Guest Book

Gentlepeople: I received a package from Perry Talley a few months ago while I was shipped out by the law firm that I work for, to Hartford CT.,which contained a blurb from John Hanley regarding the death of my father, so first and foremost, thanks a lot John for posting that and to the others which responded as a result of John's e-mail message. With that, I wanted to ask if anyone was interested in seeing any music not performed by dinosaur acts...In fact, I was interested in Dewey's comment that he saw the Nields in Boston at a free concert...I got a chance to see the Nields in Hartford back in April...they were very good (sort of folk-pop, two sisters and a husband)...by the way the Nields are from Northern Virginia...I believe that their father (an attorney) was the Senate Majority Counsel during the Iran-Contra hearings...and Dewey, you might be interested to know that on the Nields' "Gotta Get Over Greta" CD, they do a very nice cover of "Lovely Rita," from Sgt. Peppers.

Before I forgot, I had an opportunity to spend a weekend with Perry Talley and George Wright in Louisville KY. George now lives in Louisville and Perry came in from Montgomery Ala...we all had a great time, lots of laughs and an afternoon at Churchill Downs. Both are doing great, but I wanted to make mention of one of the longest traditions in the history of MVHS which George and Perry started. As we may have forgotten, George and Perry masterminded Radio Mount Vernon back in 1971 and it's my understanding from a daughter of an ex-girlfriend (whose identity will not be made known to protect the guilty) who graduated in 1998, that Radio Mount Vernon was very much alive and kicking..Kudos and props to two of my dearest friends for keeping that spirit alive..while Smashmouth, Garbage, Phish and Sublime may have replaced the Beatles, the Allman Bros. and Derek & the Dominoes, George and Perry's presence is felt everyday in the halls before the morning bell...I hope all is well with everyone that looks in on the website...John thanks for the hard work and I will also donate money to keep it going..Thanks to all and take care..Peace

Yesterday I heard a news report that there is activity underway to make Route 1 south of Alexandria the next "high tech" corridor in Northern Virginia. The people behind this plan acknowledge that there is a lot of work to be done, given this area's reputation for "gas stations and grease pits." Maybe the destruction of the Mt. Vee is related. On the other hand, one only needs to look at renovations to downtown Alexandria, Vienna, etc. to see what is possible. FYI - for you "out-of-towners" - the 395/495/95 interchange at Springfield is being re-engineered. This project is scheduled to take 8 (yes eight!) years to complete, thus rendering extreme nausea to those unfortunate individuals that have to drive through this area on a daily basis. The move to revitalize the Rt.1 corridor would have been a real "win" had it occurred a few years *before* the x95 construction started. It would have given companies that are located along the construction route tremendous incentive to relocate to the Rt.1 corridor in order to get away from the traffic problem (thus creating a new traffic problem on Rt.1).

Well, another landmark bites the dust. Drove down Route 1 tonight to see my mom for her birthday and discovered they leveled the Mount Vee Motel. Never thought I'd see that change. I always had a soft spot in my heart for the place. However..., I drove a little farther down the road and found that Griffin Plumbing STILL LIVES!!

Good to hear from you, Steve. Sounds like you had no reason to look back after graduation. No wonder you never called us! At least you could have sent us an invite!

WOW! I was cruisin' the net. And thought I'd see if old MVHS had a site! Not sure why I'd never thought of this before (this must be kismet), I've checked out the pictures (glad I'm not the only one who's changed--and I mean that in the best way possible!), and have been flooded with memories!!! The day after graduation in 1972 I headed for Hawaii (spent 20 years there enjoying the beach life and partaking fully of the 70's lifestyle) and never looked back. It's 1:30 in the a.m. and I'm tempted to dust off the old yearbooks. It's hard to describe the feelings I'm having. I guess I thought I'd left my past behind. Think again, Steve. I'm the store director at the Toys 'R' Us in Chico, California. Been married (16 years), separated (5 years) and raising my 14 year old son Jason. If there's any one out there that remembers me drop me an e-mail sometime (kitekids@cmc.net or toyschico@aol.com). I promise to write back!

No Sandy, just a crazy amateur (as webster would define as one lacking in professional skill...but I try hard and its fun)Thanks for the encouragement though. And geez, I am obviously an amatuer speller also: perseptive = perceptive.

Well Steve, you suckered me in on that daydream story. Not being a follower of car racing, but gathering from the posts here that you drive a race car, I was thinking "COOL, *MY* classmate from HS almost won a major national race??!! I had no IDEA he was such a hot-shot, high caliber racer!!" Hope your dreams come true. ss

Wish I coulda been there with you John. Wolftrap is an amazing place. As I sit here today and contemplate my weekend, Judy Collins singing "Send in the Clowns" seems so appropriate. You see this poor soul was 3/4 through the last lap of a national championship race at Watkins Glen with an 18 second lead when horror of all horrors for any racer fell upon me. The trusty engine that had propelled me to the verge of glory blew up in grand fashion. No need to send in the clowns for the clown was I - the gambler willing to venture an engine with failing oil pressure in pursuit a checkered flag, a trophy, and a memory, pushing my wounded steed to mechanical death. So, as I sit here in my little state of grief listening to "sweet Judy blue eyes", tears dripping on my key board, the boss bursts into my office snapping me back to reality with wild exclaimation; "What the hell is going on Carroll?! Your guys down at the lab have screwed up another test! Where is that report you owe me? Get yourself together man, the Director wants an explaination for that budget shortfall, now! And turn down that damn music playing on your computer?! - You conducting a funeral in here or what?!" The boss is so perseptive at times.

A tribute to truly fine vocal cords, indeed. Steve, Wolftrap was even more than superb. A clear cool starry night, cool enough to wrap a blanket around you -- which in itself was really fine following three days of near 100-degree weather! But with the sound of Judy Collins wafting out of the night air? Wow.... For all you poor souls that missed her, she'll probably be back again next year; but also they recorded the show for PBS, and are going to do an album from it. Don't know if they could possibly capture the atmosphere of a nice night at Wolftrap, but she can still sing beautifully. She really hit with "Send in the Clowns". Don't miss it. Sweet Judy Blue Eyes!!

Clowns?? Is this social commentary on guest book participants or just tribute to some truly fine vocal chords? (Referring to Judy Collins, not -- repeat NOT -- Frank Sinatra). I've shipped my children south for several weeks and now the house is eerily quiet. No arguments about who pinched/pushed/teased/tortured whom, or who borrowed whose hair accessories without asking first and/or returning them, or who gets the preferred seating and/or control of the clicker in the TV room, or whose turn it is to ______ (fill in the blank with any repugnant household chore). Dag!! I'd forgotten how beautiful the sound of silence is. As they left, the kids intoned "we now return control of your television set to you" -- also the stereo and CD player. On the down side, I don't have the small but talented team of slaves to do all the repugnant household chores. I think I'll miss that...

Judy Collins at Wolf Trap Friday night.
Three Dog Night and Martha Reeves at Fairfax Fair on Saturday.
Anyone interested in getting together, E me.
Not going to do that "Maybe I'll see John Denver next time" gig no more no more no more!

