Patsy Cordray (VanPelt)

Thank you Linda and Sharon for the anniversary congrats!!  I can't believe it's been that many years!!!  We went to Duluth for three days for our anniversary with our oldest daughter and her family and will be joining all our family soon for an outing at a cabin.  Congratulations also to Karan and Georgia for 50 years!!  We crossed a milestone didn't we?

My condolences regarding Connie.  I'm so happy I talked to her at the reunion.  Each day is a blessing!

Minnesota has been a hot one this summer but not like Iowa.  I wish you all a good summer and good health. 

Marcia Conley (Davis)

Congratulations on the 50 year anniversaries!  I envy each of you.  I have been divorced 38 years.

My 18 yr old granddaughter graduated from Costa Mesa High School with honors and is joining the Army to be an Army nurse.  I am so proud of her.  But want to cry because she was just a baby not too long ago.

I have been traveling for our utility software company.  I have done 12 tax seminars since May located in Las Vegas (4), Reno (2) Northern CA (4) and Southern CA (2).  Have a break for seminars until the end of October.  But, in the meantime, I am back to Las Vegas again in September and in Sacramento twice for my update education.

I had a bit of a problem with psoriatic arthritis in my lower back but thanks to new medical drugs, I am doing much better.

With all the recent traveling, I have gotten behind in my daily office services and have to complete 85 extension client tax returns.  My life is ruled by deadlines!  Most of them are due in September but a few in October.

Restatement:  I LOVE WHAT I DO AND WILL NEVER RETIRE!

It has been very warm in So CA but I hear the Midwest is much worse.  At least the nights cool down where I live.

All I can say to Martha is enjoy every day to its fullest.  I was saddened to hear of Connie's death.  It really brings everything home when things like her death happen.  We must take advantage of every day.  Life is so short.

My best to everyone.

Marcia

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Was very sorry to hear about Connie McPherson passing away. We were out of town, in Branson, w/friends for about 9 days. There is soooo much to do in Branson.....great shopping, fun shows, awesome restaurants, and did I mention great shopping!!! The weather turned cooler and it was very enjoyable. We took our car down to the car show and had lots of fun. I am enjoying retirement very much.............Linda

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

OK...will try this again!!! Have written something several times to post and hit a wrong "something" and it all goes away....DANG IT!!! Here goes AGAIN......

Guess Fall in upon us. School has started, leaves are falling...because it's been such a DRY Summer this year. Not sure I remember what green grass looks like anymore!!! We have been to Branson, MO several times...SO FAR this year!!! Retirement is wonderful!!! Thanks to David Murguia for telling me about several "off the beaten path" places to eat. They are aweome and would recommend them to everyone. We also took a day trip to Eureka Springs, AR....which is a grand place to visit and drive around in. Esp. if you like hills and hair-pin curves. There's a grant hotel there...the Cresent, which is haunted, and lots of neat shoppes downtown. 

Just wondering what everyone else has been up to this summer.......anyone???

Take care, Linda

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Just discovered yesterday that the class of '60 lost another classmate. I was trying to locate Teri Alton. She & I were playmates growing up, in the same neighborhood. Her brother Charles was in my brother Ron's class. Also, in the same neighborhood were Russell Goosey, Ernie Harper, William Daley, & Victor Bates. Having no luck finding Teri, not knowing her last name now, I tried to find Charles. I googled him and found an obituary of his. Was soooo shocked to see a photo of him, so I knew it was him. I wrote Patti Jo (Patterson) McGuire about what I found. Connie & I went to their 40th. class reunion & I got to see Charlie. Had not seen him for 40 yrs. LIFE IT TOO SHORT PEOPLE..............We all need to keep in touch. Get on here and write something!!!

Feel like you've just been scolded?? You should......I tried to be nice, though.

Linda

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Guess whooooo.......oh well....anyway, had a great luncheon yesterday at Happy Joe's in Burlington. There were 9 attending....Karan, Sharon N., Linda H. Georgia, Linda M., Betty, Sharon S. Jerre Ann, and me. Good time had by all. Missed some of the regulars. In Sept. we 're going to Ogo's in Keokuk.....yea, finally coming down my way!!! That will Fri. Sept 28th. Wish some of the guys would show up. I think they're afraid of us.....maybe they should be!!!

ME

Sandi Thompson (Philips)

OK, I give up!  When I get through writing you'll understand why I don't write on Forums or do Christmas cards.

