Just a quicky post so that those of you bustin' with news to share can do so...
I just finished with our annual "Goose Roundup". If you don't know what that is, I'll be back later to explain.
In the meantime, are you one of those that believe Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon are all chatting in another dimension now?
It's nice to think they might be.
More later.
Comment!
UPDATE:
If you are interested, details on the goose roundup are here, and here.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
C.G. Teachers
Center Grove Art Teacher
Lloyd Ernest Huyser-Poston
Artist and educator, gardener and fine food aficionado, died on Friday, June 19, 2009. Born to Stanley and Gertrude Huyser in Holland, Michigan, on September 13, 1930, Lloyd graduated from Holland High School and earned a B.A. at Hope College, graduating as the first Art Major in the school’s history.
Lloyd’s education was interrupted by the Korean Conflict when he was inducted into the US Army and spent 1953-1955serving in the Far East with the C.I.A. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the military, he moved to Indianapolis to attend John Herron School of Art, now part of Indiana University.
He began his formal career as an art educator, teaching at Floral Park High School, NYC, returning to Indiana a year later as he and his partner, Gene R. Poston, had decided to settle in Indianapolis. He continued his career in Art Education at Center Grove School Corporation, teaching in both the Middle School and High School.
He is survived by Gene R. Poston, his partner of over 52 years, his brother Earl Huyser, Ph.D. (Barbara) of Lawrence, Kansas, nieces and nephews and close friends Jack and Nancy Albright, Terry Lavering, and William G “Speed” Schumacher.
A Celebration of Lloyd’s Life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2009, at 11:00 am at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 West 38th Street, Indpls., IN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Lloyd’s partner of 52 years and his family and extended family express deep appreciation for the many comforting expressions of love and support.
Memorial contributions in Lloyd’s name may be made to the Gene R. Poston Legacy Foundation, care of the IPS Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships and musical instruments to students at Broad Ripple High School, Indianapolis.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
APB for The Joker
I am looking for that hilarious person that used to post so many great puzzles on our blog. It was a big hi lite of my week.
For some reason, the island has been having a resurge in her "Wicked Wahine" and I can't stop thinking about her and her many stories of her travels when I see a display. I keep imagining her story of tumbling in the waves and losing her swimsuit. I hope all is well with her and hope to hear more from her soon.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddys out there.
GH
For some reason, the island has been having a resurge in her "Wicked Wahine" and I can't stop thinking about her and her many stories of her travels when I see a display. I keep imagining her story of tumbling in the waves and losing her swimsuit. I hope all is well with her and hope to hear more from her soon.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddys out there.
GH
Friday, June 19, 2009
Our New Cell Phones
I hate cell phones, have I told you that before?
I hate talking on the telephone. Like most people I value my time and I hate when someone calls and distracts me from whatever task I'm accomplishing. (Send me an email, but don't waste my time with a "Forward"!)
But on a couple occasions having the cell phone at hand saved me enough money to pay for the thing for years, and on another occasion, being able to call 911 may actually have saved a life.
For me then, the cell phone is a "necessary evil".
The first one I owned was one of those "bag phones". Roughly the size of a football, I hated the handset, but since it was the only thing available at the time, I didn't mind the size of the thing...
Actually, losing it, as I often do my present cell phone, was an impossibility because of its size...
The term "elephant in the room" comes to mind. The phone transmitted and received telephone calls... that's all. (Cell phones are not telephones at all, they're radio transmitters.)
Now cell phones can download music. They can be miniature computers. They can be used as alarm clocks. They can bake a loaf of bread. (Just kidding. But don't suggest you'd like that feature or we may be back to "bag phone" size with some models.)
For reasons stated above the stupid devices have become a necessity, so some years back I bought one for Sara Jean. She loves to talk on the phone, so she's talking on hers most of her waking hours. With her Blue Tooth device she can do her work while she's chatting away, and SHE DOES.
For a number of reasons, we have never had the same model phone at the same time. That's good in one way... I never mistake her phone for mine. But it's bad in several ways, not the least of which is that when we travel we both have to remember to carry our individual chargers for our dissimilar phones.
Yesterday I rectified that. I bought one of these for each of us... hers is the color shown, mine in basic black so we don't confuse them.
These phones have all sorts of features we'll probably never use, (I'll check to see if they bake bread), but I'm slowly but surely being dragged into the 21st Century and may need the ability to access my email on the road soon. This phone will allow me to do that.
I'm getting ready to retire. Can someone please explain to me why life continues to get more and more complicated as I/we get older?
Now, a challenge for you...
It's Friday "Vandy's Forum" time...
Tell us something that is irritating you, then tell us a something good in your life, IN THAT ORDER!
Me? I've got a leak in an upstairs bathroom soaking the floor in my office I have to chase down.
But next week I'll be chasing geese with the Dept. of Natural Resources biologists... always a hoot.
Now, it's your turn.
I hate talking on the telephone. Like most people I value my time and I hate when someone calls and distracts me from whatever task I'm accomplishing. (Send me an email, but don't waste my time with a "Forward"!)
But on a couple occasions having the cell phone at hand saved me enough money to pay for the thing for years, and on another occasion, being able to call 911 may actually have saved a life.
For me then, the cell phone is a "necessary evil".
The first one I owned was one of those "bag phones". Roughly the size of a football, I hated the handset, but since it was the only thing available at the time, I didn't mind the size of the thing...
Actually, losing it, as I often do my present cell phone, was an impossibility because of its size...
The term "elephant in the room" comes to mind. The phone transmitted and received telephone calls... that's all. (Cell phones are not telephones at all, they're radio transmitters.)
Now cell phones can download music. They can be miniature computers. They can be used as alarm clocks. They can bake a loaf of bread. (Just kidding. But don't suggest you'd like that feature or we may be back to "bag phone" size with some models.)
For reasons stated above the stupid devices have become a necessity, so some years back I bought one for Sara Jean. She loves to talk on the phone, so she's talking on hers most of her waking hours. With her Blue Tooth device she can do her work while she's chatting away, and SHE DOES.