Bikers Music Fest in the Poconos. Hmmm. I suppose I could kick-start the old Bonneville and ride 4 hours in the August heat and... na, I don't think so! The inlaws have a summer home 10 minutes from Jack Frost. I'll be staying there while I race at the Pocono track the weekend prior to this Music Fest thing. Staying over for Steppenwolf sounds tempting but work summons me back to DC the following week. John, have you ever been to a biker meet? I don't know that any of us were born to be that wild. Speaking of music, we were at Wolftrap last weekend with Carolyn Sable (class of 74 and sister of David, MV,71) to see Mary Chapin-Carpenter. While the music was fine (but not really my style) and Wolftrap, as usual, was superb, the setting repeatedly took me far far away back in time to the Meriweather Post Pavilion, Carter Barron Ampitheater and even the Capitol Center and Cole Fieldhouse. Elton John, Eric Clapton, the Doobies, Eagles, Chicago and the Stones, and... ah but I preach to the choir.

Hi All, wanted to let you know that I, too, am still lurking in the realms of cyberspace. John, thanks for the explanation. The "Guestbook" crisis doesn't seem quite so ominous now! Anyway, just got back from my youngest brother's wedding in Va. Sorry there was no time to get the coffee clan together. John, you can play dj at my parties any time. As for the week of August 14, I'm also looking for a condo at either Outer Banks, Va. Beach or Ocean City. Any suggestions? I would prefer Aug 7-14 but now having much luck as a "joanie come lately!" Take care all.

Leo: but I thought the waters were always warm in Florida. Speaking of good tunes, Booker T and the MGs played in DC a few months ago, and I missed them. Tore me up. I didn't know Steve Cropper played with them. Steve was in the Blues Brothers band, and was in studio bands for the likes of Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, etc. Hurt me. Makes me want to buy a HOG for the Steppenwolf concert!

Close your eyes girl
Look inside girl
Let the sound take you away...

Regarding this web site: it is not costing me any more than you are paying for yours. I just happened to naively pick a provider that would give me features that I later took advantage of to run this site; features that I also later found out weren't available at other providers without additional expense. Whatever I do or wherever I go, most providers give personal web space, but usually only 1-5 MBs for the basic fee, whereas mine gives me 10 MBs. I could post a simple site anywhere, and maybe post less pictures, or post them a little at a time. That's no big deal.

The biggest problem is the Guest Book. Most providers will not provide the service that allows me to run the "program" I use in a "home" account because of their security concerns. To get the service, you ususally need a business account, which costs a lot more than a home account because they expect more "hits" to the site. I "customized" the Guest Book program to give it a different -- and I think better -- appearance and readability than the stock program ... because I could. I came to find out later that most providers will not allow the use of my customized version in a home account (i.e., give me a personal CGI bin from which to run it). Many providers do provide use of the stock program for a personal web site (from the provider's common CGI bin), but I would prefer to keep things the same if I can find another provider that will let me. If I could find a provider that would allow me to place my customized version in their common CGI bin, that could work. I somehow never thought to ask that question when looking around before. The problem is, getting information on other providers is incredibly difficult and time consuming, and any convenient info found is usually outdated. Needless to say, I haven't spent the time looking around, lately, since I don't have the time.

As far as the work involved, there is not much involved since setting the site up, other than occasionally posting a new tune, or archiving the Guest Book. No big deal there. Anyhow, I don't think this site will just vanish without warning, so don't have any bad dreams about sinking on the Titanic, OK! We'll all stay together FOREVER, some how. Cyber communication will only get better, cheaper, and more convenient in the future. In the meantime, what's everyone doing the weekend of Aug 14-15? Anyone have a condo at Big Boulder? How 'bout you, Howie?

Must be Friday night -- the loons are out. The tunes are so good I didn't want to leave the main page to sign in (C,S & N are good, but don't compare). Anyway, John, if you are ready to give up, I say GIVE UP and don't feel EVEN A LITTLE BIT GUILTY ABOUT IT. You have done more than your share. The rest of us lazy and slothful souls will survive without the security blanket you have selflessly provided via this web page. I have no idea what your expense -- in dollars and angst -- has been, but it's more than we ungratful wretches deserve. Having said that, I must admit to feeling a little like Leo DiCaprio on the aft deck of a steeply pitched Titanic, looking down into the icy depths and KNOWING that if/when this web page goes under, I'm going to freeze to death in the icy waters of solitude, without the MVHS flotsam and jetsam that this site has provided. BUT, DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME...

Steve: Time to trade in that go-cart for a HOG. Check this out: Biker's Rally Music Festival

Well, theres one. Thanks Gary. Where are the rest of you timid souls?

HELLO GANG !!!! Just wanted to check back in. Haven't had a 'puter in a while. SERIOUS withdrawls !! Back in and on and feeling good. I will stay in touch. Gary

Wait John! Don't give up just yet. I'm sure many would agree that this site has been a valuable resource. I'll do some checking on providers. A bunch of them are always hovering around DARPA attempting to sell the latest and greatest or asking us to invest in the newest and coolest (some of you may remember that no matter what Al Gore claims, DARPA invented the internet back in 1969 - yes thats right, while we were all high school frosh - it was initially called the ARPAnet). OK everyone, lets get this guest book humming in a show of support for the Miester. Send those notes, comments, and anecdotes in now - with out any response of note, then maybe it is in fact time for John to fold. Tell me where to send the money John! Steve

Gee, pretty quiet out there considering John just said this site might go away. What can we conclude from that? Maybe there are fewer lurkers than we had hoped. Maybe that everyone's busy with Memorial Day plans. And maybe that the interest really has faded some. We're almost 2 years from our last reunion. (Which means we're only 3 years from the next one! (we hope)) Perhaps things will be different were this to resurrect in the Spring of '02. I've certainly enjoyed it but can understand if John feels like it's just becoming too much bother for too few. Gee, maybe we can all get together in a year or so and wax nostalgic on how much fun the ol' Web Site used to be.... But as long as it's here, I'll keep checkin' and keep making pointless entries.

Don't know how much longer this site will be available, folks. I'm getting really fed up with this internet provider. If anyone knows of a decent provider in the DC area, let me know. I haven't found one that will give me 10MB for a web site AND a CGI-bin access for the price I'm paying. (The CGI bin allows me to run the GUEST BOOK.) CGI-bin access is available from other providers, but usually only at much higher commercial rates that I am not willing to pay for, even if this site attracted the interest it used to have. Other providers make available the original stock program that I can use to run the Guest Book, but at present interest, I don't feel like doing the work it would take to convert to its use. Sorry, I just don't want to pay these people any more for the lousy service they're giving me. If this site goes away and I put it up at another location, I'll anounce it on the MVHS Alumni Registry. But that might not happen if I find a provider that gives me good, RELIABLE service for personal use at a good price.

ALLRIGHT!!! PARTY at Richard's house!!

