Message Forum

LET'S GET - TOGETHER:

Wednesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m.

LOCOS on Gaines School Road, Athens

David and Linda Landers are in Ga. for a visit from Texas. This will be a good time for all that can to get together for a visit!

Please spread the word, and come if you can.

04/06/12 12:33 PM

#2685

ATTENTION*** Due to the availability of the meeting room at Locos - the gathering will have to be on THURSDAY, 4/12/12 at 6:30. Locos is located on Gaines School/Barnett Shoals Rd.

PLEASE NOTE THIS DATE CHANGE - and I hope it will not be inconvenient for anyone.

Happy retirement to Gary !!

Tommy and Paula Adkins have just returned from vacation in Jamaca

Blessed Easter wishes to everyone.

04/07/12 12:40 AM

#2686

Kathy Carter (Campbell)

Hi to all you pals,

HE LIVES!!!!

Hope all of you have a happy Easter. Our grandaughters came wed. & are here until Sunday. We have been enjoying them being w/us. Been busy making delights for Sunday.

Gary, I want to wish you a belated Happy Birthday! Happy retirment and happy new home.

Wish I could be at the gathering, but can't. Hope you that can have a good time and give my love to all.

Kathy

04/07/12 08:51 PM

#2687

Just wanted to wish everyone a VERY BLESSED EASTER!!! He HAS risen! Later.

04/09/12 09:30 AM

#2688

Good Morning Ever'body! Hope everyone enjoyed your Easter weekend. We did.

Well, due to unexpected changes in our schedules and a whole lot of coincidence, it appears that Dick and I will be able to join whoever shows up this THURSDAY at 6:30 at LOCOS on GAINES SCHOOL RD! Connie, thanks for making the plans and for making note of the date change. We are on the road right now, and will be in Greensboro till Wed., and then come to Athens, leaving Sat. to drive back to Ohio.

Know it's a busy time for many, especially Gary, who is packing for his move. I recall what a big job that is.

Wishing all a good Monday.

04/09/12 08:19 PM

#2689

Diane, I could harldy believe the good news that you and Dick will be here Thursday night!! I am so excited about this unexpected blessing! Drive carefully.

I am looking forward to seeing all that can make it.

04/10/12 07:21 AM

#2690

Greetings and salutations one and all! I don't know if I like this retirement stuff or not. Haven't had a minute's rest since I quit work!? What a glorious Easter weekend! We celebrated Sherron's mother's birthday and had a Passover Seder Saturday night (not according to scripture, I know, but wanted to show other members of our family what it was like and bring back some of the TRUE meaning of Easter.) Sunday after church, all the grandkids, save one (Addison was sick) came over for our Easter Egg Hunt. A good time was had by all. Sherron had me working to the point of exhaustion yesterday. Today is a go, go day. Grandson's "birthday" (not really his birthday) party at pre-school and then off with Erin and JJ to look for a new home. They received a contract on their persent home yesterday. Connie, Sherron and I plan on being on Loco's Thursday evening. We really look forward to seeing everyone. Well, its off to the races! Later.

04/10/12 01:17 PM

#2691

Donald Chandler

Well, sports fans... there's GOOD NEWS! and BAD NEWS! First, the good news... A GEORGIA BULLDOG won the MASTERS! If any of you saw that shot that BUBBA WATSON made from the pines to stick the ball 15 feet from the cup on that last playoff hole, I think you would agree that it was amazing! GO DAWGS! By the way, a Georgia Tech grad, Matt Kuchar tied for third, and Tiger finished tied for 40th place. Sorry about that. :-)

Now the bad news... the ATLANTA BRAVES have started the season by losing their first four games... against two of the worst teams in baseball! Poor hitting, poor pitching, poor defense... I need a hug!

Hope all of you enjoy the gathering at LOCOS on Thursday night. I won't be there, except in spirit. Connie... maybe you could hang the banner in my absence (if it's not too big for Locos) and spread a little love and hugs from me. And maybe one of you Class of 68'ers could take some photos of all the smiling faces and post them here and/or on Facebook.

By the way, Diane... it looks like you and Dick headed south just in time. I have a Facebook Friend in Canton, Ohio that says it's snowing up there. Yes, this is April. :-)

Have fun, mates! Reporting live from the bullpen... this is Don.

