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02/19/09 10:21 PM

#87

Margaret Willis (Boles)

Ray: I just got back from doing hurricane relief in Galveston with a group of 16 hardworking folk. We also took a group to Houma after Katrina. Both were very powerful experiences. . .bringing back memories of Carla for me when our home was flooded. I know that probably nothing can compare with Katrina. I hope I get to visit with you at the reunion about the Castro piece!
One of my favorite memories about Carla is when they announced on KILT that the real action was taking place in CUTE Texas!

02/20/09 12:46 AM	#88
Jd Barnett: Nice piece, Ray. Thank you.

02/20/09 08:16 AM

#89

Winona Hebert (Spinks)

I think Ray has the right idea. . . don't wait to be tagged. Go ahead and share your story with us. Your memories and adventures may be the most interesting/challenging/heartwarming of all. I love this section; it makes me feel that I'm getting to know people I didn't know back then. Keep the stories coming!

02/20/09 10:10 AM

#90

Donna Billie (Jones)

Hi, Shelley: I was so excited to see that you mentioned Gwen French. Is she Leif's mom? If this is the same woman I am thinking of, she and my mom were friends at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Freeport. If it is "my Gwen French," tell her hi for me. Also--how is Janet's mom?? Another friend from church.

02/20/09 11:55 AM

#91

Carrol Reneau (Jeffers)

Yes, Donna, that is the same Gwen French. I remember her,too. Gosh, wouldn't it be great to see Marcene Skaggs? She lives in Angleton now. She always talked to me just like my own Mother - usually about what I should or should not be doing! Of course, they were both right. Gee, I miss the Mothers, too!

02/20/09 12:05 PM

#92

Carrol Reneau (Jeffers)

The GREATEST GUMBO CHALLENGE IS ON! Dee made a claim and he has been challenged - thanks to Winona Spinks and Margaret Ammons (& we bet there are many others)! See the "40 Year Reunion" link for information. More posted as time grows near.

02/20/09 01:46 PM

#93

Dee Allen

Mickey Mixon sent this to me and I am posting it for him. Give him a break. I have already berated him for not following instructions.

Sorry for the lack of response. I've been serving on a jury since Jan. 12 and just haven't had time to think about 25 things about me. That's hard to to do. Here goes:went to a music festival in Idaho last summer(drove) and realized that it was the first time that I had been north of Dallas since I was 11 years old, have 2 grandsons( 5 & 1 1/2)and now know why God put me on this earth, still teaching English but out of coaching for 2 years, married 31+ years and it just gets better, love the music of Reckless Kelly, Band of Heathens, Randy Rogers, Micky and the Motorcars, and Shawn Pittman, I'm still short, still wearing specs, wonder where in the world 40 years went, can't wait for the reunion, been here in Bastrop for 13 years, got to b.s. with Earl Campbell, still play a little golf, love going to Gruene, TX and other places with my wife to watch the aforementioned bands, was turned down by Jenny Craig, could drop dead tomorrow and die a happy man, and I am a brutally slow typist so I'm done

02/20/09 02:28 PM

#94

Dee Allen

I'm there. I'm going to hone my GUMBO cooking skills by making a big pot each week until the reunion. I plan to win the new car Carrol is offering as first prize.

For you history buffs, GUMBO (from the Bantu language) means okra. If you plan to cook an okra-less gumbo, you loose. Okra slime is the thickening agent for the soup. Typically the roux is used for thickening. However, in Gumbo, a dark roux is used. The darker the roux, the less thickening power is has. Dark roux is used to give the Gumbo a nutty taste.

Some people thicken their Gumbo with a pungent powder made from ground sassafras leaves (file') [couldn't get the accent over the "e"]) making a File' Gumbo. Note: The aromatic roots of sassafras were once used to make root beer.

Anyway, I don't want to be the only contestant. I wan't to earn the new car. Who wants to take me on in the Gumbo/Chili cook off?

