Outside Lookin' In?

Okay.
You've been reading Vandy's Kids for some time now and you have to admit... you enjoy it.
In fact, you enjoy it so much it has become a bit of a ritual for you.
You check regularly to see if someone has posted something new,
or you look to see if the number of comments on a post you've been watching has changed, hoping someone has added something.
Go on, 'fess up... you're addicted.

But-
You're still a little afraid to jump in yourself.
And all the rest of us tellin' ya how easy it is ain't gonna cut it...
It's an imposing process and a little scary, gettin' outta your comfort zone.
I've been where you are, and I know how hard it is to take that first step.

So Ol' Greybeard is gonna point ya in the right direction.
Just about everything you need to know about blogging is explained here, in fairly easy-to-understand language.
And believe me, there's still stuff there I need to read and learn...
It's a lot to digest and the medium is changing quickly...
we're bein' given more and more options/toys to play with!

So please, don't be afraid.
Those of you that have signed on as "Vandy's Kids" guests- click that link, go play, and learn!
You're not gonna hurt a thing, and it's one way you can tackle blogging at your own pace.
Not yet a "guest" on Vandy's Kids? Contact PT, TD, Hawkeye, or myself.
Questions? Don't be afraid to ask!

Answer to PT's and GB's problem:

In reference to the post below titled "Oh yeah?!"

here is a solution to your problems:

For GB, a bicycle seat in the shape of a McClellan Calvary Saddle.

For PT, a 3-wheeled adult tricycle.

and for me.

Services for Mr. Melvin A. Vandermeer
Visitation: 3 to 8 PM Sunday, August 26, 2007 Hall of Excellence at Center Grove High School, 2717 S. Morgantown Road.
Funeral: 11 AM Monday, August 27, 2007 Center Grove Presbyterian Church, 2340 State Road 135.
Burial: Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 S. State Road 135 in Greenwood
Memorial contributions: The Vandy and Margaret Scholarship Fund in care of the Center Grove Scholarship Foundation.

Front page story in The Daily Journal "Former principal lived rich, full life" by Joseph S. Pete jpete@thejournalnet.com
Well written, quotes from Mr. Clements, Carol Tumey, Steve Sutton, Steve Witty, Joe DiPietro and Vandys Kids blog comments "Vandy influenced a generation of CG graduates with his humor, compassion".
Many Center Grove High School graduates likely remember principal Melvin Vandermeer addresing an assembly by saying, "People, do I need to be a policeman?" Vandermeer, 89, who spent 38 years in education before retiring in 1978, died Thursday. Friends and colleagues said Vandermeer, for whom Center Grove's gymnasium is named, ensured the school stayed a close-knit community while it doubled in size during his tenure in the 1960's and 1970's. "Families, generations passed through that high school under him," retired Center Grove athletics director John Clements said. "He was always well-known and well-liked. No one ever had anything negative to say about him".
Two direct quotes from Class of 1965:
Steve Witty, a 1965 Center Grove graduate who later coached Ben Davis High School to two state championships, said Vandermeer was a father figure who helped instill in him a drive to succeed. Witty once ended up in Vandermeer's office. He was asked if he realized that life would be easier later on if he worked harder now. The advice stayed with him, Witty said.
Steve Sutton, Center Grove's Class of 1965 president, said Vandermeer had a lasting influence on many students by serving as a role model with his honesty and fairness. Students knew they could trust his judgment even if they didn't always agree with his decisions, Sutton said.
Mr. Clements said, " Vandermeer remained vital even late in life, eating out with friends, entertaining many visitors whose lives he touched and going on his yearly fishing trip to Canada as recently as three years ago." "Really, he lived to be 180, not 89", Carol Tumey said. "He got as much out of every moment as he could and lived a rich full life that shouldn't be forgotten.
Vandy Blog Quotes (in part)
"Hard to see what I'm typing through tears.... We'll all miss him... I'm grateful to have known him"
"Vandy's perfect fit was Margaret. Vandy was always friendly; Margaret was always very charming. Vandy had a wit. Margaret had a look. Vandy told me recently that there would never be another Margaret. Center Grove will never have another Vandy, either"

Hawkeye & Hotlips

Oh Yeah?!

It's been an emotional, eventful few days.
I'm glad to be a part of the VK family... to read your words and feel your support.

It's time to look forward.
Beef and Boards.
VK's in Edinburgh.
VK's say ALOHA!
Anything else?

This is an "Open Forum", so let 'er rip!

Vandy Tribute at Daily Journal

A comment from the post below:

I'm a reporter with the Daily Journal working on a tribute article about Mr. Vandermeer. I was hoping we could get permission to publish excerpts from some of the blog postings and also to talk to those who'd like to share any memories. If anyone has any photos of Mr. Vandermeer at the school, they'd also be vastly appreciated.
Please e-mail blog postings we could use to accompany an article to jpete@thejournalnet.com or call me at 736-2776 if you would like to pay homage or share memories of Mr. Vandermeer. Many thanks and my condolences for the loss.

Joseph Pete
Daily Journal
736-2776
jpete@thejournalnet.com

Mr. Pete, I'm one of the administrators of Vandy's Kids, and so far as I'm concerned you can use anything you find here freely. I'm glad you left your phone number, and hope all with interesting anecdotes will call. I'm assuming the area code to reach you is 317?

Thank you for your attention to our namesake!

Vandy Again

Hard to see what I'm typing through tears...

We all knew this day would come, hoping only that he'd not suffer too much in passing.
From Hawk's report, sounds like we got our wish.
For me, it's a strange feeling, losing this man.
Other than the fleeting conversations I stole during our reunions, I've had no contact with him at all since graduation.
And yet, it's somewhat like losing a Father.

Vandy counseled me on more than one occasion in High School. I wasn't a bad kid, just "high spirited".
I received a ticket for reckless driving on the way to school once, from a State Trooper who initially would have had my head on a plate had he been able. He wrote the ticket in Vandy's office, with Mr. V. looking over his shoulder.
Then somewhere along the line, this Trooper had an attitude change, and actually came to court with me to plead for a mild sentence.
I think I know what happened to cause that change of heart.

You've read my post about Tools, Ron, and I bein' expelled.
What else could he have done? He made his point, then the anger was gone. After, he treated me no differently than he had before... no differently than he treated any other student.

