03/25/11 - NNHS Newsletter

03/25/11 - NNHS Newsletter - Snow Day

“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.”

- Carl Reiner
(b. 20 Mar 1922)

“There's one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbor's.”

- Clyde Moore

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,

We had a great plan for today, we really did. Our #5 son, Nathaniel Harty (Hillsboro HS, IL - '97 - of IL) had the day off, and we were gonna go someplace fun, someplace we'd not been in over ten years. First I overslept (probably as a result of the cough medicine I had taken last night just before bedtime), then I wondered why it was so dark at 7:05. I checked the online weather report, and found this nonsense:

Today: Rain and snow this morning. The rain and snow will change to rain showers by the afternoon hours. High 41F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 70%.

Tonight: Overcast. Low 33F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph.

...WINTER HANGING ON OVER PARTS OF THE CENTRAL U.S... TWO STORM SYSTEMS WILL BE BRINGING MORE WINTER WEATHER TO MISSOURI
AND ILLINOIS OVER THE NEXT 48 HOURS. ONE FAST MOVING SYSTEM WILL IMPACT THE REGION THIS MORNING...AND THE SECOND AND STRONGER SYSTEM WILL AFFECT THE AREA ON SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT.

ACCUMULATIONS WITH THIS MORNINGS STORM SYSTEM WILL BE LIGHT...WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF ONE TO PERHAPS 2 INCHES ALONG THE INTERSTATE 70 CORRIDOR.

I thought to myself, "SNOW?!? Surely not! We're five solid days into spring, the forsythia's are blooming all over town, that just can't be right!" But I looked out the window, and sho' nuff - it's snowing again. Sigh. Maybe it's just as well I didn't venture out into the Arctic; I think I'm a little sicker than I had supposed.....

I didn't hurt myself searching for a midi file for this song after five minutes rendered nothing; just listen to Lisa sing it at a live performance in Providence, RI a few years back:

BONUS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4SS3YDGQHM - Snow Day - Lisa Loeb, September 24, 2000

HEALTH UPDATES:

1. From Judy Phillips Allen ('66) of VA - 03/24/11, 9:42 PM - " Monty (Phillips - '62 - of VA)":

Quick note:

Monty had a much better day today. He sat up alone, stood up with help, ate some lunch, cracked jokes frequently, and fussed at reporters, politicians, the president, etc. as we watched news shows most of the day (when we weren't taking cat naps).

Love to all!

Judy

SUPER! Thank you, Dearest Judy! Kiss your darling brother for us!

2. From Kathy of IL - 03/25/11, 11:17 AM - " Judy Bowermaster (Litchfield HS, IL - '59 - of IL) is not dead but alive and well":

Judy is doing well with her new knee. She was up at the crack of dawn this morning (her usual), had a sponge bath, dressed, and walked to the living room with her walker. The visiting nurse has been here and her physical therapist will be here at 1:30 PM. She has gone to take a nap but asked that I email all of you and let you know how she is doing. She is a Superwoman! I am Kathy and will be taking care of her for the next month or so and sending you updates. She also asked that you not email her back because she will not be getting into her email any time soon.
Thanks so much, Kathy! Please give Judy our love!

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS:

Happy Birthday today to The late Billy Williams ('57) (d. 21 May 2007) AND Joan McKenna Ward ('60) of VA AND Bill Hobbs ('66) of Northern VA!

Happy Birthday tomorrow to Gene Collins Glave ('60) of SC!

Happy Birthday this week to:

28 - Elizabeth Tedder Nunnally ('65 and '68) of VA;

29 - David Hatchett ('65) of VA;

31 - Alex Nicol (February '49) of VA AND Webb Edwards ('57) AND Don Jett (NNHS / WHS - '60) of FL AND Tina Crowder Adderholdt ('65) of VA AND Ivan Anker ('67) of VA;

01 - Harold Smith ('57)!

Many Happy Returns to You All!

http://www.nnhs65.com/Happy-Birthday.html

THIS DAY IN THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES:

http://www.civilwarinteractive.com/This%20Day/thisday0325.htm

Speaking of snow.....

