Announcing a new Facebook Group and a new Blog


We have created a new Facebook Group called

The Childress (Texas) High School Classes of 1960-1966

Created for anyone from the Childress (Texas) High School classes of 1960-1966 who is looking to reconnect or connect with former friends and classmates.

If you are currently a member of Facebook or if you are planning to become a member of Facebook, we invite you to join the group. Contact either Nicki or Jennifer for information.

You are also invited to visit our new blog, Voices From the Class of '63,

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Bobcat Treasure....Amarillo Style

Today couldn't have been a more beautiful day! The weather was absolutely perfect--the kind that if you live in the Texas Panhandle you learn to treasure. After days of wind of the worst sort, it was calm with only a slight chill in the air. Truthfully, it was a day that normally would have sent Jim speeding to the golf course. But this was not to be a normal day. We had been invited to the home of our CHS classmate, Pat Davenport Shapiro, for brunch with Jennifer before she made the trek to Albuquerque on her way home to Las Vegas after visiting her Clarendon daughter and with Raenell in Childress. We had not really seen either Pat or Jennifer in more years than Jim or I can remember. As you all know we have recently established a great relationship with Jennifer on this blogspot, and it feels as if we have been seeing her quite often. However, we had totally lost contact with Pat, so it was a big surprise to learn through Jennifer that Pat lives in Amarillo and most surprisingly her home is located less than a mile from our house. Actually, her house shares an alley with my older brother. Once again the world feels much smaller!

I was a bit nervous before we arrived, thinking what if we didn't have any thing to talk about! However, from the moment we stepped in the door, I was totally at ease and conversation flowed freely for two hours. Of course, we had many things to talk about and if any of you had burning ears today, you know why!! We reminisced about the old days, caught up on lost classmates, and even explored possible locations for a 45th or 50th year reunion for the class of 1963. (viva Las Vegas) Most of all we relished the opportunity to spend time with Pat and Jennifer, to see them face to face. Pat had prepared a great meal for us and we loved getting to tour her wonderful home. Pat and her husband, Alan, have 3 grown children between the two of them. Pat shared pictures of her two handsome sons along with their wives and the three grandchildren which are a source of pride and joy to Pat. However, I have to say that I absolutely fell in love with the 2 little fur balls, Pixie and Scruffy, that allow Pat and Alan to live with them. Cute does not begin to describe them and they are extremely well behaved and love to have company. They were quite happy to pose for a picture with my Jim and Pat.

The visit came to an end when Jennifer could no longer delay her trip on to Albuquerque. We hated to see her go knowing that she had such a long drive ahead of her before she would finally get home to Las Vegas and Yahn who was unable to make the trip. We were really sorry that we didn't get to meet him, but hopefully we will have that pleasure another time.

Jim left to get to the golf course, not even complaining that he was late getting there. We both had a great time thanks to the hospitality of Pat, Pixie, and Scruffy, and Jennifer's quick wit and wonderful stories. Jennifer has already called to let us know that she arrived safely in Albuquerque so we

will look forward to seeing her back on the blog soon.


Today really was a treasure, and it is my pleasure to share it with each of you.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Man oh Man!!!....I wish I could have been there to visit with all of you.....looks and sounds like you all had a great time....if we get around to a reunion you can count me in.....

twas great seeing Pat again.....I have the greatest memories of her and her entire family...

later
Sprad

Anonymous said...

What fun! I'm so glad you had such a great visit, not to mention wonderful weather. Everyone looks terrific in the photos----good to see all healthy & happy.
It is amazing how comfortable it is to fall right in with our old classmates, as if 45 years weren't behind us......like going to the closet and pulling out your old, favorite, comfortable, warm, fuzzy shirt.

Jennifer Johnston said...

Home again, home again ... and back with my darling Yahn. As always, the loooong trip produced a wealth of ruminations, and conjecture, and a good deal of off-key singing to my CDs ... one epiphany (albeit of the "well, duh!" variety), a verrrry interesting idea to ponder, and the genesis of a future blogpost on the nature and meaning of home.

I also received a wonderful e-mail from Jim Spradley, Sr., which I will share with all of you as soon as I catch up, probably tomorrow ... also concerned, coincidentally, with thoughts of "home".

What a wonderful visit we had at Pat's house, which you have beautifully described! Pat's efforts were certainly appreciated. It was so good to see all of you again, and to have a chance to visit "in person" with you and Jim, as well as Pat. Pixie and Scruffy were too adorable!

I think the idea of a reunion in Las Vegas sounds fabulous ... and I certainly volunteer to do a lot of the legwork ... I have connections!!! The question is ... when? I know there is a certain cachet to doing on the 50th anniversary ... but do we want to ... CAN we, without tempting Fate ... wait that long???

I just have one more question. Who WAS that old woman posed between you and Pat? I don't recognize her at all ....