01/31/11
Comments: This format looks great. Thanks, Jim. Well, it happened to me as well. I'm a new friend of Medicare...at least I hope they consider me their friend. I see some good advice here from friends. Taking care of Mom for the past three years has provided much-needed education on what we all need. Living Wills are important. Such good advice, Steve, about letting our kids know our wishes about end of life care. Mother did this and it has helped, especially now that she is on hospice. And being here for each is important now, and will become even more important in the years ahead. Don't know about all of you, but I find comfort in having such wonderful friends.
Back soon.

01/30/11
Comments:
Well said Steve, on a recent visit to my Dr. Kimberly McMilliian, she asked if I had a living will. I told her Monica and I had finalized our wills. She explained the importance of the living will and told me she and her husband had their living will done and she is much younger than I am. This is important to us (as much as I hate to use the term) at our age. There are things we have worked for and have earned we should take advantage of, it is not charity we have earned it.

01/28/11
Comments: As we approach our 65th and 66th year of life there aren't a great number of decisions left on this planet for us. We have had a lifetime of decision making: who we are going to marry. Where we are going to college (if we go at all). Will we serve in military. Children. Their decisions and our input on those decisions. Church or not. Where we will buy a home. How do we ascend in the work place. When or if we will retire. To most of us, those decisions are well behind us. Having been through the experience of very old age with my Mother and now going thru it with my wife and both of her parents, I think many neglect the decision of how we want to live in our ultra senior years (over 80). While that is a way off for us, it will be here soon enough. Since I have seen the struggle up close and personally, I suggest we tell our love ones how we want to live when we reach the age where our thinking can be cloudy. My Mom would only say she never wanted to be in a nursing home and she didn't want to live with any of her children. So we tried to let her live alone. At 85 you can imagine her living conditions. My dear sister (Shirley, SOC 59) spent the last three years of Mom's life leaving her ill husband nearly every day to see to Mom's needs. Thanks to my wonderful sisters (Shirley died on Christmas eve, 2009) the rest of the siblings didn't have to sacrifice too much. And now my Mother in Law is 87, falling often and my father in law, 90, is her nurse. No nursing home and won't live with the children. I have informed my children that it is acceptable to me to live in a skilled nursing facility if I lose my faculties. By putting off those decisions, such as writing a will and discussing it with your loved ones, and notifying them of what you approve they decide in your senior years, will not make those decisions go away. You may lose the ability to make those decisions in the days ahead.

01/27/11
Comments:
Have been downloading the IRS instruction booklet since the IRS has decided not to mail one this year. The Colony post office does not keep forms - the library does - but they were not sent any instruction booklets. So the IRS would rather we spend a small fortune on ink cartridges and do the printing ourselves!

01/21/11
Comments:
In case Betty Gibbs is too busy on Facebook, let me extend Birthday Greetings to her on this site.

01/20/11
Comments: The elusive Bunny B has been captured. He was scheduled to be released in less than 60 days for a misdemeanor that would not be on his permanent record. Now...not so much, the judge gave him 15 yrs for a felony and probably for being stupid...I ask Clay didn't anybody see anything wrong and he said "Dad it's Louisiana, they just thought there goes another black guy running down the road in red shorts and shoes"

01/20/11
Comments:
Interesting story Michael. Clay is looking good - had not seen him in some time. Hope they catch Mr. Brown for his next 3 years of adventure in the jail after his major offenses now. Some people just do not get it do they?

