I TALKED TO SHELLEY

I talked to Shelley Heims tonight!!! I am sending her a link to the blogsite, so let's all welcome her to the chaos!!!!!!!!!!! I really hope she will join the fun and become a part of the goofiness!!

She told me she works for the VA Hospital in Iowa City in the pharmacy department and she is still married to Gene Schwers! They have two children, ages 14 and 11!

Her e-mail address is esch724003@aol.com and her phone number is in the class reunion book.

TO HATCHER AND SHIPLEY

Ok, have you guys looked at the Blog lately? I just did today. Thanks, Tom, for giving Carron those pictures last October because I was pretty sure she didn't have a copy of that one. I do.

I remember it so well. We were laughing so hard. France was a blast. Nothing like beer in vending machines in the hotel.

Have a great week.

Are you guys coming this way any time soon?

We are heading to Vegas for 5 days for a Trade show and I just got back from Pittsburgh last week.

Michelle Nelson (aka Phillips)

IT'S A SMALL WORLD, AFTER ALL

Here's the story....my daughter, Ellyn, gets a call from this woman who had contacted the high school to get references for a babysitter this summer. The principal recommended Ellyn. When Ellyn and Dean walked into this woman's home, she said, "Are you Dean Rickels from Anamosa?" It was Patrice Heims. Y'all remember Shelley Heims from our class? It's her sister and she lives right up the street here in Ely!!

I will ask for Shelley's e-mail address and/or phone number and maybe we can all welcome her into the mess.

HAUSER'S DAUGHTER IS A STAR

Just got off the phone with Mike Hauser. We talked for, like, ten hours. OK, maybe only one hour. He is going to be in these parts taking his studly daughter all over God's green earth for her speed skating competitions. He will be in the Quad Cities and up to Milwaukee and here and there. If he is within 30 miles of Ely, he said he would call. We will meet for coffee. He also said he would write an e-mail explaining everything his daughter is doing. It's way too complicated for me.

How cool would it be to see a classmate's daughter in the Olympics??

GOING WITHOUT - ALL FREAKIN' WEEKEND...

...cable and internet, that is. Geez, get your minds out of the gutter.

Anyway, the cable/DSL dude came to fix it all last night. After a weekend of bonding and talking and shit, due to having nothing else to do, Tony and I are now back to ignoring each other again. He's back to the living room with ESPN and the laptop. I'm back to the den on the PC watching CNN. You know how it goes. :-/ (Truth be told, he's actually back in Sioux City preparing his house to be sold. Once that happens, he will be my ball and chain.)

Sorry I missed all your stuff. I am getting caught up. Bear/bare with me. (I don't know the correct word there.) Some stuff is postable, some stuff not. I'll get to it all, I promise.

STARR LIGHT, STARR BRIGHT, ETC...

Carron,

I have been extremely busy with Joshua's graduation ceremony and party planning, but that is behind us now.

As for bowling, of course we still need to line up a time this summer to get in some (serious bowling) nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Jered and I are bowling on Monday nights in the family doubles league, and I can't seem to get him to lighten up a little and take it as a fun league. Personally, I could care less where we finish in the standings as I tend to use the summer as a training and practice time for theFall/Winter league that I sub in. I'll try and get something set up for us and make the bowling event happen, so don't despair.

Thanks for keeping us all going and giving us some fun events to attend out of our normal routines. You are always welcome to call me at 361-****, if you need to get a hold of me in person.

Talk to you later,

John (Starr)

KEITH AND THE GIRLS

Carron,

Thanks for taking the time to call. I laughed out loud when I read your post on the blog:) Just be who you are and quit being paranoid about talking to or being around as you put it:) a "man of the cloth"!

Seriously, will try to connect if I make a trip in the Iowa direction this summer...Hope you have had a great holiday weekend,

Keith

PS: Attaching a recent pic of my family...dang, this means we are all getting "older" when my oldest will graduate this Friday from Sr. High.

MARY JO IS GETTING BETTER!!

