The Class of '55 - Mini Reunion - August 2011

Where did the summer of 2011 go and why did it come so late.....  Regardless, let me tell you that it has been soooo busy.

Our Mini Reunion was held August 9th, 10th, 11th.  Who has more fun than we do???  I can't think of anyone.

Some of us arrived early to help set up.  Quite a few, in fact, were early (we can't stay away) and so the evening of the 8th, we met at Don's for dinner and afterwards a few of us rambled across the street to the Soap Lake Businessmen's Club (of which I am a Life Member - no expiration date (story behind that, too) - (does that mean I will live forever???).  So the fun continued.  Many of us stayed at Marina's so it was just a hop, skip and jump to our individual cabins - OK OK - we didn't hop, we didn't jump and we definitely DID NOT SKIP, but in our mind and memory we did.

Tuesday we met and enjoyed dinner at the TaQuila (sp?) restaurant and visited until late. OK - a few of us found our way back to the Businessmen's Club.  Where were you - should come, too.  Great visiting there, too, after all other things come to a close.

The Welcoming Tiger

 

Where Tigers meet to graze

Sometimes Tigers (and Tiger mates) catch and fix food for their littermates.

Wednesday we met at noon at Jerry and Bev's.  They are so gracious to allow us to take over their back yard and their home.  Thanks to Bev's wonderful food preparation and Harris Brooks' wonderful fresh veggies and fruit, we were well taken care of.



Then, sadly, as usual, Thursday we again had breakfast at Wanda's Cafe.  How they manage to serve all of us so quickly is beyond me.  Great food and then the sad task of saying goodbye for another year.

When I find the card that has my pictures on it, I will add them, too.

See you next year, Same Place although it will probably be in September.

Time is getting closer...... Mini Reunion right around the corner....

As we remember back 56 years ago to the end of our high school years, we also remember our classmates and the good times we had.  Many of us have stayed connected and the good times (albeit in a milder manner) continue.  I haven't checked with Jerry lately about the number but it seems that many will be joining us again.  That is such good news.

Interesting, isn't it, that our bodies (all parts) grow older but our sense of youth remains intact.  

As a courtesy to others, maybe this would be a good time to ask that all eye-glasses/contacts/etc. be left at the door and let our auditory senses (hearing aids are acceptable) take over so we aren't staring at each other with disbelief - not that any of us would.

I, for one, am anxious to SEE you all and HEAR you all, but in less than a month it will sadly be another memory to keep and another mini-reunion to plan ahead and look forward to attending.  Maybe it would be a good idea to try and plan the next one while this one is being held.  

SEE YOU ALL THERE ON AUGUST 9th at Jerry & Bev's.

Remember that the Class of '54 is also having their reunion and all of our class is invited.  They are including the Class of '53 and '55.  If you're interested and haven't heard about it, let me know.  Gary Correll is in charge of it and most of the time will be at his BEAUTIFUL home on the lake.  Only about 15 minutes from me so it isn't too far out of Spokane.

If anything comes up  check this blog and keep up.  Inquiring minds want to know!!

Was this Pep Club Initiation?

"Ginny, Ruby"  1955

In my fuzzy fuzzy memory, I recall that this was more than likely our Junior year (1953-4) and it may have been for Pep Club initiation (anyone have better memories).  Also, I recall that when we were approached by a Senior we were to bow before them (I imagine it was the male species) and say "Allah, Allah, you are the salt of the earth and I am but the dust!.  Now go figure - I can remember stupid stuff like this and how to talk the famous "double talk" and not know where I put the darn pen I was just writing with.  Therein lies the difference between long term and short term memory loss!!! 

How nice it is that our class is still close and I have had Ginny (Virginia) visit my home several times and she is planning on coming to our next reunion, too.  That's remarkable as it isn't all that easy for her anymore.  Looking forward to seeing you all in August.

1955 Cheerleaders at Assembly

L-R:  Lois Haney kissing Bill "Peewee" Vaughn; Micaela Peterson waiting her turn; Ruby Simonson getting to be last (sigh!) 

How cool is this!  Finding a few more "things" in my "things" and will share what I find.  Does that make sense?  Guess it doesn't matter anyway.