01/19/11
Comments:
You gotta see this. My son Clay was performing at a rodeo in Lafayette, LA when an inmate on work release program escaped wearing Clay's bullfighting unform. I hope this link works it is from Lafayette eyewitness news channel 10. They interviewed Clay and Kenny Burgeron. They reported the truck he stole had dent in the drivers side door and a bumper sticker that ways "how's my driving" ...Only in Louisana http://www.klfy.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=5472326&h1=Inmate%20Escapes%20Rodeo%20Detail%203&vt1=v&at1=News - Hard News&d1=146134&LaunchPageAdTag=News - Hard News&activePane=info&rnd=29561679

01/19/11
Comments:
Many thanks to all of you for your words of comfort and encouragement. My brother and I will miss our mother, but now, as we go through cards and letters she wrote and family photos, we feel she is still here. We both laugh at the things she kept as well as being exasperated at all the STUFF we have to go through. You know, I'd better start cleaning my own house ASAP! I doubt I need 1/2 of what I have.

01/18/11
Comments: Shannon, "On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love..."

01/18/11
Comments:
I'm Sorry Shannon I have been away for a while. I am sorry to hear of you mother's passing. My pastor always referred to this as a graduation to a higher life. When my mother passed over I drew strength from that. Tell my friend Jon, you are both in my prayers. The Gaither Vocal band sings a song "Knowing you'll be there." I know she will be there, it makes it easier.

Phyllis Hulen Burnett | Email | 01/15/11
Comments:
Shannon, So sorry to hear of the homegoing of your mother. It is so hard to give them up, often harder to see them struggle to keep going. God has blessed us with many wonderful memories and they are still vivid even after 9 years without my precious mother. God fold you in his loving arms as you experience this sad loss.

01/12/11
Comments:
Shannon & Jon: I'm so sorry about the loss of your dear mother. I know that both of you have been caring for her for a long time and may God bless you both for being such a loving daughter and son to your mother. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you go through your grief. It is hard -- I've lost both parents -- God will comfort you and give you strength each day ahead. Love to both of you, Mary Kay

01/11/11
Comments:
Shannon - I'm very saddened to hear of the loss of your Mom. You & Jon will be in my prayers! May God Bless the both of you and lighten the load of an aching heart.

01/11/11
Comments:
It is with a sad heart to hear that Shannon Morehouse's mother, Eunice passed away yesterday morning. Visitation will be from 4:00 till 8:00 tomorrow, Wednesday January 12th at Laurel Land Funeral Home (6000 S. R. L. Thornton Frwy.). Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning at 10:00. Shannon, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jon.

Tanya and Gary Leverett | Email | 01/11/11
Comments:
Dear Shannon and Jon Morehouse, We were saddened to hear of the loss of your mom today. God Bless you both and know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time in your lives.

01/10/11
Comments: Steve, I remember several years ago, my in-laws paid us an unexpected visit, and we had just bought a new house. Just so happened they arrived the weekend we were moving. Made my father-in-law work like a mule. He did not complain and just pitched right in. So, I have some idea how you feel.

01/07/11
Comments: Good advice, Michael. Deb and I landed back in Texas last week after 3 weeks in the Pacific Northwest. How come trips like that wear me out so? Our son got a promotion and new home while we were there so we were exhausted by the end of the move. Very saddened to hear Jimmy Nicodemus had departed. He and Donna were very nice kids and it is hard to understand both leaving so young. It seems to me like Mr. Nicodemus owned a machine shop and I sometimes wonder if our parents lifestyle could have predetermined some of our lives. My father was a chain smoker and he always smoked at the dinner table immediately after his meal. So I learned to eat very fast and leave the table as quickly as possible since I hated the smell of smoke. To this day I eat very fast and almost like an animal. Good grief, slow down, my wife says as I leave the table, 5 minutes after sitting down. The SOC flag is at half staff for our lost brothers (David Gill, Jimmy Nic, Barre Kelly) and our sweet sister Donna. We knew each of you in your youth and you touched our lives.

01/06/11
Comments:
For those of us turning 65 and being homeowners...(I know Jim Bailey, Gail Barrett Roden and I get there first) you should contact your county appraisal district and take avantage of the tax breaks for seniors on their propery taxes. Tax rates are at a low and you can freeze them now and forever. Just thought I would pass that along

01/03/11
Comments:
Very sad to hear about Jimmy. Alzheimers is such a difficult thing. He and Donna were such nice people. We will certainly have his family in our prayers.

