My Friend Hilda

It was after Sunrise Service and we were all standing on the church parking lot/cemetary at Bellefontaine Methodist Church. The Morgan Family were at the worship service. Tom, the youngest son was our friend and the motherk, Eloise was the librarian at the school where I was a Freshman (Riverview Gardens) We introduced ourselves and the older brother Harry, smiled, made eye contact but the middle brother Dave looked right through us. . . . That didn't stop Hilda from fluttering her eyelashes and swooning after the meeting. . . . I was not impressed, Dave was very handsome, but I did not appreciate his attitude. That first meeting might have tainted my feelings about Dave Morgan when I met him the second, third, fourth and fifth times: very handsome but "stuck up". I'm sure Hilda never thought I'd actually marry Dave 11 years later.

We lost touch in college, but Hilda did know we married. I always felt a little guilty since she had "dibs" on him in 1960. On April 8, 2024, Hilda has been gone for 30 years. I still miss and remember her. RIP

Have you ever had a friend who would talk you into doing things you would have never done on your own? My friend Hilda really wanted to meet Dave Morgan who was President of his Senior Class at Hazelwood where she was a Freshman.

High School Reunion Dinner Dance≈

B. Conde, Ginny and J. Forbis

Kathy, Margie and Carol

 We had our 50th Reunion at Embassy Suites which was a great location---convenient to the airport and yet easy for the rest of us to get to.  The rooms were affordable, large and included breakfast and a snack for dinner.  We had a large banquet room Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning for gatherings.  We had a sit-down dinner, cash bar with a souvenir book with our classmates current data.  We talked, and laughed, and danced, and traded stories, and took photos.

Cindy and B. Morse

Jane, B. Peterson and Jane's husband

R. Mingo, Leah, Jaclyn, B.Peterson

J. Earle, Joyce, D. Hawk

P.Comer and G. Blase

Carol, Jane and Eileen

Ann and hubby

Margie and hubby

B. Peterson, S. Green, D. Bopp (and wife), C. White 

Barb and Sandy

Group photo (missing many because there were too many)

Gibson School

B. Shearer missed the Gibson photo with K. Joyce and B. Wood

Margie, Joan, Jane, Jaclyn, Beverly, Kathy

Glasgow School

Patty, organizer and photographer

Lunch with Margie

 One of the advantages to visiting Leah in Dallas, is getting to visit old friends.

 My grade school friend Margie and I met for lunch and strolled around the shopping center.  This one had heaters, fire place and arm chairs.

 There was also a dog park and play space for children which included a Texas Maze.  You hardly ever see a Maze in the shape of Missouri. . .

 But, we also enjoyed the blooming flowers--iris. . .

 a rose. . .

 and the most magnificent pansy displays!

Texas Fun

 
While in Texas, we also had a chance to meet up with several friends and relatives.

 Four of us who have been friends since Gibson School were able to meet for lunch---two of us brought our daughters too.  Above is Aimee next to her mother Kathy and then, Margie (going back to 3rd grade)

 We met in McKinney for Lunch and we really had more fun than the photos show. My daughter Leah with friend Carol.  If we'd had Joan and Carol Rittel, our day would have been the perfect reunion.  We figured out that the four of us hadn't been together as a group since college. . . .
We also got to see my sister briefly, but she didn't want her photo taken---this wasn't too bad considering it was my camera held to my side and pointed backwards!

 Leah's friend and our former neighbor, Lauren, also came by to give Leah some decorating advise. . .how did I NOT get her photo.

 We had a lot of fun with our youngest grandchildren.

 Eli has become such a good artist. . .

 But, Anna hasn't quite mastered staying on the paper. . .

 We enjoyed their new 3-D TV---Yogi Bear movie had great special effects.

 And, of course we had a lot of snuggle moments.

 The play ground in their neighborhood was more fun than in July.

 It was a great visit!  We DO seem to have a lot of people to visit when we go to Dallas!

One is Silver, The Other Gold

 "Make new friends. . . .
But keep, the old. . .

 One is silver. . . .

 The other gold."

 I think of that song often---I learned it in Girl Scouts.  Coincidentally (or not), my golden "old" friends are from Girl Scouts.  Kathy (with me in front of the fireplace) and Carol above with her daughter and husband were grade school, high school and Girl Scout friends.

One of the best things about being retired is being free to visit with friends whether they are in Texas or Missouri.  This grouping of "new" friends is from church.  The Drakes and Tenapases above have been friends for over 30 years, but my definition of "old" friends are people we've known before 1971 when we married.

As much as I love going out to eat with teacher friends (the first group of photos), "old" friends, church friends (the last group), I just wish it didn't all show on the scale the next day.  So, I guess I'll go to Wellbridge a few more times this week and work out with some of my newest friends---those I've made since I retired.

New Houses!

The Warrens bought a lovely home in McKinney near one of my high school friends who also just moved there in March. First, the Warrens' new house.

 As you enter their house, the living room is to your left where the piano also is.

 The dining room (with my sister Jane) is down the hall.

 Between the living room, guestroom/study and dining room is this open area across from the dining room.

 Next comes the kitchen and family room.  Above are Leah and Richard in the kitchen

 Todd, Doug (my nephew) and Eli are in the family room. . . .

 With Dave in the recliner :-)

Not too far from Leah and Todd's, is my friend Kathy with whom I was in Girl Scouts, German class and church.  Kathy stopped by to see us at Leah's and invited us over to her "new" home which was very elegant.

My favorite was their outdoor living space, fireplace and beautiful view.

Kathy's favorite is her beautiful wood paneled study (including a paneled ceiling).

Her husband, Lee, is standing by the most elegant garage cabinets I've ever seen.  These maple cabinets were salvaged from their new house that caught fire.  McKinney is very lucky to have two such wonderful families join its community!