Est. March 31, 2000 19,005 Previous Hits December 24, 2001 Editor:Tommy Towery http://www.leealumni.com Class of 1964 Page Hits This Issue e-mail ttowery@memphis.edu Staff Writers : Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly , Joy Rubins Morris ,Terry "Moses" Preston Staff Photographers: Fred & Lynn Sanders |
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Est. March 31, 2000 19,005 Previous Hits December 24, 2001 Editor:Tommy Towery http://www.leealumni.com Class of 1964 Page Hits This Issue e-mail ttowery@memphis.edu Staff Writers : Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly , Joy Rubins Morris ,Terry "Moses" Preston Staff Photographers: Fred & Lynn Sanders |
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E-mail us your memories about: For Next Week's Edition |
School Days Christmas by Tommy Towery Class of 1964 I guess I am a lot like everyone else when I don't have a lot of memories about what we actually dd in school for Christmas. Perhaps that was because we were never really in school for Christmas but were away on that favorite time - Christmas Break. I did look back in my book and find that Christmas of 1963 was a white Christmas in Huntsville. I also had the following in the book: "I didn't write down what presents I gave everyone. The one present I wrote about was the box of Snickers. Carol Jean always liked Snickers, so Bob and I thought it would be neat to surprise her with a whole box of 24 candy bars. They cost five cents each so we only spent $1.20. It wasn't what we spent that was important but what we did with it. We bought the box, wrapped it in Christmas paper, and late at night when everyone had gone to bed, we drove over to Carol Jean's house and slipped it behind the screen door. We signed the card "Santa's Elves." That simple entry, perhaps more than any other of the day, reflects that I was discovering the true spirit of Christmas. I found the joy of giving. I discovered the joy of touching other's lives with a token of love and friendship. I helped with the magical surprise of someone waking up on Christmas morning and finding a box that appeared out of nowhere and was totally unasked for. I helped give the mystery of opening the box to find something wonderful inside. The gift was not expensive, but it was something that showed that someone knew Carol Jean well enough and thought enough of her to go out of their way to find something special to put a smile on her face. That was the joy of giving. That was the joy of Christmas. The simple act was the magic of Santa Claus. We shared in the spirit of the three wise men, bringing their gifts to the Babe. It was a time to share with your family and friends and to remember the ones who are gone. This is the spirit of love and of family. When the thoughts change from "me" to "you," and the joy changes from that of getting, to that of giving, the secret is revealed. Most of the entry of Christmas Eve talked about what I got instead of what I gave. Unknown to me a message was hidden in the text. I was beginning to really understand, even though I did not see it. When we came upon the idea of the box of Snickers, we came upon the idea of Christmas. The greatest gift of all was to spend the time with those you love and cherish every fragile minute of it." Other Classmates Share Their Memories Subject: Merry Christmas Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 01:17:11 EST From: Djpjone@aol.com Christmas was always a happy time for me at Lee High School. Why? Because school was out for two weeks!! I'm not saying this because i didn't like the school or anyone there, it's just a fact. Anytime i was out of school it was like being in heaven.I didn't have to get up early, no homework, and I was allowed to stay up late or be out later at night. I remember exchanging gifts with some of my closer school mates and taking a gift to my favorite teacher's. I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and I hope you have many more. PS. You still can't beat those chilie dogs at mullins. We had a great time at the mini reunion. Hope to see more of you next time. Dwight Jones Class of '64 Subject: Christmas Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 22:15:17 EST From: Barbdonn13@aol.com My memories of doing anything special at Christmas time while at Lee are a bit fuzzy. After I read someone else's memories, then I'll start remembering (I hope!). In the meantime, I hope you and Sue and all the other Generals have a wonderful holiday season. We're heading to Huntsville in a few days. God bless all of you and God bless America! Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly Class of '64 From Our Mailbag... Subject: Latest Update Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 08:18:15 -0600 From: "Taylor, Carolyn T. (RDEC)" <carolyn.taylor@rdec.redstone.army.mil> Sorry I didn't know about meeting at Mullins until it was over. I was off that week and didn't get my e-mail. I saw the pictures today and I hate to say but I didn't know who anyone was. Usually you have names but I couldn't find any. If you could tell us who each one is, that would be great. Of course, you may not know who I am if you were to see me either. I think I saw Terry Preston and Judy Scarborough but that is it. Thanks, Carolyn Taylor Class of '64 Subject: Mini Reunion Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 22:25:39 -0600 From: "Linda Walker" <lbwalker@usit.net> The chili dogs and broasted potatoes still look delicious. Thanks for the pictures. Linda Beale Walker Subject: Mini-Reunion Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 14:37:32 EST From: JudyTigerFan@aol.com The mini-reunion was so much fun! I saw some people that I haven't seen in quite a while. We will have to keep on doing this. The slide show was great! There were a few pictures that I would have vetoed if I had had a vote, but overall you did a really good job. We reallly appreciate all the work you do for us. It is wonderful being able to keep up with "old" friends. With your help, we are able to do that so much easier now. Merry Christmas to you and Sue and all our wonderful Lee Alumni friends. Judy Scarborough Milner Class of 1965 Subject: Your e-mail....THANKS Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001 09:49:01 -0600 From: "rramsey" <rramsey@MAIL.LVNWORTH.COM> Tommy, I've been meaning to contact you several times but time got away. Bob and I have so enjoyed the Web page and information. I'm just amazed how you remember so many things. This has really brought back some fun memories. Thanks so much for taking the time to do. I hope our senior moments of not remembering some things are due to not living around H'ville :) We are in Leavenworth, Ks.( No, not the "Big House") Bob retired from Army couple years ago and now works for one of Army contractor on the Janus Project. I am now Clinical Co-ordinator at local hospital. I continue in Nursing, even though Ms Webster didn't think I'd make it in Nursing--fooled her. Ha!! We have 2 beautiful children, Ron a biology teacher at St. Andrews in Sewanee, TN, and Rebecca, an Accoutant, married and living at Ft. Hood, TX. We were surprised not long ago at a letter from Skip Cook. We then talked on phone several times and it was so neat to catch up on everything. Think would be so neat to return to H'ville and see folks after this many years. Thanks for helping old friends that have gone their separate ways get back in touch with one another. We are happy to have you share our email address with others. If you need them, our mailing address & telephone number are also below: 2212 South 19th Street Terrace Leavenworth, KS 66048 (913-651-9435) If you get out to the Kansas City area, please come by. Have a safe & blessed holidays. A very Merry Christmas to all, Bob and Sandra Schiff Ramsey Class of 1964 Subject: Seeking email address. Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2001 05:29:07 -0800 From: "Hancock, Charles V" <charles.v.hancock@boeing.com> I'm registered on the Lee H.S. 1966 site. I'm trying to reach a buddy from that era. That is Mike Plunkett. We also worked at the same grocery store. If you have his address would you kindly forward this to him, please? He could reply or not as he saw fit and retain his privacy. My home email is: Chucksbrew@aol.com (I own a small brewery.) Thank you very kindly. Charlie Charles V. Hancock Class of 1966 (Editor's Note: If any of you have an e-mail address for Mike Plunkett, would you send it to Charlie? Thanks.) Subject: ATLANTA MINI-REUNION Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 18:18:19 -0500 From: "Wayne Deason" <wdeason@attglobal.net> I live very near Augusta Ga and a get together in Atlanta sounds like a good idea from my end. It's good to keep up with the classes of '64, '65 and you do a good job with the Web Page. Thanks for the effort. Wayne Subject: Atlanta reunion Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 22:15:17 EST From: Barbdonn13@aol.com Hi, Tommy! Ed and I are interested in attending the reunion in Atlanta. Who lives in the area, and who is organizing it? I really enjoyed the pictures from the mini-reunion. I'm sorry we weren't able to make it. Who were the promised visitors? And what were the names of all the people? I know many of them, but not all. And, gee, thanks for the pictures of the food. Next time, just overnight mail me the real thing, okay? I remember the sesquicentennial, too. In fact, I looked for a picture of me in a dress Mother made just for the occasion. She had one, also. Daddy wore the full beard, and we had a really good time with the entire event. The kangaroo court was fun, wasn't it? I hope the picture of the old courthouse was an old one -- it looked like an old post card. Those oak trees didn't look nearly as large as I remembered them!!!! Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly Class of '64 ________________________________________ |