Africa for FOUR YEARS!?!?! Geez. Suddenly Boston for 2 years doesn't sound so bad. Well, we'll miss you at the 2002 reunion. Either that or we'll give you the "Person who came the farthest" award. That should certainly give your kids some interesting things to say when they're older. "Well, when I was living in Africa, I found that...." Good luck. And remember: The World Wide Web really is World Wide, so we'll expect an occaisional entry like "Well, here in Africa I find that...."

I am moving to Africa with my wife Fran & 3 boys June 5, 1999 for 4 years.

FINALLY!! Sine die. Florida's legislators have gone home having left, in my opinion, a mindlessly wide swath of destruction called vouchers. You Virginians should count your blessings and watch your back. Okay, enough political pontificating. Steve Carroll: one high point of my legislative session was a truly classy appearance by Eddie Cheever who spoke glowingly -- and with a catch in his voice -- of his joy in being an American. I may have to start watching the Indy after all. Steve Muck: What are we doing to celebrate our birthday? John H: You'll be pleased to know that The University survived the first of four years with yet another Haseman clan member. Said clan member is so satisfied with the C'ville ambiance that he believes TJ tailor built The U with him in mind (which may actually be true -- my son carries the name of a TJ/Sally purported love child. 50 points if you can name him without cheating.)

ALLRIGHT!!! PARTY at Howie's house!!

I've found another missing classmate, or maybe I should say he found me. Howard Whetzel is alive, well, prosperous and looking good. He owns a successfull technology company in Alexandria and resides in Centerville. Although we quickly discovered that the two of us have traveled in the same professional circles for years it took 26 years and a chance encounter to cross paths and rekindle an old friendship. Cross another one off of the "missing persons" list John.

So now I know what Ed Sullivan was referring to when he introduced The Beatles as those "youngsters from Liverpool". This past weekend was the "May Fair" in Cambridge where they block off some streets around Harvard Square and have a lot of street merchants and music playing. I joined the crowd in front of the HMV record store to listen to "The Nields", one of the several bands they had there that afternoon. (There is no stage to speak of: risers about 6 inches high. And the crowd listening was probably about 100-200 people, standing in a circle around the band.) The music was pretty good stuff. Modern rock. Good lyrics. Nice harmonies. Skillful musicians. BUT THEY WERE JUST KIDS! Or at least so it seemed to me. So young to be producing such a complete sound. But when "Meet The Beatles" came out, I think John Lennon, the old man of the group, was 23 years old. Hm. Perspective.

So what was the biggest threat we had in high school? That one of the "tough kids" would pick a fight and we might get punched in the face? I don't think we considered getting shot much of a possibility. It must be tough on you parents knowing that every school has its "outcasts" who blame the world. And you can only hope that at YOUR kid's school the worst that will comes of it will be an occaisional fist fight after hours. And that nobody there will decide to mimic the "latest fad". (Actually, the phrase "latest craze" seems particularlly apropos.) It's a bad sign when the school's disciplinarian has to wear a SWAT uniform. And "detention" is defined in phrases like "20 years to life".

Hey John the girl with the ballbearing taste buds would be my daughter and the one in the tights would be my wife so keep your eyes off of em! Hope everybody is doing well. I have not had much time to visit the site lately. I started a new job recently and it's been kind of hectic for the last couple of months. Take care, Steve

John: Ya have to chuckle, picturing Mrs. Yearick seeing some of this stuff in her class. And I thought I got a lot of grief for my long hair!

OK, Dewey. You take the girl with the ball bearing taste buds that looks like she just crapped her pants. I'll take the girl rebellin' against father time with the tights.

Kids these days. With their crazy clothes and the HAIR. What's wrong with just looking NORMAL? Why do they have to be so rebellious? ........ (What's the emoticon for "Read this with a NY Jewish accent" and "Extreme irony intended."? Somehow just doing ;^) doesn't seem like enough.)

Hi Jody and Kathie. Nice to have you back. Kathie, we'll try to get rid of that last tidal-bowl beaver before you get home...and don't worry about that 44 thing. I just saw Christie Brinkley on an info-mercial last night. She said she was 44 and 4 months after her 3rd child. Forty-four still looks good to me...especially when compared to 20, pierced, tatooed, and blue/green/purple hair!!!

Hi Everyone, I will be travelling to DC this week Wed-Sat. to attend a conference for Early Childhood Advocates in Crystal City. It will be fascinating exploring Capitol Hill again and experiencing "Inside the Beltway" politics. I will be staying with my folks, still in Sulgrave Manor, and utilizing the Metro. It should be an advanture that I'm sure many of you experience everyday. I'm grateful for the traffic woes of Raleigh,NC instead of the Beltway everyday. I was encouraged to read that "we" are experiencing the woes of the 40's. Turning 44 last fall was pretty tramatic because 45 "middle age" was next. Having all 3 of my kids in college now was a big step into middle age. My brother and sister are now into the 50's and there is hope. They still are living a normal life!!

Hi again. It's been a while since I've checked in. Glad to see the dialogue is still lively. It was good to see Sally's address, I'll pass it on to my sister. She still wishes she'd been able to graduate with the MVHS class of '74. Anyone heard of a 30th for the class of '69? My sister, Debbie, is in town and would probably be interested. I'll check the MVHS site. Otherwise we're busy into soccer season here. I'm taking a break from the 50 hour per week grind and working part time helping new Moms when they come home from the hospital. It will do until I figure what else I want to do when I grow up. Take care.

If you have any brothers, sisters or friends from the Class of '74 or '79, their reunions are being handled by Taylor Reunion Service, which can be reached at the following link:

Taylor Reunion Services

Sorry, Sally. I don't have much info on your Class '74 reunion. I sent you my brother's address in an e-mail. You might also mail others in your class listed in the Mt. Vernon Alumni Registry to see if they know anything. I've heard it's on the Aug. 21st weekend, but that's all I've heard. When you find out who's planning it, you should suggest that they use the Registry to announce the Reunion (and get some names in the Class). Here is the address:

Mt. Vernon Alumni Registry

Would you send me info on the reunion, please.

Several weeks ago I watched the original version of "The Parent Trap" with Halley Mills. That was my first movie star crush as a little kid. The twins she played had the same birthday as I. You can imagine how special that made me feel! I've been a fan of English accents ever since.

Ruth, Ted Carr and I have the same birthday. We took off school and registered for the draft together.

Tonight I watched a 60 Minutes segment on George Lucas and the new Star Wars movies. Neat movies -- the first came out in '74 I think. I've been an avid fan ever since. Beyond that, Lucas is a REALLY neat guy! [Did someone(s) ask who the girls of the class lusted after? Now you have at least one answer.] I'm proud to say that he, too, shares a birthday with me and Steve M.

Ruth, I don't see your's underlined on my browser, but I think the problem came from that rascal Janine trying to be an HTML coder again. Is the problem corrected?

Okay, just a few questions/comments kids. First, why is my last post underlined? Was it magnificent, merely noteworthy or an error? Second, obsessing about age is only fun when talking about others and is otherwise pointless. Finally, can anyone else in our class identify a classmate with the same birth date? Steve Muck and I can.