Our wonderful cheer leading outfits aren't quite what you would see today.  They consisted of white corduroy pedal pushers (old phrase for old people) and the warm up jackets that belonged to the guys.  Not sure who had #7 but I wore #4 that was Alan Nicks' number. AND - to refresh the memories that may still exist out there in never-never land; we, the Cheerleaders were all kicked-off/fired/dismissed (choose your adjective) for smoking in uniform in the parking lot at a game.  Let that be a lesson to all the young people out there.  We were shamed but live on  -stronger for the lesson - or maybe just live on.

Stay tuned - will put more pictures on.  You can send me some from your personal files to share, too.  You have my email and know where I live so send away.

1996 Disneyland - Sali, Ruby & Lois Gard

 I was going through some pictures and ran across this one.   Duane and I were down in California visiting Sali & Andy in March 1996.  We went to Disneyland and were waiting in line for a ride when I noticed someone who looked familiar.  I said to Sali - that's Lois Gard.  She said no it isn't and we had a couple of yes/no/yes/no's and I started saying loud enough that I thought Lois could hear "Lois!" and nothing.  After a couple of times, I convinced Sali that she should call her name - which she RELUCTANTLY did.  Well ---- the head spun around and - yep -- Lois Gard.  Disney was right.  "It's a small world after all".

TIGER FUN IN SPOKANE!!

This particular Tiger (that would be me) has been very busy. On the 14th I flew out to Jacksonville, FL to visit my older sister and, of course, that was perfect. Got home on the 19th, and on the 20th (that was only yesterday) Jerry and Bev came up for the day and spent the night. This has become a tradition for their anniversary (yesterday was their 54th). They come up, take me out to dinner for their anniversary - go figure - but I love it.

When they arrived early yesterday afternoon we went out to Gary and Karen Correll's to visit and see the newest things he has done to the magnificent home they have. Of course we visited until it was getting a little late and we were getting hungry.

This time we went to the Outback (sometimes it is the Red Lobster). After dinner - back to my house and had ice cream - Jerry had a banana split and Bev and I just some ice cream with caramel.

We had invited Gary and Karen to join us for breakfast this a.m. at the Old European Restaurant so Gary said they would pick us up here - which they did. We were visiting and eating when Ed Torrison came in (he didn't think he would be able to but did) and more visiting continued.

Lots of talk about the '53-'54-'55 reunion that will be at Gary's. Sounds like there will be quite a few people sooooo - remember that will be September 13, 14, 15, and 16th. If you need further information let me know. You can email me at rubymc@comcast.net.

That's it for today - I am exhausted and will be heading for bed very very soon.

Obit of Chuck Husted now posted on our Memorial Page

So far I am able to keep up some of the Tiger pages.  Don Deycous sent me the obit for our classmate, Chuck Husted.  You can view it on our Memorial Page at:

http://home.comcast.net/~55tigers/memorial.htm

You won't be hearing from me for a few days as I will be leaving for Jacksonville, FL to visit my oldest sister AND get our of our cool spring.  Maybe when I get back all my tulips and flowering shrubs will recognize that winter may finally be behind us for a long time (I hope).

The Mini-Reunion News

       Some of you read your emails and not the Blog, others the Blog and not emails.  Go figure!  So, to be redundant, I am repeating the email so the info will reach all.

