Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all and Happy Monday!  I trust everyone is having a good New Year.  I looked in several times this weekend and noticed several classmates signed on but no comments.  ????  It doesn't take any extra effort to type "HI".  So let us hear from you.  Well I passed another milestone on Friday --- applied for Social Security.  I guess I am officially ---- OLD!  If all goes according to plan, April 6 will be my last official "work day".   I am really looking forward to joining my classmates in retirement.  Like everyone, I am a little concerned about the shift in finances, but I read how to obtain a NO COST physical exam.   Under one of the little know provisions of ObamaCare, you simply go to your nearest airport.   You will receive a free x-ray, breast exam and podiatry exam.  For an even more thorough exam, mention Al Qaeda and receive a proctology, urology and gynecology exam - free!  Its amazing what our government is doing for us!  I hope you all have a very blessed week.  Later.

Diane Harris (Moore)

Hi, All.  

Gary, even when it's quiet out here, and we aren't say'in anything, you always come up with something to make us smile, and prod us into responding. You have much to be excited about with retirement coming this Spring. Dick has not yet decided to make that transition, but he is trying to take more time off so we can visit the kids, etc. He is in Boston for about the next 10 days.

All's well here in CO. I was over with the two littlest ones all morning, and am enjoying being a full time grandma. I'm going out in a few minutes and buy some little craft materials so that we can make a mess together this afternoon.

Just wanted to say "hi" to everyone, and wish you well. Hope the new year is getting off to an encouraging start for y'all. 

Connie Morgan (White)

Hello all...

I am one of the gulity ones that Gary mentioned that checks the site every day, but doesn't  write...  Guess I don't usually feel I have any "news" to share (and I can not remember a joke for over 2 minutes)

Diane, I know you and Dick are enjoying being closer to those dear grandchildren for a while!   Sure worked out well for you to have a place to stay that is near.  I know that I am so fortunate that all my grandchildren are within 2 1/2 hours from me!

Gary, from the pictures, your patio looks wonderful!!  I know y'all will enjoy it.    Is your family all well now?

Jim, did you get a big deer this year?     Don, do you and Liz have any upcoming trips planned?    Gail, how is your dad doing?

Gary and Judy, I am very happy for your upcoming retirements!!!!   Ray, I still like the idea of you getting Ryan Young from Social Security to come and answer some questions for us sometime!!

I am still doing some cleaning/painting, etc. since the last renters left - but have my parents house about ready to rent again.   Just hoping and praying someone will come along soon.

I'm staying busy at work!!   and enjoying time with my grandchildren when I can.

You all take care and stay well.     Love you.

Jimmy Willis

MORNING MATES,

I GUESS I'M AS GULITY AS ANYONE FOR NOT SAYING ANYTHING

WHEN I CHECK IN. MOST TIMES I LOOK JUST TO MAKE SURE I

HAVEN'T MISSED ANYTHING. I MAY NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY---

JUST WONT TO CHECK THINGS OUT.

SO YOU GUYS AREN'T THE ONLY ONE'S FALLING DOWN ON THE

SYSTEM!

CONNIE BELEIVE IT OR NOT I DID NOT KILL ANYTHING THIS YEAR.

MOST TIMES THE ONLY REASON I GO IS FOR THE PEACEFUL

TRANQUILITY OF JUST BEING THERE! I GET MORE OUT OF WATCHING

THAN I WOULD IF I KILLED SOMETHING. GUESS THAT'S SILLY BUT

MAKES ME FEEL GOOD!

ANYWAY, NOTHING GOING ON IN MIDDLE GEORGIA OF LATE.

NO ONE HAS RAIDED THE BRIAR PATCH. BRIAR RABBIT IS SAFE

ON HIS PERCH. SO WE'LL CATCH YA 'LL LATER.

Donald Chandler

HELLO, MATES!...

Our New Year got off to a very mixed start.  We really enjoyed the "Jubilate" New Year's Eve Concert at Gwinnett Arena... one of the best concerts we've ever attended.  Over 5 hours of gospel music... a great way to begin 2012. Can I get an "AMEN"!?  But, we also had a backed up sewer line at our home over that 3-day holiday weekend... great timing.  Can you say, "CRAP"!?  Oh well, such is life.  Then we had to attend the funeral of a friend in Buford, Georgia the first week of the year... a very nice military service. It does seem that as we grow older, there are more and more funerals to attend.  But, as that great philosopher Yogi Berra once said... "If you don't go to your friend's funerals, they won't go to yours."  (think about it). :-)   And I'm just getting over a bit of a cold too, something I rarely have.  But I'm not complaining... Life is Good!

