NEWSLETTER

The Class NEWSLETTER 12/28/12

MAIL CALL

from Linda Blanton Murski on a island somewhere
(taken off of FB)

I had a wonderful birthday on Dec. 21.The world didn't end as predicted.Michael got me a lime green bicycle.When I took the puppies out, there it was, all bright and shiny.I jumped on, still in my red pjs and pink knee-high boots and rode it down the road with the puppies hot on my trail.I loved it!I went antique shopping in the afternoon.I just finished supper...a beautiful rib roast and pie and cake for dessert, cooked by Mr. Murski!We sat out at the bonfire visiting with friends who drove down for my special day.Thanks to all my family and friends who sent me birthday wishes!I love all this attention.

from Jan Russell in Spring, TX

I really enjoyed reading Mike 's article about Gary Hammond .I lost track of Gary during college, but I do remember him playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, and of course for the Thomas Edison Falcons and the TJ Yellow Jackets!

Thanks also for the Newsletters.There's not much to report from my end.This is my 41 ^st year of teaching, and, God willing, I plan to continue for about 3 more years.I taught choir for 11 years and then switched to U.S. and Texas History. Go figure!For 39 of the 41 years, I've taught 7 ^th and 8 ^th graders.They keep me young and drive me crazy sometimes.I definitely have a book in my head about teaching junior high kids, although it might have to published as FICTION!People, other than teachers, probably wouldn't believe some of the stories I have to tell.

from Gary Hammond in Plano , TX

I just got an opportunity to see and read the piece Mike wrote on me on the lastwebsite update.I am blessed in so many ways, Linda .The piece is very flattering and if only I could live up to the accolades, I would be so happy.My Port Arthur family, and that includes all my TJ friends and classmates, has always been a motivator for this old jock.When Mike told me he wanted to do this article, he joked that I may not recognize myself.Well, he was correct.Thanks for bringing back the exciting time of my football career.I am proud to be a YELLOW JACKET and a PORT ARTHURAN and look forward to our next reunion.

from Bert Smith in Lake Jackson , TX

Thanks for posting the photo of our twin grandbabies on the website.I have been very busy and am glad my wife posted them.As I have said before, there is no such thing as retirement.Nevertheless, those two little girls are the best presents we could ever have under the Christmas tree!

from Sandy Ellis MacNamara in Elgin , TX

It has been too long!Here we are, Christmas again and I still haven't made promised visits to friends.Paul and I are still in Elgin .I am working at the Burning Tree Lodge.I went back to work after being off for 5 years.I LOVE not having to drive to Austin daily.Living 4 minutes from work is NICE.Unfortunately, Paul is still working in Austin but considering retirement in the upcoming year.I still love working with others, seeing miracles happen, seeing the joy on the faces of family and people finding recovery for the first time.

We will spend Christmas with the grandchildren, they will be 6 in February.They are spending Chrismas Eve at our house this year---first time.Their parents are building a new home.I am planning, buying gifts, wrapping, decorating, etc.I am excited.

from Ernie Castaneda Bullion in Lumberton

I enjoyed the NEWSLETTER you wrote on November 30.I laughed at the story of your dad wearing your pants.I also enjoyed the memories shared by several classmates about times spent with Tom Phillips and his family.Congratulations to Kenneth Bragg for being elected state representative in Arkansas .Thanks for all the news about our classmates and thanks also to Mike for sharing all the photos and news on the website.

URBAN DICTIONARY

Mike Harmon has an entry in the Urban Dictionary.He has been awarded entry of his “word” INTERSOCKABLE meaning the interchangeability of two or more pairs of socks. “You have all black socks so you can grab any two because they are INTERSOCKABLE.”

You can look up words in the URBAN DICTIONARY under www.urbandictionary.com Mike has at least one more word pending!

DINNER AND A MOVIE

Several classmates and spouses met in Baytown and spent an afternoon watching the Spielberg movie, LINCOLN , and then ate at El Toro .Oh, the laughs and conversations that went on.It was a great time had by all.Thanks to Jane tte Light Norton who planned the event.We hope to do it again soon!Maybe see 50 SHADES OF GREY......just joking!

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT

Same old, same old.....sister is doing pretty well considering that it is the holidays.Any change causes her stress OR too much excitement! Murphy, Dad and I spent Christmas eve at a couple of family gatherings and then I finished it off at a beautiful Christmas Eve MIDNIGHT MASS in Lumberton .Christmas day was spent at my daughter's home, also in Lumberton .Just the son-in-law's parents, our kids, two granddaughters and Dad.It was very relaxing and quite.Just what we needed.Another family gathering will be held this weekend in Huffman for the DeCuir family!This will include my brother's family and my sister's family.We will of course, miss our MATRIARCH, my mom.This is the third Christmas without her.Dad is nearing 97 and is doing well.We haven't gotten back his results of his EEG and MRI of his brain since the two TIA's in November.

Murphy and I are going to run away on vacation to Hawaii in January for an early 40 ^th anniversary present!I am looking forward to getting away from “this life” for a little while. We are flying to Honolulu for two days and then onto a cruise ship for 7 days then back to Honolulu for a full day.A lot of planning goes into being away for 10 days.I have to make plans and get my Dad to brother's home in Friendswood.Then, I have to make sure everything is okay with boarding my sweet 12 year old poodle, Millie.I am sad to board her for 12 days but know that Groves Vet Clinic and Tillman will take care of her.She has a seizure disorder and also diabetes and takes insulin twice a day and phenobarbital twice a day.Poor baby.She is loosing her eyesight and also her hearing.

I decorated 3 trees this year, as usual.I have a 4 foot tree in the granddaughters' room that has Disney, cartoons, princesses, and whimsical ornaments on it.The computer/baseball room houses my SPORTS tree.It has ornaments representing baseball, football, olympics, snow skiing, duck hunting, tennis, fishing, soccer, hockey, boxing, golf, roller skating, swimming, basketball, and track.I have an ornament of MICKEY MANTLE on the top of the tree, of course!!!

I hosted our second annual GIRLS CHRISTMAS luncheon with classmates, Debbie Borres , Ernie Castaneda , and Diane Richmond .We really had a great time and look forward to the several hours we spend together.I am already looking forward to next year's gathering.Diane brought me a hostess gift from New York City , a NY YANKEE ornament for my SPORTS TREE.

REUNION NEWS

I am hoping to have a postcard sent out BEFORE I leave in January with a SAVE THE DATE title.Just listing dates to remind you to put on your new 2013 calendars.We will get down to brass tacks after the holidays are over and my vacation is behind us.I am hoping that I won't have a gazillion post cards back in my mailbox due to WRONG ADDRESSES!!!!We'll see.

Don't forget:

Friday, August 2, 2013

Saturday, August 3, 2013

SUPPORT

Ernie Castaneda Bullion is having a lot of recurring pain due to Trigeminal Neuralgia (a facial nerve pain).She has had this condition for a few years but only intermittently.She is now having bouts daily.She has another visit to her specialist in January.

tbull50@sbcglobal.net

(a note from Katherine VanSlyke Sparks )

Please put my brother, Walter VanSlyke , on your prayer list.He had a motorcycle accident and broke 4 ribs and has a bruised lung.I would appreciate any and all prayers for his recovery.

eksparks75956@hotmail.com

OBITUARIES

We are again saddened learning of another classmate death .

Narrie Ardra Travis

August 1, 1950-December 13, 2012

A cremation was held and no public services were arranged.

Ronnie Moerbe

(death of his mother)

508 Honeysuckle

Bridge City , TX 77611

vesselrepair@sbcglobal.net

See OBITUARIES on the front of the website page.