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Alumni Sandstorm Archive ~ December, 2008
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Richland Bombers Calendar website
Funeral Notices website
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/01/2008
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3 Bombers and Don Sorensen sent stuff:
Wynell Williams ('55), Derrith Persons ('60)
Ken Staley ('68), Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Shirley Pittman ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lynn Johnson ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chris Williamson ('65)
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>>From: Wynell Williams Fishburne ('55)
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081130-111-116.htm
The picture number 112 in Don Sorenson's (NAB) 11/30 entry:
My father, Fred Williams, is the man on the far right.
-Wynell Williams Fishburne ('55)
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>>From: Derrith Persons Dean ('60)
Re: Lunch News for the class of '60..
NEW LOCATION!!!! Last time for the year of 2008!
It's Lunch time!! class of '60, family and/or friends If you're
in town or from out of town Come on, we'll have a good time!!
When? - Saturday, December 6th
Time? - 11:30 am
Where? - NEW LOCATION... Sterling's, 890 GWWay
Come on. . . . lets talk!
-Derrith Persons Dean ('60)
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>>From: Ken Staley ('68)
Gloria Adams Fulcher ('54)
To Gloria and all the rest who are researching the old home
prices. My father's ranch house on Wright set him back $5,500 in
the day. With the additions and everything else he's poured into
it, the last assessment was $225,000.
A friend of ours recently purchased a refurbished prefab (not sure
what she means by 'refurbish... how much can you accomplish with
those old things?) and is renting it in Richland for $900 a month.
-Ken Staley ('68)
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>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Another Installment
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081201-117-122.htm
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/02/2008
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2 Bombers sent stuff:
Patti Jones ('60)
David Rivers ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Randy Rice ('73)
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>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081130-111-116.htm
Number 114 is my Uncle, Jim Boak. He is in the middle. Finally I
recognized someone. Jim is the one you made contact with recently.
I have sent him the picture but no response as yet. Still looks
outstanding at 83 when I look at the picture of years ago. Main
difference is white hair.
Bombers Have Fun
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Sorry and thanks
Just a quick note for all the wonderful emails and calls I got for
my birthday... I got a bit sick last weekend and thought it was
kicked by Wednesday... Thursday I was in bed zonked all day...
to dinner with my daughter Sarah at "BOA" a place she manages in
the forum shops then right back to bed... Sunday realized I was
getting way sicker and not better (I'm kinda slow that way) to
doc... then more doc today... lotsa shots and meds still way down
and heading back for more sleep but please know I love you all and
really appreciate your wonderful thoughts!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/03/2008
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4 Bombers sent stuff:
Tom Tracy ('55), Patti Jones ('60)
Gary Behymer ('64), Brad Upton ('74)
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>>From: Tom Tracy ('55)
To: Wynell Williams Fishburne ('55)
The picture of your Dad, Fred Williams brought back many grand
memories of the good times our family had Sunday Dinner at the
Fred and Lois Williams home. Your Mom's cooking and your Father's
hospitality are classic recollections. Your Mother was one of the
most loyal friends anyone could ever meet. At the Sunday Dinners
we talked you into playing the piano... but we often had to plead
to get you to perform. I still recall your musical talent as well
with the clarinet in the RHS orchestra and marching band and other
groups. All that along with your winning smile and Straight As...
made you the envy of many classmates.
I think I recall that your Father was a Safety Specialist from
the Remington Company (expert in protecting workers against
explosive detonations at munition factories). Wonder what he
is demonstrating in the picture? Fred Williams was one of the
kindest, mild-mannered gentlemen in our community. I remember once
when he observed us working to reconstruct the Nazarene Church
building our congregation purchased from the Walla Walla Airport
Military Base, he kindly commented that: "We'd be in a lot of
trouble if we took such risks out in the "Hanford Areas". At
that comment, Mr. Hanson, the construction supervisor, quickly
rearranged our locations to secure our safety. Your Dad knew his
business and exercised his authority with supreme diplomacy.
Your Mom, Lois, was our Mother's best friend and their Sunday
Dinners they both prepared remain unsurpassed. Your brothers,
Bob ('57) and Terrell Williams were lucky to be in your family.
I remember your Dad was always willing to risk styles and fashion.
He was 50-60 years ahead of his time when he bought the first
"Nash Metropolitan" economy car in Richland. He would be proud
of those now buying the vehicles that make us ask.."Where is the
other half of your car"?... I'm sure he would reply, "It's out
there somewhere laughing at all of that "smog" you guys are
expelling".
I also met my wife at your home when she, her Dad and stepmother
visited our church from Colfax, and came to your home for one of
the famous dinners. She was 8 years old and I was 10. Little did
we know... we hardly noticed each other. Now we notice each other
a lot more.
I'm sure your memories of those wonderful days in Richland are
treasured as well. You are one of the Class of '55's treasured
classmates.
Thanks for pointing out "Freddie John Williams"... in the picture.
That was one of the names he was affectionately called by all who
knew him.
Oh, yes... and we all loved your fabulous pet ... "Bee" (I think
that was her name)... the Basset Hound who may well have been the
forerunner of Snoopy.
All the best to you and your family and for bringing back good
memories of you and your family... in a unique place during an
irreplaceable time.
-Tom Tracy ('55)
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>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63)
The luncheon is the day Richland celebrates it's 50th Anniversary.
Come to the luncheon to celebrate! Fire works and boat parade are
at Howard Amon park in the evening.
Re: All Bomber Luncheon Richland
Reservations aren't necessary. Many Bombers do like to let us know
they are coming so please email if you wish.
WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 2008
WHERE: JD Diner, 3790 Van Giesen, West Richland, WA 99353
Used to be Coney Island
Gray building with red trim just past the Yakima Bridge
on the right.
heading west from Richland on the right side)
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
PRICE: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served all day.
Prices range from $4.50 - $13.95
(add drink, tax, and tip)
Bomber spouses and friends are welcome! Looking forward to also
seeing out-of-town Bomber visitors.
Bombers Have Fun,
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) ~ West Richland, WA
-Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63) ~ Richland, WA
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
This from the Spokesman Review October 26th, 2008...
Senior games...
The Fab 60 team from Eastern Washington placed fourth among 10
men's basketball teams in the 60-64 age bracket during the Oct.
13-17 Huntsman World Games in St. George, Utah.
Team members included Ray Stein ('64), Jerry Skaife and
Jim McClinton, Spokane; Larry Gunn, Colfax; Tedd Nealey, LaCrosse;
and Darryl Knott of Wenatchee, formerly of Endicott
-Gary Behymer ('64)
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>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
Finally a Sandstorm in my inbox! Thank you Comcast.
I've been meaning to plug stuff. This Saturday and Sunday I'll be
at The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, CA with
Johnny Mathis. John will sing about 1/2 Christmas music in these
concerts. He still looks and sounds like he's 35 and shouldn't be
missed. I'll also be with Mathis on Jan. 23-24th at The McCallum
Center in Palm Desert, CA.
-Brad Upton ('74)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/04/2008
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5 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Bell ('51), Joretta Garrison ('58)
Jim Hamilton ('63), Deedee Willox ('64)
Dennis Hammer ('64)
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>>From: Betty Bell Norton ('51)
Sorry this is late, but I just found it from Tri-City Herald
"Events" calendar of November 28!
"Upton visits "Bob & Tom" on Dec. 4". The Tri-Cities own teacher-
turned-funny-man, Brad Upton, will be a guest on THE BOB & TOM
RADIO SHOW on Dec. 4. The show airs from 6 to 11 am on 97.1 FM
station in the Tri-Cities.
This will be Upton's second guest appearance on the highly popular
radio program, which airs on about 150 stations nationwide."
It goes on about him being a Richland High grad who was a teacher,
etc. Hope people can hear it!
-Betty Bell Norton ('51)
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>>From: Sue Pritchett, aka Joretta Garrison ('58)
Re: Richland Houise Ornaments
http://rsa99352.tripod.com/Ornaments.html
GIFT IDEA: With all the talk about alphabet houses, it's a great
time to remind you that the Richland Seniors Association (RSA) has
ornaments for sale that commemorate many of the original houses.
They are $5 each ($6 if mailed)--plenty of time to reach you
for Christmas. Ornaments depict A-house, B, C, F, H, R, Precut,
Prefab, and Ranch. We also have Richland Bomber ornaments, as well
as the Hanford Falcons. All proceeds from ornament sales go to RSA
-- non-profit group.
Ornament Order Form: http://rsa99352.tripod.com/OrnOrderForm.htm
-Sue Pritchett, aka Joretta Garrison ('58)
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>>From: Jim Hamilton ('63)
This year there will be no snide remarks or cheap cracks about his
being parsimonious and hanging out at Super Dollar. No Siree Bob,
he's been more than concerned for me during what has been a tough
year. Cards and calls came like room service whenever I was down
and needed words of encouragement. Look up "friend" in your Funk &
Wagnells and you'll find his picture. LaMont, I couldn't have done
it without you and Carolyn's support. You are indeed the poster
children for loyalty and I'm so thankful to have you for a friend.
Happy Birthday Amigo [on 12/6], we love you and wish you good
health and prosperity.
-jimbeaux
-Jim Hamilton ('63)
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>>From: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
Was sorry to see that Dave Brusie ('51-RIP) has passed away.
Judy Willox ('61), Wasn't Dave's mother our first piano teacher?
To: Ray Stein ('64)
Congratulations! First for being ABLE to play basketball at our
age. Second, for placing fourth!
-Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
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>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: Richland 40 years ago today
Can it really be forty years ago? I was on an airplane flying out
of Pasco after my U. S. Navy boot camp leave. Of course I had to
take some photos of Richland as I looked out the window. I believe
this photo was taken on December 4, 1968, but I could be off a day
or two.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081204-Hamm-12-68.jpg
Some of the things I can spot are Uptown, the Federal Building,
the Rivershore Inn (now Shilo), and the "Rose Bowl." For you
younger Bombers that was what we called the city sewer and it was
located right about where WinCo is now. If you look in the lower
right part of the picture near where the bypass joins GWWay and
straight down form the "Rose Bowl," I believe that little white
spot is the Segmented Ellipsoid. It was originally built as an
office building for Truestone and was closed in with a wall of
glass windows. When it was first built and sitting out there in an
open space people thought it looked like a sailboat. I don't think
it was used as an office very long and it sat out there abandoned
for years before it was moved to Howard Amon park to become
an open air stage. It is now called "The Fingernail" because
apparently it looks like a fingernail to everyone on the planet
except me. Not long ago I heard on the news a proposal that it be
torn down. I hope it stays because it is kinda funky and unique.
It would be interesting to see a recent picture of Richland from
the same angle to compare it with.
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ from Kennewick, a suburb of the mighty
Bomberville
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/5/2008
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7 Bombers sent stuff:
Ray Wells ('54), Tom Hughes ('56)
Larry Mattingly ('60), Betsy Fox ('63)
Gary Behymer ('64), David Rivers ('65)
Linda McKnight ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: David Douglas ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janine Rightmire ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Art Snyder ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff Fulcher ('76)
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>>From: Ray Wells ('54)
To: Ray Loescher ('57)
In 1958, I purchased an "A" house for $7,000. The seller purchased
it from the government for $5,000. The house was original with no
improvements.
-Ray Wells ('54)
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>>From: Tom Hughes ('56)
This is a picture I took several years ago when I flew over to
Richland to visit some friends.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081205 Hugh-recentRichland.jpg
-Tom Hughes ('56)
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>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Anniversary fireworks
Things are well in order for the display Saturday the 13th. The
actual firing location is between the Lee dock and the dock
directly behind the Red Lion. Much of the display will be out over
the river. There will be a river patrol vessel and any boats will
be required to stay at least 600 feet out. Depending on weather
conditions, the view from a boat or even onshore directly across
could be really beautiful. According to my radar device the river
is a little over 1700 feet wide at that point. The volunteers are
on the list and will have received information and a schedule for
the work via e-mail this morning. If you volunteered and did not
receive that e-mail please contact me off this list. As a special
for Alumni I will conduct close up tours of the fireworks for the
curious, between 3 and 4 PM Saturday. I can take a few at a time
but no small children please. Come along the path from the Lee
side of the site. There will be a safety zone set up Saturday that
will be in effect by mid-afternoon. The police will block traffic
from going through the park road along the dike from Newton Street
on the North end to the parking lot behind what used to be the
Village Theater. The safety zone will run from the river to the
dike on both ends. Spectators will be allowed on top of the dike
but not on the ground between the dike and the river.
The display should be visible from all along the park although in
some areas trees may hinder viewing. The music will be broadcast
over the KONA FM station. Sorry I don't know the call letters or
the Frequency. Bring a portable radio and turn it up loud as I
will make some noise. The display will be precisely fired in time
to the music. We will start as close to 6:30 as is practical. The
display will last 12-1/2 minutes.
Entertainment Fireworks does very little bragging about what we
do. We would rather have our displays be judged for their
entertainment value. Come to the show and let us entertain you!
This will be a very emotional moment for me as it was 50 years ago
that I fired my first display that I was in charge of for the new
City Of Richland at Bomber Bowl July 4th, 1958. Now 50 years and
nearly 5000 displays later, I have come home. I sincerely hope all
will enjoy the results of my efforts and those of my crew.
I am recovering from Bronchial Pneumonia. Doc gave me a choice,
stay home, take meds and do nothing or be hospitalized. But he is
a good doc and nice fellow so I do as I am told. But I'm going
bats! He is a retired military doctor and accepts no nonsense from
patients. He told me today that I should be out and about Friday
So I will be attending the Bomber dinner at 13 Coins in Seattle
Saturday.
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From home on a clear and quiet night.
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>>From: Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
Re: Photos of Richland
I surely appreciate Don Sorenson's (nab) frequent postings of
pictures of Hanford, Richland and people somewhere floating around
in the '50s. I have seen 2 calendars in the pictures with the year
1957 on them. So far, I have spotted 10 people I knew -- all gone
now. I love looking at those pictures -- it takes me back to a
time when life seemed somehow easier --- when we played jacks on
the sidewalk at Jefferson, danced in the gym at Chief Jo,
listening to Beth Peterson ('61) play her guitar and sing
"Silhouettes" (on the wall) (ayyeouuuu) where I towered in my long
skinny self-conscious body - usually dancing with boys half my
size, who were probably as self-conscious as I was -- (talk about
invasion of your body space at age 12!), marched around the
Bomber field in the Pep Club drill team on the cold winter nights,
with steam coming out our noses and mouths as we stayed in step,
where we would spend the summers floating on inner tubes down the
river and water ski off docks, or go down all three slides at the
park, or ride the dryers in the laundromats for fun, or stop at
the Spudnut Shop walking to Jefferson or Chief Jo early in the
morning and put our cold noses on the window watching them make
the Spudnuts and turn them on the dowel and then pour frosting all
over them... or coming by David's shoes at the Uptown and putting
our feet inside the machine that made our feet look green so
we could look at the bones in our foot (jes lovveee that pure
radiation!), or go out to the Officers Club at Camp Hanford for
really special dinners, or ride up and down the escalator at CC
Andersons --- aww that was fun - and so new and thrilling and
exciting, or wait for the ski bus every Saturday morning during
the winter outside of BB and M's and watch big Tony smoke his
cigar (more appropriately smell Tony's cigar), paint wax on our
ski's the night before -- the ritual of it all. So many great
memories -- what a town to grow up in. I knew for sure, during our
air raid drills at Jefferson, that I would be fully protected when
I got under my desk and put my hands over my neck and under my
face that no bomb would hurt me. Such trust we had in life then.
Does it seem to the rest of you that life was so sweet in the '50s
and early '60s? Do you think our parents felt it was too -- or, is
it all relative --that they were stressed then, as we are now.
Of course I know there were stressful things -- the Korean war --
but, for the most part, it seemed like life was very good compared
to now -- 2 wars -- a horrendous economic situation. Anyway, thank
you Don, for those great pictures -- and also to Dennis Hamme ('64)
who sent a picture that he took from a plane in December 1968.
Does anyone have any pictures of the flood of 1948? Specifically
of the area around GWWay and Gowen Street. I have seen them - many
years ago -- but don't remember where. I would love to see what
that part of town looked like before, during and right after the
flood and would appreciate any information you could give me on
how to find some of these pictures.
[Dunno if your location is in these picturesd or not, Betsy.
http://richlandbombers.com/allbombers/1940s/1948-Flood-00.html]
Jim Hamilton ('63), know that you are in my thoughts often, as
you have struggled with the challenges facing you this year. It
was great seeing you at the reunion, and I send many wishes for
your continuing recovery throughout 2009. You have been so
positive as you face this.
Ann Engel Schafer ('63) -- blessed friend -- I send you much love
as you, too, face such a huge challenge - life without Fred. I
remember standing next to you, as you pledged your love to each
other and were married - and saw the devotion clear back then that
you had to each other.
I find as I am getting into my 60s (unbelievable - my
philosophical, maturational level stopped about 30 - you know --
peace, love, flowers, etc. -- Boulder, Colorado 1967), that what
really matters are people -- family, friends -- a sense of
community. Nothing else. I am so grateful to those of you whom
I've known through the years. I know that many are in the throws
of ill health, of taking care of sick parents or spouses, of
financial worries. I wish you all the best -- May 2009 bring with
it many good moments of good health, laughter, friendship,
relaxation, freedom from worries and happiness
-Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Early Uptown District Photo
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Behy/081205-Uptown49.jpg
-Gary Behymer ('64)
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: I gots class 'n' style
Can't ya see that Stray Kat Strut... So... as I was saying or not
saying as the case may have been whenever I mighta been saying or
not saying it... We younger Bombers tend to have been brought up
with a kind of sense and dignity that many today feel has fallen
by the wayside. We listen attentively to our elders even when they
make minor mistakes which would be commented on by lesser folks
than we... we speak when spoken to and never ever spill our milk
when allowed to partake of milk and cookies at the big kids'
table... We observe the festivities of our friends and loved
ones on the date and time noted and are punctual almost... I say,
almost to a fault... For example... if our good buddy was having a
special Dobie style birthday on a given day, we would wait till
our good buddy had his day to wish him merriment, fun and frolic
and proper bicycling care... Of course I would never criticize an
elder for Jumping the gun... no way no how... so today (12/05/08)
is one of those special days for my good buddy... well more like
My "Thalia Menninger" back in the day... she's sure put up with me
over the years... and tho I recall often about not understanding
the "new order" of things that occurs immediately upon grageashun
from Hi-School... and missing walking with her to get my diploma,
we have shared so much over the years I may actually get over it
someday... but now it's time to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Janine
Rightmire Corrado ('65) from your Dobie... well maybe your
Maynard?
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Reminder about our Bomber Christmas Party.
DATE: Saturday, December 6, 2008
TIME: 12:30 ish....
WHERE: The Hoban Residence
Email me for directions.
Everyone is invited. Bring your spouse, significant other, kids,
grandkids. The more the merrier!! Last I heard my kids and
grandkids are coming, and I am very, very excited. We will have a
great time!!
See you then. Be there or Be Square!!
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/06/2008
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6 Bombers and Don Sorensen sent stuff:
Betty Bell ('51), Betsy Fox ('63)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Robert Avant ('69)
Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Neil Goff ('50)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Terry DeVine ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marsha Lawell ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: LaMont DeJong ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda McKnight ('65)
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>>From: Betty Bell Norton ('51)
Just a reminder that the Richland Seniors Association and Richland
Parks & Recreation are jointly sponsoring our BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS
BALL - tonight - Saturday, December 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 at the
Richland Community Center. The EASY SWING BAND will be playing
for this all-ages dance. Lots of good food and nice door prizes
donated by local businesses. Tickets $5 at the door. Hope to see
you there!
-Betty Bell Norton ('51)
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>>From: Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
Re: '48 Flood Pictures
http://richlandbombers.com/allbombers/1940s/1948-Flood-00.html
Dear Maren,
Thank you so much for these pictures -- they are amazing!!!!!!
-Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
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>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
To: Tom Hughes ('56)
Re: Richland aerial photos
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081205-Hugh-recentRichland.jpg
Thanks for posting the recent photo of Richland, I could open
yours in one tab and mine in another, then click back and forth
and compare them.
Re: Social Security -- Extra Earnings for Military Service
http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm#2002
You may be credited with extra earnings for military service if
you served between 1958 and 2001. If your service was from 1977
through 1967 you have to apply. If your service was from 1968
through 2001 it is automatic. I just found out about it and don't
really know how it works. I don't know if it is already included
on the statement they send me or not since my service falls
between 1968 and 2001. Also, what if someone's service overlaps
the two time periods? I am not ready to apply for it for at least
a couple more years. I guess I am a newbie at being a geezer.
Newbie geezer, is that an oxymoron?
To: Pappy Swan ('59)
Re: age
Yes, I have been thought at least twice to be my mother's husband.
Furthermore, my mother is older than yours and I am younger than
you, so there is an even greater age difference. A couple of days
ago at the assisted living facility I was also asked if I was a
new resident.
I used to look a lot younger than my age until I was forty-five or
so. Often people would comment that they couldn't believe I was
that much older. Then, just when I heard a line used on a TV show
that gave me the perfect thing to say, I started actually looking
my age (if not acting my age), so I was never able to use it. That
line was something to the effect that the reason I look so much
younger is because I have an ugly old picture of myself locked
away in the attic. Re: "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ from a Bomber outpost in Lion Country
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
waaaaaa---no Sandstorm in my box this morning. had to go on line
and read it---which is a good thing, but sure miss having it come
right to me. *grin*
agree 100% with what Betsy Fox Vance('63)said---brought back so
many wonderful memories! I really do believe that we all grew up
in the best of times and in the best place! we had NO worries,
other than being home before the street lights came on OR in time
for dinner. *grin* we had good teachers, great role models, and a
town that cared.
Christmas is "right around the corner" and I love this time of
year--about the only time the rude people and crowds don't get on
my nerves. *grin* neighborhoods are starting to decorate their
homes and yards with lights and wooden cut-outs of all sorts of
various characters--we have one area of town that everyone on the
street decorates in a theme---one year, it was "The Little
Mermaid" and another year, "Toy Story"---they even have a horse-
drawn wagon that will take you around to see the sights; we can
also stop for hot cocoa and cookies at one of the homes---the kid
that started doing that collected money for the homeless shelter--
he started doing it when he was in grade school, is now off to
college, and his neighbors have continued the tradition--has
raised thousands of dollars for the shelter.
and, it's true what Betsy said---what matters most is family and
friends. I don't know where I'd be without my family and
friends---they have made things bearable. life hasn't always been
easy or fair, but we get through it, we are made of "Bomber
stock" and we can't be beaten. *grin*
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64)........Bakersfield,
CA---we have had a couple days of dense fog and 2-hour school
delays, so all the kids are happy as can be. *grin*
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Big and Little Birthdays on the 6th
It's time, it's time... Birthday time for two... count 'em two
mints in one... no... wait... that's double your pleasure double
your fun with... rats I'm just not getting this right... All this
reading about Richland's 50th anniversary is so exciting... I
can't believe it's been 50 years... I remember the A-Bomb that
was detonated in the field across from Uptown and the huge hole it
made... we would come home from a movie at the Uptown theater and
play in that hole... I can't believe it's only been 50 years and
I can't believe it is actually 50 years since those days... The
Petersons ('64 & '65), Craig Davis ('65), Larry Greer ('65) and
that whole Spalding gang had a ball... we were wearing DA's, blue
jeans and white shirts... my mom thought we looked awful... I
suppose we did... now days the current group of Rock-a-Billy fans
try and capture that dress... the guys have it down to a T, but
the girls get mixed up between the '50s the '40s and the '30s but
who cares it's all fun... A couple of months ago I was talking to
Jack Stewart of the L.A. Roadsters car club and we were having
a great giggle over the '50s craze... Jack is in his 80s and
remembers his ol' skool hot rod days and will talk your ear off
about them... his lady is almost as old as Jackie... she said
she was in a bathroom at the last Rock-a-billy event they had
in Huntington Beach and a bunch of girls were in the bathroom,
stripping and showing off their tattoos... one girl said "We're
just like the '50s" Jackie's girfriend piped up and said...
"Girls... I lived the '50s and we never had nothin like you!" I
guess the girls get their get ups from Rebel without a cause, Drag
Strip Girl and Reefer Madness... funny... I got a very candid shot
of "TV" Tommy Ivo the same day... I can tell you he does not look
like he did in his bit part in Dragstrip girl (they needed his car
for the movie of course... Norm's had Kookie in it on 77 Sunset
Strip) so anyway... who knows... I still love it... I think there
was a reason for this... I think... hmmmmmm... I was thinking
"cool" and then... Oh of course... we got two birthdays today I
gotta share... The older dude... has been one of my heroes since
probably Jefferson days for me... I get amazed when I see him
because he still looks exactly the same... that is until you look
back at the annuals... How come we don't change until we look at
the annuals?... Well no matter... He's already been wished a happy
birthday by one of those "power parkers" (It's a car thing)
in his class... a full two days early I might add... but who's
counting... Maybe I should wish the devine Mary Lou ('63) a happy
birthday so I can beat everybody else... yeah I'll... Hey Rosealie
('63)... happy birthday early... I think I'll just do one huge
email on January 1 each year and beat everybody... I'll have the
birthday market cornered... wow... first the birthday market and
then... where was I? Oh yeah... at the '63 reunion this guy was
wearing a sling so his good buddy Jimbeaux ('63) wouldn't get all
the sympathy... good ploy man... it worked... oh this is just
getting silly... I keep getting off the track... but I just gotta
wish the two birthday kids HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lamont DeJong ('63)
and Linda McKnight ('65)... hey look... they both have two
capitol letters in their last names... that is just so cosmic,
man ... wow... sure wish I could see the fireworks for the big
Richland Party... what I can do tho is dedicate it to the birthday
kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS: Hey Peter Joe ('65) gather me up all the books and other
mementos they must be selling around town... You are so good about
remembering me when stuff happens don't forget me now! Don't let
Behymer ('64) grab it all up for his collection!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Robert Avant ('69)
Re: Holidays
I think I forgot a Holiday, or at least what I believe informs all
the others we celebrate. It goes back some time.
I remember sitting in a seminar class back in the early '70s and
we were discussing "mythology" as relates to Greece, Egype, etc.
and all the prerequisites for "myth" from Campbellznc zll oyher
myths. Of course, up came the question, "Well, what is the "myth"
of the U.S.?" There were all the stock answers; right or left, and
then I piped up about the Gettysburg Address.
To this day I find no better "speech" given about where we come
from, who we are, and where we wish to go. If you wish to embrace
the prefave, I reccomend Lincoln's Cooper Union Speech.
As lame as it may seem, this is my Christmas wish to you all and
my New Year hope.
-Robert Avant ('69)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
To All Bombers,
Another installment. They say a picture is worth a thousand
words. Betsy Fox Vance's ('63) December 5th entry was a little
short of a thousand but the mental reminders of feelings and,
I'm sure, a few fondly remembered images and inviting smells
carried the same weight. I'm humbled to be a small part of those
gentle reminders from a time so long ago.
Pleasant Thoughts
Re: New Installment
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081206-123-131.htm
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/07/2008 ~ PEARL HARBOR DAY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers and Don Sorensen sent stuff:
Dick Coates ('52) and Kay Mitchell ('52)
Shirley Atwood ('58), George Swan ('59)
Larry Mattingly ('60), Gary Behymer ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Patty de la Bretonne ('65)
Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Hoff ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ed Borasky ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim House ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jerry Spears ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Karma King ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike Davis ('74)
PEARL HARBOR DAY: Bob Grout ('66wb) sent:
www.rivervet.com/pearl_harbor.htm
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick Coates ('52) and Kay Mitchell Coates ('52)
Re: Fireworks
To: Larry Mattingly ('60)
We will be journeying to Richland on December 13th to celebrate
the big 50th birthday of Richland which is also our 57th wedding
anniversary [on the 14th]. Just wanted to thank you in advance
for offering up such a extravagant celebration!! Your show will
make this anniversary extra special!!
We are now living north of Spokane so are making a special trip
to enjoy the evening with our youngest son Doug, our grandson
Mitchell ('02) and his wife. We have met you a couple times at
the Spokane luncheon. Although we are MUCH older, we feel that
"Bomber Bond". We will see you at the tour on Saturday.
-Kay Mitchell Coates ('52) and Dick Coates ('52) ~ Valley, WA
(snowing tonight)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Shirley Atwood Sun ('58)
To: Tom Hughes ('56)
Re: Richland
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081205-Hugh-recentRichland.jpg
Tom, I really enjoyed seeing the photo you posted of Richland.
Thanks for sharing.
-Shirley Atwood Sun ('58) ~ Chatsworth, CA
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: age
Dennis, old buddy, welcome to my club, "The Older Than Dirt
Club," the (OTDC). Yes, it is still alive and functioning and
more people are members than realize or admit to it. Y'all may
recall that in this club, there are no meetings, no dues, no
membership forms, nor officers. To become a member, one only
need have reached the age of qualification for Social Security,
whether one goes for it yet or not.
With qualification for the OTDC comes a new way of looking
at life and a well-maturated sense of humor. I came to the
conclusion that I might as well join up since the alternative can
only lead to a "BBB" existence (bitter, bored, and bummed out).
Furthermore, I have finally admitted to myself that the aging
process is irreversible ... anyway. So, why not make the best of
it, like laughing at the strange little twists that aging brings
our way.
I love the fact that you too are experiencing similar episodes
like being mistaken for our mother's better halves, asked which
room we live in within the retirement facility, and yet, the
mind-boggling experience of being carded when purchasing
alcoholic beverages in Wal-Mart. Upon reflection, I guess it
makes perfect sense that I would be mistaken for a resident in
my mother's assisted care facility ... I look the part and I am
there frequently.
However, at this point, Dennis, I think that I may still be able
to top your latest age-related misidentification. About a month
ago, when visiting my mother's retirement facility (quite
possibly because I was wearing my "Older Than Dirt" Tee Shirt), I
was "hit on" by a rather attractive resident (who was probably
ninety-plus in years). So, you see there is still something to
look forward to in this life ... yet! Fortunately, the elevator
door opened, and I practically fell out, as I was explaining that
I was already "taken" and I made my getaway. However, my bubble
was burst a couple of days ago, when the same lady hit on my 18
year-old Marine Grandson, as we were going in to see grandma.
Nevertheless ... I am encouraged!
And, speaking of having "an ugly old picture of ourselves locked
away in the attic," my grandson and I were looking at old family
pictures last night, and every time he asked who is that un-
masked man? It was usually me.
But, I have come to the conclusion that the secret to a longer
and happier senior life is to remain as active, both physically
and mentally, as possible. I can no longer run, which helped me
keep my weight down to a respectable, non-scale groaning level,
so I walk and bike ride as much as I can find the time to
"just do it." Mostly I walk. Fortunately walking and hunting
go together, very well.
Also, speaking of walking, I received an email which addresses
some of the finer points about exercising, namely, walking. I
learned some valuable bits of wisdom such as: "Walking 20 minutes
can add to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend
an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7,000 per month."
"We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot
more information in our heads. Anyway, that's my story and I'm
sticking to it." "The main reason I took up walking was so that I
could hear heavy breathing again." "The advantage of exercising
every day is so when you die, they'll say, 'Well, he looks good
... doesn't he?" But, "I have to walk early in the morning,
before my brain figures out what I'm doing." Now, "you could take
up cross-country skiing, but I recommend starting with a small
country." And someone once said, "My grandpa started walking five
miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old and we don't
know where he is."
When I was a young Marine Instructor (during the previous
century) at the mountain warfare base, we cautioned our students
about thinking ahead to avoid getting into risky situations in
the outdoors. Now, that concern has come back to me, with great
emphasis. For some reason, my balance and my once being a sure-
footed dude have gone that away. So now, when I bend over to look
in the mailbox ... I fall over and get my head stuck in it!
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where its sunny now,
but clouds are again on the horizon, and its time to go
topple into the mailbox ... again.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
For various good reasons several volunteers have had to withdraw
from the city display. If there are any others that would like to
step up and help, please contact me off this net.
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From home on a chilly night, south
of Tacoma. One can sense a change in the air. Winter
is coming. From my living room window I could see a
spectacular stack of 4 lenticular clouds one above the
other over the top of Rainier this afternoon. This was
very rare. In 13 years here I have previously seen no
more taken 2 and then only 2-3 times.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Big Pool, 1967
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Behy/081207-bigPool67.jpg
Re: Richland, 1967
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Behy/081207-RichlandArial67.jpg
Re: The Villager, July 12, 1945
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Behy/081207-Villager450712.jpg
Re: David Rivers' ('65) 12/6 Comment. "Don't let Behymer ('64)
grab it all up for his collection!!!!!!!!!!!"
Nevertowed, A guilt trip I can't handle. eBay time for "(39)
Issues of the Sandstorm from Richland High School"
(;-)
-Gary Behymer ('64) ~ Recovering from a kitchen remodel..
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****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: December Birthdays
Well just talked to some of the '65er gang having a big shin dig
up in Seattle and I'm not there... reminds me of the year Dale
Bowers ('65) and I sat pouting at his house one New Year's Eve.
