Class reunion

This is a picture taken of several of the members of Warsaw (IL) High School Class of 1983. There are several who joined us at various times, who did not get their pictures taken.

Ingrid and I just returned from a reunion weekend. I had not seen these people since 1981. Due to my mother's death, I left Warsaw after sophomore year, and graduated from another school in 1983.

When we arrived in the area, the first person I made contact with was Melissa Keltner Mathis. Melissa and I missed being classmates by a year. She attended WHS for senior year only. I phoned her to let her know we were nearby, and about fifteen minutes later we met face to face, for the first time.

After getting settled in, more people began to arrive. Melinda Clothier Bosworth arrived from St. Louis with her daughter, Julie. As others flowed in, it became a festive party atmosphere. The afternoon was spent talking, laughing, and reminiscing. Several bottles of fine Missouri wine were opened, and consumed. Stories were told, good times, remembered, and wine and munchies polished off.

Around eight PM, a group of us totaling nine went to the Brewery restaurant. For many years Warsaw was the home of Burgemeister beer, and the brewery was located just north of town on the banks of the Mississippi River. The brewery closed in the late 60's and the building sat empty for years. Just a few years ago, it was remodeled into a restaurant. It is a great atmosphere, and really good food. There was a brand new local band playing called Hangover. They are mostly comprised of 17 and 18 year old guys. They played classic rock and newer hits too.

After dinner, we returned to the cabin with more stories, talking and laughing. I was up with the group until 3:15 AM, when the last ones not staying at the cabin left. I haven't had so much fun in a very long time.

A plan is in the works for another gathering in November, right before Thanksgiving and the same weekend as opening of deer season.

I think I will have more to say about this weekend in the coming days.

Until then, keep your stick on the ice.

ROAD TRIP!!!!

We're getting ready to take a trip. We are headed to Warsaw IL, my hometown, for an informal reunion of the Warsaw High School Class of 1983. I did not graduate with them, due to moving away after sophomore year. A few have maintained contact over the years, with even a few more thanks to Facebook. We will be leaving within an hour...and returning late tomorrow (Sunday) evening. I will have more to say when I return.

Not counting this past January when I was injured and unable to work, this is the first (!) full weekend, Sat./Sun., that I have had off since I began working at Walmart. I am not complaining, mind you. I accept working on Saturdays in order to have Sundays off. When I began part time, I made clear that I wanted Sundays off, for worship. They have complied......except for six weeks last Aug/Sept when my boss would schedule me to come in at 1 pm. It did allow me to attend morning service. But, I digress.

I have not seen these people since 1981. I don't use this term as a rule............but I am excited to see them again. As I said, I will have more comments (and maybe pictures) when we get back.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

"Death....is a part of life"

The title is a quote from Forrest Gump. Sally Field, as his mom, says those words to him as she lays dying. It has always been true....I just hadn't heard it put that way until that movie.

I first began to learn about death at age seven, when my father's parents died within 3 months of each other. It continued through childhood, with the death of a classmate at age 13, and a classmate's mother the same year, along with a seven month old cousin.

At sixteen, I lost the person closest to me, my mother. It altered the course of my life. Everyone has stories like this; they are unique to the individual.

In the last two weeks, several celebrity deaths have made headlines. Some of those I have mentioned here. The latest: British acress Mollie Sugden, best known in America for her role as Mrs. Slocombe in "Are You Being Served?" and "Are You Being Served? Again!" She is the third cast member in the last two years to pass away.

Each person who passes away leaves grieving family and friends. In that regard, ordinary people and famous people are the same. We should appreciate and live the lives we have....with gratefulness, humility, and service to others.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

The unexpected continues

Good day at church today. Always a pleasure to be with my church family.

Got home and the headlines on the internet was "TV pitchman Billy Mays found dead in Florida home." Commercials will never be the same........BILLY MAYS FOR OXI-CLEAN!!!!!!

Cooled off around here today. More of the same through most of the week. Good.

Cardinals lose 2 out of 3 games to Minnesota. Humph.

Joey Logano, a rookie, wins the rain shortened NASCAR race today.

I'm tired. Seems like I have been for years. Oh well.


Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Big News Day

So far this week three popular entertainers have passed away. Tuesday, Ed McMahon. Today, Farrah Fawcett and, shockingly, Michael Jackson.

Farrah Fawcett was the iconic pin up girl of the 1970's. I was not one to have posters on my bedroom walls. But I had her poster. :-) She later showed that she was more than just a pretty face; she could act as well, evidenced by three Emmy nominations. Cancer, as with so many others, took her life at the too-young age of 62.

Michael Jackson most likely was the most talented of the Jackson clan; Janet runs a very close second. His albums "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" are some of his best work. The strangeness that engulfed the last half (or longer) of his life, sadly, is what some will remember most. Even with all that, he should be remembered as a talented performer. The King of Pop......gone at age 50.

Zoning out the church

Zoning out the church

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Day Off

Even though Thursday is my day off, I had figured on working today. There are four of us in the meat department @ Champaign Walmart. One of my co-workers lost his mother this past Sunday night; the funeral is tomorrow. Another (the least senior member of the team) took 3 days off, yesterday, today, and tomorrow for a family wedding. I asked about working today, and was told that the store manager does not want any overtime. Which today would have been for me. So, I am home today while the department lead works alone. Not ideal, but what can you do?

I still am stoked about yesterday and seeing my friends the Dowells. They came all the way from Virginia as a result of connecting with a few former church family members here in Rantoul. As I said yesterday, an example of the correct use of Facebook.

Tuesday evening, my niece Elexus hit a GRAND SLAM home run and pitch the first 3 innings of her game. Immediately after the homer, she was taken off the mound and put in center field. She had a five run lead at the time. The other team came back to win 12-11. Bummer. Another game tonight...if it doesn't rain.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.