'

Bob Miller
Don Montgomery
Milan Moody           Earl Mortensen
Betty Norman-Eggstaff
Kenny Palmer
Neil Peterson
Dave Pittman
Ann Rasey- Rethlefsen
Arlitha Rosedale-Wertz
Darwin Rosen
Dennis Selleck
Shirley Sherman
Bill Sink
Dorothy Snow
Beverly Turk Salter  Patricia Summers      Tom Sutherland              
Ferris "Tommy" Thompson
Tony Wynn
Paul Zednichek

'50   

   

Gary Dayton '49/'50      

Imperial Beach CA      

gdayton65@gmail.com          Please note, I have changed my email address

             

            

More fun words on Mothers Day about Jim's mother. Do you have some about your mother to share?

I can remember when we were living in Montebello before we moved to Monrovia in 1938. My mother signed me up for a dance class. I went to the first and last one. They wanted me to run across the floor and pretend I was chasing a butterfly. Didn't happen, no way. End of lessons. Gary

What did yours do, good or bad?

 

A MOTHER STORY

 

Most everyone has a story about their mother – one that has stuck in his/her mind and heart, usually since childhood.  Some are funny, some sad, I invite everyone to share a few words with us about your mom. It’s good for the soul and keeps a memory alive.

Here is mine….

 

When I was in the second grade I was forced to take piano lessons. I hated every minute of practice because it cut into my play time. In fact, my mom used to sit at the piano with me with a razor strap to force me to practice. When it came time for my first recital, I was not a happy camper and I did not want to face the music (pun intended). The recital was held in a room with a stage and the audience was made up of mostly anxious parents and family and friends.

When it came time for me to make my grand debut, I walked out onto the stage and seated my self in front of the piano. I raced through the first line of the piece and abruptly stopped. My mind had gone blank and I could not remember the rest of the lines. I started over, thinking I would remember on the second try. Wrong!! Once again, my memory stopped short at the end of the first line.  So, I decided to give it another try. No dice….I had failed in my début. Knowing I was at the end of the line (pun intended), there was nothing more to do but to exit the stage. I know my parents were very disappointed and embarrassed since no one clapped. When we got home my mother told me that my music career was over and there would be no more piano lessons. Even though I know I disappointed my parents, I was off the hook from the keyboard. Thanks mom, you did the right thing….

Jim Regan

5-12-12  Words of wisdom from Dr Regan.

 

Which Side Are You On?

 

For those people who have never ridden a horse, and for safety reasons, it is better to have your legs on opposite sides, rather than have both on one side. On the other hand, there may come a time when it is best to have both legs planted on one side of a fence rather than straddling it (especially if is barbed wire).  I use these analogies not because I purport to be a cowboy or a fence builder, but to illustrate that there may be a time when initial straddling of an issue may be okay, at least until your position is established.

Taking sides on an issue is an age-old expression that has evolved from our critical thinking process. Humans have always expressed a need to understand the universe and its wonders of nature. Over time, those needs were translated into the development of religions and philosophies which were codified and put into practice, but not before massaging all sides of an issue, Different view points often led to group and interpersonal conflict.  Differences in thought and action between (1) those who have made up their mind and have taken a side; or, (2) those who have either succumbed to the will of and direction by others; or, (3) those who have yet to decide which side represents their present outlook, can vary, but usually follow the path of the majority, at least in our country. The flight and plight of early immigrants to America illustrate what brought them here – to seek freedom and independence.

A fence can be used as a barrier, both physical and mental. It can help prevent intrusion from the outside or escape from the inside. Sometimes self imposed, it is a “line-in-the-sand” drawn by organizations and individuals in an attempt to control the herd or demonstrate personal expression. What one sees or experiences while standing on each side of the fence will differ, however. It is like what one sees when looking in or out of a window (reference: The Johari Window).

The purpose of this exercise is to advocate a comprehensive review of the intended consequences (subject to the unintended ones) when taking a personal stand on any issue.

This requires some initial straddling before deciding Which Side You Are On…..

Exempli Gratia (EG).: taxes, homeland security. health care, immigration, gay marriage, and politicians…..

 

JR 5/12

5-12-12  Barbara is doing better each day. Her sisters were here yesterday and her brother and wife the day before. And they brought lunch!!!

5-10-12 This from Marjean, thank you Marjean.

This was my favorite president, I have 5 of his pix in my office, only his.

   You will enjoy this -  believe me.  It is awesome!! Couldn’t watch it without tears coming into my eyes.

   I am afraid America will never return to this.


   EVER AGAIN?????

   http://www.youtube.com/embed/OvN1jTkzXbY?rel=0



   Kindness is the language which
   the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

   Mark Twain

   'In God We Trust!'

5-9-12 Sister Nancy sent me this, I think this sort of applies to more than me.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/6dbBfXCMbH4?rel=0

Gene Bunch sent me this great one.

SOME GORGEOUS PHOTOGRAPHY!

 

Subject: Fwd: FW: Inspirational video (non-religious) that will make you smile
It is 10 minutes and well worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ&feature=player_embedded

 

And now I get a great one from Jim Regan, this is really a classic.

Subject:    Do you remember The Ventures who played "Walk, Don't Run"?
>  
> This 4-Star General, George Babbitt, was the 1st drummer for The Ventures, playing this song.  He plays again, after 38 years!
>
> Watch it.  You will love it.  If you like rock-n-roll.
>
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljLi_hBLy3A
>  

5-5-12 Cinco de Mayo, is also Barbara's birthday, she is 79 today. I asked her what she wanted for breakfast and she wanted another B-5 http://www.jaliscocafe.com/jalisco-cafe-menu

   (It also comes with refried beans, salsa and tortillas.) We split it.

from Jalisco's, this is what she wanted on the way home 8 days ago. I called and it was ready when I got there, they say 10 minutes and usually beat it. It is about 3.5 miles up there, I took the car today, I usually take my scooter. She was sitting outside while I was replacing the screen on the front door screen door. 2 neighbor ladies stopped by, Barbara was sitting on the bench out there. Then my sister, Nancy, came down with a card and an apple crisp pie. Flowers arrived from our granddaughter in Elko. I still haven't got the screen job done. I had to stop and fix lunch, sandwich and apple crisp.

5-5-12  I just watched this and have to share it. Morgan Freeman and Betty White. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=b4S7T05zTqY

5-1-12 Barbara is home and happy with her kitties. She has a lot of rehab to do, but at least she is home. There is a physical and occupational therapist who will be working with her. The PT was here today to check things out.

Dena is the boy named Sue, our neighbor told us he was a girl. We found out at the vets. Barbara has black gloves on that blend in with Cassy who is also black. The blue towel alongside Barbara is where Cassy usually lays.