From Me ('65) of IL - 03/25/11 - "Another Snowfall:

		Linda May Bond Crayton ('66) of VA asked me several weeks ago what the snow looked like around here. Being a Biggus Wimpus, I didn't 'zactly want to risk slipping on the snow even on the front porch, so I snapped this shot from the window on the stairwell. It just takes me a while to take the pictures off the camera... There ya go, Lady!
Thursday, January 20, 2011

This would have been the ideal moment to have at long last posted the last two batches of snow scenes sent by Phil Hammond ('64) of UT, but I'm feeling quite bluggy (I just made that word up myself), so I'm crawling back in bed instead. *Sorry, Phil. I haven't lost them; I'll get to them before much longer!*

From My Niece, Shari, of VA - 03/23/11 - "Funnies, Did You Know? & Childhood Delights":

Funnies

Two cows were standing next to each other in a field.

Daisy says to Dolly, "I was artificially inseminated this morning."

"I don't believe you," said Dolly.

"It's true, no bull!" exclaimed Daisy.

---

"A survey has found that 26 percent of people admit to texting while driving. The other 74 percent admitted to texting while being hit by a car."

- Jimmy Fallon

---------------

Weight Lifting

When you are lifting weights, your breathing technique is important. That’s because your blood pressure can increase to dangerous levels if you hold your breath during weight training. To prevent a rise in blood pressure, try to exhale as your lift the weight and inhale as you lower it. Breathing freely is most important.

---------------

Handy Hints

Hint #1:
Can you believe that just a dab of toothpaste can remove scuff marks from your favorite pair of leather shoes? It's simply amazing! Just dab a little on the scuff marks, rub the area with a soft cloth, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. You will make them look like new!

Hint #2:
Another unique use for Q-Tip cotton swabs is to dip the ends in soapy water. Then, use the ends to clean the dirt and grime from the fins of furnace and air conditioning ducts.

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Did You Know?

* Red hair doesn't gray as much as other hair colors. Red hair initially tends to turn blond and then white. Because natural red hair holds its pigment more than other colors, it is harder to dye.

* Because redheads have thicker hair than people with other hair colors, they have fewer strands of hair. For example, while blondes have on average 140,000 hairs, redheads have approximately 90,000.

* Some common last names in the British Isles reflect the frequency of red hair there, including Flanary ("red eyebrow"), Reid ("red-haired, ruddy complexion"), and Flynn ("bright red").

---------------

Childhood Delights - Think Positive

BY: Jean Ferratier

My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s long after I accepted the gradual changes I saw in her. I had grown used to partially listening to her repetitious stories and filling in the missing words of her sentences.

I imagine I might have continued to deny my inklings had she not been admitted to the hospital for a short hospital stay. During the night, apparently she had become disoriented and the nurses found her roaming the hallways. A neurology consultation had taken place and the doctor told me that my mother was approaching the middle stages of Alzheimer’s.

The doctor was kind and compassionate as we sat in a hospital conference room. He explained that for people with dementia, once a memory was lost it could not be relearned as in the case of a stroke. I thought I understood that concept, but over the coming months, I often had to fight the urge to say, “I already told you that.”

My mother lived with our family since her retirement. We enjoyed a deep friendship and she led a very independent life filled with activities. Almost overnight our family life dramatically changed with the pronouncement of that one word: Alzheimer’s.

Those happy, active days dropped away from my consciousness as I suddenly felt trapped by the challenges that I imagined lay ahead for all of us. Somewhere in the process of hearing and accepting this diagnosis, my focus shifted from being with Mom to taking care of Mom.

Each day led to a new discovery as I learned what Mom knew and what she could no longer remember. For example, my heart sank the day I realized she could no longer read written directions. She stood in front of the microwave holding her frozen dinner, not knowing what do. That was also the day that I knew she would need someone to stay with her while I was at work. It was the only way I could ensure that she would eat during the day.

I thought about the best way to take care of Mom all the time. I was vigilant in my discreet observations of her. Looking back, I wonder if despite my well-meaning intentions, I arrogantly took it upon myself to decide what I thought was best. Possibly in the process I curbed some of her independence and neglected to consider her capability to express her feelings and opinions in the moment.

Driving the car was a major decision and dilemma as I wondered whether she could drive to the grocery store and find her way home. When was it time to remove her car keys from her purse? Fortunately it turned out to be a mutual agreement when she called me crying from the mall, “I can’t find where I parked the car. Help me!” Thankfully she remembered the phone number, probably because she had dialed it hundreds of times over the years.

That one decision struck a major blow for each of us. It signaled a huge loss of independence for Mom and huge dependence on me. I also began wondering how I could convince her to wear a medical alert bracelet with her name and address without destroying her dignity.