Connie... you asked if Liz and I have any trips planned this year.  The only thing we've discussed is a possible cruise in September to celebrate our 30th Anniversary.  Nothing specific planned yet.  We have done a lot of traveling through the years but have never taken a cruise.  So we're thinking either a Carribean Cruise or an Alaskan Cruise.  I would really like to take a long Meditterranean Cruise that would include a lot of ports in Italy, but I think it might be a bit too ambitious for all the health issues that Liz has to deal with.  We may have to keep it simple.  We'll see what develops.  Have any of you ever been on a cruise? I would love to hear about your experiences and would appreciate any suggestions or advice.

Well, sports fans... football season ended on a rather sour note... for both the Dawgs in the Outback Bowl and the Falcons in the NFL Playoffs.  And I can't get excited about Hoops... so I'm already looking forward to Braves baseball again!... and the Summer Olympics!

Gary... congrats on your retirement plans.  I know you are looking forward to that.  By the way, did you see the new "Cajun Pawn Stars" show that premiered on Sunday? 

And, Diane... hope you and Dick are still enjoying Colorado.

I guess the political season is underway with the first Causus and Primary of the election year.  Even though Romney is the Republican frontrunner right now, there's still a long way to go.  Folks just don't seem too excited with the choices available... a case of "electile dysfunction" so to speak.  My basic philosophy is this... I will support WHOEVER has the best chance to beat Komrade Obama in the fall election.

Jim... if Obama is re-elected in November, those "Ancient Culture" predictions for December might not be such a bad alternative.  And Jim... I like your new profile pic with that fierce "bulldog" on your desk.  He really looks like a mean motor scooter!  By the way, Br'er Jim... I saw this photo taken at a "Ha Ha, Jim missed us" post-season banquet celebration down there in your neck of the woods,  Better luck next year!  :-)

Have a great week mates!  Reporting live from my neck of the city... this is Don.

PS  Have any of you seen the movie "Courageous"?  We may go see it this weekend.

Jimmy Willis

HELLO MATES,

IT'S SHO COLD IN THE BRIER PATCH TODAY. SO COLD BR'ER RABBIT

DONE PULLED OUT HIS SELDOM USED POSSUM SKIN COAT. YA'LL

KNOW THAT'S BE THE BEST KIND FOR RABBITS. CAUSE THEY DON'T

NEED NO TAIL COVERAGES! ANYWAY IT'S COLD OUT HERE TODAY.

PLEASE DO BE CAREFUL!

LATER MATES

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all and HAPPY FRIDAY 13TH!!!  The cold is back and I can feel it in my bones - not a good day.   Jim, you almost had an invite for coffee and pie on Tuesday.  Last weekend a discussion with my daughter prompted Sherron to check her military dependent ID card.  Seems it expired in December!  For you that may be unfamiliar with that little card, its like your insurance card for pharmacy and medical benefits.  I spend a good portion of Monday trying to locate a facility where we could get it replaced ASAP.  Turned out that Warner Robins AFB on Tuesday was our best shot.  Kind of foggy and messy for most of the trip but really nice and helpful folks down there.  On the way back I suggested to Sherron that we stop by your office and ask directions to a good coffee and dessert shop but it was getting late and she wanted to stop and shop in Madison.  Guess who won.  We stopped at Perk Avenue in Madison and enjoyed coffee and pastry before visiting several local business establishments.  Bought a couple of items and had to be let out of the last store as we had stayed in past their closing time.  Not unusual for my bride. Glad to see my admonition to post here didn't fall on deaf ears or more appropriately, blind eyes.  However, you respondees are not the ones of whom I wrote, but thank you anyway.  We have several visitors that have never posted and others who haven't posted in months.  For instance, this weekend is Pam's birthday and I want to be the first to wish her a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  Someone close to her periodically visits here and hopefully will this weekend to relay my birthday wish, however, they have never posted.   His initials are ROSS.  'Nuf said.  I hope you all have a very blessed weekend.  Later. 

Jimmy Willis

YOU KNOW GARY I HAVE AT TIMES WONDER MYSELF WHY BRO

ROSS DOESN'T JOIN IN ON OUR LITTLE CLUB. I MEAN IT AIN'T

LIKE HE BEE'S BUSY 0R ANYTHING. I MEAN HE GOT MORE

TALES TO BE TOLD THAN A WHOLE NEST FULL OF BABY RABBITS!

