Guest Book

Dave & Beth, Congratulations! Wishing all a safe & prosperous New Year!

Congratulations Beth and Dave, today is the big day! BTW,hope all of you had very happy holidays and that 2004 is happy and healthy for us all! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hey, all! Beth and David got a late Christmas present. Their first grandbaby was born today. A little girl. Savannah is the name. Such an exciting time for them. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and here's to a Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy holidays, everyone! I hope you're all enjoying a happy time with loved ones this week.

I just want to say "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" to one and all!!

Gentlepeople: Happy Xmas, War is Over!(if you want it)...Peace...Peter S. Cruttenden

May everyone find their car in time to get home in time to wrap and enjoy the season. Happy Holidays everyone!

Lynn, sorry to hear the sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Glad you're safe and well!

Lynn, sorry about your sad news. It is always harder around the holidays. Glad ya'll are safe. Here's wishing all of you a safe and wonderful holiday season!! Thanks for all the visits this year and hopes for many more next year!

Lynn, My prayers go out to your friends loss. I remember the 89 quake very well. My house was 5 miles in a direct line from Loma Prieta and I was driving on highway 17 between Los Gatos and San Jose when it hit. Rockin' and a reelin' that day.... Hope you all have a Wonderful and Happy Holiday:)

Well, today's earthquake was in my neck of the woods. Our community suffered no damage, but Paso Robles, our closest city to the South, where we all shop(I planned to go tomorrow) was hit hard. The old town clock tower on the city center park collapsed as did a few old shops. My dear friend's daughter who was my son's former girlfriend was killed in the collapse. Her dad went to high school with my husband, so our family is pretty sad. I am so glad that many of you have reported much happier news, and I wish all of you a Happy Holiday. Lynn

Ward- Heard good things about Frodo and his pals, but think I'll wait to see them. I just hate sitting through anything with water restrictions!// Glad to hear about all the good news from Sandy, David, Debbie, and Beth.// Felt like I slept through the "big" quake- I really didn't, but did not feel it in Wash,DC. My wife was at home and was a little shaken up by it (a little joke there!) She lived in California for 10 years and experienced several while she was there. Hmmmm, should have asked her if it made her feel homesick!

Went to the 2:45 with my kids and watched Frodo and his henchmen take on the badguys. Recommend no drinking of fluids 12 hours prior. Its loooonnnnggg but good.

Okee dokee, I was at a school in Warrenton taking yearbook candids. For unknown reason the fire alarm was triggered. It was not a planned drill. They did the formal inspection for smoke and it was very cold outside. The kids were in their assigned lines, looking like an Indian tribe. This earthquake may have been the reason seems to me it may have been around that time. A friend of mine was in Staunton VA and felt the tremor as they kinda kidded that felt like an earthquake. Hope all are dug out in the New England area.

Apparently, the one this week was actually 2 separate events, about 10 seconds apart. One of them (or maybe both?) measured 4.6. We did have another one in May that was around 4, I think. The last (detectable) one before that was in July of 1984, which was also in that same range of strength, shortly after I moved back to Charlottesville from Houston. I remember it well. At first I thought it was a huge truck driving by, but that was impossible since I lived on a dead end street in a quiet neighborhood. The possibility of an earthquake occured to me, but was dismissed because it seemed impossible. There were huge headlines the next day about it! Lynn, "foot massage" is a great way to describe it! Hope all is well out your way! ss

Hi All, I'm glad to hear that there was no serious damage!! Sounds like you got a California foot massage! I certainly remember my first earthquake (summer of '79) and of course the biggie in '89. I don't like them much which is one reason why we live in a rural area. Anyway, greetings from the central coast and I hope nothing more is shaking! Lynn Shaughnessy Olson

Sandy, they say that is the 2nd one this year. I wonder if we should anticipate others in the near future...