For a number of reasons, we have never had the same model phone at the same time. That's good in one way... I never mistake her phone for mine. But it's bad in several ways, not the least of which is that when we travel we both have to remember to carry our individual chargers for our dissimilar phones.
Yesterday I rectified that. I bought one of these for each of us... hers is the color shown, mine in basic black so we don't confuse them.
These phones have all sorts of features we'll probably never use, (I'll check to see if they bake bread), but I'm slowly but surely being dragged into the 21st Century and may need the ability to access my email on the road soon. This phone will allow me to do that.
I'm getting ready to retire. Can someone please explain to me why life continues to get more and more complicated as I/we get older?
Now, a challenge for you...
It's Friday "Vandy's Forum" time...
Tell us something that is irritating you, then tell us a something good in your life, IN THAT ORDER!
Me? I've got a leak in an upstairs bathroom soaking the floor in my office I have to chase down.
But next week I'll be chasing geese with the Dept. of Natural Resources biologists... always a hoot.
Now, it's your turn.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Adventure!
A friend once told me an "adventure" was setting out on a journey not knowing how it would turn out. I like that definition. Adventures can be good or bad, and the outcome may depend a lot on your attitude about having one.
Mommanurse planned a family reunion this weekend. I wrangled a few days off with my co-workers so I could attend. I set off yesterday (Friday) so as to arrive near Robertsdale, Alabama before dark. Fully intending for this whole weekend to be an adventure, I programmed the destination address and allowed "Carmen the Garmin" to point me in the correct direction. She decided to take me in a direction I had never travelled. I have found that sometimes Carmen will take me on a longer trip than necessary, for whatever reason, but yesterday I didn't care...
I was intent on having an adventure!
At 6 P.M. Carmen was indicating I had another three hours or so to drive. The thermometer indicated it was 90 degrees outside. The air conditioner quit working.
Oh well, no big deal...
The sun is getting low in the sky and the temp. will be dropping...
Windows down and it's reasonably comfortable. Turn the volume up a little on the radio and pretend it's 1964 again!
Half an hour later the battery discharge light came on. Now you may remember that I've had battery problems on this car before, so I shook my head in amazement thinking that this new battery had given up the ghost so quickly. I started thinking about how we'd have to find a Walmart with an auto shop to replace this battery tomorrow.
It was then that I noticed the car was hard to steer.
Uh-oh.
It all clicked...
A/C inop.
Battery discharge light on.
Power steering gone.
I've got belt problems.
I stop for fuel in Citronelle, Alabama and pop the hood. Sure enough, there are two belts on the front of the engine, one regular "V" belt that drives the A/C, and a serpentine belt that drives the power steering and alternator. Both are chewed up and lying in the bottom of the engine bay.
The AutoZone store had just closed. I asked about motels and got directions...
Both had "No Vacancies".
Back to the AutoZone store, worrying now about how much juice is left in the battery.
There was enough juice to roll the two front windows down, recline the driver's seat, and sleep in the AutoZone parking lot until they opened at 8 A.M.
The clerk showed up at 7 A.M. and asked how he could help. He sold me two belts and provided tools to do the work. While I was struggling, trying to figure out how to tighten/untighten the two tensioner/idler pulleys a guy came up and said "Let me help you."
Good thing too...
I'd never have gotten the job done without him.
Thirty dollars worth of belts and ten bucks for the work my new friend "Trav" did and I'm on my way. Even sleeping in the car wasn't as bad as I expected.
Certainly, this was an ADVENTURE!
Pretend it's Friday.
Tell us about your adventures.
Mommanurse planned a family reunion this weekend. I wrangled a few days off with my co-workers so I could attend. I set off yesterday (Friday) so as to arrive near Robertsdale, Alabama before dark. Fully intending for this whole weekend to be an adventure, I programmed the destination address and allowed "Carmen the Garmin" to point me in the correct direction. She decided to take me in a direction I had never travelled. I have found that sometimes Carmen will take me on a longer trip than necessary, for whatever reason, but yesterday I didn't care...
I was intent on having an adventure!
At 6 P.M. Carmen was indicating I had another three hours or so to drive. The thermometer indicated it was 90 degrees outside. The air conditioner quit working.
Oh well, no big deal...
The sun is getting low in the sky and the temp. will be dropping...
Windows down and it's reasonably comfortable. Turn the volume up a little on the radio and pretend it's 1964 again!
Half an hour later the battery discharge light came on. Now you may remember that I've had battery problems on this car before, so I shook my head in amazement thinking that this new battery had given up the ghost so quickly. I started thinking about how we'd have to find a Walmart with an auto shop to replace this battery tomorrow.
It was then that I noticed the car was hard to steer.
Uh-oh.
It all clicked...
A/C inop.
Battery discharge light on.
Power steering gone.
I've got belt problems.
I stop for fuel in Citronelle, Alabama and pop the hood. Sure enough, there are two belts on the front of the engine, one regular "V" belt that drives the A/C, and a serpentine belt that drives the power steering and alternator. Both are chewed up and lying in the bottom of the engine bay.
The AutoZone store had just closed. I asked about motels and got directions...
Both had "No Vacancies".
Back to the AutoZone store, worrying now about how much juice is left in the battery.
There was enough juice to roll the two front windows down, recline the driver's seat, and sleep in the AutoZone parking lot until they opened at 8 A.M.
The clerk showed up at 7 A.M. and asked how he could help. He sold me two belts and provided tools to do the work. While I was struggling, trying to figure out how to tighten/untighten the two tensioner/idler pulleys a guy came up and said "Let me help you."
Good thing too...
I'd never have gotten the job done without him.
Thirty dollars worth of belts and ten bucks for the work my new friend "Trav" did and I'm on my way. Even sleeping in the car wasn't as bad as I expected.
Certainly, this was an ADVENTURE!
Pretend it's Friday.
Tell us about your adventures.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Man In The Moon, And Marigolds.