02/20/09 02:43 PM

#95

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

Dee-
I'm sorry but I make Cajun Gumbo which does not use OKRA.
I never had an okra from my Cajun grandma-so I don't make it that way. My specialty is chicken and sausage gumbo with File and a dark roux. Real Cajun gumbo is using anything you have on hand because they were so poor they used whatever they had to feed their large families. One chicken will feed a whole lot of people when used in a gumbo. I've also had sausage and egg gumbo, duck gumbo, goose gumbo and just about any wild game gumbo you can think of. So, you make yours and I'll make mine.

02/20/09 07:30 PM

#96

Carrol Reneau (Jeffers)

Oh, Dee, I think Margaret out gumboed you! Did you just read yours out of a recipe book? Margaret's sounds like the real deal. Winona, what's your flavor? Okay, I'm in - what color car? I'm thinking a hot, flashy car - RED? 'Course the reunion registration for everyone is going waaaay up.

02/20/09 08:47 PM

#97

Winona Hebert (Spinks)

Actually, I said MY MOTHER makes the BEST GUMBO. Her specialty is shrimp and crab and yes, she includes okra. I'll have to see if she'll share her recipe (and then teach me how to make it). Of course, when I ask it's usually a pinch of this and a dash of that--no real measurements. Being "up north" I do miss the ready availability of seafood (brought back a gallon of oysters when I visited in December).

02/20/09 09:07 PM

#98

Ray Beets

GUMBO
Let me see if I can help out with the discussion on "Gumbo". Margaret is describing the original dish that the native Americans taught the starving French solders how to make. Put just about anything into it that you can catch plus some wild rice.

Dee is describing the dish that was derived from this original American delicacy after okra (Gumbo) was imported to Louisiana and Mississippi from Africa.
I know many Cajuns that would refuse to eat this dish without the okra. For instance, my college room mate Tim.

At least this is what the kind lady at the Biloxi historical society told us when we were touring Tullis Manor. Unfortunately the Tullis Manor was taken from us by Katrina. The Grand Casino barge was washed ashore and crashed down on the manor.

02/20/09 09:23 PM

#99

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

Ya know what-I bet they'll all be good and we will have a great time making it! Some say tomatoe and some say tamato, what ever floats your boat. I'm so looking forward to Labor Day weekend. I'll be driving my RED 1974 VW Thing convertible, so I've already got my red car.

02/22/09 08:21 AM

#100

Michael Poehl

After reading the minutes and message forums I have a suggestion for the planning committee. It seems if you shifted the sunrise prayer service to say something like 10:00 a.m. you would have a better chance to get those that need might need it to attend. I remember one of my favorite priests used to say “ if you are getting up to go to 6:00 a.m. Mass, you probably don’t need a long sermon “ – guess he was saving those for the late rising “ sinners “….

And this would give us a window from sunrise to prayer service where we could have a marathon or maybe triathlon since we have some late blooming athletes amongst us – I would nominate Cyndie Chrystal ( Williams ), Connie Marsh ( Wood ) and Yvonne Senturia ( a.k.a Mrs. Henkoff ) as co-chairs, with Tommy Dye and Johnny Vernor as committee members since they did such a great job on the golf outing prior to Tommy Palmer taking over…………this would give the rest of us something to do as General George Patton used to say “ someone has to stand on the curb and cheer when the heroes come by “

Thanks to Alice Lee Day ( Smith ) for the prayer line, and maybe not important enough for a prayer request, but a mini prayer – for Brazosport to be spared any Hurricanes this summer as my younger brother Phillip’s 35th high school reunion ( some school called Brazoswood ) was the victim of Hurricane Ike. I don’t know if any of us could stand any more accolades about how great Dee Allen was ( or thinks he still is today ). I am afraid one more note about his exploits and his head may explode – and we all know he is not attending the reunion, but will end up sending his father anyways !!