Other than putting up with a very hot summer, nothing much has been going on.  It seems that I have been spending most of my time with family, taekwondo, and work. 

Since most of my family is in Iowa, it has been fun getting to see the grandkids' softball and baseball games.  My oldest granddaughter was in Argentina this summer, so I had very little time to spend with her.  Guess that I will just have to go out to New York City to spend time with her this Fall.

I am trying to get ready to do my second mid-term test for my second degree black belt in taekwondo.  In order to do that I really need to get busy with my sparring. It should be much easier once the temperature cools down. (Our club is not air conditioned)

The big excitement at work is that we are closing down the building where I work. I will be moving over to the Sigler building. Unfortunately I am going to be the last person to move, so it is going to get a little boring here for a couple of weeks.

Last weekend I did go up to Warrens, Wisconsin with a friend. I felt kind of like a traitor since UNI was playing Wisconsin. (Believe me had they won, there would be lots of gloating!!!)

Please know that just because I don't write does not mean that I don't think of everyone. I really do! I hope that everyone has a healthy, wonderful Fall. 

Sandi

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

So happy that Sandi Philips posted on the forum. Now I wish more people would do it. Linda Kirchner and I were talking and saying we think we are the only weird ones that write pretty often. So help us out so we are not so weird and write in the "message forum". For those who have we really appreciate it. It is absolutely the way that Class of 60 is keeping in touch. Please Please write something.

I took the greeting off the home page because the summer is almost over and Fall is upon us. Any suggestions as to what you would like me to put on the Home Page? Give me some ideas please.

Yes the luncheon with the girls was great but we did miss a few who usually come. Where were you?

Good night! Work tomorrow! Ugh! Sharon

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA

KIRCHNER SCHRADER!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

THANKS SHARON......that's big enough!!! I'm impressed!!! I did have a great brithday yesterday and want to thank all the classmates who send greetings and wishes. Had a lady ask me, "just how old are you?" and I said, "how old do you think I am??", she said "um, 58??". I just said, "THANKS, I like you!!!!!" 

Take care, live life to the fullest, and always smile.....God loves you!!!

Linda

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Today was the monthly luncheon at Ogo's in Keokuk. there were 8 there and we all thought the food was good and should go there again sometime. Besides myself, attending was Linda Hayes Meyers, Sharon Cross Brotherton, Karan Kreighbaum Faul, Mary James Chapman, Sally Morton Trancoso, Nancy Nelson Hays, & Carole narigon Wilson. We all decided to try Keokuk again next month....going to Beef, Bread & Brew. Their salad bar is very good, also the Chicken salad Croissant is wonderful. Trust me, I know!!! Hope to see lots of classmates there. I challenge the guys in the area to join us....Fri. Oct. 26th. at noon.

Linda Lu 

Nan Nelson (Hays)

Great time " catching up " yesterday at our luncheon.  The atmosphere at Ogo's made it a nice place to gather for  food & conversation.  The waitress took a photo of us and I was hoping to share it but it seems I'm unable to post it.  Drats!  Will be looking forward to next month at Beef-Bread-&Brew in Keokuk.  These monthly get togethers over lunch is a great way to stay CONNECTED and my hat goes off to those who try so hard to make this happen.  See everyone next month !  Hugs, Nancy 

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

NANCY: EMAIL THE PICTURE TO ME AND I MAY BE ABLE TO POST IT ON THE FORUM OR THE REUNION PIX. SHARON

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Just got home this afternoon from a wonderful week in Nashville, TN w/good friends Patsy, Judi, Melinda & Sandi. We all had great fun spending time together and plan to do it again. Hopefully annual trips. We went shopping, ate at awesome places, had a few drinks...and a few more, ate Sterzings, and all had massages from my daughter, Lori, who lives there. Life is short so we all celebrated our friendship....thank you Lord for all the friends in my life!!! 

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

We met friends last night at Chandler's and I thought I recognized a lady when she walked in. Then realized who it was and looked for her husband....sure enough, it was Don & Jill Leach. They looked great and were in town to close Don"s Mother's house for the winter. They'll be back in the spring to re-open the house. Good to see them again. Plus the food was good. Looking fwd to the "Girl's Luncheon" a wk. from today at Beef, Bread, and Brew in Keokuk. Recommend the Chicken Salad Croissant (probably spelled that wrong).