(either '59 or '60)... because we hadn't been invited to one of
the guy's party... we thought we'd been kicked outa '65erville...
turns out the kid could only invite half our troop at a time each
year... since we had been there the year before we couldn't go
again till the following year... how fragile young egos can be...
good thing we grow outa that and never feel insecure again...
uh huh... so I can't say I'm pouting... would have loved to have
been there tho... so here it is the end of the year and we are
winding down our 2008 birthdays... gotta famous day for a famous
guy this time... lotsa big time cool dudes and dudettes born on
this date... and then there was that Pearl Harbor thing... this
Bomber is a friend of all... A fine Bomber and a fine Marine...
I would be willing to bet that if he could have chosen his own
birthday it would have been November 10th instead of December
7th... I'm proud to know the birthday boy and I hope he and
Number 10 ('64) have a game of hoops going for the birthday...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jim (Number 32) House ('63)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Patty de la Bretonne ('65)
Happy Birthday to Linda McKnight Hoban ('65). I hope you had a
wonderful day!
Love,
-Patty de la Bretonne ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: 6 more
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/08/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim McKeown ('53), Mike Clowes ('54)
Ray Wells ('54), Virginia Brinkerhoff ('54)
Laura Dean Kirby ('55), Bill Berlin ('56)
Frank De Vincentis ('56wb), Richard Anderson ('60)
Shirley Sherwood ('62), Jim Hamilton ('63)
Steve Simpson ('65), Bruce Strand ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bernie Qualheim ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Anita Cleaver ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bethany Hagan ('00)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim McKeown ('53)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: #136
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
Hooray... I finally recognized the folks in a picture. In photo
number 136, across the top is Jerry Reis "53", Jack Dawson
"52"... I recognize the older couple in the middle, but can't
remember their names... then Hugh Hinson "52", and Ron Snow "52".
I think in the lower level the first one might be Lois Loftus
"53", the next two I don't recognize, but Connie Udine "53" in
the middle, and Patty Badger "53 is next. the last two I can't
remember their names. The guys were outstanding Jocks in those
days.
-Jim McKeown ('53) ~ from too sunny Sacramento. We need rain
down here and snow in the Sierras
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****************************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54)
To: Mr. "NAB" Don Sorensen
Re: Photo #136
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
Not too sure about this, but this would be the officers and
others of Hi-Spot. They are, I think, in the back row (left to
right as you look at the picture):
Jerry Reis, Jack Dawson, Mrs & Mr Martin, Hugh Hinson and Ron
Snow.
In the front row (same directions)
Judy Pearson(?), ? Gloria Adams, Connie Udine, either Patty
Ackley or Patty Badger, Betty Russell and ? (a bad picture of
Jane Henderstrom?)
I'll bet there are others out there who can really fill in the
blanks.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) ~ back in Mount Angel, OR
after attending the Portland Bomber Lunch and birthday party
for Linda McKnight Hoban ('65) and a very nice one it was.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Ray Wells ('54)
Re: Don Sorensen's (NAB) #136
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
Here are some names to go with Don Sorensen's "6 more" pictures.
Back row Left to Right;
1. Jerry Reis, 2. Jack Dawson, 3. & 4. I recognize them but
cannot come up with their names, 5. Hugh Hinson, 6. Ron Snow.
Front row Left to Right
1. Pat Duffy, 2. Marilyn Devine?, 3. Gloria Adams, 4. Connie
Undine, 5. ?, 6. Betty Russell
-Ray Wells ('54)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Virginia Brinkerhoff Sweetland ('54)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: the "Who's" (Sunday December 7) -- Wow, just realized
what DATE it is today!!
Don't know who any of them are in the pictures, but that last one
(#157), of the three smiling thugs yanking the Santa face off the
telephone pole, has got to be THE Christmas classic! Thanks Don,
for all you do to keep history alive!.
-Virginia Brinkerhoff Sweetland ('54)
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>>From: Laura Dean Kirby Armstrong ('55)
Re: Old photos (#136)
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
I'm sure lots of these faces will be recognizable. The "older"
couple in the back row center were the counselor/chaperones at Hi
Spot for many years. They are the Martins. Also in the front row
I see Judi Pearson and Patty Badger. The rest of the faces are
familiar, but the names are sadly forgotten.
-Laura Dean Kirby Armstrong ('55)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
Re: Back on the air for now.
I have gotten the Sandstorm for four straight days now after
being shut out by Comcast for something like nine out of twelve
days. Not sure what I missed but it sounds like a lot.
[Bill -- Read the entry today from Richard Anderson ('60)
below.. also remember that you CAN read the Sandstorm
online at http://AlumniSandstorm.com if it doesn't get to
your inbox. -Maren]
Re: How did Richland High let this guy get away?
I follow high school football closely around my area, it is
actually a cut above what we see from the Huskies, Cougars and
Seahawks, and when Lynden played Anacortes I noticed a kid by
the name of Brian Bomber. Well Mr. Bomber played a big role in
Linden's wins in the quarter and semi final games and in their
huge upset of unbeaten powerhouse Prosser over this past weekend.
I know that high schools can't legally recruit but isn't there
some way RHS could have gotten this guy?
Re: Birthdays
During the Sandstorm draught, thanks to "Comcast Uber Alles," I
think I missed David Rivers ('65), Attorney at Law, birthday and
I hope, though I would not have a clue due to censorship, that
someone wrote a Happy Birthday message to him like he does for so
many others. A belated Happy Birthday to the Bard of Barristers.
[Bill, http://www.calsnet.net/all_bombers/ - bookmark it
(add it to your favorites) so you can get there to check
birthdays if comcast decides to bounce your Sandstorm
again. -Maren]
Damn, I even missed my Birthday announcement (11/26/08) in the
Sandstorm due to the blank screen but FYI, I hit the big 7-0 on
that day. Funny thing. I feel better now than I did at 60. I have
lost 30 pounds, have all new clothes, my eyesight is the same as
ten years ago (as is my love of beer and another adult beverage),
I am off my insulin for the first time in nine years due to the
weight loss and exercise, my foot is repaired so I can walk in a
straight line without stepping on my hands, so things are looking
rosy for me... and for our GWW neighbor Jimbeaux Hamilton ('63)
too.
Re: Far Horizon Yachts
Despite the economy being in the old gaboon, we have taken two
orders for our FH58 model yacht in the past sixty days so it will
be off to China for me after the first of the year to get them
started. If you are interested in seeing what they look like, go
to http://www.farhorizonyachts.com/
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ .in Anacortes, WA where we have had an
extraordinary fall season. Pretty mild weather for November
and early December, quite a lot of sun and not a lot of
rain or wind. Cool nights but reasonably warm days. Could
Al Gore be right? Is global warming coming to Anacortes?
Stay tuned and film at 11.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Frank De Vincentis ('56wb)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Getting Old
Although this is my first entry to the Sandstorm for some time,
I am a daily reader. Being an active athlete all my life in
high school, college (football, baseball and basketball) and
professionally (baseball), I always prided myself in my agility
and sense of balance. Now that I'm approaching my 70th, I can so
relate to your comment about the mailbox. I must have laughed for
5 minutes. I started riding horses at the old riding academy in
Richland and I still raise horses and ride. Even tho I have a
Harley, I find it safer to ride the horses, once I can get a leg
up to get mounted. I actually went on a cattle roundup for the
first time in my life since I moved to Colorado, and was sore for
a week. I miss Richland and spent some of the best years of my
life there and have great memories of my youth with friends
especially Dave Watts ('56-RIP) and Hal Smith ('56), Thurman
Bowls ('56), Dick Theil ('56), Miles Isom ('56-RIP) and my
neighbor from Abbot St., Pat Crook ('58). We lived at 1104 Cedar
in a ranch house and at 210 Abbot in a pre fab.
I can remember how hard it was to bat against Tilbert Neal ('56-RIP)
in Pony League and how I enjoyed watching the Bombers team with
Harold Kenitzer ('54) running the ball. We had a permanent spot
standing under the basket to watch the basketball team led by Tom
Tracy ('55) to victory. I knew that John Meyers ('58-RIP) would
be a star some day. Gene Conley's ('48) father used to come to
our house to read about Gene as my father had the Boston
newspaper mailed to us.
Growing up in a housing project in Boston was such a different
atmosphere than Richland. I had never hunted, fished or slept out
in a sleeping bag on the ground or went hookey bobbing. We didn't
have fresh cherries and peaches to pick off trees. Our schools
didn't have auto shops or welding classes. Our big activities
were half ball and football, swapping comic books and baseball
cards and schoolyard games like buck buck. We didn't have a high
spot club or a rec hall. (Mary Jo Woodhead taught me how to
jitterbug). I am thankful that I was able to experience both
lifestyles. Spudnuts are great, but so are Italian pastries. I
will always love Boston but Richland was the best place to grow
up in that I can think of.
Once again "Pappy" thanks for the good laugh.
-Frank De Vincentis ('56wb)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Richard Anderson ('60) ~ Deputy Editor
To: Devoted Readership of the Sandstorm
I have found an article from the Washington Post describing one
newsletter's author's problem with internet spam filters. His
experience is exactly that which many Sandstorm subscribers --
particularly Comcast subscribers -- are suffering through. Sadly,
the author of the piece offers no suggested solution to the
problem. I, however, can assure you that entreaties to the ISPs
--Comcast, AOL, MSN, etc., etc., etc. -- will not do any of us
any good whatsoever; the solution lies in the political and
regulatory sphere. So put on your thinking caps and offer
possible solutions.
Here is the link to the article:
James McGrath Morris - Spam Filters Threaten Free Speech on the Internet
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/28/AR2008112802282.html
Bomber cheers,
-Richard Anderson ('60) ~ Deputy Editor
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Shirley Sherwood Milani ('62)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: #136
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
It looks like my cousin, Jack Dawson ('52) (second from the left,
back row).
-Shirley Sherwood Milani ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Hamilton ('63)
While I've met a few blondes that didn't "blow my skirt up", I've
sure never met a blonde who could set a table, plan a menu, cook
an over-the-top meal and entertain us during our "Heilingfest"
weekend every July like she does. While playing "What's in the
soup" might not appeal to everyone, get me a season ticket and
I'll keep playing until I get it right. We might be described as
being diametrically opposed on some items (make that "3200 out of
phase" to you Artillery types), but we can agree on all matters
enological. Happy Birthday Anita Cleaver Heiling ('63), These are
your years and here's to hoping you're right.
jimbeaux
-Jim Hamilton ('63)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Steve Simpson ('65)
Re: Seattle Bombers Event Recap
AlumniSandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-SeaEvent/00.htm
We held the first ever Seattle Bombers event on 12/6 and it was a
resounding success. Everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves.
This was the first event to be offered to Bombers living in
the Seattle area. 30 Bombers showed for the event at 13 Coins
restaurant in downtown Seattle. I organized it with the able
assistance of Gary Crow ('65) who arranged a great deal at 13
Coins because he is part owner of the restaurant. He also mixed
some wonderful music special for the evening.
The 1965 class clown is now a nationally syndicated radio
personality on his show "Psychedelic '60s".
Loretta Jensen Kusak ('65) assisted in spite of a business trip
to Japan. Loretta is an education consultant who treks to many
exotic places to share her expertise. Loretta had a banner made
in Japan with the words "Seattle "Bomber Event". It looked great
and we will use it next year since we plan this to be an annual
event.
Several Bombers drove over Snoqualmie pass from the Tri-Cities.
Upon arrival, everyone immediately launched into conversations
with classmates they hadn't seen in some time. There were some
classmates that teased us they may be able to travel long
distances from their home to be with us; Randy Simmons ('65) from
New York city and Chuck Trujillo ('65) from Auburn were notable
examples. (That's right, after all these years Chuck has been
right here in Auburn.)
Diane Murphy ('65) and Cathie Mouton ('65) did advise us they
had unavoidable business and would not be flying up from San
Francisco and Los Angeles. Terrence Knox, aka Terry Davis ('65)
had rehearsals.
Others made the trek to bless us with their unique
personalities; like Jack Keeney ('65) and Lyman Powell ('65).
Lyman and Carl Beyer ('65) added some drama early in the evening
when Carl passed me in his Porsche as he was supposed to be
following us to caravan to the 13 Coins in downtown. The three
of us had earlier driven by the 13 Coins at Seatac as Crowski
was waiting for us.
So we all entered the restaurant together making a grand
entrance with Ronna Jo Lynch ('65) and Cecelia Bennett ('65) in
tow. They stayed with us at our townhouse in Kirkland.
In spite of his musings in the Sandstorm today, we expended much
energy inviting and pleading with David Rivers ('65) to attend
the event. David did leave me a voice email which Carl, Lyman,
Cecelia and I returned from the new Heathman Hotel in downtown
Kirkland where the boys were staying. David was very sick and
couldn't do the flight up.
We asked the assembled at 13 Coins if they had a good time and
everyone agreed they had. I asked them when they would like to
have the next event? They decided August 2009. We discussed
several options for accommodations.
We decided the next Seattle Bombers Event will be a potluck
dinner in August 2009 at Loretta Jensen Kusak's back yard on
Mercer Island.
I will send out Event invitations via a new Seattle Bomber email
Community that I just created today.
If you took pictures at this event, please send them to me. I
will send them to the Sandstorm to be added to those I already
have on the Event website.
-Steve Simpson ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bruce Strand ('69)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
What is the time frame on your "Who are they" photos? It would be
helpful in narrowing down the subjects.
Thanks,
-Bruce Strand ('69)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/09/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Bombers and Don Sorensen sent stuff:
Dick McCoy ('45), Jim Jensen ('50)
Wynell Williams ('55), George Swan ('59)
Lora Homme ('60), Mary Rose Tansy ('60)
Roger Gress ('61), Rosalie Lansing ('63)
Ray Stein ('64), JoAnne Bucholz ('65)
Mike Dalen ('72), Greg Alley ('73)
Rick Huckfeldt ('89), Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ruth Miles ('59)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick McCoy ('45)
Re: Mailbox
As it was icy yesterday, I took my walking stick to get up our
steep driveway to get the papers. After the hill I tip-toed
across Big lake Blvd and retrieved the papers. Then I pulled a
Pappy Swan, ('59), dropped my stick, reached down to get it and
dropped the papers. Gathering everything together, I then slipped
and slid down into the ditch. Across the road, our two dogs
wondered what the I was doing... smiling... they didn't offer to
help. I arrived the kitchen with the papers in a bundle along
with my temper.
-Dick McCoy ('45) ~ from the land of losing football. Mt. Cultus
has a top of snow this AM.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Don Sorenson Special
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
Don's posting of 12/7/08 included picture #136. The two older
folks in the back row are long time personal and family friends,
Mr. and Mrs. Martin, parents of old friend Art Martin ('50). The
Martins watched over the Hi-Spot for many years.
Thanks for the memories.
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX where we are enjoying glorious,
cool weather.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Wynell Williams Fishburne ('55)
Re: Picture #137
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
Sunday, December 7 entered by Don Sorenson (NAB) -- The man on
the right with his hands on the Santa Claus is Russell Plee,
Diane ('57) and Gail Plee's ('64) father.
-Wynell Williams Fishburne ('55)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Frank De Vincentis ('56wb)
Re: Getting Old
Thank you Frank. I love to laugh. It feels so good! And, if I
can make just one person laugh, I feel even better. I too, had
horses, but it eventually became painfully obvious (laying there
in that pile of horse apples ... staring at the down under side
of the hoss) that I could no longer swing up into the saddle
like a pony express rider. And, I just might have to hitch up a
buckboard or chuck wagon to haul a step ladder around or mount up
via a hoist (like they had to use to get the Bold Knights of Old
into their battle saddle). So, being old but not so bold, I gave
up on horses and reverted to primarily pedestrian pursuits.
And I remember Pat Crook ('58) very well. He probably doesn't
remember me from Adam or the Adams Family, but he struck me out
once in Colt League, when I batted cleanup (with the bases loaded
-- my big chance to be a hero). I played for a team that was
always last in the standings and scrawny little me ... batted
cleanup ... I was the best we had to offer, which "ain't sayin'
much." Now, that makes me laugh! Anyway, I kept getting a piece
of it, but finally ... I batted cleaned up alright. He cleaned
off home plate with me and left me wondering what was that, that
just went by ... about 100 mph ... and took my short-lived
opportunity at hero status with it?
My friend, Deb Bosher Neuroth ('67) inquired if she could be a
member of "OTDC" (the Older Than Dirt Club), even though she is
still among the working class and has not yet begun to partake of
Social Security? Well, I thought deeply about that for about 10
seconds and came to the conclusion ... Why not?
After all, the rules are really very loose (since there are
none). And actually, I have decided to amend and waive the Social
Security Age Qualification thing anyway, since membership in the
OTDC, is more a state of mind than a particular requirement.
Okay, so, since there are "no rules," let's consider it our duty
as members to look for the lighter side of our aging lives!
Furthermore, it occurred to me that "OTDC" could also stand for
"Other Than Doing Comedy." In other words, good comedians make us
feel good because they take our minds off our troubles, as does
watching a good movie or reading a good book, especially those
which evoke laughter from us. So, perhaps we should strive to
fill in the blanks (in between the comedians, movies, and books)
by watching for the lighter things in this aging life that make
us laugh and feel good, and try to focus more on those, rather
than dwell on the bummer issues. Again, I admit, that's much
easier to say than to do. But, laughter is good medicine!
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where in my seasoned
state of mind, I just got done cracking myself up ... about
something ... but now ... I forgot what I was laughing
about. Oh well, I'm pretty sure it was funny.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme ('60)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: #133
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
I went to school with at least some of these guys from grade
school through high school as did Fred Phillips ('60). Fred was
in the same Cub Scout Pack, #48, but not in the den shown in
picture #133. We've identified some of them and they all look
familiar.
From left to right, all from the class of 1960: 1st, Gary Lange;
2nd, ?; 3rd, Walt Morgan; 4th, Bruce Petty; 5th, ?, adults, ?;
6th and 7th, ?; 8th, Bob Frick; and 9th, Richard Coffman. We
don't know the forlorn looking little girl sitting down in the
lower left corner of the picture.
It's been a very very long time since I've seen those little
boys.
-Lora Homme ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mary Rose Tansy ('60)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
Finally I recognized some of the faces from your pictures. On
photo #133 - 3rd from the left is Walter Morgan ('60), 5th from
the left is Tom? Ellis, 4th from the right is Jim Crum ('59) (my
ex-husband and father of my 2 girls) and 2nd from the right is
Bob Frick ('60). I recognize some of the other faces but cannot
come up with names.
Also recognized Jack Dawson in #136. His sister Delores was my
best friend until they moved to Kennewick in 7th? grade.
I am also really enjoying these pictures even though this is the
first I have recognized!!
Thank you for sending them in ~~~
-Mary Rose Tansy ('60) ~ Centerfield, UT where it is quite cold
but no snow yet.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Roger Gress ('61)
Re: Don Sorenson's (NAB) Picture #132
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
From far left to the middle/ 1st Jeff Buchanan/ 2nd Doug Teats/
3rd Dennis Lind/ 4th could be Richard Coffman?
From far right to the middle/ 1st Harold Cleaver/ 2nd Larry
Moorman/ 4th Dennis King.
Re: Don Sorenson's (NAB) picture #133
From far left to the middle/ 1st Gary Lange/ 3rd Walt Morgan/
4th Bruce Petty.
From far right to the middle/ 1st Richard Coffman/ 2nd Bob Frick.
-Roger Gress ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Rosalie Lansing Haag ('63)
David Rivers ('65).. Hey little boyfriend, you can't get off that
easy. Maybe Marylou will let you off easy, but I don't think we
girls of the class of 63 were raised that way. So you still have
to wish us a big happy birthday on our special days. Only the way
you can do it..Love you Davy Boy..
Can anyone point me to a Bomber lawyer. I need one here in
Washington, who can help me set-up a trust for the class of '63.
We will be using the vast amounts of money we raise to assist any
worthy classmates, who have big needs. Help Please.
It is such a wonderful time of the year and the blessed memories
of xmas's past and dear, dear friends. Just so happy to have our
own Jimbeaux back to his old self. We all love you so... Thanks
for our best gift this year. Family, friends and health and lots
of Love to share.
-Rosalie Lansing Haag ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ray Stein ('64)
Re: BCS Ignores NW Football Powers
After seeing NCAA football schedules and scores each week in the
Sandstorm, our editor has been unusually quiet this last weekend.
But now that we know the Florida Gators will play for the
National Football Championship, we are left to wonder – how come
the Cougars of WSU were ignored? With no playoff system, we can
only use comparison scores to rate teams that don't play each
other. Let's see:
WSU 48 Portland State 9
Portland State 47 Eastern Wash. 36
Eastern Wash. 33 Webber State 26
Webber State 49 Cal Poly 35
Cal Poly 29 San Diego St. 27
San Diego St. 42 UNLV 21
UNLV 22 Wyoming 14
Wyoming 13 Tennessee 7
Tennessee 20 Vanderbilt 10
Vanderbilt 23 Mississippi 17
Mississippi 31 Florida 30
These scores show clearly the WSU Cougars are 125 points better
than Florida. The Idaho Vandals are also "on paper" better than
Florida.
Idaho 20 New Mexico St. 14
New Mexico St. 34 UTEP 33
UTEP 37 Louisiana-LayF 24
Louisiana-LayF 49 Florida Int. 20
Florida Int. 31 Middle Tenn. 21
Middle Tenn. 24 Maryland 14
Maryland 26 Wake Forest 0
Wake Forest 30 Mississippi 28
Mississippi 31 Florida 30
Idaho would beat Florida by 98 points. In a perfect world, the
above analysis would mean a "Palouse Playoff" to see who would
play the undefeated Utah Utes for the National Championship. But
alas, we live in a world where East Coast bias and SEC politics
reign supreme, so instead we'll watch the redshirts of Oklahoma
dismantle the hapless Gators.
"Rev Okla. win. I'm a Red now. Tebow? Two bet wonder, a mini walk-over."
-Ray Stein ('64) ~ in Cougar Country
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: JoAnne Bucholz McLaughlin ('65)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Picture #137
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
On the 12/7/08 series of Hanford pictures, the last one (081207-
137) with the three gentlemen at the telephone pole with Santa,
the guy in the back on the right is my dad, Charley Bucholz. I'm
not sure what they were doing, but the guy on the right in front
looks vaguely familiar.
Please send more pictures, they are great.
-JoAnne Bucholz McLaughlin ('65) ~ On a sunny day here in
Kennewick
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Dalen ('72)
Season's greetings from Alabama! Saw this news story of interest
in our local paper:
Seattle, WA. 12/08/08 (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at
the center of a Seattle courtroom drama yesterday when he
challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of
him.
The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and
the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping
with child custody law and regulations requiring that
family unity be maintained to the degree possible.
The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his
aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly
refused to live with her.
When the judge then suggested that he live with his
grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.
After considering the remainder of the immediate family and
learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of
life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of
allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.
After two recesses to check legal references and confer
with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary
custody to the Washington Huskies Football team, whom the
boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.
Roll Tide!
-Mike Dalen ('72 and closet Washington Husky)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Greg Alley ('73)
To: Gary Behymer ('64)
Thanks for that photo of the big pool. Its a great shot and a
great memory of the place to be in the hot summer when I was 13
years old. Now its the not so big pool. Seems to be more swim
meets than summer swimmers, but I have not been in either pool
in 30 plus years.
I attended the first Bomber basketball game Friday. They beat
Kennewick easily. They look pretty good but then again its the
first game and the Lions didn't look so hot.
The campus sure looks nice. After parking in the north parking
lot I walked up a concrete path to the gym. All the work seems to
be done that I can see and Mac hall looks real nice. The sign on
all the entrances to that new building says Building 3000. Anyone
know why its called that? The foyer in Art Dawald is sure nice
also with new trophy cases and lots of wall of fame inductees.
-Greg Alley ('73) ~ In cold Richland where you try to enjoy the
days with the sun out versus the dark, gray, dreary days.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
From the new ALL Bomber Alumni GuestBook.
From: Rick Huckfeldt ('89)
Entered: Friday 12/05/2008 12:17:54am
COMMENTS: I live in Vega$ now! Have the invites been sent out for
the 20-year reunion?
-Rick Huckfeldt ('89)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Dates of "Who Are These Guys??"
To: All Bombers
I so glad you all enjoy the pictures. A recurring question is
"What are the dates of the photos?". They will run between late
'49 to 1956. So far I've only been able to find those in that
date range. There are a large number of them from the late '60s
and '70s range but they are not publicly available. So I do not
know what to tell you. If and when they are released you can be
sure they will be coming your way. I do have a number of G.E.News
pictures and articles in my data base that are later, perhaps
I'll send a few of those in. Until then have "Have Fun".
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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****************************************************************
Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/10/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Betty Conner ('52), Dick Wight ('52)
Judi Pearson ('54), Spencer Hinson ('56)
Joretta Garrison ('58), Larry Mattingly ('60)
Jim Hamilton ('63), Gary Behymer ('64),
David Rivers ('65), Cathy Geier ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cathy Wood ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Larry Wersen ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff Michael ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Loretta Jensen ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary Vallely ('69)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Betty Conner Sansom ('52)
Re: Picture #134
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
The lovely lady at the top of the photo is Anita Fehrenbaker
Burrup ('56-RIP).
Love all the photos! Keep them coming, Don.
-Betty Conner Sansom ('52)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick Wight ('52)
Re: Older Than Dirt Club
No,no,no! You cannot belong to OTDC until to reach a certain
stage - when you get up in the morning, you are relieved to find
that every joint in your body hurts - thereby you know they are
still functioning!
-Dick Wight ('52) ~ on the road travelling to Port Angeles for
the holidays".
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Judi Pearson Parker ('54)
Re: Don Sorensen (NAB) 12/7 entry picture #136
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
I have the answer to who the girls are! Left to right:
Judi Pearson ('54), Marilyn Devine ('52), Gloria Adams ('54),
Connie Udine ('53), Patty Badger ('53), Betty Russell ('54) and
Jane Hedenstrom ('53). All the other names are correct.
I thought that either Marilyn or Gloria would have sent in the
names. The picture was taken in 1952 for the Hi-Spot.
-Judi Pearson Parker ('54) ~ In sunny Phoenix, AZ where it was a
beautiful 72° today.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Spencer Hinson ('56)
Re: Christmas CD
Beth Pederson ('61) has just released in time for the holidays a
CD called "Christmas in Their Eyes". You may order this CD or any
of her four others at www.highmoonmusic.com
This is a beautiful CD of Christmas music that Beth has put
together and I know all of you out there in Bomberland would
enjoy.
Merry Christmas to all,
-Spencer Hinson ('56)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Sue Pritchett, aka Joretta Garrison ('58)
I know you all like Bomber basketball, so might like this. The
City of Richland has put together a great program on the Class of
'58 Bomber Basketball team. It isn't too long--about 20 minutes,
I'd say. I went to see the "premiere" this morning at the
Community Center. It is very well done. Locally, it will be on
Channel 13 (cable) Wednesday nite at 7pm, and again at 10pm.
After that, will be on every-once-in-a-while, but no set
schedule.
Great stocking-stuffer. If you'd like to purchase a copy (DVD),
they go on sale December 16 at the City of Richland (where
utility bills are paid). $10 each (that includes tax). Limited
3/person. When they run out, they will take reservations for an
additional printing (100 copies minimum)--but you must pay in
advance and put your name on the wait-list. Orders will not be
mailed--you must have someone pick them up.
-Sue Pritchett, aka Joretta Garrison ('58) ~ Richland, where it's
to snow later this week.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Converting old film
I get e-mail sales notices 2-4 times a month from Costco. Usually
one is for sales in the stores and the next will be for online
buying. For the online items there is an e-mail address for each
item. The unit (below) is made by Wolverine Co... I recognized
the brand. The e-mail address (below) is the one listed for that
item.
A while back someone was looking to have some old film converted
to digital. Costco Online has a film to digital converter on sale
for $99.99
Email Address for this item: costconews@online.costco.com
-Larry Mattingly ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Hamilton ('63)
Last Chance, Last Chance, Swing Batter Batter, Hmm Babe, Hmm
Babe, Last Chance, Swingggggggggg Batter
If you're planning on attending the Gold Medal Class of '63
Marching, Caroling and Chowder Society Christmas Party, Clambake
and Breakfast this Saturday in Olympia and haven't fessed up to
Brother Leo or myself, let us know and we'll do what's necessary
to make sure you have your own chair and personal fork for this
soiree.
Going once, going twice, fair warning and sold to bidder number
16, Frank Osgard!
-jimbeaux
-Jim Hamilton ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: BCS Ignores NW Football Powers by Mr. Stein ('64)
Now we know what retired math teachers do all day long.
-Gary Behymer ('64) ~ from the 3rd stoplight going N to S
in downtown Colfax, Washington State...
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Birthdays
We got Birthdays we got stacks and stacks of birthdays... (sound
just like Como, huh... I met him when I was in my 20s... he just
walked up, stuck out his hand and said "Como's the name... "...
I almost fell over!)... so what we got here is a failure to
communicate... no... wrong movie... what we got here is lotsa
birthdays (now I'm repeating myself)... From reading Steve
Simpson's ('65) post it sounds like the Seattle '65er gig was
every bit as fun as was hoped... I did hate to miss it... Also,
in making sport of Jimbeaux ('63) the other day I seem to have
made some suggestions about doing all birthdays early which were
met with less than a great deal of enthusiasm... So Rosalie ('63)
and Mary Lou ('63) have given strict orders which I shall
observe... so on with the business at hand... we have 3 '65ers
and a '64 guy having birthdays on December 10th that just must
be celebrated with gusto... they are pals in every sense of the
word... I've known Loretta Jensen ('65), Jeff Michael ('65) and
Mike Botu ('65-RIP) for a very long time. People around here are
always amazed to learn of the lasting friendships that have
come out of Richland... it causes quite a bit of laughter when
Heidlebaugh ('65) and I can finish each others stories about
Richland childhood experience... I dated two of Larry Wersen's
('63) sisters ('67/'64) and always admired him in the Chessmen...
so come on and help me wish these four Bombers a very HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Cathy Geier ('66)
Good Morning Everyone from Lovely Seattle,
Life is fine here. I have been reading so many memories from
everyone, it brings so much of a lovely growing up life back to
light. Thanks.
Is anyone going to Richland from Seattle for the day Friday or
Saturday who would like to carpool? Or to grab quickly a couple
boxes? Please contact me.
There is so much for a single person like myself to do here! I
expect to be in the Jingle Bell Run here. My dance group is
having get-togethers, another group is having a womens clothing
exchange. The WSU Alumni Assoc is have a great basketball rally.
A school group is adopting a family.. presents etc. I am going
through old school teacher supplies and giving some unused things
away. I hope this finds everyone well and happy.
Cathy
PS Donna F.. maybe we both are less busy and time for that
coffee!! let's get it in this year! I will try hard!
-Cathy Geier ('66)
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****************************************************************
Funeral Notice
>>Sandra Cecil Sanders ('64) ~ 4/24/47 - 12/5/08
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/11/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers sent stuff:
Wally Erickson ('53)
Earl Bennett ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Williamson ('53)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Qualheim ('70)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: #136
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081207-132-137.htm
The back row has been identified... I cheated and looked up some
names from the "Columbian". Starting at the left is Judi Pearson
('54), next I remember the face but I couldn't come up with a
name, then Gloria Adams ('54), Connie Udine ('53), Patty Badger
('53), Betty Russell ('54) (she married Lloyd Kent ('54), and
Jane Hedenstrom ('53). Thanks Don for the pictures... it's been
interesting.
-Wally Erickson ('53) ~ Where it's hard to imagine Christmas is
only two weeks away... where has the time gone. So far
we're having a mild winter in the Couer D'Alene area;
last year we had record snow fall of 172 inches.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
Note new email address above.
I'm in Richland through Saturday, would be happy to see a few old
friends; if you'll reply to my email address we can try to get
together.
Jimbeaux, glad to hear you're doing so well, prayers are
answered.
Regards, ecb3 - from a beautiful day in Richland, but the
forecast for Sunday makes the trip back to SEATAC look dicey
at best.
-Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/12/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick Pierard ('52), Helen Cross ('62)
Gary Behymer ('64), Carolyn Moore ('65)
David Rivers ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janet Martin ('53)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Burt Pierard ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rick Morrell ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Becky Alexander ('77)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lanette Powell ('79)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick Pierard ('52)
I want to extend to brother Burt Pierard ('59) my heartiest
congratulations on his birthday. We continue to be the ultimate
survivors and now we even out-lived the Bush administration, not
to mention most of our ancestors. Have a great celebration at
Jack's Place tonight. I wish I could be there to help you lift a
glass (or two or three) but I will have to do it alone here in
rainy (finally, as we have had an awful drought) North Carolina
this year.
All the best,
-Dick Pierard ('52)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Season's Greetings, and Advent Greetings!! We seem to be getting
more and more busy in this job of pastor and his wife... We
did steal 3 days off and go to Springfield, IL so I can start
planning a family reunion for Lincoln Land next August.
I do love this time of year, I'm doing a nativity play with our
youth at one of our small churches, and it is fun to be with the
kids. Our substitute for grandchildren...
Please pray for all those who are in need, spiritually or
physically, and let us all pray for the future of our wonderful
nation in this political turmoil...