Seriously – super job by all of you working on the planning – Should be great fun. And finally I need to get my cousin Maria Seidler ( Atkins ) tagged for the 25 random things about themselves, along with Marilyn Schuman as both are interesting people – and it has been fun to read about everyone. My last round of tagged folks are either in Federal Witness program, and not willing to share – some not even willing to share their profile – or else they can’t count to 25 in which case I would recommend they look at Davis Barker and Mike Strickland for some options on this issue. Hopefully others will share their 25 random things with us - don't wait on getting tagged.

And hope some of you basketball fans saw U T keep O U from moving up to being ranked Number 1 in the NCAA last night with their upset of the Sooners. It is now 8:13 a.m. and O U still sucks……and I know it is only basketball – but it did remind me of Alan Weddell’s basketball efforts……if you didn’t see the game one of
U T ‘s post players apparently had his elbow contact the head of O U ‘s All American Blake Griffin resulting in a concussion, and a seat on the bench the entire second half. Gotta love full contact sports like basketball – no helmets or anything for the softies….

Hook ‘ em Horns !

02/22/09 09:35 AM

#101

Cathy Drounette (Nichols)

Margaret, re: the gumbo memories. I, too, remember big pots of whatever protein was available, seasoned with available veggies and a roux and always file'. The okra was optional but I always include it. Often, when we visited my Aunt (Nanny) Belle and Uncle Sonny, in Sulpher, La, we found his and her gumbo pots awaiting us!! Though they were able to stay married for 40 years, they could never agree on how to best cook gumbo. We were the lucky beneficiaries of the gentle feud! I have made gumbo with alligator, duck, crawfish and squirrel but my favorite will always be crab and shrimp. However, I never met a gumbo I didn't like. Happy cooking!

02/22/09 02:06 PM

#102

Carrol Reneau (Jeffers)

To clarify - it is the GOLF TOURNAMENT that is at the ridiculous sunrise hour (or some such nonsense). The Sunday worship service will be held at a more civilized and comfortable hour and indoors - please, Lord, make it so. Michael,I know you will protest being forced to play golf so very early,too. But remember, it will be Labor Day weekend in Brazoria County and by noon the temperature will approximate the face of the sun but with higher humidity.
You are sure right about requesting deliverance from hurricanes - sometimes it is dicey toward the end of August.

02/22/09 02:51 PM

#103

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

Cathy-
You were in about the same area of La. that my grandparents were-they were from Lake Arthur, just southeast of Lake
Charles, so that probably explains the similarities of gumbos. I think the closer to N.O. that you got, the more the varieties. At any rate, you are right - they are all good. My mom just had a abhorrance to okra, therefore, we never got it.

02/22/09 04:23 PM

#104

Pamela Klepper (Bratton)

Wow, you all are impressive. I am finally getting enough time to reply to Carrol's tag. So here's 25 random things about me since I saw you all last.

1. I worked for Clute Police Department for about 1 year. It happened to be during a time of unrest within the department and some wanted to participate in a 'walk-out'. I didn't believe in walk-outs, so I opened the doors and called for help. I was written up in "Texas Lawman" for the action - and that was at age 18.

2. I married Ralph Bratton, Brazoswood Class of '71 and we're still married. I attribute our success to the fact that he travels 9 months out of the year scouting for the Houston Astros. That means that when he does get home, it's like a date.

3. My brother, Marcus Klepper, died in 1972. He was such a sweet and caring person and had found someone he cared depply about - our loss.

4. I have a wonderful son (35) who married a wonderful woman 2 years ago. They are both 6' tall, and I'm just waiting on grandchildren. They have a dog, but a grand-dog just isn't enough.

5. I lost my 16 year old daughter in an automobile accident in 1993. She was amazing and God blessed me with so many beautiful memories of her. The amazing ones are how she shared her Christianity with young friends and how that helped them know Christ.

