Message Forum

Jan- Thank you for your kind words about Russell. Does Chuck still work at the Bank in Chelsea. We ran into him and his lovely wife some years ago in Stillwater. They both looked really good.
Has anyone heard from Johnnie Johnson? I heard that he was being held in custody as a material witness in the Gene Kidd vs. John Medearis Assault Case. I think that it would be a nice gesture if we would all get together and have a bake sale to help raise 'bail' money for him. Jan, you could set up a table at the end of your driveway and sell muffins to those two cars that drive by once a month. Judy you could sell some fried 'oysters'. Mary Ann could 'resell' some Dink's onion strings. Bruce, I'm sure you're wanting to unload some more Girl Scout Cookies. Carla, I'm sure that Bill is sick of seeing all of your Beauty Pageant trophies up in the attic, you could get a little something for them. Rhea, I think there is a market for recycled 'Good Looking' horse shit. We might even be able to talk Bill and Chuck into robbing a bank or something. How about it guys!!!

04/20/09 11:31 PM

#420

Steve, you're a hoot. Anyway Chuck is in Claremore at a Savings and Loan, he and Donna became grandparents again last night. Trey and Merilee had a little boy Lawson Grant Dirickson, they have a little girl and Kelley & Luke 2 little guys. Chuck is doing very well and you are so right about his lovely wife, Donna is lovely and patience up the Kazoo to live with Chuck for 40 + . Wonder what did happen to Johnnie? He's been AWOL for quite a long time. Wonder if he caught what Lavanna has from the deep do do that's been dropped around here. Heard from Becky Cogle today everyone, I hope she hasn't changed thru the years. She was so very funny.

04/20/09 11:41 PM

#421

Jan- Becky was at Memorial High School back in the late 90's. I am not sure what she taught. It was a federal government backed program and year to year. She helped with the track program. My middle and youngest son attended Memorial and ran track. We spent some Saturdays together talking about the 'good ole days'. I have not seen or heard from her since those days. She looked good, the very same as high school. Her best friend from high school (??? okay who was it) had died just a few years before from cancer. She was really upset about that. Tell Chuck and Donna congratulations.

04/21/09 11:10 AM

#422

Carla Ray Williams (Yocum)

Steve, could it be Jeanette Harris, seems to me they were great friends. I don't think I'll ever forget (unlike most everything else) Jeanette told me that she was headed out on a date with whoever, anyway her mother gave her a quarter: when she asked what's that for, her mom replied "keep it between your knees" What a great piece of advice. Still makes me chuckle. I hope to hear from Becky today so maybe I'll find out. Well gang headed to school I'm subbing the rest of the week in resource. It's a challenge but I enjoy it. Until this PM. Judy's for hire I think to clear any brush or weeds around your yard. From the sounds of it she HAS to have the most imaculate yard and fence rows in Craig County or maybe the entire state of OK. (I'm only guessing as to who could be the deceased friend so if anybody knows that I'm wrong please correct me.)

04/21/09 02:27 PM

#423

Steve-I think we could get more money for Bill's golf and football trophies! He has way more trophies that I do! I am happy to pitch in and help anyway I can!
I never realized you had so many chores and responsiblities! I think those life lessons are so important for kids! I led a pretty sheltered life, but Bill has brought me a long way! My kids at school love for me to tell stories about Zoephie! She was our maid. She had 12 kids at home and loved to leave them and come to our house where it was quiet!

All-I think I caught Lavanna's junk! I have been sick since Sunday! I worked in my rose garden and flower beds all day Sat. while Bill played golf! I planted about 60 flowers! You guys are welcome to come to Big "D" anytime. I have a hot tub that is awesome! I will not make you work like Jan does! Just kidding! Guys can golf and girls can shop!!

Jan and Judy-I so envy you! I love the country and so could be happy there. I am plenty happy now...but I could enjoy the serenity and beautiful views! I would love to go on a wagon train! Do those wagons have restrooms and showers? I also need a lock on the door...I am deathly afraid of the boogie man! I don't care much for snakes and creepy crawlie things! I do love to cook outside! I also love to look at the stars so a wagon top that rolls back would be appreciated.