He touched us all, shaped us all, directed us all.
We are what we are, to some extent, because of the guidance, strength, and example of this man.
We'll all miss him.
I'm grateful to have known him.

Vandy

It is truly sad that VKs have lost such an important person in our lives. Our sympathy goes out to Mr. Vandermeer's family. Vandy has had a great group of support friends around him for a very long time. My sympathy also extends to them in this time of sorrow. We should celebrate the fact that Vandy is again with the person he most admired in life. An edited excerpt of a post in VandysKids reads –

That Perfect Fit

Vandy's was Margaret. Vandy was always friendly; Margaret was always very charming. Vandy had a wit, Margaret had a look. Vandy could make you laugh with his wit. But,when Margaret gave you that look, you probably would not be laughing and it was something that you did not easily forget. Vandy had a grip like a vise. When he grabbed you, you did not get away until he was done talking with you. Key words there are - talking with you. He knew that there were always two sides to each story. Margaret did not have a strong grip - didn't need one. She just gave you ‘that look’. Vandy could be up one minute and back down the next, Margaret was even keel most of the time. Vandy's weapons were his tone and his booming voice. Margaret's was just her look. You always knew what Vandy was thinking. Most of the time, you had no idea what Margaret was thinking. You had to guess. Vandy tells me that even he had no idea what she was thinking. No guessing with Vandy. He told you! I also suspect that he knew what Margaret was thinking most of the time. Because they were That Perfect Fit.

Sometimes in life, Special people are blessed with a second perfect fit. Vandy had another. It was Center Grove. He told me recently that there would never be another Margaret. Center Grove will never have another Vandy, either.
_______________________________________

Vandy, we will miss you!

An unedited version of “That Perfect Fit” can be found on VandysKids, Archives Jan. 2006

A special Thank You to all of the VKs that stayed in contact with Vandy and have kept us informed. Sad news, but a joyous time for Vandy and Margaret.
Bill, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.


I have just a few Heros in my life. Vandy is one of them.

Mr. Vandermeer

Mr. Melvin Vandermeer - 1918 - August 23, 2007- 89 years old

Mr. Vandermeer died today at 2:00 PM. His son Bill made it in last night at 11:00 PM. John Clements stayed with him during the night and today. Funeral arrangements are being made and Mrs. Clements says probably the showing will be on Sunday and burial on Monday. As soon as I find out for sure I will let you all know when and where.

I was on my way to see him when I got the news.

Hawkeye

Vandy Update - Sad news...

At my last weeks visit to Vandy, I could not get him to wake up. He usually is asleep when I get there to visit him. This time he would only open his eyes halfway and never did say anything. I went ahead and read his newspaper for a while and tried again to talk to him. Again he did not wake up. I left, thinking he must have had a bad nights sleep and needed to sleep.
Just now, 9:00 PM, August 22, 2007, I got a call from Mrs Clemments. She tells me Vandy's kidneys are shutting down and he is having trouble swallowing. His son, Bill has been called and he is trying to get on the first flight to Indy.
Vandy had told me a couple of weeks ago that he wished he would either get better or worse. I will go by tomorrow to see him and update you further. Now, the family and Vandy need our prayers......right now I am praying for God's will. This is a sad time and we all hurt that such a good man will be leaving us. I keep thinking he will be with his beloved Margaret.

Hawkeye

Ol' What's'is ('er) Name... #1

Hiram Ulysses Grant, later known as Ulysses S. Grant, because of a military clerical error.

Born in the Midwest to a modest, hard working family.
He attended religious schools in both Kentucky and Ohio.
An average student, he graduated college ranked 21st in a class of 39.
He took a Commission as an Officer in the Army, and twice received commendations for bravery, but later told a friend he thought the U.S. had waged a "wicked war".
Assigned duty on the West coast, he was miserable and took to drinking heavily and was forced to resign.
He had reached the rank of Captain.

Prior to leaving the Army he married.
As a civilian, he bought 80 acres of land, intending to clear and farm it.
Two years later, he was in such terrible financial straits he had to pawn family heirlooms in order to buy Christmas presents for his kids.

Tensions mount and his services are again needed by the Army, so he joins, and is quite successful.
He's so successful as a soldier, he parlays his military success into winning election as a politician, but almost immediately following his election, a financial disaster strikes the U.S.
Although never found to be dishonest himself, he has surrounded himself with scoundrels, and some call his political world (I'm paraphrasing here), "the most corrupt ever seen in U.S. politics."

Bits and Pieces

OCTOBER MINI REMINDER

Just wanted to bring forward a reminder of the October Mini.

For those of you who have not marked your calendars or
requested time off please don't wait until the last minute.

As I posted before "there is no one date" that is perfect
for everyone. Had thought of having it earlier in the month
this year but due to some unforeseen events had to keep it
later in the month.

Had the pleasure of visiting with Two Dogs and Cinders last
week end and we was talking about last years reunion. We
had a picture taken on the stairway and Two Dogs counted
22 class mates. So with spouses, other half, and special guests
there was somewhere around 43 attending.

You know guys this is really great. I have spoken with numerous
people who say that they don't get that many in attendance at
their five year class reunions. Just goes to show that the class
of 65 is and always was up for a party.

If you know of someone who hasn't attended before and you are
in touch with them (PLEASE) try and get them to come this
year. Last year Linda K. brought Cynthia A. It was the first
time in years that a lot of us had seen her. So everyone try
and locate someone who hasn't joined before and get them to
come. Even if you have to pick them up to get them here.

LET'S MAKE THIS THE
RECORD BREAKING YEAR ! ! ! !

I am going to be sending out invitations about a month before.
If you know of anyone (our class) or other that you think might
like to attend please let me know their names and address so
I can get them on the list.

Haven't heard from Jamie Lou yet but sure hope she and Mike
will be here again We all look forward to their fantastic music.
Last year Ginger & Johnnie S. made it for the first time. Ginger
was in a back brace from surgery but still made it. Johnnie
said that he also plays music and sings and they are looking f
orward to coming again this year and will join in on the music.
If any of the rest of you can sing or plays music please plan on
sharing with us.

We all had so much fun with the musical stroll down memory
lane. I have started getting together as many of the
"old favorites" that was listed to play. If any of you have any
50's - 60's CD's please bring them.