6. I have had the opportunity to personally meet most all of the Houston Astro players. Ralph believes that I personally ruined the careers of many by having my picture taken with them. Within 1 year of each of the photo opportunites these folks had 'something go wrong': Larry Dierker, Jose Lima, Scott Elarton, Brandon Backe and Mike Hampton. Now Mike is back and I'm going to skip the photo opportuity this year.

7. My husband, Ralph has signed several well-known players. My favorite sign was Lance Berkman because he was in elementary school with my daughter and played ball where Ralph coached. He also signed Roy Oswalt and Chris Sampson on this year's roster.

8. We saw all the games of the Astros' first world series (painful as it was). All the event surrounding the world series were a blast. We had our 'after-party' at the 4-seasons and shared the bar space with Jeff Bagwell.

9. I loved salmon fishing in Alaska. We've been several times and each time was more fun than before. I must admit that the women are far better at catching salmon than the men like. I really loved doing the fly-outs to the wilderness and watching the bears fish.

10. We lived in Houston; Dallas; Mt. Laguna, Ca (outisde San Diego); Austin and finally Dripping Springs (just west of Austin). We have 5 little acres in town and it is always great to sit on the deck and just stare at the deer.

11. I have the keys to 17 cities (presented when I was on the national board for the American Business Women's Association). By the way, the keys don't really open any doors.

12. I was made an honorary citizen of Tennessee by Lamar Alexander.

13. I have had pictures made with the President (GWB),2 US Senators, 1 Congressman, 5 Texas Governors and lots of State Senators and Representatives the years. I am not a lobbyist, but spend a lot of time presenting my business interests.

14. I am not really a 'cook', but I've been published in 5 cookbooks. People are desperate to find a quick recipe, and I only use shortcuts.

15. If you purchase 'Dreams for our Daughters' by Bonnie Coffee, you'll find my story included with amazing women from around the world.

16. I had lunch with Quan Cosby of UT fame this year. He and my younger brother, Greg, are friends from Waco. Quan is an amazing Christian and knows that everything he has accomplished is because of God's grace. He has an amazing story to tell.

17. I love to go to New York and try to go each year or at least every other year. I would love to maintain an apartment in Manhattan, but with all my investments down the tube, I guess that's not in the stars.

18. I was Miss February in first grade (in Houston) because I was the only one who could spell February.

19. Our travel spots are in the Caribbean. We've been to Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Tobago, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola. We were sleeping when someone robbed our house in Barbados - icky. The police station faced the front of our house, we were mistakenly feeling too secure.

20. I've been to a lot of places in Mexico, but it is 3rd in my list of tropical places.

21. Hawaii was a blast and I did climb Diamond Head.

22. I've been on TV 6 times in the last 6 months. As the news of rising unemployment creeps up, the local stations need an 'expert' and I guess I'm the oldest in the staffing business in Austin these days.

23. I get free tickets to the Astros home games, but rarely get over to Houston to go - maybe I'll get there surrounding the reunion.

24. I have hundreds of photo albums on Kodak Gallery. They are open to the public, so feel free to view them at: wwww.kodakgallery.com/brattonfamily.

25. This was harder than I thought it would be, but now you know what I've been doing the last 40 years.

See you in September.

02/22/09 04:41 PM

#105

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

Pam-
Sounds like you've had a very exciting and fulfilling life.
I think of Marcus often, what a tragedy that he was lost so early in life. He was a real sweetheart and a really good friend. Several of our classmates have lost children-I just can't imagine the pain ya'll went through.