4-27-12

 

MAD CLASS OF 1950 MINI-REUNION

 

THURSDAY, August 16, 2012

from 11 AM to 2:30 PM

 

Bring a potluck dish to share

Beverages and water will be provided

 

Held at Altadena Community United Church of Christ

943 East Altadena Drive (just east of No. Lake Ave.)

 

Please park in the upper parking lot

 

Please plan on a donation for expenses

 

A reply would be helpful.  Email: eseifert@pacbell.net

or  pndrpsmith@aol.com

or phone 626-791-4811 or 714-897-7848

 

 

   

4-27-12  Barbara is home from the hospital, we picked up a B-5 Breakfast from Jalisco's on the way home and that was dinner. She is getting in and out of bed, going into the bathroom and is back in bed with her kitty, both are very happy.

4-21-12  Jim Regan has this on his Review page but he is/was class of '50 and I agree with him so here it is here too.

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE DIRECTION OF OUR COUNTRY

                                    (With special emphasis upon “our”)

                                                           By JR

 

Sidebar:  My comments this week take on some political overtones. If you don’t share in my observations, then I invite you to sound off and present your own.

 

If you are like me, the background and understanding of our country’s foundation came from my family and the classroom. We were taught that America is the land of opportunity and the platform for freedom. It was, and hopefully will remain, a place where individual ingenuity and dedicated work can bring each person a better life. Unfortunately, so much of what I learned in school, and from others during my youth, went in one ear and out the other. As I have aged, I now realize the value in the basic tenants set forth by those who crafted our Constitution and Bill of Rights. They were statements or guidelines, only to be challenged when they were not in concert with the will of the majority of people. Emerging from this common understanding established by our forefathers, a path was set for us to follow. It is interesting to note that challenges to the efficacies of the “rules of the country” have occurred since the fourth day of July, 1776. One, if not the most important challenge, emanated from the phrase in the Declaration of Independence created by Thomas Jefferson that “all men are created equal.” These words, of course, flew directly in the face of the issue of slavery. And, as we know, over time, slavery was abolished and the phrase was interpreted to mean “free and equal.”

Now, as I have reached the senescent period in my life, the direction of our country is more visible and important to me. This is no doubt due to the fact that my history hormones had not yet matured in school. I no longer take things for granted or brush them aside as unimportant . Why, I ask? Because there are many (collectively) friends, government officials and wannabes) who desire to change our way of life by imposing “their way” on others. I must admit that having careers in the Public Sector for 25 years and another 25 years in the Private Sector, have exposed me to both ends of the economic, political and social spectrums. So, my thoughts are not driven by a one-sided entrenched point of view. They have evolved over time from a wide variety of experiences, some good, and some not so good.

I can’t change the past, but I can attempt to stay the course that currently occupies my mind.

Every person has personal choices and I am not about to co-opt you into waving the flag in my direction. I can, however, ignite you to really think about the direction of our country (and if you missed it, this phrase is the title of this page). 

There are so many critical (my emphasis) issues facing our country that affect you and me that it has become increasingly difficult to sort out how we can, or should, react to those things that pose a threat to our very existence.

Although I am not a member, I have used the Alcohol Anonymous Organization’s saying many times in assembling my thoughts. It has food for thought and is appropriate for everyone, whether you drink, or not:

 

       God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

       courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.

 

What are the things that I can do to help maintain the system or effectuate change? Here are my thoughts:

          Reaffirm or change my behavior (both in thought and action)

          I can vote

          How I use my money

          How can I be of meaningful service to others

Support of our military and those who believe in freedom

Voice my opinion and “walk the walk”

If you sense a tone of frustration in my words, then you are right. I am not so concerned for myself since my journey in life is on the downhill side. My concern is for my family, friends and country. I don’t want the reigns of our government to continue to strangle our freedoms. I will continue to help others, but not at the expense of unnecessary entitlements – ones that foster “it is better to receive, than to give.” Despite personal hardships and our socio-economic position in life, I sometimes wonder if we have lost our will to “keep them wheels a rolling,” especially when the going gets tough. Realizing there is no perfect way in life, we should not lose sight, however, of the direction we need to push and pull in order we to protect the Direction of our Country as set forth almost 236 years ago.

I don’t recall who said it, but it’s not over until you give up!

Now, what prompted this wordy outburst? Answer: all the bullshit that is going on……

Thanks for reading some of my thoughts, and I invite yours…

Now I feel better!

4-19-2012

 

         

4-20-12

Barbara started off good this morning. She went to the bathroom with help and then did some PT and that went bad. She got real confused and couldn't understand what she was being asked to do. They were working with her in the wheelchair teaching her to propel it herself, she couldn't understand what he was telling her. She was just in a fog. I took her for a ride out into the sun for a while and let her rest. She felt better and we went back to the room, they put her back in bed and she started hurting in her legs and stomach. The nurse brought in a sonogram machine and found her bladder was full. She had gone a short time before but it hadn't drained it. The nurses put a catheter in and drained out almost 400ml of urine, that relieved all the pain. The also took her for chest X-rays and I didn't learn the outcome of them.
She seems to have a mental problem every now and then, I still think is was due to TIA's but they say no.
Well we know that she can stand and walk with the walker, just not everyday yet. Her BP was low when I left about 3:30PM, 103/35.
Tomorrow is another day.

--

4-19-12 Barbara has had a couple of good days as far as PT goes. Today she walked out of the room and down the hall using a walker, she must have gone about 40-50 feet. Then some exercises getting into and out of the wheel chair. She still has swelling in her feet and legs, this seems to be slow to go down. She also walked into the bathroom with a walker and 2 nurses. Yesterday they used a patient lift to get her in and out of there and back to bed. I took her for several rides in a wheelchair outside into the sunshine. Her room also opens onto a real nice patio with all kinds of plantings and even a fountain, we spent some time out there too.

4-13-12   A little fun for Fri the 13th, our indoor/outdoor cat is gone quite a bit too.

Just when you think you've seen it all....................

Bus riders in Bridport, Dorset England often have an unusual companion on their way to and from work each day – an adventurous, 15-year-old cat named Artful Dodger.  Dodger, a beautiful orange tabby, regularly boards the bus at the stop near his house and takes a 10-mile

round trip, much to the amusement of the bus passengers and drivers. Sometimes, Dodger even hops on a lucky rider’s lap for a cuddle.  The bus drivers and regular passengers know Dodger, and always make sure he gets off at his stop at the end of each journey. Some passengers

even bring Dodger food and treats each day.  Dodger’s owner, Fee Jeanes, said she was extremely surprised when she discovered the cat’s secret life. One of her daughter’s friends said she saw Dodger on bus 10 miles from the family’s home.  Fee tells the London Telegraph, "I

couldn't believe it and panicked. I got into my car to go off and look for him and then at that moment the bus pulled up near our house and lo and behold he got off.”  She soon found out that wasn’t the first time Dodger had gone cruising the city by mass transit.  "That afternoon I

saw Dodger climb on board another bus and I rushed to tell the driver. I was shocked when she told me Dodger was always on there and

liked to sit on the seats because they are warm from where people have been sitting.” The bus company, First, told the Telegraph that they don’t mind if Dodger hitches a ride with them, saying, "Given this cat is elderly we suspect it would be eligible for free travel, perhaps a bus puss, if such a thing existed."