It's just after midnight as I type this. We just transported an 84 year old woman with an aneuryism in her brain. She tolerated the flight well, but her prognosis is iffy, simply because of her age and her (in)ability to heal.
The moon is about 90% full and the sky is clear.
At 1500 feet we could see the lights of the big city from over 40 miles... it's a gorgeous night to fly... with the moon so bright it's almost a lie to log the flight as a "night flight"!
Looking at the big, bright moon set me to thinking...
Can you see "the man in the moon"? I can. I see a wide-eyed man either expressing shock, or he's whistling, I can't tell.
Some claim not to be able to see him. TD falls into that category, although he may be pulling our leg. I also once had a flight nurse that claimed she couldn't see him even after I drew her a picture of what I see and took it and her out into the bright moonlight to compare it to the real thing.
If they truly cannot see him, I feel a little sorry for them.
I've talked with a few of you about our white-tail deer problem. We have does out the wazoo around our property... it's not at all surprising to see 18 or so in the field catty-corner from our home.
They have begun to attack my garden. They eat the tops of my corn plants so they won't tassle. They've completely eaten both my cucumber plants. They've even nibbled on a few of my tomato plants, and I didn't think they had any interest in tomatoes! So far, they don't seem to have any interest in my peppers.
We've discussed how to dissuade them from coming near our garden with anyone who will listen.
We've tried several suggestions...
Safeguard soap around the perimeter. We've tried human hair. We've tried urinating all around the garden... (best done at night when the moon is not so bright!)
This year someone said the fool proof way was to plant Marigolds all around... that the deer can't stand the smell of 'em. That seemed to make sense... I don't like the smell of Marigolds either.
So I spent good money on 12 plants and planted them all around.
Didn't work...
The damage you've read above was done in spite of the smelly flowers.
So help me here... short of staying awake 24 hours a day and shooting the animals that approach my garden plot, how do I convince them to stay away?
I'm gonna lie down and try to get a little sleep.
But first, you know the routine...
My calendar says it's 5 June, 2009, and it's FRIDAY!
Give us your deer solutions, or share anything you'd like to share.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Lucky You!
I deleted it.
I had written a rant about an out of work acquaintance I called to tell about a job opening in Pennsylvania. He declined the idea of applying for the job because he "didn't want to move". When I finished the post I realized that although it said exactly what I wanted, it was more negative than I want to post here. Here's the post in a nutshell:
Out of work? Looking down the road ahead you might be sorry you didn't jump at the chance to start earning a paycheck again.
We'll see.
We're back to our routine after our return from Destin. It has rained almost every day since we returned. I'm ready to go back South.
I have no news to share.
You got any?
It's Friday!
I had written a rant about an out of work acquaintance I called to tell about a job opening in Pennsylvania. He declined the idea of applying for the job because he "didn't want to move". When I finished the post I realized that although it said exactly what I wanted, it was more negative than I want to post here. Here's the post in a nutshell:
Out of work? Looking down the road ahead you might be sorry you didn't jump at the chance to start earning a paycheck again.
We'll see.
We're back to our routine after our return from Destin. It has rained almost every day since we returned. I'm ready to go back South.
I have no news to share.
You got any?
It's Friday!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
Aloha Dear Friends,
It is that time of year again where we can pay tribute to our loved ones that have passed and to honor the ones that we have lost while serving their country.
There is a tradition over here that is called the Lantern Floating Ceremony that is held in Ala Moana Park.
It is a time honored Buddhist rite to comfort the spirits of the deceased and are said to ferry spirits "from the sea of delusion to the shores of salvation." You do not have to be Buddhist to go or even participate. It is one of the most beautiful cermonies I have ever had the honor to witness. You may purchase or obtain a floating lantern free and you are able to write a message to your loved ones on it and it will be released into the ocean at sunset.
You can watch this live by going onto www.kgmb.com and click on lantern floating and also watch a video from last year. The ceremony starts at 6:30 pm here so adjust your clocks to mainland time. Or you can go directly to www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com
For all the veterans that got to go to the Punch Bowl while here. You would be proud of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts today. They went to the 38,000 graves there and put a flag and lei on each and every grave and saluted every one. They were running out of leis and put out the message and quickly received 50,000 lei and they then were shared with the Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. It was a little bit of a tear jerker today.
I hope you all enjoy the ceremony and take care until we meet again.
GH
It is that time of year again where we can pay tribute to our loved ones that have passed and to honor the ones that we have lost while serving their country.
There is a tradition over here that is called the Lantern Floating Ceremony that is held in Ala Moana Park.
It is a time honored Buddhist rite to comfort the spirits of the deceased and are said to ferry spirits "from the sea of delusion to the shores of salvation." You do not have to be Buddhist to go or even participate. It is one of the most beautiful cermonies I have ever had the honor to witness. You may purchase or obtain a floating lantern free and you are able to write a message to your loved ones on it and it will be released into the ocean at sunset.
You can watch this live by going onto www.kgmb.com and click on lantern floating and also watch a video from last year. The ceremony starts at 6:30 pm here so adjust your clocks to mainland time. Or you can go directly to www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com
For all the veterans that got to go to the Punch Bowl while here. You would be proud of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts today. They went to the 38,000 graves there and put a flag and lei on each and every grave and saluted every one. They were running out of leis and put out the message and quickly received 50,000 lei and they then were shared with the Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. It was a little bit of a tear jerker today.
I hope you all enjoy the ceremony and take care until we meet again.
GH
Friday, May 22, 2009
DDFF Farewell
We've had a little more than a week in paradise and it's been grand. Today is the first we've experienced with no sunshine at all. The rest have been warm, but not uncomfortably so, and we've had enough sunshine to keep smiles on faces.
Harry and Carol came by Monday evening and we had a nice short visit over dinner. Today they spent most of the day with us and we had a delightful time, culminating with dinner over Sara Jean's scrumptious Italian Beef sandwiches. Full bellies and good conversation were the order of the evening.