Yes, it was quite dramatic sitting at my lab bench surrounded by about 50 glass bottles containing various solutions, all shaking! Thought I was in California for a minute! ss

Okay, Suzanne, did you feel the earthquake about 4:05pm this afternoon? Anyone? Quite a rumble 'round here. Don't have all the details yet, but I don't think there was any major damage. Heard the center was about 20 miles west of Richmond. Have to watch the news...Take care all!

On this day as I was reminded of Pearl Harbour, as my Dad was honored with a dedication at the State Capital in St. Paul by the Gov. J. Ventura today at a ceremony. My prayers go out to Tyler and his family. Greg his brother has passed. Having talked to my brother who was in Greg's class was sad to hear of Greg's passing. Being a day to remember and pray. Suzanne

Hello all, the following was posted on the Class of 73 guestbook today by Claire Pierides Erickson:

Just wanted to let everyone know that Mrs. Barry's husband died and will be buried at Arlington next week. If anyone is interested in sending a card, her address is:
Margaret Barry, 2327 West Island Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Thanks to whomever took the time to get the picture of Mr Landes out to the rest of the grads. My doesn't time fly?

David, that's wonderful news about your son. We sure do appreciate him and all the others taking care of us. My fifth grandbaby is due in Feb. It is a boy.

Grandbaby #2 is on the way for us! Amy didn't want to know the gender with Clio and is hoping to be likewise suprised with this one. Due in June! David, I'm glad your son is safe. ss

David, sorry for your son getting wounded, but congrats for him being home, thank him for me also. Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! It has been a very busy couple of months for me as well, so never have the time to write. David and I, my sister and her husband, and my parents went out to Seattle in Sep to get my Grandmother's house cleaned out and ready to sell. She had to go into an Elder Care Home near where she lives. She could no longer live alone and care for herself. She will be 100 in March! She is doing very well at the home, there are only 6 women in this private facility, with round the clock care. Her long term memory is still there, but sometimes her short term memory is lost. She loves the Mariners and watches all the games. As a matter of fact 40 years ago when Kennedy was shot, we were living with her and my Grandfather that year. My father was in Korea, so I spent 4th grade there. I remember it was around lunch time and a girl from my class always went home for lunch, and when she came back to school we were on the playground and she told us. We went inside and all the teachers were in one room listening to the radio. I'll never forget it. Oh, I know I told you that David and I were going to be grandparents, but I don't think I've written since I knew the sex. It is a girl! So since we raised two boys, this will be a really nice adventure for us. Hope all of you are happy and safe.

David, Congratulations on Derek's return. Thank him for me.

First of all I want to wish everyone a safe and happy thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful on this Thursday 27 of November. My third son Derek gets out of the Marines today. Last March 31 thirty miles outside of Bagdad he was wounded we almost lost him. At that time he was a squard leader of eight men. I'm very proud of him and what he did for our country! So Im very thankful on this day.

There is a nice picture of Shelby Harris in the obituary section of Weds. Washington Post.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Hello, all! I've missed you all, but I know we have all been very busy. Where does the time go? I thought it went by much too quickly when we were celebrating our 30th high school reunion, but today marks the 40th anniversary of JFK's assasination! It doesn't seem possible. That was one of those events we baby boomers all remember where we were and what we were doing at the time we heard about it. I was in 4th grade, living outside Chicago and was home sick that day. Verna Kuhl was my next door neighbor, a couple of years younger, and home from school that day as well. We were playing a card game in front of the television. "Let's Make A Deal" (with Monte Hall- and the lovely Carol Merrill as well!) was on when they interrupted the program with the audio message that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, Texas- further details would be available as they came in. That was such a vivid memory and there have been many interesting TV shows about it all this week. Soooo- where were you and what were you doing when you heard that news 40 SHORT years ago?