Each day more memories were lost but slowly I discovered that every cloud does have a silver lining. Because my mother did not have memories of the past, I grew to know her in new and different ways that were free from the baggage that most of us carry throughout our lifetimes. Resentments with a sister-in-law no longer mattered and she would talk to her on the phone again. She could go to the hair salon on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday because each of her days really did begin with a clean slate.

Slowly I let go of the firm notion of taking care of Mom and being with Mom. We began to share a companionship. Often we would engage in an activity and it was as if she was experiencing it for the very first time. I would see delight on her face blowing out candles on her birthday cake, coloring with crayons, or picking flowers in the park.

It was surprising to see some amazing changes of imprinted patterns that evolved. She forgot that her back bothered her and I no longer had to drive around a parking lot to find the closest parking space to the store. She even began taking walks up and down our street.

One day we went to a buffet and I will admit I was a bit shocked and embarrassed when she stuck her hands in the salad bin and stacked her plate with a wide variety of foods. She didn’t remember what she liked or disliked and I watched with fascination as she tried and enjoyed some of those foods.

As time passed, I noticed Mom was able to take care of herself in some new ways. She dressed herself but she didn’t care if her clothes matched. This was the same person who bought me matching box-pleated skirts, cardigan sweaters, and knee socks as a child. I noticed with amusement and sadness that she took over the control of the television remote. Her taste in movies changed from her cherished classics to the Western channel.

She was unaware of the growing to-do list added to my schedule. She was free from paying bills, making dinner, driving herself to doctor appointments, laundry and numerous other details that make up a person’s day.

Mostly she was happy just to be with me. She would follow me from room to room and was always ready to jump into the car for errands or an outing. Slowly I began to recognize her individuality as she displayed her likes and dislikes and a full range of unpredictable emotions. She was Mom, not just a human being with a disease.

One of my most treasured memories occurred when I took her to an outdoor band concert. They were playing music from the Big Band Era. By that time she was barely able to carry on a conversation, yet once the music started she sang the words to almost every song! For more than forty-five minutes, I was filled with awe and gratitude that somewhere deep inside her there was still a bridge to the outside world. I can still recall the joy and contentment on her face.

Alzheimer’s helped me to learn to appreciate Mom and not just take care of her. As her memory fell away, I discovered in her an almost childlike innocence. She taught me to view the world from a different perspective and to notice how precious each moment can be. It is with a sense of irony that the less she remembered, the more present we both became in our lives.

Thanks so much, Shari!

From Glenn Dye ('60) of TX - 03/24/11:

Hi Carol

I wondered if any one out there ever hears from Ray Evans? I think he was in 59 or 60 class.

Glenn

Hmmm, I do not know, Glenn. I was unable to locate a junior or senior portrait for him, even though I checked the '58, '59, '60, and '61 Anchors. Let's find out.

"Anyone? Anyone?"

From Jerry ('65) and Judy Phillips ('66) Allen of VA - 03/24/11 - "A beautiful coat":

A beautiful coat

YOU ARE GOING TO WATCH THIS MORE THAN ONCE ...

http://elrellano.com/videos_online/4624/circo-roncalli.html

Okay, how on earth did they DO that?!? Thanks, Sweetie-Pies!

From Joyce Lawrence Cahoon ('65) of VA - 03/24/11 - "GARFIELD ON OIL CRISIS":

THIS IS A HOOT! ENJOY AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!

GARFIELD ON THE OIL CRISIS

A lot of folks can't understand how we came to have an oil shortage here in our country.
~~~
Well, there's a very simple answer.
~~~
Nobody bothered to check the oil.
~~~
We just didn't know we were getting low.
~~~
The reason for that is purely geographical.
~~~
Our OIL is located in:
~~~
ALASKA
~~~
California
~~~
Coastal Florida
~~~
Coastal Louisiana
~~~
North Dakota
~~~
Wyoming
~~~
Colorado
~~~
Kansas
~~~
Oklahoma
~~~
Pennsylvania
And
Texas
~~~
Our dipsticks are located in DC.

Any Questions? NO? Didn't think so.

Thanks, Joyce!

From Eva Ellis Madagan ('61) of FL - 03/24/11 - "History of the Internet":

History of the Internet

Well, you might have thought that you knew how the Internet started, but here's the TRUE story ....

In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot.

And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com.