Tomorrow we head North. I need to be at work early Monday, and we need a little spool-down time at home before getting back into our routine. Sunday will be spent unpacking, then getting the grass at home under control if it's not raining. (Rain is forecast, so folks at the track may be disappointed.)
I hope you all are in fine spirits, as are we.
If so, or if not...
Now's the time to share...
It's FRIDAY!
Harry and Carol came by Monday evening and we had a nice short visit over dinner. Today they spent most of the day with us and we had a delightful time, culminating with dinner over Sara Jean's scrumptious Italian Beef sandwiches. Full bellies and good conversation were the order of the evening.
Tomorrow we head North. I need to be at work early Monday, and we need a little spool-down time at home before getting back into our routine. Sunday will be spent unpacking, then getting the grass at home under control if it's not raining. (Rain is forecast, so folks at the track may be disappointed.)
I hope you all are in fine spirits, as are we.
If so, or if not...
Now's the time to share...
It's FRIDAY!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Temporary Retirement
Michael Jordan did it.
Brett Favre did it.
So I'm in good company... I'm gonna temporarily retire.
We leave for 9 days in Destin tomorrow, so I'm writing this post on Thursday. You've been where I am, so you know exactly what's goin' on, getting ready to leave home for a few days...
Stop the mail at the post office,
Mow the lawn and take care of other honey-do's around the house.
Pack... what? What part of my "stuff" do I need to take? Over the years we've learned to pack light because once we're in Destin the accepted uniform is T-shirt, cutoffs (or swim suit), sunglasses and sandals. This attire grants anyone access to almost any facility in town.
As usual I'll have my laptop with me and will be posting here if anything unusual comes to pass. I'll also pack camera and cell phone and their associated chargers (someone please, invent a universal charger, reasonably priced!)
Back to the retirement theme...
I really never thought I'd look forward to retiring. I love my job, and COULD NOT IMAGINE how I'd spend all that time not fling-winging around the countryside, transporting the infirm and injured. But these Destin interludes have indicated I'd do just fine with extra time on my hands. The only thing I hate about these trips South is I already dread the thought of packing the car to return home.
We'll be in residence Friday night/early Saturday morning after a quick detour through Pensacola to pick Mom up. TwoDogs and Cinders plan to arrive Monday, so Margaritas, red beans and rice, and blackened mahi-mahi will be consumed. Hugs, laughter, and sharing will be the order of the day.
Alas, I have to be back to work the morning of Monday the 25th, and that means leaving paradise and good company and driving half a day to get back to normalcy. That gets harder and harder each time I do it. It won't happen right away, but it's certainly true that I'm beginning to see light at the end of this tunnel of a career I've selected.
Will retirement be similar to the week we'll spend with TD and Cinders?
I don't know how I'd handle anything so delightful.
Now, TGIF folks.
It's time for Trojan Talk.
Are you settled in, Ferdy?
Any news from the track, Hawkeye?
Brett Favre did it.
So I'm in good company... I'm gonna temporarily retire.
We leave for 9 days in Destin tomorrow, so I'm writing this post on Thursday. You've been where I am, so you know exactly what's goin' on, getting ready to leave home for a few days...
Stop the mail at the post office,
Mow the lawn and take care of other honey-do's around the house.
Pack... what? What part of my "stuff" do I need to take? Over the years we've learned to pack light because once we're in Destin the accepted uniform is T-shirt, cutoffs (or swim suit), sunglasses and sandals. This attire grants anyone access to almost any facility in town.
As usual I'll have my laptop with me and will be posting here if anything unusual comes to pass. I'll also pack camera and cell phone and their associated chargers (someone please, invent a universal charger, reasonably priced!)
Back to the retirement theme...
I really never thought I'd look forward to retiring. I love my job, and COULD NOT IMAGINE how I'd spend all that time not fling-winging around the countryside, transporting the infirm and injured. But these Destin interludes have indicated I'd do just fine with extra time on my hands. The only thing I hate about these trips South is I already dread the thought of packing the car to return home.
We'll be in residence Friday night/early Saturday morning after a quick detour through Pensacola to pick Mom up. TwoDogs and Cinders plan to arrive Monday, so Margaritas, red beans and rice, and blackened mahi-mahi will be consumed. Hugs, laughter, and sharing will be the order of the day.
Alas, I have to be back to work the morning of Monday the 25th, and that means leaving paradise and good company and driving half a day to get back to normalcy. That gets harder and harder each time I do it. It won't happen right away, but it's certainly true that I'm beginning to see light at the end of this tunnel of a career I've selected.
Will retirement be similar to the week we'll spend with TD and Cinders?
I don't know how I'd handle anything so delightful.
Now, TGIF folks.
It's time for Trojan Talk.
Are you settled in, Ferdy?
Any news from the track, Hawkeye?
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Cinco De Cuatro
Well, if our President(?) can do it, so can I !
I spent most of the day yesterday here at work watching violent weather pass while the helicopter stayed safely in it's bedroom. Weather blown through, we were immediately pressed into duty on a flight that still has me a little bummed out. (I may blog about it at "Pitchpull" later today.)
Anyway, the day got by without me posting our "Friday Forum" post, so this is your "Saturday morning Friday Forum".
Exactly one week from today, God willin' and the creek don't rise, Sara Jean and Cinders will probably be imitating the gal pictured above. Mom and I will be sitting on the balcony overlooking the beach, watching for dolphins swimming and pelicans in formation. TwoDogs? He'll probably be making sure the gals have all they need, while sipping an adult beverage and smiling inwardly.
I'm sure we'll see Harry and Carol at some point, but I have no solid information on other DDFF attendees. If you have a hankering for good food, good conversation, and good memories, go to here or call 800 426-6196 and check out "Gulf Winds East".
Tell 'em Greybeard sent ya.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
'09 Alumni Banquet Images
Okay... downloading one pic at a time works... but eats up a lot of time. Here are most of the images I took:
One of the reasons I love going to the Alumni banquet-
Some of you may remember my cousin Jim H., shown here with his wife.