 

Barbara is still in the hospital and will be there over the weekend at least. They are talking of sending her back to Birch Patrick, the convalescent facility next door, again if she is stable Monday. We shall see, she sure wants to come home. The kitties and I sure miss her, I see her daily but the kitties don't and she really misses them. 

 

4-11-12

A MESSAGE TO AND FOR BARBARA DAYTON

 

“HI BARBARA”

 

GARY HAS KEPT US DILIGENTLY POSTED REGARDING YOUR CURRENT MEDICAL CONDITION. AND, WE, FRIENDS AND WILDCATS, WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE EXTEND OUR WARMEST, DEEPEST AND CARING THOUGHTS TO YOU DURING YOUR  ILLNESS.

 

JR

 Thank you Jim, I printed this out for her.  Gary

 

4-9-12  Time for some more fun, thanks Nancy.

Subject: youtube: flash mob in Moscow dances to "Puttin' on the Ritz" --FABULOUS!!!

 
 
 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgoapkOo4vg

 

Granddaughter Tasha, husband John (In Red) Friend Ben, and girls Mikel 3 and Jacie 5 leaving to go back home to Elko NV. Barbara really enjoyed their visits to the hospital.

The original reason for the trip down here was for John to buy a real rare (made only 1 year) Honda Turbo and fuel injected motorcycle. He only wants the engine. John holds 20 plus records at Bonneville Salt flats on his motorcycles, the fastest is over 200mph. He also got measured for custom Leathers, and is picking up some fairings for some of his bikes down here.

I finally finished Thomas Sowell's Economic Facts and Fallacies, this is a must read, here is Jim's Review.
 

Book of the Week

The author, Thomas Sowell, is considered one of the premier thinkers in the field of domestic and international economics. As a teacher, writer and current scholar at Stanford’s Hoover Institute, he has utilized his vast experience and knowledge to dispel the many fallacies about economic issues that have permeated our society by politicians and the media.

The book, Economic Facts and Fallacies, is not a fast moving entertaining novel. It is, however, an eye opening expose that ties economics to social issues, and the rationale behind the decisions that have affected us ALL. It is not a book to pursue for one quick read. Rather, I suggest the reader take on one chapter per sitting. Sowell’s scholarly approach helps the reader unravel “conventional wisdom” through the use of verifiable studies and statistics. He dismantles the prevailing fallacies that have permeated our political and social networks.

Sowell uses real live paradigms in his analyses – one that leave the reader (my emphasis) with an uncomfortable sense of how we have relied on certain fallacies as “the gospel truth.” The book is a useful tool in understanding certain economic issues related to urban problems, income distribution, male-female differences and Third World Countries.

The book is organized into eight chapters that deal with these fallacies:

The Power of Fallacies; Urban Facts and Fallacies; Male-Female Facts and Fallacies; Academic Facts and Fallacies; Income Facts and Fallacies; Racial Facts and Fallacies; Third World Facts and Fallacies and Parting Thoughts.

For example, Sowell attacks several notions that are currently being expressed on our political debates. He cites the following fallacies about income and wealth:

 

1.     Except for the rich, the incomes of Americans have stagnated for years.

2.     The American middle class is growing smaller

3.     Over the years, the poor have been getting poorer.

4.     Corporate executives are overpaid, at the expense of both stockholders and consumers.

The purpose of this review is not to champion one side. It is to explicate how decisions are made based upon the interpretation of the studies and statistical data to support a given political view. Ultimately, these so called economic decisions that affect us socially are made by third parties who purport to represent the majority of the people. Thomas Sowell challenges the wisdom and efficacy behind these decisions. Every age has its “thinkers.” He is among this elite group.

JR

4-8-12  Update on Barbara.

Barbara ate 3 good meals today. I feed her and that helps get her to do it. She didn't have any PT today, hopefully tomorrow they will get her up and walking again. She didn't have any pain that required morphine today, that is a plus. Her legs are swelling some as she is off the Maxide that stops that, I asked the Dr and he said they stopped it because the sodium level is low. She has had the catheter out for about 2-3 days now and she still is having a problem adjusting to going on her own. But at least she is going. Amazing what is very important. Bruce's daughter, Tasha and family are on their way up to say goodbye, they are leaving early in the morning for Elko NV with a few stops on the way. It has been fun seeing them, and Barbara really enjoyed it.

4-6-12  This is a fantastic video, don't miss it.

Alberta, Canada

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ThFCg0tBDck

4-5-12  Need a bit of real fun and here it is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz3CPzdCDws

You will want lots of good sound with it. If that doesn't do it Google for a mortician.

4-4-12

Not a good day today, when I got there about 9 she was with the PT guy and he had her sitting on the edge of the bed. He had her stand and use a walker to turn around and sit in a wheel chair. While she was doing this she had what they called a seizure, it might have been a TIA. We got her back in bed and that was the end of the PT. She had the same thing happen yesterday after she had gone to an exercise room in a wheel chair and walked about 20 ft twice using rails. The second time she had the what ever. She goes blank and eyes roll back. This only lasts a few seconds, but she is totally unresponsive during it.
The Birch Patrick Conv people decided to send her to Emergency to find out what was happening. Her BP was low then in ER it went high, her blood sugar was high and she hadn't eaten much of anything, she did have what they call a Boost for diabetics, it is supposed to replace a meal.
I left ER at 8:15 tonight and they were waiting for a room in the hospital and she should be there in the morning. She can hardly move her legs, they are real weak and hurt when she tries. Nothing makes any sense why she is this way from the bladder cancer procedure as it was through the urethra, no surgery.

4-1-12 Here is the Covina Hospital bill from when I was treated for Rheumatic Fever in 1945, a wopping $87.82. That was for Penicillin every 4 hours for 6 days, about 36 painful shots in my butt. The needles they used in those days were like framing nails. Some of those night nurses were the worst and a few the best. To make matters worse there was an old guy who was going OOOHHH, with every breath 24/7. I was in bed at home for 9 months after that, but later passed a navy physical. The second bill from 1939 shows the day price went up from $5 to $6.50.

  

I haven't seen any of Barbara's bills yet but they will probably be on an order of 1,000 times more/week.

3-31-12 Barbara was moved to a Rehab wing of Sharp Hosp. Fri afternoon. She is real weak and can't get out of bed unassisted and can't stand more than about 3 min with assistance. This is a real nice facility and has the same food as Sharp, better food than many restaurants. They had an Occupational and Physical therapist work with her today, Sat. She doesn't have much appetite as yet.

3-27-12 Barbara had a panic attack about 1:30AM and since our Dr and I had decided to take her back to the ER in the morning I called 911 again. They transported her back to Sharp Chula Vista. She had been there 5 days and home 5 days and now back there again. They ran a lot of tests and have started several treatments. I will find out more tomorrow when I can talk to the Dr.