SO--- I KNOW YOU OUT THERE ROSS. YOU MIGHT AS WELL LET

US HEAR FROM YOU!!! I MEAN IT DOESN'T  MATTER THAT WE

CAN'T SPELL OR DON'T KNOW PROPER GRAMMAR. WE ALL IN

THE SAME BOAT. AND IT'S WAY PAST THE TIME TO WORRY BOUT

ENGLISH CLASSES NOW! DON'T KNOW BOUT THE OTHER GUYS!

I JUST WONT TO MAKE SURE I STILL GOT COMPANY IN OUR

ADVANCING YEARS!

AND PLEASE TELL PAM WE WISH HER A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

AND MAY YOU HAVE MANY MANY MORE PAM!

GARY ANY OF YOU FOLKS ARE WELCOME ANYTIME. IF I'M HERE

AND YOU SHOW UP AROUND LUNCH TIME I'LL EVEN BUY LUNCH!

SEE YA'LL LATER

Diane Harris (Moore)

Just checking in to wish Pam a very happy birthday. Pam, I wish you a year of dreams come true! 

Hope everyone else has a great week. I am sitting with the kids while Chuck and Annie have a date night. I told them to take advantage of me, and I am so glad they are. 

Take care, friends of my heart.

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutatioins and happy ..... what is today anyway?  I was off yesterday so my week will be all messed up.  I watched Sherron put away the last Christmas decorations as I was a little under the weather yesterday.  Must have been one of those 24-hour things.  I just wish it had been on a work day instead of wasting my off time.  Not much going on around the Classic City today but wanted to check in and share a bit of wisdom with you.  TOO many of these are true for me but if the shoe fits ......  Anyway I hope you all have a very blessed week.  Later.

~Your kids are becoming you, and you don’t like them. But your grandchildren are perfect!

~Going out is good. Coming home is better!

~When you needed the discount, you paid full price. Now, you get discounts on everything: movies, hotels, flights, but you don’t feel like going to the trouble.

~You forget names, but it’s OK because other people forgot they even know you!!!

~The five pounds you wanted to lose is now fifteen and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the fifteen pounds.

~You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything, especially golf.

~Your husband is counting on you to remember things you don’t remember.

~The things you cared to do, you don’t care to do, but you care that you don’t care to do them anymore.

~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than he does in bed. It’s called his “pre-sleep”.

~Remember when your mother said, “Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident”? Now you bring clean underwear in case you have an accident!

~You used to say, “I hope my kids get married.” Now you say, “I hope they stay married!”

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an “ON” and “OFF” switch.

~You remember when Google, iPod, email, modem were unheard of and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table.

~You now use more four-letter words ..”what?”…”when?”

~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere.

~Your husband has a night out with the guys but he’s home by 9:00 P.M. Next week it will be 8:30 P.M.

~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you’ve already read it.

~Notice everything they sell in stores is “sleeveless”?

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~Everybody whispers.

~Now that your husband has retired, you’d give anything if he’d find a job!

~You have three sizes of clothes in your closet …two of which you will never wear.

~But old is good in some things: old songs, old movies and best of all, OLD FRIENDS -if you can remember who they are!

Jimmy Willis

MORNING MATES,

GARY I'M SORRY TO SAY THAT MY RESEMBLANCE TO YOUR

POSTING ABOVE HAS BECOME TO REAL. KINDA MAKES YOU

WONDER WHAT HAPPEN!

HAVE A GREAT DAY MATES!

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all and happy hump-day.  Not much going on round here, just rereading some previous posts and noticed that I didn't respond to Don's question concerning Cajun Pawn.  Yeah, I took a peak at it.  Like so many second, third, fourth..... generation reality shows, they tend to loose their reality.  The plots are too contrived.  I forget the name of one of the storage locker auction shows where the auctioneer goes through the locker with the winner.  Its like watching my grand kids look for easter eggs.  "Did you look over here?   That's a real prize.  This will pay for the whole locker."  I think everything is planted just to make a show.  If I'm going to watch reality, I want it to be real.  Don, loved the picture of the deer Jim missed.  But sounds like Jim is getting smart in his old age.  Its tough dragging a dead deer outta the woods!  If you like deer meat, go to a processor and buy it!  They always have a little extra.  Jim, I too identify with my previous post - too much I'm afraid.  Guys, as we get a little older, shaving can be a problem.  Today's bit of wisdom reveals a solution to avoid.  I hope you all have a VERY BLESSED week.  Later.