04/10/12 10:15 PM

#2692

Kathy, I was glad to hear that Rabun came thru his surgery good!

Don, we will miss you Thursday, but will think of you. Hopefully someone that is smart enough to post pictures on the computer will take some pictures (that lets me out).

Some classmates that have said they plan to come are:

Tommy, Beverly, Jim, David, Ross, Gary, Sheryl, Linda, Ray, Nancy, Charles. Diane, Dick, Connie

Some that said they hope to be there: Alvin, Jesse Allen, Vicki, Ralph

and there are some that we just left messages for ...

(excuse me if I've left off anyone's name that told me they plan to come - I am over 60 you know:)

OF COURSE spouses are included for many of those named above.

Anyone that can be there is welcomed!!!!!!!!

04/11/12 10:45 AM

#2693

Donald Chandler

04/11/12 03:54 PM

#2694

HELLO MATES!

BUBBA---HE BE MY HERO! BUBBA CAN PLAY GOLF!, HE IS

IN FACT A TRUE " GOOD OLE BOY".

SEE YOU GUYS TOMORROW NITE.

LATER

04/12/12 11:52 PM

#2695

I forgot that sweet ice tea is just as caffeinated as coffee, so the two tall glasses I had tonight have my eyeballs on high alert. Or maybe it's not that at all, but instead it's that I just can't settle down after the good time I had tonight at Loco's.

We very, very much missed those who were not able to meet tonight in Athens, but it sure was great to see all those who did. What a great turn out for something so quickly planned. David Landers, thank you for driving those 900 plus miles from TX , and nudging us into this! Connie, thank you again for making the arrangements. And Brenda Pitts Coley, and Bobby Erwin, we are delighted that you "crashed" the party!

Next to hugs from kids and grandkids, I have decided that hugs from old friends are the best! Absolutely loved seeing every single one of you. It was hard to leave with so many conversations left to be had, and memories to be relived. My "rooster salad", or whatever kind of salad I had was good, but it was completely secondary to just talking with old friends. I must say that I have come to also cherish the new friendships I have made among the spouses! I feel like I've known you all my life. You are super people.

OK, I think I will try to close my eyes even though my brain is still racing. The fellow I am sleeping with (Dick) is happily snoring, and that presents another obstacle. A pillow held over his face should help. (I really won't do that, y'all. I actually love him very much, snores and all)

David, please have a safe trip back to TX so that we can do this all over again one of these days. Wishing all of you a good night, and an even better tomorrow. To those who couldn't make it, we'll catch you next time!

04/13/12 07:35 AM

#2696

.... and a GoodTime was had by all!

04/13/12 08:49 AM

#2697

Hello Mates!

You know ya'll are a pretty good bunch of folks! It really is amazing

how much ya'll grew up! I really felt bad for a good many of you.

You no longer have a job to go to!!! All you have to do is go

fishing, playing golf or traveling--- makes me sick! I keep asking

myself, self where did I go wrong. Seriously guys and ladies,

(notice I did not say Gals , Mama said that was wrong!) Anyway,

I'm glad you folks are able to enjoy the pleasures that retirement

brings. And being able to share them with someone you love is

what all this means. As far me, as you can see, I love to eat to

much to retire just yet.

Being serious, it is really really great to have good friends like

you mates. And most of all it is wonderful to be able to see all

of you from time to time. I Just wont to beg each of you who

were not there last nite. To please come join in. Everyone will

cerrish the chance to see you again. Thanks folks for letting

me be there last nite. And thanks for making Beth feel a part

of what we shared.

So on this FRIDAY THE 13TH, those of you having to travel

over the weekend, please drive safely. And my God bless

you everyone.

LATER!

04/14/12 11:20 AM

#2698

H-E-L-L-O?!!!

IS A-N-Y-B-O-D-Y THERE?!!!

Could it be that the RAPTURE happen and I was left behind? Just

because I was fussing bout that possum was eating the cats

food?! Or was it because I was fussing cause the Braves fall so

far behind and it takes them all nite to catch up. And then they

score 10 runs! It Could happen--- yesterday was Friday the 13th

2012.

Any how, it's a great day outside and I'm going to spend

it with my wife.

Have a great day mates. And if I did get left--- look for me later!