Jan-I remember Jeanette Harris being crazy about Leslie the guy in the red Volkswagon. I do not remember his last name.

Johnnie you must throw awesome parties!!

04/21/09 08:27 PM

#424

All- Becky's friend was Paula Schweitzer. There are a few (very few) brain cells still firing around up there.

04/21/09 09:24 PM

#425

Yes, Jan ask me on the phone who the friend would be, and I told her it had to be Paula Schweitzer. I went to her graveside service when she passed away from brain cancer. Paula had been a teacher in Texas.

One time Becky and Paula picked up a hitchhiker near 10 mile corner on their way to Miami, and if you know Becky and Paula at all, you know they weren't going to miss an opportunity to have a little fun. As soon as the hitchhiker got in the backseat, they started talking crazy and driving between 80-90 mph. The hitchhiker was begging to get out of the car before they reached Afton.

Paula worked as summer help in the Recreation Department a couple of summers while she was going to NSU. To say the least we had a blast. There was never a dull moment. She would get off on Friday, drive to Tahlequah and party hard all weekend with her boyfriend, then drive back to Vinita just in time to make it to work at the hill on Monday. One morning she blew the engine on her car trying to get back in time to go to work.

One time Paula gave my sister one of her old IDs to use. Patricia was going to college at NEO that fall, and she went into a liquor store to buy a fifth, since she had the ID. The clerk looked at the ID and ask Patricia to spell her last name. At that moment Patricia realized she could not spell Schweitzer, so she just grabbed the ID and ran out of the store.

04/21/09 09:27 PM

#426

Carla- You and Susan think a lot alike. Her idea of 'roughing it' is an RV with hot water and air conditioning. Her idea of 'country living' is living on a street with no curbs. Tell Bill that I am currently working on a new chapter, 'How to Take 4 Strokes Off Your Score By Playing from the 'Tips' of the Ladies Tees'. Please let me know what he thinks.

04/21/09 09:33 PM

#427

Carla- That was Leslie Matt. His dad was a doctor at Eastern State Hospital.

04/21/09 10:04 PM

#428

Am I the only one who's impressed or envious or scared that Judy remembers everything, I think she's the real alien. From the planet Sataroundandidnotforgetathing.

04/21/09 10:06 PM

#429

Hey do any of you former or are we always campfire girls/horizons remember Mabel Rose Dalaperdunky? She was a good friend of Joni's.

04/21/09 10:45 PM

#430

Jan - I don't think I'll brag about how far I cycle on paved roads: somehow I don't think you would be impressed! Of course, if you need any help with those cattle, just give me a call. Just remeber, I have to work close to a fence (in order to "board" the horse). I bet Rhea would bring one of her horses and work too.
The "instructions" homework caper was real, Jan. It has to be - you and Wanda were the only Catholics I knew - and I guarantee you, no-one else did Wanda's homework!

Carla - We should camp together - I love the outdoors, hiking etc, but I do want a shower close by!

Steve - I'm glad to know about Russell. I remember an embarrassing story about a young woman, who shall remain un-named. It wasn't me -my babies weren't born in Vinita. The young woman went to a local Dr. for her first pregancy visit, including a full exam. That was stressful enough for her. The door opened, in walked the Dr. and a student Dr. to be (I think he was just doing observation at that point). And the "observation" was exactly what bothered the patient. She had gone to school with Russell and I think died about a thousand deaths in the next few minutes, but was too emabarrassed to say anythng.
It's wonderful that God gave Russell the mind that he needed for his purpose in life - but you were no dummy!

04/21/09 10:47 PM

#431

Frances Manila Hightower (Peetoom)

Jan - More on Camp Fire Girls, when I'm not tired. And no, I didn't do all the work for you to earn those beads!

04/23/09 01:18 AM

#432

Hi All, don't get on here much. In fact Lavon thinks I'm awful for going days without checking my emails.