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Bomber Interest (;-) - Happy Hiroshima Day
Re: Richland High School (Washington)
Re: Basketball Video
The following is from James McKean's book "Home Stand - Growing
Up in Sports" Michigan State University Press East Lansing:
Introduction... "Not long ago, Ray Stein, a basketball teammate
of mine at Washington State University, sent me a videotape of a
game we played against UCLA in Pullman on January 7, 1967."
Using that as my intro... I'm here asking if anyone of you, your
parents or siblings have any film of Bomber Basketball from the
1950s or 1960. Many of us would enjoy the viewing. It's
Christmas... how about sharing!
-Gary Behymer ('64) ~ waiting for Christmas snow...
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Carolyn Moore ('65)
Re: 12/6 Seattle Bombers Event Thank You!
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-SeaEvent/00.htm
Steve, Loretta and Gary,
Kudos for a fine job organizing the Bomber Event on 12/6. Also,
Steve and Loretta, thank you for having the Bomber Banner made
for this special occasion and Gary, thank you for providing a
warm and festive atmosphere and fabulous food... most of all,
it was great to see everyone's smiling faces as we told stories
both old and new... I LOVED it!!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
-Carolyn Moore ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Who is that guy?
All of you who were at R2K, raise your hands... now that was
really a great event and it took a great deal of work for all
involved... I'm not going to name names... except for the
birthday boy because while it may have been the brain child of a
few... I know it took many to pull it off so even tho Heidlebaugh
('65) has known her since kinneygarden or so I won't mention the
lovely Ms. Hoff ('64) by name... I remember when Heidlebaugh and
I pulled up... there were Ms nameless and Jim Woodhouse ('63)
running back and forth from her car... we pitched in but I think
the work was almost finished by the time we timed our entrance...
Well, the reason I mention it is that as you will recall, we were
all herded into the Bomber Bowl... for the group picture spelling
out "BOMBERS" for the picture... OK... got that in mind? That
was the day number 32 ('63) and I were going to round up all the
Marines for a picture too... by the time we remembered I think
there were 6 of us left for the picture... so anyway... remember
way up at the top there was this Biker-looking dude in a leather
vest trying to get us to make the letters... kinda like herding
new Marine Recruits or cats... same same... well... that guy was
the Birthday boy... he's one of those guys who is always behind
almost all things Bomber... He's a great friend and I've enjoyed
being his pal for the last few years... so let's wish Burt
Pierard ('59) a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY on December 12, 2008!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/13/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 Bombers and Don Sorensen sent stuff:
Annie Parker ('57), David Rivers ('65)
Vic Marshall ('71), Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gary Hylbak (’66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bill Hedges ('68)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Annie Parker Hoyle ('57)
Re: Looking for Ted Ogston's address
I need help. I have lost Ted Ogston's phone number. Does anyone
know his address or phone number? I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks. Have a wonderful Holiday season.
-Annie Parker Hoyle ('57)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: She so dang kool
Birthday time in '65er land... what a babe... she can still fit
into her majorette outfit and I know because I've seen her do
it... and a special thanks to C Moore ('65) for posting the pix
of the '65er doings last Saturday in Seattle... I must say tho
that the pix were not consecutive... many numbers were missing
and of course inquiring minds wanna know what was in those pix...
with that crowd I can only imagine... and imagining I am... Dang
Crow ('65) I thought only Terry Davis ('65) did that in public!
As I understand this will become a yearly event, Simpson, we
need a catchy name for it such as the '63 gang has with their
"Gold Medal Class of '63 Marching, Caroling and Chowder Society
Christmas Party, Clambake and Breakfast" going on this weekend,
which I am missing just as I did the '65er bash... Mary Lou ('63)
and Ellen ('63) have already admitted that it is really cold in
Olympia, which is one of the reasons I've not attended the big
event with my adopted class... the thought of Bomber Jammies
and slippers is absolutely intriguing to me... amazingly so...
I mean... well never mind... the imagination can be a wonderful
thing but I'm at work and I might be stuck sitting at this
computer for a very long time if I let it run wild... so to that
crowd... have a ball... I know you are and will... so back to the
subject at hand... a Bomber-babe such as the birthday girl needs
no introduction... she can be spotted yards away... (would
have made it a longer distance but these days few of us can see
anything very far away... tho I imagine Behymer ('64) has a spy
glass that we could use in his collection)... her delightful
backside and amazing hair give this girl away every time... she's
one of those girls you've loved all your life and love to keep as
a wonderful friend... Thanks for all the fun times my dear... we
will have many more I am sure... our class is just like that...
full of brothers and sisters for life... in fact, her younger
brother ('68) comes to visit me often and it makes Bomberland
always that much closer... so Connie Dame ('65), please have a
great and HAPPY BIRTHDAY on December 13, 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Vic Marshall ('71)
Re: Class of '71 Site
To: Dennis Strege ('71)
I just tried to get to the class of 1971 web site and it looks
like the host just plain shut you down. Get a hold of me and
let's see what we can do to revive it. Thanks
-Vic Marshall ('71)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Another Installment
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081213-138-143.htm
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/14/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff:
Doreen Hallenbeck ('51), Jim McKeown ('53)
Bill Berlin ('56), Ed Quigley ('62)
John Adkins ('62), Steve Simpson ('65)
Christa Moore ('75)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dick McCoy ('45, 46, '02)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carole Novotny ('58)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gary Hylbak ('66)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today: Dick Coates & Kay Mitchell ('52)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today: Mike Rice ('60) & Donna Bowers ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
Re: Man who set off Richland fireworks 50 years ago returns
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/415169.html
Don't know if Alumni Sandstorm would like to know this or not.
-Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Don't we all like reading about Larry Mattingly ('60)?" =Maren]
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****************************************************************
>>From: Jim McKeown ('53)
Re: 1953 photo
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Behy/081126-53Bombers.jpg
Maren, Is it possible to have the photo that Don Sorenson ran a
week or so ago, showing the 1953 Bomber basketball team from the
state tournament, sent to me. A few of those Bombers are without
computers, and would love to have a copy of that photo.
Jim McKeown ('53)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Jim, I think the problem you had finding the picture is that
Don didn't submit the picture... Gary Behymer ('64) sent the
picture. Find it at the above URL. -Maren]
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
Re: Fellow Bombers, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays (is it
PC to say Christmas any more? To heck with PC. I fought for
Christmas and other freedoms so I can say it all I want).
Yes, another holiday greeting via cyber space but at least I
am thinking of you. I do want to wish all of you a very Merry
Christmas, hopefully with friends and loved ones, and a great and
prosperous year in 2009. It should be an interesting year, but
the USA is resilient and I think that we will see some rebounds
late in the year or early 2010.
My plans, now that I am more mobile, are to begin searching
and then surveying, with my hand-picked team, some used Ro/Pax
(Vehicle Roll On/Roll Off/Passenger) ferries for conversion
to two hospital ships to be used for both humanitarian work
worldwide and for disaster emergency deployment. It is a
$160,000,000 project and if we do a good job, I think my company
will get the task of staffing the operational side of the
project. Looks like several trips to Europe and Asia as we have
something like a dozen ships or more to look at in various
markets.
We're also working with two separate companies to (1) develop a
propellerless wind machine that will be able to deliver up to 4.5
Mw of power and (2) a continuous flow vegetable growing closed
loop facility that will provide fresh veggies in the Arctic or in
Saudi Arabia (not the weather range) year around. It is very cool
and has a side bar for doing the same thing with algae growth
without cross contamination with a high yield oil that you can
drink or use for diesel or jet fuel. Now YOU CAN drink and drive
as long as you are drinking algae oil and using algae based
biofuel in your truck.
I also want to say to all Bombers who are having health issues
at this time, or for that matter, any Bomber loved one, that
Jimbeaux Hamilton ('63) and I are survivors, Jimbeaux's situation
much more serious than mine. That said, I wish and pray for your
full recovery in the coming new year. Say a prayer or two for our
troops wherever they may be and for our police and fire fighters
that protect us closer to home. Ever spend a Christmas deployed
with no loved ones around? I sure don't want to do that again and
hope our people don't have to much longer either.
This year I told all seven of the grandkids that I was buying a
lot of toys... but not for them. I got them to buy into writing
a Christmas card to some kid they don't know and then we took
nearly thirty new toys down to the USMC "Toys for Tots" depot
this morning. No whining or sniveling from the kids either...
they liked doing it and they all know that they have enough toys
and clothes for ten years to come, so a good Semper Fi was to
their liking. Ages? Four to eleven. They do get a hug from Papa
when he next sees them.
Lastly, I just love being a Bomber. Richland was a great place
to grow up and many of my friends, wife included, are envious of
what we had there growing up and the camaraderie that has carried
on between us over these many years. Many thanks to Maren and
Richard for all of their hard work and whatever we pay is far too
little for what we get with the Sandstorm. Special holiday wishes
to both of them as well.
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ Anacortes, WA where it is bloody cold and
supposed to snow in a day or so. That may cancel our trip
to Oregon to see the Grandkid for an early Christmas but
only time will tell.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ed Quigley ('62)
To: Annie Parker Hoyle ('57)
Re: Looking for Ted Ogston's address
Annie, can't help you with his phone #, but last time I heard
from Ted (about a year ago?) his email was: [deleted for Ted's
privacy - email Ed if you want Ted's email address. -Maren]
-Ed Quigley ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: John Adkins ('62)
Re: Richland's 50th Anniversary
I just got home from giving the best part of two days to Larry
Mattingly ('60) and his "bloomin sky" fireworks to mark the 50th
anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Richland. It was
a great show and I'm pleased to have been a small part of it.
I sure hope some of the local Bombers were out watching it - in
the snow and the wind.
-John Adkins ('62) ~ Richland - and it is snowing
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Steve Simpson ('65)
Re: Seattle Bombers Event (SBE)
Responding to David Rivers' ('65) post for a catchy name for the
event we just held, Here you go David... you can call it what
I've been calling it privately: "SBE" – Seattle Bombers Event.
(I know that name makes you want to repaint the S7 bomb.)
Gary Crowe ('65), Loretta Jensen Kusak ('65) and I are about to
schedule the event date following the feedback from the group at
last one. I am proposing August 15th at 5:30pm at Loretta's back
yard on Mercer Island as we discussed.
The next event should be as much fun as the last one; and warmer.
If you would like to weigh in on this decision, please email me.
Thanks,
-Steve Simpson ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Christa Moore Kirkendall ('75)
My sister-in-law, Karen Howe Kirkendall ('60), passed away on
December 11th in St. Simons, GA after a battle with pancreatic
cancer. She was married to Preston Kirkendall ('58). Our family
is saddened by her passing, she was a wonderful person whom we
will all miss terribly.
-Christa Moore Kirkendall ('75)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/15/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12 Bombers, 1 Bomber Mom, Don Sorensen, & 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Norma Loescher ('53), Mike Clowes ('54)
Patti Jones ('60), Stephanie Dawson ('60)
Dave Hanthorn ('63), Donna Bowers ('63)
Peg Sheeran ('63),
Roy Ballard ('63) and Nancy Erlandson ('67)
Gary Behymer ('64), David Rivers ('65)
Fran Teeple ('68), Orrel Walser (Bomber Mom)
Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dorothy Stamper ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Smith ('58wb)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marsha Goslin ('65)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today:
David Rodriguez ('69) & Linda Barott ('71)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53)
Re: Fireworks Before Christmas
Larry Mattingly's ('60) gorgeous fireworks show at the river
dock on Lee Boulevard last night celebrated Richland's 50th
Anniversary with music, aerial Christmas lights, and thunder.
The first snow of the season blew sideways into upturned faces,
but red noses didn't matter a bit. We were all children again,
loving the sky in bloom.
Thank you, Larry and Bomber volunteers!
What a wonderful start to Christmas! Merry Christmas to you.
Bomber Cheers,
-Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) ~ Richland, where it's still
snowing, the temperature dropping into single digits
tonight, and we're watching the Sunday matinee of The
Nutcracker at Richland High School.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Photo #141
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081213-138-143.htm
Don't know who the people are, but they look suspiciously like a
group of 'phone volunteers for a public broadcasting fund raising
event.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) ~ It snowed in Mt. Angel, OR
on Sunday.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Pictures 12/13/2008
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081213-138-143.htm
Picture 139, the woman on the left is Pauline Marsh. It has taken
me a day to decide if it was Pauline or her daughter Mary Marsh
('56). They have looked so much a like through the years. Pauline
passed away a couple of years ago and I saw Mary at the home on
Birch. When Mary opened the door I even got them confused then. I
was there to visit because son and brother Tony had passed away.
Until I talked with Mary I did not know Pauline and Tony passed a
couple of days a part.
Bombers Have Fun,
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) ~ West Richland, WA more about the
celebration of Richland in a couple of days. Right now I
am enjoying being inside and warm, looking out at the
beautiful snow.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Stephanie Dawson Janicek ('60)
Re: Richland's 50th Anniversary
The weather prevented us from going to the park for the
fireworks, but we live on a hill in West Richland. Our house
looks directly east over Richland to Pasco and the BLue
Mountains. We have a wonderful view of multiple fireworks shows
(not all legal, I suspect) every July 4, and some on New Years
Eve. So Saturday night we watched Larry Mattingly's ('60)
wonderful fireworks while tuned in to KONA on FM 105.3, as
directed. The fireworks and coordinated music were just terrific!
Molto congratulations to my first neighbor and oldest friend in
Richland (1949), Larry Mattingly. Who knew that little first
grader would become such an ARTIST?
-Stephanie Dawson Janicek ('60) - West Richland, where we only
have had a dusting of snow so far but the temps were in
the teens Saturday night, are predicted to be between 5
and 8 above Sunday night, and could go below zero later
this week. O FUN
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dave Hanthorn (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Re: Gold Medal Class of '63 Chowder Marching and Caroling
Society Christmas Party, Clambake, and Breakfast
http://rhs63.tripod.com/pics/2008-GMC63CMCS/00.html
-Dave Hanthorn (Gold Medal Class of '63)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Donna Bowers Rice ('63)
Re: Missing Sandstorms
Maren, We are missing our Sandstorm the last 2 days. Have we done
something or are you all right?
-Donna Bowers Rice ('63)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Looks like att.net, bellsouth.net and sbsglobal.net subscriber
got bounced the last 2 or 3 days. IF it happens to this issue,
I'll be on the phone with the folks who send the Sandstorm to
everyone (AFTER we send it to them for distribution. -Maren]
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Peg Sheeran Finch ('63)
Re: RHS Synchronized Swimmers
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081215-Sheeran-SyncSwim62.jpg
Looking for another picture in an old album today brought me to
this picture I'd saved - I THINK from the Tri-City Herald, -
probably 1962. Apologize for those names I can't remember, but
those whom I do are:
BACK/TOP:
? , Sharon Durbin, Donna Williams, Peg Sheeran, ?,
FRONT/BOTTOM:
Kay Sittig, ?Fletcher, ? , Toby Wheeler
We had the "privilege" of early morning swims - and late evening
swims - to music to learn to swim to songs like "I'm Gonna' Wash
That Man Right Outta' My Hair", and I think that's what this
picture was all about..... from "South Pacific". If anyone can
fill in the names I've forgotten, I'd be grateful,
-Peg Sheeran Finch ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Roy Ballard ('63) and Nancy Erlandson Ballard ('67)
Re: Show at the boat ramp
Last night we (old and new Bombers) got to enjoy a fantastic
show, as the blooms in the sky started right on time. Some of
us watched from out side as the sky exploded in every color
imaginable, (along with the wind and snow), the rest, Kathy Hoff
Conrad ('64), Nancy Erlandson Ballard ('67) and Dawn Bern ('64),
braved the conditions and stayed in the motor home, provided by
Keith and Kathy Hoff Conrad... it also was filled with choices of
great goodies. The show put on for the 50th anniversary for the
city of Richland, also included the annual boat parade which
started at the Clover Island Yacht Club, (I believe they were a
little late), but it made for a wonderful evening for all Bombers
and others alike. I talked with people watching the show, who
braved the cold outside who didn't know that Larry Mattingly ('60)
was a Bomber grad and also enjoying his 50th year, to Larry I
would say the show was GREAT (as TONY would say) you did a
wonderful job, along with the crew that you had and the weather
conditions that probably made the job even harder. Again THANK
YOU from all us BOMBERS and hope you return very soon for
another show.
-Roy Ballard ('63) and Nancy Erlandson Ballard ('67)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Obituary for Floyd H. Johnson Class of 1951
http://obit.muellersfuneralhomes.com/obit_display.cgi?id=611536
-Gary Behymer ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
'Nuther close to Christmas birthday... tis on the night before...
uh... the night before Terry Davis' Birthday... (ok... not zakly
like the night before Christmas)... it is on the 15th... I've
known this Bomber-babe since at least kinnygarden (so ha ha ha
Hoff ('64) and Heidlebaugh ('65))... I want to take a moment to
compliment you Bomber-babes who have allowed your hair to go
"natural" (I assume there is a coloring process even too natural
to even things out but have to clue to be honest)... anyway, it
is VERY flattering... this Babe was one of the first in our class
that I am aware of and it is just yummy (sound kinda like "Mr.
David" the hairdresser huh... maybe Mr. Joseph... my middle name
would be better)... got an early morning report on the '63 doings
and hear they went very well... obligatory power outage and
all... but will let the big kids report on that... myself,
yesterday I was in Upland, CA at the yearly pin stripers' "Brush
Off" almost turned around at the state line the wind and sand was
so bad... glad I didn't... it was a fantastic party as usual...
they had two cases of beer to give away as door prizes (there
were far better door prizes) and it took about 6 "winners" to
get rid of the beer... 4 out of 6 of us who "won" it said thanks
but no thanks... the panels were exceptional this year (each
striper does a panel and then they draw for who gets what)...
last year one of the panels was so beautiful that everyone outdid
themselves this year to try and keep that standard going... I had
to take a guy called "MCGoo's" because he was finishing a car in
Vegas and couldn't go... since it is invitation only I am always
thrilled to be invited... I am hopeful of someday taking "Painter
Dude" Heidlebaugh either to that or the "Rat Fink Reunion" at Ed
Roth's house in Utah... Jimmy would fit right in and he is every
bit as talented as most of the big name guys... he's the best in
my book (don't tell him I said that pleeeez)... ... so it is time
for a very dear friend to turn the page on another year for an
even better one... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Marsha Goslin ('65) on the 15th
of December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Fran Teeple Wolf ('68)
I love hearing what other Bombers are doing!
Thanks to Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51) for giving us the
Tri-City Herald newspaper story on Larry Mattingly ('60) and John
Adkins ('62) and the fireworks show. I wish I could follow Larry
around the world and watch all the shows. One, at least, was put
on YouTube.com and was really fun to watch. Also, thanks to Bill
Berlin ('56) for writing in about his projects. I enjoyed hearing
what you are doing. Bombers are really doing wonderful, exciting
things with their lives.
And then, there are the Bombers we don't always hear about.
People who are kind and charitable every day, parents raising
children to be great, productive people, people who are setting
good examples; and thankfully - the humorists! (And Spudnut
makers!)
Please keep on, or start - writing in about what you are doing
out there. Bombers rule!
-Fran Teeple Wolf ('68) ~ Spokane - where it's really cold. Temp
is 4°, WITHOUT the wind chill.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Orrel Walser (Bomber Mom)
Re: Fire in the sky
The fireworks display last evening was awesome and the best I
have seen. I took the early shift in the cocoa trailer and told
many people when & where it started and that it was not to be
missed. As slush fell on our faces we continued to be amazed by
the music and flashes close to where we stood. Everyone yelled at
the end because we had gloves on our hands. Thanks so much Larry
Mattingly ('60) now I can brag even more about your skills.
Sincerely,
-Orrel Walser (Bomber Mom)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
To All Bombers
Re: Another installment of 6.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081215-144-149.htm
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Funeral Notice
>>Floyd Johnson ('51) ~ 9/11/31 - 12/9/08
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/16/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12 Bombers sent stuff:
Grace DeVincentis ('50wb), Judy Cameron ('60)
Larry Mattingly ('60), Patti Jones ('60)
Pete Overdahl ('60), Paula Beardsley ('62)
Betsy Fox Vance ('63), Donna Bowers ('63)
Jim Hamilton ('63), Kathy O'Neil ('63)
Gary Behymer ('64), David Rivers ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Joan Campbell ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jack Keys ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tim Smyth ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Connie Hanson ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Terry Davis ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Billy Didway ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ruth Russell ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary Raekes ('79)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Grace DeVincentis Spice ('50wb)
Re: Fireworks Display
Watched the beautiful fireworks display from the Rivershore
dining room last night. The place was packed and there were
lots of oohs and aahs during the display. Good job, Larry!
-Grace DeVincentis Spice ('50wb)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Judy Cameron Ayers ('60)
Re: Karen Howe Kirkendall ('60-RIP)
It is with a heavy heart that I inform the Sandstorm that Karen
passed away on Thursday, December 11th at the age of 66. She died
of pancreatic cancer that spread very rapidly before she even
knew she had it. She was married to Preston Kirkendall ('58) for
46 years and they lived most of their married life at St. Simons
Island, GA. Both Karen and Preston have been huge "givers" to the
community there at St. Simons Island. The memorial service will
be held on Tuesday December 16th at 11 am at St. James Lutheran
Church in Brunswick, GA.
Karen was such an active part of our class of '60 in high school,
forever smiling and laughing and one of the more brainy ones in
our class with her quick mathematical abilities. She had such a
caring, loving attitude toward everyone she encountered, you just
couldn't help but like her. A few of us have been friends with her
since 1st grade at Jefferson School, Chief Jo, then high school
and on to WSU. Our friendship spans over 50 years and we have
enjoyed many good times together over the years. It is so hard to
lose such a good friend. Karen will be greatly missed. We extend
our sincere sympathy to Preston through this very difficult time
for him.
-Judy Cameron Ayers ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: City of Richland 50th aftermath
Well we did it! The 50th Anniversary of the City of Richland is
history. I need to start this with a big THANK YOU to my crew.
Without them it would have been impossible. It would have been
far too costly to import a crew that size. They were in no
particular order: Derrith Persons Dean ('60), Pete Overdahl
('60), Burt Pierard ('59), Chuck Hollis, DW Carey ('68), Barb
Belcher Valinske ('72), Earl Bennett ('63), Damon Cromar, Danny
Haggard ('57), John Adkins ('62), Dave McAdie ('79). Missy Keeney
('59) showed up for clean-up and pitched right in. They were
great and they can work on my crew anytime. There were 5 senior
licensed pyros on hand to work with the volunteers.
Friday morning we drove the truck into position and they showed
up on time. My partner Ken kept looking at them and finally asked
"Where are the young guys?" When I said "This is them", he just
glared at me. However even in the miserable weather they pitched
in and got it done both days and the clean up was less then
1-1/2 hours. They were incredible. Thank you seems too small
an expression for the accomplishment. This morning Ken made
the comment that they were in fact as fine a crew as we had
experienced since founding in Feb. of '97. He was impressed by
the fact they remained cheerful and kept at it. While some could
not do some tasks they worked well as a team and did what they
could, and we were ready to fire by mid afternoon.
I have received numerous very favorable comments from not only
Bombers, but city officials, and several others some of whom
I don't know. The true measure of the effectiveness and
entertainment value of a display is the audience reaction. Even
in the face of the wind we could hear a large cheer. Here is
a quote form a letter I received from Candace Andrews Public
Information Manager for the city, "I am hearing so many, many
wonderful comments about the fireworks. People are still beaming
when they talk about them! Comment from one staff member who is
not easily excited: "I've seen a lot of fireworks, but I have
NEVER seen a finale like that!"
We took the crew to the Atomic Brew Pub for pizza afterwards.
They had offered the City to feed 12 and BYOB. There were 15 of
us and when they found out the crew were Bombers they stuffed us
with pizza and 3 pitchers and some soda were on the house. Very
nice people. Good pizza, tasty brew, managed and staffed by
Bomber grads. I recommend the place. It was a nice end to the
day. I gave each crew member a tee shirt with the event on the
back and EFI emblem on the front with my personal compliments.
The pub talked me out of a tee shirt signed by all the crew and
they are going to hang it on the wall.
Re: Mt Rainier on Dec 8th
I had quite a few comments about the clouds over Mt. Rainier on
the 8th. Here are a collection of pictures taken by some mountain
watchers.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Matt/081216-00.html
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From home listening to the very cold
north wind howling around the eves, the harbinger of snow
and yet even colder temps late Tuesday PM.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Picture #139
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081213-138-143.htm
Whoops. When I do a whoops I do it big time! Pauline is 3rd from
the left.
I could blame my mistake after being out in the cold seeing the
wonderful fireworks last night. When I did the Sandstorm entry
I was warm and cozy inside. Maren has always been there for
my whoops but for the first time in years she couldn't fix it
without my catching it. Also thought I'd best fix it quick
before my sister Nina Jones Rowe ('65) catches the whoops!
Thanks Maren for your ever so great work!!!!!!
Bombers Have Fun
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) ~ West Richland, WA - The temperature
is heading down from 17° to 5°.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Pete Overdahl ('60)
Re: Richland's 50th Birthday Topped Off With Mattingly's ('60)
Fireworks
Yes, what a show it was. Richland's 50th Birthday ended with a
show that Larry Mattingly and his partner Ken put on their "Grand
Finale". When people make sounds like, Ohh, Uh, Ah, EEEE and
their comments when they watch one of these shows you can really
understand why Larry has been doing this work for 50 years all
over the country. He is a real perfectionist in his performance
that lights up the Sky. I now know why he refers to the "Sky in
Bloom". It is kind of like Paul Harvey saying, "Now You Know the
Rest of the Story". Larry said he worries about every little
detail until it is over. Even the wind and rain storm the night
before the show. He said he was up 4 times checking on things
that night before the show. He had a real team of experts helping
it all come together. If Dan Haggard ('57) had never volunteered
me to help I would of never appreciated it as greatly as I did.
It took over 11 hours setting it up and maybe an hour and a half
to put it away. I don't know who had more fun then Dan or I,
plus all the others who showed up. Thanks to Larry and Ken for
bringing their show to Richland where Larry had Orchestrated his
first show.
-Pete Overdahl ('60) ~ Richland where winter has showed its face.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Paula Beardsley Glenn ('62)
Re: City Celebration Fireworks
What a wonderful display Larry Mattingly ('60) put together to
celebrate Richland's 50th birthday. Larry, you did a great job
and as I had told you earlier, Dad would have been proud of his
"protege" for the great job you did. I loved it that you fired
off a salute and got everyone's attention from the beginning.
After that, it was one treat to the eye after another not to
mention the assault on our old eardrums. I don't think any of us
elders had any trouble hearing your show... maybe afterwards but
certainly not during it. There was one extra benefit you can
include in your resume... as if you need it. I was chairman of
the Kiwanis Club cocoa giveaway and we ended up serving over 400
cups of cocoa (we actually ran out of cups) and over 1200 cookies
to the crowd that gathered to watch your show and the boat
parade. That is about double what we usually do at the Boat
Parade. Anyway, thanks to all who helped with the set up and tear
down and thanks especially to Larry and his crew for helping the
city celebrate in a great way. It was awesome!
May I also take this opportunity to wish all my fellow Bombers a
very Merry Christmas and the happiest New Year...
-Paula Beardsley Glenn ('62) ~ Richland watching the snow fall
and the temps drop to single digits today and glad I'm
inside baking cookies with my grandson.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
Re: Karl Diettrich appears -- studying a musical score!
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081213-138-143.htm
Hi Maren and Don Sorensen (NAB) -- another person discovered.....
The man in photo 138, on the right hand side is Karl Diettrich --
father of Ora ('57), Chuck ('58), Charlotte ('61-RIP) and Karla
Diettrich -- all Richland Bombers. He was the Symphony's first
conductor back in the '50s and '60s -- He also owned Diettrich's
market up on Wright St. -- and his dad, owned the Diettrich's
market in West Richland.
-Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Metal Class of '63)
Re: Missing Sandstorms
Maren, Did not get the Sandstorm again, but was able to see it
online [http://AlumniSandstorm.com] thanks to the URL in your
post. Saw all those Chowder-heads from 63!!!! Looked like fun!!
http://rhs63.tripod.com/pics/2008-GMC63CMCS/00.html
My best to them all. When I look at their faces, I remember such
wonderful, fun things about them all. How lucky we all are in
this day and age to be able to see friends we haven't seen in
a long time, by the flick of a key. My brother Clif ('60) is
gravely ill and I hope all Bombers pray he is well enough to get
on the plane from San Francisco to Seattle on the 18th so he can
be with the rest of the family for Christmas. As in many families
we are spread all over the country, but my 85 year old Mom would
love to be able to have him near, just a little longer.
Love,
-Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Metal Class of '63) ~ In cold, icy
St.Louis where Mike and I just celebrated 45 years of great
fun and miles of smiles!! Who would have guessed it would
last so long or that we would live for so many years in the
midwest and have children here and in the south-never would
have predicted that. Also my thoughts are with Barbara Howe
('63) on the loss of her sister Karen ('60). Karen was such
an example to all of us when we were in Jr. High of what a
big sister was all about. I know Barb (who always made me
laugh) loved her so much and they too live far apart. But
Bombers remember Bombers, no matter where they are.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Hamilton (Gold Medal Class of '63)
The Gold Medal Class of '63 Chowder, Marching and Caroling
Society held our 22nd annual Christmas Party on Saturday and a
good time was had by all.
Special thanks to Leo Webb of the Sunshine Committee for picking
an outstanding location, you can't have a party if Brother Leo
isn't there to rent the hall. Dave Hanthorn submitted some great
pictures to the Cult Page today, and they are greatly
appreciated.
http://rhs63.tripod.com/pics/2008-GMC63CMCS/00.html
Mary Lou again won the whatchamacallit for coming the greatest
distance, in fact she may have retired the trophy for coming up
three years in a row. Be sure to watch Mary Lou in the upcoming
season of "Bomber Housewives of Orange County".
We'll see everyone next year, if not before, for our 23rd annual
clambake.
-jimbeaux
-Jim Hamilton (Gold Medal Class of '63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Kathy O'Neil Childs ('63)
To: Annie Parker Hoyle ('57)
Re: Looking for Ted Ogston's ('62) address
I haven't received my Alumni Sandstorm for the last three days.
When I checked the website, I saw that you were trying to reach
Ted Ogston. He recently moved, but is still in the Seattle area
and has the same email address. I have emailed him to let him
know that you're trying to reach him.
-Kathy O'Neil Childs ('63) ~ Los Altos, CA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Profor...Profari...Profatus - Christmas Greetings!
http://users.colfax.com/almota/page6.html
Re: Boston Garden Closing with Gene Conley ('48
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhR-jhRoSI
Re: General James Mattis ('68)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gfhh6Mg5MY
Re: Jim Albaugh - Executive VP, Boeing ('68)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLF5NO5b9Oc
-Gary Behymer ('64) ~ working somewhere near the Top Notch
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: He ain't heavy....................
Special thanks to Dave Hanthorn ('63) for the pix of the '63
gathering... looks like ya had power at picture time... It also
sounds like the 50th Richland celebration was a hit... heard it
was very cold and rainy... Kenny Dame ('68) had the good sense
to call me and let me listen to the fireworks... "ooooooooooow
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"... Yesterday I spent most of the day tending
to cars... tried to get the Marine Henry J protected from the
elements... it has a heater so will see duty (not to be confused
with Sea Duty) for much of the winter... it also has Sirius
radio... I stopped driving it midway thru the summer and was
so glad to get the Sirius radio back into play... they had a
wonderful show on called "Pink and Black Days" while I was doing
my "mom" errands... if you get a chance get a copy of Narvel
Phelps' song "Pink and Black Days"... they didn't play it on the
show but I imagine it was the inspiration for the show title...
wonderful song... I have put it on most of my traveling CDs...
Glen Glenn does a fun new version of his old "Everybody's
Rockin'" too... for those of you who have forgotten the fun of
original rock n roll ("Rock-a-Billy" back then) it's great to get
back into it... While a bunch of the '65ers were in Vegas with me
at "Viva Las Vegas" a couple of years back... Ricky Warford ('65)
was convinced he'd never heard rock-a-billy before and loved
it... I mentioned Roy Orbison, the Killer, Elvis and several
other stars that were rock-a-billy before the name rock n roll
was coined and several of their songs were played... anyway,
Ricky was hooked and we've sent him several CDs which he plays
for his students... On my way home from my Mom's the Wolfman Jack
(RIP) Show was on... talk about memories... I used to drive
from Yuma to Vegas and back every weekend listening to da "Woof
man"... coulda stayed in my car all night if it wasn't so cold...
(guess I coulda played it inside with the little home base for
the house... not the same tho)... so it's my pal's birthday
on the 16th... he and Tony Harrah shared a hospital room when
they were born... well not immediately at birth but you get
the picture... So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Terry Davis Knox ('65) on
December 16, 2008!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/17/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers, Don Sorensen, and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Jim McKeown ('53), Larry Mattingly ('60), Patti Jones ('60)
Earl Bennett ('63), Mary Lou Watkins ('63), David Rivers ('65)
Steve Simpson ('65), Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda Rislov ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Donna Young ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Corey Boehning ('87)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim McKeown ('53)
W. T. McKeown, our dad, who turned 100 last March, died today
[12/16] in Walla Walla. He died peacefully in his sleep, joining
our Mom who died in September. They celebrated their 75th wedding
Anniversary in July. I'm flying in on the 17th to be with my
brothers Mike ('60) and Tom ('53)... Dad was a Bomber thru and
thru, and he will be missed.