01/02/11
Comments:
Jimmy Nicodemus' memorial service tomorrow at 5:30 p.m., First Christian Church, Weston, TX. He is survived by his wife, two children and one grandson. Let's pray for them.

01/02/11
Comments: My New Year's "commitment" is to get here more often. I've relied too long on f.b. for checking on friends. Any many of you don't post there. What a wonderful sight to see this newly developed guest book. Great job, Jim Lamar. Thank you for this gift. On a sad note I will report the apparent passing of Jimmy Nicodemus, brother of our sweet classmate, Donna. The DMN obit listed James "Nick" Nicodemus, 66, who passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Lynell Smith confirmed that Jimmy had suffered with the disease so we're pretty sure it is him. And now to read about Barre. Wasn't he a dear. Still remember that mischievous look on his face during our SOC days. This is truly a sad way to begin 2011. There's an ache in my heart tonight. Love you all so much. May the Lord bless us all this year and hold us close to his loving heart.

01/01/11
Comments:
Try again! Happy New Year to all you of the CLASS of 1964!Love you all.

12/31/10
Comments:
So sad about Barre. We just seem to be getting to that time of life where we lose more and more family and friends. But we have our memories - enjoyed your memories, Jim, about Barre. On a lighter note, Happy New Year to all!

12/31/10
Comments: Barre Kelley died on Wednesday. Visitation will be at Laurel Land from 2 to 4 on Sunday. His service will be graveside at DFW National on Monday at 12:30.
What a great time we had growing up together. Riding on the back of that Cushman Eagle was the very best way to get to Boude Storey and to SOC our sophmore year. Barre was the bass drummer in the Gold & White band our senior year. No one was better at sneaking into the Loop 12 Drive In in the trunk than Barre.
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12/31/10
Comments:
I've heard that my friend Barre Kelley died on Wednesday and that the funeral is on Monday. If anyone hears where/when, etc, please drop me an email. Thanks - Jim

Peaches Sweezy Walker | Email | 12/30/10
Comments:
Check the Events Page on soc63.com for your invitation to the January 15th SOC luncheon - El Fenix on NW Highway! Hosted by Mary Kay and Peaches! !

12/24/10
Comments:
Merry Christmas to all you SOCites. Mother is having some health issues at the moment so we'll skip the usual dinner with friends & family, but that's OK. We both just want a quiet day. Hope Santa gives you all that you desire and 2011 meets your expectations (like Medicare for a lot of us)!

12/24/10
Comments:
Yes, Steve, David Gill continued to live on Garza. I believe his Dad is still living and he has a sister. Actually, about 3 years ago he bought the house next door to his Dad's house and moved there. But, he was still on Garza all these years.

12/24/10
Comments:
Beautifully said,Steve.I've always envied your visionary use of the English language. Merry Christmas to you,Deb and all the Foster clan.God Bless you all,My Friend!

12/23/10
Comments:
Thanks for posting the picture of David, Jim. He was a nice guy although he was way too smart for a character like me. I remember joining the German Club and David was elected president. I wanted the job just so I could spend more time with Ms. Moe. David did the job right. Having been involved in several reunions from 1984-2004, I found it most intriguing that David's address was STILL listed as being on Garza Drive in South Oak Cliff. Are you kidding me? Surely he didn't live there all those years but doggone it, his mail never came back, did it Shannon? Oh well, I was not surprised that David was in academia. Brilliant boy, successful man. Once a part of us, now a part of eternity.

12/19/10
Comments:
To all my SOC friends-Have a very Merry CHRISTMAS and a Happy,healthy prosperous,New Year! I love you guys (and gals)lol

12/18/10
Comments: Michael, May you live forever, and may the last voice you hear be mine.

12/17/10
Comments:
Just got home from Baylor Garland, my doctor wanted me to take all of what I call "old man test". The good news for me is everything is working as designed. The bad news for Monica is the nurse jokingly said I may live to be 100.