It is never to early to RSVP that we will be seeing your smiling
faces. So far I have heard from Ferdy, Two Dogs & Cinders,
Top Cat and Sharon and Greybeard & Sara Jean. I know that
there are a lot more of you planning on coming so come on and
let us know we can look forward to seeing you.

The mini has become like a big family reunion. As you know at
"family reunions" there is always someone who brings a family
favorite every year. It is sort of a tradition. Haven't heard
from DJ but (plan) on him coming - your cold slaw is a must -
(fancy bowl or not). Let me know if I need to dig one out.
And I'm not sure who brought that fantastic Oriental Salad
(was that you Cinder's ??) but who ever did - PLEASE
BRING IT AGAIN THIS YEAR.

Had some problems with my earthlink e-mail last year
throwing e-mails into a Block Sender File. Got the danged
problem solved so shouldn't run into that this year. I have
(2) e-mail addresses that you can send to
magadspec@earthlink.net and
kl_harris@yahoo.com. That's a _ between the kl and harris.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING ALL
OF YOU THE 20TH.

Echo & Shifty

IBook?

I'm lookin' for advice.
I've had my PC laptop for almost three years now. I seldom operate it on battery power, but the battery is completely shot now, and will have to be replaced at a cost of $140 or so. But there's another problem with it-
I've had a couple laptops before, and the achilles heel with the things seems to be the hinge that connects the monitor to the keyboard...
for some reason, (constant opening/closing?), the electrical connection there breaks down and the display on the monitor goes blank. That's happened to me twice, and in both cases the recommendation was to buy another computer rather than repair the old one. Now this machine is showing the initial signs of that happening again.

For years I've toyed with the idea of trying an Apple product.
Folks that use them are crazy for them! Apple truly has a crowd of "groupies" singing the praises of their machine.
Every time I get another email warning of some terrible virus that is gonna wipe out my central processor or erase my hard drive, I reconsider the Apple option. There are so few Apple computers out there, virus-writing monsters don't waste time writing bugs to eat their hard drives! (Apple users would also say their operating systems are superior and programs are written with fewer loopholes for virus-writers to exploit.)

So I'll ask... any VK's out there using an Apple product?
Care to voice your opinion?
How hard is it to leave the PC world and venture into Appleland?
Apples are supposedly VERY user friendly... how long will it take for me to feel as comfortable with it as I do pounding on this PC?

Center Grove Alumni News

Alumni committee from CGHS is moving forward. Thanks for everyone's hep in the past and continued support in the future

Web site coming soon (one week) http://www.centergrovealumni.com/

NEW alumni date for 2008 April 26th details closer todate
alumni will staff a booth from the 4 home football games of 07 (should be good year)

alumni selling tee shirts, sweatshirts and polos as fundraiser. items obtained from ENT (Dan Francis 65')

new faces on alumni committee Ruel West 58' Jim Brown79' Emily Poe-Rose, not sure of year. ALumni always welcome to attend and input. Next meeting 9/11/07 7 p.m. CGS admin board room

banquet and scholarship committees formed

Center Grove Education Foundation will host a Gala 4/25/08 and will honor a distinguished alumni. CGEF and ALumni COmmittee needs input on criteria for distinguished alumni (i.e) giving back to CGS, volunteer efforts in community etc. Please share comments to
Center Grove ALumni
2929 s. morgantown road
greenwood in 46143
317.881.9328 x8889

pay pal coming to web site soon. Discussion with CGEF using their pay pap account with credits going to alumni association so all donations will be tax deductible. alumni associaiton at i understand is not 501c3.

keep the faith, thanks for listening and hope to hear from you.

?? anyone remember a time capsule in first elementary near office of O.J. Sloop Sr. and Elienn Fulmer , secretary? I have been told capsule in one of the corner stones of office entrance.

hatchet

The Center Grove Foundation

Some time back, someone, (Carol?), broached the issue of Jake and Travis Findlay...
Pokin' around, I found this site devoted to the subject.
Looks like they are having a fund-raising dinner the evening of
15 September.

I wrote and left a note with the Administrator, Heidi, and suggested she might want to link with us there. I may also add her link to our blogroll. In the meantime, go check 'em out!

Hey Up/Down!

I think this seems like a pretty decent deal.
Know anyone interested?

UPDATE:
Someone bought the yearbook!
Was that you, Asoka?

Center Grove Television?

Yep!
Center Grove Television!

Answer to: "Guess who this is" (below)

I tried 4 times to post this picture to the same blog as the

"Guess who this is" blog,

and it kept kicking me out.

GB got it -so here's the answer:

She is in the picture above on your left.
Vivian Vance, aka Ethel Mertz
(her co-star: William Clement Frawley)

Internet Nooks and Crannies

My job pays me even if I'm idle.
Good thing too, 'cause if I weren't paid to do what I do, I can see where friends and relatives might begin to talk behind my back about what a sad computer addict I have become!

While researching Bouncin' Bill Baker I came across this site, and found a lot of memories.
So my fall into this electronic abyss has paid a dividend...
You don't have to search for hours to find stuff like this.

Katzass!

Guess who this is

Unless you're a big fan you probably won't recognize her right away,

but ask the right questions and you'll get it fairly quick.

Her "aka" is a household name.

Hints coming soon.

1st hint:

She got her big break in 1951.

She was married 4 times.

She's an actress and she's recognized everywhere.

2nd hint:

She was in Broadway musicals then later

became a TV actress in the early 50's, which was her

"claim to fame".

3rd hint:

Her initials at birth were: VRJ

later she changed her last name for show biz purposes.

Her TV co-star's initials were W.C.F.

and she did not like her co-star in real life.

Another Mystery Man

I'm hoping you can all see this image.
First clues:
He was born in 1928 in Pennsylvania.
His Father was a Lutheran Minister.
At age 15, he got his first job at what would be his lifelong career.

He was a drummer in a band, and met his wife, Betty, while playing at his Father's Church.
They were married in 1952, and moved to take on a new job in Kokomo in '54.

Okay, ya ready? Here we go...
The Kokomo job was with WIOU radio.
I'm out the door, headed to work, and I bet we at least have close guesses by the time I check in later!

Indeed, it is Bouncin' Bill, and he died almost exactly two years ago. I can vividly remember his "early morning vitamin pill" broadcast!

Bigger Rascals

This was a fun year.

The Little Rascals

Check out the guy with the bow tie! Is he a cutie or what!!
There are so many cute faces. And then of course you can tell I was a Fashionista even in the early years.