-Jim McKeown ('53) ~ from very cold and windy Sacramento. CA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Pictures or CD of Display
Oooops... I forgot to mention that the city used several video
cameras to record the entire display and the music. They intend
to edit it into a nice CD and will see I get copies. As soon as I
receive it I will put it on YouTube and publish the URL here on
the Alumni Sandstorm.
Re: the Lenticular Clouds over Mt. rainier.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Matt/081216-00.html
They are caused by moist air hitting the mountain and rising,
forming the cloud. Depending on the winds it may be over the
mountain or next to it. If not over the mountain, it will usually
drift over after forming. Winds often hold and trap them over the
mountain. They usually dissipate after a few hours, which is why
seeing that many at one time is very unusual. I have been at the
summit when a lenticular moved over us. Winds were over 70 MPH
gusting to over 90. That was in August with temps at 14,411 feet
about 10 F. The wind chill was severe. The mountain guides told
us the lenticular clouds almost always have winds 60-70 MPH and
often more.
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Friday night Burt Pierard ('59) gave a birthday party for himself
served his delicious pizza. This kicked off for many the weekend.
Burt's pizza is in the secret sauce. It is a secret that he won't
tell anyone. Bet his closest friend Missy Keeney ('59) knows? [I
know the recipe, but I ain't tellin'... it's a secret -Maren]
Burt is a delightful host. Saturday was a full day with
Richland's 50th Celebration, a train show, Fireworks and Lighted
boats.
Re: All Bomber Luncheon
Their were new Bombers at the luncheon. Some were off at the park
helping Larry Mattingly ('60) and his partner, Ken, do the set
up. This is who was there full of Merry Cheer. Marguerite Groff
Tompkins ('54), Marilyn Working Highstreet ('54), her husband
Richard Highstreet ('58 Sunnyvale high school, CA). Mary Judd
Hinz ('60, Glen Rose ('58), wife Carol ('62 Sunnyvale High
School). Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63), Pat Doriss Trimble ('65),
Dave Rhodes ('52), wife Alice ('57 Colville High School), Kaylene
Henjum Hexum ('60), hubby Herm ('60 Finley High School). Fred
Klute ('58)
We got a great surprise when Earl Bennett, III ('63) and his wife
Bonnie arrived. After helping Larry Mattingly with the fireworks
they had time to drop by for a while. We were doing announcements
and introductions when they arrived. Earl was given time to talk.
Many knew Earl from the Sandstorm. We were all enlightened with
Earl telling about his years of language in school and what he
has done with languages through the years. There always seems to
be things that are new that we haven't heard.
Re: Train show, Fireworks and lighted boats
Glen Rose ('58) decided to go home after the luncheon. Carol, his
wife and I took off to check on the A.C.E.S. and their packaging
for the soldiers. We were supposed to go back the next day but
snow kept us home. A brief stop at WalMart, then to the Train
show... Fred Klute who is involved, talked about it at the
luncheon. Carol had not been to one and I hadn't been for years.
It was always a part of the Puyallup Fair in Puyallup, WA for me.
Being as I have ridden the train a lot this past four years it
was lots of fun. Carol liked the show also. The show was at the
Richland Community Center.
The fireworks were not far. We drove and parked below the Red
Lion at the park. Then we found the fireworks guy Larry. He gave
me a tour of the new firing system. I have seen the set up before
but nothing like this which proved a little later that it works
very well. Very impressive, Larry.
Then we walked up to Sterling's to get some warm food to warm us
during the fireworks. From your Sandstorm entry Roy Ballard ('63),
we must have been parked right behind you. There were two RVs.
Being as you were all warm inside we didn't see you when we
walked down closer to the caution area and stood on the walkway
for the Fireworks.
It was only a minute when the "Sky was in Bloom". Larry thought
the fireworks would blow towards the south. Instead many were
straight over the river or right over us. I have been close
before but not where they felt like they were showering down on
us. So beautiful Larry and your partner Ken and all the people
who helped. Must not forget Phil there Pyro technician from
Olympia. He was at Bert's party. Big thank you to all involved.
What a learning lesson for the Bombers.
Re: Karen Howe Kirkendall ('60-RIP)
Your kind words, Judy Cameron Ayers ('60), said it all about
Karen and her life. Her death rang with an oh no in me. Karen
was always so full of life and her signature smile. Prayers to
Preston Kirkendall ('58) family and friends through this trying
time. I wondered why they weren't at the '58 class reunion.
Thought maybe I had missed them, now I know. So many of us go
back to Jr. High School at Chief Jo. The fun will not ever be
forgotten.
Merry Christmas Bombers and families
Bombers Have Fun
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) ~ I am getting a little bit of "Cabin
Fever" from being in so much being as I don't drive in the
snow. Gunny (my dog) and I have taken a walk the last
couple of days to help before the next round.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Earl C. Bennett, III (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Gary Behymer ('64): Did something happen to General Jim Mattis
('68) to prompt that video on YouTube?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gfhh6Mg5MY
Re: The sky in bloom
Many thanks go to Larry Mattingly ('60) for a fascinating
experience being on the setup crew. Their assembly line approach
went like clockwork in spite of amateur help and cold rain on
Friday morning, while the Bomber team spirit was evident as we
cooperated well on the various tasks; fortunately, the temps
warmed up briefly for the gloves-off wiring time on Saturday. I
can't imagine what it must have been like for the New Year's Eve
shows he has described in the Aleutian Islands. I was happy that
Mom was able to see the fireworks - we parked a car at a good
spot early on Saturday and took her to it at about 6:15 so she
wouldn't have to endure too much time outside. The dancer in me
deeply appreciated the "choreography," as Larry called it, of
the bursts synchronized to the music on KONA; he said he spent
sixteen hours just on the choreography. Being in the middle of
the preparations made it clear why there is intense interest in
his control systems on the part of our federal government and
other potential customers.
I wasn't able to stay for all of the work on Saturday (felt
obliged to drop in on Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) and the monthly
luncheon crew at JD Diner, then helped my sisters take Mom
Christmas shopping), and REAALLLY regret missing the clean-up and
after-party (I would have treasured the T-shirt had I been able
to get one, even though my wife beats me every time I bring home
another T-shirt of any kind). We were in a rental car with no
chains or studded tires and decided to leave right after the
fireworks ended to skip the passes by following the Columbia down
I-84. The driving snow was mesmerizing, and the tension of trucks
passing me and trying to pass the slower ones in the untraveled
left lane gave me a headache and stiff neck by the time we reach
The Dalles, so we crashed there and finished the trip the next
morning to visit a son and granddaughter (Tacoma area), and
sisters (north of Everett), then catch the return flights to
Virginia.
Regards, ecb3 - It was 22 when we boarded the plane Monday
morning in Seattle, in the teens for the connection in
Denver, then we landed at BWI at 12:15 the next morning
where it was 57 degrees and raining! We were sweating.
Twelve hours later it got down to freezing here in central
Virginia, but may hit 60 again this Friday. Can't get
accustomed to anything, and we have to layer instead of
dressing for consistent winter.
-Earl C. Bennett, III (Gold Medal Class of '63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mary Lou Watkins Rhebeck (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Re: Olympia Gathering
http://rhs63.tripod.com/pics/2008-GMC63CMCS/00.html
Just another entry on the wonderful gathering of Bombers last
Saturday in Olympia... Each year brings a better time... maybe
it's because as we age, we know what is truly a gift... and this
thing called "Bomber" is a gift. As I saw the pictures that Dave
took, (and we must speak to him harshly about deleting certain
shots), and saw the faces that are in my school pictures since
kindergarten, I was once again amazed. These are people with whom
I played war ball and hopscotch... double dated, danced at High
Spot... left Richland... raised babies and lost loved ones... and
reunited with love and wonder. Try explaining that to others...
they don't get it any more than they get having teams named
"Bombers". And thanks to Jimbeaux for finally giving me the
whatchamacallit for coming the longest distance to this event...
but really... why wouldn't I? As Charlton Heston said... "they'll
have to rip that Boarding Pass from my cold dead hand"... well...
he kind of said that... besides... getting a Bomber fix for 6
days in the middle of December in Olympia adds to my sanity...
hm-m-m-m... that really doesn't make sense... but oh well... deal
with it.
There is no truth whatsoever that there will be a Bomber Real
Housewives down here but maybe in Olympia?... let's see... you
would have Susie, Mary Margaret, Mary Ann, and Ellen... hey...
this could work! we all see the Real Housewives of OC slinking
around the towns... but trust me... they are not real!
By the way Mr. Rivers... we had the forever lovely Nancy from the
class of '65... no reason you couldn't have made it too!
Thanks again to Ellen, Jimbeaux, Leo and Dave... love and Merry
Christmas!
-Mary Lou Watkins Rhebeck (Gold Medal Class of '63) ~ Laguna
Hills, CA... where it is cold and wet... in the middle
of a southern California winter (no laughing allowed
from you Northwest people)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: What is that white stuff?
After looking at the '63 pix a couple more times I am very
concerned about LaMont and Caroline ('63 both)...
http://rhs63.tripod.com/pics/2008-GMC63CMCS/00.html
photo number 21 appears to be clear and convincing proof of
LaMont pushing Caroline down... I think we need to study that a
little more closely... no wait... I've looked again and it is
LaMont saving Caroline from falling... way to go, Dude... see...
most stories can be seen from at least two angles... the more
witnesses the more angles... However... I really need some help
with a sitcheashun we got here in Vegas... Yesterday morning
this white stuff started falling from the sky... It now covers
everything all the way down to about the 2100 elevation line...
It crunches when you walk in it and gets in your shoes... I
haven't been able to identify this stuff but I can tell you I
don't much care for it... if you try and walk on it where there
is concrete underneath, it is very slippery... I hope some of you
out there have seen this stuff before and can help us out with
a cure... I do remember seeing it during my Jr or Sr year one
time... couldn't get to school without putting chains on my
car... none of the roads had been cleared of this stuff so
driving to Col-Hi was slow going... when I got there the parking
lots were empty... turns out Uncle Tom and the boyz had called a
"snow day"... I was the only kid at school! Well be well folks...
Mary Lou ('63) if you see any of this white stuff throw it in the
ocean and get rid of it... you won't like it... brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
-David Rivers ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Steve Simpson ('65)
Re: Jim Albaugh ('68)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLF5NO5b9Oc
To: Gary Behymer ('64)
Gary, Thank you for sending the link to the Jim Albaugh news
interview. I played little League ball with Jim. When he
became a VP at Boeing, I was a contractor and emailed him
congratulations. He emailed me back and we had a great exchange.
Bomber blood runs deep.
-Steve Simpson ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: Who Are They??
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081217-150-155.htm
To All Bombers,
Another installment of 6 and a question: when did Bob Hope come
to Richland??
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Funeral Notice
>>Karen Howe Kirkendall ('60) ~ 5/14/42 - 12/11/08
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/18/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6 Bombers sent stuff:
Phil Belcher ('51), Reuben Linn ('58)
Burt Pierard ('59), Mike Brady ('61)
Jim Hamilton ('63), David Rivers ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carole Clark ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Susan Nelson ('67)
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>>From: Phil Belcher ('51)
Re: Don Sorensen's (NAB) pictures
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081217-150-155.htm
I'm doomed! The picture labeled 150-who is of Don Walker (or Don
Welker) taken in the old Central Stores in the 713 bldg in the
area of what is now the Federal Building probably somewhere
around 1951-1954. The location then moved to the large building
near the bus stop. Don is the one in front. I can't remember the
name of the other guy and that is the reason I'm doomed. I'll
dream about who he is for weeks. My first job was in Stores and
I worked in what was called "radio stores" with a great group of
fellows and gals. One thing I had noticed about the pictures was
the fact that you never saw 'straight' hair' and the women nearly
always wore skirts and the men usually wore ties. Everyone looked
professional. A far cry from fashions today.
I pray that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and the Best of
New Years.
Bomber Cheers,
-Phil Belcher ('51)
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>>From: Reuben Linn ('58)
Re: Laverda (Laverta) Brewer ('54-RIP)
With much personal sadness, I would report that I just learned of
the passing of Laverda Brewer Walter ('54). She died May 11, 2008
in Cashmere where she and husband Ed have lived for the last 42
years.
-Reuben Linn ('58)
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Don Sorenson (he wishes to remain a NAB but he is an
Honorary Bomber in my heart)
Re: Who Are They? - Dec. 17th
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081217-150-155.htm
Well Don, ol' Buddy, you finally stumbled on a couple of Pics
of my Dad, Jack Pierard, #s 151 & 152 (he's the one with the
mustache & bow tie). The occasion was the display & ringing of a
full size reproduction of the Liberty Bell to promote the sale
of U.S. Savings Bonds, a few years after the War. As I recall,
the travelling display was making the rounds of WWII Defense
Projects, like Hanford, and my Dad was some local official
in the Bond Drive. As a footnote, after my Dad's turn at the
rope, things rapidly deteriorated into a competition among the
officials to see who could ring it the loudest (maybe trying
to crack it?). Anyhow, the rope eventually broke and we had
the severed part around the house for years - never knew what
happened to it. Maybe my Brother Dick ('52) can help out here.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Upper Skagit River Valley, WA (temporarily)
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>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: A memory of Karen Howe ('60-RIP)
Every year my mother would read in the newspaper the names of the
Honor Roll students. Without fail, she would say to me, "Karen
Howe always makes the Honor Roll. Why don't you ever make it?"
Even when I was in my fifties she was still talking about Karen's
achievements versus my K-12 performance. I would mutter under my
breath, "that darn Karen Howe!"
I wish I had the opportunity to tell Karen the huge impact she
played in my life. I'm sure she would enjoy hearing my story.
My condolences to Karen's family and friends.
-Mike Brady ('61)
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>>From: Jim Hamilton (Gold Metal Class of '63)
Checking the weather in here in Seattle and the King 5 weather
site asked the question:
What's the difference between hail, sleet and freezing rain?
http://www.king5.com/weather/minds/stories/NW12122008WMSleetJR.58f6b611.html
Now I was wondering what was the difference betwixt snow, sleet,
hail and soggy pie?
-jimbeaux
-Jim Hamilton (Gold Metal Class of '63)
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Jimmie Adair
It is snowing like crazy here in Las Vegas... I'm downtown which
is probably right at about 2000 foot level and it is coming down
like gang busters... not fun... please don't tell Mary Lou ('63)
or she will really get on me for missing the Chowder marching PJ
outing last week end... my big reason for not attending is the
cold... brrrrrrrrr...
The main reason for writing this is to let all the Bombers know
that Jimmie Adair ('65-'67) went in for open heart surgery a
1:00pm on the 17th... I believe he is at Kadlec. He didn't tell
anyone but Steven ('08) spilled the beans to Kenny Dame ('68) and
Kenny told me and and and ... it's a small town ya know... even
when you're 1200 miles away it's still a small town... so let's
get those prayers a going... I know I'll catch heck for telling
this but hey... that's what friends are for!
-David Rivers ('65)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/19/2008
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7 Bombers sent stuff and 2 Bomber funeral notices today:
Dick McCoy ('45), Dick Pierard ('52)
Marguerite Groff ('54),
Sylvia Plumb ('56) and Tony Duran ('55)
John Adkins ('62), David Rivers ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tony Harrah ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lisa McCurdy ('86)
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>>From: Dick McCoy (the Tin Can Class of '45)
Re: birthday
I would like to use this mailing to express my thanks for the
multitude (both of you), who wished me a happy birthday [12/14].
We are enjoying a series of snow storms here at Big lake, WA
including one on Sunday, during which I had a white birthday. IN
between, two days of cold, then another big snow yesterday and
today. We now have had bout 18 inches total, and another bunch is
due Sunday. In between it has been very cold, reaching thirteen
degrees last Friday. More snow Sunday, and it is said we might
have a white Christmas. Let's all sing a chorus at this time.
-Dick McCoy (the Tin Can Class of '45)
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>>From: Dick Pierard ('52)
Brother Burt ('59) hit the nail on the head. Those are two great
pictures of our Dad. He was sure having fun ringing it (152).
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081217-150-155.htm
I don't recall the incident myself, but Dad had his fingers in
a lot of different community endeavors. It looks like they were
taken in the late '40s or very early '50s, because he still had
that marvelous head of dark black hair that he had inherited from
his Belgian Walloon father. Unfortunately, I do not recognize any
of the kids standing around. As for the busted rope, I have no
idea where it went to. Perhaps Mom got rid of it, but I just
don't know. Thanks to Don Sorensen (NAB) for finding it and
sharing it with us.
-Dick Pierard ('52)
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>>From: Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54)
From the icy, snowy desert of the Columbia Basin in Washington,
Greetings. I'm sorry but I don't appreciate winter like I did a
few years ago. But in those days of course, I didn't have to deal
with a cane, walker and Dial-a-Ride. But, it does look beautiful
in my front yard. This is the time of month that I make a plea
for '54 ladies to join us for lunch at Granny's Restaurant for
our monthly get-together. However, because of the uncertain
weather and everyone busy for the holidays, we decided to
postpone until January.
For all you lucky folks that are able to join friends for skiing,
sledding, skating, all that fun stuff, I am happy for you. Stay
safe and have and everyone have glorious blessed Christmas.
-Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54) ~ Richland where, even if my
dad did used to say, "You're just Wishing your life away,"
I still can hardly wait until Spring!!
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>>From: Sylvia Plumb Duran ('56) and Tony Duran ('55)
Re: Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone (and to all a good night). Tony and I
are leaving for the Grand Bahamas tomorrow, but we will be back
by the first of the New Year. We don't know what to expect in
the Bahamas, because we have never been there at this time of
the year. We have had a time share there for around 20 years.
Our original time share was destroyed by a Hurricane in 2006,
so they had to rebuild. Our kids bought us a plane ticket and
now we can check it out. We are just praying we will be able to
get out of the Wichita airport, because we have had all kinds of
bad weather. Right now it's freezing rain on top of 4" of snow.
Wouldn't you just know?
Later,
-Sylvia Plumb Duran ('56) and Tony Duran ('55)
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>>From: John Adkins ('62)
To: jimbeaux - Jim Hamilton (Gold Metal Class of '63)
I don't think that Snow - Sleet - Hail - and soggy Pie -
depends (mmm maybe I shouldn't use that word at our age)
on a "difference".
I think Snow - Sleet - Hail - and Soggy Pie is a combination.
We need to check with Bert Wells on that one.
-John Adkins ('62) ~ Richland more snow - but it is up to near
20° this morning
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: B-days and 'Nouncements
Dang... cranked the heat up so high in my office kinda made me
dizzy... I'm better now... Havin' a "snow day" for the school
kids but I still gotta go to the School District Bond Oversight
meeting... doesn't seem fair... gotta frantic call for the lady
who tries to keep us all in line afraid I wouldn't be there and
they wouldn't have a quorum... hey... I take my duties seriously
ya know... I'm a Bomber... so anyway we got some birthdays to
celebrate... a couple from heaven and one right here on terra
firma... But first gotta tell you all that Jimmie Adair ('65-'67)
came thru the surgery just fine... Cecilia Bennett ('65) (I have
spelled her name wrong so many times because it is misspelled on
the '65er page and I just figured it out!!!!!!!!) works at the
hospital and checked on him... Many others have checked in to
make sure the boy is ok...
Now it's birthday time on the 1st in Somerville... the youngest
boy was my mentor all thru our school days... If he said it I
took it as gospel... I still admire the heck out of him... always
will... we may not see eye to eye politically, but that's only
because when I was 21 I finally decided to read a book and have
been making a few of my own decisions since then... ain' always
been good ones but that comes with the startling realization
after High School granges that we don't always line up
alphabetically any more... I didn't get to walk up and get my
sheepskin with Janine Rightmire ('65) and other things didn't
always turn out the way I hoped but I will continue to muddle
thru... so anyway, the birthday boy was an inspiration to me and
I love him as a brother and cherish the times we have together...
We also have two RIP birthdays... One I knew and the other I
didn't... the one still lives on in the memories of all who knew
him... we've had a lot of fun at his expense and I am very sure
he is up in Heaven Dancing his rear end off... and laughing with
us... It is my loss that I didn't know the other guy... but he
was way bigger than I and so I didn't get the chance to sit with
him at his big kids' table... but let's just take a moment to
wish HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tony Harrah ('65), Pook Smith ('63-RIP)
and Nick Nelson ('56-RIP)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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Funeral Notices
>>Laverda Brewer Walter ('54) ~ 1937 - 5/11/08
>>Ron Carter ('84) ~ 2/11/64 - 12/8/08
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/20/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Al Parker (['53), Keith Arndt ('60)
Rick Maddy ('67), Kerry Steichen ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Anne Collins ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lyle Hawk ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: David Rodriguez ('69)
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>>From: Al Parker (['53)
Road salt shortage: Why are dogs now licking your boots?
http://www.katu.com/home/video/36304849.html?video=pop&t=aRe:
-Al Parker (['53)
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>>From: Keith Arndt ('60)
Re: General Jim Mattis, USMC ('68)
A few days ago Gary Behymer ('64) included a You Tube link
regarding General Jim Mattis, USMC ('68). I know that he has been
mentioned previously on these pages, but I don't think we can
overdo it. The Marine Corps currently numbers about 200,000
Marines. Among the 200,000 Marines there are about 18,000 Marine
officers. Among the 18,000 Marine officers there are four
Generals (four stars). Gen. Mattis is one of the four. He has
excelled in one of the most demanding organizations in the world
and has risen to the highest level.
During a 25 year Navy career I was fortunate to work with
numerous Flag (Admiral) and General officers. In combat
situations these senior officers are required to make life and
death decisions potentially affecting thousands, that are often
second-guessed and misunderstood by those far from the action.
Gen. Mattis did not earn his stars behind a desk in the Pentagon.
He has led troops on the battle field in Desert Shield, Desert
Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq, including leading the assault on
Fallujah following the murder of four Americans.
We should all be aware that we have a true hero on our Bomber
roles. If this was WW II they would be naming streets and schools
after him. He's one of my heroes.
-Keith Arndt ('60), Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired) ~ Magnolia, TX
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>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
Re: Jim Adair ('65-'67)
Thanks for letting us know David Rivers ('65) and keeping us
posted. Although I knew who he was... who didn't... I probably
formally met Jim through Ron Hanson ('67) while in high school
and I bet you can guess why... that is right, hot rods. I never
even owned a car until I was twenty years old. Probably should
have gotten a job, but I have been saying that for over forty
five years now. When I ran around with Ron I met a lot of
'motorheads' all over the Tri-Cities. Maybe 'car enthusiasts'
is a better word. I was never bored with it. Always interesting
watching Ron and all these guys make things for cars, tear
engines down, redesign, figure out problems and just do the
things they did and loved. They would all pass information around
about hot rods like there was no such thing as loose lips sink
ships. One night I was at Zip's... I was a junior... and Jim
pulled in with his... was it a '55 or '56 Chev... I think it was
'55... and blue on white or brownish burnt orange... I will say
blue... I bet Rivers ('65) can tell me... I loved that car. I
was driving my dad's '54 Merc. Jim wanted to drive my dad's car.
Surprised me too. I was thinking Pasco beer run, Lucky's maybe,
but I didn't care. We swapped cars and my dad is spinning in his
grave as I tell this tale again. I drove around town and had a
great time hot rodding Jim's hot rod. I will never forget that
night. The next time I am in Richland maybe you want to drive my
'04 Ford Ranger for whatever reason, Jim... because I want to
drive that light blue '40 Ford you have had since... since what,
third grade... something like that. Nevertheless, get out of
there ASAP, Jim. I know those that know you and love you want you
to get back to the party as soon as this inconvenience ends. GET
WELL SOON!
Children:
I think... yuh think... I might have messed up somewhere
along the line. I sure wish parenting had come with a manual.
Particularly a single parent manual, in which vein I speak here.
Not sure how many parents put up with this. Change the locks,
maybe? I have two children... eight years apart... same mother.
We split up fourteen years ago and have known each other since
the summer before my senior year and her sophomore year. Divorce
is tough on kids. Puts a different modus operandi on parenting.
Decision making is really tough on split parenting. Maybe married
people shouldn't have children, just in case ...just kidding! I
had just turned seventeen and she was fifteen when we met. I
was introduced to her by one of her classmates at one of those
Richland roller rink dances during my Summer of Love 1966 when
the bands came through town. Not exactly Woodstock, but worked
just as well. Only woman I ever married... twice... and only
woman I had children with. We just needed to get away from each
other for the many reasons there are... another story... I'll
spare you. Daughter. Wonderful kid. I love her dearly. She loves
me. My scientific observations proved, because I see it happen
over and over again, a guy comes along and takes the girls away
from a parent's home. I imagine most parent's hope a job, or
school, is the reason their daughter leaves home. Good luck. I
moved out of Wenatchee in 1992 in the middle of night and the
daughter didn't want to go because she was tired of moving and
following dad around with his Gypsy, Vietnam, on the run, keep a
low profile problems... and she had a boyfriend. Lucky me.
Girls are easy... I won't say 'to get rid of early on' here.
Son. Wonderful kid. I love him dearly. He loves me. Sons seem
different from daughters with how, when and why they exit the
parent's home. My dad simply showed me the door the day after
graduation. I was seventeen. Dad was born in 1919 and that
generation had a different view on when and how a son would be
leaving the nest. He left his parent's Iowa farm for Idaho at
seventeen. I was doomed. Two weeks later I turned eighteen and
needing a place to live, I joined the Marine Corps. Simple
solution for a simple mind. A real job was out of the question.
My theory: today, most boys don't leave until the very last
minute and just after dad has totally lost what was left of his
mind and youth. I have wondered if sons stick around longer,
or come back home to live after military service or college
graduation because of dad's tune in, drop out, do your own
thing life style adopted out of some previous world that Ozzie,
Harriet, our parents and Walt had made. My generation left the
comforts of our parent's home early and young, made all the
money... and therefore softened the blow on our children? The
children can just stick around forever? And bring the grandkids
if you got em? Dog, cat, bring 'em all? Son-in-law... daughter-
in-law... yea, bring them too? My son, Ben, is six feet tall,
slender, a very good looking man, intelligent, has a very good
job, single, no hurry to get on his own, tosses me rent money
every month, gets most of it back through the month in blue and
red plastic cups, plastic forks, plastic spoons, paper plates,
toilet paper, steaks I bought at Costco... the beers, my
goodness, the beers... advice, leave the fridge empty. Parents
with boys, I have my fingers crossed here, know what I am talking
about... don't you? For the love of... you do know... right? Am I
an island here? And he will be thirty-one years old this coming
March. The only time he hasn't lived with me was when I was
recuperating and enjoying a self-imposed respite care scenario
on Maui for two and a half years. Respite care for parents...
something I learned in the Northshore School District (Bothell,
Woodinville and Inglemoor) as a special education substitute
teacher. I then fly into Seattle and Ben says, sure, I want to
go to L.A. too, dad. What I learned here was to never fly into
Seattle in December. And the young women he has dated through the
years. Every race. Every creed. Every continent. The tats. The
toolbox spiked faces. The nightmare. The girl next door. Hey,
do your own thing. I'm not the judge here. Law and rules abide,
period. Nevertheless, and a few headaches here and there, the
only thing I ask is... at what point does a young man find a
woman that he cannot resist and wants more, more than life
itself, too move on with his life with... with 'that' special
someone... and she doesn't have a tattoo or spiked eyebrow?
Thirty? I was seventeen. I don't know if it is thirty or supposed
to be thirty. Thirty is when child psychologists, educators and
most courts of law believe adolescence ends. My son and his
girlfriend are moving to Long Beach. Ben actually found a woman
he likes and can stand to be around for more than six months, or
maybe it is the other way around. Sweetheart of a girl. It's a
good match. And neither have tats or spikes and just happen to
both be Caucasian, not that that mattered, just noted. Whatever
the reason, I am stoked! I'm moving closer to the beach. I will
be sixty in June and alone for the first time, other than when
on the sanitarium known as Maui... a place where I would tell
visitors, "For ten days it is paradise and after that it is every
man for himself." Of course that also applies to women. Some
thought it was funny, others did not. Go give it a try. Surf's
up. The youth has been sucked out of me. I have paid my dues as a
parent. It is sink or swim time for the children. And at a much
much later date in life than I, when the hardest part about
leaving my parent's home, besides just being a teenager, was
removing my dad's boot out of my rear end. I am one block from
the beach and three blocks from Chronic Taco. Life is good. I am
on my own for the first time and almost sixty! Now what? Thanks
for listening.
Merry Christmas to all.
-Rick Maddy ('67) ~ Orange County, CA. No paragraphs were used
in honor of my respect to Richard Anderson, Part-time
Editor at Large and English language extrordanaire-ist; OS
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>>From: Kerry Steichen ('74)
This Saturday, December 20, the NAIA National Championship game
between the nation's #1 Carroll Fighting Saints and the #2
University of Sioux Falls Cougars takes place in Rome, Georgia,
at Barron Stadium. If the Saints carry the day, they'll bring
home a sixth NAIA trophy. The game can be seen on CBS - College
Sports channel at 11am east coast 9 am Pacific.
I went to Helena in September for homecoming and my 30th Reunion.
The place has greatly improved since the time I played at
Carroll. After their National attention they have built a great
stadium on Campus. There is a large alumni in Seattle that meet
at the RAM in the U-District but with the current weather I will
be home enjoying the game.
Happy Holidays!
-Kerry Steichen ('74) Saint ('78)
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Funeral Notice
>>Janice Harris Tillman ('78) ~ 5/30/60 - 12/13/08
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/21/2008 ~ WINTER SOLSTICE - SHORTEST DAY
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5 Bombers sent stuff:
Shirley Rae Drury ('51), George Swan ('59)
Larry Mattingly ('60), Maren Smyth ('63 & '64)
Cathy Geier ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Leroy Southam ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Joanne Rolph ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Duane Lee ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff Osborn ('82)
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>>From: Shirley Rae Drury Crume ('51)
To: Rick Maddy ('67)
Rick, I immensely enjoyed reading your observations about
your parenthood and launch into single living in yesterday's
Sandstorm. It's a pleasure to see a person reveal himself so
articulately the way you did here. It's unashamedly honest. Did
your mom not object to you being thrust out at 17? I absolutely
would not have let my husband do that to any of our boys, not
that he was so inclined. My dad was on his own at 15, but happily
put my brother, Larry Drury ('57), through college, not out the
door. Odd and interesting how people differ.
Thanks,
-Shirley Rae Drury Crume ('51)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Keith Arndt ('60), Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Re: General Jim Mattis, USMC ('68)
Well done and well said, Sir! General James Mattis is indeed one
of my heroes, also. He is the caliber of Marine Officer that I
would have given all of my stripes, just to serve in his command.
And today, I am most proud to know him as a Bomber, a fellow
Marine, a man who loves the Pacific Northwest, and as a personal
friend.
Semper Fi and Ourah!
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59), Sergeant of Marines (a long time ago)
~ Burbank, WA
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>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Carroll College Fighting Saints
To: Kerry Steichen ('74)
My adopted daughter Christyn graduated from Carroll in '87.
She was the first in her entire known family to graduate from
college. I was quite proud of her succeeding in a tough program.
Over the 4 years of her attendance there I learned that students
at Carroll were very competitive. And not just in football. I
remember the Forensic Debate team soundly thrashed a couple
of the Ivy League schools. During the '87 graduation all grads
received their diploma with one hand and placed a marble in the
dean's hand with the other. We parents knew something was up as
the grads had persuaded several of us to buy and bring bags of
marbles to graduation without telling us what they were for. But
we quickly figured it out and there were numerous laughs in the
audience. The Dean made a comment about being glad to loose his
marbles during his closing remarks. He had pockets full.
I am in the Tri-Cities for Christmas and will pick up the CD of
the Anniversary display this next week. However, the day after
Christmas I am on a plane to Dutch Harbor for their New Years
fireworks, and will not get back until the 7th. As quickly as
possible after that I will get the CD on U-tube and will put the
URL on the Alumni Sandstorm.
Nice comments about the display are still filtering in. My thanks
again to the Bomber alumni crew. They made it a success.
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
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>>From: Maren Smyth ('63 & '64)
Re: Dog in the Snow
http://www.maniacworld.com/dog-having-a-blast-in-the-snow.html
Bomber cheers,
-Maren Smyth ('63 & '64) ~ Gretna, LA - 70° at midnight
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>>From: Cathy Geier ('66)
Could someone please explain how not using paragraphs honors
people?
Merry Christmas all from ice-covered Seattle.
If I believe the weather storm watch, I might not come to
Richland for the Christmas holiday. I really want to see my
family though. However, having survived an 11 hour trip coming
up from Breitenbush which usually takes 5.. and most of that
was rain.. not ice, I am wary of long difficult weather trips.
What is everyone else doing? My side streets, just 2 to get to
a major street are completely ice covered. There is an incline
to get to Aurora which I have seen people approach and turn
around and leave.
