Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all and a VERY Happy Birthday to Ross.  May your day be filled with much joyous celebration.  Connie, I hate to talk on the phone but I'll be happy to do whatever is needed to assist in notifying folks - get 'er done!  Had a great weekend but as usual worked too hard and appreciate coming back to work just to get some rest.  Got to see all the grandkids - thanks to Skype.  Well since we've had several "bull" stories, I have to add just one more.  I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed week.  Later.

A big-city lawyer was representing the railroad in a lawsuit filed by an old rancher. The rancher's prize bull was missing from the section through which the railroad passed. The rancher only wanted to be paid the fair value of the bull.

The case was scheduled to be tried before the justice of the peace in the back room of the general store.

The attorney for the railroad immediately cornered the rancher and tried to get him to settle out of court. The lawyer did his best selling job, and finally the rancher agreed to take half of what he was asking.

After the rancher had signed the release and took the check, the young lawyer couldn't resist gloating a little over his success, telling the rancher, "You know, I hate to tell you this, old man, but I put one over on you in there. I couldn't have won the case. The engineer was asleep and the fireman was in the caboose when the train went through your ranch that morning. I didn't have one witness to put on the stand. I bluffed you!"

The old rancher replied, "Well, I'll tell you, young feller, I was a little worried about winning that case myself, because that durned bull came home this morning."

AND THAT's NO    (OOPS!  Sorry.  I just noticed the double negative!)

!!!!!!!!!

Diane Harris (Moore)

 Just signing on to wish a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ross! Hope you and Pam are doing well.

Also, for Don and Gary, who have both posted recent jokes, I give you equal laughs. When I can remember a good one, I will post it. 

Hope every single one of you out there in Class of '68land has a better than average week. 

Jimmy Willis

MORNING MATES,

WELL DON IT WAS A FUN SEASON WHILE IT LASTED--- BARRING SOME

KIND OF MIRACLE, I BELIEVE I HEAR THAT ALL TO FAMILIAR SAYING,

"WE'LL GET UM NEXT YEAR". I KNOW THEY STILL HAVE A CHANCE,

BUT I'M SORRY THEY STINK RIGHT NOW. I DON'T THINK I EVER HEARD

OF A WHOLE TEAM GOING INTO A SLUMP. EVEN IF THEY WIN THE WILD

CARD THEY ARE JUST NOT COMPETITIVE. IF THEY TIE WITH THE CARDS

FOR THE WILD CARD, THEY WILL HAVE TO PLAY THEM THERE TO

TO SET THE WINNER.

WELL ANYWAY, HAVE A GREAT DAY MATES.

LATER

Donald Chandler

Jim... it's looking mighty bleak for us Braves fans... But we do have a one game wildcard lead with two games to go.  At least Houston helped us out by beating the Cardinals last night!  To quote one of my favorite philosophers, Yogi Berra...

IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL IT'S OVER!

Jimmy Willis

YES!!! BUT THE PHAT FANS CRYING!!!

LATER

Gary Grice

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will." "All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?" God said: "When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children. I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining. I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly. I gave her strength to carry her man through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. I gave her wisdom to know that a good man never hurts his woman, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly. And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed." "You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

And Happy Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins at sunset this evening.

Later.

Diane Harris (Moore)

Jimmy Willis

GOOD MORNING MATES!

WELL DON, WE HAD A GOOD YEAR THIS YEAR. BUT I KNOW I WOULD

NOT HAVE WANTED THE BRAVES TO GO INTO THE PLAY OFFS AND THEY

WOULD HAVE EMBRASSED THEMSELVES. YOU JUST CAN'T GO INTO THE

PLAY OFFS LOSING 13 OF THEIR LAST 18. THIS YEAR WAS FUN AT TIMES

BUT THEY ARE JUST A LITTLE BIT SHORT OF WHERE THEY NEED TO BE

TO TAKE IT ALL AGAIN. AS I SAID NEXT YEAR WE BE THERE.

