Saturday, August 27, 2005
Happy August Saturday
Also, want to point out to you that the comments sections on each posting are open for business. As you may note, a spammer has discovered that. I know how to delete such things but haven't found the garbage can yet. When I do, the spam or any inappropriate/anonymous comments will go.
But, let's hear from you and start checking the comments.
Another reminder: I'll still happily post biographies of anyone who hasn't yet sent one. Will also post your thoughts at any time. If you want to post on the blog yourself, let me know, and I'll give you the password.
So, write to me at malove@imbris.net.
Have a great weekend.
Marianne
Friday, August 19, 2005
Hiking poles and Hawaii for Teri Shalz Reynolds
Last week my daughter and my two grand-daughters took a special trip to Sandpoint to swim in the lake. It was so neat taking them there and walking down main street USA. All the memories. I had hoped to get to the lake more than once this summer but I do not think it will be possible before school starts. I am really liking my retirement now.
It is all right to post my e-mail address as well. It is as you know ledwina@adelphia.net. The blog is fun to read. Oh, I called Roberta Bueskens. I may have told you this already. Anyway I gave her the full info on all the loads of fun we had.
See You. Teri
Joanne Buhr Rohn writes . . . .
so successful. We really had a wonderful time. It seems that everyone is
in a good time in their lives...retired or almost there,children raised
(except for Jim!), and content with where they are and who they are.....It
was so fun to see everyone again!
I hope you have been enjoying August and
beautiful summer days. We had a great trip. After the reunion I visited
with my mom, Jan and Steve in Spokane, and Jeanne and Ken in Seattle.
We met friends in Mendocino, Ca., and joined them for an abalone feed before
visiting more friends on the Sacramento Delta and then returning home this
week. I have two more weeks of vacation and plan on enjoying them!
Again, the reunion was great fun....Joanne
Still smiling---George Massing
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Mickinnick reflections---Marianne
I couldn't help but think of how nice it was to walk with people my own age that day as my 40-something siblings took off up those hills, sometimes almost at the jog. Coming down, it was even more dramatic to observe the age gap between us. They were always at least 300 yards ahead of me as I carefully maneuvered the trail with my hiking poles.
Bet they both have some new, complaining muscles today. This is the same brother who wants me to accompany him to Tekoa Butte today so he can try to jump off with his hang glider. I'm gonna hide.
Anyway, the point of all this is that I still keep thinking about the reunion and how wonderful it was to see everyone, albeit very brief visits in many cases. Janet, I never did seem to sit down long enough to have a good talk with you. So, we've gotta exchange emails a bit more frequently to get caught up.
I'd like to keep the blog continually updated and interesting for everyone to keep checking in and using it as what some observers have termed blogs to be: a sort of town square where people show up and exchange views and news.
So, I invite classmates----whether you attended the reunion or not---to send your thoughts. If you have a topic you'd like folks to discuss, send it. If you still haven't sent in your bio, send it. If you have digital pictures of the reunion to post, send them.
I'm still trying to figure out the best way to post some Lorraine sent me. My little pea brain often has to work over time sometimes to figure out the correct steps for making anything "cyber-related" to work the way it's supposed to. So, bear with me, but if you send it, I shall post it----eventually. I still haven't figured out how to rid the page of those occasional html items that appear on some postings.
Hope all are having a good time wherever you are and that thoughts of the phenomenal weekend in Sandpoint are still popping up and making you smile.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Linda Lunde Norlen shares . . . .
Hi Marianne,
I received this e-mail today from a friend. It comes at a very appropriate time, and I wanted to share it with you. Perhaps, you may want to share it on the class blog. It echoes my sentiments exactly. I loved it.
Thanks,
Linda
This is a good counter balance story to the Jane Fonda "Vietnam"
Woman Of The Year story I have received many times in my e-mail.
Ann Margaret
Viet Nam 1966
Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in
Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper.
However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo
he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope
in the background that was one of his treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing
at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her
to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore
at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.
When I got there after work, the line went all the way around
the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind
a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees
announced that she would sign only her book and no
memorabilia would be permitted.
Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo
and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's
so far from home. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful
as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.
He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo.
When he did, there were many shouts from the employees
that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand.
I just wanted her to see it."
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her
eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam
and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did
for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'"
With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a
big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery
of the young men she met over the years, how much she
admired them, and how much she appreciated them There
weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear.
She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.
Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd
like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears.
"That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for
my time in the Army," he said.
That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little
straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have
been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness
and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.
I now make it a point to say "Thank you" to every person
I come across who served in our Armed Forces.
Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for
all those who have served their country.
If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so.
Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is
to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.
Don't be too busy today...
Share this inspiring message with friends and family.
On behalf of those who DO appreciate all that
you did for us, thank you to each of you who receive
this message who have served or are serving our
country in the armed services or any other service.
