Sandpoint High Class of 1965 reunion committee: Judy Chronic Dabrowski, Susan Stark Tate, Sharon Clark Bayless, Kathy Brackney Hernandez, Karen Martin Rolf, Marianne Brown Love, Terri Shalz Reynolds, Mike Rosenberger, Jim Holt and Ruthann Kiebert Nordgaarden.
We started out with each other during various childhood years before adulthood.
For some of us, it was first grade; with others, we all met when country-school eighth graders moved on to junior high in the ninth grade and blended in with the "town kids." One of the group moved here during high school.
Why not stick with them 'til the last of us still stands?
I always wonder who that will be.
For now, I won't worry about that moment too much because getting to spend time with them at this point in life is about as fun as it gets.
Our hometown connection is truly a special bond.
The folks above make up all but two members of our class-reunion committee.
Our friend Judy Finley Christensen lives part of the year over on the coast while committee member Mike Parkins had a doctor's appointment during yesterday's reunion committee gathering at DiLuna's.
Believe me, we had too much fun. We even played the game "gossip," which fizzled before the message reached the last set of ears.
What makes these connections and gatherings so enjoyable is the fact that we share so many commonalities. For example, when a random local name or happening is mentioned in conversation, most of us can immediately connect.
Our versions of some stories may vary slightly, but we know the basics. One of yesterday's hot topics involved business teachers Imogene Davis, Ray Gapp and Patricia Thalenhorst Benson.
Imogene taught shorthand and office procedures. More importantly, she provided essential guidance for her teenage girls to become ladies.
Ray Gapp, who once had his tie cut off with some big scissors by school secretary Ruth Straley, constantly reminded us to "leave your machines alone please."
The "machines" were royal standard typewriters, and we students often got carried away with our typing practice while Mr. Gapp was trying to teach us something.
Miss Thalenhorst eventually married Mr. Ragnar Benson, the snappy-dressing English teacher with all the fancy suits. Later, he was my student teaching mentor.
Kids in Miss Thalenhorst's typing class often could pound those keys twice as fast as many of us in Mr. Gapp's class.
Yesterday, we all agreed, however, that, regardless of the teacher, typing was one of the most important skills we learned as high school students. Terri also noted that she still uses her shorthand on occasion.
Anywho, having too much fun is one of our reunion committee goals from this day forward. With this fun-loving group, I think we'll have an easy time reaching that standard with each future get together.
So far, DiLuna's seems to like having us show up almost monthly.
While I'm talking classmates and business, I must direct you to the link below.
It's a different kind of Vietnam story because our classmate Mike Parkins had a rather unique experience during his service.
It's a great story which appeared in the local paper this past Sunday. Plus, it's very well written---by Mike's daughter Sarah.
Hope you enjoy.
Most of my photos today reflect the off and on weather patterns we've had for the past several days: lots of mud puddles, some brisk winds and landing leaves aplenty.
I'm feeling pretty good at this point about my leaf pickup and grateful that Mother Nature has been kind enough to hold off on the snow while I continue hauling off leaves.
Our leaf trees are starting to look fairly naked now, but there's at least one more major drop yet to come and maybe a bit more water and wind.
My telephone weather forecast suggests that we might see snow about mid-week next week.
That will be okay, as long as it doesn't get too carried away.
The older we get the less fun it is to plow and shovel snow, so I'd be happy if we had a winter similar to last year's where snow stayed in the mountains and gave us a break down below.
The likelihood for that to happen in North Idaho is pretty unrealistic.
But we can always wish.
Today looks like a good one for working outside, and I'm sure I'll find plenty to do.
Happy Tuesday.
Rocks and tree bark often have some neat patterns. These samples were seen on our trip to the Kootenai River falls over the weekend.
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