OK It is great to hear the music where are the notes folks. .? The Great Pumpkin has past! The Lunar eclipes is tomorrow eve. after 6:30pm. I will be on a hill looking over the valley to the east during some phase of the event. Anyone hear from Ernie Schultz yet, Lou my sister was wondering. There was the 25th silver anniversary of the Rye Hill Poetry Reading. It was initiated by the most talented in the drama thespian stage personell Chipper Chase. It is an annual event in a special mountain location on the 1 or 2 sunday of Oct. It was fun, to read and listen and see the mts. in full fall glory plus socialize in the outdoors closeby. suzanne H

Hello All....Just Checking in. Where is Everybody?

Sharon Hulvey Almquist, this is the most interesting way to reunite with an old friend that entered my days as a new freshman away from home and high school friends. Your email bounced back enclosing my address. How wonderful i love this site! Should we have a 33 1/3 reunion in respect of the age we grew up with the album era? Write one and all, everyone is too quiet. Color of the fall is fading, and we all recieved that treasured extra hour of rest in beautitication this weekend as we fell back in time. s H.

i love your site

I am not a member of y'alls class but an old friend of Suzanne Hajdu's from JMU and the Shenandoah Valley. Just wanted to say Hello and would love to see you sometime, Suzanne. I'm still living on the southshore coast of MA with my husband, John and daughter, Jenna. Last time in VA was August to see my Mom. Would love for you to visit up here sometime. I don't usually use my home email so if, for some reason, I did not post it correctly my business email is salmqu1@hallmark.com. And, if you really don't remember me by Almquist, my maiden name is Hulvey. Hope to hear from you.....Sharon

Hello All....Just a short note to say hey. I "crashed" the '73 re-union party at The Sheraton in Alexandria this past Friday Night. I went with my sister Nancy. I understand that Brad Mitchell put it together. He did a nice job. It was nice seeing some of the "under class people" after ALL these years. Hope everyone is doing well..

I didn't have power off for 9 days. I was just "wowing" the fact that Robin's was. Mine was "only" off for four days. But so was water. Had to visit the in-laws to take showers after cutting up some small trees I lost. Was able to heat water under my deck awning with my propane grill. Felt like camping at home. Now I just have to repair the non-standard American "Standard" toilets now that water is back (assuming I can find the parts and they don't cost more than a new standard toilet). Kicks just keep getting harder to find!

Wow John, 9 days-and I thought it was bad to go 30 hours with no electricity. We were VERY lucky, no trees down and no damage-unlike a few of our neighbors. We always had our water and could shower and flush. Man, the things we take for granted sometimes! Hope everything is back to normal for everyone.

So those that do not fear to live in the middle of nowhere are not taken by such things as power outages. I've always drawn about 4 or 5 large cooking pots full of water at the beginning of a good storm. Now, were not most of us taught the saying to be prepared. IT should be assigned to our thoughts of being ready for some kind of an unusual, happy or not so happy event. So now, consider this very soon there will be frost on the pumpkin. Those plants that may be on the porch during summer need a sure moving inside vacation. I have a crop that regenerates itself throughout the winter. It's a gerainium potted flower I've been keeping for 5 years, that faithfully has about 15 or so blooms come thanksgiving. Also the porch now has a bit of wood for those cool times and my neighbor has a fire this evening. SH

and then there are those of us who live on the side of a mountain in the middle of nowhere who had power within 48 hours!!! How lucky can you get? Sandy snyder

The power was restored in my neighborhood around 7pm Saturday night, DAY 10. We were so relieved!

I have been thinking about all of you DC-area classmates, having seen the pictures of people canoeing in Old Town and also reading about the flooding in the Belle View area. John, 9 days w/o power?! Not fun. I did hear that Riverside Estates had all of its power on in a couple of days. Is everybody back to normal now?

Wow! Nine days without power! I thought four days was bad; but I had no water for four days, being on a well. I was just going out to refill three 5-gallon containers with flush water when the power came back on. Luckily, I only lost a couple of small trees. Nothing serious. Felt lucky, too. Didn't need all the extra work at the end of the fiscal year, though.