Donald Chandler

Mornin', Mates...

Gary, I tend to agree with you on the TV reality shows... I watched the first installment of "Cajun Pawn Stars" and was rather disappointed.  I didn't even watch this past Sunday night.  Overall, I think that television has become a vast wasteland.  It was better back in the 50's when we only had three channels.  Liz and I did watch "Alcatraz" Monday night and found it intriguing, with a bit of a twist at the end of the premiere... we might check it out again.  We have been adding to our collection of DVD's and  when we don't find anything interesting on TV, we just pop one in.  Last night we watched one of those DVD's... another Morgan Freeman film... "Invictus".  I liked it!  BTW... I got no response from my question about the movie "Courageous", so I won't say anything more except that I do recommend it.

And no response to my "cruise" post either, even though I mentioned the Meditteranean Cruise thing on Thursday and that cruise ship sank on the coast of Italy Friday (insert "Twilight Zone" theme music here).  But Liz has let me know that just because that ship did it's imitation of the Titanic, that would NOT keep her from going on a cruise!  Of course, she can swim and I can't. 

Gary... even though I can identify with many of the things on your "wisdom list", I must say that I can't identify with the shaving story since I haven't shaved in 32 years.  So I don't know what the skin looks like under my beard.  But I did go to my dermatologist last week for my six-month checkup, and she zapped a few tiny spots on the top of my scalp where, shall we say, the covering is a little thinner than it used to be.  She advised me to start wearing a hat.  Now, I haven't worn a hat on any regular basis since I was a teenager down on the farm.  So question is... what type of hat should I wear?  A Baseball Cap?  (Atlanta Braves of course)... or a Cowboy Hat (I do know cows)... or maybe a Fedora?... or a Beret?... or a Derby?... or a Golf Hat?... or a Bucket Hat?... or a Coonskin Cap?...  I'm almost afraid to ask, but... any suggestions?  And, no, not a Dunce Cap... my cousin already suggested that one (that would now be my EX-cousin).

Enjoy the rest of your week, mates.

Hmmmm... maybe a "Donald Duck" hat!!???... is this what you wore in the Navy, Gary?

Gary Grice

Greeting and salutations one and all.  Beautiful day here in the neighborhood.  Don, sorry to hear the doctor had to deface your dome.  You know God only made so many perfect heads, the rest he covered with hair.  I need to visit my dermatologist but fear a similar fate.  I HAD to wear a hat while in uniform so I avoided donning one when not required.  That resulted in me frequently resembling an emergency vehicle.  Donald Duck did wear a Navy hat but that style preceeded my career by several years.  I now have a variety of hats and wear one most of the time - with prompting from my guardian angel (Sherron).  A man has to pick the correct hat to accentuate his character.  Take Steven Tyler for instance.  Not one I would consider a particularly handsome individual.  Seems that on Idol last evening, the women couldn't keep their hands off him.  I decided that it must be the hat.  So here are a few of his hats that I would recommend that might accentuate your masculine features - and make you the desire of every woman.

I hope this helps in your search for the perfect head covering.  Everyone have a very blessed day.  Later.

Donald Chandler

Steven Tyler... eat your heart out...

Gary Grice

Amen!  But let's face it Don, you have a lot more to work with than good ol' Steven.  Later.

Gary Grice

Happy Friday one and all!  I hope you have all enjoyed this site.  Seems there are a couple of bills before congress that would shut down sites for sharing.  Now what defines "sharing" is subject to interpretation and it appears one of the Czars has decided to start enforcing the provisions of these bills before they become law and shut down several internet sites for "sharing".  Since "Czars" are not defined governmental positions with checks and balances, I guess they can do whatever they want to do.  And comments like this will not be viewed very favorably.  This administration is out of control.  We had better make a change before its too late.  Segway into today's "shared" item.  One day Ray and I sat in agriculture class practicing our skills at writing backwards.  Mr. Houser came around and gave us the most puzzled look I think I have ever seen.  What made you think of that you might ask - well here it is.  I hope you all have a very blessed weekend.  Later.

Gary Grice

Think about it:

We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.

? Winston S. Churchill

Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death.