Re: Russell; when my first son and twins were born at OU Medical Center OK City July 6, 1970 and June 7, 1974; John ran into Russell on one or both occasions. When the twins were born I had Toxemia and delivered early. All in the observatory gallery. But by that time, I had been thru so many new technologies I did not care what was done, or how it was done and dang sure did not care who was watching. I was told later that it went into a textbook due to all of the complications, Dr's involved at the time etc. If that was not enough the next day 13 tornados hit OK including the ORU Campus in Tulsa, Sapulpa, OKC of course. John came back from going to check on his folks and John Jr. looking as if he had seen a ghost. (I'm told) for I was really doped up and could really care less. During the time we lived in OKC We spent some time with Gene and MaryAnn. We even ran into Paul Wever. But, I don't know if anyone has heard of him since.

The Ammerman Cafe has been torn down by Chris Carter's Shout & Sack and they have added more pumps and parking. One of the busiest places in town to get in to get gas etc.

Re: Memorizing the counties John and I used to see who could still say them all just for fun. When life was not busy. We moved 21 times the first 7 yrs. we were married out of 13 years after that I quit counting.

Re: Campfire Girls: Lavons' group got together a few years back for a reunion.

Re: Coach Blevins Class: He always teased me for wearing my boyfriend's letter sweater. In case you had forgotten I was dating a guy from Nowata for quite awhile. That was the first thing that Larry Bill and I talked about was Tommy my boyfriend. Cause he had played football with him.

I missed alot by not going to Teen Town and dating Vinita boys. But with band, FHA, Church, Campfire, homework and an after school job for Joni's Grandma Driskill at the Hotel Vinita, and then working for Bob Prince my Senior year during tax season, its no wonder Dr. Allensworth told me I was too stressed at the age of 14.

Does anyone remember Mr. Childress science lab and my themometer accident. All the girls were jealous cause I got to ride in his sports car to the doctor's office.

Well, I will check back in a few day or so. Frances

04/23/09 08:18 PM

#433

Hi Frances, nice to hear from you.

I remember Mr. Childress I think he married a Carter girl, not sure which one maybe it was Kay. He took the cheerleaders to Nowata one year for a game and we got to ride in that hot little car. Just as we were coming into Nowata a big dog jumped out in front of the car, I yelled watch out and he swerved to miss him (which he did) but it was one heck of a ride for a sec or two. Can't believe they let us ride in a private car to a school event, that wouldn't happen now, or at least in our school, the Supt and clerk are always looking over their shoulder for a law suit. But gas was 22 cents a gallon, things change. I also remember talking about the Ides of March, and I asked some question concering them. I thought it was an intelligent reasonable question he didn't I guess cause I remember he made me feel a little stupid, I didn't care much for him after that. But I'm over it and it doesn't bother me, MUCH!

I am going to Baker, MT this weekend, taking my niece Justinn to a rodeo. It's about 200+ miles. We're suppose to get about 3 inches of snow, yesterday it was in the 70's, the weather in MT changes every 5 minutes. I like taking Justinn and hanging with the kids.

I tried golf again, I hadn't played since the Golf Club days in Vinita, I obviously was better at the game then, now all I get done it look for the damn ball and say really bad words. Later.

04/23/09 09:26 PM

#434

Francis- I think I saw you having the twins on YouTube a few years ago. It was kinda hard to recognize you though.

Jan- Russell said a few years ago that Mr. Childress was the best teacher he ever had, and that included his 3 years at OSU, 4 years at OU Med School, and 7 years at John Hopkins. That says something about the teachers that we had at Vinita. Imagine Mrs. Tyler teaching Rhea how to diagram a sentence.

Francis- June 8th 1974 was the nite that Susan and I got married. All of my relatives drove thru the tornadoes to get to the wedding. Everyone that lived in Oklahoma at the time remember our wedding day.

Jan- You need to get a copy of my golf book. Where did you meet Dick? Big Mac?

04/23/09 09:58 PM

#435

Francis - Nice to hear from you! I never had Mr. C, but I think I remember the car. Times were different - I drove 5 other students to Bartlesville for a Student Council meeting in my mom's car! I think there was another adult, in another car, but I don't remember who it was.
I do remember you coming to Stillwater and dropping by my apartment - that was a nice visit.
If I thought Steve had good character development (from ranch work), then you must have had incredible character developed.
Jan - I have thought about taking up golf, but I never have played (well, I'm good at miniture. I'm sure Steve could teach me how, but I'd have to put out the money for his book. Think how infomercial items I could get for those same 3 easy payments. We'll see, after the house sells.

