Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. Add any updates or news you have to our message forum.  

Ruth McAteer (Lockridge)

Becky Armstrong (Helms)

Kay,

First I think that news anchor is in NYC were they were snowed in. It sounds exactly like what I heard this morning on Fox with Bill Hemmer. Indoor dining is not allowed or pretty much anything else there. The vaccine appointments were cancelled today. 

I stay pretty busy. If you volunteer at church you will stay busy. I guarantee it. I do a lot via Zoom versus meeting in person and a lot of what I do is on the computer. Russell and I go to church on Sundays. He teaches Sunday school class if anyone wants to attend at 9:15. I make the coffee. The worship services are in-person and live streamed at 10:30. You must wear a mask at all times and someone will take your temperature when you arrive. www.cscpc.org. 

Russell and I flew to Key West after Christmas then in January went to the mountains with another couple. We get together with a few couples and have dinner, play scrabble or dominoes. Have you played Mexican train dominoes? I typically jam on Tuesdays with some buddies and play guitar and sing a little. We took a break last month as one buddy the base player wants to forgo meeting till he gets the vaccine. He is in his late 70's with health issues. Tomorrow we resume the jams without him as the music is calling. I Skype with this buddy the base player every Wednesday. He is teaching me music theory and how to use Band in a Box software. Russell gave me a keyboard for Christmas so we will see how I progress from the midi keyboard to the full keyboard. Right now I can play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

I am organizing my book of poems written from high school through the years. I am not prolific by any means but would like to create a coffee table copy of what I have. Wayne has graciously permitted me to use his photos in the book. Thanks, Wayne. 

Our favorite shopping is at Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Costco and Aldi. I shop retail mostly on line but visit SouthPark Mall from time to time. I watch Netflix series, Longmire right now, and DVR some shows like Flip,or Flop, House Hunters, etc and watch those. Then today I moved some socks from one drawer to another. Tomorrow I may move them to another drawer but have not decided yet.
 

Kay Manning (Elrod)

Becky:  You are right, the news anchor was in NY. He said outside dining was a bit challenging right now. Ha!  You're a hoot - I, too, have moved socks from one drawer to another and called that "productive". You have given me ideas for future reference. I should be going through pictures and identifying old family members for my girls and nephew (who shows great interest in geneology).  I should catagorize them into families and areas of the country. I have boxes and albums, as I inherited my Grandmother's photo collection when she died. My girls are also on me to complete a "Grandma" book they gave me for the grandchildren. Yes, there are things to do - dusting and vacuuming are high on the list. Maybe I have just lost interest. I have clothes in my closet I wonder if I will ever be able to wear. I told Lake I was going to be like the old cowboy who died with his boots on, only I will die with my tags on.  I guess I could wear them to the grocery store. You've been a great help and especially with the information on the vaccine. I admire your enthusiasm. Keep up that keyboard. I'm sure it won't be long until you progress to "Jesus Loves Me".

George Crow

Love all the info.  My wife Cathy and I had the first Pfizer shot last Friday.  I was fine, but she had aches & headache that were with her until this morning.  Saturday was worst for her, then a little better Sunday, then better Monday and this morning (Tuesday) feels back to normal.  We get shot #2 Feb 19, so I'll let you all know if we start turning into werewolves or zombies!

We're not in closed quarters with anyone except immediate family, though as a retired pastor I have led a number of socially distanced funerals (most outside) since the shutdown began.  I'm on several Zoom meetings each week and ironically we see our neighbors more now than ever before when weather allows us to walk through the 'hood.  We all stand about 15 feet apart and all yell at each other. 

My wife is doing what it sounds like you are thinking of, Kay.  She has put hundreds of photos on Shutterfly in order to allow the 50-60 or however many it is of our several generations of family to download and print out what they want.  She also completed "year one" photo albums for our two children that she had Shutterfly print so she could give to them.  Though my son, who is 40, complained to her that since it took her 40 years for his year one, he was not sure how much she would be able to complete of his other 39 years during her remaining sojourn on this earth.

Walking & my excercise bike keep my blood flowing, but my greatest joy is reading.  I just retired in May and with emails, texts, phone calls, meetings, etc. never had time it seemed to read much other than for professional purposes.  It's truly a joy to read what I want to read and I keep several different streams going.

I had a friend my age just complete writing his life story so that his kids and grandkids would have it years form now when they were interested in such.  I'd like to do the same.  Why?  I have wished so much that I had a personal reflection of my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. of their big life events, but they are all gone now.  I can remember hearing a number of things, but would like to know "why" and "what were you feeling" kinds of things.

Guess I've written enough.  Hang in there, fellow Bearcats.  And thanks again to you Becky, Kay, Cheryl & Dee for keeping this site up and running.

Joseph (Joe) Lowery

Becky, there are a lot of appointments for today on the VMS site for the Peidmont clinic on Dave Lyle,

Becky Armstrong (Helms)

Joe,

This is good info to share. Hopefully some classmates have set appointments.

