SEPTEMBER 10TH....BILL 'JESSE' SUBER DAY

ON MHS CLASS OF 1965 WEBSITE

Statistics

Site Created: 7/7/2010 Home Page Visitors*: 9526 (this number is the cumulative total visitors you have had since creating your web site)

Percentage Of Active Classmates **: 72% A: 107 Active B: 41 Inactive

Percentage Of Active Classmates Who Have Added Photos: 68% A: 73 Photos B: 34 No Photos

 

Record Setting Day!!!!

Thanks Everyone!!!!

Sue Pittman McPeak, Administrator

Somehow it didn't seem fair to Jamie to shoulder all the Blame, Responsiblity and Moderating on "Looking Back"....the first Topic of On The Road To Our 50th Forum. I say BLAME since she sent me the "Wasn't This Us???" poem and pictures. I'm still not going to take any of the BLAME, but since we ARE Co-Chairwomen of the 50th Reunion, it's only right that I shoulder some of the responsibility. AND, since Jamie is in 'Website Training" for the time being, I will cover the Forum Moderation. Jamie informed me that her training may have to be put on hold while she sifts through hundreds of emails that have accumulated since she's been retired. So if you have tried to contact her through email...it might be best to give her a call or write a letter...the kind you put a stamp on.

So now our Logo sports both of our pictures and is now "Looking Back with Sue and Jamie! I took first billing...it was a design decision.

Have you visited the Looking Back with Sue and Jamie Forum?

Our first look back is based on the poems opening lines about 50's-60's Family Life.

Paul started the commenting with:

"You know, I was sitting out on the front porch the other day thinking back on how it used to be, and water came to my mind." click HERE for the rest about water and more of Paul's Porch Sitting thoughts.

Pam Grissom remembered a WARNING that her Mother told her before she went outside to play. You probably remember Pam and Sue's mom, Edith. click HERE to heed her warning...it's still a good one today!

Wayne's grandson Jackson made his debut on Looking Back by demonstrating one of Paul's water drinking tips. Clever of me to get our grandson in on the act, huh? I tell you he is too cute. See his picture HERE.

Janie got things going with her memories of her family's first TV. See what she thinks about kids and TV today....HERE.

You all know by now that you can count on Paul to keep a Forum interesting and moving right along. I won't say too much in this email, but I will tell you he reveals some very personal childhood memories. You guessed it.....click HERE.

And as the Magical Moderator that I am....I pulled a few 50's and 60's TV 'Rabbit Ears' out of UTube for your entertainment and 'Trip down Commercial Memory Lane'. Oh, and a photo of the Pittman Family's First TV. Guess what...you can see it all.....HERE.

In case you hadn't noticed, I've made it really EZ for you to get to 'Looking Back with Sue & Jamie'.

Once you are THERE...HERE's HOW TO PARTICIPATE...

click on REPLY and start typing your COMMENT!

Do you have pictures to share that reflect this Looking Back Theme?

LogIn Often...There Will Be MORE 'Wasn't This Us???'...Updates on The Homepage

Other STUFF on The Homepage!!!

Tom Russell's SPOTLIGHT

New SixtyFiver SPOTLIGHT COMING SOON!!!!

On The Road w/TED....Day 11- In San Francisco and Sausalido

August Birthdays

Paul Edgerton-17th

Jerry Freeze-17th

Norma Griffith-29th

Kathy Dudley Dendy-31st

How did you do on the Lucky #14 Day Pictures?

Now Try These...

Answers HERE

The End

Sue Pittman McPeak, Administrator

Hello Website Members,

The Number 14 is the number for forgetfulness.....So with today being the 14th, I thought it would be a good day to send an email....before I forget!

The Number 14 is the Tarot card for Temperance. Temperance shows reasonableness and self-control. Another good reason for ME to be communicating with you today....I am reasonably Cool with the 98 degree weather Temperance.

The #14 is my Lucky Number. Today is your Lucky 14th Day of August. Why? Tell you later!

Right now...HERE'S WHAT'S

Hey Ya'll...Wasn't This Us???