LATER

Donald Chandler

Well, Jim... I guess even Yogi Berra would have to say "It's over."  Even though it was an epic collapse on the part of the Braves, it was still a fun summer.  The big problem was that the guys just could not hit consistently.  I think they were probably the worst team in baseball hitting with runners in scoring position.  And it didn't help things when we lost two of our starting pitchers to injury... and Derek Lowe was disappointing down the stretch.  But there were a lot of bright spots.  Freddie Freeman looked great on the field and at bat too... and Kimbrell and Venters have a bright future... and we've got some other good young pitchers coming up.  And as a final note, I will add this... even though I really enjoy baseball season, my sweet wife Liz "endures" it. It is a tradition at our house that after the last Braves game, she sings the "Hallelujah" chorus. Considering the Braves' epic collapse this year, I guess she decided to spare me her solo this morning, even though she has the voice of an angel. Thanks, Braves for a fun summer... You are still MY team!

And now... GO DAWGS!

And the real reason I signed on this morning... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!  Hope you have a wonderful day filled with smiles and hugs and the blessings of God.  Hope you are doing well.  We would love to hear from you sometimes.

Judy Stewart (Findley)

Hi Guys & Gals,

Connie, thank you for extending the invitation to our class once again to unite and enjoy sharing an afternoon. It is my plan to be there. I am hoping as many as possible will be there. Many departed classmates would remind us that "we are not promised tomorrow". Love & hugs,

Judy

Diane Harris (Moore)

 I wanted to log on to let Stephanie know that I'm thinking of her on her birthday, and that I wish her all good things for the year to come. Much love to you.

Good to hear from you, Judy. Dick and I still plan to be there, and I got a message from Nancy saying that she hopes to attend as well, if she possibly can. I am happy that you will be there, Judy, and I hope many will be able to come. It will be a great way to go into a cold season up here, with memories of seeing everyone to help keep me warm.

Y'all behave. I know you can!  

Connie Morgan (White)

I am going to take Diane and Gary up on their agreeing to help contact class members about the gathering on Oct. 23 @ 2 p.m.

Diane, could you please let PeeWee, Danny G., Susan Peterman, Thelma Tucker and Linda Massey know...

Gary - would you try to notify Jesse Allen, Benny A., Steve E., Bobby Sparks, Jimmy Tiller, Dorsey King, DAvid Landers and Glen Nix know?     Maybe you could get our buds, Don and Jim to help if you want...

Linda Wheless has talked to, or will try to contact:  Monteen, Dennis H., Tessie, Kathy W., Ralph H., Louise P., Junior, Vicki A., Ross/Pam, Delores T., Edna H. Melvin Y.

Linda said that last time she tried to contact various family members about Dorothy Jones, but was unable to ever reach her.   If anyone can, that would be good.

I've been in touch with:  Gary, Diane, Teresa B., Kathy C., Nancy T., Judy S., Gail G. Linda W., Beverly, Sheryl B., Ray W., Alvin M., Janie E., Jane G. Tommy A., Charles M.. Dale B.

Some have asked about what to bring.... You don't have to bring anything, but if you want to  - just bring a finger food or dessert (like we've been doing - anything is fine).

I will have plates, cups, paper towels, cokes, diet cokes, water.

I am sure looking forward to seeing you!!!!!!!!!

Have a good w/e.

Susan Peterman (Harris)

HI Connie and everyone

I received an Email from Gary Grice and was thrilled to hear that yall wanted to get together again.  I certainly am going to try my best to come, but no guarantee.  My boss seems to think that I am the only employee he has.  Plus there is the issue of trying to get arrangements made for time off, plane ticket, car rental, and hotel room.  Then of course that will lead to MONEY. 

However, you can't know how much I would like to be there. More than anything.  I now have my mother and my sister and her son here living with me in Texas and that makes things a bit tighter. You all know that I lost all of my family now, except for my mother and sister. I am really glad that they are here with me, even if things do get trying now and then. They help keep my mind off of my son being away in the ARMY and gearing up to go to the big "A" word - Afganistan. Not sure I spelled that correctly. 