Kay, you just identified my next song project...Jesus Love Me! George, this life history idea is giving me thought. I could write one (unprofessional of course) and have my fellow first cousins add to it and we could write about the Buchanans, my mother's side of the family for example. Interesting idea! And we certainly have time on our hands.

Becky

David Sealy

Hello friends, classmates and the rest of the universe. We, Wylie Ann and I, have been informed that grandbaby #21 is due in September. Except for a couple of them, we can only visit them with FaceTime. Thank God for this technology. It doesn't take the place of holding them or teaching them little things in the woods, but at least we can see and here them.

God bless you all. Stay Safe. PLEASE, stay safe.

Kay Manning (Elrod)

David, congratulations. I can't imagine your family gatherings!  So happy for you.

George, you always get a chuckle out of me.  Sometimes it is difficult to consider our current daily activities as productive or important, but we get through the day. So glad you are finding time to read. My husband is a reader. He buys the books and then we pass them on to friends who love to read also. We have also donated to the library in Oak Island NC.  

My nephew said he'd love to have all my pictures as long as I identified everybody. That could take some time, but I'll do it for him. So sorry Cathy had a negative reaction to the Covid shot. The second injection might be a little tougher for her. I wish her luck.

Keep your comments coming, we love to hear from you!

By the way, my dad wrote his life story for me and I cherish it.  Growing up in the depression was horrible, but he found some fond memories to write about. Love it! Do it for your kids.

David Sealy

Love it Kay. Thank You.

Hilda Mangum (Hopper)

D. Anne Bagley (Elliott)

Dear David ......21 grands!!!!!!!!!  Congratulations!!!

Kay Manning (Elrod)

Hilda: When you made your photo albums did you do the scrapbooking?  I don't have any of those tools or supplies.  You've inspired me to look into making photo books for the girls. Thanks. I laughed at George's comments on Cathy taking a year to do their son's first year of life. I'd say they must have had a camera strapped around their necks everyday to get so many pictures. I do remember those early times when my daughter was asleep and I would creep in and take a picture, otherwise she moved too fast to catch a good shot.

Roland DeLoach

Since most responses mentioned experience with the Pfizer shot, I thought I'd add my experience with the Moderna vaccine. I received an email invitation from my primary care group to schedule my first and second shot online. My second shot will be on Feb 13. Other than a mildly sore arm for a day or two, there weren't any other side effects.  Nancy received her initial Pfizer shot through MD Anderson and her side effects were similar to mine. Nancy was diagnosed with one of the most invasive breast cancers this past April and we've been in strict quarantine since. When the tumor was finally removed, pathology found that her lengthy and tough chemotherapy completely eliminated all the cancer. They referred to it as a pathological complete response. She's nearing the end of radiation treatment to reduce the potential of the cancer returning. Prayer is a powerful, powerful force. 
During our quarantine, we've read, watched every Hallmark movie ever filmed, FaceTimed with family and friends, and enjoyed our time together. 

Kay Manning (Elrod)

Roland, my love and prayers to Nancy. What a devastating diagnosis. My friend way up in Michigan just told me her daughter was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive cancers too. My prayers go to both of them. I'm glad to hear Nancy had a good report.  How lucky she is to have you to care for her. My friend's daughter has 3 teenagers and no husband which makes things very difficult.  Please pray for them as well.  Keep us posted on Nancy's progress and if there is anything you need in support of her.  I hope this vaccine will keep Covid away from your door. 

PS: I was amused by your comment about watching all the Hallmark movies. We enjoy them too. Even my husband asks me occasionally if we could watch a Hallmark movie together - not too often!  

Roland DeLoach

Thanks, Kay. We were so blessed to have family and friends near for support. My heart goes out to your friend's  daughter. We've already begun to pray for her healing. The cancer battle is traumatic but the number and type of new treatment regimens is encouraging.

Thank you, Roland, your prayers are very much appreciated. 

Cathy McCallum (Morrison)

Roland, give Nancy my best wishes and please let her know I am praying for her complete recovery.  I have fond memories of our time together at Oakland Baptist Church in Rock Hill during our early teenage years.

Cheryl Pope (Bumgarner)

Joe and I got our second vaccine (Pfizer) yesterday. So far, no side effects other than a sore arm. We are so blessed and thankful!

Becky Armstrong (Helms)

Cheryl, this is encouraging news! So glad you and Joe are doing well. Thanks for sharing as some of us await our second shot.

A FB post from Wayne Haselden a few minutes ago:

I need your prayers. Thursday night I took a bad fall and fractured my pelvis in 4 places. I could not get up. I’m at Piedmont Medical. Before they admitted me they tested me for Covid. It came back positive. Please remember me in your prayers.