Jim held the CGHS shot-put record for something like 40 years. I hadn't seen Jim since 1964.
DJ and Echo engage in post-dinner chat.
Sara Jean beams, with Shifty obviously listening intently in the background.
DJ, BobWhiteDan, and Mrs. Hawkeye.
Echo holds court, showing off the door prize she won.
Mr. and Mrs. Hawkeye.
TwoDogs smiles! Greybeard and Sara Jean fail to notice!
The class of '65 takes over the dance floor.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A. !
The flower and the weeds.
Shifty takes advantage of an opportunity.
The banquet was winding down and as usual, the class of '65 wasn't ready to quit visiting. Someone suggested a Bar/Restaurant called "Louie's" at the corner of Stone's Crossing Road and Highway 135. A "moveable feast"... ALL VK's simply took the party to another venue.
Along the way we picked up some honorary class of '65 members... Larry V. (class of '63) and his wife Angelica joined in.
We had a great time, but TIME is cruel.
We finally broke things up after midnight and reluctantly headed home, all wondering...
When can we do this again?
One of the reasons I love going to the Alumni banquet-
Some of you may remember my cousin Jim H., shown here with his wife.
Jim held the CGHS shot-put record for something like 40 years. I hadn't seen Jim since 1964.
DJ and Echo engage in post-dinner chat.
Sara Jean beams, with Shifty obviously listening intently in the background.
DJ, BobWhiteDan, and Mrs. Hawkeye.
Echo holds court, showing off the door prize she won.
Mr. and Mrs. Hawkeye.
TwoDogs smiles! Greybeard and Sara Jean fail to notice!
The class of '65 takes over the dance floor.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A. !
The flower and the weeds.
Shifty takes advantage of an opportunity.
The banquet was winding down and as usual, the class of '65 wasn't ready to quit visiting. Someone suggested a Bar/Restaurant called "Louie's" at the corner of Stone's Crossing Road and Highway 135. A "moveable feast"... ALL VK's simply took the party to another venue.
Along the way we picked up some honorary class of '65 members... Larry V. (class of '63) and his wife Angelica joined in.
We had a great time, but TIME is cruel.We finally broke things up after midnight and reluctantly headed home, all wondering...
When can we do this again?
"Bad Request"
I've tried twice now to download photos of last week's banquet and after waiting patiently for several minutes, that's the warning notice I finally get... "Bad Request."
Downloading images takes forever with Blogger under the best of circumstances, and I'm trying to download more than ten of 'em. I'll continue to try... maybe by doing one at a time.
But there is comforting news to be shared-
Reading comments below you'll find Bo is back home safely and had an adventure to share.
Cinders is also home and looking forward to relaxing at Destin.
Rita and Cissy are apparently both home with tales to share about Italy.
So we can be thankful many of our VK's have successfully been "there and back" and have stories to tell.
I'll continue scrapping with Blogger here...
Stay tuned.
Downloading images takes forever with Blogger under the best of circumstances, and I'm trying to download more than ten of 'em. I'll continue to try... maybe by doing one at a time.
But there is comforting news to be shared-
Reading comments below you'll find Bo is back home safely and had an adventure to share.
Cinders is also home and looking forward to relaxing at Destin.
Rita and Cissy are apparently both home with tales to share about Italy.
So we can be thankful many of our VK's have successfully been "there and back" and have stories to tell.
I'll continue scrapping with Blogger here...
Stay tuned.
Friday, May 01, 2009
MayDay and M.A.V.
Hawkeye brought this pic to Echo's mini, so many of you have already seen it.
But I loved it when I saw it and wanted to insure those of you frequenting Vandy's Kids had also seen it.
Coat, pipe, and studious glasses...
Coolness!
It's Friday again.
What's cool with you?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
TC (and son's) Party Barn
Yeah, I realize I'm behind in my duties. I also realize I'm gettin' behinder. So even though it's late I downloaded these pics from 18 April at Sharon and TC's and I'll get the Alumni banquet pics posted as time permits.
Sara Jean and I got a late start and arrived late. And even though the others had almost finished eating it wasn't a problem-
Food was not only tasty, but PLENTIFUL:
(As usual, click 'em to biggem.)
We had Chick-Fil-A nuggets and some of the most tender, best tasting pulled pork I have ever had the pleasure to lay a tongue on. Obviously, we had all the fixin's too, along with pie... and I LOVE pie!
This was a perfect place for our get-together. Pool table, foosball, air hockey, Big-Screen TV, smaller TV for secondary viewing, and plenty of room for horseplay (if you have a horse that wants to play)... kitchen, and bathroom right there, and decorated like a Sports Bar. We were all impressed!
Lots of room for sittin' and eatin', and a '65(?) Mustang in the background just waiting for a restoration.
Comfortable seating for tall-tale-tellers...
A full belly and comfortable seating will pretty quickly put a satisfied look on faces, and all VK's found themselves in that condition.
TC says he's ready to do it again sometime in the future...
Are you ready?
Sara Jean and I got a late start and arrived late. And even though the others had almost finished eating it wasn't a problem-
Food was not only tasty, but PLENTIFUL:
(As usual, click 'em to biggem.)
We had Chick-Fil-A nuggets and some of the most tender, best tasting pulled pork I have ever had the pleasure to lay a tongue on. Obviously, we had all the fixin's too, along with pie... and I LOVE pie!
This was a perfect place for our get-together. Pool table, foosball, air hockey, Big-Screen TV, smaller TV for secondary viewing, and plenty of room for horseplay (if you have a horse that wants to play)... kitchen, and bathroom right there, and decorated like a Sports Bar. We were all impressed!
Lots of room for sittin' and eatin', and a '65(?) Mustang in the background just waiting for a restoration.
Comfortable seating for tall-tale-tellers...
A full belly and comfortable seating will pretty quickly put a satisfied look on faces, and all VK's found themselves in that condition.TC says he's ready to do it again sometime in the future...
Are you ready?