And she said unto Abraham, her husband: "Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?"

And Abraham did look at her - as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said: "How, dear?"

And Dot replied: "I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you who hath the best price.

And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS)."

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever having to move from his tent.

To prevent neighboring countries from overhearing what the drums were saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew. It was called Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS), and she also developed a language to transmit ideas and pictures - Hebrew To The People (HTTP).

But this success did arouse envy. A man named Maccabia did secret himself inside Abraham's drum and began to siphon off some of Abraham's business. But he was soon discovered, arrested and prosecuted - for insider trading.

And the young men did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung.

They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Sybarites, or NERDS.

And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer, Brother William of Gates, who bought off every drum maker in the land...

And indeed did insist on drums to be made that would work only with Brother Gates' drumheads and drumsticks.

And Dot did say: "Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others."

And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or eBay as it came to be known. He said: "We need a name that reflects what we are."

And Dot replied: "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators." "YAHOO," said Abraham.

And because it was Dot's idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com.

Abraham's cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot's drums to locate things around the countryside. It soon became known as God's Own Official Guide to Locating Everything (GOOGLE).

And that is how it all began.

Thanks, Eva, I always wondered about that!

From Joyce Lawrence Cahoon ('65) of VA - 03/12/11 - "Some Maxines" (#13 in a Series of 19):

Finally, Some NEW Maxine's!

AND REMEMBER: Good friends are like stars.

You don't always see them but you always know they are there.


   SAD GIGGLES! Thanks, Joyce!

FINALLY:

From http://www.ajokeaday.com - 03/24/11:

My Dear Sirs;

In reply to your request to send a check, I wish to inform you that the present condition of my bank account makes it almost impossible. My shattered financial condition is due to federal laws, state laws, county laws, city laws, corporation laws, liquor laws, mother-in-laws, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, outlaws, and blue laws.

Through these laws I am compelled to pay a business tax, amusement tax, head tax, school tax, gas tax, light tax, sales tax, liquor tax, carpet tax, income tax, food tax, furniture tax, and excise tax, even my brains are taxed.

I am required to get a business license, car license, hunting and fishing license, truck license, not to mention a marriage license, and a dog license.

I am also required to contribute to every society and organization which the genius of man is capable to bringing to life. To the women’s relief, unemployed relief, and gold diggers relief; also to every hospital and charitable institution in the city including the black cross, the blue cross, the purple cross, and the double cross.

For my own safety I am required to carry a life insurance, property insurance, liability insurance, burglar insurance, accident insurance, business insurance, earthquake insurance, tornado insurance, unemployment insurance, old age and fire insurance.

My business is so governed that it is no easy matter for me to find out who owns it. I am inspected, suspected, disrespected, rejected, dejected, examined, informed, required, summoned, commanded, and compelled, until I’ve provided an in-exhaustible supply of money for every known need of the human race.

Simply because I refuse to donate to something-or other I am boycotted, talked about, lied about, held up, held down, and robbed until I am almost ruined. I can tell you honestly that except for the miracle that happened I could not enclose this check. The wolf that comes to many doors these days just had pups in my kitchen. I sold them and … here is your money!

DATES TO REMEMBER:

1. Thursday, April 7, 2011 - The NNHS Class of 1955 holds Lunch Bunch gatherings on the first Thursday of every month at Steve & John's Steak House on Jefferson Avenue just above Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News at 11:00 AM. The luncheon is not limited to just the Class of '55; if you have friends in that year, go visit with them.

2. Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - The NNHS Class of June 1942 meets at noon on the second Wednesday of every other month for a Dutch treat lunch at the James River Country Club, 1500 Country Club Road. PLEASE JOIN THEM. Give or take a few years makes no difference. Good conversation, food and atmosphere. For details, call Jennings Bryan at 803-7701 for reservations.

