David Lobeck

Hi all,

It's been awhile since I've posted anything but I do read ya'lls posts. Hey Phil, good knowledgeable information on Medicare. I'm like everyone else, I need to learn more. 

I just got back from an extentive road trip (yesterday) and along the way got to visit Ann Moore in Alpine, TX. That was great even though it was brief. I love the area- kind of laid back. I always say I can't wait to get out of California- ha!. By the way, when anyone is in Ann's neck of the woods, stop in for a visit and check out Harry's metal artwork. He's very clever and imaginitive. Ann took me around their property where they've created pathways with Harry's work all over the place- fun. They even give tours to school kids right Ann? I made a point to visit Bill Worrell showroom when I was in Santa Fe, NM. One of Bill Worrell's works is at Seminile Canyon which I visited while spending time with my brogther Lee and his wife in Del Rio. It is a statue of a shamun titled Maker of Peace. Harry created a replicate of that work which I recognized having seen the original about a week earlier.

So in other news, Ginger and I have a new grand daughter. That makes three, two boys and now a girl- perfect! Ginger flew out end of June while I stayed here and worked through July. At the spur of the moment I decided to drive out and see a daughter in Santa Fe and then on to Texas for a couple of weeks to see our new grand daughter and family. From there I headed down to Del Rio to see my brotherr Lee and his wife. They have some property outside of Del Rio and they love it there and I see why- again, laid back. From there I spent a couple of days in Big Bend, TX a place I heard about back when I was stationed in San Antonio early 70's. Did some hiking there- need to go back and see more. From Big Bend, went through Alpine and visited with Ann- a very nice highlight. Gotta take advantage and see classmates and friends when you can. From there went up to Carlsbad and explored some caves they have there otherwise know as Carlsbad Caverns. First time there. It's like a fantasyland with the way the have all those intricate formations lit up. It is fantastic. I got there early and so I didn't stay aroundf to see the bats fly out in the evening- next trip. From Carlsbad I made my way back to Santa Fe for a few more days with my daughter and did some side trips to Pecos Pueblo ruins and Bandelier National Monument.  From Santa Fe headed to Flagstaff, AZ and explored Sedona and area. This a beautiful, beautiful area. Visited some prehistoric cliff dwellings in Red Rock Country not far from Sedona.

And from there I headed back to reality (no comment). Tim and Nancy might be impressed with this. I drove from Flagstaff to Hollister, CA making one stop. I stopped for fuel and a pit stop in Barstow. That's about 690 miles and about 10 1/2 hrs. Need any drivers? :-)

Okay, that's enough for this year. I'll check back in 2016 (jiust kidding). 

One last, last thing. This is for Mike Douglas. We have a daughter in 'weird' Austin- well, people do wear t-shirts there that say "Keep Austin Weird"- just saying. So anyway, wlhen opportunity knocks (?)...we need to get together.

Everyone, take care

Dave

Nancy Garrett (Garrett)

Dave!  What a fun trip!  You saw some beautiful country and had some good visits!  You would make a good trucker:). That long stretch is what we each normally do every day!!  Good job!  If you ever want to see the Missouri ozarks let us know, we'd love to hear from anyone coming thru.  We live 50 mi southeast of Springfield Missouri and are an hour from Branson!  We have a cattle ranch 15 mi south of Ava, where we live.  Tim's son Kody and his family live there and take care of the cattle.  Getting ready for the Fall calving season to get underway any day now!  Good to hear from Ann and you Dave!  I enjoy connecting on fb with several of our class.  Everyone have a beautiful Autumn!!!

Phil Drain

Hi to all, especially Mike.  We are in Copenhagen right now so I will get back to you

At the end of the month.  I hope all is going well with everyone.  Phil

Margo Huff

Wow, what a great trip Dave.  I love sculpture, would love to see Ann's husbands art walk.  Met Bill Worrell twice in Sedona.  Like his work.  Never been to Carlsbad caverns.  That's on the bucket list.

Margo Huff

Phil, Copenhagen sounds wonderful.  Maybe you could share some photos.  Mike Douglas, the town in Mexico in spring, isn't that where Red and Andy Dufresne hang out?

Mike Douglas

Great Shawshank Redemption ending

Phil Drain

Howdy all,  I just returned from Dublin yesterday, just about 12 hours in the air and a couple in Boston

for a stop over.  It is tough just sitting on planes all day, I wouldn't look forward to driving that amount

of time like Dave did--good work!  Nancy, I didn't know that you actually drove, I thought that you were

the pretty face that talked the men into becoming drivers.  Anyway, back to replying to previous posts:

Alison and I leave in about a week and a half to return to Mazatlan.  We will be working with YWAM helping

build homes out near the dump, and helping as needed at 2 orphanages.  If anyone feels the desire, or

call, to do some of this type of service please let me know.  While not working, we suffer by living right on

the ocean and taking beach walks each day.  it is actually still possible to own a condo right on the ocean

for under $100K down there.  Well, let me know how everyone is doing.  Phil

Nancy Garrett (Garrett)

Hi Phil and everyone else!