Jackie, I think Joan L has you beat. We used to tease her about being so young. (I think she skipped a grade.)

Dewey, you're only as old as you think. Try it with a beer in the other hand next time (without spilling any, of course). Well, maybe you ARE old enough to know better, at least. ;^)

Janine, what ever happened to the Hideaway?

I don't believe it!!!! After all these years of believing that I was the baby of the class......there might actually be someone younger than me? Janine...I just turned 44 last month. Are you younger than me? When I think about all the teasing I got in high school about being the 'baby', I made sure my kids started school 'right on track'!!!!!!

So I was in Colorado Springs playing frisbee golf with some friends over the weekend and we were playing in a neighborhood park with a playground, making up the holes as we went along. Having just finished a hole where you had to hit the center of a spinning merry-go-round (the kind you push to spin and jump on to get nauseous) I made the clever suggestion that the next challenge should be that you had to make your tee shot from a swing on the swingset. Another in the group said that you had to do it either from the swing or FROM THE AIR having just left the swing. Well, I couldn't pass up THAT! So I took to the swing, did some good hard pumpin' (a skill that remains in my brain a good 30 years after I last used it) and when I hit the apex, I took the leap. At the same time I made a desperate attempt to fling my frisbee in the general direction of the next "hole" (The park sign). My direction was only off by about 90 degrees. Anyway, after illustrating many complicated concepts like conservation of angular momentum and curvilinear motion in a uniform gravitational field, I landed in the sand, well off balance, stumbling and falling, glasses flying. And then my back told me something I didn't want to hear: "Don was right! You're gettin' OLD! What's a middle-aged man like you doin' playin' on the SWINGSET?" Not crippled, but still sore 2 days later I pass the word on to those who would not believe: 45 ain't a kid anymore.

Welll ... wellllllll ... welllllllllll ..... most of the class has turned 45 by now? Speaking as the youngest of the group then (hehehe -- Steve will probably disagree thinking he was born MINUTES before me).... I have to agree with Ruth ... you live in the memories of others. And .. lemme tell ya guys something here .... I was at the last reunion ... I *know* we all *saw* each other ... but somehow ... when I looked at each and every one of you -- you still looked 18 to me. And I was jealous even way back then -- all of you older than me at graduation and "REALLY" got to party all summer long. Well.. ok ... I managed to hang out in the same little hideaway as Gary did for a few years there ... so -- sorry Gary -- you'll always look 24 to me. On the other hand -- Timmy and Jimmy will always be 18. [Going to polish my halo now ():-) ] And, yes Ruth, I do surface periodically ... I lurk but ashamed to say, I don't always take the time to post something. So wrap me up in toilet paper and hang me from Frank's tree -- I'm guilty. But I'll try to be better now that life's calmed down a bit. Hellz bellz ... I may even make it to Springfield for Saturday morning coffee if anyone ever still does that around here. And .. yes John ... I'm working on it ... I'm working on it !! LOL

John: As is typical, now that I know what it is, I know what it is. You're right about Elton -- It's a good thing we've got some of his earlier stuff or else we'd ALL have to slit out wrists (rather than just us who have to deal with big "R" types.) P.S. I hear you Virginians are also doing the Voucher two-step. Anybody who wants to discuss on a different wave length, I'm here.

Ruth: The tune is "(I've no wish to be living)Sixty years on" by Elton John. It was on his first album--the good stuff, before he turned into Liberache(sp?) rocket man. I hope it's not what put Don in the mood! Good thing it wasn't "Where to now, St. Peter?"!!! ;^)

Who'll walk me down to church when I'm sixty years of age
When the ragged dog they gave me has been six years in the grave...

First, John, I really DO like the tunes -- what are we listerning to? Second, the bad guys are winning down here in our legislature. We're about to become the next state to have vouchers and I think I'll have to slit my wrists. If this were McLaughlin Group, I'd ask for opinions. Since it's not, I need diversion or at least a good joke or two. (And any of you that think vouchers are a good idea, I'll see you outside and you will not be back.)

BTW, John, I believe this is the first time I've commented on the subject, but I must now tell you that the tunes are superb. P.S. Re: Don's comments: you are still (and will always be -- if you avoid road trips) an 18 year old track stud to me.

Don, my love, they say that age is only a state of mind, and, more important, we all live in the memories of others. I knew you at age 18.... unless you choose to foolishly barge in on me up here in Tallahassee, I will always think of you as a handsome youngster. (In any case, I'd prefer that you simply return the favor, rather than break the illusion.)

Remember Don, it's better to LOOK good than to FEEL good. ;^) And you still LOOK about 30. Four weeks actually sounds pretty good to me. I've had tennis elbow for the last 6 months and I don't even play tennis!

Geez Don, What are you complaining about? Finally forty-five! With respect to tennis, it was one of the best things that could happen. You get to play in the "45s" now, and you're one of the youngest. Do you know what a pain in the butt it is to play against 35 and 40 year old "kids"? Stop complaining...start rehab. It's all part of the game. :)

Don: Play some Sam & Dave ... really loud! And install some corneal rings.

Most of the class has had their 45th birthday by now. I was amazingly bummed out by the fact that my next big one will be fifty. I might as well start picking out an urn for my ashes. I tore my calf muscle playing tennis and the doctor said,"at your age it may take four weeks to heal". ..at your age! I walk the dogs each morning as the joggers run by,is this the mid life blues? please e-mail all legal and socially acceptable cures to me immediately.

Been working mega hours to help our project get through another operation evaluation to field our new software package to the government. Glad to see most folks doing well. Sorry to hear about the deaths in both Pete's and Cliff's families. Will try to keep a closer eye on the guest book in the future. Hopefully will see a get together notice sometime soon. God bless and take care..........Dave

Welcome to meteorological spring, guys! Courier & Ives got nothing on our 6-11 in. "dusting". Had to turn the headlights off on the way home because it was snowing too hard to see. Got the fertilizer down last weekend, Richard--will now just wait for all this snow to green up the ballpark. Ruth, thanks for the non-offer, but I already got that bad boy cleared off. Slept like a baby last night...well, more like a log. I did smash my old record of three hours, though.

"In Florida the winter comes on Tuesday.... Autumn takes up all the week before.... Spring will end on Sunday, And then along comes Monday.... The low next week is pushing ninety-four." ....... Too many years with no seasons to speak of except for Hot and DAMN Hot caused me to flee the Florida climes. But we all know where *I* think heaven lies. And they even have the best football team. ;^)....... Oh. Neat thing: Our project got a web site. Want to see what could lure me away from Colorado to BOSTON for two years? Check out chandra.harvard.edu. I'm just an ant in this 2 gigabuck project. But it's a pretty neat anthill.