Brr and walking carefully
-Cathy Geier ('66)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/22/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff:
George Swan ('59), Suzie Gunderson ('60)
Earl Bennett ('63), Mary Ann Vosse ('63)
John Fletcher ('64) and Becky Wersen ('65)
Leona Eckert ('65), Rick Maddy ('67)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today:
Bob Chiles ('58) & Suzie Gunderson ('60)
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>>From: George "Frosty-Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Snow Removal Techniques for Seasoned Citizens
I just completed my daily session of snow removal/control. We
must have close to about 2.5 feet of accumulation now (I lost
track) ... very strange for Bomber country. I haven't seen this
much snow here since my school-kid days in Richland. It has been
so cold, I couldn't get my snow blower attachment for my weed
whacker to rotate freely, so I brought the lower unit indoors to
warm up and will try again tomorrow.
In the meantime, I cleverly performed my own version of snow
plowing and suppression. I have a U-shaped driveway through the
trees in front of our house and past the frozen puddle, so I
fired up Lil' Ricky (short for Ranger Rick), my old 1990 Ford
Ranger, 2 wheel drive, Pickup. I race Ricky round and round until
I somewhat pack the snow down a bit. Its not real effective, but
it mashes the snow down and gives an old guy an excuse to speed,
fishtail, and dosey-do on private property. I laugh and yell ...
a lot (crazy old fart!). Another reminder of how much I miss my
dog, Darby, because in the past, she was my co-pilot/navigator/
communicator and would bark out of the window (she always wore my
WW II sheepskin-lined leather pilot cap and goggles) to announce
our low flying efforts at road clearing to all ... who did not
try to ignore us.
Her absence is really telling in my bird hunting this year, no
grouse, no quail, and only two roosters, but there will be next
year and soon ... a new Pappy/puppy partnership. If anyone
eventually hears of a litter of Yellow Lab pups that will be
ready in March or April, please let me know. I will be looking
for a female.
Well anyway, I finished my snow plowing by skidding into a full
stop. Feeling like a kid, I jumped out of Ricky, slammed the
door, slipped, and fell flat on my keester. Mrs. Pappy yelled
out the door asking what I thought I was doing down there?
"Making snow angels" I declared.
-George "Pappy" Swan ~ Burbank, WA where it is soooo coooold
and the snow is sooo deeeep! It has been so cold that the
initial snow fall from several days ago is still powdery.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Suzie Gunderson Chiles ('60)
Happy 49th Anniversary to my sweet husband(Bob Chiles). I love
you more today than yesterday (I think that's a line from a
song)... thanks for all the wonderful years we have had, I
wouldn't trade them for a million $$$$, and that's the truth!!!
love you, darlin',
your "poodie"
-Suzie Gunderson Chiles ('60) ~ Omak, WA where we thought we
were so lucky not to have been snow dumped until we woke
up the 3" and still snowing.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
To: Cathy Geier ('66)
Re: Paragraphs
Cathy,
Although Rick Maddy ('67) said he was honoring Richard Anderson
('60), whose writing skill and frequent, stand-in, editorial
work on the Alumni Sandstorm we've enjoyed occasionally, I
am convinced it's more complex than that, and requires some
analysis. He began his treatise by expressing appreciation to
David Rivers ('65) for informing us about Jim Adair's ('65-'67)
hospitalization so we could pray, call, visit, think nice
thoughts, etc. Now, David does not use paragraphs, rarely
uses complete sentences, treats Webster's as a set of boring
suggestions, demonstrates a unique concept of punctuation (it
would be fascinating, though pointless, to determine whether
his use of punctuation displays consistency and has its own,
definable set of rules) and generally employs the stream-of-
bouncing-off-the-walls-consciousness approach to communicating,
at least in this medium. Interestingly, my sister Cecilia ('65)
has adopted his, and now Rick's, extensive use of ellipses in
her emails, at least to me - is this a contagion within the mid-
sixties classes? However, I have met David, and am certain that,
should he so desire, he would be able to put most of us to shame
with proper use of the King's English. Any lawyer - David's
chosen profession - has to have that ability, or must live below
the standard to which his or her colleagues are accustomed by
virtue of having to hire someone who can do it correctly in order
to compose all those briefs, writs, contracts, wills, etc. Thus,
Rick emulated our indefatigable birthday wisher and thereby
honored his choice of style, in addition to openly complimenting
Richard.
Or am I all wet and they're both just too lazy to apply grammar?
Incidentally, I had the good fortune to hear a former Director
of the National Security Agency, Admiral William Oliver Studeman
(Vice Admiral at that time) address a graduating class of the
Advanced Cryptologic Course. He spoke extemporaneously in
grammatically correct, compound-complex sentences of significant
length, many of them lasting over thirty seconds. Teachers and
translators will understand my awe; most others will wonder why
it matters. For me, it started with Mrs. Brown in 6th grade
(at Jason Lee) and continued with the great fun of diagramming
sentences for Mrs. Cotrill in ninth grade (at Chief Joseph). I've
heard that's a dying art - pity.
Regards, ecb3, from central Virginia where it's been more
consistently cold so far this season than in recent years; but it
will not be a white Christmas, as the forecast bumps up to the
mid-forties for Wednesday and Thursday with a 50% chance of rain,
while we shall spend those days with our daughter's family in
Maryland for the first time in a number of years.
-Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mary Ann Vosse Hirst (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Re: Bailey the Unknown Reindeer
http://www.maniacworld.com/dog-having-a-blast-in-the-snow.html
Thank you Maren, for that link to the wonderful video of Bailey
the dog. I got an enormous chuckle out of it. I guess if there's
nothing else to sniff, investigate, explore, chase or otherwise
get excited about, snow's the best thing to play with! I think we
can learn a lesson from this!!!
-Mary Ann Vosse Hirst (Gold Medal Class of '63) ~ Ocean Park, WA
on the Long Beach Peninsula, where there is still snow on
the beach after many days - got about 4 inches yesterday on
top of the 3 we already had, which shrank to about 3 to 4
inches with the freezing rain we got last night. Temp is
still about 25°.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: John Fletcher ('64) and Becky Wersen Fletcher ('65)
Hello Bombers,
Kathy Wersen Alder ('64) will enjoy your Christmas greetings.
She is doing well and in a new foster care home that is very nice
where she receives loving care. Portland area has been snowed in
and her weekly outings have been cancelled. She has cabin fever!
We can't even get over to visit this weekend.
Please send greetings to me and I will print them up nicely and
hand deliver. Or you can email me for her mailing address. Thank
you for keeping Kathy in your prayers.
-John Fletcher ('64) and Becky Wersen Fletcher ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Leona Mari Eckert ('65)
Re: http://www.maniacworld.com/dog-having-a-blast-in-the-snow.html
Maren, Dog In The Snow was delightful! Thanks for sharing.
-Leona Mari Eckert ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
To: Cathy Geier ('66)
Re: Could someone please explain how not using paragraphs honors
people?
I am assuming your question would be directly related to my
December 20th post ending... the salutation I believe they call
it? Maybe not. I can start by saying, there are times when a
person had to be there. I have never seen, nor will I ever
receive a 'grade' for 'writing style' in the Alumni Sandstorm.
Besides, it would just be another F in English. So what? Writing
style has nothing to do with the English language rules of
writing outside of high school, possibly certain college courses,
depending on the open-mindedness of the professor. None. For
example, my writing style, as irritating as it could possibly be,
is like my life; individual, unique... except, of course, when
I need benefit from the use of plagiarism... and one long run on
sentence of the same old story told time and time again for my
own amusement. The paragraph... I simply cannot collect my
thoughts well enough to come up with a beginning sentence... the
so-called introduction of the idea, whatever that is... use of
at least three sentences to support that idea... then conclude
through reinforcement of the point of the beginning sentence
while attempting an addition that prepares the reader for the
next paragraph. Huh? I will also assume that people who do not
like certain writing styles simply do not read them i.e., I
always had difficulty enjoying the sign with a rhyme in foot-
tapping time of Dr. Seuss. I have also seen the complaint...
"too long, I don't like reading posts that are too long." I
believe, most certainly, the reader would be better off not even
commenting on them if they did read it, particularly an English
grammar teacher. In other words, the scroll is a useful tool.
The only reason I would tell a person to not comment on
someone's post would be because you might hurt their feelings.
Nevertheless, posting a post also opens the can of worms of
a possible "rebuttal," or "correction," or to scrutinize
for spelling errors or lack of using paragraphs. This only
discourages a reader to write in. Unacceptable! Furthermore, the
reason you might be hurting their feelings is because the writing
they are doing may well be a simple mental exercise due to some
psychological problem they can only cure through writing long
run-on tirades... makes them feel warm and fuzzy, takes away
some pain association that may be lifted through their doctor's
prescribed writing therapy by writing to a group of friends, like
those in the Alumni Sandstorm, as a 'get it off your chest' cure
for what ails you, or they might just be ignorant, so be kind,
etc. etc. ...and Maren posts them on the Alumni Sandstorm.
For many years now Maren has been very carefully reading my
writing... and doesn't always allow them... and not because they
are too long to read... because 1. they might hurt somebody's
feelings and 2. I can't remember number two... AND poor syntax
is the kind of stuff that I believe drives our Editor at Large
screaming wild, hands covering face, into another room. I hope
this helps explain the honor part.
To: Shirley Rae Drury Crume ('51)
Shirley,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I could go on and on about my
father... so I will. I know there are many readers in the Alumni
Sandstorm that can relate to this... I am sure of it. Dad was the
youngest of five children and the only boy born to a long line of
Virginia, they came from England in 1740, and then Iowa farmers;
Marion and Lucas County. Five generations, including my dad, are
buried in south central Iowa within twenty-five miles of each
other. The oldest came there in 1850, Marion County. I was the
last Maddy in my line to be born in Iowa in 1949 Knoxville, and
only because my parents were having an extended visit from WA at
my uncle and aunt's home. My son was born in Richland. My dad had
a sixth grade education. Learned to read and write. The farm and
survival were the top priority. School was not. My grandfather
(Dad's dad) farmed eighty-five acres. The land was next to
Thousand Acres Forest and a tough place to eke out a living
with the much poorer ground situation in southern Iowa (hilly,
hollers, rocky) compared to the sweet level soil, and deep too,
up around Clear Lake/Mason City in the north. Although, with
little formal education, Dad read many books. Educated himself.
Horticulturist supreme, if I may. Dad left the farm, but its
practice did not leave him. Plants were Dad's best friends. I
grew up in a three bedroom pre-fab that was fabulous. My mother
told me the house cost $1200 and we moved in sometime around late
Fall 1955... actual date gets fuzzy... after almost a year of
renting from the Mr. and Mrs. George Brown family on Douglas
Street (Ron, Kathleen, David, Russell '66, Randy and his twin sis
(?) – the kids) moving there on Christmas day 1954 from Benton
City. The three bedroom pre-fab we all know well, was a small
home dad surrounded with these plant gardens he grew. My
sister's, Sheila ('66), bedroom was seven feet by seven feet.
No wonder sis married Jerry three weeks after her graduation and
left town... just kidding! By the way, for those that know her,
my sister and Jerry (KHS '64) are doing very well. Sis has three
grandbabies close by and is absolutely having a ball. Jerry is
the Chewelah, WA Safeway butcher. Okay... dad did not like the
Tri-Cities for one reason... the choice of plants he could
grow there were much less than today with modern hybridization
practices, and this drove him batty. A farmer as a child, ranch
hand at seventeen in 1936 Idaho, CCCs in Nachez, WA at eighteen,
joined the Marine Corps in 1940, got out of that mess with
hearing loss in '42, odd jobs and apple picker in Yakima... then
married my mother in Dec. 1946. Dad died in 1989. Actually, my
dad was a very loving man. Nevertheless, he was also very strict
and did not spare the rod. I on the other hand, was a wild eyed
idiot by most definitions. There was conflict between my dad and
I and that in a nutshell is the crux of my expressing my exit
from my parent's home in the manner I did. Although my mother
left the Ozark's at the age of ten, the family had been there for
a long time. My grandmother's people since 1830 Barry County, MO
and grandfather since 1850 Webster County, MO. You just can't
take the Missouri Ozarks out of these people. These are people
that can hold a grudge just because someone uses too much baking
powder in the biscuits. My mother is still living and was my
savior many times from the harshness of my dad's parenting
skills... but I will close by saying that I love my dad and mom
more than anybody. My dad is my number one mentor and I have many
of his better qualities with the exception of growing plants.
Dad was not the most sociable guy you have ever met. Very few
friends. I remember him enjoying talking to Kadon Bruce (sp?); we
even went to his house one evening for dinner. Mr. Bruce's wife
was the first person I had ever seen that did not speak English.
Mr. Bruce's brother was living way south near Central America's
border with this tribe of Mexican Indians and Mr. Bruce drove
down and married this most wonderful and extremely interesting
woman, at least to this very young child, me, and she made the
hottest chili I have ever eaten. I recall Mr. Wallace stopping by
and visiting dad on a few occasions. Thea Wallace's ('63) dad.
There was one other man, but cannot recall his name. Hulsey? He
would car pool with him now and then. As stated, plants were
truly his best friends. My mother was the exact opposite, a
social butterfly, and Dad treated my mother like a Queen. When
he died it was very devastating for all of us, particularly my
mother. Dad was just strict, very strict... and what I took from
that was a son that I have allowed to live with me for as long as
he pleases... and my daughter could too if it ever came down to
that... but nobody lives with me for free.
-Rick Maddy ('67)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
****************************************************************
Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/23/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12 Bombers sent stuff:
Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52),
Tony Duran ('55) and Sylvia Plumb ('56),
Paul Worrell ('57), Ed Wood ('62)
Helen Cross ('62), Donna Bowers ('63)
Gary Behymer ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Cathy Geier ('66)
Alan Lobdell (69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chuck Holtz ('55)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Craig Lansing ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bill Blankingship ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sheila Stambaugh ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sandy Riggins ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52)
Much too much catching up to do. To make a really long story
shorter: my friend Victoria and I drove the motor home to Arizona
just in time... looks like all kinds of storms are going on and
we are snug and safe in Yuma. (It took us 2 days to get past
Portland, and $750, but that was car trouble, not weather.) But
we got here in one piece and that's the important thing.
Now I have learned that my middle daughter is again undergoing
Chemo. She called Thursday afternoon and started the treatments
Friday morning. My dog and I will fly home as quickly as things
can be taken care of, here. Today, we found what appears to be
a wonderful Class C motor home for Victoria to buy so she can
continue her travels. At this point, it depends on her Credit
Union financing it. I have a vague hope of selling mine, here,
if we can get it emptied out, scrubbed up, and listed soon. If
not, Gus Keeney ('57) will let me leave it here for the rest of
the winter.
Thank you Cathy Geier ('66), for asking about the "no
paragraphs". I couldn't figure it out, either. Sure makes
for harder reading, but you know the old saying: "different
strokes for different folks"?
And, yes, Luana Ivers Portch ('52) - they decided I DO have a
brain... they just don't know, yet, how to make it WORK better!
Ha ha. More tests in Seattle in February. I am very encouraged to
learn that my new doctor thinks the memories are there, my brain
just isn't making the right connections to retrieve them. Great
news!! She said, "Your case is unique" and she is very interested
in continuing to work with me, which is a big plus.
Best regards for the New Year and Merry Christmas to all,
-M. De Vine ('52) ~ in rather cold Yuma, AZ. (You know, cold is
relative!) After all those years in Alaska, I've turned
into a real pansy. But on Saturday I did enjoy a jeep run
with 7 other jeeps. Gus even trusted me to drive part way!
I admit, I started out with a tee, a sweatshirt and a
hooded sweatshirt jacket. By the time I finished driving, I
was down to the tee. (And jeans, of course.) He has several
jeeper-groups and they are all really wonderful people and
lots of fun
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Tony Duran ('55) and Sylvia Plumb Duran ('56),
Re: Bahama Christmas
Hi everyone,
Sylvia and I are really enjoying this nice 73° weather. Wish you
all could be here. I'll have a Bahama Mama drink and think about
how cold you all must be in Bomberland.
-Tony Duran ('55) and Sylvia Plumb Duran ('56),
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Paul Worrell ('57)
The Boise State Broncos (12-0) are playing TCU (10-2) in the
Poinsettia Bowl tomorrow in San Diego. Game time is 5PM (PST) on
ESPN. Although this is not a BCS game it should be a heck of a
Football game. BSU is ranked 9th and TCU is 11th. So, wear your
blue and orange colors and support the Boise State Broncos!!! I
know John Kennedy ('57) will... right John? Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year to all you Bombers and your families.
-Paul Worrell ('57) ~ Boise, ID where we have about three
inches of snow and a little sunshine today.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ed Wood ('62)
Re: Grammar
To: Earl Bennett ('63)
Earl, some of us appreciate a well-crafted sentence more than
others. You obviously do, as do I. Mr. Martin in 8th grade at
Carmichael started my interest in the subject, and Mrs. Edwards’
diagramming exercises in 9th grade added to it. Amazingly enough
I was able to use my diagramming skills, some of which I still
remember, to solve a real world problem. Years ago I was involved
in a complex patent suit. Patent claims are required to be
written in one sentence, regardless of the complexity of
the claim. This results in some pretty bizarre and almost
incomprehensible structures. In this case, I was able to diagram
a patent claim sentence to demonstrate that the meaning of the
claim was such that my product couldn't possibly infringe the
patent. It became clear to the judge that the plaintiff’s
attorney was using incorrect grammar structures in an attempt to
sweep my product into his client's invention. Fortunately, it
didn't work.
-Ed Wood ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Re: Fall-Winter, 2008 Edition of the Club 40 Bomber DustStorm
Since I think several people read both, I'll comment here.
Somehow things got confused. I'm Helen Cross Kirk ('62, not '63)
and I've never lived in San Jose, nor taught high school... I
do still love my job, mainly working with youth in our 2 small
churches, (we just had our Christmas play with 12 girls 4-13 and
for some reason, Joseph never did change into her/his costume on
cue... )and other jobs being a pastor's wife, and lastly, please
let me wish everyone a Blessed Christmas season and a Happy New
Year.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ West Harrison, IN where it got down
to 9° and was really cold last night, but from the weather
station, I know we were not that cold compared to some, and
we have had almost no snow this year, and it looks like we
won't have a White Christmas. I can't resist asking, "How
does all this very cold weather relate to Global Warming?"
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Medal Class of '63)
To: Earl Bennett ('63)
Earl. Earl. Earl - where is your sense of humor and compassion?
If we all wrote so perfectly correct, poor Maren would have to
type twice as much as we developed our sentences and paragraphs.
I imagine as a translator, you cannot get away with that. We
appreciate your thoughts, as that will make everyone try a little
harder. But, in this day and "age of texting", I don't think its
going to happen!!!! In fact, as I read the Sandstorm, most of it
is quite easy to read and I do not have to figure out what all
the acronym's stand for. Besides, Bombers are passionate people
and most of us have not diagrammed a sentence since high school
(not even in college). It would help if you would correct all the
errors, you could even diagram them. Then those who appreciate
proper usage could read it in a fit of ecstasy and those who try
to cut time writing could just skip it.
Yours for better humor and tolerance,
-Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Medal Class of '63 and proud the ECB is
still here keeping us in line). SOME LIKE TO COLOR OUTSIDE
THE LINES, AND I LIKE THEM, TOO!!!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: April 1952 Spudnut Story...
http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/05/23/spudnuts/
Re: ...more on Spudnuts
31 Photos of a day at the Spudnut Shop in Richland
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/galleries/gallery/216395-a216375-t3.html
-Gary Behymer ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Rick Maddy('67)
re:kids/kicking out of house
my oldest daughter might envy your dad's way of "giving you the
boot", but in reverse---I live with her and her family---because
of health and financial reasons, I can no longer afford to live
on my own, so I sold my home, moved in with them in '03 and will
more than likely be here for the rest of my life. we have our
moments, but I am glad to say, they are FEW and FAR between. we
decided that the cooking duties would be hers(her family is very
"picky"), but I would do the baking and we share the cleaning
duties. works okay for all of us. oh, I am sure there are times
when they all wish grandma lived "on her own" as privacy isn't
plentiful, but we do have some "rules"---if my bedroom door is
closed, they knock before entering---IF I don't answer, they
don't come in. *grin* and, the same goes for THEIR bedroom door.
*GRIN* and, I have had to learn, a heard lesson for me, that I
cannot interfere in the raising of their kids, MY grandkids and
what I might perceive as "too strict" is their business NOT mine!
*grin*
as for writing style---I don't care about anyone's writing
style---I am just glad that people write in and that we have
something to read each and every morning about what Bombers do
and have done with their lives. lots of posts bring back many
memories that have long been forgotten. I envy those that seem to
have "total recall" of things from childhood and teenage years---
I don't remember a lot of my childhood/teen/younger years(thanks
to a seizure condition that "robbed" me of my long-term and
short-term memory), so I enjoy reading things that others write
in, because it brings some of those memories "rushing back". I
don't give a hoot about grammar or spelling or any of that---I
just want Bombers to keep writing in and bringing back all those
memories and keeping us up-dated on their lives and their fun
times---I love reading about Pappy's(George Swan, '59)escapades
with the elves, hunting, and just life in general; David's
(Rivers, '65)posts are always fun to read--he makes fun of
himself, along with others, all done in good humor and brings
back more memories than I can ever imagine. we Bombers are a
great group and, if some posts are too long, that's what the
scroll is for----I will admit I don't always read all of them,
but it's still interesting to read what others do and have done.
some have made me cry, some have made me laugh, some have made me
envious, and some have made me wish I had never left Richland,
but I want all to write in, regardless of their writing style---
dont' give a hoot about that. e mail is a more relaxed way of
keeping in touch and I am very happy that Maren and Richard are
willing to keep this "paper" going for all of us to enjoy.
Merry Christmas to all and hope that '09 brings better health and
happiness to all.
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64)......raining in
Bakersfield, CA we have snow in the Tehachapi mountains, and on
the grapevine---closed routes to Southern CA and Las Vegas for
two days because of snow and ice. woohoo---this is MY kind of
weather and I am loving it.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: more birthdays and observations
Two big guys having birthdays today... Just thinking of the names
brings me back to the neighborhood hero concept again... by the
way... I have finally returned Jack Gardiner's ('61) emails for
anyone who is listening... and that make me recall Jack Glover
('61) and Doug Lukins ('62)... Gawd how I admired those guys...
naturally there are many more... I slobber about them all now and
then... the birthday boys were of the same ilk... One I see every
year when I go home... the other I see in the eyes of his ever
loving sister from the class of '63... so I'll wish these guys
their HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the 23nd of January, Craig Lansing ('62)
and Bill Blankingship '62)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I read Maddy's ('67) journal of the 20th and felt chills of a
young kid driving an older guy's ride... Jimmie ('65-'67) is
feeling much better and called me the other night... except for
the mask that made him sound like he had a little cold he sounded
great... I remember the day he got that '40 Ford of his... I have
a little '36 3 window that I will probably never cherry out on
the inside... it has the smell of "Adair's '40" when we would
tool around in it back in the day... smell of engine oil and
every time I get in that car it takes me right back... I never
saw his '55 but he's told me about it many times... I can just
see Maddy doin' his best Toad imitation ... wonder if he picked
up Candy Clark... wonder if he puked... hope he didn't get beat
up... I know the feeling Rick expresses about a life that doesn't
fit neatly in the forms we are sometimes asked to fill out in
triplicate... as Janine ('65) says : "press hard, many copies"...
only to find out you needed the "blue form"... most of my answers
always say "see attached"... I left home early while still in
High School... thought I knew it all... working at Richland Bell
moving furniture... then off to David's Shoes with Rick Neil
('61) and after working the shift at David's, run off to the
pulp mill for my Janitor job... yeah... I had all the answers...
remember when Nancy Middleton's ('67) brother Jerry was killed...
she was devastated and never really recovered... I remember
listening to an Ali fight from Vegas where my folks moved... it
was cold out at Walulla... I remember and don't like so much all
the music that was popular that winter... 'cept for Gloria by
Them... covered by the Shadows of the Night... remember "here
comes the night" too... remember listening to that sitting
outside of Mooney's in Puallup... with Nancy... it was after
grageashun and the world was real and pretty danged cold... while
waiting for Nancy at the train station one night just before
Christmas... she was returning from Jerry's funeral... the bums
invited me to Christmas dinner at the mission... someone stole my
winter coat at some teen dance place in Pasco so all I had was
a Levi jacket with many layers of donated clothes underneath...
I thought I looked very hip... guess I missed the mark... Yes
Rick... I've been where you have... not the same hospitals of
course... I thankfully didn't find out my back and neck were
broken till I didn't have to rely on the VA to put me back
together... I don't even have a VA card... every time I go
someplace where Vets get a lower price they ask me for my ID
card... I show them my USMC tattoo and Marine corps Ring... some
accept it others don't... but more important than anything else
is that it is Christmas time and I wish all my Bomber Brothers
and Sisters a very Merry Christmas... let's all go hooky-bob!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Cathy Geier ('66)
holy cow
-Cathy Geier ('66)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Alan Lobdell (69)
Re: Kids and snow
To: Rick Maddy ('67)
As one of the guys who was out of the house at seventeen I must
say that I had a different view of leaving home then the kids now
days and I bet you did too. To me it was a personal challenge
to never have to move back in. I worked for two years on my own
before signing up for the Marine Corps. Today, kids don't seem to
leave home until their twenties and when they do they just come
back with more in tow and it doesn't seem to bother them. My
last one has been living with me since he gradated from college
but its more of a business deal in that I support him until
he completes the film he is working on and then once its done
he supports me in the future. It will be interesting if this
happens. The others just seem to need money from time to time.
Oh Well, what are dads for these days.
Having grown up in West Richland where no one ever plowed the
roads back then I got rather good at driving in snow. Moving to
the west side of the state was OK until the first snow storm I
had to deal with in 1989. The snow was 22 inches deep in my front
yard in North East Kent that morning so I simply put a set of
chains on the front of my jeep CJ-7 and proceeded to work. To my
surprise no one else came in. While sitting at my desk I got a
call from the City Manager asking me why I was in the office and
that the city was closed. Never heard of such a thing. I have now
come to understand that these people over here look at snow as if
it was the end of their life as they know it. They have little or
no idea what to do with snow. There was a very steep hill next to
my house at the time and these drivers would see several cars at
the bottom wrecked but still think they could get by. Early in
the morning my sons would ask if they could go stand on the hill
and watch the cars crash. They would come back telling me of the
cool crashes they got to watch.
This last week has been a kick watching these people drive. Rigs
with 4 wheel drive in ditches, people trying to go up hills
with no chains and sliding down into others, others at the top
thinking they can do better (no chains of course) and they slide
down wherever the ice wants them to go and seem to always end up
hitting another car. Oh yes, over here if your car can not make
it up or down a hill, what you do is stop where you are, put
on the break and walk away, leaving your car in the way of anyone
who could have made it. I have seen as many as 25 cars, trucks
and SUVs parked all over the 212th just off State Route 167. You
have to weave in and out of them and hope they don't block the
entire road.
This morning at 5:30am I drove the back roads from Kent to Maple
Valley with my little Toyota pick up with chains in six to eights
inches of snow and not another car on the road. It was great! I
figure if we get six or more inches of snow today and tomorrow
most of these wonderful drivers will just stay home.
-Alan Lobdell (69)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/24/2008 ~ CHRISTMAS EVE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14 Bombers sent stuff:
Dave Rhodes ('52wb), Wally Erickson ('53)
Mike Clowes ('54), Steve Carson ('58)
George "Pappy" Swan ('59), Carol Carson ('60)
Larry Mattingly ('60), Tom Verellen ('60)
Earl Bennett('63), Gary Behymer ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Linda McKnight ('65)
Rick Maddy ('67), Fran Teeple ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marilyn Groff ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dave Miller ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kerry Lynch ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Art Schafer ('70)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dave Rhodes ('52wb)
Re: Merry Christmas.
Alice (spouse - '57 Colville, WA Hi) and I wish all of you a very
Merry Christmas. As a teenager I spent my first Christmas away
from home in a far away land and I remember how lonely I was and
how much I missed my family. I know that there are many of you
out there who have had the same experience and know what I am
talking about. We have many young men and women serving all over
the world and I ask that you say a little prayer for them. It is
not important whether you believe in what they are doing, they
were sent in harm's way just as I and many others were before
them. They were given no choice just as many of us in the past.
-Dave Rhodes ('52wb)
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>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
Re: Christmas in the late '40s and early '50s
I want to share some of my memories of Christmas in the above
dates. The presents were more of items we needed (clothes) with
some fun items thrown in. We always had stockings hanging with
fruit (usually an orange), nuts, Christmas candy and small gifts.
One Christmas morning the Christmas tree fell down, with a few
broken balls. Watering the tree was important project to keep the
needles from dropping. You don't see the colored Christmas lights
any more, replaced with small white lights. There were colored
outdoor lights (larger bulbs); you could buy extra bulbs in a
4-pak, or in bulk. Those lights are now history. If the bulb
didn't work you replaced it. Remember the "tinsel"... took many
hours just hanging, unless you threw it on the tree. There was
also "angel hair"... I didn't like that even though it did give
the tree a special look. The tree stands in those days where
metal with a small tray for water. That's why the tree would
fall if not done properly. About the only thing that hasn't
changed are the "balls", except for decor.
We actually did make snowmen with "coal" for the eyes and mouth;
carrot for the nose holding a broom. Ann Clatworthy's ('54) Dad
made a "Snow woman" every year with a hat and jewelry... and she
really looked like "Dolly Parton" pretty impressive. It was fun
going to our neighborhood friends and check out what presents
they got... a fun time. We didn't have TV at that time, so
Christmas music was a big deal. Christmas songs sung by Bing
Crosby, Gene Autry, Burl Ives, and of course Elvis Presley.
"Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" was started in the early '50s...
it was a trial time, but it took off being a huge success!! Those
were definitely some great times with great memories. I'm sure I
forgot something, maybe you can share some of your memories. How
things change over the years.
Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year to all Bombers.
-Wally Erickson ('53) ~ Where it's been snowing almost every day.
It started with 30 inches with several 4 to 6 inches
following the next several days. We're well over 3 feet of
powder snow in the Coeur D'Alene area, with more coming.
The temperatures have been in the single digits for the
last couple of weeks and will continue for another week
with more snow following. It's a beautiful scene with the
evergreen trees and mountains covered with snow. Getting
around isn't all that bad, since we have a great plowing
system in northern Idaho.
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54)
Just a wee bit of snow here in Mount Angel, OR. And it gives
every appearance of sticking around for Christmas. On that note,
I'll wish all Bombers everywhere a Merry and a Happy. You can
fill in which every holiday suits your fancy.
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081223-AKA-snow.jpg
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) ~ partially snowed in in
Mount Angel, OR
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>>From: Steve Carson (Championship class of '58)
What a joy the Sandstorm is and a dangling participle does
not spoil the read.
Merry Christmas to all Bombers and their families.
-Steve Carson (Championship class of '58) ~ Chicago, where the
politics are hot and the weather cold
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: I Had a Dream ... A Very Strange Dream ... Within A Christmas
Dream
I don't know about the rest of you, but all of this snow caught
me completely by surprise, initially. I guess, I'm getting used
to it now... since I have no choice. But, we never have snow
in Bomber Land (or this much of it) anymore! However, I was
so elated that it got the best of me and, apparently, my inner
child emerged. The night before the night before Christmas, I was
taking a long winter's nap, on the couch in front a flickering
fire in our Franklin Fireplace when ... under the cover of
darkness, some kids were apparently racing their little pickup
around through my housing area, windows down with woofers and
tweeters blaring very loud and annoying rap-type Christmas music,
doing brodies and making skidding donuts up and down the street.
Now, being a seasoned old feller, I had a sudden inspiration to
show them how to really have fun, like I did when I was a kid in
Richland. So, I donned my hunting (snow camouflage) clothing,
and went out to lurk in the bushes at the edge of the street. I
peered out, with only my eyes showing just above the Arborvitae,
waiting until the next time they came by. Then, deftly (in my
mind anyway) I waddled out just quickly enough to latch on to
their rear bumper.
That link-up jerked me off of my feet and I drug along in
the snow until, with supreme physical effort, I managed to
right myself and get back onto my feet. Ok, so they stopped
momentarily, deciding which way to turn ... at an intersection,
and that's when I got back up on my feet. But, then they took
off and once again, with me in tow. And, there I was, the hickey
bobbing, (Hooky Bobbing -- I never did get the term right for
sure) King!
Around and around the housing area we raced, twirled, spun, and
zoomed along at what began to feel like ... WARP SPEED! And,
every brody was like a ride on a winter carnival contraption. My
spirits soared. I was a kid once again, a rapidly tiring kid, but
I felt like the pink "Energizer Bunny." Anyway, I was laughing,
in spite of myself, "Ho Ho, (gasp) Ho!" And I began to squeal
with delightful joy! Yes, "Joy," after all ... Christmas is nigh!
Well, I mean its almost upon us. So, full of the spirit, I was
towed squealing, off into the night.
It was about then that I overheard one of the kids yell, from the
open pickup window, in a high-pitched pre-adolescent-like voice,
"That's a siren. Its the cops, lets get outta here!" Now, I had
thought that we were going pretty fast already. But suddenly, we
were flying along at HYPER SPEED ... down the street! I say "we"
because, by then, I was afraid to let go, so I was more or less
semi-permanently attached to their vehicle ... making "us" a
unit.