3-22-12

My wife, Barbara had a bladder cancer procedure last Fri 3-16 at 7:30 AM, it was done as an outpatient and they sent her home with me afterward about 11:30AM. It was pretty rough getting her into and out of the car (Toyota Highlander). I put her in our wheel chair and got her to her bed. She couldn't help me when we got there. I think she must have had a TIA. I got her most of the way in and she spent the night that way. She was getting spells of real bad pain that either came and went or she just went to sleep and it woke her up. About 6:00AM Sat I called 911, there was nothing I could do for her. They were right here and wound up just taking her in the bottom sheet, 3 firemen and 1 EMT loaded her on the gurney. I followed a few minutes later and caught up with her in ER. They were going to admit her but there were no beds available upstairs till late in the day, they had her in 2 ER rooms before she went upstairs. I rode the elevator up with her and they put her in a double room at the window. She was pretty much out of it when I left about 9:00PM. The nurse called twice that night so Barbara could talk to me, she said she was being held hostage somewhere. I guess the anesthesia must have messed her mind up. This lasted a few days. I guess she raised so much hell being out of it that they put her in a real nice private room. The next day when I got there they wanted to inventory her clothes and belongings, the first thing out of the bag was the sheet. I took that home with me later. I went to do the wash that night and was minus a pillow. It finally dawned on me that the pillow I kept moving off a chair there was hers. I felt like Security would stop me for stealing a pillow the next morning when I took it down to the car between rain showers. She was still having the pains in her legs, stomach and back and they had her set up so she could get morphine ever 2 hrs if needed. It turned out she got in about every 6 or so the first few days. Finally on Tue she had a shot at 3:00AM and no more the rest of the day. Wed none and she was eating better (I always wound up eating most of her meals), I only ate at the cafeteria once. Tue Barbara and I were both napping in the afternoon and sons Gary and Bruce walked in.

Bruce lives in Elko, he had driven over to Gary's in Reno/Sparks the night before and they left at 4:30AM. What a surprise, my sister, Nancy knew all about it, but we didn't. Wed late afternoon they released her to go home. The nurse and I  had a hard time getting her in the car. I got her in our wheel chair at home and on to bed. Thurs she ate a good oatmeal breakfast a diabetic chocolate drink for lunch. Gary fixed a Costco meat loaf dinner with mashed potatoes and peas and she cleaned her plate. We watched a TV show and off to bed.  The boys are heading home Fri early. They were down at the IB Pier today. Gary is 59 and Bruce 57, but they are still Barbara's little boys.

Barbara still has a lot of recovering to do, she still can't walk and I help her to the bathroom with a walker, the wheel chair for going any further in the house. She still has the catheter in and it needs draining quite often.  The hospital doctor thinks all the problems were due to the anesthesia, I sure hope so, I guess time will tell. 

3-11-12   This is a story that has been around via email a few times, but you may have missed it. It is long and worth reading. A sad story with a happy ending.

 August 1942.  Piotrkow, Poland The sky was gloomy that morning as we waited anxiously.

All the men, women and children of Piotrkow's Jewish ghetto Had been herded into a square.

Word had gotten around that we were being moved.  My father had only recently died from typhus, which had run rampant through the crowded ghetto.  My greatest fear was that our family would be separated.

'Whatever you do,' Isidore, my eldest brother, whispered to me, 'don't tell them your age.  Say you're sixteen.

'I was tall for a boy of 11, so I could pull it off.  That way I might be deemed valuable as a worker.

An SS man approached me, boots clicking against the cobblestones.  He looked me up and down, and then asked my age.

'Sixteen,' I said.  He directed me to the left, where my three brothers and other healthy young men already stood.

My mother was motioned to the right with the other women, children, sick and elderly people.

I whispered to Isidore, 'Why?' He didn't answer.

I ran to Mama's side and said I wanted to stay with her.

'No, 'she said sternly.

'Get away.  Don't be a nuisance.  Go with your brothers.' She had never spoken so harshly before.  But I understood: She was protecting me.  She loved me so much that, just this once, She pretended not to.  It was the last I ever saw of her.

My brothers and I were transported in a cattle car to Germany.

We arrived at the Buchenwald concentration camp one night later and were led into a crowded barrack.  The next day, we were issued uniforms and identification numbers.

'Don't call me Herman anymore.' I said to my brothers.  'Call me 94983.' I was put to work in the camp's crematorium, loading the dead into a hand-cranked elevator.

I, too, felt dead.  Hardened, I had become a number.

Soon, my brothers and I were sent to Schlieben, one of Buchenwald 's sub-camps near Berlin ...

One morning I thought I heard my mother's voice.

'Son,' she said softly but clearly, I am going to send you an angel.' Then I woke up.  Just a dream.  A beautiful dream.

But in this place there could be no angels.  There was only work.  And hunger.  And fear.

A couple of days later, I was walking around the camp, around the barracks, near the barbed-wire fence where the guards could not easily see.  I was alone.

On the other side of the fence, I spotted someone: a little girl with light, almost luminous curls.  She was half-hidden behind a birch tree.

I glanced around to make sure no one saw me.  I called to her softly in German.  'Do you have something to eat?' She didn't understand.

I inched closer to the fence and repeated the question in Polish.  She stepped forward.  I was thin and gaunt, with rags wrapped around my feet, but the girl looked unafraid.  In her eyes, I saw life.

She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence.

I grabbed the fruit and, as I started to run away, I heard her say faintly, 'I'll see you tomorrow.' I returned to the same spot by the fence at the same time every day.  She was always there with something for me to eat - a hunk of bread or, better yet, an apple.

We didn't dare speak or linger.  To be caught would mean death for us both.

I didn't know anything about her, just a kind farm girl, except that she understood Polish.  What was her name?  Why was she risking her life for me?

Hope was in such short supply, and this girl on the other side of the fence gave me some, as nourishing in its way as the bread and apples.

Nearly seven months later, my brothers and I were crammed into a coal car and shipped to Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia .

'Don't return,' I told the girl that day.  'We're leaving.' I turned toward the barracks and didn't look back, didn't even say good-bye to the little girl whose name I'd never learned, the girl with the apples.

We were in Theresienstadt for three months.  The war was winding down and Allied forces were closing in, yet my fate seemed sealed.

On May 10, 1945, I was scheduled to die in the gas chamber at 10:00 AM.

In the quiet of dawn, I tried to prepare myself.  So many times death seemed ready to claim me, but somehow I'd survived.  Now, it was over.

I thought of my parents.  At least, I thought, we will be reunited.

But at 8 a.m.  there was a commotion.  I heard shouts, and saw people running every which way through camp.  I caught up with my brothers.

Russian troops had liberated the camp!  The gates swung open.  Everyone was running, so I did too.  Amazingly, all of my brothers had survived; I'm not sure how.  But I knew that the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival.

In a place where evil seemed triumphant, one person's goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where there was none.

My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.

Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics.  Then I came to America, where my brother Sam had already moved.  I served in the U.  S.  Army during the Korean War, and returned to New York City after two years.

By August 1957 I'd opened my own electronics repair shop.  I was starting to settle in.

One day, my friend Sid who I knew from England called me.

'I've got a date.  She's got a Polish friend.  Let's double date.' A blind date?  Nah, that wasn't for me.

But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up to the Bronx to pick up his date and her friend Roma.

I had to admit, for a blind date this wasn't so bad.  Roma was a nurse at a Bronx hospital.  She was kind and smart.  Beautiful, too, with swirling brown curls and green, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with life.