3. Saturday, April 30, 2011 - The NNHS Class will have a Luncheon. Team Leaders are Mickey Marcella (mcmiceli@verizon.net - 757-249-3800), Betty Hamby Neher (bjneher@cox.net - 757-898-5099), and Dr. Harry Simpson (hdsdds@aol.com - 804-694-0346). - CLASS OF 1954
4. Saturday, July 9, 2011 (6:30 PM to 11:30 PM) - The Class of 1971 will hold its 40-Year Reunion at Newport News Marriott at City Center, 740 Town Center Drive, Newport News. For details, contact Richard Rawls at Richard@Rawls.com - CLASS OF 1971

5. Saturday, August 20, 2011 - The Class of 1966 will hold its 45-Year Reunion at the Warwick Yacht Club, Newport News. Further details will be available soon from Dee Hodges Bartram at dhbartram@cox.net - CLASS OF 1966

PRAYER ROLL :
http://www.nnhs65.com/requests-prayers.html - updated 03/25/11
BLOG:
http://nnhs.wordpress.com/ - updated 03/13/11

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!
                          Love to all, Carol
==============================================

NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

==============================================
Carol Buckley Harty
915-780-3048

   To donate, click on the Donate Button on the left, or just mail it directly to my home (address available upon request). Thanks! nnhs65@gmail.com

Snow Day

Written and recorded by Lisa Loeb (b. 11 Mar 1968), 1995

it's a bad day.
it's a train ride.
it's a bad day.
you're my medicine.

it's a snow day.
it's a full moon.
it's a snow day.

when'd you get down to my bones?
where'll i find that wishing stone?
the beads, the records,
all the calls, and the drinks alone.

first by mind, then by music
you'll make this all less confusing.
it's a slow dive down,
a fast distraction,
a strange fall forward -
my lame reaction.

it's a bad day.
it's a long ride.
It s a bad day.
you're my medicine.

it's a sinking feeling,
pulls me through the seat of chairs.
when will you come rescue me,
find solace, and then take me there?

you'll say, "you re not too tired for this life, and
it's not gonna matter if you fall down twice.
you're not too tired for this life, and
it's not gonna matter if you fall down twice."

when' d you get down to my bones?
where'll i find that wishing stone?
the beads, the records,
all the calls, and the drinks alone.

it's a bad day.
two miles to go.
it's a bad day.
you're my medicine.

you'll say, "you're not too tired for this life,
and it's not gonna matter if you fall down twice.
you're not too tired for this life,
and it's not gonna matter if you fall down twice."

you're my medicine.
you're my medicine.
you're my medicine.
you're my medicine.
it's a long ride

"Snow Day" lyrics courtesy of http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/lisaloeb/snowday.html - 03/25/11

Image of Snowman doo-dad courtesy of - well, I dunno, but it's been in my files since 12/12/06

Hillsboro High School's Topper (Band Version) clip art courtesy of http://www.hillsboroschools.net/schools/hhs/activities/music2/Band/bio.html - 06/07/08
Thanks, Mark!

Animated Sickly Smiley clip art courtesy of http://www.allfreeclipart.com/smiley.html - 06/02/10

Snowflake Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.graphics-by-celeste.com/holiday_graphics/winter.html - 12/01/04

Marine Corps Seal clip art courtesy of the late Herbert Hice of MI - one of my Famous Marines who served in the South Pacific during WWII.
Thanks again, Herbie!

Animated Kissing Smiley clip art courtesy of my friend, Judy Bundy Bowermaster (Litchfield HS, IL - '59), of IL - 09/19/08
Thanks, Judy!

Litchfield High School's Purple Panther Paw Print courtesy of http://www.litchfield.k12.il.us/ - 06/23/07

Animated Yehaa Typhoon clip art courtesy of Al Farber ('64) of GA - 08/18/05
Thanks, Al!

Animated Tiny Birthday Cake clip art courtesy of Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of VA - 08/31/05
Thanks, Sarah Sugah!

Navy Seal clip art courtesy of http://www.onemileup.com/miniSeals.asp - 05/29/06

Army Seal clip art courtesy of Al Farber ('64) of GA - 05/24/06 (still missing...)
Thanks, Al!
Replaced by Norm Covert ('61) of MD - 02/09/09
Thanks, Norm!

Animated Hiding Mallard (by AF Artist - Josh Doohen) courtesy of http://www.animationfactory.com - 05/15/08

Crying Baby clip art courtesy of http://www.barbspics.com/baby/babypage06index.html - 09/28/05 (resaved 02/27/09)

Animated Laughing Cat courtesy of Joyce Lawrence Cahoon of VA - 07/29/08
Thanks, Joyce!

Animated Laughing Kitten courtesy of Joyce Lawrence Cahoon of VA - 07/29/08
Thanks, Joyce!

Back to NNHS Newsletters - 2011
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Finally, Some NEW Maxine's!
		AND REMEMBER: Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them but you always know they are there.


SAD GIGGLES! Thanks, Joyce!