Take care.....Linda

Nan Nelson (Hays)

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

If you look at the picture previous to this message it was a luncheon at Beef Bread and Brew in Keokuk, Iowa on Friday, October 26th of the "girls" in the Class of 1961.  I am going to identify the girls: Front row from left to right are: Betty McClinthen, Nancy Nelson, Linda Kirchner, Sharon Strunk and Mary James: Back row from left to right are: Sally Morton, Carol Narigon, Linda Hartley, Sharon Tincher, Mary Vasquez, Karen Kreighbaum, and Georgia O'Donnell.

We meet on the last Friday of each month and have lunch and laugh and tell stories. This Friday we had some great stories. We thank Nancy Nelson Hays for taking this picture. If you want to join us, guys or gals, please join us next month at noon at the Palms Supper Club in Fort Madison. We have a great time and it's always good to see everyone.

I do wish more people would take advantage of our "Message Forum". I hope this finds everyone well and happy. Happy Thanksgiving and have a wonderful Holiday Season.

As ever, Sharon Tincher Scholl-Nabulsi

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Friday's Girl's Luncheon was really a good one. Hope everyone liked the food. The owner and manager of the Beef, Bread, and Brew is Marlene (Schrader) Swartz, wife of Dave Swarts, who manages Chandler's. Not sure if everyone knew that or not. She's a real sweetheart....and family. Looking fwd to next month's luncheon at the Palm's. If I remember correct, it's Nov. 30th., right??

Linda

Martha Waters (Krueger)

Is the Nov 30 luncheon open to any of us?  I plan to go up for Thanksgiving, so if I stay a week with one of my sisters, perhaps I could meet up with you all then.  That would be fun.  Please let me know.

Martha Krueger

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

November 30th. at the Palm's, which is supposed to be open for lunches now. We meet at noon, and it's open to anyone in the class or who might know us!!! We would enjoy visitors from other classes close to us. It's always good to see old friends and catch up on memories.

Linda Lu

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Went to The Festival of Trees last night in Keokuk, and ran into Charlie and Janet. We always enjoy seeing each other and catching up on things. He just lives across the river from me, but don't see him too often. Sure wish more classmates would write on here so we can all keep track of each other. We NEED to stay in touch more, life is too short. It's so interesting to hear what everyone else is doing. Maybe you're spending the winter in FL or TX. As for me, I travel every chance I get. Spend 4 days in Branson w/my sister-in-law and 2 of her friends, and just got home yesterday from 3 days in the Ozarks.....so much fun seeing scenery and the country side. Love the rolling hills in MO. We should plan a classmate's trip to Branson next year.....anyone interested?? 

Linda Lu

Pat Holmes (Bradley)

Last Saturday I went out for dinner with 8 friends and then on to the Holiday Pops at the I Wireless in Moline.  It was a wonderful concert with local church choirs, children choirs and the Trans Siberian Orchestra joining in.  I do like to travel and a trip to Branson with classmates sounds like fun.  In 2010, I took a 9 day trip to Canada with a friend.  We flew into Calgary and then went by bus and Rocky Mountaneer train and ended up in Vancouver before flying back home.  In 2011 after retiring, a friend and I took a 14 day trip to Australia.  We flew into Sydney, snorkelled at the Great Barrier Reef among many other activities before flying back home from Brisbane. It was a wonderful vacation.  This year I took a 7day trip to Door County, WI and am checking on travel opportunities for 2013.  I want to travel and see new sites while health permits.  I hope to attend another luncheon in the future.  Happy Thanksgiving to All.

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Great to read about your adventures Pat...glad someone responds on here. Sounds like you've been busy w/great travels. Good for you. Branson isn't that exciting but it lots of fun. Great places to shop & eat, lots of good shows, there's golf, miniture golf, at least 2 winerys, and a theme park, lots of things to do there. We even have a classmate living there. 

Hope everyone has a happy turkey day.....enjoy!!!

Linda Lu

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Linda and Pat sounds like you two are having lots of fun traveling. Branson sounds fun to me next year! I don't know why my message is printed in red like this.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all in the Class of 1961 FMHS!

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Sharon.....you would like Branson, there's great shopping, from thrift stores, to Outlet Malls, to high end shops. I do them all. Can't believe what I can find!!! We'll have to set a date and hopefully you can get away to go!!!

Linda Lu