As I believe I've mentioned before, the Disney folks pretty much insist in good weather down here. Long before there were Borg, I learned that "resistance is futile" when it comes to challenging the benefits of relentlessly fine weather. Tallahassee does offer some reprieve however -- I think it rains more here than in Seattle. (Probably has something to do with all the Indian chanting from the FSU end of town.) In any case, I still miss the white stuff in winter just as much as I miss the red leaves in the fall (and, NO Steve & John, I DO NOT want to come shovel your drive ways to refamiliarize myself with the joys of sleet.)

oh yes, those beautiful spring days. I was just out there today hitting the ball around with the kids-----except I couldn't FIND the ball in the 10 inches of SNOW!!! Virginia's not a picnic.........yet. You must be confusing us with Ruth

Hi Everyone! Just digging out from the "Blizzard of 99." Yes, Rochester, NY made national news with 43 inches of that pretty white stuff between Thursday and Saturday. In my 24 years here, it is the first time that the entire city has literally closed down--a fate worse than death for the daughter, home for spring break, trapped with her family for three days! I miss the early springs in Va. Some of you must be getting ready for baseball and soccer already! Anyway, you all amaze me with your memories from high school. I think I must have killed too many brain cells in the 70's to remember in such detail. Well, life goes on--Enjoy!

Tony Perkins, a fellow MVHS alumni (Class of '78, I believe), has been a newscaster at Washington DC's FOX-Channel 5 for the last several years. Well....now he's goin' bigtime to be the Weather guy on "Good Morning America". Good luck Tony!

Dewey: My quote was Yearick's, also. "Tinker's damn" sounds like Yearick. That's what made me think of "two buck". I remember an astronaut came to my 6th grade class. I think it was Wally Shira(?). He said we'd probably be the ones to go to the moon first. I couldn't wait! They lied! Didn't even let us get out of high school! I watched the moon landing with Tom Marfing. Remembering that, at the reunion he told me that one of his kids ask him if he was alive during the moon landing. Oh well. Kinda like my kid being so surprised that Sam and Dave were popular 30 years ago! Ouch

John: That was Mrs. Yearick. I don't remember what the "tinker's damn" was about. I just remember her explaining the origin of the phrase. (Though I don't remember the EXPLANATION any more.) But the "running 'round Robin Hood's barn" had to do with someone taking a long roundabout approach to solving a problem when there was a shorter, more direct approach....."Hot as two-buck pistol" sounds familiar and brings to mind a smile about a colorful character. But I can't remember who........ On another subject, I just attended a meeting of an MIT student-based organization called "Think Mars". They're a finalist in a NASA competition to come up with a business plan for sending people to Mars. (Somehow, when it's MIT students, you have to take them seriously.) Anyway, after the meeting (attended by about 15-20 people) we went around the room and everyone introduced themselves by name and interest. When it came my turn, I said "I'm old enough to remember the excitement of Neal Armstrong walking on the Moon." And someone in the group exclaimed "No fair!" I had never thought of it in those terms before. These kids are JEALOUS that WE got to see what it was like to send men to another place in space. Makes me glad to have lived when we did. (Yeah, so worrying that you might have to go to 'nam was a bit of drag.).....Watched a Jay Leno the other night where he did his "Jay Walking" piece where he goes out onto the street and asks people questions. The point is to show how ignorant us (er, "we") Americans are. They asked one young woman when man first walked on the moon. Her answer: "Sometime in the 1800's." Jay's response: "So that was with a wooden space ship?"

Dewey: Jim Croce??

How 'bout, "Hot as a two-buck pistol"?

"Tinker's damn"...."Running 'round Robin Hood's Barn"...(same source)

Well Ruth, let's see what's been going on here: Work is a bear (less people/same amt of work = more work per people), kids are getting bigger, basketball leagues, swimming lessons, drum lessons for the son, cub scouts, daisies for the daughter, tax season starting (this year my "closet profession" may be emerging into my full-time profession...I have to go see my lawyer about setting up FK CPA,LLC), spent last week in Plano, TX on a business trip (and I'm pleased to report that Texas is still flat), re-decorating, setting up a LAN in the house (too many computers), and trying to get my body into good enough shape to play some serious tennis this year. Otherwise, same-o, same-o A (as a certain Intermediate School algebra teacher once said). Hey, this would be a good idea for a trivia contest. Like, "Who always used to start their speeches with 'My young friends'? Or "Who referred to certain manipulatives as 'this little beggar' and 'that little beggar'"? Surely your heads are cluttered with this arcane trivia...

OOOHHH! Pin drop central. Where is everyone? I have been playing lobbyist at the opening of Florida's 60-day legislative session -- the only good news so far is that there are only 58 more days to go till they adjourn. The bad guys are winning and I'm really struggling with my New Year's resolution to not rip peoples' faces off when they say and do dumb stuff. I could really use a little comic relief from this page. Anybody heard any good, net-iquette proof, jokes lately?

Sorry to hear about Cliff's mom. His mom and my mom worked together in the cafeteria for many years.For those who don't know, Cliff is a County Commissioner in Anne Arundel County MD.(its like board of supervisors in VA) He was elected to office last November.

On the same note, my mother said she saw an obituary for Pete Cruttenden's father, we presume. It said he was survived by a son named Peter. My condolences to Cliff and Pete.

There was an obituary in yesterday's Washington Post for Cliff Roop's mother. As you may recall, she spent many-a-year working in the MVHS cafeteria. I can provide Cliff's address to anyone wishing to send a card (it's in the reunion directory for those of you that have one).

Happy Valentine's Day! Happy President's day! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! (Don't forget to write "Year of the Cat" on your checks starting tomorrow.)

Sorry Ruth, Drivin them big pigs in circles ain't fer me. Besides my name ain't Earnhardt or Petty. I'll leave the roundy round pursuits to the good ole boys as I'm pretty much a sporty car type. I did a stock car deal down in Charlotte with an old sponsors car back in 88. Turning left for an hour was kinda boring. Leaves are gone, Willies still there, it's a buyers market for net providers and life goes on...

Happy Valentines Day! Who remembers Twerp Week which, as I recall, culminated in the Twerp Dance? On to other topics ... Steve, why aren't you driving in today's Daytona run? You still raking leaves, are you sulking about Bill, or do you only pilot prototypes? I'd think you would at least be down here to sniff the fumes generated from 40+ cars -- that do not have to comply with fuel emission standards -- driving in circles (actually it's more like a herniated oval) for several hours. Before I get back to watching the race, I must send out a request to the computer nerd contingent: I will soon need to switch from my current internet service because it won' t survive Y2K. Although my provider already offers service that is Y2K compatible, it seems like a good time to look around at what else is out there. If you have advice on other internet service providers that have good, idiot-proof service, send me an email with your thoughts. Back to the race -- "Gentlemen, start my engine...." P.S. Janine's back! Where ya been, babe?

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... Happy Birthday Guest Book !!! Two years old and still going strong. And just like timex ..... just keep tickin' and tickin' and tickin' .... and always, always a wonderful "home" to come to.

Happy Birthday to moi,
Happy Birthday to moi,
Happy Birthday dear Guest Book,
Happy Birthday to moi!