Lucky #14 Sue Pittman McPeak, Administrator

Mike Smith

CLASSMATES;

I would like to share with all of you an event that recently occurred in my life which was to say the least a very moving experience and had a dramatic impact on my life. As most of you know from reading my profile I travel alot in my business. Both Nationally and Internationally. From time to time I get to visit places that are unique, at least to me they are. Some of them are quite famous and some are very historical places.Well known too many people of the world.

Recently my work took me to Gettysburg Pennsylvania. I was sent there to oversee the installation of some equipment in a large mine , a mine that is one of the largest producers of the rock that's used in the construction of composition shingles that might just be covering the roof of your house. Now what I was doing there is not important. What was important was Gettysburg itself. The place where one of the largest battles of the Civil War took place. The Battlefield covers some twenty six miles. I was there for the bigger part of a week and after work the person I was working with along with myself would tour the Battlefield. Now being some what of a Civil War Buff and having been to many of the Civil War historical sights I thought I would be observing just another place where the Confederate and Union forces had met in mortal conflict. Wrong!

If ever there was a place that defined what that struggle between those two forces (as well as our country) was all about and actually put into perpective the trauma of the Civil War........It's Gettysburg. If you haven't ever been I strongly recommend you go before you depart this life.I guarantee you it will be a moving experience. To stand on the exact spot where the Union General Buford stopped upon his entry into the area and realize that his meager number of mounted cavalry was all that stood between the federal forces securing the "high ground" or relinquishing it to General Robert E Lee's forces that were headed his way might very well put the the winning of the battle in the Union's favor. But could he hold long enough for the Union General Reynolds (his counterpart) to get up with his twenty thousand troops to withstand the entry of the Army of Northern Virginia (the Rebs').

And how about looking out over the field where General Pickett would go down in history as having lost his entire command in "Pickett's Last Charge". There were One Hundred and Fifty thousand men who fought at Gettysburg, Seventy Thousand Confederate forces and Eighty Thousand Union. Over one third of those men would die as a result of that battle actually Fifty Three Thousand men. And so many states were represented there both Southern and Northern from Texas we had General "Sam" Hood who begged General Longstreet to allow his men to go around and flank the Union as opposed to trying to take a hill (Lil' Round Top) that was well entrenched with Union forces and their cannons,over Five Hundred of our fellow Texans would die there, By the way over Eight Hundred and Sixty cannons were used in the battles, There are still many of those cannons to be seen there around the battlefields. General Hood was to become seriously wounded as a result. And let's not forget Colonel Chamberlain, Commander of the 20th Maine who was actually guarding the flank on that hill and resisted charge after charge of Hood's forces, eventually running out of ammunition and decided in a last futile effort to lead his men in a bayonet charge down the hill which resulted in finally halting the Rebel forces and he later being presented the Congressional Medal Of Honor. I don't want to forget my favorite General either....Longstreet......General Lee called him his "Old Warhorse" and in a quiet private wooded area you can lay eyes on the bronze statue of him astride his horse leading a charge, I swear his spirit still lingers in that quiet glade. So many famous landmarks to see. Even Lee's statue is unbelievable it stands about fity foot high and has him seated atop his favorite horse "Traveller". The men at the base of the monument represent the broad array of indivivuals that fought at Gettysburg, a farmer , a merchant, a business man, a young boy.

Last but not least "Soldiers Cemetery" I stood on the exact spot where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg address which was shortly before his own death at the hands of an assassin which is believed to be as a result of the War.

Classmates if you really want to appreciate and understand the "why "of the Civil War that's a good place to start. But there's one thing for sure whether it was right or wrong "brother killing brother", friend killing friend" it does illustrate that our forefather's believed strongly in their freedoms. The right to live as they saw fit and be governed accordingly. Perhaps we need some of their strenght in our day and time as we face the challenges before ourselves and our children and grandchildren.

I hope each and every one of you have the opportunity to visit Gettysburg, Next July will mark the One Hundred and Fifty Year Anniversary of the Battle. They are expecting Forty Four Thousand people who will re-enact the battles from start to finish. Over One Hundred Thousand observers are expected. You better get your hotel room early!

See Ya!