Rare photo of Gen. Lee's brillant disguise for his invasion plans for Gen. Grant's camp on Christmas Eve, 1863. |
Submitted by Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly (For all the ladies -- especially those who used to hang with me at LHS and who still keep on hanging!) " IF I WERE SANTA" If I were ol' Santa, you know what I'd do? I'd dump silly gifts that are given to you And deliver some things just inside your front door. Things you have lost, but treasured before. I'd give you back all your maidenly vigor, And to go along with it, a neat tiny figure. I'd restore the old color that once graced your hair Before rinses and bleaches took residence there. I'd bring back the shape with which you were gifted So things now suspended need not be uplifted. I'd draw in your tummy and smooth down your back 'Til you'd be a dream in those tight fitting slacks. I'd remove all your wrinkles and leave only one chin So you wouldn't spend hours rubbing grease on your skin. You'd never have flashes or little dizzy spells And you wouldn't hear noises like ringing of bells. No sore aching feet and no corns on your toes No searching for spectacles when they're right on your nose. Not a shot would you take in your arm, hip or fanny From a doctor who thinks you're a nervous old granny. You'd never have a headache, so no pills would you take, And no heating pad need since your muscles won't ache. Yes, if I were Santa, you'd never look stupid You'd be a cute little chick with the romance of a cupid. I'd give a lift to your heart when those wolves start to whistle And the joys of your heart would be light as a thistle. But alas! I'm not Santa. I'm simply just me The most matronly of matrons you ever did see. I wish I could tell you all the symptoms I've got But I'm due at the doctor's for an estrogen shot. Even though we've grown older this wish is sincere Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year! |
_________________ The Atlanta Area Mini-Reunion Saurday, January 12th, 2002 at The Varsity Is Taking Shape E-Mail if you are interested! _______________ |
Next week we'll talk about our favorite New Year's Eve - It doesn't have to be High School if you have a good one. |
To: All Concerned From: Santa Claus I regret to inform you that, effective immediately, I will no longer serve the States of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, and Arkansas on Christmas Eve. Due to the overwhelming current population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by North American Elves Local 209. As part of the new and better contract I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies so keep that in mind. However, I'm certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus. His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls; however, there are a few differences between us. Differences such as: 1. There is no danger of the Grinch stealing your presents from Bubba Claus. He has a gun rack on his sleigh and a bumper sticker that reads: "These toys insured by Smith and Wesson." 2. Instead of milk and cookies, Bubba Claus prefers that children leave an RC cola and pork rinds (or a moon pie) on the fireplace. Bubba doesn't smoke a pipe. However, he does dip snuff , so please have an empty spit can handy. 3. Bubba Claus' sleigh is pulled by floppy-eared, flyin' coon dogs instead of reindeer. I made the mistake of loaning him some of my reindeer one time, and Blitzen's head now overlooks Bubba's fireplace. 4. You won't hear "On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen .." when Bubba Claus arrives. Instead, you'll hear, "On Earnhardt, on Andretti, on Elliott and Petty." 5. "Ho, Ho, Ho!" has been replaced by "Yee Haw!" And you also are likely to hear Bubba's elves respond, "I heard dat!" 6. As required by Southern highway laws, Bubba Claus' sleigh does have a Yosemite Sam safety triangle on the back with the words "Back Off." 7. The usual Christmas movie classics such as "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" will not be shown in your negotiated viewing area. Instead, you'll see "Boss Hogg Saves Christmas" and "Smokey and the Bandit IV" featuring Burt Reynolds as Bubba Claus and dozens of state patrol cars crashing into each other. And Finally............. 8. Bubba Claus doesn't wear a belt. If I were you, I'd make sure you, the wife, and the kids turn the other way when he bends over to put presents under the tree. Sincerely Yours, Santa Claus |