OK ... just so you don't think I've disappeared into the black hole of "missing alumni," I thought I'd stop in and say hi. "HI!!" Steve: I want a race schedule this year AND directions. John: As always, you keep this sight going and the gang under control. John and Frank: Rest easy -- almost two years later I think the TP's FINALLY almost used for everything from paper carnations to a subsitute for paper towels (which, BTW, does not work well at all). Ruth and Steve: I find very eerie that all three of us chose that weekend to suffer through every minute of watching "The Postman" -- there should have at least been SOME way of suffering through it together. I also managed to miss Ruth's pinchent for leaves and certainly could have helped her out with a few tulip poplars and maples from here in dear old Sunnyview (which is still standing along the banks of LIttle Hunting Creek but someday my neighbors may float off if that creek keeps flooding in their backyards) (I live on the hill -- no danger there). Best wishes and hopes for a wonderful 1999 to all of you. And .... Dewey?? Somehow once one's lived in Denver, they never outgrow the emotional impact of the Orange Crush not only surviving another Superbowl but winning it -- we were cheering and hootin' and hollerin' right along with ya!! Take care all. Love you guys *****

My congratulations to you, Dewey....I am glad they beat the Dirty Birds...We moved into a new house this past week, and the first thing my wife made me do before Super Elway Sunday was to get one of those pole hangers to put on the front porch so that she could get her Bronco flag up there before the game started....Now that they have won, she is parading around town so that everyone sees her NC license plate with "BRONCOS" on it, and we have 3 Elway pictures adorning our new walls. It is kind of hard for a Redskins fan like me to take, but this dog will have his day again (hopefully!!!) I don't think it matters who is QB in Shannahan's offense (kind of like SF, take out one, plug in another). I think Shannahan and Kubiak fit the offense to what they have available, as you can see when Bubby was in there. I think they will have one heck of a time beating Parcell's again next year....

I sit here at work, wearing an orange and blue jersey with the number "7" on it and "ELWAY" on the back. My workstation is named "elway". I have a grin on my face. ..... A LARGE grin. ..... What a nice day it is today...

I told you, Dewey! There's a price to pay for not defragmenting!
Sorry Dewey--can't go with Denver this year. I did it last year for Elway, this year for Reeves. (It makes for a story to fill those 60 zillion hours of Super Bowl hype.) Besides, I don't pull for no team to repeat--except the Skins--and I ain't holdin' my breath for that! Hell, they couldn't even beat the Saints to get IN to the Super Bowl last Sunday on the Disney movie. And they'll probably find some way to BLOW their two first round picks, that is, if the NFL decides who OWNS the team by draft day!

Now to change the subject: as the official Class of '72 Occoquan watcher, I now declare the reservoir refilled! Janine: If you're still alive, FLUSH TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT, GIRL!!!

Ruth, the problem comes when I forget to take the milk IN when I get home. Glad to hear living in Tallahassee hasn't disabled your ability to support a team in Orange and Blue. Here's wishing everyone a Super Sunday.

Steve: Remind me never to take a class that you're teaching -- you obviously wouldn't fall for the "dog ate my homework" defense. Dewey: Your memory is amazing, but I must wonder if you also are good at remembering to pick up that loaf of bread and quart of milk on your way home from work. BTW, I'll be pulling for your boys on Sunday.

Dewey, Now I know why we never knew each other at MVHS. I've never even heard of most of those teachers! Of course, my late arrival at MVHS at the beginning of Junior year would partially explain why I wasn't exposed to those Freshman an Sophomore teachers. I do remember Grove because he was our track coach. I don't know who the hell Ashley, Rachel and Tessa are. I just assumed it/they was/were a case of a stray cyberbrat - surfing around and got lost. No more credit Ruth. The exam was not a retro-test to guage what you knew at the age of 4. Regardless, at least we have some common interests to share other than MVHS history. Gwen when were you ever little and what was Landis looking at I dare ask? Sounds like more ignorance on my part due to late arrival at MVHS.

I just have two questions: Who are Ashley, Rachel and Tessa? and Did they get the CD they were looking for?

Damn, Dewey! You just ain't right! You gotta recycle dem synapses some day. Is that why you're writing all this down? I can't even get my kid to remember to lock the car door in the time it takes him to get out of the car. Must be something to that Mozart-drum-music-and-memory theory!

Gwen: As Princess Leah said to Luke the first time she saw him: "Aren't you a little short for a Storm Trooper?" ;^) I'm sure that must have made you feel good. Trying to be all grown up and "high schooly" and here comes the principal telling you you look like a little kid. I'm lucky he didn't see ME. I looked about 8 when I started high school. In eighth grade I had been on the wrestling team.... in the 70-75 pound weight class. That should give you some idea! (My only win was by forfeit. The other school didn't have anybody that small!) ..... John: Never would I lie sir! Or even attempt to deceive. It's just good, clean living! And besides, my yearbook's back in Colorado, 2000 miles from here. But to prove it wasn't a fluke, For My Next Trick - Sophomore Year! ..... 1: Gym, Mr. Groves, gym ..... 2: English, Carr in a quonset then Chisolm & another, 1st floor front hall just to the right of the auditorium ..... 3: Biology, Avery, upstairs front hall by "Dairy Queen Corner" .... Lunch .... 4: Band, Steinbach, bandroom ..... 5: Alg II-Trig, Lois Yearick, last Math Quonset room .... 6: Spanish 1, Mr. Sellers (?), 2nd floor side hall next to stairs near "Dairy Queen Corner" .... 7: Study Hall, Auditorium cafeteria side, Lois Yearick

GEEZ Dewey........ The only thing I remember about my Freshmen year is when Mr. Landes ask me what I was doing there walking through the hallways!! I told him I was a "Freshmen".....His response was " Aren't you a little small!" Boy......how things start to change as we enter into our mid years!!!!!

Dewey: GAWD! Did you take one of those MEGA memory courses, or did you just take an antidote to the sixties!!!??? You MUST be looking at your class schedule you saved in the yearbook.

My schedule, freshman year: Homeroom, Mr. Privett, Rm. 102 (next to stairs near "Dairy Queen Corner") ..... 1: World History, Mr. Ken Leggins, last "Social Studies quonset" on the end ..... 2: English, Ms. McCollum, Room on front hall near gym (120?) ..... 3: ESCP, Mrs Harder, upstairs mid back hall ..... Lunch ..... 4: Band, Gene Steinbach, Bandroom ..... 5: Geometry, Mr. Fant, 1st Math quonset second room ..... 6: Gym, Mr. Yednock, the gym ..... 7: Study Hall, Auditorium, Ms. Lois Yearick ..... CAN ANYBODY TELL MY WHY I STILL REMEMBER THIS STUFF!?!?!?! If you'd like, I'll tell you where I SAT and list some people in each class. And yes, I can do this FOR EACH OF MY FOUR YEARS THERE! Couldn't I trade this in for remembering something USEFUL!?!? (Like oh-so-many formulas on tests in college!)

Steve, I've responded to my test results under separate cover, but I have just one more comment: Since I was only 4 years old when I left Fort Ord, I think I deserve more than partial credit.

Ruth, Your test results have been provided under separate cover.