Hi, To all the snow may be reflecting like crystals on the snow soon. Enjoy the Indian summer as we usually have one, to be reminded that winter is only a few months. The fall colors and sunsets will become our visions of beauty as we commute and end our daily journey. Hope all that power is restored. S>H.

Just checking in...it is now DAY 9 without power, without hot water, but no damage to my house and property. Thankful for that! There were a lot of trees downed in my neighborhood and about 5 houses were damaged. Had to trash all food from the frig & freezer. I'm sick of eating out at restaurants and I'm looking forward to a good home-cooked meal when I am able to cook again! But I can't complain too much because there are lots of others worse off. Take care all!

Having survived hurricane Andrew, I can sympathize with those still awaiting their electrical power. It was cold food for almost one week. I recently gained a son in law, my oldest is a lawyer in Orlando and was married two months ago. My youngest started Emory U. so we are now empty nesters. I cannot believe that 50 is around the corner. The only benefit is joining the over 50 tennis league so I will no longer compete with much younger players who never get tired.

Just checking in. Man what a storm !!!! I hope ALL of you are safe and sound. Gary !

Hi it was good not to loose power. Some trees are down in the field and below the house. Other than that it was about 12" 30 mi. away. Going to go out and see how much water is in the rivers and hear the large flow go on by heading to the lower potomac river or the James. They may have some problems once it makes it way to Richmond. My broccoli's are bent but are still in the ground. A few trees need cutting so "Paul Bunyon where art thou?" Future firewood is in the making. Carolina outer banks has changed though.

So, uh..... How's the weather?

Frank-Your email address is bouncing. Did you change it?

ANNE! E-MAIL ADDRESS PLEASE, YOU WILD WOMAN! I might embarrass tender ears (more probably your own) if I were to have a "normal," public conversation with you - dear one!

HELLO CLASS !! It's been way too long that I've even looked at this page. I'm glad to see that it's STILL up and running. I hope everybody had a great summer. I sure did. The weather here in DC is bee-u-ti-full today. I think I have a "few appointments" that are going to keep me out of the office most of the day...Gary

Well, well...life is returning to the Guestbook at last! Yes, everyone has been busy, busy, busy! Hasn't this been a pleasant summer? Lots of rain, not too hot, and the past few days have been wonderful! Janine and Anne, I've missed talking to you! We need to get together soon! Take care all and let's keep in touch!

Hello, all! I actually wrote on the Guest Book about 3 weeks ago when I got back from vacation. We were having a wicked thunderstorm in Northern VA at the time, and just as I was pressing the "send" key, the lights momentarily went off. So much for my entry! Since we have been having nice sunny weather lately, thought I would try again. Sounds like the whole group has been keeping busy and having a great summer. Remember when summer seemed to come to an end and autumn would start right after the Labor Day weekend? It still feels like summer now, so is it just me or do others feel it too?

Suzanne-I was hoping to have seen you this summer on the New England road trip you contemplated at the reunion?? Western Mass is great for hiking, biking and rafting and the native corn and tomatoes are the best! So Nature lady Suzanne, get your calendar out now for next summer! There are enough of us up here to do a mini reunion! Also, sadly droppped off oldest daughter at Georgetown 2 wks ago. And yes, the Tombs is still there and EXACTLY the same. Peter- it doesn't look like we will make it to Parent's Weekend at GT. My son still loves the Graham Nash book you procured for us. Thanks again. Janine- What happened to the Reunion T Shirts? I never got mine. Is the order still mixed up? Go Red Sox! Pam

Some are waking, it must be this good sleepin' weather. Went for a beautiful hike in Geo. Wash. Forest about 15 SW of here. Sister Lucy also, it is changing and the fall colors will be good. If anyone should want to go on a road or short hike less traveled than skyline I would be happy meet if on a weekend. We started at 11:30 only saw 2 mt. bikers on trail. Well, going to take the Vir&ia out of the beautiful state I live in and add some ice, tonic and mint and lime. The porch swing is calling. Good evening for crickets chirp'n. suzanne H

