Yo there, Carron!

Really good to hear from you tonight! I'm sitting here watching the Bengals and the Ravens play football.

I'm just sooooooooooooo happy that we have connected and become such good friends! It is really neat to establish a friendship with someone that you once knew, but didn't really 'know'; if you know what I mean.

Oh my gosh....I just saw an advertisement for the movie 'Rocky Balboa' which is going to be released at Christmas time! I can't believe that Stallone is still trying to make these types of movies....I really liked the 'Rocky' movies, so I'm sure I will have to go.

So do you have any big Christmas plans? Rhonda's parents, her brother & his family are all coming out for a week. I think we are going to take them up to Breckenridge for a couple of days so that the kids can go skiing. Since I ended up buying the girls a car; we aren't going to do too many things that cost money!

I'm really starting to dislike my job here; too many Soldiers from Fort Carson are getting wounded and killed and I have to account/track all of them. I really thought that this would get easy after the first few; however, I'm learning that it only gets harder.

Well, I'm really glad to see that you have your shit together and can cut through the bullshit and keep things in perspective.

Anyway, I've rambled on long enough tonight; take it easy and stay in touch.

Love Ya,

Mike (Hauser)

Carron,

DFW Weather: AM Rain/Ice/Wind:

Rain & freezing rain in the morning...then cloudy and a few snow showers in the afternoon. Winds 20-30 mph. High temps in mid 30's. Chance of precip 80%. Snow & ice accumulation one inch.

It's about damn time we get some winter down here!

Brett

It just occured to me that I didn't post a picture of Maribeth from our little gathering last Saturday night!

So, here she is!!!

Hi, Carron--
Loved the pictures of the "mini reunion" at Thanksgiving....looks like you all had fun. Lance came home the day before Thanksgiving and will be here until after the New Year. He went job hunting this morning...before his oil pipeline days he was a cowboy/ranchhand....so he found a job today to "kill time" until he goes back to the oil fields.

I'm wasting time at the moment...don't want to finish a paper that is due tomorrow. Thought I'd just pop in and see what's been happening with you. Only two more weeks of school, then a final the next week, then we're off until January 16th. I'm soooooo ready for it!

I've attached a couple more pictures. One is of Lance during a coyote hunt competition last January. The other is of me with the executive director and president of the Colorado Education Association. I had received an engraved clock for serving on the state board of directors for seven years. That was one of my best memories of my teaching years.

Well, I guess the paper won't write itself. Better "hut two" and git 'er done..........

Tell everyone hi...

Deb

Sitting here tonight reading "People" magazine. Phone rings.

It's Sherri Wessels!!

How amazing! And, how fun. :-)

sherrisanchez@bellsouth.net

Hello, fellow classmates.

Sorry I had planned to make it last Friday but changed my mind at the last minute. Hope maybe you guys will be around at Christmas time.

I suppose since you came at Thanksgiving, Steph, you won't be here at Christmas. Does your Mom still live in town? How about Mike? Is he around?

My older brother still lives in town and my younger brother lives down the street from me in Marion. Unfortunately, I see him all the time.

Hey Mark, I got some incriminating pictures from a toga party I had with your big old moon going on. Maybe I will get that posted for you.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Maybe lots of people will be back at Christmas.

Michelle Phillips

Carron,

Perhaps you've heard of this group, as they have grown to 63,000 members strong. I have been a member since June 1st. It's a great cause but it sure is tough watching parents bury their sons/daughters.

http://patriotguard.org/

Brett

Steve, Kathy, Carron, and Scott in spirit!

The gang.

Some old guy, Dan Payton, Stu, Kathy, Mark H., Mark L., Carron, Al, Brenda, Steph, Steve, Tony and Jeff in front.

Kipp, Stu, and Jeff

Steve, Steph, Mark, and Al

Melissa and Steve, Kathy, Brenda, and Steph

Kathy, Doug Wortman, Brenda, Jeff, Steve and his wife, Melissa

Tony, Carron, Mark, and Brenda

Kathy and Mark

Kathy and a picture of Brett

Kathy, Brenda, and Steph

Tony, Kipp, and Steph

Brenda and Kipp

Stu and Carron

Kathy, Jeff, and Carron

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDA!!