— James F. Bymes

Later.

Jimmy Willis

HELLO MATES,

WELL THE RAIN'S CLEARED OUT AND IT'S 70 DEGREES OUT SIDE.

MOST LIKELY WILL BE ZERO NEXT WEEK. NO WONDER ALL THE

BIRDS GO SOUTH FOR THE WINTER!  OH WELL! ALL IS WELL HERE

IN THE BRIARPATCH. NOT MUCH HAPPENING. JUST WAITING FOR

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY NEXT WEEK! MAYBE THE DAWGS CAN GET

SOME GOOD ONES!

HOW BOUT THE NEWT GUYS! HE'S THE MAN!!!

LATER MATES  

Connie Morgan (White)

Hello all..

I hope you are well.      January has flown by!           Diane and Dick, so glad that you got to spend extended time with your grandchildren.  I know it was treasured time for all of you.

Years ago I went to see "Unto these Hills" in Cherokee, N.C.  I have been thinking that I would like to take my grandchildren there, maybe in the summer..   Do any of you have any info or suggestions about activities and a good (not too expensive) place to stay there?

You know you are getting old when...........you have to take a day off of work to go to 2 doctors appointments.... That is me on Monday 

Take care friends, and have a good week.

Gary Grice

Food for thought .......

So I wonder what God thinks.   Later.

Diane Harris (Moore)

Oh my. As I scan over the past entries there is so much to comment on, but so little time! From Steven Tyler (can't figure his strange appeal, though I do get a kick out of him) to Connie's inquiry about Cherokee...I'll never be able to address all the comments. Connie, wish I could offer advice about Cherokee, but all I know is we spent one night at the Fairfield Inn on our way home. It was right across from that big casino. We got lost and somehow wandered into that place accidentally(?), and left without dropping nary a nickel. It was so smoky in there we both nearly needed oxygen by the time we found the exit. Enjoy "Unto These Hills", which I have only heard good things about, but don't take a wrong turn and end up in the casino!

We are finally back in Ohio after 6 weeks in Colorado. We had a great time, and loved every minute of being with the grandchildren. However, as is always the case, getting back home was a good feeling. We drove all the way across the country and back without having any weather issues, which is rare this time of the year. I brought home a dreadful cold, but am feeling well enough today that I have hope of surviving. The weather is great today, and if I didn't know better I'd think I was in Georgia! I know I am not though, because the daffodils aren't blooming. It's the time of the year that reminds me of daffodils and of my mother, because she would always describe how beautiful hers were blooming when I would call her in Feb., and I would be sitting up here with frostbite. Two beautiful thoughts--my mama and daffodils.

I do hope all of you are well, or at least impaired only by the mildest of seasonal ailments. I know some of you are struggling with aches, pains, and various things and if wishing could take them away, you would all be well. Wishes don't work, but my prayers for you will continue. I know Feb. is full of birthdays in our class, and lest I forget tomorrow, let me say "Happy Birthday, Jimmy Tiller"! I hope tomorrow, Feb. 2nd will be a good one for both you and for the ground hog, but especially for you!

'Till later....

Diane

Gary Grice

Happy Birthday Jimmy!  Hope you have a very blessed day.  Connie my advice on Cherokee is to echo what Diane said. Unless you have a 5 pack a day habit - you will not enjoy the air in the Casino.  I have never seen "Unto These Hills" .  Gotta add that to my bucket list.  I did have a history professor that spent a summer performing in it though.  Does that count?  I liked Cherokee much better when it was just a little strip of stores along the highway.  When I was little, we used to take a picnic and stop somewhere along the stream/river that runs through Cherokee and go wading.  The water was always too cold to get anything above the knees wet.  Well Mr. Groundhog says six more weeks of winter.  And Diane we appreciate you keeping the snow up north this year.  Hasn't been much of a winter here, especially compared to other areas suffering record lows and record snowfall.  Looks like a beautiful day for a walk in the Classic City.  I hope everyone has a very blessed day.  Later.

Connie Morgan (White)

We are having a beautiful Friday to begin this week-end!   Good week-end wishes to all of you.

Happy Birthday wishes to Judy as you celebrate tomorrow!!

Take care friends!

Gary Grice

Judy, Judy, Judy! (as Cary Grant would say) - Here's hoping you have a Very Happy and Blessed Birthday tomorrow.  And for everyone else, I hope you all have a GREAT weekend.  Later.