition to working, I have gone back to college to get my certification in Medical Transcription. This is one of the most difficult classes that I have ever taken. However, I am almost finished with the course, and hope to be working by the first of next year for doctors in and around the Abilene area.

My greatest challenge was thrust upon me in 2005, when I took 2 teenage grandsons to raise. They are 15 and 18 years old, and the best kids you could ever ask for. The oldest one will be playing soccer for the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in the fall. He will be a freshman. His younger brother will be a sophomore at Wylie High School here in Abilene. I have learned all over again just how much teenage boys can eat!!!! I spend every day cooking, cleaning, washing, etc. for these kids. I have learned again what it means to have 15 soccer players spending the night after a championship game. We sometimes have wall-to-wall sleeping bags, and stinky boys everywhere!!! But, I am just loving raising these kids. All their friends call me "Mimi", just as my own grandchildren do.

I have had a very good life and am a very happy person. I've accomplished things that I never thought I could to --- like snow skiing at the age of 40, building homes as a woman, making beautiful items from stained glass, buying and selling property for a profit. I love to cross stitch difficult patterns, which require many hours, and I enjoy making the stained glass items. My only problem is that I need 48 hours in the day instead of 24!!!!

Nelda Clinton Smithwick

Left West Texas after 1959 AHS graduation for education and adventure. Graduated from Texas Tech University (BA, 1963) and the University of Texas Law School (JD, 1966). Pursued military and civilian professional careers for 40+ years (VA, GA, KY, Thailand, Vietnam, TX, Honduras, Panama, DC, San Antonio). Retired in 2007 and returned to Baird family ranch with wife Dolores (Baird HS '60 and HSU alumna). 4 adult children residing in Baird, Austin, San Antonio and Orlando, FL with 2 grandchildren in Baird. Enjoying ranching and grandchildren. Truly blessed to be back Home.

In the fall following our AHS graduation, I went to Howard Payne College in Brownwood. Hardly anybody graduates from college in 4 years anymore - that's old fashioned now. However, I graduated with a BS in business in the regulation 4 years.

A few months following graduation, I married a HPC classmate, Ed Davis, and moved with him to New Orleans where he was in graduate school. The next move was to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where Ed was doing more graduate school. I was employed at the UNC School of Medicine as the Pediatrics Education Coordinator - coordinating the pediatrics and med/ped residencies and the pediatrics clinical rotations for medical students. Almost my entire working life was spent there, and I retired in 2002, although I am still very involved with alumni affairs.

Ed is still on the UNC faculty but will retire completely next summer. The most important job, however, was raising two wonderful daughters who live in Charlotte, NC and Washington DC.

In my retirement I've become a professional volunteer. I'm involved with Meals on Wheels, cooking at the homeless shelter kitchen, making quilts for hospitalized children, lots of church work, gardening, sewing, working for the county board of elections, etc. I also try to see my grandchildren as often as possible - they do live reasonably close by.

Last fall Ed and I moved into a retirement community here in Chapel Hill. He still goes to work and I still do volunteer stuff, but this does free up more time for reading, travel and goofing off.

After Abilene High in 1959 I entered the Navy as a recruit and advanced to Second Class Petty Officer by the time I left in 1966. Had a choice of going to Viet Nam or geting out. I got out. Went to work for International Harvester as an employment clerk and in 1967 went into the Coast Guard Reserve because the Navy did not want me back at the same pay level.

I was living in Chicago at the time married with a 4 year old daughter and had gone to Naval Air Station Glenview north of Chicago. Got lost one the way home and past an Armed Forces Reserve Training Center which had a big Coast Guard recruiting sign out front. Went into the office and they took me in that day one pay grade higher than when I left the Navy.

I rose quickly in the ranks and when I retired in 200l from the Coast Guard Reserve I had traveled to the North Sea, Mederterrian Sea, Black Sea and all but 6 states in the contintental United States.

After 20 years with International Harvester and obtaining the position of Chief Plant Protection and Safety, I quit after Tennaco bought then and went to work at a pecan factory in Corsicana, Texas. Worked there two years and went back on active duty with the Coast Guard for six years. During all those years picked up two associate degrees in Law Enforcement and Fire Science and a BA in Social Justice. Worked as a Shipping Manager in a family computer business for a few years and then as an Executive Administrator for a non-profit organization in Chicago.

