Finally....Chloe Alyssa Rollins was born this afternoon at 3:30 on her Nana and Mommys birthday. She weighed 8lb. 11 oz. The smallest of all the grandbabies. She had a little rough start but is doing much better. Hopefully, I can hold her tomorrow. Papa and I watched the other two all day and then drove to the hospital with them to see their mommy. Special treat of McDonalds to celebrate having a new sister. (Not a treat for me...but oh well...once in a while, not exactly birthday gourmet!

Debbie tells me that we have 33 postive RSVP so far. Kelly Harrington, Christine Buckingham Pixey and Sue Goding Cass have said they can't make it.

The float is based on Richard's idea of a park bench and they are looking for people to wear masks and sit on the bench, John Candy and Steve Martin I believe.

Next meeting is at MacDonald's, Monday, May 21 at 6:30.

Why Richard, you poor put upon fellow. How you must suffer for your art..............

I don't think I'd trust that suspended viewing deck! I'm embarrassed to say I still haven't been to the Grand Canyon even though it's not that far from us. Or Napa Valley. Maybe I have to find an engineering job so I can go see those places.

pat, these particular areas are locations of customers and there is a three day conference in napa that got me out here to begin with. the grand canyon is my side trip today. by the way, i do not plan on spending $75+ to look down through the new suspended glass viewing deck into the 1000' drop canyon below. the simple answer is that hi-tech companies like to locate in nice places (which are often close to companies that spun them off some time prior). so you can see that i am pretty much forced to go to nice places even though i would much rather go somewhere like buffalo in mid-winter to pay penance for whatever must have happened in my earlier lives. the fact that i am traveling with a beautiful engineer this time is just luck.

Sounds like great spots to travel Richard, If I may ask though, how does your business send you to these terrific area?

The snow we had yesterday is gone again but it was very wet and heavy and smashed my screen room. OOps guess I should have watched the weather and prepared better.

Think I'll write to Debbie and see if we can get an update on the reunion plans. I haven't heard anything in weeks. Small or large I'm looking forward to it!

like willie nelson- i am on the road again. it has been a magic time. thankfuly, the locations have not included newark. i am in portland, oregon right now after four days in napa, a day in san francisco and a few in vancouver. phoenix, grand canyon, and huntington beach are still on the itinerary. it is a biz trip with some time for fun. i have to pinch myself daily as the sites have been just that sweet. this may be the first time that i do not think i was reincarnated to live a life for being a bad pooty cat in the last one.

We left VT at 8:30pm we arrived in NC at 10am...Stayed in Durham last night at my sister-in-laws. Got to my daughters in time to pick Caleb up at preschool. The teacher said she definitely could tell who I was picking up (Caleb is a redhead)...so that was funny. It is now rest time where the little one is napping and Caleb is playing with Papa! Great activity. I am sure it'll be my turn soon! New baby is set to come on Saturday (csection) on Birthdays...so.... Happy Thoughts..............

I'm sorry to hear that Karen V probably won't make it this time. I'll have to make arrangements to et over sometime this summer. Maybe she'll be there while I'm at camp in NH. I'm bringing my photos Lori, I hope others do too.

One more week and I'll be in Knoxville,TN at the University of TN. Does anyone live near there? I don't think so.

Thanks everybody! I'll be checking in when I'm down there and keep you posted!
Happy Thoughts...........

Kathi, I travel quite a lot and I still get overwhelmed when I have to pack, so I totally understand. We'll be waiting to hear about the birth of the baby. Happy Birthday to all of you!

Patti, in case Karen V. isn't reading the blog, I just wanted to mention that I wrote to her to ask if she'll be coming to the reunion. She didn't think she'd make it this time because she'll be in the middle of studying. She might go to Vermont when the course is finished, but that would be later in the summer. Bring those pictures you have!

Happy birthday early Kathi and let's hope for a third generation on the 19th. That would be pretty unusual.