Friday, April 24, 2009
24 April 09- Friday Forum
It is Thursday, just before Noon as I start this Friday update. I'm at work today and Friday, and our intent is to start our drive toward Indy Saturday morning. We'll spend Saturday night and much of Sunday with TwoDogs, then return home. Today I'd like to discuss a couple distasteful subjects with you...
Frustration and apathy.
Starting this blog was exciting. Reading blogs had become an important part of my daily routine and it was something I was just absolutely sure EVERYONE would enjoy to the same extent as me. So when PT and I initiated Vandy's Kids I thought the blog would take off and assume a life all its own...
That everyone would jump in and contribute a little, and the only thing PT and I would have to do was stand back and manage the inevitable offensive stuff that would be posted now and then. It certainly hasn't turned out that way, has it?
Again now, don't take me wrong, I still enjoy the blog and the easy communication it affords us. If you're paying attention you can tell I drop in here often... probably five or six times a day, to moderate what's goin' on here. But participation by others has certainly not been what I hoped for, and I'll admit, for me that has been frustrating. Four or five others contribute posts on a VERY infrequent basis. About a year ago I seriously considered giving up on it because it hasn't assumed the "over the backyard fence" atmosphere I had hoped it would take on.
But then I stood back and studied for a while. And a little research showed there are 15 or so folks (more?) who pretty regularly stop by here to read what's goin' on. Out of that number, five or so comment often. The comment section is what convinced me Vandy's Kids was worth some effort... checking in and finding there is that "over the backyard fence" discussion I had hoped for... threads that sometimes run to 30-or-so individual comments, forced me to reconsider. And what I realized was that it takes almost no time for me to write a little blurb every Friday and ask what is goin' on in your life, and generally someone will start a comment thread that takes off. I was frustrated and being self-centered, having my feelings hurt. And for that I apologize.
But having said that I'll ask the followup question:
If you enjoy the blog and want to see it thrive, why don't you water and fertilize it now and then? It takes so little effort!
Now, a slight change of direction-
Our class leaders and those folks involved in Alumni functions were probably nodding their heads while reading the above semi-rant. I've been watching for a sign of life at the
CG Alumni Association website, and at last check it was still dormant. Had I not checked the calendar at the CGHS website, few here would have known there is an Alumni Banquet this weekend.
So your Alumni Association has not served you well lately, to say the least. But before you get angry consider-
What have you personally done lately to try to help keep your class/schoolmates informed of Alumni activities? What have you done to help the Alumni committee to do their job more efficiently? And how much do you think those folks are being paid for the work they do so the rest of us can show up, eat, enjoy, then head back home with a smile?
We're all gulty of apathy, aren't we?
In the last two years a couple things have become really obvious-
For whatever reason, some have no interest in coming back and socializing at CG functions, and that's fine. Those same folks have no interest in coming to VK and sharing here.
But it's just as obvious that many WOULD attend if they had gotten the word. And it takes almost no effort to help in getting the word to class and schoolmates.
Get involved... just a little.
Obviously "Vandy's Kids" can be the backyard fence.
I've said before and I'll say again... it doesn't take much...
When you stop by here, click "comments" and let us know you were here, even if it is just to say "I was here. I'm/We're fine. Hello everyone!"
And that would go a long way to show me that my efforts here are worthwhile!
(Deep breath, shift gears)...
We'll try to arrive early at the banquet Saturday night. I hope to see you there.
Come say hello, please. (I'll be the one sitting with all the pretty gals.)
Frustration and apathy.
Starting this blog was exciting. Reading blogs had become an important part of my daily routine and it was something I was just absolutely sure EVERYONE would enjoy to the same extent as me. So when PT and I initiated Vandy's Kids I thought the blog would take off and assume a life all its own...
That everyone would jump in and contribute a little, and the only thing PT and I would have to do was stand back and manage the inevitable offensive stuff that would be posted now and then. It certainly hasn't turned out that way, has it?
Again now, don't take me wrong, I still enjoy the blog and the easy communication it affords us. If you're paying attention you can tell I drop in here often... probably five or six times a day, to moderate what's goin' on here. But participation by others has certainly not been what I hoped for, and I'll admit, for me that has been frustrating. Four or five others contribute posts on a VERY infrequent basis. About a year ago I seriously considered giving up on it because it hasn't assumed the "over the backyard fence" atmosphere I had hoped it would take on.
But then I stood back and studied for a while. And a little research showed there are 15 or so folks (more?) who pretty regularly stop by here to read what's goin' on. Out of that number, five or so comment often. The comment section is what convinced me Vandy's Kids was worth some effort... checking in and finding there is that "over the backyard fence" discussion I had hoped for... threads that sometimes run to 30-or-so individual comments, forced me to reconsider. And what I realized was that it takes almost no time for me to write a little blurb every Friday and ask what is goin' on in your life, and generally someone will start a comment thread that takes off. I was frustrated and being self-centered, having my feelings hurt. And for that I apologize.
But having said that I'll ask the followup question:
If you enjoy the blog and want to see it thrive, why don't you water and fertilize it now and then? It takes so little effort!
Now, a slight change of direction-
Our class leaders and those folks involved in Alumni functions were probably nodding their heads while reading the above semi-rant. I've been watching for a sign of life at the
CG Alumni Association website, and at last check it was still dormant. Had I not checked the calendar at the CGHS website, few here would have known there is an Alumni Banquet this weekend.
So your Alumni Association has not served you well lately, to say the least. But before you get angry consider-
What have you personally done lately to try to help keep your class/schoolmates informed of Alumni activities? What have you done to help the Alumni committee to do their job more efficiently? And how much do you think those folks are being paid for the work they do so the rest of us can show up, eat, enjoy, then head back home with a smile?
We're all gulty of apathy, aren't we?
In the last two years a couple things have become really obvious-
For whatever reason, some have no interest in coming back and socializing at CG functions, and that's fine. Those same folks have no interest in coming to VK and sharing here.