Tired of Quizzes?

If you are tired of the guessing game, ignore this post.
If not, here we go:
I'm not gonna give you his birth date, 'cause I know you'd be like me and go see who was born that year... and that would be a dead give-away for this guy.

But it IS a guy, and I'll give ya a minor clue: He served in the Army during 1944 and '45.

PT pulled it out of her hat... how, I don't know.
I had all sorts of great clues to give ya:
You may have crossed a bridge named in his honor- (on the State line over the Wabash 'twixt Vincennes and Illinois.)
Born in Vincennes.
Dad was a circus clown.
Gave Johnny Carson his first big break.

Wow PT... I'm impressed.

So Far So Good For Oahu

I want to take the time to thank you for the concern and your thoughts on the hurricane coming our way. The Big Island dodged a bullet, but did get lots of rain with warnings of flash flooding. The Big Island also had a earthquake during all this. The warning there has now been cancelled. Flossie is still heading this way, but continue weakening is the notice right now. She should be totally through here by Thursday. She is passing Maui now.
We just got a new crank radio with the weather station on it and I have been cranking like crazy.
We now have a funky coloring in the sky, but the winds aren't bad yet.
The wind is out of the East at 16mph gusting to about 25.
I think we will be okay. We have more concern since we have moved here, as our neighborhood is right on the beach, but we set a little bit on the inland side of it. We are on the south shore right next to Pearl Harbor.

What a way to spend my birthday, uh?

Joker, I found a picture of Mrs. Rueff's class, who did you want to know about? I love your puzzles you have been publishing.
I was in Mrs. Merrilees class with BO.

CG- Circa 1955

Do all young boys want pretty teachers? These days too many pretty teachers are brought to our attention by way of their mug shots, after they've been caught dabblin' where they ought not be!
I was disappointed on my first day of second grade...
I don't remember any of the other teachers, but no one could have called Mrs. Saunders pretty. You can see from this photo that she had a skin pigmentation problem, which stood out like a Nazi Swastika when you first met her.
She was a gentle soul, and she cared for her kids right to her very core. She may have been the best teacher I ever had. I think the pigment problem became invisible to me after about a week in her class. By the end of the year, I loved her dearly.

I mentioned in a comment to my 1st Grade post the name "Sirona Morton". I now realize she wasn't in that photo 'cause she's definitely in this one. Lots of other familiar faces here too.

(Look at teacher's pet, right there next to her!)

Recognize him?

This is not quite as exciting as ELVIRA,

and I did a crappy job of blacking out his name (sorry).

This guy is much, much older then us '65 grads

and he is recognized throughout the world

and we all knew of and loved him.

I'm giving you the first hint now:

1st hint:

He was a model and part-time stuntman in Hollywood in the

1930's before his "big break" in 1949.

This big break is what made him famous

until the day he died in 1999.

2nd hint:

His initials were J.C.M.

Later, around 1940, he dropped one of his initials.

(I'm not telling which one)

Here's your answer

Elvira

Mistress of the Dark

Better known as Cassandra Peterson

Anonymous got it right

Recognize her?

Oh, come on, you all know her. Any guesses as to who she is?

She's almost our age, born in 1949.

This is just for fun!

I'll give ya a hint later.

1st hint:

her initials are C.P.

I briefly met her at an autograph signing

here in Indy at a car show many years ago.

She is NOT a race car driver nor an athlete.

2nd hint:

She holds a record in the

Guinness Book of World Records

as the youngest showgirl in Las Vegas history

(late 60's) but that's NOT what made her famous.

She's an actress with a "gimmick" and it's the gimmick

that has made her famous world wide.

SAD NEWS

I just learned that Bill Porter; who was one of our teachers in high school, passed away last night. He lived accross the street from my mom and dad in Greenwood. Bill had been diagnosed with bone cancer in May. I am so sad to learn that he died. He was always nice to me in school and a good friend as a neighbor to my folks.

I don't know any details about his funeral or calling. It will probobly be in The Daily Journal and the Indianapolis Star tomorrow or Saturday.

"Your Hair Is Romance!"

I'm sure we watched this ad as kids. Remember the jingle?
(If, when you click the link, you get a page that says "You are not authorized..." click "Go" again, and it should take you to the link. Don't know why it sometimes won't go directly!)

Lots of old TV Ads here.

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED

WHAT MADE ME ME

Long ago and far away,
In a land that time forgot,
Before the days of Dylan,
Or the dawn of Camelot.

There lived a race of innocents,
And they were you and me,
Long ago and far away
In the Land That Made Me Me.

For Ike was in the White House
In that land where we were born,
Where navels were for oranges
And Peyton Place was porn.

We learned to gut a muffler,
We washed our hair at dawn,
We spread our crinolines to dry
In circles on the lawn.

We longed for love & romance,
And waited for our Prince,
And Eddie Fisher married Liz,
And no one's seen him since.

We danced to "Little Darlin"
And sang to "Stagger Lee"
And cried for Buddy Holly
In the Land Than Made Me Me.

Only girls wore earrings then,
And 3 was one too many,
And only boys wore flat-top cuts,
Except for Jean McKinney.

And only in our wildest dreams
Did we expect to see
A boy named George with lipstick,
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We fell for Frankie Avalon,
Annette was oh, so nice,
And when they made a movie,
They never made it twice.

We didn't have a Star Trek Five,
Or Psycho Two & Three,
Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty
In the Land That Made Me Me.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold,
And Chester had a limp
And Reagan was a Democrat
Whose co-star was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard,
But not a Mr. T
And Oprah couldn't talk yet
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We had our share of heroes
We never thought they'd go.
At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.

For youth was still eternal,
And life was yet to be,
And Elvis was forever
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We'd never seen the rock band
That was Grateful to be Dead,
And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson,
And Zeppelins were not Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then,
And Monkees lived in trees,
Madonna was a virgin
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We'd never heard of microwaves,
Or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed,
But they weren't grown in jars.

An pumping iron got wrinkles out,
And "gay" meant fancy-free,
And dorms were never coed
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We hadn't seen enough of jets
To talk about the lag.
And microchips were what was left
At the bottom of the bag.

And hardware was a box of nails,
And bytes came from a flea,
And rocket ships were fiction
In the Land That Made Me Me.