Your Pal "Lil Abner" Mike Smith

Thank you Mike for sharing your experience. For those of us who are also Civil War Buffs and who are descendents of Civil War Soldiers and their families, your descriptions and historic rhetoric are especially meaningful. After reading this, I am more determined than ever to stand where you stood and where my Great Grandfather George Washington Pittman fought on the Battlefield of Gettysburg.

Well done,

Sue Pittman McPeak

Members....if you would like to comment on Mikes posting here on the Message Forum you may comment directly and privately to his Website Email or share your comment on his Profile Member Comments Box.

Sue Pittman McPeak

July 26, 2012

Hello Website Members,

You would think that this time of year would find retired folks 'Out of the Loop' on the seasonal changes like the 'End of Summer Vacations' and 'Back To School Frenzies'. However, there I was in the packed isles of School Supplies picking out a spiral notebook or two, some nifty pens and trying to justify a Jumbo Box of Crayolas. As for 'Summer Vacations'...we did take a short trip to Jacksboro, Texas and camped at the Fort Richardson State Park. I'll save that for my first back to school essay on What I Did This Summer.

For Now....I Best Get On With What's

CLICK HERE FOR TOM'S SPOTLIGHT

MONAHANS: Emma Lou Ryan, 93, of Monahans, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in Monahans.

Services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church. Burial will be at the Monahans Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are by Harkey Funeral Home.

She was born in Athens. She was a businesswoman.

SURVIVORS: Husband, Commodore Ryan Jr. of Monahans; sons, Tommy McLain of Monahans, Jerry McClain of Austin, Dana Paul Ryan of Spring and Craig Ryan of Monahans; daughter Diane Ryan of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sisters, Francis Berry of Ruidoso, N.M., and Mattie Sue Joplin of Kennydale; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Published in Odessa American

Jerry's Website Email HERE

To Download....Click HERE

I did not print very many hard copies so if anyone wants one....let me know.

The cost of the book, tax, and postage is $15.00.

Checks should be made to NOSSA.

I will sign it and ship it.

Thanks
Ted

To Preview Ted's Book...Click HERE

Ted's Website Email HERE

Sue Pittman McPeak

Keith Bailey Obituary and Funeral Service

R. Keith Bailey, 65 of Reno, died at 10:10 AM, Friday, June 22, 2012 at Paris Regional Medical Center North. A memorial service is set for 11:00 AM, Monday, July 9, 2012 in the Chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home. Burial will be in East Post Oak Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keith Bailey Memorial Scholarship Endowment...

Keith's son and daughter addresses:

Sue Pittman McPeak

June 23, 2012

Hello Members,

Our Classmate and Friend Keith Bailey passed away yesterday, Friday, June 22. Jerry Lewis received a phone call from Keith's daughter a little before noon. As you would expect, the arrangements were in the earliest stages of planning, and Jerry expected to hear about them as they became available for publication.

I have waited until today to inform you all hoping to have the Funeral Service arrangements and Online links for sending condolence messages. However, with the weekend it is possible that it will be Monday before that information is available.

I have posted the death notice on the Announcements of The Website and have created Keith's In Memory Page. You can view the In Memory Page HERE or by logging on and clicking on the Link under the Message Board. You are invited to post your memories of Keith on that page....just click on the 'POST COMMENT' Tab.

I do have Keith's daughter and son's addresses:

Jerry Lewis

My Fellow '65'ers,

Based on my conversations yesterday and today with Adrienne, the time has come for all who feel able and willing to offer your best prayers and projected caring for Keith Bailey and his family.

You may want these mailing addresses in the coming days:

Son, Aaron Bailey, [to be forthcoming], Plano TX

Daughter, Adrienne Payton (and Austin, Keith's grandson, born Memorial Day), 2904 Hunter's Way, Wylie TX 75098

Jerry

Change Photo

Mike Smith

To All of the People who keep the rest of us informed;