Kath was one defraggin' bastard today.

Wow. Real slow news day.

Will be big tomorrow with tonight's photos!

Check back then!

My cat, Odie.

It has been a slow news weekend. Hair and cats. It's all I can come up with.

Gray hair, gray cat. Makes sense to me.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Why does a man's hair appear to be more gray when he cuts it extremely short than it does when he lets it grow out an inch or two?

http://opp.ipiphotonet.com/webpreview_large.aspx?id=1218592

Click on the above link to see a picture of Tina and Donelle Hatcher. Tina got 2nd place in a recipe contest at the PumpkinFest in October. She is holding her award-winning pumpkin cobbler bars!

Whoo-hoo for Tina.

Brett - the boob.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My day includes a glass of wine, a stuffed gut, a long walk, some football, and a nap.

My wish is that everyone has lots for which to be thankful and that you get to share it with those you love.

Have a great day!

Carron,

That's awesome! It's generally around 40 in the morning when I ride to work. I have yet to put on the chaps but's that's probably because the shop is only 10 miles away and I don't feel like messing with the stuff. Sounds like you had a nice, fun little ride! We'll do something like that once in a while both in the DFW metroplex and out in the Texas country. There are plenty of joints around here that have bike parking.

I hate the phone! I'm on it a lot at work and avoid it once I get off work. I used to be a network design engineer at MCI and then later at Cingular Wireless. I was on the phone all the friggin' time arguing with vendors and phone companies. By the time I got home, I wouldn't talk on the phone or even answer the door. I'd let my boxer answer the door for me :-) and the person usually left immediately.

Fair warning: If a call comes through and I don't recognize the name/number, I will not answer it. I'll add yours to my address book and depending on where I'm at or what I'm doing, I'll gladly pick up. But I will generally answer a call from the 319 area code.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Peace out, biker bitch!

Brett

P.S. I need to replace the cable to my scanner and then I can scan some pics (you know the ones that people take for you that are still not using a digital camera?)

A picture your dad used to make a drawing for me!

I was 2 1/2 years old!

Carron,

Have fun at your Thanksgiving weekend bash..... Try to say nice things about me. You'll be happy to know we got down to the mid 40's for overnight lows, and in a few places set some record low temps.

I've been meaning to scan and e-mail more photos from France and our June 1980 band trip to South Dakota. Lots of shots of class of '80 members as well. Will have to forward them to webmaster (or is it web-mistress? -- sounds kind of naughty) Lisa Heitland. Plus I still owe Brenda H. a CD of France photos.

Got to agree with Karla B. about the smoke at Tuckers. After Tina and I got back to my parents house from our 'reunion' last September, we tossed ALL our smoky clothes outside on their patio and put them in the wash next morning.

I'll see if I can get some computer time over the long weekend.

Ciao, baby.....

TOM H.

(Yeah!! Look who's coming! Fire up!)

Carron:

I can stop by Tucker's on Saturday for an hour or two. Got to be in Mt. Vernon at 8 PM but can hang out until 7:30 or so. See ya there!

Kent Reynolds

Hey Carron,

Not up to much other than going to work. I will try to find a photo of something significant although I not sure what that would be.

Everything is going fine. Not looking forward to my birthday.

If I am in town Saturday, I will stop in. We had talked about going to Des Moines to see my niece play basketball, but not sure what the final plan is.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Say hello to your entire family. I will let you know what I am doing as far as Saturday night.

Love you,
Mark

Hi Carron,

Sorry to be slow to respond. Yesterday was one of those days at the office where I seem to be always about 1 hour behind where I should be.