Buick's came with portholes,
And side shows came with freaks,
And bathing suits came big enough
To cover both your cheeks.

And Coke came just in bottles,
And shirts came to the knee,
And Castro came to power
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We had no Crest with Fluoride,
We had no Hill Stree Blues,
We all wore superstructure bras
Designed by Howard Hughes.

We had no patterned pantyhose
Or Lipton herbal tea
Or prime-time ads for condoms
In the Land That Made Me Me.

There were no golden arches,
No Perrier to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda,
And cats were not called Bill.

And middle-aged was 35
And old was forty-three,
And ancient was our parents
In the Land That Made Me Me.

But all things have a season
Or so we'ver heard them say,
And now instead of Maybelline
We swear by Retin-A.

And they send us invitations
To join AARP,
We've come a long way, baby,
From the Land That Made Me Me.

So now we face a brave new world
In slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they're using
Smaller print in magazines.

And we tell our children's children
Of the way it used to be.
Long ago and far away.
In the Land That Made Me Me.

GB - After reading this
Would I go back???
You bet ya ! ! !

Echo

Class of '67-- the Early Years

Someone asked to see a photo of Mrs Parrish's class

that would have graduated in '67.

This is a photo of the persons of interest

and they all look guilty!

How many can you ID?

Weren't We All Rebels?

Keeping with the theme of late-




Or alternatively, and maybe even more apropo:

Wheels, Tunes and Memories

Sit back and relax and take a Stroll down Memory Lane with this
fantastic site.

My brother Terry (many of you may remember) is involved in a car club and is also a judge of Custom Car Shows through out the country.

He sent me this site and it is just so perfect for remembering old times.

Remember This ?

A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE

In July while recovering I posted the "How Good Is Your Memory ???" about TV shows we use to watch in our youth. I never dreamed that is would have the impact that it did. I hear from GB that it has topped the records so far with (57 comments).

S - O - O- O I have come up with a new memory jogger. Let's see if we can have as much fun with this one. Now we all will have to admit that in "our day" music was real music. The entertainers actually "sang" the songs and you could understand the words. They didn't even use make up to hide their identity. Well Little Richard (maybe a little bit) HAHA

Shifty and I love listening to music from the 60's and carry overs from the 50's. Shifty use to travel with a band back in the 60's. He did the set up for them and promoting. They were called JERRY AND THE DECADES. All of the guys in the band were from London Kentucky and surrounding areas. Little did they know back then that a couple of the guys would go on to stardom and work with some of the "big name" entertainers of today and yesterday.

If you think back I am sure that you will remember a group called EXILE. Memory not so good ???? Well this may trip your memory !!!!

Kiss You All Over, She's A Miracle, Cant's Get Close Enough, Give Me One More Chance, It'll Be Me, Woke Up In Love and Take Me Down and many more.

One of the lead singers with EXILE is Les Taylor. Shifty grew up with Les and he started out with Jerry and The Decades. We had the great experience of seeing EXILE in concert two years ago. Shifty hadn't seen Les in some 30+ years. It was a really moving experience to see them re-united after all those years. After the concert we gathered around their tour bus until the wee hours of the morning talking and reliving the "old days". I think those guys would still be talking if they hadn't had to get on the road for another concert.

Also in their band is a super guy - who is like a brother to Shifty. His name is Fred Wooton. Fred is a Steel Guitar player and backup singer. He is known in the music industry as one of the most outstanding guitar and steel guitar players around. Aside for his unbelievable talent there is something else that makes him unique. He doesn't read music. He plays strictly by ear. As the years went on Fred has played in the bands of some top names that I am sure your will recognize. Keith Whitley, Lori Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, Linda Ronstat and I am sure a few more that I have forgotten. We visit with Fred and his wife quite often and spend Christmas with them each year. It is really something to hear Fred & Shifty rehash tails of old. I didn't know Shifty was such a hoot. I couldn't believe the story Fred told about Shifty letting some "goopie girls" believe he was from England on one of his road trips. When I heard the story I said, "Honey, how could you lie to those poor little teeny boppers". He said, "on heck, I didn't lie, I just told them I was from London - I just didn't say London Kentucky". Oh some of the stories they can tell.

Anyway, enough of that - HERE IS MY NEW MEMORY CHALLENGE TO YOU !!

How many songs from the (60's) can you remember? And even some of the carry overs from the 50's that we like to claim. And to make it even more interesting CAN YOU REMEMBER THE ARTIST'S? I will have to admit that I have a pretty big collection of 50's & 60's music and I can't believe how many of the songs I know but have no idea who sang them. When I looked some of them up I swear I have never heard of them in my life.

So think back to the hours spent at the Bee Hive, The Frost Top and the Sock Hops and lets see how good you are. If you don't know the band or artist but remember the song it will be fun to see who can fill in the artist/band name etc.

Here is my starting contribution:

Creedence Clearwater Revival - PROUD MARY, HAVE YOUR EVERY SEEN THE RAIN, TRAVELIN BAND and who can forget THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

Tommy James & The Shondells - MONY MONY
Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs - WOOLY BULLY
The Kingsmen - LOUIE LOUIE
Wilson Pickett - LAND OF 1,000 DANCES
Betty Everett - THE SHOOP SHOOP SONG (It's In His Kiss)

HAVE FUN AND JOIN IN

Echo & Shifty

1st Grade- Mrs. Parrish

I'm hopeful the way I copied this pic will allow you to click and enlarge it.
Several faces here you'll recognize if you do that...
(I count at least four active VK bloggers... do you see more?)

Shattered Glass

Self absorbed?
Sure we were. Our time was important!
Why should we have to waste it?

It was Good Friday.
Liberals/Progressives of today, don't read the next sentence...
We were gonna get half a day off for the Easter holiday. The entire school was moving to the gym so Mr. Vandermeer and others could say a few marvelous words and send us on our way. In the past, these Good Friday assemblies had taken 90 minutes or so...
Why should we stick around for an hour and a half and accomplish nothing? We had "places to go, people to meet"!

So Tom, Ron, and I came up with a plan...
we'd just mosey on out the North door of the gymnasium down to our cars, and quietly leave.
No one would know. No one would care.
And that's exactly what we did.
The weekend passed, and we thought we had pulled it off.


But Ron G. had seen us get into our cars, and for some reason Ron felt compelled to tell some member of the faculty about three classmates breaking the rules.