The four of us drove out to Coney Island .  Roma was easy to talk to, easy to be with.

Turned out she was wary of blind dates too!

We were both just doing our friends a favor.  We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by the shore.  I couldn't remember having a better time.

We piled back into Sid's car, Roma and I sharing the backseat.

As European Jews who had survived the war, we were aware that much had been left unsaid between us.  She broached the subject, 'Where were you,' she asked softly, 'during the war?' 'The camps,' I said.  The terrible memories still vivid, the irreparable loss..I had tried to forget.  But you can never forget.

She nodded.  'My family was hiding on a farm in Germany, not far from Berlin ,' she told me.  'My father knew a priest, and he got us Aryan papers.' I imagined how she must have suffered too, fear, a constant companion.  And yet here we were both survivors, in a new world.

'There was a camp next to the farm.' Roma continued.  'I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples every day.' What an amazing coincidence that she had helped some other boy.  'What did he look like?  I asked.

'He was tall, skinny, and hungry.  I must have seen him every day for six months.' My heart was racing.  I couldn't believe it.

This couldn't be.

'Did he tell you one day not to come back because he was leaving Schlieben?' Roma looked at me in amazement.  'Yes!' 'That was me!' I was ready to burst with joy and awe, flooded with emotions.  I couldn't believe it!  My angel.

'I'm not letting you go.' I said to Roma.  And in the back of the car on that blind date, I proposed to her.  I didn't want to wait.

'You're crazy!' she said.  But she invited me to meet her parents for Shabbat dinner the following week.

There was so much I looked forward to learning about Roma, but the most important things I always knew: her steadfastness, her goodness.  For many months, in the worst of circumstances, she had come to the fence and given me hope.  Now that I'd found her again, I could never let her go.

That day, she said yes.  And I kept my word.  After nearly 50 years of marriage, two children and three grandchildren, I have never let her go.

Herman Rosenblat of Miami Beach , Florida

 

This story is being made into a movie called The Fence.

Further checking says the story is a hoax, part of it any way. It still is a great story, the way things should turn out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Rosenblat  

Herman Rosenblat Born 1929 Residence Miami, Florida Spouse Roma

3-3-12  I just finished Jim Regan's Review pick "Pipeline", our library didn't have it so I went to my sources, amazon.com or abe.com, I don't remember which I bought it from, who ever had the best deal. This is a great book and an exciting story, see Jim's Review. http://madcatsalumni.org/Review.htm

I have read all of the books below, this guy is a fantastic author. If you read them start with the oldest, they are like a Trilogy, they continue on from book to book. I started in the middle, but had to read them all and I have bought some in a different series, these are in the mail.  The "Last Jihad" is the first in the series.

Fiction Backlist - Rosenberg’s fiction has captured the attention of our nation. Labeled as a "modern-day Nostradamus," his political thrillers have an uncanny way of coming true.. starting with his first book, The Last Jihad. Written 9 months before 9/11, the story is about terrorists flying a plane into a skyscraper in a major U.S. City. Joel’s books read like they’re ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.

Dead Heat The stage is set for war.
Oil prices are surging to record highs.
A new dictator is rising in Iraq.
China is threatening Taiwan.
North Korean forces are ready to strike south.
Israel is feverishly trying to complete the Third Temple.

And in the midst of a world ready to explode, American president James MacPherson’s second term is ending.

 

The copper scroll In 1956, a scroll was uncovered that shocked the world.

Fifty years later, the world is about to be shocked again.

On June 1, 1956, the New York Times broke a story that captured the imagination of the world. Another Dead Sea Scroll had been found, unlike any before it, describing unimaginable treasures buried in the hills east of Jerusalem, and under the Holy City itself.

In the years that followed, some scholars came to believe the Copper Scroll could be history’s greatest treasure map, one that could lead to the discovery of the Second Temple treasures and the building of the Third Jewish Temple.

 

The Ezekiel Option When Russia's richest oil baron is killed, Moscow suddenly teeters on the verge of political chaos. Tehran races to complete its nuclear arsenal. Washington finds herself dangerously divided from her European allies. A new evil looms on the horizon. A dictator is rising in Russia. Iran is feverishly building nuclear weapons. A new axis of evil is emerging, led by Moscow and Tehran. And Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy, two senior White House advisors, find themselves facing the most chilling question of their lives: is the world rushing to the brink of an apocalypse prophesied more than 2,500 years ago?

 

The Last Days With over 400,000 copies in print, this New York Times best-seller opens with White House advisors Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy heading into Gaza when their convoy is attacked by a massive explosion. Soon, Yassir Arafat is dead, Islamic radicals are trying to take over the West Bank and Gaza, Iraqi terrorists are targeting Americans, and Bennett begins to wonder if he is witnessing signs of the last days before the return of Christ. Since The Last Days was first published, Arafat has died and Hamas has taken over the Palestinian Authority.

 

The last jihad The book that started it all, The Last Jihad is the first of Joel C. Rosenberg's New York Times best-selling series, with 500,000 in print. The first page puts readers in the cockpit of a hijacked jet on a kamikaze mission into an American city--but it was written nine months before 9/11/01. As the plot unfolds, White House advisors Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy are under attack in Jerusalem as the U.S. goes to war with Iraq over weapons of mass destruction--but The Last Jihad was published four months before the actual Iraq war began.

 

2-23-12 From the  Havasu Pioneers Face Book page. 1969, the good old days. $34.9/gal.

3-3-12 Now our gas goes up that much each day, or at least it seems like it.

 

2-16-12 Another of my messy lash ups. I bought one Sony 300CD player and it didn't work, I got most of my money back and bought another and it works great. They hold 300CDs, I have just over 100 in it now. I bought a Low Power FM transmitter in China for $45 with free shipping. It was a surprise when it arrived as there were about 4 bags with pieces in them. 2 printed circuit boards, a connecting cable, screws and nuts, an antenna and no instructions. Sure glad I had lots of experience in TV and a Ham Radio license at one time. There was no power supply with it but the connection on the PC board said 12Volt. I had a couple of old batteries that came with Barbara's scooter. They were in the class "I know they are good for nothing, but I am keeping till they are good for something". I hooked one up and the frequency LEDs lit up for a few seconds and went out, I figured it was the transmitter and then tested the battery  and it was dead. I got the other one and was in business. The first one was low on water, it has water now and is on the charger, I think it will make it.

The wireless keyboard on top is to program in titles, later for this. The little transmitter is in front of the battery. The antenna is on top of the Kenwood 5 disc player.

The mighty transmitter set on 106.3. I have another different brand Whole House Transmitter hooked to our XM receiver and it is on 106.9, this has Barbara's music on it. We agree on music, she doesn't like mine and I don't like hers. Disc 70 track 11 is "Everybody Should Get Stoned", not on her play list. 77-10 is "Alice's Restaurant" 18.5 minutes long. 90-16 "Mama Told Me not to Come" ; 55-9 "Jesus is all right with me". 88-11 "San Francisco" Tony Bennett. 5-20 "Grease".They are all over the spectrum. I have 7 Bose Wave radios in the house and garage and can pick up either station on all the radios.