From Dennis Timoskevich in San Antonio
I want to thank everyone on the reunion committee for the wonderful job they did in contacting classmates, setting up the blog (a great ideaJ), and arranging the events for the reunion. I failed to thank you all in person, but I appreciate your work.
The day at Hidden Lakes Golf course was great! Not that I played well, (I think a put a ball in everyone of the water hazards!) but it was a beautiful day, the course was in great shape, and my team (Rick Anthony, Bob Bandy, and Fred Bair) were a lot of fun to be with. The course didn’t seem so difficult when I played it with my nephew three years ago!
After forty years so much has changed, but so many memories came back. In the end, there was so little time to renew acquaintances and friendships, but we exchange snippets of our lives. I’m sure George and I could have spent hours talking about aviation! I was surprised to learn that Carolyn and her husband Bill live just across the road from my old home. Although I intended to meet everyone, I know there were a few people I missed. Maybe at the next reunion, I will see you again.
If you have a chance to visit San Antonio, I enjoy playing tour guide and I would like to see you. Y’all come ye’hear!
Your classmate and friend,
Dennis Timoskevich
detimo@satx.rr.com
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Linda Lunde Norlen offers some poignant thoughts
and making the reunion happen. It was such fun to see everyone and get
caught up with their lives. I enjoyed myself immensely.
I had a chance to talk to so many people that I didn't get a chance to know during my only year at Sandpoint. I am so thankful that I made the move to Sandpoint my senior year, as I found everyone so much friendlier than anyone in Denver, where I grew up.
One moment that will stand out for me is when we paid tribute to our
Vietnam vets. I thought it was very moving and so much deserved. At the
time that the war was going on, I didn't pay much attention to it,
because it was in another country. I had 3 brothers who are vets of that
war, but none of them were wounded, and thankfully they came home safe.
Since graduation, and throughout the past 40 years, I have had the
opportunity to meet numerous vets who were greatly impacted by the war,
physically and emotionally. Getting to know them and what the war was
like for them and what they went through, gave me so much appreciation
for their bravery. They never experienced a "job well done", or a
welcoming home, and felt rejection. The war was never to be talked
about.
I would love to extend my heartfelt THANK YOU to each one of our
graduating veterans!!! Its an honor to know you. Job well done!! Next
reunion, I would love to talk to each one of you personally. I'm proud
of you!
I look forward to our next reunion. Thanks to all the graduates who
traveled great distances to be among all the older faces I saw at the
reunion.
In looking at the graduate addresses, its interesting that so
many that did not come, live in Sandpoint. I challenge all the graduates
that live in Sandpoint, and did not come to the reunion this year, to
make an appearance at our next reunion. You are really missing a lot.
We are a great class!
Love to all,
Linda
George shares his travels and thoughts
I think I coulda made it to the cache, but was glad to quit when we did and have some energy left for the dinner and more visiting. I liked the long program at the dinner... the little speeches by all the classmates were worthwhile. Also, it sounded as if the MC had had some practice doing her part!
I had tried to talk to as many classmates as possible, but missed quite a few. I did connect with the firefighters and smokejumpers and have some stuff to send to Dann Hall and Gary Johnson. I had already ID'd Dann as "Freefall Hall" after reading the Murry Taylor memoir Jumping Fire a couple of years ago. I was sorta surprised that Dann would admit to it in his reunion bio!
I talked at length with several classmates... even got into a fairly heavy discussion of economics with Paul Munson and was really interested in Bob Bandy's big operation and all the foreign markets, futures contracts, etc. It was great seeing some of the folks I hadn't seen in many years like Dennis Timoskevich and Greg McFarland.
I especially got a kick out of some kids of about ages 6 to 8 cheering their mom as she transitioned from the swim to a mountain bike. We didn't wait around for the final standings, but it looked like Brian may have finished 2nd overall and Don thinks he placed near the top of the 55 to 59 age group.
I also took a short detour thru "downtown" Orofino and found the school where I had attended the 4th and 5th grades. I had planned to drive thru Pullman back to Spokane, but had extra time so I detoured thru the U of I campus. I hadn't been there since about 1971 or 1972... almost didn't recognize it!
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Friday, August 05, 2005
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Post-reunion thoughts . . . . from classmates
Robin Melior Bernhardt wrote in an email . . .
What a wonderful week-end! Someone on Sat. said they had smiled so much on
Fri. evening that they went home feeling like their face would never be the same.
I felt the same way. I think I got to know some folks better this
last week-end than I had the whole time we were in school.
Would you mind putting my e-mail address on the blog with my bio?
birdbern@msn.com
Thanks again,
Robin
In reaction to comments on my Slightdetour blog about the reunion, Janis Puz said...
Marianne, You are Ab-SO-lutely right on! Whenever I get a box of chocolates I take a little bite out of each one and then gobble my favorites in entirety. I find that when I get to the last remaining chocolates, which I think are my least favorites (and that maybe I really don't like them at all), I discover that they too are pretty darn delicious.