We've been working on our flood clean up still. I found a box of photos from high school. Amazingly I haven't seen it in years. Several of those folders you could write long "Wish you wells" on. Footbll team photos, I don't know why I have those. Rick Ingalls, John Sakevich. Jeez, it was fun looking them over. I'm going to bring them along in June. Karen V there were pictures of you and I down at the information both. Do you remember Milton Herrick who used to come down and take pictures? Thinking back was that a little creepy perhaps???? I even invited him to my wedding. Are you coming to the reunion???

Safe travels Kathi, weather is clear down here.

Don't worry Lori, we'll find you! We are such "party" animals....right. I haven't heard what went on at the last meeting.
Leaving tomorrow pm for NC....I think because I don't travel much...I get overwhelmed at packing and trying to get things ready to leave home. Once I am on the road it'll be fine. We are all hoping that little Chloe (I think) will make her arrival on Saturday, which is both mine and my daughters birthdays...baby would make 3 generations born on May 19.(Its also my twin brothers...but he won't count!) So, keep your fingers crossed!
Happy Thoughts to all...........

Is that what party means--"visiting with a few old friends"?!!! Okay, I'll keep my mind open--but if you can't find me, go without me!

I'll be surprised to find myself to going off to another party either Lori but perhaps I'll be inspired??? If I am, I'm dragging you along with me so be ready. Anything could happen!

We raised over a thousand dollars this afternoon on a car wash. The money put us over the top in our fund raising efforts for our DI trip in a couple of weeks.

I watched a truly wonderful PBS program on Yusuf Islam *(formerly Cat Stevens) this evening. He has an amazing ability to live within the confines of his belief structure. A man of peace for certain.

I don't think I'll have energy for another party after ours ends, but I guess I'm in the minority. I'm not what you call a party animal!

Truly Lori, you're right about the upside of the flood. We are having to finally make decisions about "stuff" we should have made a long time ago. We have found things we didin't know we had. That can't be good.

Has anyone heard from the reunion committee of late. I'm wondering how the numbers of rsvps are looking. Also if a decision was made regarding paying another class $200 to join them after ours ended. What other things might have been decided on. Will we or will we not have music at ours?

I wish a pipe would burst in one of our rooms that's like a walk-in closet full of junk. Then we'd be forced to throw things out..... maybe I better not wish for that.

Karen, that's really nice what your daughter wrote about you. Nice to be appreciated!

I came home around 7 last night from my knitting group to find Dave hauling everything out of our basement storage. We had a pipe burst and spent the next few hours working on the trying to save things. There'll be a major trip to the dump on Sat. The thing I feel the worst about is my Dad's 78's. They were in oringal storage boxes and wrappers most of which were destroyed. Many were wrapped in newspapers he had cut to fit the albums. Only one album was broken though and that was sure a relief. Anyone interested in some mosist National Geographics??

I think its sweet....the boys are probably jealous they have to go and buy a gift!! lol.
Its nice when they get older and understand there are sacrifices that we make for them...even if we grumble...they love us anyways! Happy Thoughts..........

P.S. Are you going to tell us what she wrote?

Karen, I cried just reading what you wrote. It's so moving! That's the best prize you could get.

Karen, you are one lucky mom. Cry all you want and enjoy it. What a wonderful treat, I can't think of anything more wonderful. Happy Mother's Day, ladies!!

I think that its nice that lots of them get together and do things...my youngest sister is really involved with them, taking the trip to Washington, etc. Personally, I tend to stick to family members and close friends. We do all share something that others really don't know and I pray they never do. I went to the High School today where Norwich showed it to the student body. It was received well ....I even spoke a few words in front of the audience...imagine that...have no clue what I said but they were nice after so I guess I didn't embarrass myself too badly. There is a public showing tonight at 7... hopefully, that will go as well. Thanks for listening....Happy Thoughts...........

I haven't seen the memorial, but I just saw the Vermont Fallen segment of the Today show. So sad. Kathi, do you agree with what they said, that it helped in the healing process--being with other families going through the same trauma and talking about it for the documentary?