Hi Carron,

Hope this finds you and your family well. I was thinking of your Mom and Dad today with all they have been through these past few months and wondering how they are doing?

So do we have a wedding date set yet? Congrats on that one, you two! Brian and I just went and picked out our wedding rings yesterday. Just a JP for us , both been there and done that.

I am doing well after the deer in windshield. I meet with a plastic surgeon in August to try and redo my nose and eye. But, over all, I am just about normal again. Back to work full time and man, am I glad ... not ready to retire yet that's for sure. But I guess if I had been healthy enough to do all I wanted it might not have been so bad.LOL

Well, I know you will read this at work so I better let you go for now.LOL Have a great day and we'll chat soon, maybe even in person one day soon.

Take care , Mary Jo

APPLES AND WINE

Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they sometimes take the apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy. The apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're amazing. They just have to wait for the right man to come along, the one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree.
Now men....men are like a fine wine. They begin as grapes, and it's up to women to stomp the shit out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Send your hate mail to Diane. I am just the messenger.

(Good one, Di.)

NICK AND KRISTIN

Brenda's lovely offspring

GREEN THUMB

Hi!

I had a LONG e-mail ready to send, but for some reason it wouldn't go, and then, I lost it! So, here's a shorter version:) I'm done working for now. Today's Monticello's last day of school, I can't believe it!

Randall and his girlfriend, Kelly and her kids are moving to Ely next week. Kristin wants to stay with her dad for the next couple of weeks, maybe you'll see her around!

Nick stays busy with his job at the Pizza Ranch, and with his girlfriend, Shasta.

I've got my garden planted, and lots of my flowers are blooming.

I'll try to send photos (maybe I had too many to send last time).

Love, bren

GUESS WHO I TALKED TO TONIGHT?

Yep, you got it. Keith Ehresman!

He sounded so good and is doing so well. We got disconnected because my triple chin hit the hang-up button on my phone, but that just gave me an excuse to call him back!

I kept telling myself throughout the entire conversation, "This is a man of the cloth. Must behave. Watch your mouth." Then, I asked him if he wanted me to send him a reunion book so he could catch up on all of the classmates. He offered to pay for it. I proceeded to tell him, "Oh, God, hell no. It's no big deal."

I am going straight south. I can just feel it.

Keith@madisonparkchurch.com

Keith promised to keep in touch, so let's return the favor and contact him, too!

E-MAIL FROM JULIE HART

Hi, there,

Sorry I haven't written sooner. Just have been really busy with work & getting the kids finished with another year of school. I can't believe Steve is gong to be a Junior this fall in college & Nicole will be a Junior in high school. Time sure does fly!!

I wanted to say congratulations on your engagement. That is so exciting. I try to jump on the blog spot every once in a while & try to keep up. You do a really good job of it. You hard work is greatly appreciated!!

Sorry this is short but dishes & laundry are calling.

Take Care & I will try to be better about writing.

Julie (Hart)

IN HONOR OF PETERSEN GETTING OLD

...think back 30 years...

1977: Long hair
2007: Longing for hair

1977: KEG
2007: EKG

1977: Acid rock
2007: Acid reflux

1977: Moving to California because it's cool
2007: Moving to California because it's warm

1977: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor
2007: Trying NOT to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor

1977: Seeds and stems
2007: Roughage

1977: Hoping for a BMW
2007: Hoping for a BM

1977: The Grateful Dead
2007: Dr. Kevorkian

1977: Going to a new hip joint
2007: Receiving a new hip joint

1977: Rolling Stones
2007: Kidney Stones

1977: Being called into the principal's office
2007: Calling the principal's office

1977: Screw the system
2007: Upgrade the system

1977: Disco
2007: Costco

NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR TODD SCHOON

Todd wrote to me last night to inform me of his new e-mail address. Make the change in your address book!

todd.schoon@gmail.com

EMBRACE YOUR PALENESS, DI

Carron,

So now that your dad is home, how are things going? Hope all is well and you can have a well-deserved, relaxing weekend.