02/22/09 06:56 PM

#106

Carrol Reneau (Jeffers)

This is from TANA SHREVES MADDOX:

First of all - Carrol thanks for tagging me!! I'm not sure if I can think of 25 things but here goes:
1. This is going to be hard. I think it's hard to talk about oneself. But here goes!! I was married in 1972 for six years and then divorced. I was single for 21 years before I met the "man of my dreams", Mickey Maddox. I never really thought I would marry again after being single that many years but we are so compatiable that when we took a marriage class at church the pastor who was going to marry us asked us if we had compared answers!! We did not - we are just that much alike. We are definintely soul mates. We are very blessed.
2. I had the best parents in the world but lost them both to cancer at a young age (62 sounds young to me now). My Dad died at 62 from lung cancer & my Mother at 62 from pancreatic cancer. They were the perfect example of "soul mates". They married very young & were married for 42 yrs before my Dad died. My Mother was lost without her mate - 2 1/2 yrs later she died. I think that is where she really wanted to be - with her mate. I miss them dearly!! It's very sobering when that part of your life/family history is gone.
3. I took over my parents insurance agency in Freeport in 1993, when my Mother died. I had never worked in the insurance business so changing careers at 43 yrs old was an experience! I love carrying on the business legacy my parents left me. I have a lot of customers who still remember them fondly & tell me what great people they were.
4. My husband & I married in 2000 & have been married for 8 years. I married when I was 50 yrs old & just pray that God will give us many years of good health so we can enjoy our future old age together. Marrying that late in life, for the second time, that is my biggest fear that we won't have that much time together. God willing we will see at least a 25 or 30 yr anniversary!
5. I have a secondary teaching degree but never have taught. I graduated from Sam Houston State. After graduation, my first husband went straight into the Army and we were stationed in Ft Hood for 4 yrs. I substituted some before I got pregnant with my only child, Scott. After 3 yrs I went to work at Intermedics in Freeport as a secretary & later a technical writer. Amazing how God works - from there I had several technical writing positions in Houston with oil related companies. Finally decided that I needed to have the opportunity to make more money & thought sales would be the place. Danny Richards got me on with an electronics company in Houston - stayed there for 8 years before I took over my parents insurance business. God does work in our lives. Sometimes I don't see it when he is working but looking back I can see how He shaped me to do what I am doing today. Thank you Lord!
6. I love helping people & giving. My dream is someday to be able to just do volunteer work. My greatest fulfillment comes from helping other people.
7. I was sooo shy in school. I became a twirler when I was in 7th grade. Performing out in public was the most painful, but later on, rewarding thing. I do believe it helped me be who I am today. However painful, it helped me get in front of people today - doesn't mean that it still isn't hard - but I can do it.
8. I loved marching off the field to "Anchors Away"! What an inspirational song. Marching with our white boots & batons - how great! Mr. McDonald, our band director, was the best. How proud I was to march, military style, with the band. All of this "dancing" with bands today is non-sense! Anyone can do that. It takes practice & expertise to march in straight lines. We were great! Thanks to a great band director. How I long for those days - the spagetthi dinners to raise money for the symphony band trips. I don't miss all the individual practice time at home!
9. I have one son, Scott, 34 yrs old. (He is making me old) - two grandsons, ages 5 & 8. They live in Danville, Ca. I get to go out there about 3-4 times/yr. Beautiful state!
10. I loved Rhonda Murphy being our drum major our senior yr.
11. One of my customers is Mrs Pyle. That was weird to see one of my former teachers as a customer of mine. Made me feel old but also made me feel like I should have been in her homemaking class again!
12. Carrol, thanks to your Mom & Dad for being such good friends to my parents!
13. Gail Tribble & I still keep in contact. We are still very good friends & don't live very far from each other. We have gone thru a lot together!! Divorces, marriages, birth of grandchildern. Life is grand!
14. I enjoy working in my yard & being home with my husband.
15. My husband works for Edward Jones & in the past 3 years we have had the privilege of traveling to some wonderful places due to the sales contest Jones has. We have been to Italy (twice), Poland, New Zealand, Scotland & Hungary. We will be going to China in March 2009. I would love to continue to travel, if possible. Never dreamed I would get to see what I have seen.
16. Life is so good right now - it's scarey - you wonder what is waiting for you up ahead!! I just have to believe God has wonderful things in store for us.
17. I look forward to seeing everyone at our reunion. All of this is defininately bringing back memories I had forgotten!
18. I remember when we use to "wrap" houses with toilet paper. Couldn't do that today - would probably get shot!
19. I love a beautiful spring day - flowers blooming, birds singing & sun shining - makes you feel alive. Wish we had more spring days (cool) in Texas!
20. I can't believe it but I am almost to 25! Dee Allen - thanks for sending me an e-mail & saying I still look good. What a compliment!!
21. I just can't believe I am 58 yrs old. What happened to all those years?
22. I look at myself in the mirror & see my Mother. That is a good thing. So many things I do remind me of her - I am my Mother's daughter!!
23. I look at my hands & see my Mother!
24. I am proud to be the daughter of my parents - they were kind, hard working, sacrificing & God fearing people.
25. I pray for our country that we will remember why we broke away from England & that we will remain a free democracy!!