How is your dad doing? I have been praying for you all through this time. You have been blessed with good news as far as cancer, but the surgerys on our parents are not easy on any of us. My Dad has had more then his share the last couple years (2 hip replacements, kidney surgery, and a 4way heart by-pass). He's finally doing better I think. It's hard not to worry though. It seems "Red" never was sick when I was a kid so he's not very good at it! :)

We are looking forward to having our oldest son Victor home for Thanksgiving. He lives in Wichita and we don't get to see him often. He travels for a professional theatre troop. They do shows geared for children and go into schools all over the midwest. They also teach classes and seminars to the young people about acting. He is not only acting but is also the manager of the tour so he has had a taste of the real world!

Jim's family is planning their Thanksgiving for Saturday so it is doubtful we can come. If something changes, we will try to make it. It would be nice to see everyone again.

I have enjoyed so much keeping up with everyone on this site. I am hoping to get a site started for class of 1982. I also think a 3 year reunion would be a great idea!! I would love to help get one going. I have relived many fun memories of the class of 81 since I started reading this site. I had a couple classes with all seniors when I was a junior and was able to get to know alot of you. I was looking at old senior pictures this weekend and had alot of fun with that. I have a great picture of Mike Hauser! It has been great to hear from him again.

Well, I was a little more long winded then I meant to be. I better get back at it!

Take care and may your Holidays be filled with Thanks and Blessings!

Take care, Carron, and God Bless--

Kris (Campbell May)

Hey Carron!

Nice photo! Glad to hear that your father is in great spirits (even if the Hawks lost). I'm sure he will be out swinging the clubs in no time at all.

Rhonda's folks are here from Cedar Falls for the week. The girls have to go to school until Wednesday and I'm working until Wednesday as well. Things are pretty busy, but we are looking forward to having 4 days off in a row!

So what's new with you? I hope all is well. Take care and I will talk to you soon.

Cheers,

Mike (Hauser)

November 20, 1940:

Happy Birthday #66, Dad.

I love you! You are my hero and my idol.

Can't wait until you are home with us on Thanksgiving.

Carron

Carron:

So nice of you to send me a special note. I've just been real busy, so I
haven't been keeping up with the e-mails.

Big change in my life. After working for St. Luke's full time for 15
years, I'm going to part time. Big decision, but one I hope I won't
regret. Unfortunately, I'm not wealthy enough to just get to go part
time, I'm actually going to work more at a Nursing home in Marion. I've
been doing that on a "as needed" basis for the last 6 months, to see if
I like it. Well, it all just kind of happened, and I hope that it will
allow me more flexibility in my schedule and hopefully even Friday's
off!!!! yippee!!!!!

I was going to comment on Tom's little video..... something like.....
"Didn't your Mama ever teach you not to flirt if you aren't going to
put out the goods?". I think we should all plan a winter Florida vacation
and go see Tom. That should teach him to taunt us. Flights to Florida
are cheap!!!!

I'm glad your Dad is doing much better. I was lame about responding to
all that, but again; time just wasn't on my side. I was sick all weekend, and am not quite over it yet. But I do want you to know, I added
all of you to my prayers. I really believe in that!

Unfortunately, I don't think I will see you guys on the weekend. The
smoke at the bar has a terrible effect on me, and I get bad headaches, as
if I've drank a ton. Last time; I had a rough day of it at work and my
throat hurt for about 4 days. I just can't do that scene very well;
although I had a blast seeing everyone. I'll just check out the blog
site, cuz I know you will have pictures.

Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Karla (Bonifazi)

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Hi Carron,

Today was the first day of my weekend (I'm off Sunday & Monday each week). Today, we met up with the American Legion Riders and some guys from the Moose Lodge and headed to DFW Int'l Airport. Each day of the week, there are troops returning from Iraq for two weeks of rest & relaxation and we went today to greet them and give them a warm welcome home. It was amazing and somewhat emotional. We lined up on either side of the walkway and applauded them and shook their hands as they came through. It was pretty damn neat until the last guy came in. He said "Hold up, hold up....if you want to applaud someone, applaud my commander....he was killed two days ago....right before being scheduled to return home." That pretty much affected my mood for the rest of the day. However, we did get some riding in and went to the historic Stockyards in Fort Worth for some kickass bbq and that helped out with the mood.