Phil sounds like you and Alison have been doing some traveling!  Good for you, I'm so happy you are able to and your health is good. 

Yes I drive.....I only taught for a short time with Western Truck School in Bakersfield before I moved to Tulsa then when I didn't like it there they offered me the campus administrator in Tucson so I was there when Tim and I got together.  After we were married in Dec of '97 we began driving together in May of '98.  Tim has been full time since then and except for 5 yrs of staying home to raise his kids Kody and Sayde, then a 9 months to stay home and care for our grandson Tristen I too have been full time.  We have traveled to every state in the lower 49.  We are beginning to plan to slow down and I plan on retiring sometime next year.  But I dont think Tim will stop completely.  His son, Kody and his family are now living at our farm and running it, so he doesn't have to worry about that anymore, even tho he still works out there everytime we come home. 

We are doing good and are staying healthy, in fact we both just lost quite a bit of weight, he lost 40 lbs and I lost 27.  It seems to go on and stay when all you do is sit and drive.  We did Nutrisystems and really are happy with the results and both of us feel a LOT better!.

Some know I was diagnosed with MS in 2001 and have been doing an injection weekly for the past 14 years and the Dr took me off of my medication last month!!!!!!

No more self injections and haveing flu like symptoms for two days every week from the side effects!!!!  I have been declared in remission!!!

I have some balance issues but thats about it most of the time.

We hope to see everyone soon if a reunion can be planned, but we figured out that the Old Timers Picnic seems to be the place to see everyone!!!

You two be careful in your tavels and I think you two are perfectly wonderful for the work you do in Mexico.  God bless you for that.

Take care!!   Nancy

Margo Huff

Wow Nancy and Tim, congratulations on taking control of your health.  Ken has been eating healthier and has stopped eating meat.  I haven't eaten meat now for a long time, have no desire and I guess Ken just lost his taste for it.  Tried to eat a steak couple months ago and ended up tossing it.  Along with growing many of our own foods we have tried to buy as organic and fresh as possible.  Both of us are feeling pretty healthy.  Nancy, I can't believe you were able to reverse the MS.  That is incredible.  You look terrific!

Katherine Hawkins (Felter)

Hi all, I hadn't been on the site for a while, I think I caught up on the posts!  

Thank you for the Medicare info, Phil, my husband just turned 65, so we had done some research, too.  We have a part F, through Rich's company - it was all so confusing and part of my anxiety, I am sure.

I wanted to let you all know that we live about 25 miles from the Grand Canyon and 37 mikes from Williams, AZ, if you are ever in the area and have time to stop by, we would love to see you.

Eleazar Huizar

Hello everybody that can hear me ! I see some of us r kind of still in contact on this webpage. Wish more of us would talk online but its good seeing who still does. I just want to wish Happy Birthdays to all this year so far and may we all have another one this year. I feel saddened for those of us 69er who art here anymore. U all B Blessed and maybe soon we shall meet or converse online. Your Friend Always Eli (LAHA) .

Phil Drain

Hi Eli,  it is good to hear from you.  I don't know if we will get much more response, but it would be nice if we did.  Tell me a bit more about what you are doing now.  Have a grat 2016.  Phil Drain

Katherine Hawkins (Felter)

Hi, Eli, I am guilty of only posting periodically, I do enjoy reading everyone's updates, though. Happy Easter to all, hoping everyone is well and just too busy to post. 

Eleazar Huizar

Wow ! Its good to hear from u Phil and Kathy. I live in Chino, Ca.I'm semi-retired I call it cause I'm a Real Estate Agent and people always ask me that. I still go often to Tehachapi cause my Bro. Epi moved back there about 7 yrs ago but we r in the process of selling his home cause he wants to come back to LA area. I wish I could see all you guys again? My memories of growing up with u all are precious to me. I see only a hand full of guys when I go out there cause mostly everyone moved on. It would b nice if more of us kept in touch thru this website. Life is great in The Lord and I'm Blessed with my  wife Rosemarie of 45 yrs ! 4 Grandchildren and my 1st Grt Grand Daughter in July ! I read Phil that u and Mike r pretty busy also. I had a great time at our last Re-union. Kathy u look like ur well. I hope the best for all of us and I sure miss those on the Memories List. Lets all of us that r on this website stay in touch PLEASE. Hope to here from someone soon. 

Katherine Hawkins (Felter)

I have been gone for a long time, still in touch with a few people but not many.  Have been in northern Az for the past ten years, since my husband took early retirement.  Life is good, God is great!