Monday morning started normally.
Then, over the P.A. system-
"Would Tom #####, David ####, and Ron ####### please come to the office!"
Uh-oh. We'd been ratted out!
Question was, by whom... and how much trouble were we in?

Already seated in Vandy's office- Mr Vandermeer came in and sat across from us.
He started out carefully making his points quietly and calmly...
"Leaders of the class... looked up to and emulated by others..."
Then the volume and tempo both increased-
"Who do you think you are? Do the rules not apply to you?"
Then the temperature went to a full boil!
"I have to expel you for three days. You CANNOT make your own rules!"... and as he spat out the word CANNOT!, Vandy brought his fist forcefully down on the plate glass covering over his desk, shattering it into a thousand dime-sized pieces.
I sensed motion and looked to my left to see Tom moving out the door as fast as his legs would carry him. Momentarily stunned by the sight of shattered glass dancing all over Vandy's desk, I came to my senses and quickly followed his lead.
I don't know what Ron did... Ron, if you're reading, fill us in!

But I hafta tell ya this-
It's another great story to be able to tell,
and except for the detrimental effect it had on our grades, the three days of involuntary vacation during early Spring in Central Indiana was not altogether a bad thing!

I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!

Let me apologize up front-

Can't help myself....

I just gotta share this video,
knowing full well it shows I am low class and easily amused!

More George Carlin . . . .

George Carlin turned 70 on May 12, 2007.

So, like him or not (I love him),

he's got to know something about life.

Here's 10 things he believes on "How To Stay Young":

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away.

HARRIS ANNUAL MINI REUNION

Have put out a few feelers to try and find out what would be the best date
for this years October Mini. And guess what !!!!!

THERE IS NO BEST DATE FOR EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As you all know when you try to plan something with a big bunch of family
and friends NO ONE DATE will fit into everyone's schedule. So all you can do
is pick a date and pray that it will work for the majority.

S0000000!!! Let's all mark your calendars for:

OCTOBER 20th.

Hopefully for those of you who still work this will give you enough time to schedule
that week end off - and for those of you (hopefully) coming in from afar you can get
some good pricing on air line tickets. (Hint - Hint - Fly).

Last year I sent out invitations, posted to VK, made individual phone calls and almost
had a nervous break down worrying if anyone was coming, what they were pitching in etc.

This year I am going to keep it simple and send out invitations about a month
to six weeks ahead of time and keep updating here on VK. I am asking that all
of you help me out by talking to anyone and everyone that you see or talk to.

As usual we will have a pitch in dinner - seems easier than trying to have something
catered as (in the past) we never know until a week or so before the event who is going
to be here. (And in one case - until I opened the door).

Last year there was a lot of planning for the OJ roast. THIS YEAR we are going to just sit
back and relax and sit around the bonfire. For those of you who have never experienced the
bonfire you are really in for a treat. Shifty works for month's stock piling (BIG) hunks of wood.
And just a note for future reference, the old saying that if you play in fire it will make you wet
your pants - IT AIN'T TRUE - A few of the guys spent a lot of time "keeping that fire goin" and
not one of them wet their pants. (GB - or did I miss something). There have been some great stories, lots of laughs and even some "bet's" related to past fires. You will have to talk to GB and hear about the "bet" part of this. Did she ever pay up???????????

Fly- Just a little personal note here - Shifty and I will be on vacation the last week of Sept.
so figured that the week end of the 6th would be "out of the question" as that would be
pushing it to get my kitchen floor mopped. HAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Echo & Shifty

A Night Out - Update

A Night Out, Sat Sept. 15, 2007. We will visit with friends and classmates, enjoy a buffet diner and then watch the tried and true -laugh out loud “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at the Beef and Boards Dinner Theater. Come join us for this Night Out. Singles, couples, it really doesn't matter - you will be with friends and everyone deserves a night out once in a while. This is still a couple of months out – plenty of time to clear your calendars. But, don't wait too long to decide. Right now, there are plenty of good tables available. And they should be able to group us close together, Up front and center. It will be fun so, Check your calendars and let me know as soon as possible. Call me or email me if you have questions. You can also go to www.beefandboards.com/ for information. Respond via VKs or email and I will be in contact.

Farfel

N-E-S-T-L-E-S,
Nestles makes the VERY BEST...
Chaaaawwwwwklet!

Then, and Now

In the shower, thinkin'...
(Hot steamy air is good for that!)

How many classmates, schoolmates, and friends are now stoppin' by here at VK?
Twelve or so participate on a reasonably active basis. Checkin' the sitemeter, I know several more are lurking... reading, and for whatever reason, won't stick their necks out.
(Luddites?)

I'm fairly certain of my next comment:
This class, because of its size and because of world events when we graduated, has always been special. And reading/hearing comments from Bo and others about the spirit exhibited by other H.S. classes, I'd bet our class is closer and has more esprit than most.

There is a core group of people we can thank for that-
those people that planned and organized all the class reunions since we graduated.

At the top of that list, of course, is TwoDogs.
A little background here:
TD and I were never what you would call "close" during our school years. I respected and liked him, and I think he felt pretty much the same about me. We have grown closer over the last several years, and I have had a first-hand chance to see how much work, how much detail TD has applied, trying to locate classmates, then stay in touch with them. Let me emphasize this...
The wonderful things that are happening to our class now would NOT be happening, were it not for our class President! We picked a good one!
TD, thank you from all of us!

But "Thanks" can be spread around to others, and I'm gonna leave it to TD to fill in my blank spots, 'cause I know I'll leave several out. Please, TD, (and anyone else that knows), mention anyone I forget so we can also applaud them!

BobWhiteDan, Linda B-K, Dale, Indy Echo, Hawkeye...
Those are some of the folks off the toppa my head that were on committees to try to insure we had a great time when we got together, and left us all with very fond memories.

To all of you:
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Memory Lane Revisited

After last week's wonderful drive down memory lane, thought you oldtimers would enjoy this.

Take Me Back To The Fifties

Aging

I bet most of you have seen this before, but I think it's brillliant and worth repeating.

George Carlin's View on Aging :

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids?

If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!"

You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five!
That's the key.

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?"

"I'm gonna be 16!"

You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . .
YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling.
What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes,

it's all slipping away. Before you know it,

you REACH 50 and
your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70!
After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30;
you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90's, you start going backwards;
"I Was JUST 92."

