This year's Fall Mini - put on every year by Indy Echo and Shifty - was a great success. As always, it became apparent early that we would have lots to talk about. Some of us do not see each other during the year, but the conversations are always easy. Echo had her home sparkling and Shifty had prepared for the bonfire by gathering fallen tree limbs and smaller branches through out the summer. Just as he was heading down to light the fire, though, it started to rain. A few scattered drops at first, it appeared that we may still be able to sit around the fire and tell tall tales. Well, the rain picked up and it soon dashed any hope for a bonfire. No matter.... The food was delicious and the desserts were just waiting to be 'sampled'. Yep, you guessed it - I must have sampled every one of them and they were all winners - and it is beginning to show... IE and Shifty's home is large enough for every one to find space to enjoy the wonderful food and talk with others at the same time. A few of us went to the patio (before the rain), others at a table set up in the family room and the rest were able to sit around the kitchen table. After dinner, those of us on the patio came in from the rain and found places in the family room. Everyone seemed to have a great time. My count was 17 - help me out if I have missed anyone. A good group, but, the numbers were down a little this year. We missed those that were not able to make it this year. Thank You, Indy Echo and Shifty for your enduring and endearing efforts to put this on year after year.
Next year - 2010 - will be our 45th year. Any suggestions regarding (our 'every 5th year reunion' ) the how, what, when and where will be helpful for planning purposes. Some earlier suggestions was to have it in conjunction with the Alumni Banquet. This is always on a Saturday night - think about a possible late afternoon Reception before the banquet - somewhere not far from the school and then moving to the school. Last year, the banquet was held in the old gym. This was a great venue for it and brought back some great memories.
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2 comments:
"Enduring and endearing"...
Ya coined a great phrase, TD!
I think your count was correct. We missed "regulars" Ferdy and M&M Hawkeye and others I had hoped might surprise us. (Joker, where are you?)
We'll have to work on that.
Count me as one of those that would like to see next year's reunion coupled with the Alumni banquet. We had a great time last year and even augmented our group with upperclassman Larry V. and his lovely wife.
I'm open to suggestion and will be certainly be there barring something unforeseen.
Is there a (city/county) park with a pavilion somewhere close that's quiet and has enough room for 100+ of us? That'd be my choice as the near-perfect place if we can find it.
GB,
Thanks for the lovely posting. Shifty and I look forward to the mini each year. As I said before these mini's are much more than just classmates reuniting. It is more like a FAMILY REUNION.
In one of the other posting I just read it was mentioned that after the alumni banquet Larry Vandenberg and is lovely wife joined us. I did call to invite them. I left a voice message but unfortunately did not hear back from them.
I also had a (long) conversation with Dorothy C. She said she and John would loved to have been here but had prior commitments. BUT NOT TO FORGET THEM NEXT YEAR. She said to tell everyone Hello and sends there love. Thinkking back to our school days I would never back then have dreamed that some day I would be calling her Dorothy and talking on the phone for a half hour at a time.
As we all know John & Dorothy stayed close to Vandy and was a great help to him through out the years. They are doing the same with OJ and Mrs. OJ. She filled me in a little bit on OJ. Said he is not doing well at all. Mostly just sits in his chair. Mrs. OJ is dedicated to him and really has her hands full.
Dorothy also wanted me to pass this on. Ruth Beck who was the school nurse is now 97 years old and recently had a stroke. She is doing fair and hanging in there. I am sorry to say I really don't remember her that well. But I hope you will all add her in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
GB also mentioned about a park that would be (near by) to get together before next years 5 year reunion. Atterbury has a beautiful puplic park. There is a camp ground (with facilities) for campers, shelter houses, golf course, horseshoe range and even a public lake with sand beach. Being located with Camp Atterbury there is also a POW memorial open to the public. It is only about a 20 minute drive to the school down Hwy 135. Just a suggestion and possibility.
Shifty and I still love having our Annual Mini at the house each year. Maybe we can have two. One combined with the 5 years class reunion earlier in the summer and then still have our Fall Mini.
Just a note for thought. Maybe next year we can make the Harris Mini a full week end affair. As GB said we have plenty of room. If anyone has a camper and wants to make a week end of it we have plenty of parking room back by the barn and electric to plug in to. Plus plenty of floor space for air mattress' etc. I know we all had such a great time spending the night at Ferdy's after an Evansville get together. It brought back memories of (Slumber Party's of years past). Only difference was the guys (stayed ALL NIGHT) that time. HAHA.
GB mentioned there was 17 of us gathered. Yep right on count. Sure wish more could have attended. I sent out e-mails and follow up e-mails. Only heard from a few who couldn't make it. PJ has some medical problems and her mom problem so couldn't make it. But said to send all her love and hopes to see us next year.
Jamie & Michael had a gig that night but said to say hello to all.
Bob & Barb were really missed but out of town.
Again thanks to all who attended and look forward to seeing you all soon.
Echo & Shifty
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