Peter? You not only beat me to it -- I knew nothing about it! Maybe I have truly removed myself from that world after all! Here's the link. And those one-time at band camp stories the article starts with - totally true - I was there! As to Andy and Kendrick's antics -- as usual there's more to the story but suffice it to say -- the kid's only ever got away with as much as the chaperones and staff allowed them to ;) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5347-2003Aug30.html Annie, dear? Hello! Wanna provide an email address to go with your name now that you've come into the 21st Century? Or email me - we need a good chat again. Take care all.

Hi all, I've been MIA, busy, busy, busy. I know quite a few of you hve beenb keeping in touch. Hope all is well with you all. Hello, to Amanda, Janine & Sue Wolff. I'm leaving this screen to catch up on the latest scoop in the guest book now that I'm able to get on-line again.

Gentlepeople: I must be beating Janine to the proverbial punch, but there was an interesting article in Sunday's Washington Post about band camp which features the Mount Vernon High School Band. While I have never experienced "band camp," it was really a nice article, especially for those who have gone. "Band geeks" should be proud. I would have done a link to the website, but my two previous attempts to be Internet literate have failed. If someone more technically versed wants to try; it, please do so. If not, anyone interested could accessed the article on the Washington Post website. Hope all is well. Peace...Peter S. Cruttenden

You all should be cooling off, or it is that Mars is out there and is so close that we have been seeing red! Come on now invision where you were when the bus or if you would walk or ride a bike to the ole plant what were we thinking?. Now have we been taking our vitamins this summer? It is like waking up a bunch of over grown kids. Yes, it is kind of like: that old "Seabiscuit", now the only thing that would be missing are the rules of overcoming and winning now wake up, this horse is not sleeping. Cooler air is breathing on my broccoli plants. Bye Suzianna

Sarah Simpkins has recently reported in from the land of the missing. Still waiting for the info for Greta McKee and Diane Lacey to remove them from the missing list.

Also, the links to the photo albums have been updated (finally!!).

This is the best kept secret and now it is on the gossip section of the hallowed halls of the Mvee on the move roving reporter. It would be fun to have white oak bark or Hemlock tea. Would be a good stop, not far from the main thru way. It sure can be amazing sights. Been biking on some of the Nat. Forest fire roads not far for heart exercise. Long hills but just keep peddling till ya reach the top ya can always get down and walk, thank God. Hope to see ya this fall on the way to some schools. Suzanne

Hey Suzanne. Drove through your county a couple of weeks ago on the way back from a camping trip near Claytor lake. Sorry I didn't have time to stop in for tea. I was pulling the Troop trailer home, so I had to arrive with the rest of the troop. Maybe next time. It was the most beautiful day I ever saw. Received STAR COUNTRY on the radio half way up the valley. I never saw the Valley look so good to me, even though it has been calling me all my life. I need to move there some day. The sooner the better!

Hi all the 13 to 14 yr old Jr. League baseball are playing there world series playoffs. The team to beat is from Bridgewater VA, in our famous Rockingham Co. So they may be on espn 2 on Sat at 5 or 6 pm. Check it out. Let's hope they can get the lights back on if any are using their oil lamps, be careful. Suzanne

That's great Bill. It's about 5 pounds if nothing changes between now and then.

Hey Donna, How much is $8.00 in British Pounds per dozen. I'll be over there next year. I'll need to know where and how much to spend with my converted currency. Thanks! - Bill

This must be official cause I heard it from USA Today. She said today that if you eat KK glazed donuts hot, they melt in your mouth. Because you don't chew they have no calories. Good news for everyone! If only that could be true. They are getting a KK in Great Britain, and a dozen donuts will sell for about $8.00. I think we are supposed to get one next year.