Wow, I might as well make the best of it. But, the more I
squealed, the faster they went. I hadn't had this much fun since
the window got stuck down in my old pickup years ago and I had to
drive across Snoqualmie Pass in a raging blizzard, fantasizing
that I was one of the first Air Mail pilots heading into Pasco,
flying an open cockpit biplane. But, once again ... I digress!
Let's see, did I mention that it was cold? The wind was blowing
and that, in addition to the HYPER SPEED slip stream, was
beginning to take its toll on my not so young, ol' bod by then. I
decided that just maybe, it was time to bail and "hit the silk."
I tried to stand up, but my aging knees had also taken on a semi-
permanent set in their configuration. They were really, really
... STIFF! So, there I was, more or less, frozen in time, in the
sitting position ... with no chair.
There was only one thing left to do. I let go. And, I let go.
And yet again, I let go. But, I remained there in perpetually
proceeding proximity to said vehicle. "Oh, I must be caught in
the slipstream," I thought, as my squeal turned to a high pitched
shriek. But that sound, only made the kid squash the accelerator
to the floor even more, and instantly we approached the speed of
HYPERLIGHT! I don't know either, but its like a whitish blur.
By now, seemingly solidified into this compact human, trailer-
like, sled shape, it occurred to me that maybe this had not
been such a good idea. With all of the snow kicked up by
the HYPERLIGHT-DRIVEN TIRES, I was beginning to take on
the resemblance of a very squat "Frosty The Snowball." And
furthermore, it finally dawned on me that my gloves were frozen
... to the bumper.
I really was a part of this vehicle now and I definitely
qualified as a part of the "we" group associated with previously
said vehicle. And, believe it or not, the soles of my boots were
heating up. Peering ahead, through my hoary mask of white stuff,
I recognized that we were about to pass the entrance to my
driveway ... for the 35th or 57th time. I had lost track ... a
long time ago.
Well, my predicament was soon solved by the "said vehicle"
hitting a patch of bare asphalt right in front of my driveway. As
my now steaming and smoke-trailing snow boots hit the bare spot,
I parted company with the speeding projectile, like a skydiver
leaving an airplane, as I watched my good pair of hunting gloves
go off down the street, still clinging to the bumper of said
vehicle. I sailed off through space into the snowbank, making a
grotesque, rather compact, and sick-looking snow angel. And then,
all of the lovely white ... went black.
Slowly I opened my eyes to the sound of very strange voices.
"It's not worth it dude, let's just give him our noses and let
him go!" one snowman was saying to another, as a rabbit held them
at gunpoint. I soon realized that the gun was a hairdryer and the
rabbit was threatening to melt the snowmen unless they gave him
their noses, which were carrots. Things got even weirder. A
talking, lonely fruitcake walked by, muttering, "Nobody ever
likes me!" And then, Santa pulled up in his sleigh, with one
reindeer lying on its side and I heard him say, "Oh great, a
flat!"
About then, a little jug was placed to my lips and tilted up,
sending a wonderful feeling of warmth down my throat which
enveloped me completely. Understandably, my feet were warm and
toasty, but surrounded with a strong odoriferous hint of burnt
rubber. Sitting up, I looked at my bare hands, amazed at how warm
they felt. But dang it, I liked those gloves! Another snort from
the little jug, and the fog moved in.
I was vaguely aware of being lifted by many tiny little gloved
hands, and then being carried rapidly over the snow, to the
tune of squeaky little voices (all sounding like the muskrat in
Captain and Taneal's "Muskrat Love"), toward a little cottage
located under the overhanging bushes. As the tiny door drew
closer, I thought, "Uh oh, this is gonna hurt!" However, just as
I was passed through the doorway, I suddenly became ... very
small.
I was just thinking that this is not all bad, as I have been
wanting to lose some weight anyway, when I was somewhat aware of
being deposited in a cushy recliner chair in the corner, and a
big noggin of steaming hot spicy stuff was placed in my hand.
Sitting there, warm and glowing, with each sip of nog, I felt
like "real groovy, man" and I think that I must have passed out
and began dreaming ... again.
As I dozed off and on and off, I seem to vividly recall this
wonderful scene of the celebration of an early morning Christmas
Eve in the little home of my friends, the elves who live near
the puddle (now frozen) in my driveway. I distinctly recall high
pitched singing and laughter, accompanied by a very warm and
fuzzy feeling. Once I awoke briefly, looked out the frosty window
and saw Sarah Palin and the First Dude go by on snow machines,
heading north. "Wait, I want to go with..." But, I dozed off
again.
I awoke to a chorus of tiny but squeaky elfin voices exclaiming,
"Merry Christmas Pappy!" as I was helped to stand up near the
frozen puddle covered with darting, zipping, and laughing ...
pointy-eared ice skaters. Suddenly, I was aware of the sound
of jingle bells and then "POOF" I was back to my normal size,
standing alone next to the frozen puddle, now covered with snow,
with only a couple of dried leaves skittering across it ... in
the icy wind. Seemingly, out of nowhere, a tiny snowball hit
me in the side of the head, accompanied by a chorus of tiny-
sounding, twittering laughter. No one was there! But, smilingly
... I knew!
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Swan/081224-ElvesXmas08.jpg
I stood there, this morning, blinking at what I thought I had
seen (and done), still clad in my snow camies, with cold hands
shoved into my pockets. I glanced at "Ranger Ricky," my old Ford
Ranger Pickup, parked crookedly in the driveway, one front wheel
up on the wood pile. And then I focused on the rear bumper and
noticed my gloves ... frozen in place. That's strange! I shuffled
through the snow, over to the cab and noticed that the window was
down. A glance inside, revealed a bucket turned upside down on
the seat in front of the steering wheel. It and the seat were
covered with a dusting of snow that had a strange glittering
appearance to it, and it was covered with what appeared to be
tiny foot prints. And, laying there on top of it all was a
scattering of little gloves, stocking caps, and little neck
scarves, each with a tiny little name tag attached. Upon closer
inspection, I determined that they said, "Lowiq," "Bogart," and
"Keepsie." Ah ha! Well, they once figured out how to drive my
lawnmower...
Turning toward the house, I thought, "Now, I just have to decide
what to tell Mrs. Pappy about where I have been all night. She'll
never believe this one!" But, the next thing I knew, she and the
grand kids are waking me up from my nap to put another log in the
fire place. Very strange, indeed!
-George "Pappy" Swan ~ Burbank, WA where we certainly do not
have to dream of a "White Christmas" this year, so a hearty
"Merry Christmas to all!" And, I'm thinking that if Darby
was still here, she would highly recommend that we all see
the movie, "Marley & Me," after all she and I read the book
... together.
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>>From: Carol Carson Renaud ('60)
Re: Yummy Spudnuts
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/galleries/gallery/216395-a216375-t3.html
To: Gary Behymer ('64)
Thanks so much for the link to the "Day in the Life" of the
Spudnut Shop. Bad thing to read the Sandstorm first thing in
the morning and see those pictures! Good thing I didn't have
a dozen of them in the house . . . they would have been gone.
Merry Christmas to each and every one - Bombers are the best family anywhere.
-Carol Carson Renaud ('60) ~ from cold and snowy Lynnwood, WA
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>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Writing styles
Personally I don't worry much about writing styles. I am only
interested in reading about their lives. Bomber alumni are a very
diverse group. It is more important to me to read about where
they are and what they are doing, their children, and what
they remember about growing up in a somewhat unique situation.
Additionally, the information exchange often makes our lives
easier or better. As I remember I have never completely
diagrammed a sentence. It made no sense to me whatsoever in
school and still doesn't. I write what I feel, read it and
rewrite it until it makes sense and/or looks good. Kind of a
laborious process but it seems to work for me most of the time.
I end up writing most of the letters for my company as everyone
there feels I write the best letters. I hope this discussion
about style and correctness does not discourage anyone from
contributing to this net.
To: Tony Duran ('55) and Silvia Plumb Duran ('56)
Enjoy the warm moist air in the Bahamas. Even though it is not as
close to the equator as some tropical areas, I always enjoyed
it there and the different foods. I was there in early '74 when
there was almost no snow in the Cascades. I had a share in a
cabin at a lake and the plane flew over it on the way down. It
normally 18 to 20 feet of snow in February and I could see bare
ground around the lake. Anyway that night it snowed at Grand
Bahamas. Of course it did not last long but was a real novelty.
We heard it was a first time ever but I don't know that it was
true. I have been back a couple of times since.
To: Ed Wood ('62)
My partner in Firelinx has received three patents and shares in
two more. He says at least half of the reason a patent is issued
is the statement made in correct form as to exactly what the
patent is applied for. A poorly stated patent application will
either not receive the award or will leave you vulnerable for
infringement. Many are subject to Chinese "knockoffs" and that
can be nearly impossible to stop.
To: Earl Bennett ('63)
Even though I care more the content then form in this media, I
had to smile and admire your critic'. Well put.
To: Alan Lobdell ('69)
I agree with you in regards to taking back children who have
previously left home. I have twice made room for one of my
daughters who needed time to regroup their lives. Both times
ended up being shorter then planned as they got things together
quickly. But they pitched in and did their share around the house
and it was nice to have them close. Now it is difficult to see
them more the once a year or so. I feel very fortunate that
my 3 girls are all happy with their lot in life and are quite
successful and secure in employment. Charity does begin at home,
and giving our children an additional boost in life can be
rewarding. Especially, when it gets them on the road to success.
I wish all Bombers a Merry and Blessed Christmas (remember what
it really is) and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New year.
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
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>>From: Tom Verellen ('60)
No paragraphs = sticking it to the man. I have been trying to
unlearn it but so far I just refuse to indent.
Seeing Don Sorensen's (HB) [honorable Bomber, if you will?] I
particularly enjoyed the first "holiday" decorations displayed
on the city's telephone poles. The popeye Santa in a holly hat,
striped candy canes, and a few others are a testament to the
optimism of our parents. Attempting to decorate a town of
tumbleweeds, barren trees, brown lawns in hurricane force winds
was/is a real glass half full kind of thing.
Of course you have to consider there was no television and once
you got the string of tree lights to work there was time to
spare. Shovel the coal into the furnace, trying to get the
car started because the six volt battery was dead in the cool
refreshing winter air. Trying to decide on a real Christmas tree
or a spray painted tumbleweed. Christmas shopping at CC Andersons
or the 5 and 10. A haircut at "the" barber shop. Ah yes the good
old days.
The Cinnamon Bear, A Christmas Carroll, on the radio: ours had
a green light that flickered according to the signal being
received, why to they have FM on the dial? And would you tell
me exactly where does this "plastic" come from? It will never
replace good old tin.
Happy Winter to all.
-Tom Verellen ('60) ~ enjoyed the snow in near Lacey remember to
use your polar dog locator sweater.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081223-Vere-dog.jpg
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>>From: Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
Ed Wood '62 - My hero! How large a piece of paper did it require
to diagram a patent-size sentence? I recall enjoying sentence
diagramming more than I now enjoy Sudoku, that is to say,
immensely. It's like my job now - sometimes I wonder how I was
so fortunate to fall into a career where they pay me to solve
puzzles (i.e., figure out what the terrorist web posting is
really trying to say).
Donna, Donna, Donna '63 - once again my attempt at humor was too
vague and several readers thought I was chiding and demanding
uniform grammatical excellence, when in reality I was attempting
to answer Cathy Geier's ('66) query with mild sarcasm. Some of
the most appealing aspects of the Alumni Sandstorm are the wide
variety of styles, the generational orientations, and the post-
high-school experiences that contribute to our reading pleasure -
plus, of course, the long-time friendships that bind us. We
started out together with a common though somewhat unique
developmental environment, but we have all branched out in myriad
places, vocations and pursuits, thereby weaving the background
for a fascinating interchange. By the way, while scanning my
entry to determine how I failed to communicate I noted with
dismay a spelling error - oh, well.
Regards, ecb3 - from central Virginia where the second day
of winter brought us single digit temperatures overnight
and my daily, mid-morning, get-some-oxygen-into-the-brain
walk around the parking lot required a zipped-up coat and
gloves.
-Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Front yard last Saturday...
http://users.colfax.com/almota/page6.html
-Gary Behymer ('64),
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Watching car crashes on the hill
OK, Alan ('69) I think you've top any of my stories... even my
memory of Tommy Plankers ('65) and Marv Steele ('65) pulling
in to the parking lot after a morning of "hunting" when they hit
ice on a bridge and as the car spun Plankers' shotgun blew the
top outa Marv's car... My having never read a book till I was
21 (tho my Mom made me stay in my room all morning till noon
the summer before 7th grade with Ivanho and Tom Sawyer while
everybody else was gathering at Parkers' (too many years in that
family to list them all)... we'd be in the basement while Beth
('63) and her friends would be upstairs... dang that was a great
summer... at least after noon... never did read those damned
books tho I used to be able to recite the first page of Tom
Sawyer from memory... didn't learn till I went to collage that
I had a photographic memory... helped a lot thru my BS and
Masters... didn't help much in Law School... in fact I got the
lowest grade from one of my closest friends when she was going
thru a divorce and wrote her question taken from a footnote case
in the Case Book... a big no no for professors... so I just
wrote "See page such and so, footnote whatever, where the court
held... "... Even tho I caught her she still gave me a really bad
grade... I saw her the other day when my old buddy, the retiring
dean of the law school here had his retirement party... the
years had not been kind to her as they always are to our Bomber-
babes... I guess there is no real point to this story (yeah... I
can hear you all now... "what else is new?")... I'm just glad to
be alive... glad to have been born and raised in Richland and
VERY glad to be a Bomber... Yes, Alan, the car crashes are right
up there in storyland... you get a gold star... I do remember one
very memorable crash when Marion Perkins ('65), John Diehl ('65),
maybe Parker ('65) and I were going to CBC (I don't think I
survived a whole quarter or semester)... We heard the siren pass
us in the fog but couldn't see the car... John sped up... all we
saw was the Highway Patrolman waiving flares as he jumped out of
our way and as we hit the last car in the wreck and soon became
just another car in the wreck as all the other cars hit us on the
Yakima bridge... hadda walk home in the cold... luckily Richland
was pretty small then... John lived on the south side so he was
almost home... Parker lived at Stevens and VanGeisen, Marion
lived at Stevens and Wilson and I have no idea what basement I
was living in or to whom it belonged... Well, I guess the
mosquito sprayer isn't out at this time of year so, again...
hooky-bob till your shoes fall off!
Merry Christmas!
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Just dropped by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. We have been
homebound right now on the South Side of Portland Oregon (sounds
like Chicago - weather dang looks like Chicago too). We did get
out today to do some last minute shopping, but looks like we may
have our Christmas Day on Sunday, the 28th. We are going to my
daughter's but they are on a mountain with awful roads up to
their abode.
I wanted to say thank you to all those who attended the Bomber
Christmas Party that also ended up being a birthday party. Leave
it to my multi-tasking daughter, Jennifer. We invited the family
to the party, and since she is so busy with this sport that she
coaches and that sport that she also coaches, she said we should
do a birthday cake on that day also.... So somewhere in hubby's
camera are some goofy pics of moir blowing out my candles...
thanks to Len Rediske ('66) who kept egging the photographer on
and on to get a goofier picture.
Those in attendance were: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) and
his lovely wife, Karyn all the way from Mt. Angel. Len Rediske
('66) and his lovely wife, Linda from Vancouver. John Zimmer
('66) and his lovely wife Marilee all the way from Tacoma and
my kids, Jennifer and hubby Dale, my son Bryan, and the two
grandsons, Clint and Kodi. We had and great time, and wish more
could have joined us. Birthdays in December are really hard to
celebrate... I know there are three in our family... I will send
pics when I can...
Happy and Safe Holidays to All.
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
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>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
To: Linda Reining ('64)
I think I might like living with my children, Linda. I'm tired of
them living with me. I won't burn any bridges with them just in
case.
I only hope my children live in a place where the weather is...
well, 'tropical' would be nice. Although, after reading Alan
Lobdell's ('69) post, I sometimes do miss snow and playing in it.
I miss making donuts in the '74 TR6 and snow angels in fresh
snowfall in the middle of GWWay at two thirty in the morning on
my way home from the BA. I recall being able to deal with snow
and cold for about one day. I was then ready for Spring.
After coming out of the cold and just prior to frostbite and the
red-faced, blue lipped, sweaty, indoors hot flash with numbing
limb and appendage tingling, forget-about-it. I knew I was
eventually headed south.
I think you tell us all that Bakersfield is too hot, too foggy,
too dry, etc. etc. to keep the rest of us from moving to your
great California city. We tried that ploy for years in Washington
state, but the word is out now. I've seen Florida license plates
up there. Bummer.
I really don't see myself living with my children anytime
soon, but if my health, because my right hip is killing me,
or handicaps, like difficulty opening a large mouth Mickeys,
deteriorates any farther, I can see myself plugged into one of
my children's basement, attic or cellar.
To: David Rivers ('65)
I never had the pleasure of being in a VA hospital. I feel
your pain. Government contracted doctors... may I see your
credentials, please, before the surgery... and, yes, I believe it
was the right leg, not the neck. Can you check on that, doc? Hey,
is there a good reason why I am having my by-pass performed by a
chiropractor? (knocking on wood here).
Spent some time in an Army hospital in Japan.
I was put into the Bremerton Navy Hospital for the remainder of
my hospital stay.
Dr. Ambur wanted sole responsibility of putting me back together
at the Navy hospital. I guess orthopedic surgeons get their kicks
like that. They see a difficult puzzle and enjoy putting it back
together. I believe the VA kept calling him and asking about my
whereabouts. Dr. Ambur would tell them I couldn't be moved. I was
'fragile.'
I'm trying my best to not have a long list of regrets or
'things' not accomplished while staring at the ceiling in my
deathbed. Bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, kite-
boarding, getting above the third rung on a latter, a job; these
are not on my list. I know there are folks thinking how much I am
missing.
To: Cathy Geier ('66)
Cathy, I believe that was by far the shortest post I have ever
read (December 23rd). I really don't like short posts and usually
just scroll by them. There simply is not enough information, with
the exception of one two word post that comes to mind that most
of us could use from time to time, but clearly, Maren would
absolutely not accept, nor post it in the Alumni Sandstorm.
To: Alan Lobdell ('69)
Your trip to work sounded like one of those old horror flicks,
and a couple modern ones too; I AM ALONE. I would think that was
rather interestingly eerie. Too many people do not know how to
drive in snow. I have forgotten. Down here there is so much oil
on the road that when it finally does rain the road can be like
black ice at spots. I don't like driving in the rain anymore
either.
-Rick Maddy ('67) Huntington Beach, CA
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>>From: Fran Teeple Wolf ('68)
Re: If you have snow
Well, we have a lot of snow in Spokane. 39" and counting... Even
the Tri-Cities have 12" of snow according to my brother, Tom and
my mom. So, in the spirit of the season, Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!
http://www.maniacworld.com/dog-having-a-blast-in-the-snow.html
-Fran Teeple Wolf ('68)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/25/2008 ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS
and Happy Birthday to 63 year old JIMMY BUFFETT today
and isn't my old friend LARRY BOWLS 63 today, too?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14 Bombers sent stuff:
Terri Royce ('56), Floyd Melton ('57)
Sharon Panther ('57), Nadine Reynolds ('61)
Pete Beaulieu ('62), Carol Converse ('64)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
Bill Wingfield ('67), Lynn-Marie Hatcher ('68)
Betti Avant ('69), Brad Upton ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Larry Bowls ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jay Coates ('72wb)
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>>From: Terri Royce Weiner ('56)
To All Bombers --
Hi everyone --
1. Let's give Cathy Geier ('66) a break.
2. As a recovering grammerholic, I have learned a lot from your
posts; and will now renew my efforts to behave. With my past
sinning, I've gone so far as to mention to fellow golfers (at
times) that it's "lie" not "lay" or "farther" not "further"
(although further is now accepted).
3. Even I have been guilty. As an advertising copywriter for 25
years, I would begin sentences with "And" plus, have one-word
sentences such as "Sale." But I did write complete-sentence
headlines such as the infamous slogan for a carpet store: "We Lay
the Best Names in Town!" This was a strange career for someone
who routinely says "when I die the English language is going to
go with me."
So, write on fellow scribes. Write as you talk -- it's easier to
read anyway. But (see??) however you write just keep having fun
-- I love reading 'em all. You've made me understand how others
feel.
-Terri Royce Weiner ('56) ~ ridiculously snow-removal-untalented
Seattle, but, "Yea"! My son has made it out of Chicago!
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>>From: Floyd Melton ('57)
Re: Merry Christmas
A big merry Christmas to all you good BOMBERS from Eugene, OR;
the only spot west of the mountains that you can still see the
bare ground. The wonderful thing about the rain is that you
don't have to shovel it and that is wonderful. Everyone have a
wonderful holiday and especially a great new year.
-Floyd Melton ('57)
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>>From: Sharon Panther Taff ('57)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
You are wonderful - thanks for sharing your experience with the
elves.
To: Larry Mattingly ('60)
This morning Paul Harvey talked about the wonderful photographs
someone had taken in Washington with the lenticular clouds around
Mt. Rainier and recommended we search the photos out and view
them. Your photos were indeed spectacular. I'm using one of them
as a background on my computer.
-Sharon Panther Taff ('57)
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>>From: Nadine Reynolds Cochran ('61)
Re: Merry Christmas
It seems that it was only yesterday that we were wishing everyone
Merry Christmas 2007 and now it is already Christmas 2008. How
time flies these days and it gets faster each year. Thank you,
Larry Mattingly ('60) for reminding us of the real meaning of
Christmas. Long, long ago when I was in school in Richland, our
Christmas play at school always included the Christmas story of
the birth of Jesus.
Many of our friends send us Christmas cards that include pictures
of themselves and their pets. My husband, Dave ('61) and decided
to make a card of ourselves and our English Mastiffs. Believe
me, folks, it is harder to get everyone together than one would
think. I sent the results to the Sandstorm picture address.
[Nadine -- Sorry... that was a .ppt (PowerPoint) file you
sent. Most don't have PowerPoint on their computer, plus
your file arrived at 7380KBs.. HUGE -- can you convert
your picture to a plain ole .jpg file for everyone. -Maren]
To: Gary Behymer ('64)
That picture of your yard looks suspiciously like the one in the
link Maren ('63 & '64) sent of the video of the dog playing in
the snow.
To: Wally Erickson ('53)
Your Christmas tree story reminded me of the time my parents,
Cary and Ruth Reynolds, were having a Christmas party for the
kids from the church. The only problem was that the Christmas
tree was upstairs but the party would be in the basement of our
"Q" house. My Dad came up with the perfect solution to the
problem. We will just move the fully decorated tree to the
basement. Christmas decorating was a huge event in my Mom's life
each year. We always had a beautiful tree loaded with Christmas
balls, lights, bubble lights, tinsel icicles carefully placed one
at a time, etc. Well, as my Dad carried the tree to the basement,
the ornate Christmas balls were dropping off like raindrops
breaking as they either bounced down the stairs or hit the
concrete floor. Many of the ornaments had special meaning (baby's
first Christmas, gift from Grandma, from our first Christmas as
newlyweds). Mom was crying out in anguish as each ball fell. My
poor Dad did not know whether to continue down the stairs or to
return up the stairs. He finally tuned out the anguish and made
it to the basement. I can't remember if we brought it back up
after the party or just left it in the basement. I can assure you
we never moved a tree again once it was decorated. Because Mom
and Dad truly loved one another the marriage did survive.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
The way you remember whether it is “hickey” or ”hooky” bobbing is
that you are “hooking” up (like in hook) with the car bumper.
To: Everyone in Bomberville:
Keep up the wonderful sharing of memories, new and old, in this
fantastic newsletter. They really bring a lot of enjoyment to us
who no longer live in Bomber Land.
-Nadine Reynolds Cochran ('61)
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>>From: Pete Beaulieu ('62)
Re: Ed Wood ('62) and Grammar
Ed and I sat side by side in senior English. I must not have been
paying attention...
Ed, you say: "Earl, some of us appreciate a well-crafted sentence
more than others." I ask, does "others" refer back to the more
proximate "sentence" which by implication includes less well-
crafted efforts, or instead to a less discriminating subset
of the more remotely placed "us"? Forsoothe, which is the
antecedent? Please enlighten.
-Pete Beaulieu ('62)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading everyones post from 12/24 entry
about all the snow. Seems as though the whole country is really
feeling the cold this winter right now. I do miss the snow and
seeing Gary Behymer's ('64) picture of his home really made me
miss it. LOL, actually, it's the beauty that I miss, NOT the
driving in it. Can't believe just how much snow Seattle seems
to have.... we've been seeing them on the news for the past few
nights. I'll have to say something to my son of all the snow in
Spokane, as he lives there.
I hope that everyone has a great Christmas and a healthy, happy
New Year!!
Merry Christmas one and all,
-Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64) ~ Eureka, CA
where we've had our share of cold and snow in the mountains
this past week. Warming up now, but will be raining for the
next several days.
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>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: writing
You have a way with words whatever the subject is that you are
writing about. Hemingway has nothing on you! Of course I have
only read one of his books, and I still can't figure out the
ending. When the old man is dreaming about lions, does that mean
he has died, or is he just asleep? You even have the same first
name "Papa" – "Pappy." May I suggest, and keeping with your Older
than Dirt Club (OTDC), that your first book might be titled "The
Old Man and the Elves."
To: Wally Erickson ('53)
Re: Snow woman
Your post about the snow woman led me to look up this photograph.
Google image search has a new archive of photographs from Life
Magazine. So I just went there and just typed in "snow woman." It
is a picture a snow woman built by a couple of GIs s during WWII.
Snow Woman found on google
I just wonder, and with all that snow laying around, why she
looks more like "Twiggy" than "Dolly Parton." Maren is probably
going to have to censure this part of the post anyway, but then
it was "Life" not "Playboy," and that might explain why less snow
was used.
The write-up only says that it was taken in the European Theater
January 14, 1945. I am sure it was not taken anywhere near the
Ardennes Forest on that date because they would have other things
to worry about—like just staying alive.
And speaking of the Battle of the Bulge, actor Van Johnson
just died a week or so ago. Does anyone know, in the movie
Battleground, was he the one with the eggs in his helmet? I've
asked a couple people and they don't remember.
-Dennis Hammer ('64)
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
re:Christmas memories
since we were lucky enough to have our grandmother living in
Richland, we were all at her tiny prefab for Christmas Eve and
then back again for Christmas Day. there were 7 of us cousins,
plus our parents, my grandmother, and great-uncle all in that
tiny two-bedroom prefab on Winslow. it was wall-to-wall gifts and
people and ONE bathroom! *grin* she also had a tree in the corner
that was decorated with lights, balls, tinsel, and the angel on
the top. when we'd go back on Christmas Day for dinner, there
would be the card table for all us kids to sit at and the adults
sat at her dining table. how we all "fit", I have no clue, but we
did. we lived in a Ranch house on Elm and my mom always had a
huge tree decorated with more light strings than my dad swore
would ever fit, but fit they did. she also had tinsel---she let
my brother and I put it on one year---we got tired of just using
3 small strands and perfectly draping them over each branch, so
we stood back and started throwing the tinsel on that tree. well,
you can imagine her reaction---think our bottoms were sore for
quite a few days---Santa still came, but am sure if she had her
way, we would have gotten nothing in our socks but lumps of coal!
I remember the snow---seems we always had White Christmas' as a
kid---even remember building a snow fort at my cousins' house on
Casey Street and having snowball fights with all of them. we'd
always be at their house for New Year's Day and I seem to
remember snow lasting that long, and longer. my birthday and one
of my cousin's is in January and we had snow for that time, too.
sliding down Carmichael hill; even going at night, in high
school, and then going to someone's home for hot cocoa
afterwards. also remember my mom pulling us behind our '53
Plymouth down Elm Street---never even thought about how foolish
that was. when I got my license, there was a corner on Cottonwood
(can't remember the other street corner) that we could do
"donuts" on very easily, when it was icy. *grin* "skating" to
school on the icy sidewalks in our tennies---they "skated" very
well and we'd slip and slide and squeal all the way. now, with
this blasted arthritis in my entire right leg, the cold bothers
me more than I care to admit, but I still LOVE that "white
stuff" and still wish I could get down on the ground and make a
snow angel!
to:George(Pappy)Swan('59) was laughing til had tears reading your
post of 12/24/08---you have got to write all these stories down
and put them into a book. have missed your elves exploits, too.
to:Rick Maddy('67)
hey, Rick, just remember, be nice to your kids, as they might be
responsible for choosing the "old folks' home" you live in.
*grin* as for Bakersfield---love it here in the Winter. the "down
sides" about it didn't keep all those nuts from Los Angeles
moving up here---can you believe, they live here and commute
down/over the grapevine to their jobs in Los Angeles????? can't
afford to buy homes down there, so they buy here and work there.
course, the few times when the grapevine is closed due to snow,
ice, or fog, they have to call in "sick".
to:Bombers everywhere
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. thanks for the memories of a
great place to be a kid and a great place to grow up.
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64).......supposed to rain
in Bakersfield, CA for Christmas Day and more snow is predicted
for the mountain areas.
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>>From: Bill Wingfield (Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
Re: Marley & Me
I hope every Bomber goes to see this flick that comes out as this
is posted on Christmas day.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
I was going to write in and suggest you see the movie, Marley and
Me. I'm so glad you read it.
To: Rick Maddy (BRC'67)and Pappy,
You need to read: "The Art of Racing in the Rain". If you love
dogs you will love this book written by the dog.
As Fran Teeple Wolf ('68) said, in the spirit of the season,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
-Bill Wingfield (Blue Ribbon Class of '67) ~ Currently in Oswego,
NY for Christmas with 3 (Tia, Bailey, & Miley Bevacqua)
of our 9 grandchildren.
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>>From: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68)
I am a daily reader, but haven't written in much to the Sandstorm
during 2008. However, there are recent topics that "call to me" -
so here goes.
Re: Christmas in the late '40s and early '50s – Wally Erickson ('53)
I was born in October, 1950 – so I well remember those HOT
Christmas tree lights. Ours (everyone's?) were kind of shaped
like a skinny, elongated eggs – and I think they had ridges along
the sides. And they were actually painted, which is one reason
they stayed so hot once they heated up. Anyway, it's a miracle
more houses didn't burn down, because they were SO hot that if
you stuck your tongue against one (I know this for a fact), you'd
end up with a bad burn on it. And so many of us used to leave the
tree lights on 24/7, whether we were home or not - and in spite
of the Fire Dept's warnings. So nice to return to a Christmas-y
looking welcome, after all -- and for passers-by to see the tree
aglow at night, even if we were asleep! In any case, those hot
lights against a drying Christmas tree (put it up by 12/5, take
it down on 1/2 was the rule at our house) – again, it's a miracle
more of us didn't end up homeless at Christmas!!
Oh, yeah, remember the "one burns out, they all go out" rule?
Dang! You'd walk into the room, 1/3 of the tree would look
strangely dark, and regardless of what shift poor Daddy (who
worked rotating graveyard, swing, days) was on, or how much sleep
he had gotten, he had to be summoned immediately from his bed to
"come and fix the tree lights!" This, of course, involved (1)
taking a new bulb from the replacement pack (purchased at
Newberry's), (2) placing the new bulb in the socket of a WORKING
string of lights (just to test it), (3) putting back the original
bulb in the working string, (4) methodically removing and
replacing every bulb in the offending string with the new bulb,
until the string lit up again. Imagine, however, the permutations
possible if MORE than one bulb had burned out in that string! It
took me years to figure out why this had to be Daddy's job. I
finally reasoned out that my 12-years-older sister (Darlene ('56)
had other things to do (she got married when I was 7, after
all), my 9-years-older sister (Sally ('60) wasn't allowed to do
'mechanical tasks' (you'd understand if you knew her!), and Momma
didn't have the time or patience to deal with it. Of course I
would have done it... but having stuck my tongue to a bulb to
test for hotness kind of took me out of the running – permanently.
(P.S. – I have never been fond of the color orange. I think this
is because the orange Christmas bulbs always seemed to be the
ones that burned out most often. On the other hand, I still own
an orange, plastic Christmas ball that is crunched in on one side
with my little teeth marks from when I was two years old. In
spite of its color, it's a treasure to me.)
My sisters were very particular tinsel hangers... and before the
tree came down each year, the tinsel (then made of real metal,
not plastic), was carefully removed, put back in its packaging,
and saved for the following Christmas. I was a tinsel thrower – I
think to annoy my sisters. Therefore, since tinsel was a reusable
commodity, I was rationed out only small portions to throw...
i.e. waste.
Angel hair. Beautiful, terrifying stuff. I mean, it really was
spun glass! Every year we got little cuts from it, someone got a
piece in her eye, someone ended up swallowing a bit that had
broken free and floated away from the piles that were artfully
arranged under and around candles here and there throughout the
living area.
One year my sister (Sally) got all radical on us, and decided
that we should have a whole new look for the tree. She (then
about 17 or 18) spent her own money on ALL BLUE LIGHT BULBS. Oh
My Gosh! The tree had nothing but blue lights and tinsel (and our
same-every-year angel on top), and was covered from top to bottom
with angel hair. I remember that it did have a really nice glow
to it – in a space-age, alien sort of way. But I did not think it
looked like a Christmas tree should. As a powerful statement of
my position in the matter, I hung my tooth-marked orange, plastic
Christmas ball on the tree – prominently displayed front and
center. Sally was disgusted with me for ruining her creation. I
was disgusted with her for creating her creation. Momma got the
final word, of course, and the ball stayed. (I WAS the baby of
the family, after all.)