My wife will be going to Houston on Wednesday to spend the holiday with her folks. Fortunately, I have to work on Wednesday and Friday so will be unable to make the trip (hehehe). They wanted to me to come down on Thursday but I'll be damned if I'm going to spend eight hours of drive time on a single day off.

Next Sunday, we have a benefit ride to help out an eighteen year old girl who was diagnosed with cancer and has no health insurance. We will be meeting at Longhorn H-D and then riding to our destination, where there will be a hog roast and a live band. Cost is only $5 to enjoy all the food, drink and music you can handle. They are also selling t-shirts for $12. Their shirts and flyers were donated free of charge so all proceeds go to the family's medical costs.

Here is some info and pictures from weekly "greet the troops" gatherings. I failed also to mention that we put together care packages and hand them out as they arrive.

Y'all have fun Saturday night and definitely have a few for me and wish everyone a happy turkey day. I wish I could be there!

http://www.welcometroops.com

Brett

Hey, everyone!

I hope you all had a good weekend. They always seem to go too fast.

I also want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I have much for which to be thankful and you - my wonderful classmates and friends - are right up there at the top of my list.

Please remember next Saturday, November 25th for our little class gathering. Maybe after a couple days with relatives, we will all be ready to get together for a little fun and relaxation. Tucker's - 6:30-7:00ish?

I got the most wonderful letter from Jeff Guilford last week. It would be so nice if someone coming from Monticello could pick him up and bring him Saturday night. Would anyone be available to do this? Let me know and I can give him a call. Otherwise, I can do it, too.

I heard from tons and tons of people this past week and it has been fabulous. Thank you all so much for staying in touch. Hope to see a lot of you Saturday night.

Take care and much love,

Carron

Hi Carron,

Sorry it took so long to reply. Everything is going well. This has been a very busy week. Saturday is no exception. We have a regular work day and then meetings in the late afternoon.

I see that Mike Hauser is a LTC now. That is great. I am going to have to contact him as I see he is headed this way.

I trust your Dad is doing well. My Dad had quadruple bi-pass surgery a few years ago and my Mom is a breast cancer survivor. Both are doing great, but it is always very scary.

I will keep reading the blog. I get to it every other day or so. I love the old photos. I can usually determine who it is, but I do have to cheat sometimes.

Take care and keep writing.

CW3 Scott Weber
1034th CSSB
302-242-9545
To Serve The Warrior

Hi!,
Can't you ban people who live in Florida from sending video clips? Living in the gloom of Wisconsin this time of year, I'm quite jealous.

As much as I would like to attend the get together on Saturday night, we are going to have to head home before then (my teenage daughter would be tramatized if she doesn't get a chance to see a friend who is home from college).

Next time?????

Cheerio,

Marilyn (Russell) Halley

Flight Engineer Staff Sergeant Shad Myers presents Mike Deutmeyer of Weber Stone with a gift.

(Journal-Eureka Photos by Michelle Phillips)

Hi Everyone.

With fall upon us, and the days getting shorter, I thought you would appreciate this superb, evocative, masterfully penned ode to the coming winter season. So, grab a coffee, a comfortable chair, relax and scroll down to enjoy the warm feelings and pleasure that this wonderful poem will bring....

"ODE TO WINTER"

SHIT! It's cold.

The End.

OK , so, I am sitting in the Surgi-Care waiting room today while my dad is having surgery. Mom, Brad, and I are there just talking, not paying much attention to anything. I look around and who do I see sitting right behind me???

JULIE WEETS!!

Her mom is there having knee replacement surgery. I could not believe it. She looked so awesome and we talked for the longest time. She says "hi" to everyone. She has a 4-year old and an 8-year old and is doing sooo well.

Crazy how you see the most wonderful people when you least expect it. How cool is that?

Can y'all guess who this is?

Carron,

Good luck. I haven't even had time to check the blogsite lately.

I worked five nights in a row (Thursday-Monday) and then was in class Tuesday and today.....shit

I'm going to see Lance Friday-Tuesday...maybe I'll get a little stress relief....hint hint

Can't wait to drink with ya in December.

