Terry Schmidt (Bedord)

Linda,

Thank you for the wonderful message and report from Sharon.  I hope everyone has been safe in this dangerous weather also.  Believe me, I have stayed inside.  I want to wish everyone a healthy and blessed Happy New Year.  I have always wished I could attend the luncheons.  They sound so fun.  Always enjoy your messages.

Terry

Brad Wiedmann

I almost feel guilty having escaped the cold of northern WI for a couple of months. When we arrived in AZ the end of Dec, it was an actual 25 below at our WI home. We had over 2 feet of snow when we left.  60's and 70's everyday here in Tucson. Have a great 2014!

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

I just sent a birthday greeting to Bill Kreiger and was thinking about some HS memories about him. Since in assemblies, we all sat alphabetically, I sat between Bill & Ronnie Kincade. Believe me...that was entertaining, to say the least.  As I thought back, I have so many memories that made a huge impact on my life. Every day of HS, each year, the close friends, all the events, it's hard to imagine & think back to how it all effected each of us. For instance, when I was in grade school at Jackson, being that young, I never thought about being rich or poor. There was always someone who had more or better things than I did, as well as those who had so much less than me. That's just the way it was. But when it came time to go to JH, that was a whole new experience, just speaking for myself. Guess my world was smaller that I was aware of. Soon you learn to adjust, at least, I tried. It was difficult for me...am sure we each had our own situation. Next to say, going to HS was magnified w/adding twice as many new faces & experiences. We knew the 3 classes ahead of us and those behind us. ALL THIS TO SAY...when I think back over those years in my life, each and every one of you had an impression on me, whether it was positive or negative. It ALL made me the person I am today. I, in now way mean to brag about anything, but looking back how things affected me, I can NOT change anything about the past. Have learned we all HAVE to let of some things, and look forward. When I reminisce about HS, I smile at all the good times. I can remember what certain people wore, who they dated, who I had what class/w, the buildings, the teachers I had...so much. I don't watch TV during the day, but If I'm home, I turn to the SiriusXM music, to the 50's on 5, and enjoy every song. SOOO for all my memories and experiences, I would like to thank each & every one of you!!! With God's grace I am looking forward to MORE.

Linda N. Kirchner Schrader

Karan Kreighbaum (Faul)

Linda... What a beautiful message. I think you speak for most of us. Just between you and me... you should have been a writer. 

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

RIGHTTTTT Karan...remember 8th. grade, you're the writer!!! Should have saved those stories you wrote. I saved everything else. Just might run across them someday. Then we'll both be famous, you'll write and I'll publish...AGAIN, RIGHTTTT!!!

Linda

Brad Wiedmann

Linda,  Your postings bring a warm rememberance smile. 

Sally Morton (Trancoso)

Jesse and I reached a milestone on the 11th.....50 years together.  As I looked back on that day....a lot of feelings are remembered.  We were both nervous and excited, and happy and a little scared.  We had no place to live but both were employed and willing to work hard for a place to stay. Nothing came easy, but we took it all as it came...with determination to make it through together.  We love our home now, but are facing the start of the last act of our lives, so we must plan for the future....in the talking stage now, but are going to act on it, at least somewhat, this year. I read your note, Linda, and agree we must plan ahead so our children don't have everything to do after we've gone.  We have an "only", Dana, the light of our lives.  She's quite capable of handling everything, but I don't want her to be flooded with decisions that we can make now.  We love to walk every day, and have been doing that for at least 30 years or so.  This year was the first we decided to walk indoors in the winter at the walking track at the hospital....great place to go when it's fowl weather. We spend a week or so every year in Denver...last year we went a couple of times...the last one was to attend the funeral of Dana's father-in-law.  He was only 67 and his death was a shock to all of us.  Happy new year to all and be good to each other.

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

AWESOME, Sal & Jesse.....CONGRADULATIONS!!!

It's great you are thinking and talking the way you are. It took both of you to get where you are, and should take both to make your final decisions. Seems easy enough, move to where Dana lives, but that's not always the best answer. My best advice, not that you are asking, would be to get things taken care of now!! Makes it easier for 1 child or 7 children. Make sure BOTH names are on everything. When any couple makes a willl, make sure it's "JOINT"... right of survivorship, and both names on every acct., deed, title...whatever you own.