And so it was for me with classmates I never really knew in high school but had a chance to talk to a bit during our reunion weekend. There was not one person there that I did not thoroughly enjoy and I want another box of chocolates right away! We did have a great class!
Maurine Marks said . . .
Chocolates are my favorites too...and the variety adds to the pleasure. It was great to see old friends and touch base with classmates that are a part of choice memories.
Thanks to the committee for all their work. Time given for everybody to say a word was much appreciated by me.
I guess in my own selfish world I did not realize how many served in Vietnam. Thanks to them and all those who are willing to do so now. I do hope your leaders are wise in where our troops are sent.....and of course that those for whom they fight are willing to stand beside each trooper...OK enough for now!
Charlene Yeakel Hall wrote in an email . . .
You and the reunion team did a fantastic job! The pictures are great--I even like my own picture which is unusual. I was glad I went Fri. night. I appreciate all the work you continue to do on the blog. Thanks for a job well done. Charlene
Karen Martin Rolf wrote . . .
Thank you again for a wonderful reunion. Wasn't it great to visit with friends after some 40 years. Maurine Marks should run for office...
I think Bonnie, Kurt, Ralph, and his wife plus myself left the golf course @ 11:30. Surprised we were up that late but with the full knowledge we had not golfed or hiked that day. Like in the movies, they turned the sprinklers on and we decided they may be trying to tell us something.
Great fun to the last wave goodbye....Thanks!
Blessings,
Karen
Karen Arndt Kruse wrote . . .
Reunion was fun! Bet you were tired!!!!! I was sorry some of the Friday night attendees that I did not see didn’t come back on Saturday. Would have been fun to see them too. Maybe they saw whom they wanted to see on Friday….
What a kick to see Greg McFarland after all of these years! Really enjoyed his wife, Mel.
What did you think? Success must be the word.
Take care.
Karen
Bonnie Spiller Stradley wrote . . .
I had a great time , so glad we were there.
Thanks to all of you for all your hard work . It was a success.
Thanks for the pictures.
Love ya,
Bonnie
Lorraine Davis Sharp wrote . . .
What a wonderful time. I was totally exhausted from the "hike" but
exhilerated from meeting and renewing all the old friendships from SHS.
Before I forget - the hike certainly awoke a few muscles that had taken a 40
year or was that a 50 year nap. I will have to give them some stretching to
keep up the shape to try again in 5 years.
That certainly is God's country. Trees, trees and more trees. We have a few, but they are not as tall, luxurious or prolific. I placed my rocks in a specific "remembrance" spot in my rock garden. I will save a spot for the five year's addition from the mountain of torture and fun. I enjoyed that more than I can say.
It was so good to just get away, do something different and then stuff down the
Tylenol to ease the pain of the fun.
Looking forward to the blog - which I finally found and bookmarked. What a fun and exciting way to keep up with all the classmates. I had never heard of a blog before. Thought it might be something like a bog which keeps getting sucked in but not this one - it keeps people coming back for more.
Thanks again.Lorraine Davis Sharp
Some things never change . . . from Dale Oestmann
Thanks to you and the rest of the committee for the reunion. You did a wonderful job.
Everything was great, except for the speeding ticket I got Saturday night as I pulled into the parking lot at the Quality Inn. I had forgotten that Sandpoint’s finest zero in on out of state license plates, as the 2 cars ahead of and beside me doing the same speed had 7B plates.
The last speeding ticket I received was also in Sandpoint, in 1965, from Harvey Riffle on Cedar Street. I hope he has retired!
Dale
My reply to Dale: Let's see, "One fine reunion weekend, a great visit with old friends, some delectable eats from Hooties-------one traffic ticket from Sandpoint's finest-----priceless.
Use Mastercard!"
Harvey Riffle has long since retired. He's now a Baptist minister on North Boyer. Harvey was almost killed several years ago while investigating an accident on the highway. He was hit by a passing car and went through months of rehabilitation but made it back to the job.
Thanks for the thanks
Many thanks for all the nice notes you've been sending regarding the reunion. They seem to reflect my own observations that all forces came together for a magical time. And, I'm not even a New Ager!
I visited with Dick and Claire Sodorff the other day and they felt the same. Claire said she didn't want to leave Saturday night. The reason I was talking with them, besides thanking them for coming, was to pass along a message from Judy Chronic Dabrowski.
Through her efforts on the golf course Saturday and after the dinner Saturday evening, $400 came from your generous contributions. It will go to the Sandpoint High School Alumni Association and will be specifically targeted to the Monticola and Golf programs. We figured since each discipline was indirectly responsible for raising the money, they ought to benefit from it. Both programs can always use some extra funds too, so I'm sure your donations will be greatly appreciated.
And, special thanks to Judy for coming up with the idea and pursuing it so successfully.
Keep watching for more photos and class news. Send in yours, your bio, or anything for the blog. Let's keep it going. As mentioned before, I have a few ideas for upcoming features in the blog.
Marianne
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