Deb (Wilcox)

Hi Carron,

I have been doing just fine. How are you holding up? You are in my thoughts and prayers.

You are going to kill me. I'm not sure if I will be able to make it for Thanksgiving. I am so bummed . If I am able to make it I will definitely call you. I will be calling you soon. I would love to talk.

My family is doing great. TJ is doing well at college, and this is Ashley's senior year, so we have been really busy already with pictures, invitations, etc.

I have been so busy at work, it seems like everyone needs to be seen this time of year. It seems like when the weather gets cold everybody has a tooth ache and they don't want a tooth ache with all of the holiday food coming up!

Tim is a contractor, it gets sort of slow this time of year. So he is looking into some repo houses to fix up and sell. I don't know about Iowa but the housing market in Michigan hasn't been that great this past year. It seems to be picking up a little though.

I should probably get to bed, I have to go back to work tomorrow. Two more days left this week I can't wait for the weekend. Talk to you soon.

Love you,

Lisa (Harms)

Jon, Kathy, and Jeff Alderdyce at the Veteran's Day Assembly on November 10, 2006.

We are so proud of all of you!

(I did a Google search on Mike regarding this story. Here's what I found. Very, very cool.)

Sgt. Layne Marti, left, of Eldridge, Iowa, watches as Weber Stone President Mike Deutmeyer, right, guides one of two identical stone memorials into a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from Company F, 106th Aviation of the Iowa National Guard at the Weber Stone Company quarry in Stone City, Iowa, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004. The memorials are destined for the unit's facilities in Davenport and Peoria, Ill., in remembrance of the two wounded and three crew members killed when one of the unit's Chinooks was shot down near Fallujah, Iraq on Nov. 2, 2003. Deutmeyer declined to give an exact figure but estimated that his company donated around half the cost of the monuments. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Cliff Jette)

Carron,

A couple years ago the Army Det 1 Company F 106th aviation lost a Chinook helicopter in Iraq. It was shot down. Some soldiers from Iowa and Illinois lost their lives. Some of the soldiers started a fund to do a memorial for the men who died.

Shad Meyers is from Anamosa. He has been in the Army for 16 years. He was the main man behind the memorial. He suggested that they look at Weber Stone Co. for the memorials. As they talked to me about the Chinook being shot down, I knew what our company had to do.

We designed and produced two very large memorials for the 106th. These memorials were 10 ft. x 5 ft. x 1 ft. - complete with the names of the soldiers who died and heliocopters and other scenes engraved into the stone. Two were made. One is located in Davenport, IA. The other is in Peoria, IL. The 106th did not have enough money for these. I would have donated the entire project, but the 106th refused stating that the money raised was for the memorials.

The only thing I wanted was them to pick the stones up with a Chinook helicopter. As we finished the project, one helicopter landed in the quarry and we loaded the memorials in the back of the Chinook. That was a first.

At the Veteren's Day assembly, on Nov. 10, 2006, Weber Stone Co. was presented a print drawn by an Army soldier. The print consisted of scenes from Iraq. It was dedicated to the 106th. There were only 106 of these prints made. Shad Meyers presented me #105. Of course, the 106th received #106. I am the only civilian to receive one of the prints. In my eyes, a true honor. Something money can never replace.

So that is the story.

My company did this to honor these fallen heros and all men and women who serve in the armed forces. Freedom comes at a price. These soldiers paid the ultimate price for that freedom. Keep the men and women of the armed forces in your prayers. Godspeed to bring them home safe.

Mike (Deutmeyer)

United States Air Force
9 Sept 1981 to 9 Oct 1987

Brenda's beautiful family: Daughter, Kristen and son, Nick

Taken in 2006

Hey Carron!!

I'm so happy that it wasn't cancer for your Dad. I hate that dreaded disease. I hope his surgery goes without a hitch & he's back at it in no time! It'll be hard to keep the good man down, but he has to be a good patient! I'll be thinking of you....