Pray and look forward to seeing you if God is willing and allows me to be able to come. 

Love ya all,

Susan J. Peterman Harris

Diane Harris (Moore)

Donald Chandler

Good morning, mates...

It was a beautiful Fall weekend here in Marietta.  I worked in the yard Saturday, but also spent time indoors watching football (congratulations to the Dawgs & the Falcons) and some playoff baseball (I'm pulling for Milwaukee, or Texas, or Tampa Bay, or Detroit... anybody but the Phillies & the Yankees). 

And speaking of spending time indoors... I saw in the news where there has been something of a "baby boom" in the region in recent days.  Let's see... what was happening 9 months ago in early January?... oh yes!... a snowstorm in North Georgia... I guess some folks found "creative" ways to occupy their time while they were snowbound! 

Have a great week, mates!

BTW, on a more serious note... over the weekend I saw a post on Facebook by Donna Aaron Whitt reporting that David Hilley, a member of the OCHS Class of 67, lost his life in a car wreck over the weekend.  I did not know David, but I'm sure some of you probably did.  My condolences to his family and friends. 

http://obitsforlife.com/obituary/407048/Hilley-David.php

Connie Morgan (White)

Susan, it was so good to hear from you!!!!   It would be great if it works out that you can come.

I've heard from Jesse Allen - he plans to come.

Also heard from PeeWee - she probably won't be able to.....but we are still hoping!

O.K. Gary---Don...    have you been able to call anyone?    If you can't let me know.

Today I was off, but had to go in for an 8 a.m. meeting at work.   After that, I went and had the most wonderful massage I've ever had---then went and had a pedicure.   I definitely papered myself!

I'm looking forward to seeing y'all soon!

Connie Morgan (White)

Very happy birthday wishes today to Nancy and Joy!!!

Diane Harris (Moore)

Jimmy Willis

GOOD MORNING MATES,

CONNIE I'M SORRY BUT I'VE GOT TO BE AT A WEDDING IN SAVANNAH

THE WEEKEND WE PLANNED TO MEET. SORRY I CAN'T GET OUT OF

THIS ONE. THE GIRL IS MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER'S COLLEGE ROOMMATE

WITH WHOM WE ARE CLOSE. SORRY HOPE NEXT TIME.

WELL THIS IS OUT BIG MOUNTAIN GOLF WEEKEND. AND AS SOON AS

I FINISH THIS I'M ON MY WAY.  THREE DAYS OF 36 HOLES PER DAY

GOLF. SO HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND MATES!

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOY/NANCY!!!

LATER

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all and a VERY Happy Birthday to Joy and Nancy!  Wishing you celebrate many more!  Connie, I have my list and hopefully can contact everyone this weekend.  I've been mentally and physically peroccupied.  Been trying to get the house ready for remodeling (contractor arrives today), praying for kids and grand kids medical problems and upcoming surgeries and trying to put one foot in front of the other.  Fortunately, I go to Gainesville today to receive my infusion  and that should help improve my gait.  My oldest daughter has a lump on her thyroid that doesn't look good but praying for the best as we await biopsy results.  Her daughter had an IVP/VCUG yesterday and confirmed reflux.  At this point, the doctor recommends medication and wait and see if she grows out of it.  Our middle daughter's husband will have sinus surgery week after next and our youngest daughter will have surgery on the first of November.  Other than that, its been pretty quite around the Grice household.  Hope you all have a very blessed week.  Later.

Donald Chandler

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NANCY!

CONNIE... GARY... I will help make a few calls, if you let me know who to call.  I'm not a great phone guy but I'll do my best.  BTW... I was in contact with Stephanie Dudley Trammell by e-mail on her birthday and I did let her know about our gathering... no response as to whether she will be there or not.

And, GARY... sorry to hear of all the medical issues going on with you and your family.  I will keep you all in my prayers.

JIM... enjoy your golf weekend!  Sorry you can't make it to our class gathering.  BTW... have you been watching any of the Baseball Playoffs, or did you give up on the Boys of Summer when our Braves collapsed?