Let's see, What's Fort Ord famous for??? I remember wetting my red corduroy overalls on Mrs. Patrinis's front porch, but I doubt they put up a tourist marker. Monterey? Whales? The Presidio? Wine? Pebble Beach? Oh, and I think there's some car thing, too

Ruth don't feel bad about your Saturday night activities. I was watching the same movie and did in fact recognize Peggy Lipton in the "Postman". She had a small role but looked quite similar to how she did 30 years ago. As a matter of fact she made Costner and Petty look like geezers. I may have a little bias relative to that observation however. Maskelenco, Price, Avery...had em all. I actually had Price as a teacher at Walt Whitman for IPS (intro. phys. sci.). Nice guy but boy did we give him hell! I still feel bad about that to this day. You never answered my question Ruth so now I must ask it in public. Having been an inhabitant of Fort Ord, certainly you must know what it's real claim to fame is. I'm with you for a Broncs win Dewey! Steve

Amazingly having nothing better to do on a Saturday night, I just watched all three hours of the Postman. For the female readership who have not seen the movie, I will volunteer my opinion that Kevin Costner is cute, but he's not nearly cute enough to salvage the movie. HOWEVER the male Peggy Lipton salivaters may want to catch it next time to get a glimpse of her. Tom Petty also made an appearance. Can't imagine why he'd do such a thing unless -- like me -- he gave up being a Heartbreaker and now doesn't have anything better to do on a Saturday night either.

Mrs. Harder's Earth Science, also known as "ESCP". I remember stream tables and ox bow lakes. Measuring the diameter of the earth with a protractor, suction darts and a globe. And I'm amazed that at one time in my life I could walk from desk to desk in that class and actually IDENTIFY most of the rocks that were at each seat. Isn't it interesting how the typical "sex roles" tend to put more men in science than women, yet I know *I* learned a lot more Earth Science and Biology from Ms. Harder and Ms. Avery than I did Chemistry and Physics from Mr. Maskalenko and Mr. Price. (Though I did go on to study physics, not biology...)

WOW!! I won. Thanks Dewey, I'll look foward to not getting anything in the mail. Sorry to hear about Mrs. Avery. Between her and Mrs. Harder, I 've had a life long thurst for things scientific. Jack of all trades, master of none, kinda thing. Does anyone know how Mrs. Harder fares?

There are those who would say that the Broncos got to the Super Bowl those other times DESPITE Dan Reeves and BECAUSE of John Elway. But I wouldn't profess to know. My guess is that it took both. But that that combination wasn't enough to win the big one. Or to even make it close, for that matter.

Wouldn't it be peachy (get it?) to see Dan Reeves win the big one -- especially against the team and QB that thanked him for guiding them to the Super Bowl without Davis--how many times?--by running his ass outa town?

Steve: Yes I suspect we will have an interesting Super Bowl. I expect the Broncos to win but I'd be a fool to expect a blow out. ...... Ruth: Geez. I feel left out. You offended everyone but ME. Aren't I worth the trouble? You know, that's really pretty insulting to leave me out. In fact, I'm quite offe-... Hey! I get it! Thanks Ruth! ;^) ........ Brad: Congratulations! You win! Look for your prize in the mail. Just don't look for it EXPECTING anything to show up. ..... Sorry to hear about Ms. Avery. A kindly soul. I'm sure I learned a lot in there but I don't remember many specifics about the class. Dissecting a pithed frog. Xylem and phloem. Endoplasmic reticulum. The first Earth Day. Looking at a cheek cell and thinking "That's ME!" And Peggy Barron was my lab partner. Now a neurosurgeon.

Soooo...we have Ms. Avery to blame for keeping you from becoming a go-go dancer????

DAG! Sorry to hear about Ms. Avery. I had her for Biology and she's the reason I started college as a pre-med (third in a long string of eclectic career choices and right after go-go dancer and astronaut). I recall several -- at the time absolutely hilarious -- jokes about how to pith a frog...

I just received news that MVHS biology teacher Ms. Avery died on January 13th. It was apparently reported in the Fairfax Journal (sorry, didn't get the date).

Dewey, that was almost like finding Waldo. Found the "in" on the first try, took three reads to find the "of". Never thought to look at the same sentence for both. Corrections are as follows. "A name you might have heard a lot of "IN" Florida: Brain Greise, son "OF" the great Bob. They came close to challenging Bob's old record. Good luck to the Broncs, I'm not much of a fan of Hotlanta. I know the feeling about waiting till you are gone to have good years. The skins were great while I was in the bay area, dealing with the Forty Whiner fans. I move back to the east coast and they go down the tubes, but win, lose or draw I still "Hail to the Redskins". Being a Skins fan and secondary Panther fan was no fun this year, I was 2 and 16 at one point.

I think I have now successfully annoyed and/or offended everyone in readership range with the single exception of Dewey. Yes, I did ask, but I had no idea I was uncorking such a flood of commentary from the Mile High One. To make matters worse, I also made the mistake of ranting at the Webmeister and the Race Carmeister in an email side-bar on the subject of cigars and DNA. Steve seems to be handling it okay, but I don't think the webmeister to speaking to me anymore. Uncle Meister, I promise to be a good girl and sit here quietly and not say another word about anything.(NOT)

Dewey, don't forget ad helium, as in... oh never mind. Such silliness. Don't mind me. I really did enjoy your "home boy" analysis of No Way Elway and the Broncs. Should be an interesting Super Bowl this year.

BTW, I only wrote all that because Ruth practically BEGGED me to expound on Elway and the Broncos. ;^)...And because if I even THINK anyone's really listening, I'll happily babble ad nauseum, ad infinitum, ad cesium, add a teaspoon of salt and a quarter pound of butter. Stir until thickened.

Geez, I'm wordy. I just read what I wrote. I left out 2 words. Here they are...."in"..."of". See if you can see where they go. (It's kind of like "Find Waldo".) ;^)