I'm sure you heard that Joel's niece Jayne (Jeff & Nancy's only child) died of cancer a year ago. She was Morgan's age. They have a website still & are honoring her memory on a constant basis, and whenever I read what Nancy writes, it just brings tears to my eyes. I can't imagine the pain that they have to live with. It does make you feel fortunate & just want to go hug your kids & never let go...

We've been good. BUSY! Jon just got done with marching band & golf, and got hired yesterday at Best Buy - need to keep him busy! Morgan just finished school volleyball, and just had her club volleyball tryout. Club goes from now until April. We love that! She's also working as a swim aid for little kids' lessons at the Marion Y, she's a little fish!

My sister & her hubby just moved in July from Southern Cal, where they've been living since we lived out there, to Washington state - a log cabin in the woods, on 8.5 acres. The four of us & our two dogs are renting a van & driving out there for Christmas! We can't wait! They have an Aussie, too, who is crazy like our little one. It'll be very fun.

Good to hear from you & great wishes for a speedy recovery for Pete! We may be able to make it on the 25th - I have it written down!

Love ya!
mj (Mary Jane)

Dad got his biopsy results back and they were all negative. So, that is great news. He still has his big surgery tomorrow to remove the masses that are giving him breathing problems. It will be about a five hour surgery. They have to make a huge incision, break his ribs, deflate his lung and remove the mass. This will entail about a 4-6 week recovery period. But, he is a tough old coot and he will be just fine. He has lots of love and prayers going his way thanks to his friends, family, and all of you! Thank you, once again, so much.

Carron

Someone sent me this baby picture.

Can you all guess who it is?

Send me your baby pictures and we'll see if we can all guess.

Hey, everyone, guess who just called me?

(-: MIKE HAUSER :-)

We had a nice little chat. How fun!!!

Thanks for calling, Mike. So good to hear from you!

(Is this our little Mikey?)

The only good thing that happened that day....

Our one and only lead.

Dad putting his worries aside for a bit to have some fun.

Here is my family after the Iowa-Wisconsin game. We were drowning our sorrows.

Here is a picture of my dad and Keith Terrell (Maribeth's dad).

They both wrote books and had a book signing at the Anamosa library yesterday.

My dad wrote an autobiography and Keith writes westerns!

Brad and me at the Iowa-Wisconsin game.

We didn't like the outcome, but we had a blast!

Hi Carron,

I just now have time to get caught up with the website.

My prayers are with you and your family. I was happy to hear that the doctor seems so positive. I hope you are doing well too. My mom just had breast cancer surgery a few weeks ago. She is doing fine, and only has to have radiation therapy. If there is anything I could do for you let me know.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks. Take care and God Bless.

-Steph

Carron,

Yes, as I sit here in 35 degree weather, I would have to agree with your characterization of Mr. Hatcher! :)

It was good to see him live.

Todd

Carron,

Today I was in Anamosa for the 12th annual Veterans Day program at the High School.
They honor vets who have served the military and the years of service at the school.
Tim Hollett heads the program and the student council are involved in the presentation.
It is such a wonderful event. I wish more people would attend.

The thing is that I didn't even know they did this until we got a letter stating that my
Dad was going to be honored and that we would receive his certificate. Some other
Vets, and I'm sorry I won't remember all of them, were a Hartwig man, Dr. Poulter,
Mr. Hugh Shaw, Mr. Biere, Curt Duwe and my Dad. There were 10 I think.
It was soooo emotional.

There were other speakers and one who presented Mike Duetmeyer with a really
neat print. Mike apparently donated two huge stones to this company and for the
life of me I can't remember why these guys needed the stones--God it had
everyone in tears--so here I am tripping up on the huge sad story he's telling
and I know he's talking about how Mike so generously donated these stones
and I completely missed the meaning.

So Mike is called to the stage and he's accepting this really nice print and he
had a hard time fighting through the thank yous. Really cool! Really cool!
It was great and made you just feel so proud of our men and women fighting
for our freedom.