LATER

04/15/12 09:24 PM

#2699

It was really fun to see the large group that gathered at Locos last Thursday!!!!!

We did miss those of you that couldn't be there!

There were 22 "Class of '68" members, some spouses and a couple of welcomed guest! Those who attended were: Tommy (Paula) Adkins, Beverly Bramlett (Donnie)Burgess, Jesse Allen Bray, Sheryl Burgess (Lamar) Bridges, Joy Callaway Turner Brudon, Ross and Pam Mathis Dudley, Dick and Diane Harris Moore, Steve Eberhardt, David Landers, Gary Grice, Jane Griffith Foster, Dennis Helmreich, Linda Massey, Alvin (Ellen) Mathews, Charles (Elaine) McGarity, Connie Morgan White, Nancy Tucker Griffiths, Ray Wheless, Linda Wheless (Carl) Young, Jim (Beth) Willis. We were also glad to have Brenda Pitts Coley (class of '67) there, and Bobby Erwin (class of '69" )come by.

It was amazing and great to have David from Texas (sure hope his wife, Linda is doing better from her knee injury that prevented her from coming to Locos) and Diane and Dick from Ohio there!!........ as well as the others that made the trip from various places around Georgia. The time just passed too quickly.

We are working on a "phone chain" so that we can attempt to contact everyone by phone to be sure everyone knows of events. (happy things like get-togethers and sad things like illness and deaths).. Those who volunteered to be "callers" were Pam / Ross; Linda M.; Linda W.Y.; Joy; Jane; Diane; Nancy; Connie; Steve. I will let everyone know when we have the list divided up.

Also, we passed a list around of everyone's address , e-mail address, phone #'s for updates. If you weren't there and have had any change to the info that was given at our 40th. reunion, please let Gary Grice know! He so kindly keeps us connected via this website and by e-mail. Gary is going to update our contact list.

I agree with many comments that were made about the "spouses" we have met at the reunion and various gatherings. Such a great group of people that are definitely "part of " the class of '68.

Take care friends.... You are often in my thoughts and prayers, and always in my heart.

connie

04/16/12 10:55 AM

#2700

Donald Chandler

Sounds like you all had quite a party at LOCO'S. Wish I had been there. Maybe I can be at the next one. I look forward to seeing some photos.

Last Wednesday, a young 24-year old at our church lost her courageous battle with cancer. Tamar was a beautiful young woman who was blessed with many gifts... as a singer, an artist, a daughter, a sister, and as a friend. She used her short life to share those gifts with others. She had a very loving spirit and an amazing smile! She was a member of our choir and often blessed us by doing vocals with our Praise Team. We attended her visitation Friday night and funeral service Saturday morning. Liz and our entire choir sang for the funeral which was one of the most beautiful "goodbye" services I've ever been honored to attend. It was truly a celebration of a life well lived. On one of the songs during the funeral, through the wonders of modern technology, Tamar herself sang lead vocal (on video on screen) perfectly syncronized with our Praise Team and choir singing live on stage. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Most of us in the Class of 68 are at that age when we are retiring, or near retirement. I think we are all wiser for the many life experiences we've had. We've all lost family and loved ones through the years, some with long productive lives, and others who left us far too soon. And we are wise enough to know that God can teach us something each day from ALL the people he places in our lives, young and old, rich and poor, male and female, black and white. They are each a gift from God. Even though Tamar was here on this earth for a very short 24 years, she taught us how to live... and how to die. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor only 8 months ago, but her faith never wavered. Instead of needing comfort, she was the one comforting and reassuring others, including her own parents. She was PROMOTED to a Heavenly Choir last Wednesday, and will live forever in Paradise... and in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her. May she rest in peace.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL, MY FRIENDS! Have a great week!... and be a blessing to someone.

04/16/12 03:27 PM

#2701

Connie, thanks for your thorough report on who all was at Locos last Thursday. I enjoyed going over your list and thinking of everybody all over again. You!re the best. It was a sweet time.

Don, so sorry for the loss of your young friend. Gee, we were all still just stepping out into our futures when we were 24. I am so sorry she died at such a young age, but she sounds like she was remarkable, and used her short life to the fullest.