Here is the juke box with the door open. The turntable rotates around to the left where the selected CD is pulled out and played off to the side. It is showing that I was playing disc 80 when I opened the door.

2-13-12  From Genelle Cox '49, you never know what these MAD folks will come up with.

genelle barnhouse cox	9:37 AM (17 minutes ago)
to me

 

 

 

Hi Gary:Thanks for the e-mail on Martha Raye.  When we had our restaurant in Laguna Beach in the '60's and 70's Martha Raye ate in our restaurant.  I was hostess, I seated her and didnt notice who she was, but our waitress noticed and informed me who it was.  She looked like any other old lady to me.

Genelle and Bob

From: Gary Dayton <gdayton65@gmail.com>
To: Gary Dayton <gdayton65@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 10:00 PM
Subject: Remember Martha Raye??
 

Not sure I ever heard of this, but it seems a bit familiar. 

Remember Martha Raye?

The most unforgivable oversight of TV is that her shows were not taped.

This is a great story about a great woman. I was unaware of her credentials or where she is buried.

Somehow I just can't see Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, or Jessica Simpson doing what this woman

(and the other USO women, including Ann Margaret & Joey Heatherton) did for our troops in past

wars. Most of the old time entertainers were made out of a lot sterner stuff than today's crop of activists and whiners.

The following is from an Army Aviator who takes a trip down memory lane:

It was just before Thanksgiving '67 and we were ferrying dead and wounded from a large GRF west

of Pleiku. We had run out of body bags by noon, so the Hook (CH-47 CHINOOK) was pretty rough

in the back. All of a sudden, we heard a 'take-charge' woman's voice in the rear. There was the singer

and actress, Martha Raye, with a SF (Special Forces) beret and jungle fatigues, with subdued markings,

helping the wounded into the Chinook, and carrying the dead aboard. 'Maggie' had been visiting her

SF 'heroes' out 'west'.

We took off, short of fuel, and headed to the USAF hospital pad at Pleiku. As we all started unloading

our sad pax's, a 'Smart Ass' USAF Captain said to Martha.... Ms Ray, with all these dead and wounded

to process, there would not be time for your show! To all of our surprise, she pulled on her right collar

and said.....Captain, see this eagle? I am a full 'Bird' in the US Army Reserve, and on this is a 'Caduceus'

which means I am a Nurse, with a surgical specialty....now, take me to your wounded. He said, 'yes ma'am....

Follow me.' Several times at the Army Field Hospital in Pleiku, she would 'cover' a surgical shift, giving

a nurse a well-deserved break.

Martha is the only woman buried in the SF (Special Forces) cemetery at Ft Bragg.

Hand Salute! A great lady.. I did not know this about Martha Ray....thought you might like to read it.

Genelle sure added to this story with serving her in their restaurant in Laguna Beach.

Small world, I worked for the Laguna Beach County Water Dist in the early '60s for a couple of years and Phil Eggstaff's uncle worked there as a draftsman, the engineering dept consisted of the engineer, Phil's uncle and me. I left to go back to Trico and the McCulloch project at Lake Havasu City. I never ate at their restaurant or any other, the pay was so low it was costing me about $100/mo to work there, I did is so I could finish some engineering classes.

 

2-12-12 We had an overnight with our old friends at Gene & Lorraine Alley's in San Clemente.

Chris here from La Conner WA, Conrad's from Palos Verde Estates, Betty from Lago Vista TX (Austin area)

Sadly Chris lost his wife, Elaine and Betty lost her husband Neil "Pete" Peterson.

Because I met Barbara at a 10th grade graduation party in Pasadena after two of the girls picked up 3 of us guys from Monrovia at Larry & Carl's across from PCC. We followed them back to the party at Mardy's house. These were 16 year olds. The 2 girls that picked us up wound up with the 2 older guys, Bruce Jones (Max's bro), and Geo Wilde, we decided to go get some beer as we were leaving I grabbed the girl on the end of the couch and she surprised me and came with us. We have been married 61 years last June. Barbara wrote Lorraine, who was in Sacramento and told her she had found her husband and to hurry back down here. Gene and Lorraine have been married 3 mos longer than us. Pete and Betty got married a couple of years later. All of this because 3 grubby guys stopped at Larry & Carl's for coffee after work. Barbara's sister, Shirley, met Roger Teel. Be very careful where you have coffee.

1-12-12 I decided not to ride my scooter there.

http://anaggh.posterous.com/a-traffic-light-would-just-screw-this-up

2-5-12  See the '52 page for news of their 60th reunion. They are inviting '50 to '56 classes to join them weekend of May 18^th, 19^th and 20^th.   

Jane Millett

 "Jane Millett" tmillettt@yahoo.com

2-3-12  Happy Birthday to Vangie Brownwood Regan, she has joined our 80 club and will be hosted tonight on the Midway. A fitting place for her birthday celebration since she has been so involved with it for so many years. Sorry we can't make it.

Looking good.

2-8-12 From John Burt via Jim Regan

Dear Family & Friends-
>
> The excitement of Vangie's 80th Birthday Bash on the Midway still lingers as
> it will in our memories for a long time to come. The byline reads: This event during Vangie's fabulous
> <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VogAzd5dW0I&feature=youtu.be> 80th Birthday
> Bash features several Miss California's, including the current Miss
> California Noelle Freeman who placed in the top 5 at the Miss America
> pageant. This is the first chorus of "God Bless America" on board the Midway
> Museum in San Diego.
>
> Love, John
>
> John Burt

http://youtu.be/VogAzd5dW0I  This link works also.

1-29-12   

Dire Straits - Walk Of Life [ HD Music Video ]

This is one of my favorite videos, just plain fun, music and sports clips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZxVC0GB838

If you like this, there are links to lots more free fun videos from this one, I must have watched another 6-8 of them.

1-29-12  An old friend sent these links, it is a treasure trove of history. Here is just one of probably hundreds.

Santa Anita Racetrack with the housing for the Japanese during WW2, this is just a sample of what it there.

THIS IS VERY INTERESTING. IF YOU CLICK ON THE CAPTION , ON THE TOP OF THE PHOTO IT WILL SHOW YOU MORE.

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/pages/ww2/  ( klik op de foto's )   ....   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/06/world-war-ii-before-the-war/100089/   ...   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/06/world-war-ii-the-invasion-of-poland-and-the-winter-war/100094/   ...   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/07/world-war-ii-axis-invasions-and-the-fall-of-france/100098/     enz...enz....       archieven :       http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/afghanistan/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/africa/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/americas/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/animals/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/asia/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/astronomy/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/disaster/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/environment/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/festival/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/health_1/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/history/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/holiday/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/middle_east/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/people/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/photojournalism/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/politics/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/quiz/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/religion/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/science/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/society/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/sports/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/terrorism/   http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/category/unrest/

 

1-29-12 I have been reading a great Trilogy that I think should be used as History books, WW2 is presented as a novel using real people based on diaries, letters, and interviews. The first in the series is the last one I am reading, our son, Gary, sent me the middle one and the Library had the last one and the first one. They are available from amazon.com at very reasonable prices used. The author is Jeff Shaara, and he is great.