Jeez it gives me goose bumps just writing this to you. They also had military
people stand who were in the audience and we'd applaud on our feet. It definately
brings attention and a HUGE reminder that these are REAL people and the
war is so REAL and how brave they truly are. The band played and the choir sang.
My niece Jen presented the certificates (what a big girl--aw) and my nephew
Jared handed them to the honoree. I just wish Dad was here to accept his
own award. Jon, Jeff and I thought we would have our Uncle (Dads brother)
who also is a vet and also a retired P.E. teacher/coach from Waukon
accept the award. More tears!!! It was great!!!

As you can tell I'm just so proud and I thought it might be nice for you to
post this on our blog not only, but including, the presentation for Mike,
but for our classmates who are vets and our classmates still in active duty.
I know there are several from the class of 1981. Know that we are so
proud of you and give BIG thanks to ALL you do for we the people!!!
God bless you and your families. And God Bless America!!!!!!


Lots of love

Kathy Alderdyce ;-)

Hey, guys, good news it appears. Just talked to Brad who spent the day in the hospital with Mom and Dad. The doctor went so far as to "put his neck out on a limb" and say it is NOT cancer. The official results will not be in until Monday or Tuesday, but it's looking positive and there's not a doubt in my mind that all your prayers and positive thoughts made this possible. Thank you again so much.

I'm heading to Anamosa to see Dad and then I got me a date tonight, so I am outta here!!!!!!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!

I hear upper Iowa got ten inches of snow today. Someone should grab Hatcher, ship him to Iowa, and dump him in a snowbank. :-)

Happy Friday.

Carron

And to think Tom seemed so nice as a young boy!

It is cold here in Chicago....

Happy Friday!

Erin

Carron -

I just checked the Blog.

Please keep me updated on your father's
progress. Our prayers are with your entire family as you all get through
this.

Hang in there, keep his spirits up, and be strong. I'm sure he can
kick this thing in the ass and be back out on the golf course in no time.

Regards,

Mike, Rhonda, Liz, & Susie (Hauser)

OK, so Hatcher sends this RealPlayer video (since he seems to think he is some Emmy-award winning producer or something insane like that) of his beautiful backyard in sunny south Florida. I could not upload it to the blog because it was way too sophisticated or some other shit, but anyway.... he was being way too pompous for our little small-town Iowa minds. I sent it out in an e-mail, so I hope you all got it. Here are a couple responses....

That calls for a big can of whoopass!
However, it was in the mid 80's and sunny here today in the DFW area! ~~ Brett A.

I'll have to help Tom do some kissing...was 79 here today, sunny. ~~ Brian Z.

Yea, and little does the goofball know is that it was 74 here today.
OK, so we're supposed to get 4-7 inches of snow tomorrow, but we don't need to tell him that.
Let him live in his fantasy land. :-)

Thanks Carron.

I have moved within the company and am still attempting to get up to speed on my new responsibilities, so I haven’t had a great deal of sit-down free time to write anything of significance lately. I have also been very busy with Community Service related projects and issues, so my evenings have been very busy as well.

Someone once asked me “Do you ever just sit down and relax?” and I said yes, but not for very long.

It is unfortunate that all of this running around hasn’t trimmed my waist down much, but I probably would need to cut down on the production end a little to really make an impact and how much fun would that be.

We had a ribbon cutting ceremony the other day over at Cleveland Elementary for the walking trail that we converted from crushed lime to concrete, and I still can’t believe that we are finally done with it all. The project took us 2 summers to complete and hundreds of man hours of labor, which I headed up. The trail is approximately 1/3 of a mile long and 5 feet wide, and consists of approximately 94 yards of concrete. Needless to say, my summer exercise program was very physical and demanding, but was also a lot of fun working with all of the other volunteers. I have inserted an aerial view of the school property, and the red line indicates the present concrete version of the trail.

Tonight is the District dinner for Scouts and I will be receiving an honor at this event, which I am very proud of and my daughter Brooke will also be in attendance.

That is it for now as I have to take care of some business over the noon hour. So if anyone asks you if I ever sit down and relax you can say “yes, for a little while anyways”.

Take care,

John Starr