REMINDER: MINI-REUNION DATES ARE August 9, 10, 11th

Busy Tigers continue to be busy

        When we last left the Tigers, Clark and Mary Ann had packed up and headed back to Yakima.  They and most other couples stay in the big bedroom downstairs.  It is a daylight basement and has lots of light - not a dingy and dark den at all.  Soooo - as I knew other Tigers (actually Tigerettes) were headed this way, I hurried and changed their bed so I would have a bit of time for a cup of tea.  Phyllis arrived about 1:00 in the afternoon and, of course, we had to go shopping. Sales have to be seen and new things bought.  I don't remember what we ate and that doesn't matter.  I know we did - sometime and some thing. 
    The next morning (that would be Saturday - remember, Clark and Mary Ann left on Friday) Sali and Carol arrived.  Of course, they hadn't shopped yet and they were very very sad.  To make them happy we all went - you guessed it, shopping.  And, it is a given that because they had never been to the Davenport for the Early Bird Special - that is what we did.  Everyone loved it and back home we went for a nice evening of visiting.  Sali brought a bag of treats to make friends with Mya (who was outside when they arrive AND Mya told Sali not to come closer).  Once inside I let Mya in and Sali bought her love.  Sali had the big bedroom downstairs -- Carol the usual bedroom downstairs that is smaller.  Phyllis has the bedroom across from mine upstairs.
     Sunday arrived and, I don't remember breakfast - maybe we didn't eat.  Phyllis had to leave early to meet her husband in Idaho for a family gathering.  That left Carol, Sali and me.  We did more visiting and shopping and before we knew it the day was done.
     Monday, Carol had to leave fairly early so we went to, of course, The Old European for wonderful breakfast and then to have Carol's car checked for a dreaded "blinking light" on dashboard threatening horrible things if you don't get it fixed right away.  All is good there and off she went home.
      NOW - Sali and I are alone.  Looking all around and - yep!, we are alone.  Except of course for Mya (who know has transferred all of her love to the one with goodies) and little Lili (my 6# poodle) who scoots under Mya to avoid being trampled to death.
      Monday Sali and I went shopping and then to the movies - we saw "Unlimited" and I wouldn't recommend it - too gory toward the end.  Where is Disney when you want him.
      Tuesday, I took Sali to the Airport to make sure she left and she did.

Tha tha that's all folks for this visiting.

Busy Busy Tigers March 22-25

       On Tuesday, March 22nd, Clark and Mary Ann came up and spent a few days.  What a fun, busy time.  As it happened, Jerry and Bev (with their daughter, Sherri and her daughter, Sarah) were in town to pick up a piece of furniture Bev and Jerry bought earlier.  Soooo - we met them at the Red Lobster and had a nice dinner with them.  Sometimes, the unexpected treats are the best.  Of course, that meant that I didn't have to cook (everyone knows I HATE to cook but know the best places to eat).  Then we came home and visited until we just had to go get some sleep.
      By Wednesday morning Clark had bonded with my new "baby", Mya, and played with her.  As a reminder - Mya is a shepherd mix and weighs in at 80+ by now (I do know how to put food from bag to dish).  She is such a sweet thing.  OK - so is Clark.
      After our  breakfast (I do a make-do breakfast) and then we went shopping.  Lots of shopping!  Instead of lunch (lucky me) we went to an early dinner.  If you haven't eaten at the Davenport Hotel for their "Early Bird Special", you are missing something wonderful. 
      Thursday (a repeat of breakfast) we did a bit more shopping and early afternoon we took a drive out to Gary and Karen Correll's BEAUTIFUL home.  He's getting it in shape (it is sooooo nice) for the '53-'54'55 reunion in September.  It's always a fun visit with them.  I think I told you that his wife, Karen, and I were in 3rd grade together in Grand Coulee.  Very small world.
      Friday morning we went to the Old European for breakfast.  If you are in Spokane in the morning, that is THE best place for breakfast.
      Back to the house and they packed up and left.  I hate company to go, but go they must.

More on next post.  busy busy busy continued.

Loss of a Classmate

Chuck Husted died March 14, 2011.  He had bone cancer and kidney failure at his home in Bellevue, Washington.

Chuck will be remembered for his humor and, of course, he was just very cute and nice.

He will be missed.  God Bless you, Chuck.

Maybe we should all make a pact to have a final reunion much later, of course, in heaven.   

Tigers coming out of their dens after the hard winter.

Clark and Mary Ann will be here next Tuesday and will be able to stay until Friday.  Hopefully, we will get a chance to take a run out to Gary's and see all the updates he has made to his beautiful home, readying it for the '53-'54-'55 September reunion.  It's always fun when Clark and Mary Ann come.  You wouldn't believe the conversations that come about.  Always a nice surprise - even to us.

OK - they leave on Friday and Saturday, Sali, Carol and Phyllis will be here.  Life is never dull here in little 'ole Spokane.  Talk about your sleep-overs.  Sali and Carol get the downstairs bedrooms - ALWAYS - and Phyllis gets the bedroom across from mine.  I wonder how long before we begin to hear moans and groans about how hard the stairs are.  Well - will cross that "stair" when we get to it.