So I figure they said "Just to make it interesting, what say we spot the Jets 10 points before we really begin to play." GEEZ, did it take those guys a long time to get 10 points. Then the high school kids took off their Bronco uniforms and gave them back to the REAL players. The next time Testaverde got the ball back the game was tied. It doesn't take long, once they get serious.....What to expect in Miami? No home crowd. No altitude advantage. I'm guessin' they won't spot Atlanta nothin' and Reeves will just have to watch Elway's dust, thinkin' to himself "I remember when he was MINE.".....As for Elway's departure to the World After Football: He says it's 95% sure he'll retire. And I believe him. Two rings is pretty good. How sure could he be that they'd get the 3rd? And if they didn't, well, why bother then?.....And I've heard he's considered politics. I'm sure he could get himself elected God of Colorado if he wanted to. I'm guessing the networks will be clammering after him to do "Color announcing" in the booth. But I think he'd rather stay home with the family. And it's hard to woo a man with money who just sold his car dealerships for $60M....And as for whether the Broncos will stink of mediocrity when he's gone: The baton has actually already been passed. I hate to say it because I am a Big Elway Fan, but right now, it's Terrell Davis that really makes the Broncos great (if you had to pick ONE guy). So as long as TD is there making TD's they'll be a force to be reckoned with. Elway was out a few games early in the season and backup QB (veteran) Bubby Brewster did a fine job and the Broncos still won. And waiting in the wings is the "new" QB for Denver. A name you might have heard a lot of Florida: Brain Greise, son the great Bob. So there's potential there for Denver to manage what San Francisco managed: To lose a great quarterback and replace him with another great quarterback and continue to be a contendah....As for me, I'll adjust. My regret is that they waited until I was OUT OF TOWN to have these great seasons. And when I return, there'll be NO MORE ELWAY FOOTBALL. Waa!.....Oh well. As Fish would say: "Bygones"....BTW, I went to Colorado for the weekend of the game (no I didn't have a ticket) to watch with friends and deal with some things at the house. I can vouch for wind. Sunny but BREEEEEEEZZZZZZYYYYYY. Got a bunch of furniture my dad doesn't want anymore. My house looks so much more complete now!....In the small world department, some friends (I've known since college) were over (looking at my new old furniture) and in conversation, one of the girls said something about having clothes 5 years old. To prove a point, I went and fetched my MV senior yearbook and showed her my picture with the senior class council. I lifted my shirt and pointed. "Same belt." Granted I wear it several notches looser these days. Anyway, that started her leafing through the yearbook. And that uncovered the coincidence. She used to work for Cathy Stumm in Denver! Ya just never know.....Oh well. Enough. No more travelling for a while. I've OD'ed since November.

We haven't heard from Dewey lately, but I predict we will soon. He'll have to chortle about them Broncos. Still, the bigger question is will another Superbowl be enough to get Elway to sign on for one more year? Or will Mile High Stadium (and, as I understand it, Denver fans are "high" in more ways than one) start to sink into football mediocrity? Stay tuned. The Great Oracle of Dewey will soon speak.

I think that the music is awsome. Can I buy the CD some where? It makes me feel so happy and warm and fuzzy!

So Ruth gets her groove back with ... Santa??? What a coup, Ruth!!! Shall we just send our Christmas lists to you next year? Also, we ALL want you to know that we will do our best to help you keep your New Year's resolution this year. Actually, I just happened to stumble upon that web site. I got the song "Here Comes my Baby" by the Tremeloes stuck in my head the other day after I heard it on the radio, and went digging for a MIDI version for this site. I couldn't find a free version, though.

Jeez John -- Where DO you find these web sites? And don't be too impressed with my good behavior. First of all, Santa, like most warped humanoids, has a vacation home in Florida. It's just down the street from me. He already knows when I'm naughty or nice or -- as he prefers it -- both. Second, one of my New Years Resolutions was to resist the overwhelming temptation to tell everyone else what their opinions would be if they were as nearly as enlightened as I am.

All: I just added a link on the Top Hits page to another lyrics site. You can check the Top 40 hits each year, with a direct link to the lyrics. Here it is:

Lyrics World

Ruth: Your nix on that topic is admirable, to say the least. You're being such a good girl (and there's 11 1/2 months left 'till Christmas!) Keep this up, and I'll just have to put in a good word to Santa.

Hey Steve: This is not just a can of worms, it's a large barrel of snakes. Let's not go there. (Meanwhile, I'll marvel at the restraint I'm showing right now and change the subject) Kawfee Talk!!! Did anyone make any interesting New Years Resolutions?

Hey, I give a....! Throw the lying bum out!

Steve and John: Let me know when you get those dishes situated. We'll make you guys the official watchers of the impeachment trial since no one else gives a ....

Don't got nothin fer ice John. Speakin of long icy driveways - you've seen ours - even the wife's superb Audi Quattro has trouble on this one. My truck is in the body shop. It slid down a rather icy drive Saturday after Christmas with no one in it! For some reason the trees always win. Last month they were raining leaves - now it's truck parts! In this case to the tune of $2200 worth. I'm thinking about diggin up the driveway and installing some heating coils! Either that or move down to Ruth's neighborhood. Hurry up springtime! One more "speakin of" John. I'm also messin with a dish at the moment (satellite dish that is). Santa gave me one for Christmas. I'm freezin my butt off attempting to install it today. How the heck I'm going to aim it up out of these trees and maintain proper elevation and azimuth is beyond me. I'm starting to eye up the trusty ole chainsaw. The neighbor is here tellin me to stick to my day job. Satellites are my day job for heavens sake! Hey Dave, where are ya? Long time, no mail.

Cummmm-on, Steve. Take that baby out in the ice storm and show us what you got.
Gary: The new digs is keepin' me quite busy. Haven't even approached the garage, yet. If it's not the leaves, it's the light bulbs. If it's not the light bulbs, it's the ice on the driveway (a long one!). If it's not the ice, it's the water softener and on and on....ya-dee-da. I DID get a new antenna/rotor combo installed for some well deserved couching, though.
Went to my brother Matt's in PA over New Year's, and shot off some fireworks he bought south of the border when visiting my brother Mark over Thanksgiving near Atlanta. Took our kids to Hidden Valley for some major speed sledding. Kee-kee-reist it was cold! Also spent some time tuning his satellite dish to the various satellites and desparately searching for the birdie with the Weather Channel. Found it around 1AM. Bad news. Had to get out of Dodge by 7 AM to avoid the ice storm back home. Made it home fine, but PA Turnpike was slow going following the plows, especially after a couple of cups o'yup, if you know what I mean. (Some major spaces between dem rest stops!)
Ruth: don't feel left out! Both Dewey and Cindee in town and no seeims. Also, see what happens when you stop listening to your mother?
Happy New Year all. May the new year give you time to chill, and to not be a stranger.

Another good audio pick by the webmiester: Archie Bell and the Drells, Tighten Up, 1968. Keep em coming John. No track time until April Gary - thanks for asking. Happy New Year everyone!

Goodness, Ruth. You'll have to explain THAT entry! (It really sounds good if ya read it with a Mae West voice. "When I'm good, I'm GOOD. And when I'm bad.....I'm even BETTER.")....OK, back from the holidays. Spent them in.... Virginia! Spent the week of Christmas - New Year's at my brother, Grady's in Bluemont (out Route 7, just before the crest that descends down to Winchester). Unfortunately I got a bad cold the first day there that put me out for a couple days. Still managed to get a little visiting in. Saw Rich Colella and Jody DeJonghe (Acres). Attempts to visit Judy Fortney (Fortineux) were thwarted by the Great Ice Storm of '99. "Worst storm of they year! (so far)". Weather cooperated for a nice drive back to Boston, though......Oh yeah, that MV alum who is CEO of Yahoo is Tim Koogle, Class President, class of '69. My brother had him in a couple classes. Says he was a real nice guy. Time to ask your older siblings if they knew him, too.....'skins fans: I'll bet you enjoyed seeing Dallas get thumped. I enjoyed a solid Gator victory over no one in particular (apologies if you went to Syracuse). Now I'm hoping for a couple weeks of watching the Broncos in the playoffs....Happy New Year to you all. And don't forget. This is your last chance to buy a calendar that says 19-something on it. In another 12 months that'll look positively VICTORIAN.