Dave and I visited that rest area last summer. I agree with both your perspectives. The memorial was very moving and a wonderful reminder of what is truly important. The water clean up project was so unusual. A gret idea and one we need to spend more time on. It was hrd to get back in the car and move on. there was a lot I would have liked to spend more time on there.

eric, i agree with you. the re-do of the rest area is an incredible example of vermont doing it, once again, the way we have done it forever. the rest area has a loud and clear statement that says we remember our fallen from the past and we know ourselves for who we really are because we have that perspective. the fact that there is a self contained water treatment system (a living machine) that purifies all of the septic generated at that location is one more major, "HELLO WORLD, WAKE UP, PLEASE," which is there, cuz that's the way we are.

In addition to the Vermont Fallen presentation, I would recommend anybody traveling north on 89 just past White River, stop and view the memorial that has been created there. I got a chance to see it last year and was very moved. I admit to a certain view due to my years of service but I promise you will not be wasting your time.

Brian...glad you remember me! I am certainly not upset and don't think you are clueless. I just pass on the information about the VERMONT FALLEN because it is very close to my heart. I don't wish to impose political issues and view this only from a personal view. Under no circumstances to I want anyone to feel obligated, just aware.
Hope all is going well in your life and we get to see you at the reunion!
Going to be another beautiful day here in VT.....
Happy Thoughts..............

Hi Kathi, yup, I sure do remember you. You are an awesome human being. It is so nice to talk with you again.

I can be kind of clueless at times, I haven't read the past few years of postings, so please forgive me if I blunder foolishly, okay? I had no idea Vermont Fallen was about those unbelievabley brave people killed in millitary service, though I should have if I only thought for a few moments longer. Thanks for the heads up on the upcoming show, I'll try to see it.

Love,
-=Brian

Hi Brian...remember me??? I only ask because at the meeting we had in March...John had no idea who I was so I thought it was really great that I had made such a good impression! lol.
For anyone interested....The Today Show is doing a piece on Wednesday morning (around 9:40) on VERMONT FALLEN. I don't know what piece they are showing but they are interviewing the Professor and the students from Norwich who worked on it. That is the same day that Norwich is showing it at Springfield High School for the student body. It is also being shown in the evening at 7:00.
Happy Thoughts everyone!

Hi Brian, I'm really glad to see that you've rejoined us. I'v e been stumped with a few things here on the site and as the originator of the blog only you could ""formally" do the change-over so thanks for coming. We have two outstanding invitations only because those that were there disappeared one day the site management didn't some kind of upgrade. I've added in two more invitations but nothing has happend yet. There used to be a larger number of people who could post but mostly if they came at all they just read and didn't comment. Not nice. I've been sending e-mails to invite as I've heard from people about the reunion but the site is not for everyone naturally.

I'm sory to hear about Michelle, I didn't know that she was gone. It makes me wonder how many other of our other missing members are just not here at all. Even after all these years it's hard to hear about. I'll be sure to send a note to the John L in case he doesn't see your message. It's been many years since we lost Charlie. Wasn't it just before a reunion??

Hi, Brian! It's always nice when you surprise us and reappear. You should come to the reunion. It would be nice to see you again.

Yeah Karen, I still got a crush on you, of course. And Lori too, for that matter. Some things never change.

Some things do. Michele died apparently of alcoholism in Burlington last year, but I haven't been able to find any details. I remember the last time I saw her was at the Flynn Theatre in Burlington maybe 6 years ago. She was blinking in a very slow fog. She looked pretty good, but I was kind of shocked to see that her mind was operating at a minimum setting. I wondered at the time if it was alcohol or drugs. Maybe it was both. It's sad.

You know how I started my last post with "Hi gnag"? That's actually an inside joke. Michele wrote that in my yearbook (which I don't have any more). Charlie Hawthorne picked up on that and used it to greet groups of close pals. It always makes me laugh.