Heard from Don that Chuck's brother, Alan, had been to visit Chuck and that Chuck has now asked to have the dialysis stopped.  Please keep him in your prayers.  This is so hard for the family - I know.

Keep me up on what is going on - you can use the comments available and I can then post.

Later - Ruby

Class of '53-54-55' set at Gary Correll's in August

Gary just stopped by a bit ago and gave me the following info:

Charges will be determined by the events attended, green fees will be a separate charge paid at the course. (See bottom for event fees)

Tuesday - Sept 13th

    Noon:  Arrive at Correll's.  Buffet will be served in mid-late afternoon (self-serve)

Wednesday - Sept 14th

    Breakfast - On your own

    Early golf at Indian Canyon Course (optional); visiting at Correll's; touring Spokane/shopping/etc. - On your own

    Swimming (Gary has a nice pool); boat rides available (Gary has a boat [what doesn't that man have!!]; adult beverages (for ADULTS)

Evening meal will be catered by the Longhorn Barbecue at the Correll's.

Thursday - Sept 15th

    Breakfast - On your own

    Golf at Qualchan optional, must be early "Tee" time 0700.10:30-11:00a.m.

Bus ride to Coeur d'Alene, a self-tour of downtown Coeur d'Alene and boat ride on the lake, followed by bus ride back to Spokane and the evening banquet.

Friday - Sept 16th

    Quote:  "Say our goodbyes and get out of Dodge"

So sayeth the Gary Correll....

FEES FOR EVENTS:

1.    All functions:  $125/person (if golfing, fees are separate and to be paid at golf course)

2.    Tue, Wed functions and Thurs. banquet:    

       $75/person (if golfing, fees are separate and to be paid at golf course)

3.    Tue and Wed functions only:  $47/person (if golfing, fees are separate and to be paid

       at golf course)

4.    If you plan to attend all functions except the  banquet:  $95/person (if golfing, fees are

       separate and to be paid at golf course)

         PAYMENTS ARE DUE 1st of AUGUST 2011

Space available at Gary's for Motor homes (first come first serve but Gary said he believes there should be no problem).  Gary stated:  "The lot to the west of our home has room for as many as 10 MH's in the 40-55" range.  Adequate parking will be available for automobiles.  A few 110V hook-ups will be available on a first come - first served, bring cords."

You may GOOGLE or MAP QUEST for directions Gary's address from your departing address.

Gary's home address:  9826 W. Ownby Dr., Nine Mile Falls, WA

I am sending a cc to Gary so you can also contact him through his email address if you have further questions.

PH: Gary/Karen's home:  509-466-8353

    Gary/Karen's cell:  509-294-2045/509-954-7651

It would be VERY helpful to let Gary know:

1.    When will you be arriving

2.    If you will be Golfing at Indian Canyon

3.    If you will be at Buffet on Wednesday

4.    If you will be at evening meal on Wednesday

5.    If you will be golfing Thursday at Qualchan

6.    Bus ride to Coeur d'Alene Thursday

7.    Boat ride to Coeur d'Alene Thursday

8.    Banquet Thursday evening

I guess that does it.  Should be a very fun reunion.

Visit from the Pitts

What a fun day yesterday was.  Jerry and Bev arrived early afternoon.  We went shopping for them a new "honey oak" buffet for their living room  Finally found just the right one at Furniture Row and Jerry will come up in a couple of weeks and get it.

After all that hard work - watching someone else spend their money - we went to the Outback for dinner and then back to my house.  We did some heavy visiting and then had our dessert - Jerry's banana split and a chocolate sundae for Bev and me before they headed home.

We are so very blessed to have our Tiger family and we are family. 

Let me know anything you care to share and I will be more than happy to do so.

Remember Chuck and his family in your prayers during their situation.

Tigers to AZ to visit Tigers?????

I know that must make sense - right?

         On Monday, February 28th, Phyllis and I left little ole Spokane for Phoenix to visit Wes and Betty.  They picked us up at the airport and away we went to their home in Scottsdale.  What a great beginning - Steaks grilled to perfection with all the trimmings.  Wes "made" the greatest dip - OK, he bought it at Costco, a must buy - ROASTED RASPBERRY CHIPOTLE SAUSE!   Add  cubed cream cheese and dip in chips, sliced meat, crackers or anything else you might like. - WONDERFUL STUFF.
        