Pat, in Arkansas we start school on monday as well. Schools up north usually start after labor day I think. Seniors graduate in May here but the rest of the kids get out the first week of June.

OK, everybody, this is way too quiet. I think the Guest Book has the summer doldrums - it's been 3 wks since Mike's posting! Right now I am jealous of you Virginians enjoying the entire summer month of August; in NC we are going back to school next week. Didn't we always start on the Tuesday after Labor Day?

Frank- Count me in, I'm always up for getting together with all of you! Beth and Dave- Wow, a Toga Party-now that brings back memories!

Hey all it seems my message would not post but, I do love the clouds. How about a " River I could skate away on" . So it would be good for a minnie group keep us posted. Gathering some green beans and have a few green tomatoes. Ya'll take care ole Suzianna from Vi'gin'ia is signing off. Have a great Saturday.

Jody and Beth, let's all sing along.

Jody, If you get really desperate you can always go "Back to School" like Rodney Dangerfield :)

i am looking for yearbooks that are old and new that are from kentucky and tennessee schools were i can see pictures of my old friends i went to school with

Jody, I've been there, done that twice!! And it isn't a pretty picture. You will miss her and it is hard, though it is good now with e-mail. I didn't have that with my first. but the good side is that the others that are still at home (I only had one left at home) you do get closer to, because you have the one or ones more to yourself, if you know what I mean. But don't let people tell you, "well you still have so and so at home", you will still miss her because of who she is, am I making any sense? Well I hope that helped, just be prepared for the house to feel "empty" because it will, even if you had a ton of people living there. -- Beth

I vote for Krispy Kreme!!! They have a local brand "LaMars" that beat KK in a policeman test...but we know better!! Congrats on all the grandkids!! I need some advice from all you "experts" on how to get through dropping the first kid off at college!! Brittny starts at Colorado State end of August and I'm going to miss her terribly!! Maybe KK's to the rescue??

David and I are sure up for a mini..he was just talking about it around a month ago saying we should all get together again. Oh and mark you calendars for October, cuz we are going to have a Toga Party and we all just have to get together again then.. EVERYBODY!!

Suzanne - 'Ms. Alabama' told me that she was planning a trip up north sometime soon. Sounds like an excuse for a dinner get-together. John? Steve? Mike? Dave/Beth? Robin? Janine? Ruth? Y'all check in now...

Hi all, Went to the Huntington metro and visited the Art Gallery to view Frederic Remington's: "The Color of Night" oil paintings. I hope some of you that are so close had a chance to see those amazing canvass creations. Then to see the moonlight, snow, firelite and stars depicted so vividly. Cowboys and Indians as only we had in American's early life. If any are getting together let me know, it was good to see all the building in DC that brought back memories. Hope all are having a good summer. Suzanne

Ward, thanks for the reminder about the Do Not Call registry. I hope it works! Like everybody else, we are buried under telemarketing calls and would welcome ANY relief.

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT AND SAFE FOURTH!! THANKS FOR BEING THERE YA'LL

Hi All, Just thinking about this time last year when we were all preparing for the reunion--some with more prep than others. I hope all of you who worked so hard to plan a great event last year are able to relax and enjoy this holiday, whether hanging at home with the fam or taking a well deserved vacation. We just got back from a week with our 23 year old daughter and some old friends the OBX. It was odd having my daughter hang out with us, drinking margaritas and hearing some of our stories of days gone by. She couldn't wait to call her brother! And John, just to keep you up to date on our most recent concert activities, in the last few months we've seen Bruce Springsteen, Little Feat, and the Nighthawks. There are some free shows downtown in the summer including Chris Duarte, Dickie Betts, and some others, so hope to catch a few of those too. Anyway, just wanted to check in and say hello and I hope you all have a great holiday. Oh, and if anyone passes through Rochester (possibly on your way to Niagara Falls), please give me a call. Peace