THREE FOURTHS OF A CENTURY OLD

Burbank, California 1948.  Turning five.

I don't feel a day over 102 having arrived at the three fourths of a century mark yesterday.  Some do not like to even mention that they have a birthday.  Others may even call a birthday party a "reunion." I have always loved to celebrate my birthday.  I don't know why. It may be genetic.  I was born in July so I was never privileged to have a party at school.  Many times all my friends would be out of town on my birthday or our family would be traveling cross country.  But in my later years I have had several friends and relatives to make an effort to remember me with a card or a party! 

 My favorite cake from my folks.  I love to dance.

1995 turning 52

1997 Moms in Touch 

2004 Moms in Touch

Moms in Touch

2008 Moms in Touch

Moms in touch party

Cousins turning 65

Chris, Heather, and Jes organized a "surprise" birthday party for me at MBYC

Getting older

2013 Chris arranged a pizza party for my 70th at church

Cake by Jessica

Cake by Sammy

For this birthday my family put together a picnic.  It is great to have a birthday in July because most likely the weather will be nice!

Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

FIVE LIES OF RACISM

In June of 1961 I was graduated from Groveton High School in Alexandria, VA.  In the fall of 1961 Groveton admitted the first black student, Rayfield Barber.  He was interviewed at the 1996 GHS reunion.  He had a good experience at Groveton. Click on the You Tube above to hear the 5 minute interview.

My parents set the example for our family--we treated everyone with respect.  When my youngest brother, Wayne, wanted his black friend to join his Cub Scout troop at Calvary Presbyterian his friend was not permitted to join.  I believe my dad quit that troop and joined another one where Wayne's friend was accepted.  Today Calvary is integrated.  See the picture below.

Below is a link to a video of a talk by Peter Hubbard, pastor of North Hills Church in Greenville, SC.  I thought he explained racism and a Christian approach very well.  My parents would agree with him.  The talk is about 40 minutes long. Click on the link to view.

https://northhillschurch.com/sermon/5-lies-of-racism/

JULY 20, 1969

Photo by Chris Brown

Where were you on July 20, 1969?  It was on a Sunday.  Many of you had not been born.  But if you are old enough to remember that day maybe you will remember Neil Armstrong walking on the moon.  

THE LAST TIME I SAW HORNBROOK

Aunt Evelyn, Aunt Ruth, Jay, Charles and Kathy, Chris, Dorothy

Cottonwood Lodge 2004

As I recall, I may be wrong, the last time I visited Hornbrook was in the summer of 2004.  My dad had passed away in March of 2003, and somehow we ended up with his share of R-Ranch.  We must have paid the $500.00 maintenance fee for that year.

I e-mailed all of our friends and relatives to meet us at R-Ranch for one last time.  

1986 Cottenwood Lodge

Last week there was a huge fire and Hornbrook was evacuated.  My niece Sarah posted pictures on Facebook.  Cottonwood Lodge is a complete loss. They say it looks like a war zone.

Cottonwood Lodge 2018

Here is a news report:

I'm glad we were able to spend one last time there.  I will add more pictures as I find them.

Grace, Ruth, Ev, Klamath River

Jes and Wayne 1982

Kenny 1983

1984 Brad, Kenny, Ev, Grace, Jes

Free fishing for kids

Jennifer at the Cottonwood Lodge wading pool

Jay toted the "New Moon" from the east coast to Spokane and then to R Ranch.  It lives there now.

Davy, Pudgy, Grandma

Cousins Jes, Aurora, Laurie in Yreka 1988

Evy

Guest accomodations

Heather feeding the neighbors chickens

Diana, Mike, Grace, Dave

Grandpa ready for lunch at the Grange 

I think this is the bunk house

2004 John, Bobbi, Jim, Carmen, Jay