No 1 Rising Tide No 2 Steel Wave No 3 Final Storm

Jeff has several others that I plan to read, Civil War etc.

Jim Regan reviewed " The Final Storm" in Dec.

A BLOODY REVIEW – 12/16/11

 

This week’s review is a work of historical fiction, THE FINAL STORM by Jeff Shaara (2011), and recreates the bloody conquest of the island of Okinawa. Dubbed code name “Operation Iceberg,” it was one of the most costly battles fought during WWII. Reportedly, there were over 100,000 Japanese casualties vs. 50,000 allies. The capture of this strategic island set the stage for the final bombing missions of Japan and its ultimate surrender. Okinawa is the largest (about 60 miles long and 2 - 18 miles wide) in the Ryukyu Island chain and is 350 miles from the homeland of Japan.

The author is well known for his World War II novels, including No Less Than Victory, The Steel Wave, The Rising Tide, To the Last Man, The Glorious Cause, Rise to Rebellion and Gone for Soldiers. Many readers may recall Jeff father’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, The Killer Angels.

 

It was in the spring of 1945, not long after the fall of Iwo Jima, that allied forces invaded the key island of Okinawa. Securing the island with its four air bases was considered essential in order to escalate bombing missions over Japan. The battle of Okinawa lasted 80+ days. In the beginning, two marine and two army divisions landed at Hagushi Bay where they met little resistance. The invasion seemed to be going well until our troops encountered fanatical Japanese forces who were literally “dug-in” the rocky volcanic hillsides and reinforced with heavy artillery. A warren of caves, connected by tunnels, were riddled throughout the steep hilltops and provided safe shelter from any frontal attacks and from our off-shore guns. Despite the advanced shelling by our naval guns and heavy air strikes, the Japanese mountain fortresses suffered little damage.

The author has constructed the battle through the eyes and minds of key personnel. Throughout the book, Marine Private Clay Adams takes the reader to the battlefront as he struggles to become accepted by his fellow veteran platoon members after being hospitalized with an infection.  Having lived in the shadow of his older brother, a decorated army paratrooper, Adams portrays a young marine who is confronted by the brutality of war while fighting for his life and for the lives of his fellow mates. In the end, Adams is one of six marines in his platoon that survived the battle.     Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific, was appointed in charge of the invasion of Okinawa. The author paints the in-fighting between inter-branch Generals & Admirals (Air Force (Curtis LeMay), Army (Simon Buckner Jr.), Navy (Chester Nimitz) and their staffs as they wrestle with their respective problems in carrying out the mission. Their personalities and divergence of opinions in strategic planning and operations created frustrations in getting the job done. After all, why should a Navy Commander tell an Army General how to fight a land battle?

The book outlines the decision making process and how these decisions affected the invasion and eventually the outcome of the war.

Each chapter takes the reader back and forth between the two sides as they engage in battle. The Commanding General of the Japanese land forces on Okinawa was Samurai General Ushijima who subscribed to the ethic code of “bushido, (“The Way of the Warrior”).  His reaction to the invasion provides some interesting insight into the Japanese Empire’s aspirations for global supremacy and the struggles he encounters from his superiors and subordinates while fighting to retain the island of Okinawa. Initially, the superiority of his army was demonstrated from their hilly fortified positions. As his army slowly erodes, and as he witnesses the death and destruction of his army, he chooses suicide over capture.

Shaara does a good job describing the battle with the use of simple maps.

General Simon Buckner was the land commander directing the U.S. ground troops. Unfortunately, he was killed while performing a risky reconnaissance mission at a forward outpost by artillery fire. He became the highest ranking officer to be killed throughout WWII.  After a smooth landing, our troops were divided and sent into opposite directions, north and south. The marines who went north were met with sporadic and minimal opposition. The army foot soldiers who were sent south, however, encountered fierce resistance. The result was that most of the marines who went north were sent back south to assist in countering the Japanese hillside strongholds. The assault on Sugar Loaf Hill proved to be the beginning of a lengthy nightmare. Our forces would gain ground inches at a time while suffering many casualties. Enemy fire and grenades would rain down from the caves and trenches above necessitating periodic retreats to the safety of foxholes and limited shelter, only to regroup and push forward, once again. Throughout this ordeal, the author makes you feel as if you were there. At the time, Okinawa had a large civilian population, and they, too, suffered huge losses from both sides. As the fight turned against the Japanese army, General Ushijima, acting on the advice of his staff, decided to launch a final counter-attack by relocating his remaining troops in a compact southerly area. Their headquarters had been demolished and relocation became a necessity. Air drops of napalm and heavy artillery bombardment, flame throwers and grenades became the weapons of choice on the enemy’s new battle lines. This proved too much for the Japanese fighters and after 80+ days of intense fighting, there was no more enemy to pursue.  Allied forces had reached the southern end of the island and victory was declared. As the mopping up process began across the island, most of our troops were taken to Guam for some rest and recreation. Many veterans, including Pvt. Adams, were given a thirty-day leave – time to return to the States – a time to reflect.

Meanwhile, lurking in the background was the U.S. secret program known as the Manhattan Project, headed up by Dr. Robert Oppenheimer. Often referred to as “the Father of the Atomic Bomb,” he along with General Leslie Groves developed the “mother of all bombs.” The death of President Roosevelt, and the subsequent assumption of the presidency by then vice president Harry Truman, brought mixed emotions to our country. Truman had military experience as an artillery officer during WWI and understood the necessity for using “the bomb.” The new 33^rd Commander-in-Chief was credited with bringing the war to an end.                                                   The crew of the B-29 bomber named the “Enola Gay,” was selected and Colonel Paul Tibbets was designated the pilot in command of the mission. When given the green light, their secret assignment was to unleash an atomic bomb on one of three chosen targets, Hiroshima, Kokura or Nagasaki. Multiple targets were selected in order to assure acceptable flight conditions. The author takes the reader on this dramatic mission (August 6, 1945) over Hiroshima as he traces the entire event from take-off, to “bomb away” and to the return to base. Later, Nagasaki became the target of another bomb. As the reader knows, Japan surrendered soon thereafter. And, the fanatical thirst by Japan’s Imperial High Command to conquer the world came to a historical end.

Jeff Shaara’s account of the battle of Okinawa gives the reader pause at the bravery and heroics shown by our military. One wonders what could have happened if we had lost our freedom…..Marines like Pvt. Adams wasn’t about to let that happen. And, thanks to all of our brave military men and women who thought, and acted likewise.

JR

 

 

1-16-12 I have been meaning to put this up, this is really interesting again. Reid is back at sea with his family and a crew. You can back up to where they left NY and the storm they went through and having the rudder shaft break during the storm. http://1000days.net/home/

1-16-12 Here is something Gene Bunch sent out that you may enjoy, I sure did.

 

Wyman Meinzer graduated from Texas Tech. When he graduated, he moved back to his ranch near Benjamin, Tx so he could begin his photography.