       Tuesday we drove around to see the lay of the land and then to a really neat restaurant for Mexican food including a salad (iceburg wedge lettuce with choice of dressing - verrryyyyy good).  Of course we had to go for something sweet so we went to a retro "Sweet Shop" with everything that would take us back to our teen years.

       Wednesday was a day of visiting, AGAIN, and then my son, Dane (who also lives in Scottsdale) came and whisked me away to have dinner with him and my d-i-l, Lori.  First we went to their new home - I hadn't seen it before except in pictures - and then off for Italian food.  Dane is still very involved in tennis - when not working - and loves Phoenix.  I don't get to see him as often as I would like.  Anyway, after that short, but sweet visit, he took me back to Wes and Betty's and they came in for a bit.  Very very nice.

       Thursday Wes and Betty took us out of town to Carefree and surrounding areas.  HAD to shop, of course.  That night we went to the Casino Arizona for "Show Stoppers", a live show with singers and dancers giving their rendition of famous singers, etc.

      Friday was a lay-back day.  I wish we had a penny for every time we laughed.  Would have paid for this trip and a future one.  What fun and super nice people, these Tigers.  Sadly, about noon, we had to pack up our bags and head out to the airport.  Nice flight - only one problem.  Arriving in Spokane, there was still lots of snow to snub its nose at us.

      Saturday, Phyl and I just relived the whole trip and then went shopping.  Just what we do.  When we're sad - shop!  When we're happy - shop!

       Let me know what is going on in your Tiger den and I will be happy to spread the news.

Some Tigers Fly to Phoenix

Well - day before yesterday, here in Spokane, we had a foot of new snow!!!  We are expecting more tomorrow and Monday, too.

Phyllis should be on her way here from Montana as we "speak".  Monday morning we head out for Phoenix and will stay with Wes and Betty Thrash.  It will be such fun.

Talked with Clark and Mary Ann yesterday - hopefully, they will head over this way the middle of March.  Already planning on heading down to the Davenport Hotel for their Early Bird Special in the lobby by the fireplace.  What a beautiful place.

Sali and Carol and Phyllis should be over the last of March and that is always a lot of fun.  Shopping, eating, talking, shopping, eating, talking - did I mention shopping, eating, talking?????

Because of the snow, Jerry and Bev couldn't make it up so they are planning on coming up after I get back from Phoenix.  Bev and I are avid readers and she will be picking up more from me and returning some.  Dick Sainsbury's wife is an avid reader, too, and they just stopped the other day and she returned some - so when she needs more she knows where to come.

Then comes wonderful April and I am going to go to Jacksonville, FL to visit my oldest sister, Sherry.  Lots of things to do there, too.

Then - back home to spend my favorite time of the year (Spring) in Spokane.

Let me know what's going on with you and yours and I'll be happy to share with the other Tigers.




Winter must be about over - must be about over - must be about over.......

Bev Franklin's Memorial

As most of you know, Bev Franklin (class of '54) died a couple of weeks ago.  Last week, I was just going to sit down and have dinner with my son when the doorbell rang.  There stood Gary Correll.  That wasn't a surprise BUT - he, Karen (his wife), Gaye Roeder and Ron Scheib were going to go to dinner and stopped to see if I could go.  DARN!  I had to say no but did go out and have a nice "little" visit with Gaye and Ron (OK - Gaye).  Gaye and Ron came up for Bev's Memorial.
Was nice to see them.  They will be at the September '53-'54-'55 reunion to be held at Gary's.

He said he would be getting their official notice out before long so will let you know when I do.

Jerry and Bev will be here on Friday, if Bev is feeling better, and we will go to lunch.  Bev is a reader as I am and will be picking up more books that I am finished with.  I will make sure of the dates of our reunion in August and then send emails to those with emails and cards to those without emails.

On this Blog, you can subcribe and/or follow the posts.  This will keep you up on what I know and if you have news that you want to share, just let me know.

If I don't see you at my door, I'll see you in August and September!