My wife Nancy and I had a son while living in Chicago and between our daughter and son we have seven grandkids, 5 boys and two girls. Nancy and I will be married 48 years this September and now live in Houston. Nancy is a retired school teacher. We love being retired and going where we want to, when we want to and for as long as we want to. Nancy is a quilter and I'm a wood worker hobbist and golfer. Looking forward to the reunion in October. Have never attended any of the previous ones.

Forrest

My Life after AHS '59

Not knowing what I wanted to do, I started college at McMurry, the college campus just on the other side of the boulevard from my home since the sixth grade. My parents thought I'd get more out of the college experience if I lived on campus. The first night I ran home before lights out to retrieve my toothbrush which I'd forgotten to pack. And so the fun began. I lasted in dorm life the first semester of my freshman and sophomore years. By the junior year my parents had caught on and I lived at home before dropping out for good the second semester.

While at McMurry, I worked part time at KNIT Radio as one of the Female 'Air Hostesses'. The husband of Ellen Turner, AHS English teacher, was the engineer for KNIT, an interesting experience. I married H.E.Dunlap, AHS class of '56 and our first son, Matt, was born Christmas Day 1963. I went to work at Jay Rollins Library at McMurry in the fall of 1963 and H.E. started back to school. After he graduated in 1966 we moved with Swift & Co to Little Rock, not our favorite place to live. He changed careers to get us out of Arkansas and we landed in Irving, TX with Consolidated Freightways. Our second son, Chris, was born July 15, 1986. We moved back to Abilene and I went back to work at the library.

1972 we moved to Oklahoma City with Sirloin Stockade International and I began the life of a corporate wife; bridge, parties, impromptu get togethers and Sooner Football (a little hard for two Texas people to handle); also a little hard on the personal relationships.

Divorced in 1974 and remarried - justified the quick marriage because he was a Methodist, Republican, Doctor, Del Lacefield - my parents weren't buying that explanation, either. That marriage lasted about six months. I worked for Alexander Grant & Company in OKC, a CPA firm. Had a surprise one day when I picked up the phone and recognized a voice, Little Joe Rogers (remember him?) a client of the firm.

By 1977 my Dad decided there had to be something better for his two divorced daughters to be doing and we started a yarn shop in North Dallas. The Yarn Emporium opened in Pepper Square in the fall of 1977 just as both major streets, Preston and Beltline, went under construction. Needless to say that wasn't good for business and we closed the shop after five years.

During that time, latch hook was out and Counted Cross Stitch was in as a popular pass time. Besides picking up a new needlework craft, I acquired a new husband, Ray Stevens, the head contractor for the developing shopping center. My youngest son, Josh Stevens, was born June 2, 1979. His father had three sons and I had the two; that's when I found out the Brady Bunch was truly a figment of someone's imagination. It's just not true.

Divorced in 1982, I went to work for another CPA firm. In 1984 I ended up in Abilene and began my relationship with banks and mortgage banking. I was transferred back to Dallas in January of 1996 with MCorp. I'm still on the job and enjoying it. Different bank, different (and much younger) people but a truly enjoyable experience everyday. When it's not fun any more I'll retire but right now that's just not the life for me.

For a collage drop-out I've done pretty well. I managed to keep a roof over my head and food on the table. I have one grandson, Brady Charles Stevens, born March 14th this year. I got to hold him when he was just minutes old - and the next love story begins.

All in all, I don't think I'd change a thing. I've met many interesting people. Rubbed elbows with celebrities during my OKC experience and the bicentennial celebration in 1976. I had a brush of politics in the early days with Helen Bradbury hosting receptions for aspiring politicians and grassroots movement in OKC.

Found out only after my father died that other people knew what a fabulous person Glenn Cutting really was and I just called him, Daddy. When my only sister, Elinore passed away in 2003 I watched my mother grieve until her death in 2008. For all those who have lost children, my heart goes out to you. For years my mother, Ruth Cutting, R.N. kept up with lots of my high school and college friends through her work at two different doctor's offices. She kept up with the lives of so many of you and your parent's stories brought her so much joy.

The recent reunions and mini reunions of the AHS class of 1959 have been a wonderful addition to my life. I appreciate all the time all the organizers have put into getting our fiftieth put together.

