Eric (Rick) Moon

So now there are four boomers at least in our class, and probably a few more.

George, I agree that Mrs. Johnson was an outstanding teacher, very inspiring.  Without her I never would have known what metonymy and synechdoche are, nor iambic petameter.  She made it all very interesting because of her love for the subject.

Patricia Doyle (McLain)

I remember Mrs. Johnson. She was so patient with me as I misspelled every possible word and she opened up diagramming sentences to me which came in handy when I took linguists in college. When I think back on it I'm stunned at what an extraordinary number of teachers we had. I came away with low grades but a love of learning that has sustained me. And when I see how narrow the education is that so many children are getting theses days I'm saddened. Literature, art, biology, history, chemistry, speech, business, debate....the list goes on of the subjects we could learn so rich and rewarding. I'm so very thankful. 

Edgar Hart

Happy New Year Classmates! We are greeted with the first snowfall of the year. About baby boomers: the census bureau says it started in mid March 1945, demographers said it started on Sept 1, 1945, which is nine months after the first men came home from Europe. Anyone born before Aug 6, 1945 was born in the pre-atomic age. I was born in July. I think being born before the atomic age makes us unique and old!

Stephen Nicol

When I looked it up, the baby boomers were born between January 1946 and December 1964. They are marked by an increase in the birthrate every year between those.  Each class after ours was larger than the one before it.  You can verify by asking google which generation was a person who was born on (insert your birthday) and you'll get your answer.  Most of us belong to what is called the "Silent Generation".   Although, in my case the label doesn"t fit the facts. 

George Furst

Most of the online websites seem to define "baby boomers" as having been born between January 1946 and Decemnber 1965 (presumably inclusive of those months).  One of my friends was born on January 1, 1946, at 12:06 A.M.  His family unfortunately lost a tax exemption for 1945 as a result.,  However, the date and time put him very close to being Baby Boomer No. 1.  As noteworthy as the impact of us baby boomers on current matters may have been (lots of peope and demographic bulges if nothing else), my hat remains off to the many members of the Greatest Generation who rose to meet existential challenges to our lives and values.

Steve Carr

George, with those devastating fires in California I'm hoping you are safe.  They appear to be all around Encino.  Steve C.   

George Furst

Steve, thanks for reaching out.  We and the families of our two daughters are safe but remain in a "red flag" area (e.g., warning of possible need to evacuate).  Prevailing winds are favorable.  The scope of these tragic fires is unbelievable.  We have a number of friends and acquaintances whose homes and home contents have been totally destroyed.  Restoration and reconstruction will be a mammoth task, which I sincerely hope does not get tangled up in politics.  For the moment, however, we are extremely grateful for having been spared.

Steve Carr

George, So glad to hear you and family are safe.  My heart goes out to the thousands of people that have been affected by the fires.  Last year the entire town of Medical Lake, WA, just a few miles west of Spokane, was devastated by wild fire. Our entire community was impacted by that.  A few years ago we had a fire that swept through a forested area just a mile from our house so we know about those concerns.  I just hope someday those people can get there lives back together.  It makes one feel so helpless.  Take care and stay safe.  Steve

George Furst

Steve, thanks for your continuing concern.  You apparently had faced similar circumstances some years ago.  This tragedy gives rise to may reflections on how lucky my family has been in comparison to the massive losses of which we are now aware.  Stay safe and  well.  George

Art Hyland

Those of us still able to read this site, distributed to us through the magic of a technology our generation helped discover, have successfully managed the thousands of risks associated with just living.  But our mirrors nevertheless reflect many of those years of risks and experiences. 

As the LA fire grew to incredible proportions I looked up its locations relative to George Furst’s long time home and was glad to see he was not directly in the fire’s apparent path. But as he noted, avoiding it personally while knowing many who have not brings a sense of awareness of the fragility of security we are occasionally shocked into experiencing.  One day you’re routinely attending a garden, the next day your community disappears. 

We ask why it couldn’t have been avoided, and silently wonder if something like it could happen to us. The answer to both is yes, no and maybe.  Despite our iPhone/Amazon/Google world, caveman risks remain. We haven’t conquered complacency and probably never will.