I will be spending my weekend at the baseball diamonds. It is supposed to be nice tomorrow, so I am going to be smart this time and apply PLENTY of sunscreen!!! I have so many things I need to get done around the house, but I need to remember that very soon I will have NO baseball, so I must embrace it while it lasts!! HA!

Busy for me at work with the end of the year and graduation - UGH!! Best get back to it.

Take care and let everyone know I am thinking of all of you!!!

Di

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOTT PETERSEN!

The big #44

WELCOME HOME PARTY FOR SCOTT WEBER

Don't forget to mark Saturday, August 25th, on your calendars for Scott's Welcome Home Party!!!!!

In case you forgot, it is being held at Tyler and Downing's Eatery in Anamosa. (Where the old T & D Grocery Store used to be.) The food is awesome, if you want to dine first, and they have a smoke-free lounge upstairs that we plan to use for the party!

I am thinking the fiesta will begin around 5:00 or 6:00. I will confirm and let you know. So run, don't walk, and jot it down on your social calendars!! Right now!!

By the way, Scott is home for his two weeks of R & R until Memorial Day. E-mail or call him with good wishes and thoughts while he is here!!! I don't feel comfortable giving out his cell phone number, but his home phone number is in the class reunion book, therefore, it is public information!! :-)

YOU DECIDE

I changed the layout of the blog. Am I confusing you all? I will use a different template each day for a few days. You tell me which one you like the most. Or, if you really don't care at all, that's groovy, too.

This one is somewhat festive and summery, no?

Discuss. Leave comments. Swear at me. Whatever.

(I also added a little "Announcements and Events" section to the right. Let me know if you have any events you want to announce. Birthdays. Weddings. Divorces. Someone made a complete ass of themselves. Anything.)

QUIZ FOR PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL!

1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?

4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?

5. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?

6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters " dw" and they are all common words. Name two of them.

7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?

8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.

9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter "S."

MORE SIGNS OF SUMMER

These photos are from two weeks ago, but this past weekend, we spent a total of about 13 hours at the ball park. What we thought would be a single-elimination-be-home-in-two-hours tournament turned into Prairie playing in the championship game! We lost that game, but came home with 2nd place trophies! Here are photos of the girl child at bat and on 2nd base.

Like I alluded to in the Mother's Day posting --- y'all can't EVEN tell me you don't have photos of your kids doing all kinds of night- and weekend-occupying sports stuff because that's everyone's excuse why they are NOT sending me stuff. (I wrote to Hatcher's wife and had her threaten him with the couch if he didn't send photos. It worked, as you can see from below.)

SUMMER IS SOON UPON US

Dandelions, burgers, and bobs. Sure signs of summer.

How are you all spending your time in the sun?

FISH, FRUIT, AND FUN

We dined at the Red Lobster with Scott and Diane last night. A little crab, shrimp, and walleye and a couple fruity, girly, virgin (BaHa!) drinks. We went back to Scott and Di's house to watch a DVD of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham. If you want an hour of laughing your ass off, go get it. Hilarious!!! (Hearing Scott snort and cackle, er, I mean laugh, was just as funny.)

How easy is this???

Ok, not all that easy, but I think I may have finally gotten it after about 17 tries....

Carron's been getting on me about never adding my own posts to the site, so in the interest of a harmonious family life, and to ensure that I get to keep sleeping in the bedroom ;-), here's my first crack at it.

Looking through my camera, I have two options here -First, I have some pictures of Odie (our cat)'s rancid looking butt. Apparently he lost a good-sized chunk of it in a barroom brawl at the local cathouse. I keep telling him to lay off the tequila, but he never listens...

Or, second, I have old pictures of a 3 foot snowdrift running across my driveway back in February. Ok, on closer inspection, you can't really see the snowdrift. You can see the 18" of snow on my car, though, but I swear there was a big-ass drift there!! I had to shovel it off by hand...uphill...both ways...