BUT, for now, enjoy your walks, visits to Denver, anything you enjoy...it's called "QUALITY"  not "QUANITY"!!!

I have found "There's a lot of shit in our lives, but God is always there with toilet paper to clean it up". He's always taken care of us, and He's not going to drop us now just because we're old and warn out.

Take care of yourselves.....Linda Lu

Sally Morton (Trancoso)

After reading over my remarks, I found the spelling error...sorry for the "fowl"....meant foul.  Thanks for advice, Linda.....most of which has been taken care of.

Nan Nelson (Hays)

Congradulations Sally &Jesse!  Yes... 50 Years together...what a blessing!

Terry Schmidt (Bedord)

Sally and Jesse:  Congrats.  So happy for you.  I just love your picture.  What a good looking couple, but you always were.  I wish you both the best in everything you do and blessings for an even longer life together.  I know Daddy is smiling down on you since he loved you so much.

Terry

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

WOW, I JUST GOT CAUGHT UP WITH ALL THE NEW POSTINGS ON THE FORUM!

CONGRATULATIONS TO SALLY AND JESSE ON 50 years! That is quite an accomplishment and you should be proud! Moudy and I have now been together for 29 years but I doubt we can hit the milestone that you have Sally! Sorry to hear about Dana's father-in-law!

Your message Linda was awesome and full of great advice! I don't know how you remember so much about grade school, junior high and also high school! I have some great memories but don't have the detail that you have! You are right in that we must make the most out of our SENIOR years and keep as active as we can.

Brad, I hope Arizona is warmer than Florida! We came home a week ago as it was cold down there 45-50 for this time of year but YIKES Iowa is so much colder than I remember winters! I think this winter is worse than most! Today it is 16 and the sun is shining! I always think the cold is better if the sun is shining. I love how you keep up on the happenings in Fort Madison. 

I am working some still at Hope Assocaiates Real Estate and enjoying it and the fact that I don't have to be boss anymore! It sure does relieve the stress!

I have been thinking some about our 55th Reunion in 2016! It is amazing to me that we are this old and that we are talking about our 55th Reunion! WOW!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all and hope it is a Healthy and Happy one!

Sally Morton (Trancoso)

Terry..whenever  I think of your Dad I remember "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation"!!  I always felt I was his adopted daughter....we had so much fun together that summer....best memories.

Brad Wiedmann

AZ is great. 70's everyday. Near zero at home. Playing golf this afternoon. Expect to be here until late Feb 

A big thank you to Sharon Scholl for your continued involvement in reunions and website and keeping us moving along. 

Sandra Buckley (Matthews)

I took Sharon's advice and read through the latest posting to our Message Forum....like Sharon, wish more classmates would post occasionally.

Would you believe that we had an inch of snow on the gound in Eastern North Carolina this morning ?!?!?  About 1/2 is melted from the bright sun now, but the temps haven't gotten above freezing and we had freezing rain prior to the snow, so some pretty icey places stil hanging around.  Bill played golf on Monday, when it was 62, but the greens were covered yesterday and don't expect them to come off before the weekend.

As I was reading through Linda Shrader's postings and thoughts, I couldn't help but think of how blessed we all were to have grown up in the times we did and have such great memories of good friends and shared experiences.  In many ways I wish the world would slow down just a bit........not that change and all the new technology isn't beneficial in many ways........but everything is just so instantaneous that I have a hard time taking it all in so quickly, and most importantly, savoring the feelings of that moment.  Anyone else ever thought about that?

Congratulations to Sally and Jesse on their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday........Bill and I celebrate our 48th tomorrow, January 23rd.  I can't imagine life without him and hope we have many more years together !

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

I forgot to mention that Sandy and Bill Matthews visited us in November in Marco Island. We spent the better part of a day together and we had a great time. Marco Island is one of their favorite places to vacation. It is one of Florida's best kept secrets so don't tell anyone about it. 

Terry Schmidt (Bedord)

Happy Anniversary Bill and Sandy tomorrow.  That is/was also my late sister (Bobbie's) birthday.  Wish you a blessed one and many more.  You are both so cute.  Also, Happy New Year.