Hello, Class of '59: I am not a member of the class of '59 as I did not come back to AHS for that senior year. I married in Feb of 58, I did graduate from Blackwell HS. While in AHS, I worked in the library and took all of the math classes I could. After high school, I worked at the Paramount Theatre while my husband was overseas in the army.

We started our family with the birth of a son and a daughter in 1962 and 64, after which I started to college. In McMurry, I worked in the accounts payable office and carried a full load of classes. I graduated in 1972 with an Education degree in Physical Education and English. I started teaching at a small school in Runnels Co, Wingate ISD, teaching English and coaching all sports, both boys and girls. I worked there for 5 years. I then worked at Bronte ISD, teaching in the Migrant Program, (English and Math); and then taught the Gifted Program for 10 years, finishing my teaching career with Computer Education and Business. A very varied group of classes and I enjoyed every one.

In 1988, I received a Masters of Education from Angelo State Univ. I needed 6 more hours to receive a Masters in Guidance, but plans to retire and help with the care of my Mother, I did not finish this. I seemed to be going to school all my life. Then last week Doe came up to me at a quilt program, and said, "I know you." Of course she did, I have been in the quilt guild for years. Then she pulled out my picture from the 1958 annual. She found me and I did not even know I was lost. That's my story!

Discussion on where we were born:

I was born at home also, born in Merkel. Delivered by a midwife, with Dr Sadler coming to check me. The old 2 story house is still standing, it has weathered as well me. (snicker)

Wanda Derington Brewer

Emil & I married on January 25, 1964 in Blessing, TX. He began his teaching career in Pasadena, TX on January 27, 1964 - teaching Junior High Math. I worked for a finance company in Pasadena for 3 years, quitting a month before our first daughter, DeDe, was born on January 5, 1967. Our 2nd daughter, Tracey, was born on February 9, 1969. I was a stay-at-home mom until both girls were in school & then I went back to work at Deer Park High School - North campus (9th & 10th grade campus) in 1976. I worked 10 years as attendance clerk and 10 years as secretary to assistant principals. Emil taught in Pasadena for 6 years & Deer Park ISD as math & shop teacher for 25 years.

Although we lived in Pasadena, both our girls were "grandfathered " into Deer Park schools. Tracey got her degree in psychology at Texas A&M, & DeDe got an accounting degree at University of Houston - Clear Lake. Tracey is a special ed counselor at Pasadena High school & DeDe & her husband, John Plemons, own an allstate agency in Deer Park.

I had an aortic anuerysm (ascending) that was ready to burst in August, 1995. I also had heart valve replacement & by-pass the same day. The doctors at St Luke's called me "the miracle lady". The doctor that discovered it said he had never seen one that bad except on an autopsy table. I finished out the 95-96 school year after several months recuperation & retired in June, 1996. (Emil had retired in 1994). We traveled, went dancing, camping & just learned to enjoy life. I've had another aortic anuerysm (descending) in May, 2006. Although I was life flighted to Hermann Hospital this one didn't scare me as much.

I lost Emil to stomach/liver cancer on July 25, 2004 - we had celebrated our 40th anniversary on January 25, 2004. He had been diagnosed a month before. It was such a hard time, but I am glad that he didn't linger & suffer. He was such a fun person - and interesting. He collected antique clocks & set up shop to fix clocks. He intended to do that when he retired, but carparal tunnel syndrom surgery made it hard for him to handle the little pieces. He still worked on ours. He also collected Lionel trains, and for 10 years he raised bees & we had a honey business. (Now I have an attic full of Lionel trains which I intend to keep & a house, shop & garage full of antique clocks that I want to sell.) He turned the acre behind our house into a garden. He gave 95% of the produce away -we never sold anything from our garden.

I'll always miss him, but my girls keep me very busy. Tracey & I have season's tickets to "Broadway Across America" at the Hobby Theater in Houston and we take a trip every summer - California this year, Hawaii last year, and Alaska the year before and I've done about 7-8 cruises with DeDe & John. We also have a girl's weekend every spring (usually Easter or Tracey's spring break) with the girls, my mom, my sisters & I in Fredericksburg. We stay at a 100-year-old farm house with several acres around it - so peaceful. My 88 year mom lives with me (she's been with us since 1991).

I've had a wonderful life. I guess it's pretty boring, but I wouldn't trade it.

I remained in Abilene after graduation until 1964-65 when I moved to Houston. Two years later, my parents and I moved to Arlington.