02/24/09 01:05 AM

#107

Jackie (Jack) Kendall

1)I'm an only child.
2)I know every way there is to accidentally kill tropical fish.
3)Got a BA in English
4)Have owned 3 businesses with my wife (now ex)1 success, two failures
5)Was a stockbroker (certified financial planner),I call it my 20 year mistake,I must be a slow learner.
6)Was married for 33 years before separating (see slow learner comment above)
7)Was 40 when my only child, Sarah, was born (again see slow learner comment) she was born on our 19th wedding anniversary.
8)Went to law school at South Tx College of Law in Houston for 1 1/2 years,no degree, hated it, worked full time while attending.
9)Am on a lifetime learning quest, have taken over 35 courses, certifications,etc since graduating from college, not counting the courses in law school.
10)For most of my adult life, in addition to a full time job I've either also worked part-time jobs or taken classes.
11)Three years ago tried out against 1,000 other people for a shot at being on Jeopardy, made the cut to 35, didn't make the final cut.
12)Weigh the same as when I was a senior in HS
13)Whataburger is my favorite fast food, except for breakfast, which is McDonalds
14)In April I will have worked as financial administrator at my church for 10 years.
15)Bought my ex a ride on the Goodyear blimp for one of our anniversaries.
16)I write poetry
17)I was really excited when I had a daughter, cause it meant I didn't have to go hunting, fishing, play baseball, football etc. I enjoyed going to orchestra and piano recitals
19)Had season tickets to six flags with my daughter for 5 straight years
20)Our first business obtained the first "certificate of convenience and necessity" issued by the Texas Public Utility commission. It was contested by 20 Houston pager firms.
21)Attended Jr High in Corsicana Tx with the senior pastor of the church I now work at.
22)Drove non-stop from Clute to Toronto Canada in 1971 with Glynn Irby & Terry Wheeler (didn't have time for a long vacation)
23)Managed to file for bankruptcy twice (see item 4)
24)Have taught adult literacy classes, currently working on a plan to teach GED classes for residents in a drug and alcohol rehab center.
25)If I had to start college all over again I would major in behavioral economics, a field of study that I don't believe even existed in 1969.

02/24/09 09:27 AM	#108
Jackie (Jack) Kendall Apparently I'm not smart enough to use this, because the 25 random things I thought I posted about myself last night are not here.

02/24/09 09:29 AM	#109
Jackie (Jack) Kendall Well, on second viewing, I guess I'm just not smart enough to find them, now I see that they are there.

02/24/09 09:37 AM	#110
Jd Barnett: Hang in there, Jackie...from reading your "25" it's clear your strength is never giving up! ;-) Good job on the 25. I loved reading it.

02/24/09 10:08 AM

#111

Dee Allen

Because of all the plans I've been making for the reunion, Janet said that we would have to stay in Bport for a week.

I can bring the RV or stay with someone there. Whose got an empty room?

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