You guys are all doing a great job and I for one am very thankful that you do and I'm sure I speak for the rest of our group as well ! For some of us who are not retired or retiring any time soon (Good Lord Willing) it is a blessing to know these things. For it seems to me that I'm now busier than I have ever been with my work and personal life but still enjoying every minute of it. My company awards trip this year is in La Costa (San Diego) and it may be the only vacation I get to take unless you count going to see my daughter who's in Boston or my oldest son who's in Charlotte and my middle son who's in Cleveland. (By the way my middle son just came back from St Thomas where he proposed to his lady on the beach. The wedding is next year in Ohio. That will have all my crew married off. By the way my son's fiance is the head of Marketing for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. If you don't think she meets some interesting people with all the induction's and that.Update for you "Red Necks" who watch "Swamp People" Theda's cousin Ron Methvin is now appearing as one of the gator hunters(Yes comes from the same Methvin family that Bonnie and Clyde Barrow's driver Henry Methvin was a member of "for those of you who might have read my profile" lol! Ron's a Deputy Sheriff for one of the Parrishs there in LA. Go Fiqure?..................... Any way carry on and keep up the good work !

Your Friend "Lil Abner" Mike Smith

MHS Website Email HERE

Sue Pittman McPeak

June 4, 2012

KEITH BAILEY UPDATE

From Anne Loftin Ball

Hi Friends,

I spoke to Keith a couple days ago, and now have an address for him. He was very interested in getting cards from his friends.

He is feeling pretty grumpy, and unhappy about not being able to go home. completely understandable. I'm sure he does not feel well.

Send Cards to:

Sue Pittman McPeak

Suzanne was born on March 7, 1948 and passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012. She was a resident of Kemp, Texas.

Services:

Gathering...Monday, June 4 - 6 pm to 8 pm

Celebration of Life...Tuesday, June 5 - 2:05 pm

Internment - Mesquite City Cemetery - Mesquite, Texas

Sue Pittman McPeak

May 30, 2012

Update on Keith Bailey

Keith was dismissed from McKinney hospital last week on Tuesday. Jerry visited him just before he was moved by ambulance and reported that he was weak and medicated for the trip. At this time I don't have any information as to an address or for sure the facility where Keith is being treated.

Anyone having information about Keith, please send email to suemcpeak@yahoo.com .

Sue Pittman McPeak, Administrator

Jerry Lewis

G'Day, Mates,

I saw Keith Friday, the 18th, with both Adrienne & Aaron there. The cancer doctor for the hospital came in as did the Physician's Assistant for the surgeon who took out the brain tumor.

After that visit and listing to everyone and talking and seeing Keith, I was pretty encouraged. The kids were given a little breathing room to find a place for Keith. The cancer treatment doesn't have to begin immediately--soon--but not now, and probably not in McK Med Cntr. The removal site wasn't as swollen as it was two days earlier.

When I got there, Keith was sleeping, and doing so very quietly and peacefully. I wish I could sleep like that. After about 45 mins, he awakened and actually sat up on the edge of the bed. He was easily able to hold and drink the Dr. Pepper I brought him. He also wanted some Cracker Jacks, which I brought, and which he ate. All this spoiled his dinner because he still has very little appitite. I told him I charged the snacks to the Class of '65 account; and he had to pay us back.

I considered the way he looked and sounded a significant improvement. When I left, I felt the family had a plan to make a plan, but needed some intensive outside investigation.

Today, Monday, not so much.

He was asleep again but only lightly. Once he heard me speak to the nurse who sits in the room all day, he awoke and sat up. He looked a lot tireder and confirmed that's what he felt, too. We talked a while and I showed him the latest 4 CardsForKeith. He really lit up. I think it's only been today that he's realizing what I'm showing him. He really, really appreciated each and every one. I've taken about 14 up there, each in clear plastic covers, and put in a white, 3-ring binder. I copied the front of our white annual and put it in the sleeve of the binder. Today, for the first time, he asked where I was putting it. I think he'd like to be able to pull it down himself. However, he can't read, yet, even with his glasses. I read the captions all of you sent; and he enjoyed that while looking at the snapshots.

He spoke a lot of Mr. Gibbs, today. If anyone knows how, could you get Dan to email me a little message I can give Keith.

Then, a hospital staffer came in to walk him a little. He told me Friday that's he wanted to get up and walk more. Today, however, he'd declined twice. He did get up and walk to the bathroom. It was quite a struggle for him. I think as they do that more, and muscle strength begins to return to his lower body, he'll do better. He was kidding the staffer and nurse with a non-stop flow of 1-liners--you know Keith. Oddly, they were all funny, too. Guess the boy still has plenty of lights upstairs when called upon.