I married in 1969 and saw most of the south, since J.D. was a job shopper. Thank heaven he was working direct at General Dynamics in Fort Worth when my sister, Gwen, died. God knew my parents would need me at that particular time.

From 1976 to 1981, I was local until J.D. found work in the Charleston, S.C. area, the only place I felt at home since Abilene. I loved it.

From 1983, it was west of Texas, even Washington State for one month where it came a shower once just for me. God made sure of that. Then, once more to the South (Georgia) and home to Texas, where we retired. We lived in Greenville until J.D. died and I continued to live there until 1997 when I came to Arlington.

Since then, I lost Mother (99), her sister (98), her brother (90) (my uncle Charles), and her youngest brother John (85).

The Lord has blessed me royally with family and the closeness of that family.

DAVID ELSEY

So many of have been blessed with such a good life!

I spent two years as a Presidential Communications Officer in the The White Communications Agency (WHCA) during Nixon's first two years of office. As I often say, I saw so much history being made daily, good, bad or indifferent. I left after two years, instead of staying the full four year tour, because I had been selected to participate in the Officer Undergraduate Degree Completion Program. Hence the one and 1/2 years at the University of Tampa.

I also traveled to SE Asia with VP Agnew and the Apollo 11 astronauts during their good-will tour, Dec '69-Jan '70, responsible for the Taipei, Singapore and Hawaii stops. Besides 24 Presidential trips in the United States, I also travel led to Spain with Nixon in '71. I also worked under a Navy Officer (Lt Cmdr) the last year in the White House - good people!

I met LTG Dick Knowles at Fort Hood during the mid 70's. He was with the 1st Cav then. This was the same unit he served with in RVN as a LTC. Many of my Infantry OCS classmates also know him. Ten of my classmates were in the Battle of Ia Drang - '65. Three were killed during the battle and another classmate, Joe Marm, won the Medal of Honor. The book (and the movie), Once We Were Soldiers... and Once We Were Young, portrays the battle.

My tours overseas were in Germany with an Airborne-Ranger Company '65-'66, Vietnam with the 25th Inf Div '67-'68 and in Korea '78-'79. Korea was a real hell-hole! I was stationed with the 2nd Inf Div at Camp Casey and spent most of my time between there and the DMZ - miserable conditions.

Following our graduation, I attended Texas Womans University as a nursing major and graduated in 1963. I started working in the Emergency Room at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Yes, I was employed in the emergency room when Kennedy was shot but I was not on duty. When I heard what had happened I immediately went to the hospital and was standing outside the emergency room when Jackie and his casket came out. The emergency room staff was in shock and the supervisor requested that I clean up the emergency room where Kennedy had been. As I cleaned the room, I picked up the yellow roses that Jackie had been given and put them in the trash never thinking that one day those roses could be sold on eBay. It was a horrible day in my life. After a few more months in the emergency room I was transferred back to the Operating Room. I had worked all through nursing school in the Operating Room and had always planned to be an OR nurse.

In January 1965, I joined Pan America World Airways as a stewardess. I enjoyed flying to all parts of the world. I was based in Miami, San Francisco, and New York which covered most countries and many Islands of the world. Besides, I got great discounts to take safaris to East and South Africa, cruise the Grecian Islands, tours to Europe, visiting the Taj Mahal, climbing the Great Wall of China and etc,. Traveling is my hobby and I just returned from three weeks in France and Italy.

After almost 6 years of flying I decided to return to nursing and Texas. I moved to Dallas and have been employed by Children's Medical Center since 1970. I started as staff nurse in the Operating Room and worked my way to being Director of the Perioperative Services. After almost 25 years in the Perioperative services, we got a new Vice President of Nursing and she replaced most of the Nursing Directors in the hospital. I was transferred to Information Service Department because in 1985 the operating room had put the first clinical computer system in the hospital. I was maintaining this system until the hospital decided to establish an Information Service Department. I have worked in the Information Service Department for the last 14years as a system analyst.

I retired from Children's in December 2007 and was re-employed in April 2008. This was mine and Children's plan. I wanted to start drawing my pension from Children and the only way was to retire and wait a few months and then be hired back. I continue to work and enjoy helping to design, maintain and support various computer systems at our hospital.

I live mostly in Dallas during the week in my duplex but on the weekend I head to Granbury to enjoy my home there.