Yeah, maybe we hated John Wu for being such a hard taskmaster, but I came to respect his insight and perspective. He continues to inspire me to this day. As do most people in this amazing world.

Will I be going to the reunion? I honestly don't know at this time. I was sorry to not see you at the 30th. WhooWee! That was a blast.

Love and kisses,

-=Brian

Hi gnaG,

Sorry it took so long to update this here blogsite to version 2.0.

You see, it was unclear whether doing so would eliminate everyone from the blog but me. And I couldn't sign in without forcing the change to happen. If everyone got kicked off but me, I'm sure it would be a fascinating read, I'm also sure I would be the only one reading it.

Actually, the real reason it took so long, is that I wasn't paying any attention to it, but it did make me pause for a couple of days, when I found I couldn't sign in without updating the site.

As it is, we only have 13 members who can post on this thing, so maybe we should offer incentives for fellow classmates to join us, like "No skinny-dipping in Candy Lovely's pool at 1 am without having one current posting on SHS1972". (Maybe that's too negative). "Secret twister party behind the high school for bonafide blog members." Hmm, maybe a different tack-- "Please join the Class of '72 blog, we have more in common with you than we thought."

Well, you get the idea, hopefully you'll have better ones.

Maybe you haven't heard, but my old pal Michele Levlock is no longer with us, sad but true. I noticed her name on the list of unreachables.

Live now, sweet friends,

-=Brian

Yes, acceptance is definitely a big one. Maybe that will balance out the new assertiveness, Richard.

I can only tell from Classmates of those who have joined so I don't know. John would know because he is the holder of the snail mail addresses. Is that right John?

First husband, two kids, no grandkids or pets. Too many different homes but only two states, just shy of you though Karen I'm pretty sure.

I'm not ready to make nice either!! Now here's what I think that means. I'm ready to have a good time. More assertive definately, more forgiving yes, but.........more accepting of me, past, present, and future. Looking less for acceptance. I like that part especially.

Come on Richard....we're all nice, you know that! Maybe more assertive thats all.
Happy Friday everybody...........Happy Thoughts.............

before i finalize my plans i feel like i need to know how many of you are not ready to make nice. and, YES, i am REALLY sorry! (but i am not sure why)

Awaiting first grandchild, still on first spouse, I guess not one of the "most fun"???

Ok Kathi, I know where that is, just north of me, I'm in Jacksonville down on the coast. Get ready for some heat, been close to 90 the last couple of days, no rain though everything's pretty dry.

In Waterville, ME there's a Debbie Streeter. I have no idea who that might be. the map is on classmates.com and unfortunately too many of the women don't use their maiden names in their profiles. I'm quite sure there are other Mainiacs out there!

Kathi if you ask the marriage question be sure to ask how many times?? The thrid time around crowd is always fun!

Lori, I went to a dinner where everybody had to stand and they asked questions...like: If you drove a red car, sit down....if you have sisters, sit down....etc.....we could do something like that but with questions pertaining to the class...if one wanted to...or if you are married stand up....if you have never left Springfield, stand up...just a thought.
Tomorrow is FRIDAY! My favorite day...after 3:30.....full moon last night wild children today!

Thanks for that info, Patti. I guess they're in California, but not L.A. How about Maine? Are you the only one from our class in Maine? And I'm also wondering how many from our class are grandparents. And how many married high school sweethearts? How many are divorced? etc. etc. I can think of a lot of questions.

From what I cn tell, Roger Belville, Kelly Harrington, and of course YOU; Lori Sobel live in CA.

A little town called Farmville, outside of Greenville...They used to live in Raleigh but moved so my son in law could go to school in Greenville.
I gave the award certificates to Deb on the last meeting so I am sure there will be some.
Happy Thoughts...........

Kathi,
If I'm not being to nosey, where in NC?

Richard, you get first prize in imagination. (Will they be giving out rewards at the reunion?!)

Richard, you make me dizzy............

I have very nice pink leather toolbelt but it doesn't have specific beer holders. No fears though I can adapt.