Re: Kids at home (Rick Maddy – '67, and others)
You may remember that back in late spring of 2008, I was writing
for guidance regarding having adults kids move back in. Two sons
(one married with sons of his own, ages 2 & 4) were out of work.
On this end there was help needed on the farm. It seemed like a
win-win situation. It turned out to be a painful experiment that
lasted 6 weeks, and ended horribly. The healing began to manifest
after 3.5 months (they had all moved back to Richland suddenly
one day while I was at work, without even saying goodbye), and
things are improving all the time, now. But I did learn some huge
lessons. Be ABSOLUTELY CLEAR about the parameters. DON'T RUSH
INTO IT, regardless of who is pushing to make it happen faster,
and why. Make sure everyone is on exactly the same page. If there
are grey areas, clear them up first – or they will morph into
dirty bombs that will blow up in everyone's face, and cause some
serious damage.
Right now I can't imagine living with them, or them with me -
ever again. But, actually, that may not be true. Maybe it could
happen somewhere down the road, if everyone could openly
acknowledge what went wrong and why, and there was no "it was
your fault because _____ " (fill in the blank), I could see us
living together again. But for now? Well, I am just glad that
(thanks to my daughter-in-law recognizing what cutting me off was
costing the grandsons) I am able to see my grandsons again (it
was a LONG 3.5 months with no contact!). And my sons? Well, they
are back in touch, too – and so far we just don't talk about what
happened. Allowing some time for healing, I see things working
out now. Thanks be to God.
Re: Celebrating Christmas
Although I am a practicing Christian, I no longer celebrate
Christmas. Not in any traditional way, at least. I send out
photo card greetings in the fall, with a letter. I send gifts
to kids, grandkids, and a few select others. I design and order
personalized calendars, and send those along with photos of the
grandkids to family between Christmas and New Years Day. I try to
make it to midnight mass, although maybe not this year, as the
roads are very bad out here in rural Idaho right now (same storm
that hit Spokane, et al), and it's a 40 minute drive to church
even in good weather, in the day time!
I have not become curmudgeonly or "bah-humbug-ish". It's just
that the day, 12/25, as a special day of celebration has become
a "that was then, this is now" kind of thing. I am very thankful
that I have no one for whom I feel obliged to put on a show of
holiday spirit. I am also very thankful that I am past the few
years that I spent mourning the loss of how things used to be,
in terms of Christmas preparations and celebrations. I look back
fondly on those wonderful days of anticipation and celebration.
But I no longer miss them.
For those of you who ARE into active celebration on Christmas
Day, I hope you are having a wonderful time. And for those of you
like me (come on, I know you are out there), I hope for you a day
of quiet peace of mind, heart, and spirit.
So I wish you all a beautiful Christmas – in whatever way that
may come to you. And, "God bless us, one and all."
-Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) ~ Haven Farm - in the
Cottonwood Creek Valley,16 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: wishes
Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2009 to
Bombers every where.
From snowy Lacey, WA,
-Betti Avant ('69)
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>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
Merry Christmas to all Bombers everywhere!
-Brad Upton ('74) ~ Lake Forest Park, WA the snow is starting
to melt, but there was 12 inches of it at one time.
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/26/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim McKeown ('53), Burt Pierard ('59)
"Pappy" Swan ('59), Ed Quigley ('62)
Ed Wood ('62), Dennis Hammer ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Sharon Sasser ('64)
Betti Avant ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Vera Smith ('58)
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>>From: Jim McKeown ('53)
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Van Johnson was the guy who had the eggs in his helmet... and you
are right, that was a great movie. They have been doing a tribute
to Van on AMC and we watched a few 2 nights ago, including
the great "30 seconds over Tokyo"... the true story of Col.
Doolittle's raid a few months after the war started. Since my Dad
died on the 16th, at almost 101, I have been in Walla Walla to
help Brother Tom ('53) with all of the stuff you do. Trying to
get back to Sacramento on the 20th, was an experience. Three days
in the Pasco Airport!!! Everything was cancelled. On Monday
I arrived at the Airport at 8am, to see if I could get on an
earlier flight than my 2:10 one... forget it!! All the flights
were cancelled, one by one, until my flight, which arrived from
Seattle 1 1/2 hours late but ready for the return. After de-icing
we took off and when we landed in Seattle I kissed the ground.
Finally arrived home at midnight on the 22nd... and, of course my
bag was lost when I got to Sacramento (it arrived last night). I
feel very fortunate to be here with Edna for Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Bombers, everywhere!!
-Jim McKeown ('53) ~ in rainy, BUT NO SNOW, Sacramento.
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68)
Re: "Blue" Christmas trees
Your tale of your sister's Blue Christmas tree reminded me of a
story my Mom told about my Dad from their early marriage days in
Chicago (early '30s). My Dad was enthralled with tinkering with
and creating electrically animated devices. The story took place
long before the advent of "blinking" lights but my Dad thought
he could come up with a way to make their Christmas Tree lights
blink. His idea was to use a rotary driven switch but he
connected his first prototype to the main extension cord running
to the tree. It actually worked but, naturally, it turned ALL the
lights on and off together. The reason your story reminded me of
this incident is that was also the year when Mom wanted to do
the whole tree in blue bulbs. Mom said they were sitting in this
totally dark room when suddenly the space was filled with blue
light and then it would go dark again, alternating every few
seconds. As Mom told the story about having an indoor Theater
Marquee, she was laughing so hard she was crying.
Merry Christmas and Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland (where the sun actually came
out for awhile today - made the Christmas Day accumulation
really sparkle)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: I Writes 'em the way I sees 'em
I have to admit that there must be a certain mental therapy
gained from writing stories of my interactions with elves,
because, there is definitely a certain amount of enjoyment
derived from the undertaking. But it takes time. Anyone who
writes, for fun or profit, serious or spoof, is well aware of the
time required to get our writing right, at least in the way we
want it to be perceived by our readers. Now, it is also true that
we can at times, dash off a "quickie" which occasionally turns
out to be some of our better pieces. But, re-reads and re-writes
are pretty much the name of the game, until we are satisfied
with appropriate word choices, mental images created, or themes
developed and played out. Yet somehow, all of that has to fit
into our daily lives and that concept of, "If you want to get
busy ... just retire!
I have my own style and technique and I do write pretty much the
way I speak, "What you hear is most likely what you will read."
And, I view writing somewhat like training a hunting dog. I can
usually get it pretty much right, but later in retrospect, I
always realize that I could have probably done it better. With
time and attention, both can be improved, up to a point. But
then, the deadline arrives for the dog to perform and the story
to be printed. At least with a good dog, the improvement never
really ends ... if we keep doing our part.
However, I mention all of this because I want to give credit
where it is due, namely to my friend, fellow veteran and Bomber,
Dennis Hammer ('64). Dennis creates the elf pictures. He has a
program or something (or maybe it is simply elf magic) that is
far too technical for my practical mind to understand. It allows
him to collect images from there and put them here and ... Wah
La, the elf pictures! However, he puts in a lot of time into this
effort.
Dennis and I are both like others who get diverted by life's
pulls and pushes, but eventually I find time to play with another
elf idea in Sandstorm and Dennis comes up with a picture idea to
accompany the storyline. But, occasionally, out of the blue, I
get a picture from Dennis along with a question like, "What do
you think about this one?" Invariably, I say, "I like it!" But,
Dennis is not easily satisfied, so he says, "Let me work on this
idea a bit..." or "What if I ...?" You get my drift. Dennis
writes and tells stories with his pictures. But, he too spends
hours searching and composing. So eventually, we arrive at a
mutually agreeable image. In the meantime, I have been writing a
story to accompany the picture.
Its not like we are going to win any literary or creative awards,
but it keeps two older guys entertained and out of the bars. So,
my thanks to Dennis for his efforts to support mine, and for
his believing in ... elves. I have submitted the picture again
that accompanied the "Hookey Bobbing" story because I may have
inadvertently left off the caption for it (The caption did not
show up in Sandstorm), which gave Dennis, his credit due.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Swan/081226-Elves.jpg
To: Sharon Panther Taff ('57)
"The Cowboy's Wife," (A little inside joke) Thank you again for
the elf book and the inspiration gained from it!
To: Nadine Reynolds Cochran ('61)
Re: "The way you remember whether it is "hickey" or "hooky"
bobbing is that you are "hooking" up (like in hook) with
the car bumper."
Ok Nadine, then why was it that after "hooking up" ... I always
had "hickeys?" Well, never mind that could go beyond the scope of
this publication ... and "hickey or hooky bobbing."
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
My understanding is that "Papa" Hemingway, one of my favorite
writers, had a fear of death and seldom slept (possibly related
to his end in life). His writing seemed so simplistic ... on
the surface, but he said so much ... underneath. My favorite
Hemingway writing is his short story, "Big Two-Hearted River."
And, I have duly noted your title suggestion of "The Old Man and
the Elves" along with some others that I have received, such as,
"An Elf Himself." And again, thanks buddy!
To: Linda Reining ('64)
Re: "you have got to write all these stories down and put them
into a book"
Thanks Linda ... I'm working on it, slowly but more or less ...
surely.
To: Bill Wingfield (Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
We are going to see the movie, "Marley & Me" today, if I have to
get out my snowshoes to do it. The book is now out in paperback
and we gave it as presents to several dog lovers among family and
friends. Yep, I also read "The Art of Racing in the Rain," told
by the dog (I cannot remember the actual author, as I loaned the
book to a friend). It was uniquely written and I am no stranger
to the concept of reincarnation, either. I wrote a short review
on it in Sandstorm a few months back.
Mrs. Pappy is currently reading "The Daily Coyote -- A story of
love, survival, and trust in the wilds of Wyoming" by Shreve
Stockton. It is the account of her adoption of a coyote pup that
she named "Charlie," and is illustrated with her wonderful color
photography. I have yet to read it, but Jeanne says that, so far
it is a good read!
Whew! Now I'm caught up.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ From underneath all of the snow
in Burbank, WA.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ed Quigley ('62)
To: Peter Beaulieu ('62)
Hey Peter, I was in that same class, but was obviously paying
even less attention than you, because I need a translation (to
simple English!) of, "I ask, does "others" refer back to the
more proximate "sentence" which by implication includes less
well-crafted efforts, or instead to a less discriminating
subset of the more remotely placed "us"? Forsoothe, which is
the antecedent? Please enlighten." Oh, wait. . . I did understand
the last 2 words!
-Ed Quigley ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ed Wood ('62)
Re: Forsoothe?
To: Pete Beaulieu ('62)
I'm sure we were both paying attention in class, just not to the
teacher. By our senior year we had other things on our mind.
Now, what I want to know is, why is everyone else getting snow
but we're dry in Denver? Send some our way!
-Ed Wood ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
This is a continuation of yesterday's entry, which was supposed
to be started the day before that, but just as I was going to
start on it the electricity went out. Here I am trying to light/
heat the house with two kerosene lamps and a candle. I can't find
much to eat because I don't want to open the refrigerator. I
have a manual can opener, but even if I open a can; no stove or
microwave to heat it. So peanut butter sandwiches it about it. I
have two kerosene lamps, one belonged to my grandparents and the
"new" one was a Christmas gift from a niece about 20 years ago.
Imagine, this was just every day living not all that long ago.
Living on a farm my parents did not have electricity when I was
born, but did soon after when we all moved out west in a '37
Chevy coup.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Pheasants
Your post that mentioned hunting without Darby reminded me of \
the three years we lived on an orchard three miles out of Milton-
Freewater. The first year we lived there was 1959 and they had a
bumper crop of pheasant that year. To go hunting all you had to
do was walk out the back door, and that year you couldn't go five
minutes without hearing a shotgun/shotguns going off. I thought
that was normal, but the other two years there were nowhere near
the number of pheasant. My dad bought a shotgun the next year,
but we never did get anything. We didn't operate the orchard,
just rented the house. The owner of the orchard ran over a
pheasant nest with the tractor and brought me the surviving eggs,
which were a lot. I put them under a sitting hen, and when we
candled the eggs only 4 were good. All four actually did hatch.
I never thought that they would be domesticated, but I thought
they would follow the hen around as their "mother" and stay
around until they became young adults, but they came out of the
eggs wild. It wasn't very long until they took off and I never
saw them again.
To: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Car crashes
Your car crash story that took place in the fog and ice on the
Yakima River bridge has got to be the one I was in. I also was
heading to CBC and had just picked up someone in the south side.
I saw flares on the road and started to slow down, then saw cars
piled up in the fog and put on the brakes. Funny thing is that
even on the black ice I had complete control of the steering on
that car. It went right where I steered it, but there was no
place to go. I could see that I might be able to squeeze by
on the left side, but there were people walking around and I
couldn't be sure there weren't and people on that side so I
steered it into the tail light area of a Red '55-'56 Chevy. I
heard that there were 20+ cars in that pile up, but it was not
all in one big pile, there were several little piles and I think
there were five in the one I was in. The newspaper had a picture
on the front page and I am listed as "Mike" Hammer. In those days
there were a lot of people who actually thought my first name was
Mike.
To: Wally Erickson ('53)
Re: Christmas in the late '40s and early '50s
I remember my dad always just drove up into the Blue Mountains
(not far from Athena were we lived then) and just found a tree
to cut down for our Christmas tree. I was cold and kept thinking,
come on, cut one, but he had to find the perfect tree. I didn't
know it then, but I turned out the same way. When we first got TV
in I think '55 and I saw programs where the characters went and
bought a tree--that seemed weird to me, I thought everyone cut
their own tree.
The last day of school before Christmas vacation let out early
and all the kids got to see a free movie at the movie theater.
After the movie was over Santa would be at the snack bar to give
every kid a small paper bag with hard candy, nuts, and always an
orange. That theater has been shut down for many years. It was
shut down for several years once before because they could were
only equipped for silent movies and could not afford the change
over to talkies. Then it opened again in 1938 with new sound
projectors which are still installed. There is an apartment
upstairs so I guess the owner of the theater would be right at
his work. Found out years later that it was my wife's great uncle
that ran it. There is a move now to restore the old theater with
one of my best friends at the time being a leader.
We did have "angle hair" one year. It think it was actually a
glass wool type of stuff. I didn't care for it too much because
it made the tree look like it was covered in spider webs. We had
a few bubble lights which I really liked, but my parents hated
them. Bubble lights came out again and I bought some in 1972 or
maybe '73. I liked the old style better because they had a
flatter base and each light was all one color. I bought more
later because I thought they would be discontinued again. My
daughter has some of them on her tree now. She likes the bigger
bulbs that you hardly see anymore and it is hard to find the
larger replacement bulbs. I found a couple places where you could
get a pack of four, but no selection at all. Instead of the
painted ones, which got kinda hot, I liked the "cool bright," or
the "clear bright" bulbs. I had a bunch of the big round "ice
lights," but they are all burnt out now.
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ In Kennewick where I haven't had much
trouble driving in this snow, but I wish I still had my old
'75 Toronado or '78 Eldorado. Big old front wheel drive
cars you could plow snow with. A few months ago I saw a
really nice low mileage '78 Toronado for only about $1200
and my daughter wrote down the phone number, but I told her
to forget it because at that time it would have cost me
$100 to fill the gas tank.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Dennis Hammer('64)
re:Van Johnson
yes, Van Johnson was the one with eggs in his helmet in
"Battleground"---always thought that part was so funny--he tried
several times to cook those eggs---if memory serves, he ends up
with his helmet on his head, eggs still in it. *grin* he was a
great actor and have been watching a lot of his old movies on TCM
this week---their tribute to him. always liked him in movies with
June Allyson, too. they were so cute together.
it's raining here and more snow is falling in the mountains
around us. doesn't look like we will get any in town, darnitt.
last time that happened was in '99 and doesn't look likely that
it will happen this year.
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64).....Bakersfield, CA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Sharon Sasser Warren ('64)
Re: Especially Merry Christmas
I just had the BEST Christmas present ever--My daughter and
son-in-law told me they are expecting my first grandchild in
August!!! I'm still laughing and crying and thrilled with the
news--so excited. I just had to share the news. Many of you have
several grandskids by now, but this is my first--so just think
back to that time when you heard the news for the first time and
you'll remember the feeling of how excited I am right now...
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
-Sharon Sasser Warren ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: time
I noticed the time my Christmas day Sandstorm came through to my
inbox--12:25:25, how neat is that? Hope everyones' day was a good
one.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
****************************************************************
Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/27/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick McCoy ('45), Barbara Seslar ('60)
Mary Rose Tansy ('60), Nadine Reynolds (’61)
Barbara von Olnhausen ('62), Helen Cross ('62)
Carol Converse ('64), Dennis Hammer ('64)
Cathy Geier ('66), Lynn-Marie Hatcher ('68)
Alan Lobdell ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marilyn Schultz ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeannine Hughes ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sharon Chapman ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patti Eckert ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ray Nelson ('70)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick McCoy ('45)
To: Pappy Swan ('59)
I appreciated your comments about writing faults. I have never
wondered about construction or similar/simular grammer posits.
However, just because I might be in error I will not lay/lie down
my pen, as it were/was. I manage to end many sentences with a
preposition, because I tire of using which/who/whom to avoid it.
I also mangle conjugations with is/are and other singular/plural
verbs. What would Twain do?
I do use paragraphs, (see), to change the subject. Yet/but/
however, their/there are too/to/two many English majors that
might read this drivel. Dang!
-Dick McCoy ('45)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Barbara Seslar Brackenbush ('60)
To: Dennis Hammer (’64)
In response to your question about Van Johnson and
“Battleground”. It looks like the answer is yes re the eggs in
the helmet. My son did a search and found this site.
http://www.sover.net/~ozus/battleground.htm
-Barbara Seslar Brackenbush ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mary Rose Tansy ('60)
To: Sharon Sasser Warren ('64)
I completely understand your excitement about your first
grandchild. I had my second daughter when I was 32 and she had
my grandson when she was 32 so I am a pretty "old" first-time
grandma but it is the greatest thing I have ever experienced.
I just returned from a trip to Tacoma/Ruston for his second
birthday. I flew out of the Salt Lake City airport on the 18th -
my flight was canceled and I had to sit in the airport from 9am
to 6:40pm to catch another flight to Seattle (I was extremely
lucky to get that one). Wasted one full day of my visit but met
some interesting people in the airport.
I flew home on the 22nd, and on the way home the flight went
smoothly (most of the flights out of Seattle were canceled) but I
ran into an ice and snow storm at Provo and had to stop and spend
the night. Got my car all de-iced the next morning and made it
home by noon. Saw lots of cars off the road in the ditches.
It was all worth it as I had not seen my grandson in 3 months and
he had totally changed. He is so excited with all the birthday
and Christmas activities going on - it made my Christmas!!!
-Mary Rose Tansy ('60) ~ snowy Centerfield, UT - 22° today!!!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Nadine Reynolds Cochran (’61)
Re: Arizona Gets in on the Action
When I got up this morning it was an unusual Arizona morning
in that it was overcast and lightly drizzling. After a little
breakfast, my nice warm cup of coffee and reading the Sandstorm,
I looked out the window and was surprised to see snowflakes
falling right here in usually sunny and warm Sahuarita (between
Green Valley & Tucson). For you non believers I have sent a two
pictures. I know it is pretty wimpy compared to the Northwest’s
recent storms but you take what you get and ours will be gone way
before yours.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081227-reyn_215.jpg
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081227-reyn_217.jpg
-Nadine Reynolds Cochran (’61) ~ Sahurita, AZ where it is
currently 33.4° outside
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Barbara von Olnhausen ('62)
Re: Who is it?
Visiting my mother in West Richland, she told me about a photo
she bought 20 or so years ago at a rummage sale, yard sale,
somewhere she no longer remembers. It was a "beautiful child that
needed a home" and she just couldn't leave it unclaimed. She'd
like to return the picture to it's rightful home, so if anyone
can tell us who it is, I'll see that you get the photo.
The top picture is the little girl: We're assuming it was taken
in the early '50s based on similar photos Mom had of our family.
There is very tiny writing in the lower right corning indicating
that it was taken by San Juan Photos on Commercial Street in
Anacortes. I googled but couldn't find a listing for them.
The bottom is a boat picture that was on the back of girl's
photo. I included it hoping that the boat might trigger someone's
memory.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081227-vono-OldPics.jpg
-Barbara von Olnhausen ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
To: Sharon Sasser Warren ('64)
I'm still waiting to hear the news that my first grandchild is
on the way... but I try to enjoy other people's small children
as I wait...
Enjoy the rest of this season... I will share this news with
Goob and Florene Sasser when we see them in our hurried trip to
Washington state January 6-9, as we will have a short stop in the
Tri-Cities to see my mom and hopefully brother, Roy ('65), and
then before we had back over the pass, we hope to stop in Tieton
to see your Sasser relatives... who we got so close to when we
lived there the fall of 2006.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ here in Grandview, IN where I have my
winter view of the Ohio River, and it's suppose to get into
the 60s today and the 70s tomorrow... We've had a nice
Christmas with our youngest son, Ryan being with us a few
days. He's the one we hope will graduate from Purdue this
May, 2009... we've hoped this before, so we hate to "put
all our eggs in one basket"...
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64)
To: Sharon Sasser Warren ('64)
CONGRATULATIONS on your first grandchild!!! I hope that they
live close to you so that you can share in their life! Being a
grandparent is very special indeed.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
The address for the picture that you sent in couldn't be found.
I hope that I'm not the only one that couldn't find it. Could you
please check the address and send it in again? Thanks.
[Oops... I goofed -- here's the right URL: -Maren
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Swan/081226-Elves.jpg]
-Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64) ~ Eureka, CA
where we've been having lots of rain and hail... lots of
snow in the mountains as well.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
To: Jim McKeown ('53) & Linda Reining ('64)
Re: Van Johnson
Thanks for the info, I thought that was him with the eggs. Yes he
tried several times to cook the eggs but was always interrupted
by the war. In the end I think he had to put his helmet on in a
hurry and had the eggs running out between his helmet and helmet
liner. It seems that in the '60s - '70s "Battleground" was shown
a lot at drive-ins as a second feature, so I saw it several
times. I also thought it was funny near the end when the fog
lifted and they were air-dropped food, ammo, blankets, etc. they
eagerly opened up and passed around all the supplies, but left
the two cases of SPAM laying there. "30 seconds over Tokyo" is on
my "to see" list. I did see a very interesting documentary about
Jimmy Doolittle's life, including the raid a few years ago.
The movie I remember him in most is a movie that seems to be
largely forgotten; "Plymouth Adventure" in which he plays John
Alden. I first watched it at the Gem Theater in Athena, OR
(mentioned in yesterday's post) at probably seven years old. I
taped it off the Disney Channel in the '80s and after finding
the tape in a box seven or eight years ago on of all days,
Thanksgiving Day, I made it a tradition to try to watch it each
Thanksgiving Day.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: "Papa" Hemingway
I did not know Hemingway had a fear of death; it does seem rather
peculiar then that he died by suicide. I did know he had a lot of
mental and physical problems later in life.
Your mention of Mrs. Pappy reading "The Daily Coyote" jarred
loose the BB in the boxcar and after a while I remembered that
I had seen something like that on the Internet. I think it may
have been a link from the "Kim Komando" computer newsletter.
Anyway Shreve Stockton has a new and an old website called "The
Daily Coyote." The old one is still working and if you click
on the Archives at the left of the page, there are a lot of
pictures. There is also a link where you can go to the new
website.
http://dailycoyote.blogspot.com/
To: JoAnne Bucholz McLaughlin ('65)
Re: Recording audio cassettes to CDs
Regarding your post November 17th on how to turn audio cassettes
into CDs. I have never done this, so take what I say as only a
suggestion of something to look into because I am no authority.
I understand that you can buy an adapter, probably from a place
like Radio Shack, that you can plug your cassette player into the
sound card that is probably already in your computer. What is
needed in the way of software I don't know.
However, I have just became aware that you can buy a unit that
looks like an old time radio in which you can record either vinyl
records or cassette tapes directly to CDs I knew they made them
that would record records to CD, but not cassettes. This might be
the easiest way to do it, but probably not the cheapest. I have
seen one on sale for about $250, and I saw an ad from I think
Shopco or Target which I thought was $150, but I could be $100
off, anyway I did not see that ad until it was too late, but you
might check them and some other stores now that they are having
their after Christmas sales. One of the manufactures is Crosley:
http://www.crosleyradio.com/
Click on products to see what they have. I would however go the
stores and look at them and make absolutely sure you are
getting one that does what you want it to do. I bought one four
years ago for my daughter when she got the Masters and moved back
from Pullman for her new place, but hers is only a player--does
not record anything.
You may want to hold on to the tapes because of CD rot. Those CDs
and DVDs may not last as long as we have been led to believe. You
can Google "CD rot" and get a lot of hits. Here is a link to a
good article from USA Today. Since I first heard about this five
years ago I always put the date on a disk when I burn it so that
hopefully I can copy it before it goes. I have heard they could
go bad in as little as two years, but I have some five years old
with no problem. Maybe the best thing would be to back it all up
on a portable hard drive and put it in a safe-deposit box.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-05-05-disc-rot_x.htm
-Dennis Hammer ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Cathy Geier ('66)
Snowbound Seattle
-Cathy Geier ('66)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68)
Re: Grandkid(S) Coming
To: Sharon Sasser Warren ('64)
First, my sincerest congratulations on the great news of your
first grandchild on his/her way!
Second, you may think that the joy of the news diminishes with
subsequent grandkids ... but it doesn't. And neither does the joy
of their births.
Third, I'll bet most people in your class ('64), and for that
matter in my class ('68) who are going to be grandparents,
already are. (I said MOST, folks, not ALL.) So I wonder if you
were one of those Moms who was wondering if she was EVER going to
be a Grandma! If so, the joyful news must have been extra sweet
for that reason.
My sister, Sally ('60) and her husband, Dick Biggerstaff ('58)
did not have their first child until they were 28 and 30,
respectively. That one has never married. Their second son (born
'by accident' 13 months later) married in 1995, and became a
father in late 1998. He divorced after that. Third son married
and divorced young, never remarried (yet - but still wants to).
Point of the story is that Sally was 57 before her first and
maybe last grandchild (a little girl - now 10) came into her
life. (Kylee's other grandmother lives in Korea, so I got to be
"second grandma" to her. Good, fun practice until my first
grandson was born in '04.)
Sally and Dick considered not having children at all, as I
recall, then she decided that she wanted about 8. They had (no
kidding!) 3 sons in 2 years & 8 months, not by plan ... but those
things happen :-). Anyway, along in there somewhere, she decided
that maybe 3 was a better number for her than 8, although they
still talked about adopting for several years after the 3rd one
was born. I think they stopped that talk when all three of their
biological sons went through puberty during an overlapping 2
years!
I have often wondered which of us has had the most kids, became
a grandparent at the youngest age, has the most grandkids. I
certainly won't have the most kids (2) or grandkids (2) (hoping
for more), or have been the youngest when I became a Grandma (53)
... but there are my stats. How about the rest of you?
-Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Alan Lobdell ('69)
Re: Drives again
I'm sure glad I was not involved in that Yakima Bridge crash,
seems like a number of folks were.
While sitting in my office on Wednesday I was able to watch about
8 more inches of snow fall here in the City of Snoqualmie. The
snow plows and sand trucks were going by my window all day long
attempting to keep at least the main streets clear and sanded.
The guys would come in with story after story of what they had
seen drivers doing. It seems that between talking on a cell
phone, putting on makeup, dealing with kids, reading the paper
and whatever else they are doing most drivers can only take the
time to look up at the road once in a while and never see beyond
the hood of their car. Some can't see simply because the peep
hole they cleared on their windshield is too small. I have heard
the comment "I had to hurry and get home because of the snow"
several times now and it never makes sense to me. Some people
never seem to understand that tailgating a sand truck spreading
sand is not smart.
I was driving to my house yesterday and turned into my
neighborhood and wisely looked ahead about two blocks. There is a
large snow and ice covered hill I had to go up and you never know
what could happen on it. My choice is to sit and wait for all
cars to clear. Well, this time a small car, one that sits about
two inches off the ground, was trying to get up the hill. The
snow was about six inches deep on top of ice. He never had a
chance. Halfway up he slid to the curb. The more he gunned the
engine the more his front wheel drive pulled him sideways. He
then managed to make the front end go from up to downhill and
there was nothing to stop him. As I watched him slide to the
bottom of the hill playing bumper cars with the ones already
stuck I was almost sure he would end up blocking the entire road.
Thank God he came to rest at the curb due to about two feet of
snow that stopped him. I then proceeded to drive home wishing
that there would be another foot of snow or it would all melt
soon.
Marry Christmas to all and please drive carefully. I know all
Bombers will but there are always those others out there.
-Alan Lobdell ('69)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/28/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 Bombers sent stuff:
Bill Berlin ('56), Earl Bennett ('63)
Carol Converse ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
Mary Anne Greninger ('67wb)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ron Stephens ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cathy Steach ('67
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Robyn Richardson ('78)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
Re: Writing
Now and again Comcast gets stupid and cancels the daily edition
of the Sandstorm for some subversive reason (like the mention of
Bombers) so I missed what started the topic of writing skills,
writing patterns, grammar, sentence structure or whatever. I took
sentence structure in English at Col-Hi but I could have learned
brain surgery faster and better than I did sentence structure.
Nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, etc. really did me in and
then just where they went in a sentence, I was fast asleep. I
think the teacher was Miss Murray, who also did drama, and I woke
up long enough to hear her talking about "diphthong" or something
like that. When I eventually woke up I was not sure if she was
still structuring a sentence with a "diphthong" in it or that is
what she called me, the stupidest (or is it "most stupid") kid in
the class?
One evening there was a knock on our "F" house door at 209 GWWay
and when I answered it, there stood Miss Murray. Bill "Diphthong"
Berlin stood there speechless until my Mother came over and
invited her in. She said that she wanted to talk to my parents so
I was sent upstairs... so I would not hear what I knew was coming
and to change my shorts, given her surprising arrival at my
porch. Her quandary was that she could not understand how I
could not tell a noun from Gene Conley ('58) and yet my writing
was some of the best in the class. It was a question that was
never answered.
I write from my head, mind and heart. I have been lucky (or is
it "fortunate") to have done a lot of stuff (or is it "have a
lot experiences') over the term of my just barely 70 years on
this man's earth. Imagination is a great writing tool, and I sure
hope that Pappy Swan ('59), Jimbeaux Hamilton ('63) and David
Rivers ('65) learn that lesson one of these days, and mixed with
those other things, writing kind of comes out right (or is that
"correct"). Somebody asked me the other day what my feeling was
about who the smartest person would be if I could choose? All my
life I have thought that those who can ad lib are the smartest
people that I know. An ad libber has to have his mind and head in
gear all the time, thinking all the time and then know when and
how to deliver that statement of comedic wisdom, or contribution
to a serious conversation, that nobody has thought of yet.
My feeling is that writing is a bit like ad libbing in that you
can't do it well all the time but in a spark of genius, it
all comes back and writing or ad libbing become easy again.
Ironically, at least for me, these spikes of intelligence often
come at around 2:00 AM so my option is either roll around going
over my material ready for the next conversation "is there life
on the moon?" or getting my hero out of some tough spot in the
Detective story I am writing. Okay, I will be honest with you and
tell you that what usually comes to me usually has to do with a
boring Business Plan I am doing but even that takes a little in
the way of smarts. My point is this. If you can write and like
to, do it but if you don't have any talent that way get a
job writing for a new TV reality show. Now that is REALLY bad
writing.
Re: Who is it? Barbara von Olnhausen ('62)
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081227-vono-OldPics.jpg
I am not sure who the pretty young lady was in the picture but
the San Juan Photos on Commercial Street is no longer there. The
way things go in Anacortes, it would be my guess that at least
a dozen different businesses have been in that spot since the
1950s and that might be a conservative number. I will ask some
of the Anacortes old-timers, as soon as I can get down to the
Brown Lantern Adult Beverage Dispensary, and ask who San Juan
Photos was and where they were located.
The ship, on the other hand, was very much a "mixed gear
foredecker" general cargo vessel that was so typical of the
1940s and 1950s. Clearly it was Japanese vessel with the
"Maru" (Circle) in the name. When Japan finally got back into
the ocean shipping business after WW II they named all of their
vessels "Maru" because they eventually wanted to circle the
globe. She could have been at the dock in Anacortes too but there
is not enough there to tell what port facilities are around it.
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ Anacortes, WA where we are losing our 16"
of snow and ice... and none to soon. Here is to all Bombers
for a prosperous, if not highly interesting, year in 2009.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
To: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68)
Lynn-Marie: Now you've done it; I expect a flood of responses to
your "How about the rest of you?"
I married at 32 to Barneata (Bonnie, Bun), who is a little over
2 years older than me. Her mother, Frances, had Bun at 16, Bun
had Debbie at 17 (a few months before I turned 15 and was still
at Chief Jo), Debbie had Mindy at 18, and Mindy had Courtney at
19. It was five fast generations, and we have a 5-generation
picture from Frances' 80th birthday. If Courtney carries on the
trend and has a child at 20 (we won't push her), Frances seems
vibrant enough to be still with us in nine years to become a
living great-great-great grandmother at 91, though she did have
a heart attack a year ago, has a pacemaker/defibrillator, her
doctor is not pleased about how much weight she has lost lately,
but she seems to have plateau'd.
