DiAnn (my sister, who lives in Pineville, La ) and I just got back this past Thursday night from our recent vacation. I went to work Friday, not even having unpacked my suitcase. We had a blast and spent the first 3 days in Cefalu, Sicily walking the narrow medieval streets visiting with the locals and researching our family tree.
By the end of the very first morning we had met half of the town and all of them wanted to be our kinfolks! This was very endearing to DiAnn and I both. We ended up finding a family we may be related to, but are not real sure. I will have to do more matching of names and dates and such. We did visit the actual houses and addresses that our Grandmother and Grandfather had lived in almost 108 years ago and that was quite moving.
We then went on a 6 day tour around Sicily with a driver and interpreter who spoke Italian for us. We visited every Catholic cathedral, Greek church, Benedictine church, and Roman and Greek Temple that Sicily had to offer. Boy did we have a good time.
We ate Italian food, ate Italian ice cream (gelati), drank some Italian wine and beer and enjoyed all of the sites. We walked ourselves to death.
We then went to Rome, Italy for 3 days on our own. There we saw every tourist site imaginable, took a tour of the Vatican museum, St. Peter's Basilica and walked for 8 to 10 hrs. daily. We also visited the Trevii fountain and tossed our coins. We visited every place that Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn did in "Roman Holiday". We did it right.
Now can you believe it's back home to reality? It was a wonderful trip and we shall never forget the great time.
Camilla and DiAnn we are so happy you got to visit where your roots began. Your Mother, Father and Grandparents would be proud of their "girls" for taking the time for this trip. Don't move over there and leave us, ok?
March 31, 2008
March 29, 2008
Sammy & Barbara (Stewart) Olds
Barbara and Sammy wanted to let the class know they are doing good and looking forward to an upcoming trip to Pennsylvania in May. Their son Steven has purchased tickets for them to stay a week with him there.
Hope you both have a nice trip and please keep us posted to the details . Enjoy that son of yours and his family and thanks for the update.
Hope you both have a nice trip and please keep us posted to the details . Enjoy that son of yours and his family and thanks for the update.
Linda Joy Terry
I just wanted to share with the class my recent trip to Mobile, Al with some friends to see the blockbuster exhibit at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center named, Our Body: The Universe Within.
The trip was nice driving down. We drove through Hammond and Slidell, La then into Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula, Ms and on into Mobile. We also visited the town of Bayou La Batre that was noted in the film, Forrest Gump, as the home place of his friend, Bubba. This town was so fun to visit. The scenery along the way was breathtaking and the weather was gorgeous that day.
The exhibit was a once in a lifetime opportunity to encounter first hand the beautiful complexity of the human body. You can observe what only doctors and scientist are normally allowed to see. This riveting exhibit literally goes "under the skin" to reveal the mysteries of the human anatomy through a fascinating presentation of actual human specimens. The exhibit featured 12 bodies and 75 anatomical displays preserved to expose the inner workings of the human anatomy. After I saw this exhibit I will never look at my body in the same way again. (ha!) The exhibit has been there since Jan. 11th and will be there until May 11th.
The human bodies featured in Our Body: The Universe Within are preserved using a recently discovered technique called polymer impregnation. This method of preservation uses liquid plastics to keep everything from delicate tissues, to organs, to the body's structure intact. This is a breakthrough in the way people are able to study human specimens. To process one body it takes 1,500 hrs. and results in specimens that are odorless, durable, safe to handle and resistant to decay.
This was a fun trip for myself and my friends and it was so worth the time to drive and see it all. A very interesting day for sure.
The trip was nice driving down. We drove through Hammond and Slidell, La then into Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula, Ms and on into Mobile. We also visited the town of Bayou La Batre that was noted in the film, Forrest Gump, as the home place of his friend, Bubba. This town was so fun to visit. The scenery along the way was breathtaking and the weather was gorgeous that day.
The exhibit was a once in a lifetime opportunity to encounter first hand the beautiful complexity of the human body. You can observe what only doctors and scientist are normally allowed to see. This riveting exhibit literally goes "under the skin" to reveal the mysteries of the human anatomy through a fascinating presentation of actual human specimens. The exhibit featured 12 bodies and 75 anatomical displays preserved to expose the inner workings of the human anatomy. After I saw this exhibit I will never look at my body in the same way again. (ha!) The exhibit has been there since Jan. 11th and will be there until May 11th.