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100,
you become a little kid again.
"I'm 100 and a half!"

Lost Until Found

(I stole this image from www.podunknowhere.com,
and feel obligated to identify 'em in order to ease my guilt!)

I bet most of you had this experience at least once-
Back in the days of 25-cent per gallon gas, Willy, Hawkeye and I would fill the tank, then point his '56 Ford sedan South on Highway 135 until we got to Highway 44, where we would turn Westbound. From that point I don't remember details very well... maybe Hawk can fill in some of my blank spots, but somewhere along the line there we'd find a gravel road and just see where it lead. The goal? To see if we could get ourselves really, REALLY lost. Willy's car had a six-cylinder engine which got great gas mileage, thank God, because we sometimes found ourselves in the "boonies" to the point where the roads narrowed to one lane... truly "Podunk Nowhere"... in the dark of night you couldn't see much, but there wasn't much out there to see. Even so, we did this often enough that there were places we began to recognize, and we became more and more comfortable with driving there. Still, as an adult I look back and wonder what might have happened if the old Ford had suddenly quit running, for whatever reason. No cell phones to call AAA to come help... heck, no phones of any kind were available around there!

But what a great time! Of course we were bonding... we had the radio blasting, and we had one another to bounce ideas off of.
We'd drive until we finally came out somewhere we recognized... the little roads almost always lead us to Highway 37 somewhere around Martinsville. We'd feel some sense of accomplishment and head back to Jerry's or the Kitchen for a Cherry Coke.

Help me here-
There was a shopping center up nestled between Highways 31 and 135... "South Park Plaza"? I'm really unsure of the name. It was just North of 465 if I recall correctly. There was a miniature Golf Course on the Southwest side of the shopping center that we used to drop by and check to see if any hot Southport gals were patronizing. We were leaving the place when a car with four huge guys came into the drive. For some reason they took offense at the way Willy was departing and shouted something at him. Willy of course responded to them by signaling that they were "Number One!" They quickly turned to come after us. Willy, realizing we were outnumbered and outsized, put the throttle to the floor. We headed South on 135 as fast as that six cylinder engine could go, with the four "Hulk Hogan" types right on our tail. At probably just over 100 miles per hour, I'm amazed we didn't have a close encounter with law enforcement along the way. Past County Line Road... past "El Dorado" Country Club, past Stone's Crossing road. Right turn on Highway 44... find that gravel road leading to Podunk... and now we have the advantage!
Following someone at night on a gravel road, all the dust bein' kicked up by the preceeding car, making all those twists and turns, finally got the desired result. The big guys backed off considerably and started honking their horn.
We grinned and made them suffer for 15 minutes or so. Willy finally slowed down enough for me to hang my head out the window to see what they wanted.
Yeah, you're ahead of me, aren't ya?!
They were scared to death. Scared we were gonna lose them somehow, and they'd be lost in Podunk to be eaten by Bigfoot or some other big, hungry creature.
"C'mon Dudes, just lead us outta here... PLEASE!"
And since the request was so nice, we did just that.

Podunk...
Been down in that area lately?
If not, don't go. Keep your memories alive and vivid .
And for me, what wonderful memories!

Turning 60 in Japanese

Today I received a wonderful letter from my friend in Japan that I would like to share with all of you.
We had been talking about turning 60 and what it means. I know today, they say that today's 60 is the new 40 and they might not be far off.
Sachi told me that in Japan turning 60 means you will be re-born. That your second life begins at 60. They consider it a turning point in one's life.
They often give red clothing as 60 is a special birthday, because red expresses best celebration.
We will be brand new people with sophistcated brains.
What a smart friend I have.
It would be nice if we could start it over without the wrinkles though.
So, today my friends, with my 60th looming ahead come August, I am going to go buy some red clothing.
I wish you all the best and I hope we all give this new life a real go.

Harris' Annual Mini Reunion

I guess most of you know I have been "a little" under the weather.

I want to thank all of you for your e-mails and get well wishes. Am doing "pretty good". Got
back to work this week. Have me on "Coumadin" and 325m Asprin daily. Been trying to get the dosages figured out. Constantly changing it. Had a little set back last week as they "got my blood (to thin)" and I had to be really careful not to get any hard bumps (could cause internal bleeding) and of course not to cut myself. Shifty was so scared I would hurt myself he was almost carrying me around on a pillow. Went to Hemotologist today and the took (12) vials of blood for testing. Trying to confirm why I am having blood clots. Next will have to find out why I am anemic.

But all is well now and we can start planning on our
NEXT ANNUAL HARRIS MINI.

Last year and the year before we had it the last week end in October. Some of the gang who are in the teaching profession couldn't make it because of school break falling around then. The ones I heard from said they were hoping to "make the next one".

S - O - O- O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK OF PLANNING IT FOR THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER?????

Some of you Lucky One's will be off to Hawaii the first of November. I THINK THAT'S RIGHT??

Anyway how about some feed back on what everyone thinks would be a good date?

This years festivities we would like to center around the "pitch in dinner" and "the Bon-Fire!!
Shifty is already stock piling some (BIG) logs. For those of you who have never enjoyed the
fire at the last two mini's you have really missed something.

The guys have had some real fun keeping that "fire burin" in the past. Last year there was even some "bets" goin on with it. You gotta talk to GB about this one. It was a hoot!!!

SO PLEASE SEND BACK SOME COMMENTS SO WE CAN GET THE DATE CONFIRMED.

Oh yes, Of course we will want Jamie and her better half to provide their great music again.
Ginger and Johnnie was able to make it last year and said they want to come again this year.
Johnnie said that he also plays music and would like to join in. So if any of the rest of you has any musical talent let us know. It would be so much fun to have more.

Shifty & Echo

WOW WHAT MEMORIES

Holy Smokes Guys. I never dreamed that you all (Shifty rubbed off on me (Ky)) would have so much fun with this. Funny when you are just laying around you have so much time to think of silly stuff. I had a tablet laying on the coffee table beside (my couch sick bed) and just started writing down old shows. Then I thought why not get the (gang) in on it.

Gee I feel special!!!!!!!!!! HAHA

You know I always heard that the first thing to go with old age was your memory. Well this has sure proved that to be wrong. I never did really agree with that. I found that the first thing to go was the muscle control in the cheeks of my b _ _ _ !!!!!!!!! But I still stand by the fact that I have the same things I had in high school. They are just in a different place than they use to be.