04/23/09 10:01 PM

#436

PS - Francis wasn't the girl I was talking about Russell observing - I'll never tell, unless she does first! I did google Russell. I would say both Postier boys turned out nice looking, but, like Jan - I'm not sure I would have recognized him. I don't want to hear any comments he might ever make about recognizing me!

04/23/09 11:21 PM

#437

Rhea Joyce Freeman (Weaver)

Steve- Actually, I caught a ride back to town with Dick (sorta sounds like a pickup-doesn't it), after working cattle all day. He bought me dinner, then on the way back to the ranch he said, "we should make this permanent." That will be 36 years June 4. That sauve devil. Another fact: I call him big Dick, think on that awhile. Lucky Me.

04/23/09 11:39 PM

#438

WOW! I'm offline for a few days and everyone comes back! Good to hear from Jan again and Hi to Frances!

I have been really busy taking Rodger to Doctors and hospitals. Rodger has another infection that started last week (3rd time on IV antibiotics in 6 weeks) and I have just been given another crash course...trained to hook up the IV's for the antibiotic. He was in the hospital before and this time they put in a "pick line" and I have to hook up the IV's every 12 - 24 hours hours here at home.

I also googled Dr. Postier and wish I would have known how to find him a few years ago. Very impressive! Steve, you can tell him I'm working on my "medical degree" via "on the job training and instructions" from Doctors over the phone.

I've been into horses all these years and never had time for golf. But I have been thinking that it might be a good way to get out of the house for the Ladies League on Monday nights!

04/23/09 11:42 PM

#439

Rhea Joyce Freeman (Weaver)

P.S. Jan - if you still have that "worm" I've got some good stuff in the IV's that will KILL it! AND, I want the same drug that Judy P. takes for her memory!

04/24/09 12:24 AM

#440

In the Thursday, April 23, 2009 edition of the Vinita Daily Journal:

Pages of the Past

40 YEARS AGO.....

Two Vinita High School seniors were awarded major leadership scholarships. Chuck Donaldson was named for the President's Leadership Award at OU. Harvey Gatlin was named for the President's Council at OSU.

04/25/09 08:21 PM

#441

Harvey was brillant. I think I remember him moving to Vinita in the 5th grade. He got up and told everyone that he had read through the entire Bible - I don't know that we were impressed because it had probably never occurred to any of the rest of us to do that! I also remember him working at Dairy Queen and having a rude remark made to him concerning the cone he served, that it couldn't possibly be 6 oz. or whatever. He took the cone back and looked at thoughtfully for a few seconds and then said, "You know, I think you're right". He then promptly licked the top off and handed it back to the man!

Whoever asked about the 6th grade teacher - that was Mrs. Keithly - I really liked her. She did get on to the boys for playing "whip the crack" and then again for laughing! She also started dating a man when she was in her late 50's and he was a little younger,with a daughter. They went roller skating at the local rink, she fell and broke her wrist. Dr. Allensworth could not believe that a woman that age had broken her wrist while roller skating! She lived by Pennington's grocery. Her house was a mirror of the house that I grew up in. I think the houses were built by two brothers.

One time, in my entire life, I beat Chuck Donaldson at a math showdown - one on one - at the blackboard in front of the whole 4th grade class. That was a sweet, and solitary victory.

I don't know how a small town produced so many really intelligent people (all of us included).

04/25/09 09:14 PM

#442

Mary Ann- Really intelligent people??? Speak for yourself. Harvey was very smart and I am sure made a great teacher. Didn't he teach band at Big Cabin? Then sold his soul and became the I.T. guy at REA or KAMO? Remember REA day at South Park. Wasn't it the same day as Sidewalk Sale day downtown? I'll have to verify you beating Chuck in the Math showdown with Judy.
Jan- 'Big Dick' lucky you??? You will need to fill Susan in on that. Unfortunately she doesn't get it. On second thought don't say anything about it to her. Just tell her it was an inside joke. So you did have to leave Oklahoma to escape the law? But why in the hell Montana? I guess nobody would go there to look for you.

04/25/09 11:11 PM

#443