However, the longer he was up, the tireder he got and the more irritated. I have to summarize today as a bad day in Keith's road to recovery. I think the effect of the brain surgery is going to need a lot more time than what I'd guessed last Friday. For example, today, he was obviously in more pain and wanted his treatment a few minutes early.

He's still our Keith, though, and is still very much with us. If you haven't done so, I would surely appreciate your sending a photo of your holding up a cute sign for him; or, just send me a photo with a caption. I'll attach the caption to the printed photo, myself. Either way, about the only things I know we can do is pray and encourage him. He needs to know you are out there. Please send me something he can look at and re-live the simpler times he spent with you.

Lastly, his daughter brought up her small electric keyboard. Keith apparently loves playing it--I hope using earphones, since it's a hospital room. However, that keyboard is hers; and she'll be wanting it back to entertain Keith's soon-to-be first grandchild. So, if any of you have a small keyboard in storage or just lying around not being used, please consider giving it to Keith. He will probably use it more after he begins feeling better and is moved into whatever facility he's headed for in the coming week or two.

Jerry

Jerry Lewis

Okay, Gang,

Saw Keith Wed evening. Both kids were there. I was wrong about Aaron; only works Sulphur Springs; lives Plano. That's good because Plano has more choices for Keith and higher quality.

He's looking better, mostly. He's still in bad shape. But his eyes are Bailey Blue, again, and not so deep set. He's as alert as can be expected although still on pain meds a lot. Said the surgical area on right rear of head aches a little sometime. He makes sense when he talks as long as it's not more than four sentences. After that, he begins to lose where he was going. Not hard to listen to, though. Pleasant visit.

Gave him copies of the CardForKeith from Greg and Wayne & Sue. He really appreciated them. He says he enjoys spending a lot of time remembering the old times, particularly with us in Monahans. His eyes really light up when he tells a story about us and then.

These are the only ones I've received. I know my request has only been out there a couple of days, but come on, folks. If the old magic of unusual togetherness that we noticed about our particular class is still around and hasn't died, NOW is the time to show it. You need to step up, belly up, and lipstick up. Please take the trouble to write your card, shoot a picture with it and you, and send it to me. I prefer the email method; it's faster to make the copy. Even if you never participate in doing anything on the class web site, at least take the trouble to make and send your photo CardForKeith to me.

Social worker came by and Keith's a lot calmer and willing to stay in McK hospital while they're doing the "physical stuff". No more talk about escaping under fire and hookin' it to Paris. Adrienne did confirm to me that when she said non-ambulatory she meant exactly that. Can't walk to the bathroom, etc. I donno why that is; but it's so. He is going to need to be in some sort of full-time care 7/24, at least until after he heals some and the early cancer treatments are done.

Keith and the kids are still very much in the dark about what's next. Someone (donno who) is supposedly out there trying to find a place Keith can be transferred to and get the cancer treatment, all that Medicare will pay for. I did ask; and Keith told me he does pay premiums for Part B; and so far as he knows, he's not on Medicaid. He said he's been at this rodeo before years ago with his heart problems.

The primary issue seems to be how to get Medicare to pay for treatment and living assistance, too. Any of you out there claim to be Medicare experts or have access to one, it'd be kinda nice to let me know so I can tell the Bailey's to call you.

He wants me to bring him some Cracker Jacks and Dr. Pepper's. (Diet, per Adrienne). I asked what he wants to pass along to you. He said to tell you, "I'll be back (doing his best Arnold impersonation). If you know anything on sale, let me know. And, by all means, EVERYONE go to the reunion."

He also said, "I'm Keith Bailey; and I don't approve of this message worth a d___!"

Jerry

Jerry Lewis

Everyone,

I visited him Friday pm after surgery but before biopsy results. He was mostly out of it but looked good. Head was all wrapped in bandage. He didn't recognize me; but I don't either. We talked as best we could. He had a plunger for pain meds. Seeing him reminded me of the old joke, "We're really, really lost; but we're making good time."

Went back this afternoon (Tues). D Adrienne was there. She lives in Wylie and is going to have a baby in ~month. Her brother, Aaron, is a pharmacist in Sulphur Springs. No one seems to really know why Keith ended up here in McKinney. May have had something to do w/ closest Medicare appvd facility, or some such.