Terry

Patsy Cordray (VanPelt)

Congratulations Sally and Jesse on your 50th anniversary!!  I wish you many more years together.  Yes, it is time for us to start thinking  about "down the road" but where has the time gone?  Make every day count!!

I'm envious of you, Brad, in AZ as you know what it's like to live North!!  It was -14 this morning (not the wind chill) and is supposed to be colder tomorrow.  After I came from grocery shopping today, I had to run my hands under warm water because even with warm mittens they were sooooo cold!!!  Bob had knee replacement in December so he watches golf on TV and can hardly wait for Spring!

Yes, I have many fond memories also Linda Lu!!  You being one of them.  I felt very accepted in FM after moving from Missouri.  Everyone was so nice and we had a great time together.  Take care everyone and God bless.

Patsy Cordray (VanPelt)

Happy Anniversary tomorrow, Sandy and Bill!!  Remember who set you up?  Have to tell the classmates that it was me! ha

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Interesting Patsy...didn not know you got Sandy & Bill together. They owe you!!!

Lots of memories w/you Patsy...several trips Osage Beach, when I lkidnapped Connie, picked up you and Melinda...totally surprised Connie...she didn't even recognize you all. I think she talked about that trip for the next 10-15 yrs. And our latest trip to Nashville 2 yrs. ago, w/Sandi, Judi, and Melinda. Sure glad you all appreciated your greeting at the AP. A wk. of shopping, eating, drinking AND massages!!! making memories. Am planning to do some this year, for sure.....Linda Lu

Keep making comments...everyone!!! 

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

HAPPY 48th. ANNIVERSARY TO BILL & SANDY MATTHEWS

I hope it a wonderful day for you both. Hope you do something special, something new. Try a new restaurant, new place to visit, make a new friend, try a new cocktail, (Sandy) a new pair of shoes, sorry Bill, can't think of a special one for you...OR...just stay home and enjoy each other, over coffee this morning, sweet tea w/lunch, and a bottle of wine this evening w/dinner.

Most importantly, enjoy the presence of your partner, and reminiesce and be thankful.....

Linda Lu

Nan Nelson (Hays)

Good morning Linda Lu...so enjoying your posts.  I think you are quite the counciler...keep up the great advice.

We are building a wonderful community among ourselves...let's keep the ball rolling.  It won't be long and our 55th will be upon us...another big event to look forward to!

Hugs, Nancy

Sally Morton (Trancoso)

Happy Anniversary Sandy and Bill.....wishing you lots of good times in the future.

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Thanks for your comment Nancy, maybe I should start charging for services!!!

I enjoy so much hearing what others are doing in their lives. So glad to hear from Patsy.When I think about our 55th. reunion in 2016, seems like a long time to wait. A lot can happen in just 1 year. I know the class ahead of us try to get together at least once a year. Think if people wanted to do that bad enough, they'd do so. Know some can't & some won't, but maybe each year at the HS Homecoming, some could meet back in FM. It all shouldn't have to be too organized. Let everyone know the date of Homecoming, suggest a restaurant, meet for a dinner--dutch--(don't mean Dutch would pick up the tab). Just a suggestion. I had mentioned Branson before, mainly because there's so many things to do there. And we have a classmate who lives there.  Haven't heard anything about the reunion that was held there this past summer, for anyone who graduated any time in the '50s.  Have a cousin who graduated in '58, but she didn't make it. Anyone know anything or anyone who attended??

That's my 2 cents anyone else???

Linda Lu

Melinda Lang (Bachman)

Hello from freezing Michigan.  They are predicting 25 - 30 below with wind chill tomorrow. We only need  less than an inch to make a snow record for January.

Congratulations to Sally and Jessie for 50 years!  Also Bill and Sandy for 48th.  I think that is wonderful.  unfortunately that wasn't in the cards for me.  Divorced after 29 years and a long term relationship with a gentlemen for many years until he died  3 years ago I have not given up on love (companship).

Linda I don't' know how you remember so many small details of life in Fort Madison and all your friends. I think that is amazing!  You were my best friend from Kindergarten through high school and still today even though we are miles apart. I have fond memories of others as well and look forward God willing to our next reunion.

Take care everyone reading this.

Melinda (Lang) Bachman