12/16/10
Comments:
Ha! Did that test all the way from Jacksonville, FL. Made it all the way out here from DeSoto in two hours.

12/16/10
Comments:
Just a test to make sure it works for me.

12/16/10
Comments:
Naw, I don't think you bummed everyone out....must have been a snafu with the new guestbook.

12/16/10
Comments:
Hopefully, everything is well now and the culprits are gone...ha

12/16/10
Comments:
Here's another one. Try a few yourself. I'll check to make sure I didn't block everyone but you and me.

12/16/10
Comments:
Seems to work fine. Maybe I bummed folks out with the photo of David Gill.

12/13/10
Comments:
Test

Mary Kay Parr Crowder | Email | 12/03/10
Comments: I really like the new guest book -- haven't been here in awhile! Thank you, Jim!
Jo Ann Bradley Parsley had emailed me about David Gill and I posted it on Facebook; however, I don't know any details.
Hope to see you at our annual SOC Christmas luncheon this coming Sunday at Peaches' home. Call her at 214-553-0232 if you haven't sent an RSVP and would like to come.
Wishing all of you Happy Holidays!

12/03/10
Comments:
I have not read the guest book in ages and was pleased to see the new format. Thanks to Jim Lamar for making this new look happen.

12/02/10
Comments:
Sandy, thanks so much for reporting David's death. I talked with him about 3 months ago - he had experienced a lot of health problems but sounded "fine" over the phone. I knew David way back at Clara Oliver. He has a sister and I believe his father is still living. Losing a long time friend hurts the heart.

12/02/10
Comments: Steve, We will be at home for Christmas, but will be in Jacksonville, FL the weekend before visiting with Scott, Sara, and Isabel. Scott just got new orders and will be transferring to Fort Lauderdale, probably reporting in April. It is hard to believe that he only has four more years to be eligible for retirement. His Dad is very proud of him.

12/02/10
Comments: I know not everyone still takes the paper, but we do. I read the obits every day. In the obits of today's DMN saw where David Gill from SOC '64 passed away. Wanted to pass it along to ya'll.

12/02/10
Comments: A Merry Christmas to you too, Shannon. Thanks for all you do for our class in keeping everyone informed. Deb and I are preparing to leave next week for Whidby Island, Washington, to spend the Christmas season with our Navy kids. You guys who remember praying for our new grandson Colton, we are headed back up there for possibly heart surgery for our little guy. He is a healthy four month old now but the heart is still not developed and we know surgery is in the future if God does not intervene and heal him completely. Thank you all for your continued prayers and concern. Friends who pray are worth more than gold. In my prayers I always thank Him for giving me friends like you when I was a child. Tim. Bruce. Betty. Mike. Susan. Ronnie. Dickie. Barbara. Linda. You are all loved and remembered. May each of you have a blessed Christmas and go into 2011 surrounded by the comfort of loved ones and family.

12/01/10
Comments:
It's December! Can't believe Christmas is so close. I don't buy many presents. But then, the true meaning of Christmas is the Gift from God to us. Hope all my SOC buddies have a wonderful holiday season.

11/23/10
Comments: It was a beautiful November morning and I couldn't resist trying to get out of school. It was 1963, we were seniors and I thought I was the brightest light on the block and knew all the tricks. I wrote one of my best notes excusing me from school after lunch in order for Steve to go to the doctor and signed my Mother's name. (One of the temptations of having handwriting like a female). "What are you doing home?" my Mom asked as I drove up. "We got out early to go see the President", I lied again. Then I decided to really do it. Why not? I could drive to the Trade Mart and see a real live president, even if my Dad didn't like him. Mom was watching As the World Turns and I was gulping down a sandwich when Walter Cronkite came on suddenly "Shots were fired...".

11/23/10
Comments:
Happy Turkey Day to all my SOCite buddies! Don't eat too much!
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