But it's just as obvious that many WOULD attend if they had gotten the word. And it takes almost no effort to help in getting the word to class and schoolmates.
Get involved... just a little.
Obviously "Vandy's Kids" can be the backyard fence.
I've said before and I'll say again... it doesn't take much...
When you stop by here, click "comments" and let us know you were here, even if it is just to say "I was here. I'm/We're fine. Hello everyone!"
And that would go a long way to show me that my efforts here are worthwhile!
(Deep breath, shift gears)...
We'll try to arrive early at the banquet Saturday night. I hope to see you there.
Come say hello, please. (I'll be the one sitting with all the pretty gals.)
Monday, April 20, 2009
CGHS Alumni Banquet 2009-
A quick post to maybe avoid some confusion...
There is a rumor goin' 'round that you'll not be able to buy tickets to this year's Alumni Banquet at the door. After last year's surprise crowd I can understand why the committee would want to have a better idea about how much food to prepare. But to me, this looks like a disaster in the making. The Alumni Assoc. website hasn't been updated in a year... where would someone go to find that they have to have a ticket in hand to attend? How would you feel if you drove quite a distance to attend the banquet and were turned away after your drive because you didn't have a ticket?
Hatchet, if you're still stopping by here and reading, can you see that the Alumni Assoc. site is updated with the proper information?
I think you can purchase tickets through our own BobWhite Dan.
I think you can also purchase tickets through Hatchet. Planning to attend? Buy them now, and we'll see ya Saturday night!
There is a rumor goin' 'round that you'll not be able to buy tickets to this year's Alumni Banquet at the door. After last year's surprise crowd I can understand why the committee would want to have a better idea about how much food to prepare. But to me, this looks like a disaster in the making. The Alumni Assoc. website hasn't been updated in a year... where would someone go to find that they have to have a ticket in hand to attend? How would you feel if you drove quite a distance to attend the banquet and were turned away after your drive because you didn't have a ticket?
Hatchet, if you're still stopping by here and reading, can you see that the Alumni Assoc. site is updated with the proper information?
I think you can purchase tickets through our own BobWhite Dan.
I think you can also purchase tickets through Hatchet. Planning to attend? Buy them now, and we'll see ya Saturday night!
Friday, April 17, 2009
CGHS Chili Recipe!
Look at difficult path we'll travel to bring good things to you...
All the way from Montana!:
Brown a pound of hamburger and onion.
2 Cans tomato sauce- thin with water
2 cans of Brooks Chili Hot beans
2 cans of Franco American Spaghetti
2-3 TBS of chili powder
Add a little bit of brown sugar- I am only guessing here but
maybe 5 TBS
I always remember having this with a peanut butter sandwich. Yummy, yummy.
Enjoy and pass it on...Mr. L
PS I could not find my recipe here in Indiana so e-mailed a son in Montana for the recipe.
Mr. L. sent the recipe a few days ago and I immediately went to the grocery to buy ingredients. Odd, I hadn't noticed they were no longer carrying "Franco American" canned spaghetti at my store. So I had to substitute the generic store brand, and all they had was the spaghetti O's style pasta. Oh well.
Sara Jean and I like SPICY food. Ordering "hot" food in a Midwestern restaurant normally disappoints. I had a choice between "Brooks Chili Hot Beans" and "Brooks HOT AND SPICY" beans, so I put the latter in my cart.
As I walked out the door for my night shift Sara Jean was browning the ground meat. Visions of sitting down to CGHS chili the next day danced in my mind!
Later that evening she called...
"You're gonna be disappointed. This stuff is so hot it's inedible!"
Uh-oh.
Home the next morning at 8 A.M...
Like you, I probably wouldn't normally eat chili for breakfast, but this situation was special.
I gingerly dipped my spoon into the wonderful smelling concoction, blew on it to cool it, and touched it to my tongue.
Yeah it's spicy, but WOW...
Good stuff.
In deference to my wife's more delicate than I imagined palate I'll buy the regular beans next time. In the meantime, this batch is MINE... ALL MINE! Bwahahahaha!
Try it and see what you think, then come back here and discuss.
(Thanks Mr. L.!)
So segueing from dinner plate to social platter, what's in store for VK's?
We're headed to TC and Sharon's tomorrow (Saturday, 18 April) to visit with whoever happens to show up. Weather looks fine from here... a small chance of rain and thundershowers, but the weather and welcome will be warm. Again, here are address and directions:
Take I -164 South off of I-64. Go down to the Lynch Rd. Exit turn left onto Lynch Rd. You will come to a stoplight which is HWY 62 turn left go to the first road you can turn right on that is Gardner Road go down about 1/2 mile house on right side. Address is 7411 Gardner Road, Chandler, In. 47610.
According to TC, all you'll need to bring is a smile and desire to visit.
Festivities start around Noon.
Then next Saturday we'll all be homing in on CG for the Alumni Banquet. It's special for me this year because of the location...
They're holding it in the old gymnasium...
OUR gymnasium!
I'll say again, I can't imagine they won't be tearing this structure down sometime in the future. So if you, like me, would like to preserve some memories of this memorable place, be there early and look for the group of people laughing and hugging. That'll be us!
We'll firm up plans at Sharon and TC's place Saturday.
Be there!
All the way from Montana!:
Brown a pound of hamburger and onion.
2 Cans tomato sauce- thin with water
2 cans of Brooks Chili Hot beans
2 cans of Franco American Spaghetti
2-3 TBS of chili powder
Add a little bit of brown sugar- I am only guessing here but
maybe 5 TBS
I always remember having this with a peanut butter sandwich. Yummy, yummy.
Enjoy and pass it on...Mr. L
PS I could not find my recipe here in Indiana so e-mailed a son in Montana for the recipe.
Mr. L. sent the recipe a few days ago and I immediately went to the grocery to buy ingredients. Odd, I hadn't noticed they were no longer carrying "Franco American" canned spaghetti at my store. So I had to substitute the generic store brand, and all they had was the spaghetti O's style pasta. Oh well.