Phil Drain

Good to hear from you guys.  Sorry to hear that you live in LA--lol.  Northern Arizona sounds nice, is that anywhere near Sodona?  (I think I spelled that right).  Alison and I have been there twice and have really enjoyed the hiking around there.  I believe the hills are as pretty as any I have ever seen.  We live in Mazatlan, Mexico, and spend about 3 days a week helping at the local orphanages as needed.  It took awhile to get into the process down here, but now we have to turn down some requests to help.  Somehow, being 65 makes it a bit harder to work 5 days a week, or even longer, and the humidty here zaps one's strength pretty quickly.  We don't stay for the summer months, since it is close to 100 with 100% humidity and I personally wouldn't get anything done.  Well, enough from me--hope to hear more from everyone else.  Phil

Katherine Hawkins (Felter)

We live 20 miles from the Grand  Canyon. 2 hrs from Sedona... I was there yesterday not realizing it was Spring Break, not one of my best decisions!  Happy Easter

Phil Drain

We have heard a lot about Antelope Canyon and want to hike there.  Do you know anything about it?  Phil

Katherine Hawkins (Felter)

I have friends that hiked it, it is east of Page, I believe, supposed to be a neat place.  I am not a huge hiker, I can trip on air!  We are trying to get out and see more places like Antelope Canyon, we tend to become homebodies if one of us doesn't push!

Phil Drain

Hi again,  yes, it is easy to just stay at home.  First, just taking care of a home can take up most of our time and energy these days.  Just 5 years ago I could work 8 to 10 hours a day, and pretty easily.  Here in Mazatlan, with the humidity, 3 to 4 hours and I'm tapped out.  Siestas are a great thing, and totally acceptable here.  There are still stores and shops that close for 2 hours in the afternoon!  Hiking is the one thing, well along with kayaking, that keeps me from just sitting, or lying around.  In both cases I get to see the gorgeous world we are blessed to have around us, and stay healthy at the same time.  Arizona has some wonderful areas to hike in, as long as it is not too hot.  Next summer Alison and I are planning, God willing, to buy or rent a travel trailer and take the kayak and go all through Canada hiking and kayaking.  Every time we see a beautiful lake we are stopping and enjoying it.  Know anyone who has a travel trailer, 30 feet or so?  Well, happy Easter everyone.  I hope that this day means as much to you as it does to us.  Phil

Ann Moore

Hi, to All! It's always good to hear what's happening with everyone. Phil, Harry & I have been to Antelope Canyon and it is so worth the trip there! It is a photographer's dream world & the canyon is beautiful to walk through. Don't know much about hiking the surrounding areas, but that slot canyon is wonderful! I wanted to say how great this website is. My older sister, Jane was here for a visit last week & I was showing her this website & how we keep up with each other. She said how great it would be to talk with some of her classmates & mentioned Connie Cater's sister Phyllis. I wrote to Connie & she wrote back (thanks, Connie!) with contact info for Jane. Besides getting to chat with Connie & catch up, Jane now gets to contact a good friend! A wonderful thing, I think.   Happy Spring to all & keep writing!  Ann

Eleazar Huizar

Wow Again ! Its good to see us chatting on our website again and to know many of us r still Blessed with Good Life. What happened to Connie, Donna, Becky, Mike, Nick etc ? Lets here from u ? Everybody B Blessed and give THANKS this Easter Sunday to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank u all for the Good memories ! Keep in touch. Bye ELI (LAHA).

Mike Douglas

Thanks for keeping the conversation going, Eli and everyone.  We were in Zihuatanejo for a week, so I just noticed the thread activity this morning.  It's rare for us to get west of Colorado these days, and it seems that even the trips to the mountains are less frequent.  Our kids are not as interested in road trips with little ones.  I am coaching a little league team with a friend.  They started the season off with two wins, 2-0 while I was in Mexico, so I'm nervous about coming back in and us losing.  Not good timing.  That takes up a fair amount of my week.  I'm playing on a tennis team for fun also, which is two days a week.  Still playing a little basketball. Trying to stay active.  I'm not the most industrious I've ever been, tho.  Maybe I should join Eli and be a semi-retired real estate guy.  I know several who do that.  Looks good.  Happy post Easter everyone. 

Katherine Hawkins (Felter)

Happy Easter, all.  I am a quilter so I sit way too much.  Rich and I are trying to go out at least once a week and doi some walking, hiking, whatever, I love walking around the Grand Canyon.  I have been losing weight, yay, so I try to keep moving. Winter is odd out here, lots of wind, can be warm or freezing, and not being too fond of wind, I ride my stationary bike.

Hi Ann and Mike, so good to see more people chatting.

Darlene Grounds (Herrera)

Hi Everyone

It has been a long time since I've responded to any post. I am still working and in good health. Tom and I still live in Bakersfield and enjoy traveling around in our little grave trailer. Whenever I firmly decide to retire we will probably travel around and check out the different states.

Everyone seems to be heavily and busy which is good. Some  of us girls still try to get together every now and then and catch with each other. It's good to here from everyone and find out what's going on in our lives.

God Bless

Darlene.