Since many of you check the blog while you're eating your breakfast in the morning, I'll spare you the pics of gaping flesh wounds. Here's a nice little picture to help you appreciate the warmth of summertime. Enjoy!!

Tony

SCOTT CALLED...

...and he sounded fabulous! Happy. Safe. And satisfied! ;-)

Enjoy the rest of your time at home. Be safe and we'll see you in August!

DONELLE'S DADDY SAYS HI

Donelle scored big at the North Palm Beach Easter Egg hunt! Dad got the benefits of that one.

Nothing too wild planned for the summer months. We go up to Delaware this weekend for a wedding, doing some BBQing and swimming over Memorial Weekend, and planning a brief trip to Orlando in June to see Shamu at Seaworld. After that, it's "turn up the A/C" and enjoy the pool and beach for the rest of the summer.

Loved the photo of those crazy singing Lutheran kids.
TOM H.

SADIE STREET SINGERS

Circa 1980-something perhaps?

GOOD LIFE SINGERS

From St. John Lutheran Church. I see Scott Ehlts, Sue Merritt, and Michelle Eden from our class. Check out the hair and glasses. Good lord.

SPEAKING OF JAN

Here's an old photo of some good lookin' high school cheerleaders. I see Kath and Jan from our class. Recognize the others?

GOOD WISHES FROM JAN COSTELLO

Carron,

I was checking on your dad. I know he was having surgery on the 15th. I hope all went well. Please let him know that I asked about him. I know it's tough on the family, too. Hope he is on the road to recovery. Take care!!!! Hope to hear from you soon. I e-mailed you last night but I had a wrong address.

JAN

SCOTT IS HOME FOR TWO WEEKS

Carron,

I swore I wasn't going to check my military e-mail while I was home, but I am glad I did. I actually just checked the class web site since I can access it from home.

I arrived home Saturday about noon. I was fortunate to catch an early flight to Des Moines. We arrived at the gate just as they were boarding. What a trip.

We left Iraq on Thursday night. They fly you to Kuwait. We left Kuwait late Friday night. We landed in Shannon, Ireland, and had a 3 hour layover there. We aren't allowed to drink!! Can you imagine, being in Ireland and not being able to have a Guiness. I love Guiness. I have had one since I have been home, but none in Ireland. We then flew to Atlanta. What a trip, but it is great to be home.

I have spent the last two days catching up on household chores. Carol has done a great job but there are little things that needed repair. I have already fixed the toilet, the sump pump, mowed the yard, planted tomatoes, replaced the dog tie-out, cleaned the storage room, replaced a few light bulbs, and replaced various filters. It has been great.

I will call you this week. My parents are coming down on Tuesday, but I will get you called. Oh, I will call on my new cell phone. My soon-to-graduate son has my old one and has no intention of giving it back. Like I said, it is sooo great to be home. I can even drink water, soda, beer, right up until bedtime if I wish. The bathroom is now only a few steps away.........and indoors!

Call you soon.
Scott

THREE GENERATIONS ON MOTHER'S DAY

Y'all can't even tell me you don't have pictures of yourself with your kids and/or moms from Mother's Day. PLEASE SEND AND SHARE!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARCIE!!!!!!!

Darcie received two blue balls and something to pull her hair real tight!!

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

(Answers given by 2nd graders)

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goofball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

A NOTE FROM MICHELLE CONLEY

Hey, Girl,

I apologize for not responding to you sooner. The company I work for is in the process of being acquired by Unitrin Insurance Company, so to say the least it has been crazy around here.....I am so tired of smiling and making small talk to groups of men in black suits and explaining to them our procedures/quality/incentive programs/objectives, etc....and having them just stand there and nod their little heads in unison....knowing they have no actual ideal what I am saying and are only looking for the bottom line - $$$$$$$.............

So, first of all congratulations on your recent engagement....I am very happy for both of you...Have you had time to set a date yet???? I love reading the blog to see what everyone is up to these days....

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom's fall, but it sounds like she is doing well...and I will be thinking good thoughts for Dad on his upcoming surgery....