He was totally communicative today, albeit, still slightly fuzzy. Bandage was off; and you can see large circle cut on right rear side of head. He looked better; but his eyes were more deep-set. Color was good. Had little strength in his handshake. Was sitting up in bed and alert. Told him Class of '65 was absolutely thrilled to find out that he really does have a brain!. He laughed.

He's very frustrated and slightly angry because, in his opinion, he's not getting enough information about what's going to happen next. He say he's pulling tubes and walking out the door Thursday heading back to Paris. I fully understand. Adrienne told me later Keith is non-ambulatory and can't care for himself. Once he leaves the hospital he'll need 7/24 care. Apparently, Medicare doesn't pay for that.

Keith wants to go to his house and be treated by his family Dr. White in Paris. He says that's where his home/house is. Neither he nor Adrienne know what oncology services/treatment are available there or whether any social services or 24-hr facilities are available that Medicare will pay for. It's a real CF from his point of view. I agree and would be equally upset in his shoes with no insurance except Medicare.

They've assigned a hospital social worker, Kathy, who's supposedly coming Wed morning with an up-to-date report. She told him Monday she was going to try to coordinate everything. We'll see. Keith is not optomistic she will. There's a doctor in charge of Keith's discharge; but she's just a chief internest.

He doesn't seem to be in too much pain--discomfort, yes. He and Adrienne have been told they're going to start chemotherapy on his brain and lungs. The cancer started in the lungs and went north. But no one's told them when or where this treatment is to begin other than saying it'll be ~3 weeks between sessions. Keith will do it whereever, including Paris; but no one's telling him what he wants to know.

He got to McKinney a week ago, but doesn't remember that. He just feels it's "been long enough". When I asked him what he needed, he said the usual, "Nothing," but added he really would like to talk to Anne and Ann.

Here's what I'd like ya'll to do. Find a poster board, a big piece of paper or cardboard, or even open a paper sack. Write something on it in big enough letters Keith can read. Print your name on the bottom so he'll know who you are. Have someone take your picture holding it in front of you. I don't care what you look like; neither will Keith. Send it to me directly 214=578-6963, or email it to jc.lewis@tx.rr.com.

I'll take all the ones I receive, print them in color on a full sheet of paper, and take them to Keith the next day. These can be your personal cards, something he'll appreciate far more than a store-bought. I'll take along some tape so they can be put up on his wall, or 3-punch them in a binder to flip through, depending on which he wants.

Now, don't dilly dally on this. If you want to do something for Keith in addition to this, fine, but at least do this simple thing by the weekend--please.

Jerry

Sue Pittman McPeak

April 15, 2012

Medical Update for Keith Bailey

This information from Keith's daughter:

It has been confirmed that Keith has cancer and it is in the brain and lungs. Still waiting for more details. He appreciates everyone's concern.

This From Anne Loftin Ball:

Keith is still in Medical Center in McKinney. The phone number directly to his room is (972)547-8723.

At the time of this email she had tried the number, but was not able to speak to him.

Medical Center of McKinney

120 South Central Expressway

McKinney, Texas 75070

(972) 548-5300

Google Map HERE

Sue Pittman McPeak

April 9, 2012

Hello Website Members,

Received word late yesterday that Keith Bailey had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, and was having surgery. The surgery was done last evening and a report came this afternoon from Anne Loftin Ball.

Sue,

I just heard from Ann Kelley Burrow, who had spoken to Keith's daughter, Adrienne. Keith is now in recovery at Medical Center in Mckinney, where he had surgery to remove a brain tumor. The surgeon thinks they were able to remove all of the mass, and biopsy results will be available in a week or so.

I don't have any information about where people could send cards. They may be moving him to another room post-surgery, so if I get any news about how he can be contacted, I'll let you know. I left a message with Adrienne to call me.

Keith told me yesterday that he did want you to post information about him, so please put something out with this limited information. I'll get more to you later.

Anne

I will keep everyone updated on Keith's recovery. Please add him to your prayer lists.

Thanks,

Sue Pittman McPeak, Administrator