I have had so much fun reading all the comments to my post. I can't believe that there a (50).
Now I am going to have to get out the list that I made and see if I had any that you guys have missed. I doubt it.

But I do have a question. Does anyone remember a show that had a woman on it with some funny puppets. One had a big old tooth right in the front. And I think there was a little lamb too.

Here is this week's little ditty!!!!!!

Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and Quasimodo were all talking on day.

Sleeping Beauty said, "I believe myself to be the most beautiful girl in the world".

Tom Thumb said, "I must be the smallest person in the world"

Quasimogo said, "I absolutely have to be the most tacky, rude, crude, gross & disgusting person in the world".

So they all decided to go to the Guiness Book of World Records to have their claims verified.

Sleeping Beauty went in first and came out looking deliriously happy. "It's official: I AM the most beautiful girl in the world".

Tom Thumb went next and emerged triumphant. "I am now officially the smallest person in the world".

Sometime later, Quasimodo comes out looking utterly confused and says, "Who the hell is Rosie O'Donnell???????"

Echo

A Night Out

Beef and Boards opened their doors in 1973. “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” doesn’t quite go back as far as that, but, close. For those few VKs that don’t remember that far back, it opened on Broadway in 1978. That seems like such a long time ago. Not long after graduating from Center Grove, a few of us were wondering ‘What the heck just happened?’. A few of us were trying to figure out just exactly where we were, still a few more were wondering where we were heading. Most of us were listening to the Animals “We’ve gotta get out of this place”. Some of us did just that. But here we are – 40 plus years later and most of us are still intact. By the response that Indy Echo’s latest post got, I can tell that most of you still have a very good memory. Great Post, Some Great memories. I remembered most. Although, I have been told that I have a very short memory. Could that be?????

Back to the subject. A Night Out. “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” starts a run at the Beef and Boards Dinner Theater in Aug. Sara Jean and GB and Cinders and TD are planning a night out for Saturday September 15, 2007. GB and I think it would be great to get a group together and have A Night Out. Singles, couples, it really doesn't matter - you will be with friends and everyone deserves a night out once in a while. This is still a couple of months out – plenty of time to clear your calendars. But, don't wait too long to decide. Right now, there are plenty of good tables available. And they should be able to group us close together. It will be fun so, Check your calendars and let me know as soon as possible. Call me or email me if you have questions. You can also go to www.beefandboards.com/ for information. Respond via VKs or email and I will be in contact.

HOW GOOD IS YOUR MEMORY ?????

In past postings we have talked about "old songs" so thought that this would be
fun for everyone.

How many shows can we come up with that we USED to watch that are no longer on TV?

A friend of mine (I do have a few left) sent this idea to me. It had a great list and I was surprised at how many was on the list that I hadn't thought about in years.

I am only going to put down a few just to get you started. Let's see how many more your guys
can come up with. After we see how many we can come up with I will fill in any that was on the list that we missed.

Sky King
Land of the Giants
American Bandstand
Have Gun Will Travel
Car 54 where are you
Ozzie and Harriet
Laugh IN
Route 66
Captain Kangaroo
Hit Parade
Father Knows Best
My LIttle Margie

Ok guys, so being sick has taken some what of a toll. I'm getting enjoyment out of some really odd things. But everyone has been trying to send me things to keep my mind active. Guess they think that having "blood clots" keeps me out of touch with reality. HAHA.

Indy Echo

Wishing you all a wonderful 4th

Today we took our yearly pilgramage to Pearl Harbor. Like so many of our parents, my dad served in the military and served with the US Navy and was at Pearl Harbor and Tokyo Bay among other places, after the Dec. 7th attack. He joined when he was 17 and my grandmother had to sign for him. He also got to cross the equator and in return got to do the rites of passage and have his ear pierced. I still have his earring.
I am not sure why, maybe we go every year because it makes me feel closer to him in some way. He was a torpedoman on a submarine, but didn't really talk about the war much.

As we were driving throughout the base, I always see new things from the trip before.
When we get to the old buildings, I almost expect to see Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, or Jimmy Stewart coming walking down the sidewalk in their summer whites.
Since my husband works for the Navy here, he knows Pearl Harbor like the back of his hand and I enjoy his tours. We would come across old buildings and imagine what went on in them. There are the old Marine Barracks and the hospital and so many others. Thank Goodness they are on the Historical list and can't be destroyed. I can't imagine this place without them.
There is the little house on Ford Island that John Wayne used while making In Harm's Way.

Today, we actually had some ships and subs in, they have been pretty busy lately and have been to parts unknown. When in port like today, they dress them up with banners and flags and it is quite a site to see. We had in several Japanese Ships and they too, dressed their ships in honor of our holiday. They love coming to Hawaii and we have the largest Japanese cemetary here outside of Japan for sailors of so many years ago. They come to honor them.

So today, I wish you all a wonderful 4th of July.

VANDY UPDATE

Sorry it has been so long between updates. I go to see Vandy about every Thurday or Friday. He has been about the same for weeks. He seems to be feeling OK. He still has his sense of humor and loves to tell stories.

He had some tests a couple of weeks ago. His daughter-in-law, Carol says that some of his tests didn’t come back very good. The tests were on his heart and something to do with his hemoglobin.

I don’t think he will be going back to Country Charm. He needs so much help now. I saw him last Friday, 6-30-07, and he had fallen off of the “throne” and has a very black eye “a shiner” and a badly bruised arm. He was taken to the hospital for x-rays and nothing was broken. He sure looks bad with all the bruising on his face. He told me, AS ONLY Vandy could, that I SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE OTHER GUY.

He tells me about the “kids” who visit him. He loves the cards and care packages that he has received; keep sending him stuff, you make his day! Again his address: Village Pavilion Health Care Center, Melvin A VanDermeer, Room 109, 283 S. Smock Drive, Greenwood, IN 46143 – Telephone 317-881-0890.

Sorry I missed the Destin get together. Sounds like you had a ball.

Sorry about your Dad Bo.

Yes, Greybeard and I are related. We are brothers, right bro?

Barb and I are going back down to Florida this Tuesday, July 3rd to work on her mom’s Tampa house. We will be back the 10th of July. We have the outside done and now begin to work on the inside.