The human bodies featured in Our Body: The Universe Within are preserved using a recently discovered technique called polymer impregnation. This method of preservation uses liquid plastics to keep everything from delicate tissues, to organs, to the body's structure intact. This is a breakthrough in the way people are able to study human specimens. To process one body it takes 1,500 hrs. and results in specimens that are odorless, durable, safe to handle and resistant to decay.
This was a fun trip for myself and my friends and it was so worth the time to drive and see it all. A very interesting day for sure.
Marvin Jones
Marvin wanted to give us a new update on his recent surgery of the replacement of his rt. knee less than 3 weeks ago.
He is still on and off the walker as he sees fit daily but he says he is doing good without it. He is still at Donna's house for the next few weeks so she can help with whatever he needs but he is just about ready to go back to his house and get back to work on his 4 wheelers. Just a little longer and he'll be up and running for sure.
Marvin you are doing so good with the healing so please keep it up. We are all behind you pushing for a healthy knee in the future.
He is still on and off the walker as he sees fit daily but he says he is doing good without it. He is still at Donna's house for the next few weeks so she can help with whatever he needs but he is just about ready to go back to his house and get back to work on his 4 wheelers. Just a little longer and he'll be up and running for sure.
Marvin you are doing so good with the healing so please keep it up. We are all behind you pushing for a healthy knee in the future.
March 25, 2008
Petit Jean Spring Fling
Jimmy Stockard, FP Class of '53, forwarded this invitation for everyone in our class. If this is something you would like to know more about you can use the contact info shown herein to get in touch with Jerry or Shorty Brown, FP Class of '55.
___________________
Below is an invitation to the Petit Jean Spring Fling from Jerry & Shorty Brown, FPHS Class of '55. Everyone is invited.
Jimmy
____________________
Jerry & Shorty Brown (FPHS Class of 1955)
126 Duval St.
Benton, LA 71006
1927 Petit Jean Mountain Rd.
Morrilton, AR 72110
(318) 965-0530 - Benton Home
(318) 752-4508 - Office
(501) 727-5446 - Petit Jean Home
(501) 253-2555 - Jerry's AR Cell Phone
JABCO_1@msn.com - Email
ELEVENTH ANNUAL PETIT JEAN SPRING FLING
Dear Friends, Classmates, et al;
In keeping with what has become an annual tradition we have scheduled the Spring Fling for the weekend of April 17, 18, 19 & 20, 2008. Each year it will be the third weekend of April unless it conflicts with Easter. Last year we had good attendance and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. This year we hope to have an even greater turnout and an even better time. Therefore, we encourage you and your friends to make plans now for a great time of relaxing, visiting, eating, hiking, shopping and enjoying the beauty of Petit Jean Mountain and surrounding area. You are welcome and encouraged to invite friends and family members to join us for a good time. Shorty plans to guide you on hikes and trips to the flea market and some of the antique shops in the area and point out other places of interest.
Lodging is available at Mather Lodge (1-800-264-2462) and Cedar Falls Motel (1-501-727-5636) on Petit Jean Mt. Other lodging is available in nearby Morrilton, AR. Please call if of you need help finding a place to stay. Although it is not necessary to bring anything but beverages and lawn chairs, you're welcome to bring anything you like. Also, please give us some idea of the number to expect so we can prepare plenty of barbeque with all trimmings for Saturday's meal.
As usual we will be at our home atop Petit Jean Mt. the entire week before the party and we welcome you to stop by as often as you like. Please make your plans early and let us hear from you. We are looking forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Jerry & Shorty
March 08, 2008
Bill Roberts
Bill wanted to share with the class his next trip on his motorcycle. At 7:00 am on 04-29-08 about 12 to 14 riders are going to leave Jax. FL and head to the Texas State HOG (motor cycle) rally. The first night they will stay in Biloxi, MS that is 485 miles and meet up with 4 more bike riders from AL. On Wed. morning they will leave for Houston, TX which is about 600 miles for the 2nd night on the road. Thurs. they will go to New Braunfels, TX which is just North of San Antonio for a 3 day rally and riding the guided Hill Country rides and other scenic spots like the Devil's Backbone. They will leave on Monday to head back to Jax. FL.
Bill ask if there is anyone in the class of 1961 that will be going to this Rally? If so please let him know in time. He also notes that this is Harleys only!
Bill ask if there is anyone in the class of 1961 that will be going to this Rally? If so please let him know in time. He also notes that this is Harleys only!