Don, we'll get pictures up as soon as we can. I still haven't seen the ones Dick took. He left at 4 am for San Diego for the week. We actually forgot about the pictures in the hubbub of getting him ready to leave again so soon after getting home, plus fixing for a church pot luck, mowing grass, etc. I saw some other cameras around, so there will probably be others showing up--whether I want them to or not!

Thanks, again, Connie.

04/19/12 11:09 PM

#2702

I knew y'all would want to know that Gail's daddy passed away tonight with her and most of the family at his side. Most of us know the pain of losing our parents, no matter how "prepared" we think we are. Please keep her and her siblings in your prayers. One of her sons, Jeremy, is in Afghanistan. This is a time you just wish all your loved ones could be near to hold one another.

Gail, you know the class of 1968 loves you, girl, sooo much.

04/20/12 11:49 AM

#2703

My heart aches for Gail. Many thoughts and prayers for her and the family.

Thanks Diane for letting us know.

04/20/12 02:48 PM

#2704

Gary - when you are doing corrections on the class contact info., Please change Teresa Burt Colwell's e-mail address. no longer to "alltel.net"

jtcolwell@windstream.net

thanks - and I hope all are well.

04/23/12 08:28 AM

#2705

Good Morning Mates,

Well it seems we are having a taste of "Black Berry Winter" round

here! Was a mite cool when Po and I hit the bushes at 3 A.M.

this morning. Seems that dog just loves making me get up at

the crack of dawn. Cept the chickens hadn't even crowed that

early.

At any rate, it is a great day the "Good Lord" has blessing us with.

I hope all you retired folks get to do anything you want to do. As

for the rest of us fools--- its back to the grind! And hope the foxes,

or the democrates, stay away from the "Briar Patch".

Later Mates!

04/27/12 07:00 PM

#2706

Greetings and salutations one and all and happy Friday! Well its been a while since I've checked in - this retirement thing has really kept me busy. We are still packing and expect to begin our move next weekend. Connie, I'm having a hard time finding the original class roster but will locate and ship out as soon as I can - but may be a couple of weeks. After hearing about how hard many of you had to work on the farm growing up, I guess you will be voting for PBO come November. Read a news story today where he was pushing imposing child labor laws on family farm operations. That would mean no milking the cows or driving the tractor until you turned sixteen and then the number of hours a "child" could work would be extremely limited. If PBO had been around when we were young, coulda sent Ma and Pa to prison!!!! Well its about time for Queen Michelle to go on another Half-Million Dollar vacation - on our dime! Check the news - $500,000 on her little jaunt to Spain. Talk about outta touch with reality! I'm all in favor of our President and family enjoying the trapping of the office but gemme a break. At some point you have to draw the line and say this just ain't right when so many people are out of work. Seems the government is keeping a lot of people employed doing studies and attaching warning labels. I've attached a couple for your edification. I hope you all have a very blessed weekend. Later.

As size study

05/02/12 09:03 AM

#2707

Happy Wednesday, everyone! We are starting out with a gorgeous morning here. It rained and stormed most of the night, but now the air is fresh, the sky is blue,and the birds are singing like crazy. We are supposed to have our first hot afternoon, getting up to 87. Hard to believe right now, but I imagine the AC will be turned on later.

Gary, so glad you are enjoying retirement. Our pal, Judy Stewart Findley, joined your ranks when she put in her last day this past Monday. Yay, Judy! Retirement blessings to you both!

Dick is in Austin, TX this week. He just missed bluebonnet season, which I have always wanted to see. David Landers, I'll bet you have seen many pretty bluebonnets in your time there. I think I'll add that to my bucket list, which keeps growing. I really need to work on some of those. First, I have GOT to cean my kitchen. Every pot and pan is dirty, and it looks like something out of a crime scene photo. I got myself into a whole lot of cooking assignments this week, and it has been a marathon of sorts. Took my last chocolate cake out of the oven at 7:30 this morning, and now I am trying to get up the courage to go in there and clean up. This is what happens when you don't work, and people think you have nothing but time on your hands. Beware, Judy and Gary!

Better go for now. Don, I know you are loving baseball season, so keep me up to date on the Braves. Jim, whether you are golfing or fishing, I hope you're having fun. To everyone else, enjoy May. What a beautiful month!

05/02/12 09:20 AM

#2708