Sara Jean and I like SPICY food. Ordering "hot" food in a Midwestern restaurant normally disappoints. I had a choice between "Brooks Chili Hot Beans" and "Brooks HOT AND SPICY" beans, so I put the latter in my cart.
As I walked out the door for my night shift Sara Jean was browning the ground meat. Visions of sitting down to CGHS chili the next day danced in my mind!
Later that evening she called...
"You're gonna be disappointed. This stuff is so hot it's inedible!"
Uh-oh.
Home the next morning at 8 A.M...
Like you, I probably wouldn't normally eat chili for breakfast, but this situation was special.
I gingerly dipped my spoon into the wonderful smelling concoction, blew on it to cool it, and touched it to my tongue.
Yeah it's spicy, but WOW...
Good stuff.
In deference to my wife's more delicate than I imagined palate I'll buy the regular beans next time. In the meantime, this batch is MINE... ALL MINE! Bwahahahaha!
Try it and see what you think, then come back here and discuss.
(Thanks Mr. L.!)
So segueing from dinner plate to social platter, what's in store for VK's?
We're headed to TC and Sharon's tomorrow (Saturday, 18 April) to visit with whoever happens to show up. Weather looks fine from here... a small chance of rain and thundershowers, but the weather and welcome will be warm. Again, here are address and directions:
Take I -164 South off of I-64. Go down to the Lynch Rd. Exit turn left onto Lynch Rd. You will come to a stoplight which is HWY 62 turn left go to the first road you can turn right on that is Gardner Road go down about 1/2 mile house on right side. Address is 7411 Gardner Road, Chandler, In. 47610.
According to TC, all you'll need to bring is a smile and desire to visit.
Festivities start around Noon.
Then next Saturday we'll all be homing in on CG for the Alumni Banquet. It's special for me this year because of the location...
They're holding it in the old gymnasium...
OUR gymnasium!
I'll say again, I can't imagine they won't be tearing this structure down sometime in the future. So if you, like me, would like to preserve some memories of this memorable place, be there early and look for the group of people laughing and hugging. That'll be us!
We'll firm up plans at Sharon and TC's place Saturday.
Be there!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Lunch
It's a little different now blogging here at VK...
Younger readers have different memories of CGHS and the surrounding community. Some will be too young to remember the old "middle building". I don't know when they tore down the middle building, but when they did, they destroyed what was a memorable routine for many readers-
Mr. L. can help me here... I know there were at least three classrooms on the East side of that building. I think there were only two on the West side because the steps and entranceway used up a lot of space... so five classrooms total?
But I'd like to discuss the basement. I'd bet if we could go back now and see that space we'd be surprised that it was smaller than presented in our memories. At lunchtime we'd file in and line the walls waiting to get to where our lunch and milk tickets were taken, then grab a tray and silverware, and through the serving line to grab our plate of food. Were there desserts? I can't remember.
While working your way around that wall, you'd look to see what was being served for lunch, and you'd watch others eat. When you got your plate you'd eat and watch the behavior of others as they filed in to take their turn. It's incredible thinking of it now, but one of our classmates, who shall remain unnamed for obvious reasons, would inevitably lean against the wall, pick his nose, and eat the treasure he found there...
Mighty appealing for those of us trying to consume fare that wasn't "five star" rated to begin with!
But for the most part DJ, Jackie B., and others served decent food to a lot of kids in a very short time. And on top of that, it was a terrific social event complete with the adventurous snacking habits some fellow students displayed while waiting in line!
Now, it's Friday. Quit gagging and leave us a comment please.
Younger readers have different memories of CGHS and the surrounding community. Some will be too young to remember the old "middle building". I don't know when they tore down the middle building, but when they did, they destroyed what was a memorable routine for many readers-
Mr. L. can help me here... I know there were at least three classrooms on the East side of that building. I think there were only two on the West side because the steps and entranceway used up a lot of space... so five classrooms total?
But I'd like to discuss the basement. I'd bet if we could go back now and see that space we'd be surprised that it was smaller than presented in our memories. At lunchtime we'd file in and line the walls waiting to get to where our lunch and milk tickets were taken, then grab a tray and silverware, and through the serving line to grab our plate of food. Were there desserts? I can't remember.
While working your way around that wall, you'd look to see what was being served for lunch, and you'd watch others eat. When you got your plate you'd eat and watch the behavior of others as they filed in to take their turn. It's incredible thinking of it now, but one of our classmates, who shall remain unnamed for obvious reasons, would inevitably lean against the wall, pick his nose, and eat the treasure he found there...
Mighty appealing for those of us trying to consume fare that wasn't "five star" rated to begin with!
But for the most part DJ, Jackie B., and others served decent food to a lot of kids in a very short time. And on top of that, it was a terrific social event complete with the adventurous snacking habits some fellow students displayed while waiting in line!
Now, it's Friday. Quit gagging and leave us a comment please.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Once Again, Down Memory Lane
I'm not sure about what I'm reading so take this with a grain of salt. But poking around at our CGHS link, I think I read they're planning the Alumni Banquet on 25 April in the old gymnasium(!) this year.
Hatchet took a few of us on a tour last year, terminating in the old gym. I wrote about the almost mystical feeling of being in that old structure here.
If you have the same fond memories I have about that old "field of dreams", and if it's true the banquet will be held there this year, maybe we can all meet and share memories on the 25th?
(We all know that at some future date that place we all know and love will be destroyed in the name of "progress". )
I hope my understanding is correct. And if it is, can you plan on meeting me for dinner on that evening?
Hatchet took a few of us on a tour last year, terminating in the old gym. I wrote about the almost mystical feeling of being in that old structure here.
If you have the same fond memories I have about that old "field of dreams", and if it's true the banquet will be held there this year, maybe we can all meet and share memories on the 25th?
(We all know that at some future date that place we all know and love will be destroyed in the name of "progress". )
I hope my understanding is correct. And if it is, can you plan on meeting me for dinner on that evening?
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