I am not sure when I will be back in Iowa this year. The family is coming here to Chattanooga this summer for a week... I am looking forward to having them all stay will us and very thankful we have three full bathrooms and a case of wine in the basement.....I would love to come home to Iowa in December to see some snow..I know - how crazy does that sound?....I hated it growing up........

I promise I will send pictures next time.. I will let you go for now...Take care and have a Happy Mother's Day.....

Michelle (Conley)

CONFIRMATION IN DENMARK

My neice, Alexandra, got confirmed in Denmark last Friday. She is a pretty little Scandinavian, eh?

CALL FROM DEB WILCOX

As Tony and I are driving along I-94 in Minneapolis on our way back to the motel from the Mall of America, my cell phone rings.

It's Deb!

She apparently heard a song on the radio that reminded her of high school and being old, so she calls me!!! Deb only has a few days left of nursing school and then she will graduate and take state boards. She's having a gigantic party in July to celebrate her hard work. What fun it would be to crash that party!

Deb works in a prison. Can't you just see her NOT taking crap from those inmates? Inmate: "Really, Mrs. Ludwig, I didn't do it."

Deb: "Yea, yea, yea, blah, blah, blah. Now bend over."

Congratulations, Deb! You've earned it!

STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES...

We hit the Mall of America on Saturday afternoon. A roller coaster, a bench, and some shrimp.

SHE DIDN'T, BUT SHE SHOULD HAVE

Well, Linda didn't win, but we had a great time anyway. Quite the honor to get into the pool of top 10 finalists. The ceremony was great, the dinner was delicious, and seeing Linda was the best part of all.

Do you recognize the Albertson kids in the bottom picture? The boys are Ross and Nick (Linda's son) and the girls are Kristin, Sonja, and Becky.

MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Linda's awards ceremony is this Sunday, May 6th. Tony and I are going up on Saturday to sightsee and visit some of my relatives. On Sunday, at 12:30, we will be heading to the convention center to, hopefully, see Linda win Minnesota Teacher of the Year, 2007.

Above is a picture of Linda winning Minnesota FRENCH Teacher of the Year, 1998.

Of course, you know I will post photos on Monday.

Wish us good luck!!!! And, wish Linda a crapload of luck at Linda.Albertson@district196.org

Y'ALL AIN'T GONNA BELIEVE THIS...

OK, so Tony and I are on our way home from my son's track meet at Linn-Mar. We are touring through Marion, sightseeing where Tony used to live, etc. As we're driving down the street, I see someone I think I recognize. "STOP! I think that was Gary Rains."



Tony slams on the brakes, puts it in reverse, and sure as shit... there's Gary. Of course, I always have my camera with me, so I made them pose for a photo. (Sorry it is blurry. I still had it on the motion setting from the track meet.)

Gary made his feelings clear by letting me know he never got an invitation to the class reunion and that he lives in the same house he lived in five years ago. Oops. I told him I was in charge of A-L and Deutmeyer was in charge of M-Z. :-/ Then, he proceeds to tell me that he hunts every year with Ivan Bowers and Coons and that he works with Scott Petersen. Those three got invitations and RSVP'd, but never told Gary about it. Ha. He's starting to take it personally....

Gary's e-mail address is rainsinmarion@aol.com. Shoot him a message and welcome him aboard! GREAT to see you, Gary!!!

LISA AND MARK

Mark Lubbock called on Saturday night. It appears he had been indulging in some alcoholic beverages. Something to the effect of, "While you're still a single woman, you must come to Chicago and get in trouble with me." Goof.

Lisa Toner called last night to check in. She is such a sweetie. She said she talks to Susie Gombert frequently (Susie, e-mail me!!!!), she saw Libby recently (and said Libby has the most beautiful daughter), and filled me in on other gossip. Lisa's son, Camerson, will be heading to Iraq in October. She's a nervous momma, as you can imagine!

Great to hear from both of you!! Thanks for calling. :-)