As the Wildebeests we kind of are, we know the lions will take some of us but the herd we’re part of will continue to roam. Well, we’re a bit more than herd animals but I wonder about our willingness to focus on more than just where and when we graze. I expect Californians and more will reexamine priorities, clearly an often neglected responsibility.  Tragedy seems to be the primary motivation to making rational social decisions but we as inhabitants of this planet can and will persevere. I’m optimistic we as a nation and the West in general are going to unite to prioritize our worlds so individuals can prosper by virtue of their own initiative and freedom to choose.  

I’m grateful for all the benefits we have reaped despite our losses.  The games will continue, the laughter still exists within us, and the Almighty we acknowledge as humbly as we must will carry us and those that follow to heights unknown.  I look forward to observing it all, and so should you. 

Art

(George, I know I'm tardy at replying to your emails many weeks ago but i've been busy tending to gardens as it were)

Eric (Rick) Moon

I hope you will join me in celebrating the modest success of my podcast, Fascinating!

Today the number of total downloads of the 70 episodes published to date surpassed ten thousand, listened to in 86 countries and territories, and in 2,146 cities.

Prove wrong those who say that a prophet is not without honor, save in his own high school!

Patricia Doyle (McLain)

Congratulations Rick! Pleased to see you reaching such a wide audience. ⭐️⭐️

Edgar Hart

name?Congrats, you always were a smart guy. Enjoy your success. Are the podcasts under your

Vivian Karen Hogue (Olguin)

Rick, I am wondering as is Ed what the name of your podcast is.  Would like to check it out. Thanks!

Eric (Rick) Moon

I have a web page, fascinatingpodcast.com.  The name of the podcast is Fascinating!

Thanx for your interest!

Patricia Doyle (McLain)

Eric, just listened to one of your podcasts and found it most interesting! I especially appreciate your calm and thoughtful sharing of information...especially welcome in a world where everyone seems to be on one bandwagon or another. Keep up the good work. Pat

Eric (Rick) Moon

Thank you, Pat, and thank you, Ed, for your kind words.  

Susan Hill (Vlasuk)

Laura Fletcher (Lindsay)

Sandra, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Please know you are in our thoughts. 

Edgar Hart

Sandra,

Sorry to hear of your loss. A life long marriage creates a heavy loss but also much appreciation and gratitude. Thanks for all you have done for class. Ed Hart

Stacy Marlowe (Wible)

Hi Sandy,  A couple days ago I read a post from you about collecting  money to keep this site up and running. At least I think that was the request. I am more than happy to contribute to this fund. Please let me know how much we need to donate. I know I don't know most of you, because I moved from CA to WA and attended Highland Jr. High for 8th and 9th grades. And attended Sammamish for 10th and 3/4 of 11th grade and then we moved back to CA. But I loved my time up there and the people I met. Small world  story. If you know/knew Karen Roller, her sister lives 3 houses down the street from my husband and me in San Diego CA. We have been friends and neighbors since 1976. Let me know about the donations. Stacy (Marlowe) Wible 

Patricia Doyle (McLain)

Yes please...do let us know how to send money to keep the site going. I don't often comment but enjoy keeping up with classmates. Thanks for all you do to keep us connected! 

Barbara Osborne (Derkacht)

I am so appreciative of your efforts, Sandy.  Thank you many times.  You've said we're good with the website for another year (or two?), but when the time comes, sing out.  You shouldn't have to put into the money pile because you do all the work to keep things running.  I'm sure lots of folks will cheerfully send in money to keep things going.  Just let us know how you'd like the funds sent.  And if you want it early so there's no question or concern when the time comes, I'm personally good with that, too.

George Furst

Sandy, I am on board as well.  This website has frequently provided insight and connection.  I sense we are able to renew the site now, but if not, or if further renewal is ever necessary, I would be delighted to contribute in support.  And thanks for overseeing the operation of the site so long and so well.

George

Cheryl Knowles (Holding)

Happy to contribute.  Just say the word.  I'm so grateful for your efforts in keeping the enterprise running.  It's terrific to be able to keep up with classmates!