I passed on the message to Deb about maybe listing people who are coming. She is the one with the list as the returns are going to her.
This pajama party sounds like it might be a little wild....Richard, are you staying at the HH??
Lori, I am glad you decided to come. I think everything will all work out and that we will have a great time...not necessarily about high school but how life is now and about our own personal success stories.
Eric, congratulations on the new baby coming. Personally, I find that being a Nana is much better then being a Mom. Its a whole new set of feelings and those little ones have a huge power over our emotions. I am awaiting a new little girl in a couple of weeks and will go to NC and stay with my daughter (and 2 other grandbabies) for 2 weeks. We are hoping that she will be born on May 19, which is both mine and my daughters birthday. 3 generations on one birthday would be memoriable. I am very excited and pleased that she wants me there. The only downfall I have is being so far away from them which is hard...but we have always "chatted" on the phone with the little ones and visited often so I think we have a special bond.
Well, everybody have a great day and Happy Thoughts...........

pat, i am sitting here wondering if i should be thinking about you in new or old pajamas and whether you understood my latin hack job with "semper ubi sub ubi", which means always wear underwear. i am going to assume that we are good on ubi sub ubi and the pj choice is purely for aesthetic and party hardy preparedness. this is how i would break it down. there are tool belts that were not designed for (but have room for) a six pack of bud 16 oz cans. if you are thinking that having six bud pounders secured to your body is going to enhance your look, i say old pjs and a tool belt are the way to go. rip a couple of new holes in those old pjs, would ya? on the other hand, if lori is going to join you in northern maine traditions (whatever those may be and i assume that there is a northern maine tradition or two that involves drinking)- i say new pjs are the way to go. it communicates the subtle and tender message that maine-iacs know great pjs when they see them and that they party like rock stars. this is a form of reaching out and recognizing southern california awarenes of fashion and life as a rock star as you honor maine traditions as well. i hope that helps.

Finally did it Patti--made my reservations at the Hartness House and flight reservations! The lady who answered the phone seemed a little out of it, so I hope everything is okay! I'm used to Vermonters being friendlier on the phone. Oh well, as long as I have a room....

Talking about maps, can you tell me who else lives in California?

On the map thought, another way to do this would be to get all of our google earth GPS coordinates and you could do a fly through of all of our locations.
For example our house;
Lat 34°45'50.04"N
Long 77°21'3.69"W

Thanks, but the kids have to get credit for the name, I guess I'm still just old fashioned.

Good thoughts Eric.

Madalyn Smith is a great name. I'm interested in the fact that she already has a name. I think I like the idea that if you know the gender of the child you might as well go all in and have her name ready.

Let me rephrase, downer is not bad! It is a GOOD idea, everything in this world doesn't have to be sugar and spice to be appropiate. This is a time of remembrance, it truely is a good thought.
Don't I sound preachy, well enough of that.

Other news, expecting first grandchild just before I come up, Madalyn Smith is due to make her first appearence end of May first of June.

Well Eric, it is a downer, what made me think of the memorial was that we had so recently lost two of our classmates, Paula and Mary.

I had found a little S in a drawer with a tennis racket pin on it. I had played tennis one year. It was my way of learning to play. I lost every match I played, even the doubles matches! It's the only letter I earned.

We were all so different then than we are now. it was just a bunch of thoughts while I did ny ironing. Pay no attention..................

Some of us under achievers may not want to remember what we did or didn't do in school. The map of locations would be interesting to see how wide of a geographic impact 72 has had on the world. A reminder of our mortality via our fellow classmates is appropiate, even if it is a downer.

Still thinking, stream of conciousness maybe, while I wait for my flat iron to heat up:

How about we bring along things like awards or sports letters. We could make up a display to remind us of things that we used to do.. I also wondered if a dsplay remembering those who have passed on might be nice. Well not nice, but you know what I mean. And maybe a where are they? Classmates.com has maps that show where all the members live. It's pretty cool. I could work that up.