Marvin Jones
Marvin wanted to give the class an update on his progress since having his right knee replaced this past week. He was released from the hospital today (Sat.) and he's on the mend for sure. He will be at the following address for the next two weeks and would appreciate all cards and etc. being sent to this address:
Marvin Jones
%Donna Maxwell
531 Center St. Apt # A
Conway, AR 72034
Congratulations Marvin for doing so well with the surgery and please keep up the good healing with the knee. All of our prayers are being sent your way.
Marvin Jones
%Donna Maxwell
531 Center St. Apt # A
Conway, AR 72034
Congratulations Marvin for doing so well with the surgery and please keep up the good healing with the knee. All of our prayers are being sent your way.
March 07, 2008
March Birthdays
Happy Birthday to the Class of '61 with March Birthdays
--Sue Box Greene - March 05
--Edward Mathes - March 05
--Brenda McClure Johnson - March 06
--Carolyn Holiday Eichner - March 16
--Bill Roberts - March 21
--Jack Klorik - March 21
--Larry King - March 21
--Jerry Cook - March 25
--Bo Monroe - March 31
--Sue Box Greene - March 05
--Edward Mathes - March 05
--Brenda McClure Johnson - March 06
--Carolyn Holiday Eichner - March 16
--Bill Roberts - March 21
--Jack Klorik - March 21
--Larry King - March 21
--Jerry Cook - March 25
--Bo Monroe - March 31
Jim & Nancy Langford
Jimmy and his wife Nancy have been traveling a lot lately and while traveling they stopped by to see Jimmy's brother Phil. While there Phil gave Jimmy the '61 class websites address. Jimmy has written a short bio of what he and his wife have been doing in the past few years so the class would know. He says he surely has not forgot anyone in the class and looks forward to the next time he can visit with them.
After working for 30+ years in management positions with ARCO Chemical Co., my wife Nancy and I retired in 1998. We sold our home in the Houston, TX area and moved to Hot Springs Village, AR. where we built the home we now live in. Hot Springs Village is a 23,000 acre gated community in the Quachita Mountains with nine golf courses and six lakes. The Village is located about 15 miles from the city of Hot Springs and about 40 miles from Little Rock.
I have two daughters and three grandchildren and Nancy has a daughter and a son and two grandchildren. My two daughters live north of Little Rock and Nancy's son lives in Knoxville, TN and her daughter lives in Pasadena, Ca. but is in the process of moving to Switzerland.
As you can imagine, we play golf several times each week, when the weather is good, and Nancy rides her bicycle 20-30 miles twice each week with a group of dedicated bike riders. We also play bridge and Nancy plays Mah Jongg. I never thought I would have to keep a calendar after I retired.
We own a motor home and enjoy traveling throughout the US and Canada. We have visited every state in the continental US except Oregon, Washington and North Dakota. I plan on missing North Dakota, but we are planning to visit Oregon, Washington and British Columbia sometime in the near future. We usually travel to warm areas during January and February and cool areas during July, August and September.
I am looking forward to attending the next reunion, which I assume will be the 50th, and visiting with classmates. I haven't spent much time in Shreveport since my Mother moved to Little Rock in 1980. She passed away in 1991.
After working for 30+ years in management positions with ARCO Chemical Co., my wife Nancy and I retired in 1998. We sold our home in the Houston, TX area and moved to Hot Springs Village, AR. where we built the home we now live in. Hot Springs Village is a 23,000 acre gated community in the Quachita Mountains with nine golf courses and six lakes. The Village is located about 15 miles from the city of Hot Springs and about 40 miles from Little Rock.
I have two daughters and three grandchildren and Nancy has a daughter and a son and two grandchildren. My two daughters live north of Little Rock and Nancy's son lives in Knoxville, TN and her daughter lives in Pasadena, Ca. but is in the process of moving to Switzerland.
As you can imagine, we play golf several times each week, when the weather is good, and Nancy rides her bicycle 20-30 miles twice each week with a group of dedicated bike riders. We also play bridge and Nancy plays Mah Jongg. I never thought I would have to keep a calendar after I retired.
We own a motor home and enjoy traveling throughout the US and Canada. We have visited every state in the continental US except Oregon, Washington and North Dakota. I plan on missing North Dakota, but we are planning to visit Oregon, Washington and British Columbia sometime in the near future. We usually travel to warm areas during January and February and cool areas during July, August and September.
I am looking forward to attending the next reunion, which I assume will be the 50th, and visiting with classmates. I haven't spent much time in Shreveport since my Mother moved to Little Rock in 1980. She passed away in 1991.
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