Debbie had just turned 17 and was already on her own when we
married, not interested in being adopted, but I adopted the two
younger ones six months later, Kristina and Roy, who were 13
and 8 at that time. I've had the good fortune of enjoying the
grandchildren (there are now eight of them ranging from Mindy,
30, to Ben and Jasmin, 3) and two great-grandchildren (Courtney,
now 11, and Alexis, 10), and my wife got me an associate
membership in AARP when I was 48 (we never renewed). Both of
us look younger than we are, so people do double-takes when we
talk about great-grandchildren. You are right; each subsequent
grandchild's arrival is just as exciting and special as the rest.
We had been married only a year when her first grandchild was
born, and Bonnie had her first-ever airplane flights from
Colorado Springs to Baltimore and back to go help Debbie when
Mindy was born. We just returned from spending Christmas with
Debbie and all of her family for the first time in a number of
years, including an even larger contingent from her husband's
side - it was hard to move among the piles of gifts and
rambunctious children, including two infants. One of Debbie's
husband's nieces was only a few days out of the hospital after
miscarrying triplets (multiple births run in that family for
alternate generations), but Lisa and Rich still have Logan, 5,
and intend to try again, so we pray for them.
Regards, ecb3, from Reva, VA, where it's supposed to reach
the high fifties today and we plan to finish painting the
outside of the house, a process that was disrupted when
Fall became too cold, too early and too consistently.
-Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64)
To: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68)
Let me be the first to answer your question on how 'young'
we were when our first grandchild was born. Our oldest
granddaughter... my step granddaughter.... just turned 22. That
would have made us 40 when she was born. MY oldest granddaughter
is 15. That would have made us 47 when she was born. Our oldest
granddaughter has 3 kids now, the oldest turning 7 this January.
Kids this day and age start so much younger it seems like having
kids of their own. I believe they have more problems in the long
run trying to raise their own kids. I mean, they are kids
themselves just about.
Thanks for the right web address for the 'elves' picture. Very
nice indeed. Good job, Dennis!
-Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64) ~ Eureka, CA
still raining off and on at the beach and snow in
the mountains.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
re:grandchildren
my first grandchild entered my life when I turned 40(she is one
of four that are my "foster" grandkids)---was the BEST gift I
have ever gotten, with the exception of the birth of my own two
daughters. *grin* being grandma is the BEST job in the world and
I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!!!!! I have 9 grandchildren---
ranging in age from 22 to 7--they are my reason for getting up
and each every morning and I am very lucky--they all live here in
Bakersfield, CA, so I see them as often as I want. I live with
two of them, so consider myself a VERY lucky grandma!!!!! four
of them are "foster"; three are "natural"; and two are "step",
I love all of them and they love me, so it's all good. *grin*
congrats to all grandparents, new and old---it is soooooo much
fun being a grandparent---we get to spoil them, then let the
parents do the disciplining---how fun is that???? *grin*
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64).......at the moment,
skies are sunny, but they claim we will get another storm that
will bring rain and snow---course, Bakersfield won't get the
snow, but the mountains will and that's a good thing. am very
jealous of those that have gotten snow---geez, even 'Vegas got
snow!!!!!!!! Lenora(Hughes, '55)Bejarano sent pictures of snow at
her home---some of the houses in her neighborhood had snowpeople
in their front yards. how cool is that? *grin*
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mary Anne Greninger Merritt ('67wb)
To: Barbara von Olnhausen ('62)
Re: Photo of the little (and the large boat)
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081227-vono-OldPics.jpg
The little girl looked very much like one of the Di Nicola
girls. Dr. Di Nicola was an early doctor in Richland.
-Mary Anne Greninger Merritt ('67wb)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/29/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 Bombers and Don Sorensen sent stuff:
Ann Bishop ('56), "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Derrith Persons ('60), Ron Richards ('63)
Don Sorensen (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kathy Wersen ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chuck Lange ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dot Egeland ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Hannah Lee ('94)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ann Bishop Ousley ('56)
May as well get in the "grandkids " discussion. My first came
when I was 38. We now have 23 grandkids, and 11 Great-grandkids.
They are great... but it is sure nice to send them home!!
-Ann Bishop Ousley ('56) ~ Texarkana, AR It was 75 today, 57
expected tomorrow (today?)
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Marley & Me
Well, no one else is coming forth to give testimony, so I will
kick it off. Jeanne and I saw the movie, "Marley & Me," and I
must say, "It was well worth the price of admission!" We laughed
our keesters (clad in layers of winter clothing) off, right up to
the end, and then the tears flowed. Maybe it was because of the
three Yellow Labs who graced our lives over a total of 36 years.
The movie is great and will be purchased, when available. It
compliments the book very well, but I must say that I think that
I liked the book best. That is probably because reading the
book stretches the story out more than the movie for prolonged
absorption in the joys of living a chunk of life with a unique
dog. However, we give the movie four thumbs up ... mine and Mrs.
Pappy's.
The day after seeing the movie, I noticed that there were rather
large dog tracks in the snow covering our front yard. They even
came right up to the front window, as if the dog had been peering
into our house. Now, I know that they were probably made by one
of our neighbor's two Black Labs, but I reserve the right to
exercise my imagination and dream a bit.
And, speaking of dreams, there are nights when I wake to what I
could swear was the low moan of Darby, requesting permission to
come up on the bed, with me. During her last year, she needed
a little assistance. Also, in the house and out in the yard, I
experience the occasional but fleeting faint hints of something
"yellow" in the corners of my vision. "Its" there momentarily,
but then its gone again.
And finally, I have had my worst season of bird hunting, in
years, but it will be one of my most memorable. I cannot count
the number of times that, while trekking across fields and along
streams and around ponds, I have had the sudden thought of,
"Where is she?" only to realize, once again, that she is gone.
Recently, accompanied by my grandson, Harry, the young Marine
Reservist, who has volunteered and now awaits orders to "go
active," we spread Darby's ashes in the area where she had
brought so much joy and "good hunting" to both of us.
There, are so many memories in several places, but especially
those packed into that piece of public land called "Big Flat"
located along the north bank of the Snake River, upstream of Ice
Harbor Dam. On the far end of it is the spot where Darby, when a
mere pup, flushed her first rooster, that I was lucky enough to
take for her to make her very first pheasant retrieve. Nearby,
is the site of her first water retrieve. Just up over the hill
is where Darby put up Harry's first rooster that she proudly
retrieved to his wide-eyed joy. And, out along the river is the
spot where she alerted me to a pair of mallards, sitting tight
below the riverbank. We jumped them, and I doubled. When she made
the swimming retrieve, rather than make an extra trip, she gave
me a knowing look and retrieved both, with one hanging out of
each side of her mouth. And, the list goes on...
Yes, Darby is gone, but her memory lives on as my greatest dog
ever. Each dog has been special and unique, in their own way.
But, if we are lucky enough, at least once in our lives, we are
simply graced with the company of "a really good dog!"
But, time waits for no man, woman, or dog, and now its time to
move on to the next pup. And God willing, I will endure yet one
more friendship of a dog's life. So, I peruse the ads, sites, and
leads for puppies. And, I marvel at my will power to resist (so
far) those tiny yellow faces with the big dark, shoe button eyes
that seem to say, "Take me!" I have even begun to consider
suitable names for a young hunting lady. However, something keeps
telling me to wait ... until sometime within March or April.
Then, when the weather is once again warm and suitable for an old
man and a young pup to get to know each other, we will traipse
over the long-faded tracks of a gone ... but never forgotten
great dog.
To: my email buddy Bill Berlin ('56)
You're right Bill! Sometimes it is better to just go with an "off
the top of your head inspiration" lightly seasoned with a bit of
imagination, and let it flow out through you fingertips.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where a walk in the snow
has changed from a crispy crunch to a "sloshy squish."
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>>From: Derrith Persons Dean ('60)
The first lunch for the NEW YEAR!!
The snow is gone and it's time to talk...
Yes! It's Lunch time!! Class of '60, family and/or friends If
you're in town or from out of town Come on, we'll have a good
time!!
WHEN: Saturday, January 3rd
TIME: 11:30 am
WHERE: Sterling's, 890 GWWay, Richland
2009 is almost here!! Happy New Year!
-Derrith Persons Dean ('60)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Ron Richards ('63)
To: Earl Bennett ('63)
You should substitute "I" for "me" in the following sentence:
"I married at 32 to Barneata (Bonnie, Bun), who is a little
over 2 years older than me."
That would better meet the high English standards you have set for us.
-Ron Richards ('63)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorensen (NAB)
To All Bombers,
Another installment of 6.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081229-156-161.htm
A question: does anyone remember Bob Hope coming to the Tri-Cities?
To: Jim McKeown ('53)
A while back I was talking to a fellow who worked in the Hanford
Construction Camp during the war. He recalled a man he knew at
the Camp who lives in Walla Walla and that he is ~90. Did your
father work at the Camp?? Send me an email if you wish at
hanfordengineerworks@juno.com and let me know if this is the
case. My condolences to you and your family.
-Don Sorensen (NAB)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/30/2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff:
Virginia Brinkerhoff ('54), Laura Dean Kirby ('55)
Dwain Mefford ('56), Burt Pierard ('59)
Earl Bennett ('63), Carol Converse ('64)
Gary Behymer ('64), David Rivers ('65)
John Allen ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Phil Gant ('54)
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>>From: Virginia Brinkerhoff Sweetland ('54)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: when did Bob Hope visit Richland?
I honestly can't remember, but I might take a wild guess and say
it was the summer of '54 because that's the summer I met Russ,
the G.I. from Camp Hanford who pulled up to the Merry-Go-Round on
a Harley 74, and offered to trade rides. The reason I say summer
of '54 was I remember Russ saying what an absolute jerk Bob Hope
was, and how he had made a fool of himself over in Korea. Course,
my memory could be playing severe tricks on me.
-Virginia Brinkerhoff Sweetland ('54)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Laura Dean Kirby Armstrong ('55)
Re: Photos
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081229-156-161.htm
I believe the two lovely young ladies in #158 are Evelyn Bubner
('55) and Shirley Davis ('56) Picture #161 may be Patty Badger
Keller ('54)
-Laura Dean Kirby Armstrong ('55) ~ in rainy Richland
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****************************************************************
>>From: Dwain Mefford ('56)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081229-156-161.htm
Maybe I can help a little with the picture or the two beautiful
girls that you submitted today (#158). The one on the left is
Evelyn Bubner (’57). I don’t know the one on the right. However,
she looks like someone I would really like to meet. Could you or
any Bomber arrange an introduction?
-Dwain Mefford ('56)
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Don Sorensen (still an Honorary Bomber, to me)
Re: "Who Are They" Pics of 12/29/08
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Sore/081229-156-161.htm
The guy in the middle of picture #157 was Tony Prince, AKA "Tony The
Atomic Clown." The guy on the left was a Sacy schoolmate of mine,
Dale Pratt (WB a '59er), who went to Chief Jo shortly after the
picture was taken and disappeared before High School. John Huske
('58) was the guy on the right but I didn't know him. The picture
was included in the GE July-August 1953 "Adventures Ahead"
magazine article about Tony.
I was fortunate enough to "apprentice" with Tony from about 1948
to 1955. I was also known as "The Little Atom."
I have attached pictures of the magazine spread and one with Tony.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Pier/081230-00.htm
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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****************************************************************
>>From: Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
To: Ron Richards ('63)
True; those understood (but missing) predicates snuck by me even
when I was studying grammar, and I never internalized that usage.
Regards, ecb3 - from balmy central Virginia, where it
reached 65 yesterday and about 54 today, so we finished
enough painting to look almost presentable.
-Earl C. Bennett, III ('63)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
This is the second time that you have asked if Bob Hope ever came
to the Tri-Cities. To my knowledge he never did, at least not
in my school days. Perhaps this time around, you'll get more
information than last time you asked.
Here is wishing each and every one of you Bombers a very happy
New Years and a healthy one at that.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64) Eureka, CA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
To: Don Sorensen (NAB)
Re: "A question: does anyone remember Bob Hope coming to the
Tri-Cities?"
Bob Hope came to the Tri-Cities years? before 1958. He played
golf at the Tri-City Country Club in Kennewick. 'B' Behymer
played in the four-some behind the Hope group, though Dad
didn't realize it until he got to the clubhouse. Someplace in
my 'stuff' is a Bob Hope autograph on the back of a matchbook
cover (;-) Fore!
-Gary Behymer ('64)
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****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Rats and double rats
Oh man... what a foe paw... I blew it and missed Kathy Wersen's
('64) birthday on the 29th... I feel awful... as you may know,
Kathy is suffering from a very debilitating disease... her sis
('65) and bro-in-law ('64) mentioned it in the Sandstorm the
other day or maybe it was an email... gawd my mind is in shambles
these days... anyway, I was gaa gaa over Kathy in school... (no
comments from the peanut gallery... I am sure I was not gaa gaa
over every single girl I ever met... I'm sure of it... pretty
sure of it... well I can't help it if Bomber-babes are all
hotties... musta been that radioactive iodine they sprayed on
us in the late '40s and early '50s... are we allowed to admit
that???)... so I gotta say I was head over heals... we had some
very lovely times in Orange County later on and I won't likely
forget any of them soon... so I missed it but a belated HAPPY
BIRTHDAY anyway!
I gave out several copies of the Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck
this Christmas... haven't read it yet... I'll borrow it and read
it... but the concept reminds me of all of us... Every time I
hear someone mention that they didn't enjoy the growing up years
it makes me sad... I for one was always "less than" growing up...
never quite made the mark in my eyes... I actually thought I was
alone in that feeling... When Davis ('65) would torment me (this
was not a daily thing... just when I would start feeling pretty
good about myself... then wham... the guy musta had RADAR)... my
Mom always said he was jealous of me... I figured ol Mom was off
her rocker... It would be many years before he would break down
and tell all... the day I walked into Jason Lee he had me pegged
to knock him off his perch and vowed he would never let it
happen... but ya see... appearances can be very deceiving... what
passes for confidence may be just the opposite... On Christmas
day (I hope yours was great) I called Beej ('65) and asked him if
he wanted to go around and see what everybody got like we did in
grade school and jr hi (maybe even in hi School)... Brian would
come by my house around 11:00 or so Christmas day and we'd make
the rounds... my mother thought it was very unbecoming to intrude
on others' Christmas... but kids get bored after all the wrapping
paper is off... I remember one particular year... I wanted a
transistor radio... oh man but I wanted that... my dad had one
and when he got bored with his toys he would sometimes pass them
down... I was hoping he'd pass me that red Zenith in the brown
leather case... well I got leather... gloves, a shaving kit
(who did they think I was... Mike Botu ('65 RIP)??? and English
Leather... they hadda get the English Leather in Walla Walla
because it wasn't sold in Richland... yet... Oh great... some off
brand shaving lotion... when all the other guys wore Old Spice...
now I'd really be an outcast... (OK I was wrong on that point...
everybody loved it and wanted some... Beej used to borrow
mine)... anyway, Brian got a transistor so as we walked we
listened... as we approached Heidlebaugh ('65) and Davis' houses
Elvis was singing "Now or Never"... I still remember it loud and
clear... funny how we all went thru the same stuff believing our
lives were the worst any could possibly be... butchaknow... no
matter how bad our home lives were... we all had each other... my
gang would get together many years later one day up in a room at
the old DI... maybe our 25th reunion... not sure any more... and
we all told our stories... got it all off our chest... "you felt
like that too?"... yup... we all did... went thru the same stuff
to various degrees... if only we had known and had reached out
to one another... well we do now... and I hope if you still have
those gnawing pangs of being "different" or "less than" or "not
enough" you will reach out... We are all loved whether we know it
or not... I mean hell, If we can love Davis, there is hope for
every one...
I just hope your Christmas was good. I hope the best for the
coming year to all my Bomber friends... and to all of you that I
sent the email about birthdays... I got that from Ann ('63) and
of course figured it was a Bomber thing... then when I got them
back with no last names I actually took the time to really read
it... here I thought I was gonna update my list... Wrong! Oh
well... Have a wonderful New Year... I'll be freezing my rear
off at State line with a bunch of hot Rodders... There are two
Charlies that take turns running in... the Donut Delinquent
Charlie makes it tons of fun during his 5 years... the "other"
Charlie makes it just a bunch of guys sitting in the freezing
wind... I swore last year I wasn't going till our Charlie started
his next 5 year stint... but all the delinquents said "aaaah...
baby baby suck yer thumb"... so OK... I'll stick it out two
more years... sure hope the Vagos aren't out there... they ruin
everything... maybe they are the gang that was told by the
Federal Court they can't wear their colors any more... I sure
hope so! Have fun everyone... The Eddie Aikau should be hitting
full stride pretty quick http://live.quiksilver.com/2008/bigwave/
... lucky ducks LaMont and Caroline ('63) will be headed south
soon... I've got the Grand National Roadster Show to look forward
to in about three weeks or so... so wherever you are... "be
excellent to one another"!
-David Rivers ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: John Allen ('66)
Re: Grammar Patrol
I really hate to agree with Ron Richards ('63) about anything
lest it be thought that I agree with his politics. Nevertheless,
his "I," not "me" instruction of today (12/29/08) is absolutely
correct. The reason is that there is an implied part of the
sentence that has been omitted (not incorrectly); specifically,
"....who is a little over two years older than I AM OLD."
-John Allen ('66)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/31/2008 ~ NEW YEAR'S EVE
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9 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick Wight ('52), Burt Pierard ('59)
"Pappy" Swan ('59), Helen Cross ('62)
Gary Roberts ('63wb), Carol Converse ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Peggy Adair ('72)
Greg Alley ('73)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Grace DeVincentis ('50wb)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Wayne Wallace ('50)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Doug Hildebrant ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John Allen ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gary Grigg ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mikel Boatman ('99)
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>>From: Dick Wight ('52)
Re: memories of a great dog
Reading George Swan's ('59) memories of his dog Darby in several
issues have been touching. My wife Ruth and I have been going
through a similar period in our lives during these past months,
and I surmise there are other Bombers out there with similar
circumstances... We are typical of some folks who tend to make
a pet a full-time family member rather than a "critter" that
meanders through our lives in something of an offhand or casual
manner. We've had three consecutive family dogs since the early
1970s. Bozo, a long-haired black mongrel with white blazes, and
the graceful lines of a Morgan Setter, was the first, acquired in
Kodiak, AK under duress (from our teenage daughter who HAD to
have that pup). Bozo became a beloved family member and endured a
transfer to Miami, a hostile environment for an Alaskan dog. But
he survived and we moved back to Port Angeles, then to Juneau,
and back to Port Angeles where he lived out the rest of his life
in relative comfort. His replacement was a fun-loving miniature
poodle named Sadie Lou, much spoiled by us, and she enjoyed life
wherever we took her - on a transfer to Connecticut and back,
and on numerous RV trips all over North America. She lived for
over 14 years, and we were truly in a "blue funk" when she
succumbed to cancer.
Our next dog was a miniature schnauzer we named Callie Jo. We
acquired her (or was it the other way around?) not long after
Sadie died, and that little bundle of energy seemed to take
increasing control of our lives as time went by. We moved to the
mountains on Chinook Pass (40 miles west of Yakima) when she was
quite young, and she had a marvelous life there, prowling the
nearby woods and harassing deer and elk, chasing squirrels and
chipmunks, and habitually hiding behind trees and bushes even as
we called and whistled for her, until she decided to charge out
and "frighten" us. That was a great game to her. Callie had a
huge selection of "toys" kept in a large basket in the living
room, and a smaller selection in our 5th wheel trailer. She
demanded play time with her toys once or twice a day. She'd pull
one out, repeatedly chomping on it to make a squeaker squeak, as
an announcement that play time had arrived. She knew some of her
toys by name - "oink-oink" and other silly names I'd given them -
and if I told her to get a specific one, she'd nose through her
toy basket until she found it. We have a kitchen clock that emits
bird calls each hour, and when the Canada goose trumpeted at 5pm,
she'd go to the kitchen and bark, announcing it was time for her
dinner. After being fed, she'd bark and growl for her dessert - a
dog cookie of some kind - and not give up until one of us gave
her one. Callie was a great traveller for most of her life, and
in particular enjoyed our RV travels. I suppose that was because
of the togetherness of that environment. She had a marvelous
memory for people and places. We would visit close friends in
Port Angeles on occasion, and when we drove up to their house,
she'd become excited, and run to their door barking and whining
with anticipation. She would do the same as we pulled up to our
son's home near Phoenix, apparently anxious to see the grandkids.
In 2005, we sold our mountain home after living there for 8
years, and we RV'd for a year all over the southwest, across to
Florida, a lengthy stop in the Ozarks. It was a good year for
Callie - and for us. She seemed to enjoy the entire trip, was
always curious about new places and new faces, meeting other
pets in RV parks. In 2006, we moved to northern Arkansas and she
settled into our new home with apparent contentment. In 2007, she
started developing health problems - bladder stones that required
surgery, then some loss of hearing, then the onset of diabetes
and related loss of vision until she was virtually blind. I was
her "seeing-eye person" the last months of her life. Ruth and I
administered insulin injections to her on a strict regimen twice
daily. She started having incontinence problems, which were hard
to deal with. Yet she remained interested in visitors and family,
insistent as ever about her "cookies", and apparently in no
discomfort. Some friends and relatives thought we were prolonging
her life needlessly, but I felt that as long as she seemed to
have some enjoyment of her life and surroundings, I was duty
bound to help her. She had given us many years of loyalty,
companionship, outright fun, and unquestioned affection. That she
sometimes seemed to "run our lives" was of little consequence to
us. In a symbolic sense, I was "joined at the hip" with her.
Last September, she developed yet another kidney stone and was
in great pain. We finally had to bid goodbye to her - she likely
couldn't survive more surgery. She was cremated, and made her
final trip with us, from Arkansas to Washington. In early
December, we scattered her ashes in the woods behind our old
Chinook Pass home, around those large Ponderosa pine trees behind
which she used to hide from us. We believe the years there were
her happiest times.
Like "Pappy" Swan and his dog Darby, I sometimes think I catch a
glimpse of Callie or sense her presence on the foot of the bed,
or hear her collar and "dog tags" jingling. That was her way of
asking for attention. I'd as soon these incidents would go away,
and maybe they are becoming less frequent with time... ... but
I miss Callie a great deal. So does Ruth.
"Pappy" Swan seemed to indicate he was likely to get another dog.
Ruth and I have struggled with that issue repeatedly these past
few months. We know a new pup would bring enjoyment to us, and
ease the loss of Callie. But we are in our mid 70s now! Would a
new pet outlive us? Then what for the pet???? For now we have
decided to forego getting another dog... ... but I can say that
our lives are not quite the same.
-Dick Wight ('52) ~ visiting in Port Angeles, WA over the holidays
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: All who may have read my entry yesterday
Re: Problem with trying to look at the pictures I sent
If you tried to look at the pictures I sent yesterday, before
Noon (PST), you found a problem with the link. Maren fixed it
about Noon today so it should work now.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Pier/081230-00.htm
Also, a word of explanation about the hat I was wearing - I was
"the damsel in distress" in some of the shots we took that day.
Another "Tony" story related to me by Wally Greager ('45): Wally
was assigned to a crew that rode a bus to the Pasco Naval Station
every day to inventory materials to be surplused and sold. Tony
was on the same crew. One day, Tony made the statement that they
didn't need their photo passes because nobody ever checked them
and he was going to prove it by pasting a picture of himself, in
full [clown] makeup, on his badge. Naturally, that was the day
that badges were checked on the job site and Tony got in lots of
trouble. What irked Wally & the rest of the crew was from that
day on, everyone had to exit the bus to have their badges checked
& then reboard to go thru the gate. Since their work day started
on the job site, that meant they had to meet their bus 15 minutes
earlier every morning.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: New Year's Elf Eve
Party on Down Dudes and Dudettes!
Normally (for years now) our New Year's Eve (NYE) partying has
been pretty lame, compared to our younger years. In fact, by the
time I had attained the astounding age of thirty-something (I
never thought I would live that long), I had sunken to an annual
NYE ritual of sitting in front of the TV, sipping a beer while
sharpening all of the knives in the house, and watching "Guy
Lombago" usher in the new annual "dropping of the ball." I know,
mom always said that sharp things and alcohol did not mix, but
I always had a generous supply of Band-Aids nearby. When the
critical countdown approached, I would step out on the front
porch and at 2400 hours, I would touch off three quick rounds
from my twelve gauge into the heavens, in celebration! After the
year that I added on my front awning (and repaired the hole in
it), I began stepping further into the front yard.
However, as the years rolled by, I settled down (my fingers
healed up) on NYE, and Guy Lombago went off to the big party in
the sky. Gradually, if I could stay awake long enough, I would
shuffle out on the front porch at midnight (or reasonably close
to it) and ring a giant brass bell, wearing my shooting earmuffs
(I learned about ear protection way too late in life) ... huh?
Eventually, I acquired the routine of going on to bed early and
setting my alarm clock, but I hit the snooze alarm so much that
now ... I just wish everyone a "Happy New Year" the next morning.
But in my mind, I was still a "Wild Child."
However, this year I received an invite to a special party. "Ah
Ha Ha, you and me, little brown jug how I love thee!" Does that
ring a bell (little or big, brass or otherwise)? With Mrs.
Pappy's blessing, I shall attend. She will go on to bed early ...
anyway. Now, the accompanying picture might look startlingly
familiar, however there is one difference ... hint ... look for
the XXXs. Apparently, it was snapped shortly after the formal
Christmas Picture was taken and the partying really began.
Believe me, everyone of those Xs are potent! So, I have deposited
my R.S.V.P. under the little rock by the puddle and will partaaay
with the elves, this NYEE (New Year's Elf Eve).
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Swan/081231-ElvesW-jug.jpg
Miraculously, XXX produces no hangover. But, there does seem to
be some lingering aches and pains from that shrinking/expansion
process of transforming from human to elf size and back again. At
least, that is to what I attributed this ongoing recovery process
during this last week since Christmas time. I am sure that the
snow clearing and wood cutting had nothing to do with it.
So, I shall drink responsibly and avoid my head banging into door
jambs. I have "speriance" with XXX now. Actually one thimble
full of that stuff will suffice for the night. So, party on down
Bomber ladies and gentlemen, in your own way (early to bed or
asleep in the recliner)! No, I can't get you any Elf Juice! It is
only available on a need to sip basis (at Elf Parties).
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where for the time
being, the snow is about gone, the puddle is again full and
I hear faint little calls of "Happy New Year Pappy!" coming
from the puddle proximity. Elves are swimming (in little
wet suits), elves are sailing, elves are laughing ... Gotta
go, I think the party has started already...
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>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
I am really enjoying all this grammar stuff, as I love English,
even if you wouldn't always know it from my sentence structure
these days.
I am inclined to agree that Bob Hope did come to the Tri-Cities
too, although I didn't get his autograph... I did get Ronald
Reagen's when he came as one for one of the G.E.-sponsored
daughter and dads evenings they had... I just saw some reruns
of Bob Hope's visits to the troops over the years on Fox News
tonight... I think he was a great American...
Let me close wishing all fellow Bombers a Happy New Year, and
I'll add a prayer for America as we are going into a new era in
our history...
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ Grandview, IN where we've had several
days of warm weather here (meaning in the 40s and
sunshine), much easier to take than icy roads... I've been
enjoying the birds in backyard at the feeder, lots of
cardinals and several other kinds, but I can't attract any
squirrels. We are home to the white squirrels with black
eyes here...
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>>From: Gary Roberts ('63wb)
To: John "Buzz" Jochen ('51)
I want to wish my ol' pal, Buzz Jochen ('51) a Happy Birthday(#76)
and a Happy New Year. Buzz is Wintering in El Centro, CA and just
down the street from us. His sister Marlene ('54) is arriving
today with Husband Bill (NAB) to spend the rest of the Winter
in Good Ol' El Centro, "Where the Sun Goes to Spend the Winter",
according to the local Chamber of Commerce. His other sister,
Anne ('63) will be coming down later in March to enjoy an early
warm vacation. Happy New Year to all!
To: Larry Holloway('64)
We'll be thinking of you during your open Heart surgery in
Spokane this week.
-Gary Roberts ('63wb) ~ from sunny and 75° in El Centro, CA
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64)
Re: "Marley and Me" Movie
We went to see "Marley and Me" last night. I was going to wait
until it came out on video, but after hearing just how good it
was from George "Pappy" Swan ('59), we decided to go see it on
the BIG screen. It did follow the book well and I thought I was
prepared for the ending... WRONG! I could have used a box of
Kleenex! I don't think I'll buy the video, though, as I couldn't
see the ending again. I am the same way with "Old Yeller". One
time was enough for me, even though it was a great movie.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64) ~ Eureka, CA
where we are having a very sunny day today. Tomorrow
the rains are suppose to start once again.
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: here is an implied part of the sentence that has been omitted
Wow... I mean way wow... I knew a rule that Earl (aka Big Daddy
'63) missed... I am sooooooo excited... I know one... count em...
one rule of grammar... it was drummed into me by Mommy Dearest...
but it is the ONLY rule of grammar I know... but I do not know
what a predicate is... I just know the "I/Me Rule"... I refused
to study anything in school... It wasn't laziness... it was
premeditated... I have no idea why such self destructive behavior
hit me at such an early age... I do not know my times tables...
and yet higher math and science would later be my favorite
subjects in college... much later... I never learned to spell...
In undergrad there was some course where spelling counted...
fail the spelling test and your grade would be lowered to the
next lower full grade was the Rule... now I only got one "B"
in college... it was my first semester... I was devastated
and thought (for a few months) that straight "A's" would be
impossible... I learned they weren't and never got a lower grade
again... but in this upper level course the Prof was determined
that Americans should know how to spell... I knew I failed...
(not kinda failed... I mean FAILED) the spelling test and
expected the B... But I got an A... I went to the Prof's office
to confess the mistake and take my medicine... he was on the
phone as I walked in and started laughing... "I've got to hang up
now and explain to a student how he pulled an A in my class" were
his words to the person on the phone... he then explained that
his conscience would not allow him to give me a B... All of the
credit for my growing up with nearly impeccable English speaking
and writing skills (yeah I know... whoda thunk from reading my
Sandstorm entries) go to my parents who were adamant about the
way we spoke and wrote... they were fanatics... my mother because
she learned that way and my Pop because he was not going to
speak like an illiterate Indian... so why am I bragging about
Scholarships all thru my later school years (even had a full ride
to Harvard to do my PhD, which I turned down for the same thing
to do a JD at ASU)... not because I'm so damned smart... but
for what it did to my lil baby girl... ya see by managing to
accomplish those things I became one of "those parents"... in
spite of my refusal to read a book till I was 21; in spite of my
refusal to take school for anything but a way to meet girls and a
place to walk a girl from one room to another... my daughter saw
me as a genius... against whom she believed she would be measured
(by her loving father) for life... I had no intention of ever
making those demands upon her but she made them on herself...
What an awful burden to carry... I'll never forget the first time
(prolly the only time) she failed "comportment"... I wanted to go
out and celebrate... Bravo... she's a kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When she was a Duck she confessed her total fear of tests... I
told her "screw the test"... you know that stuff... that's what
counts... then I gave her a little rock in the shape of a heart
and told her to just rub it during the test... she overcame
her fear... didn't stop her, however, from changing to a Psych
Major along with 90% of the other Generation Xers... (I always
considered college... at every level as Voc-Ed... a means to a
job... tho I did love the learning too... it was a new experience
for me)... She and all her school pals had made a deal with the
parents (not sure her mom agreed to this) that they would finish
college and then move to L.A. to form a rock band... they moved
to L.A. but never followed their love of music... I mean love of
music... she had vocal music scholarships to college but turned
them down to study whatever... so she never followed her dream...
I'm not sure that she knows that all I EVER dreamed of was to
be a Rock 'n' Roll star... korse I also refused to practice the
guitar and the drums... duh... so that's my little ditty for the
day... Have a wonderful year, gang (maybe tomorrow I'll write
what I intended to write today till I learned I had one up on
Earl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Peggy Adair ('72)
Re: The ex-West Richland Golf Course 12-30-08
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081231-Adai-00.htm
-Peggy Adair ('72)
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>>From: Greg Alley ('73)
Re: Westcosta-aka West Richland Golf Course
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2008/Xtra/Any/081231-Adai-00.htm
The building that housed the bar, clubhouse, and restaurant, and
whatever has burned to the ground. A fire started early and by
the time I drove by at about 3 pm, it was toast. No building
left, just burnt rubble. Although it has been called many things,
including the goat ranch, it was a low key, easy going place to
golf, drink, and just hang out in a non-country club atmosphere.
My prediction for morning headlines include cause of fire as
faulty wiring or arson. The building was old and owner Michelle
Marcum was making some headway on improvements. I have used the
place to golf, have breakfast, socialize, hold fantasy football
meetings, and just feel relaxed and at ease in a low key setting.
I also hope there is good insurance and a rebuilding process. Old
memories include wedding receptions and such in the old Elks
building and the pool was like a privelege to swim in if you were
allowed then.
-Greg Alley ('73) ~ The snow is melting a little at a time and
happy new year to all.
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That's it for 2008. Please send more.
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November, 2008 ~ January, 2009