He lived in a dugout for quite a few months, to be in the middle of the roadrunners, coyotes, and snakes. 
Tremendous work.

If you're from West Texas and love the outdoors….or not, this will stir your heart!

 

 Be sure to turn on your speakers!!

http://player.vimeo.com/video/22132017?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

Let's go to the beach and then for a little sea cruise, shall we?

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=T4FIS1FnOQg

 

 

11-21-11  More sad news, Kathi Henry '53 editor passed away 11-17-11, see the '53 page for details. I enjoyed working with Kathi all these years. There is one of her paintings at the bottom portion of this page. She sent it to my wife, Barbara, as a mothers day card and had me put it on her page. Barbara still treasures it. Here is a pix her daughter, Kristi sent with the information I put on the '53 page. Note is was taken the day before she died.

Making works of art right up to the last, doing what she really enjoyed and was great at.

 

11-20-11 Sad news, Betty Peterson, Pete's widow, emailed me tonight that Pete's sister, Shirley Jan '48, passed away this morning. I just saw her at Gene and Lorraine Alleys in San Clemente Sept 17th. Barbara wasn't able to make the trip. Here is a pix I took of some of those there, her son Hal and wife Julie Roach were there too.

9-17-11 We were invited up to the Alley's in San Clemente today, Barbara wasn't up to it as she was getting over the effects of a bout of diarrhea. Pete's widow, Betty had flown in from Austin Thurs. Pete's sister, Shirley Jan '48 was there with her daughter, Jana'73 and a friend Kay Dalbec '70. Quite a bunch from MAD at various times, Pete '50, me '49. I didn't get a pix of Shirley's son Hal Roach and wife Julie, Hal was MAD not sure about Julie. They had come over from Lake Havasu City to see his mom Shirley. Shirley had been at the Midway Reunion.

 

11-21-11 Hank Morris '47 sent me this pix of Shirley and noted:

Gary:

Sorry to hear about Shirley. We were both at Wildrose and I remember her at Clifton and MAD. Talked to her aboard Midway. Picture attached.

Thanks Hank '47.

 

11-14-11

I got a link to this, I don't think there are many young enough to watch it all, but there are sure some memories here. Thanks to Gene Bunch. http://www.oldiestelevision.com/

 

 

11-20-11 I just finished "An Irish Country Girl", this is my 4th book I have read in this series, they are fantastic. Tonight I started the 5th, "An Irish Country Courtship". Start with the "Irish Country Doctor"  An Irish Country Girl An Irish Country Courtship

11-10-11  Jim has another great review, I had just finished reading it this morning. "An Irish Country Christmas"

He has been featuring "An Irish Country" series and this one is the third. They are fantastic. I have 2 more to read. That ought to give you a hint as to how great they are. I have been buying them from Amazon.com  or ABE.com for great prices. The author is actually a doctor.

  The one to the left is "An Irish Country Village"

11-6-11  A little life saving for us old folks, and anyone else that needs it. This is really pretty simple.

http://medicine.arizona.edu/spotlight/learn-sarver-heart-centers-continuous-chest-compression-cpr

 

11-1-11 That is unique.  Here is a youtube video called "People are Awesome". The ones in this video sure are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Vo0Cazxj_yc&vq=medium

10-30-11 Last night while reading one of Jim's great reviewed picks, "An Irish Country Village", I first read "An Irish Country Doctor", next is "An Irish Country Christmas". These are fantastic books, you can't believe all that is going on in the little Irish town. I have to stop and go read a bit to Barbara now and then, it is so funny.

The girl named Deana, that turned out to be a boy when she/he went to the vet for the first time. He came from next door when the lady died. His chip was never registered and I have it in my name now. Cassy, our black cat sleeps with Barbara and is strictly her cat, she doesn't want anything to do with me anymore.

He is an indoor/outdoor cat, and last night he wanted in, and after eating joined me reading "An Irish Country Village"

10-26-11 The Zimmers again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqfFrCUrEbY

In the next one, I am sure Pat '49 is in there somewhere, or maybe she had to be edited out.

Here is another great Zimmer video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=GLaPBHg0fcI

A little fun in jolly old England again.

10-9-11 This one of the best stories out of WW2, be sure to watch it and pass it on. Two flyers find out they had both been in the same 2nd grade class when they were 8 years old, they found this out just recently.

WOW what a story...

 

 

Two WWII Pilots, a story of coincidence and mateship...

 

Red circle around Herb & John in their 3rd grade pix.

                                                                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agwnwqCdwl8

 

 

9-19-11   A BLAST  FROM THE PAST, we were there. The following is from the Havasu Pioneers Facebook page

Jim Tedeschi Does this site, he lived down the street from us on Sunflower as I remember.

 

 

Tom Barry

Susan Geary had mentioned the following episode of the classic TV series "Route 66" shot on Lake Havasu in 1962. I posted highlights on YouTube. This is Havasu before the city as few of us have seen it and a remarkable film history. NOTE: The video is 18 mins. If you have a slow connection, it may freeze on Facebook. Click the link immediately below to open a separate window. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rbO1PaBIhY

 

"Route 66" filmed on Lake Havasu 1962【HD】

www.youtube.com

Selected scenes from the episode titled "Go Read the River" (1962) from the classic TV series "Route 66" starring Martin Milner and George Maharis, Season 2,...

 

8-29-11  Gary:

The CLASSMATES website has a listing of yearbooks available as reprints; you can preview them on the website, http://www.classmates.com/yearbooks/96438/96438?s=email&e_prod=&e_date=&e_ver=&e_slot=&e_content=BLPROMO091510_P_R3A1&e_target=CM4578&e_sub=&fromEmail=true&hitwiseSegment=paid

At present, the following are available:

1942, 1944, 1945, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956 & 1958

Might be nice to post info on  our website. BTW, Jan (MAD 49) had her yearbook swiped at a reunion many years ago. If CLASSMATES comes up with a 49, we'll probably buy it.

Hank

 

Imperial Beach aerial view from a Century 21 post card. We back up to the dark open space, right center.  Not a very big town. The south end of San Diego Bay is at left center. The pix doesn't show all the way south to the condo on the beach where we lived from '88 to '95 when we moved to 5th St. That is when I retired. 

2-3-11  Did you lose your cat?

Is there a reward?

Be sure to watch the 4 year old on the drums below. I probably have watched it 20 times, any time I need a smile.

7-31-10 What are your 4 year old kids up to? Click below to see this one in action. Every time I need a smile I watch this little guy. I think I need to get some greats a drum set.

http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/drummer.html

 

Kathi Henry '53 did this card and sent it to Barbara as a Mothers Day card and for me to scan for her page. What a talent.

If needed download the free Power Point viewer from this site

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
FamilyId=428D5727
-43AB-4F24-90B7-A94784AF71A4&displaylang=en  

I found this doesn't seem to always work with AOL, if you have
that problem download
Firefox from here, it works great. I use it to monitor the websites.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ 

Barbara thinks this is me every time she goes in my office or the garage.

This is hard work. 

Our curb art address, fun things at the beach. The sloop is from a painting of our old sloop "Bluejeans". Below, the artist at work.