Kay Manning (Elrod)

A message to Wayne Haselden -

Wayne: How in the world did you fall?  You must be in terrible pain. Some encouraging words for the Covid-positive test - I'm hearing about several people our age who have been caring for Covid-positive parents and they too tested positive but have no symptoms. Also, my friend's mom is in a nursing home and she tested positive about a month ago. She's had no symptoms other than a headach and sniffles. She is in her late-80's. Be strong in your faith. I'm praying for your speedy recovery. You are such a treasure to our class and we thank you for your many contributions, your kindness in remembering everyone's birthday, and the beauty you bring to the world with your photography.  This too shall pass!

Becky Armstrong (Helms)

Message from Wayne to Kay posted on FB.

Thank you so much Kay. I was on my way to take my shower. I was in the bedroom. Donna was back there with me. We hugged each and started to move a little. We kinda had a tight grip on each. I lost my balance and told her that I was going to fall. I released her but she didn’t let go of me. I fell on my left side and she fell on my right side. The extra weight made the fall very hard. She didn’t get  hurt. I have not had any symptoms from the COVID. I only had a little fever. My temp usually runs around 97. It did get as high as 101.3. 

Wayne Haselden

My wife and had our first COVID shot 2 weeks ago this coming Wednesday. My wife didn't have any symptoms and my shoulder was sore for a day or two. I have been really carful when I go out. I have only been to one place in the last week and no where for 2 weeks prior to that. I didn't have any symptoms except for a fever. I didn't even know I had it until I was admitted to the hospital.

Becky Armstrong (Helms)

I heard on the news it is not a good idea to post holding your vaccine card on social media. It puts your personal information at risk. Below is an article explaining more details.

https://www.cnet.com/health/dont-post-a-photo-of-your-vaccination-card-on-social-media-ftc-says/

Larry Willis

I had Covid in October and spent 7 days in the hospital . They did a great job of taking care of me and I had everything under the sun given to me including Adma from a donor that had already recovered from Covid. I never worried about it while there. Now I see all of the friends that are dying from it and realize how Ucky I was. The Lord took care of me. I had my first Phizer vaccine ast Wednesday and the next day I get Ike I had the flu. The following day I felt great.  They tell me it is good when you fee bad because the vaccine is working. This Covid is serious so, don't take any chances. 

'my sister-in-law lives in England and they are on total lock down. If they go outside for anything other than what is allowed, they are fined. Many people have not worked for months and will probably lose their homes.  I believe this is extreme. The suicide rates have gone up a lot there.

we are fortunate in most states where we can work and still do things. We are traveling a lot to keep us busy and enjoying life. At our age, we need to enjoy every minute. Unfortunately, we enjoy cruising and miss it. Hopefully we will start back sometime this year.

Rebecca Littlefield (Jones)

I have been plowing through all of your messages last several weeks.  Thank you!  I get my 2nd injection this Friday.  Looking forward to it. ... but not really if that makes sense.  I would have gladly given up my spot to a teacher.  

Larry, I am so sorry you were hospitalized with COVID & pray you are well.  

Wayne - oh my goodness.  My prayers go out to you.  So many stories coming out with positive test results & no symptoms.  Just thinking about your breaks makes me so sad.

Nancy & Roland I cannot imagine your journey. Prayers for you & family.

Everyone, be safe & well.  I do believe that light is beginning to show through at the tunnel's end🙏  Not sure about y'all but I'm ready to break loose & get excited about something else instead of trips to the grocery store........to date that has been the highlight of my week 😂😂

Sammy Russell (Adams)

Hello classmates!  I love reading all your posts and it seems we're all doing the best we can to cope with COVID and whatever life throws at us!  I'm finding the vaccine comments especially helpful.  Our grandson, Josh, has been assisting with the Covid clinic that Piedmont is sponsoring in Rock Hill.  He says they've had a great response.  Ira has gotten his first one (Pfizer) with only soreness at the injection sight.  Guess we'll see about that second one.  I won't be getting mine for a bit- I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer this past September.   Right now my treatment has lowered my white count significantly so I have to wait for my vaccine.  I'm so sorry to read Roland's post regards Nancy's battle.  Roland is so right with his comment on the awesome power of prayer.  Nancy and the family will certainly be in my prayers.  I can testify to the traumatic impact it has on families. Ira has been my rock as well as our family.   I,too, am very grateful for medications now available that give us hope for more time and a better quality of life.
 I'm spending my time the same way as many of you- I've taken on the daunting task of organizing family pictures and trying to write the names of past generations on the backs.  Quite the challenge!  I've also enjoyed researching my family history.  Be careful how you shake that family tree,though, because you never know who's going to fall out!  We also enjoy "sidewalk socializing" with our neighbors and occasionally we treat ourselves to a little "dashboard dining" when we can't take the indoors any longer. 
Fortunately, Spring is just around the corner and I pray with it comes the much anticipated "light at the end of the tunnel" concerning Covid.  In the meantime, I pray all of you Bearcats stay healthy and blessed!