And, DIANE... I have one word for you... "Jambalaya"!  :-)

BTW... are any of you political junkies following the Republican Presidential campaign?  Looks like folks out there are starting to "Raise Cain!"

Enjoy your Thursday and Friday, mates... and have a great weekend!  And with Sunday around the corner, I'll go ahead and say...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DALE!

GO DAWGS!

Diane Harris (Moore)

 Don, one word--"Forgetful!".  Check you email and let me know if that recipe went through. I just sent it.

Gary, I am so, so sorry for all the health issues that are affecting you, your sweet daughter, and little granddaughter. Those things weight heavy on our hearts, and I pray that each one will soon be resolved in ways that will lead to good and long lasting health. Anytime I hear of someone's kids or grandkids having issues that go beyone the common cold, it hurts me, 'cause I've been there. Keep us up to date, please. Hope you will feel better after your infusion. We kinda like you, you know.

Jim, have a great golf weekend. Is that at Sky Valley? I just remember my brother (who has since sadly passed away) met you up there once several years ago. We will miss you so much at Connie's! However, we do understand. We'll try not to talk about you too much. If only we could be 2 places at once.

Just wanted to check in, mostly to let you know, Gary, how much Dick and I will have you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.

'Till later.... 

Connie Morgan (White)

Gary - I am so very sorry to hear that you aren't feeling up to your usual self, and of the health concerns in your dear family.   I will absolutely be praying for y'all!   And don't even worry about making any calls!!!          --------            I will just make an executive decision to let Don and Diane divide your list
                                                                                                                    You just feel better and keep us updated on your family.

Jim, we will miss seeing you.

Don, I usually avoid politics, but will jump in here with a Herman Cain opinion...   The more I hear and the more I read, the more I like and respect the man.   If the election was today, he would have my humble vote!

Diane, start packing girl----  I'm excited that you and Dick will be heading to Georgia soon. 

I will join Don in wishing Dale an early happy birthday!!!  

Hope to see you all soon.

Diane Harris (Moore)

 Posting just to say that I left a long, rambling, probably scary message on Danny Gabriel's answering machine about the Oct. 23rd get together. I assume he and Chrystal will hear it.

I got hold of Linda Massey on the phone, and she put the date on her calendar, and will try to come. I hope she can. I enjoyed chatting with her.

Since Susan Peterman and Pee Wee were on my list, and we have already heard from them, I won't try and contact them. Pee Wee, we sure will miss you! Susan, if you get to come, that will be great.

That's my update. 

Sending good vibes to everybody. Peace, love, and all that.

Jimmy Willis

GOOD MORNING MATES,

FOLKS IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST WEEKENDS FOR GOLF WE HAVE EVER

HAD FOR OUR MOUNTAIN TOURNAMENT. WE'VE  PLAY IN THE SNOW---

RAIN---FOG AND THEN THERE WAS THIS WEEKEND. THE GOOD LORD

WAS SURE SMILING ON US. AS A BROTHER THAT HAS GONE ON ONCE

SAID, "GOOD LORD YOU SHO OUT DONE YOURSELF"! ANYWAY, IT WAS

A VERY ENJOYABLE WEEKEND, GOOD FELLOWSHIP---GOLF---AND GOOD

OLD MOUNTAIN HOSPITALITY! I DIDN'T WIN THE GOLF TOURNAMENT,

BUT I WAS SURE BLESSED JUST TO BE THERE.

BY THE WAY, IF YOUR PLANNING TO GO TO SEE THE LEAVES--- THE NEXT

TWO WEEKS SHOULD BE GREAT! AND WELL WORTH THE TRIP!

SORRY IF I MISSED ANYONE'S BIRTHDAY WHILE I WAS AWAY. AND I HOPE

YOU ALL HAD A GREAT SPECIAL DAY!

CATCH -YOU- LATER!!! FROM THE TAR BABY DEEP IN THE  BRAIR PATCH!

AND THE DAWGS WON AT TENNESSEE!!!