John Jay High School - Original Mustangs '69 - '70 - '71

Well, here I am at work, taking a few moments to blog in here. Not too much going on these days in my life. I did hear from Mrs. Marjorie Valentine, our former math teacher at JJHS and she is recuperating from broken ribs sustained in a fall. She is on the mend, she tells me.

Tomorrow, November 1st, Northside ISD is dedicating the school named after our former sciences teacher Mr. Peggy Carnahan. It is a well deserved honor. I hope that former students, fellow teachers and friends can stop by during the dedication to congratulate her. Because of my very limited ability to walk, I will be unable to attend. I do send her my best wishes.

Well, the presidential election is just days away. I was telling my mom that since she's only 19 years older than me and because of the timing of my birth, she has lived under only ONE more president than I have! She had FDR and I came in under Truman who succeeded him. Cool. Also, Mom has lived under only one more POPE than I have, too. Just some family trivia.

I am starting to have second thoughts about going up to Fredericksburg for SHINDIG VII in July 2010. How about we have it at Pedrotti's Ranch, as we have in the past? It's here in San Antonio. How about some thoughts from you people? Huh?? What do YOU think?

Mike, thanks for the update. I do hope that more people (our classmates) start using this blog more often. Nothing much to report on this end except to say that SHINDIG VII will happen on the 2nd weekend in July 2010 and more than likely in Fredericksburg at the Hangar Hotel, like last time. Cost should be around $125 to $150 per person for the reunion activities (hotel rooms/accomodations not included). I will report more as details are worked out. -- Dennis

My good friend, Richard Olsen foot the bill for this BLOG site. His son set it up for us. Unfortunately, this is not being used to it fullest potential. While this site is paid up for one year, I am not going to ask Richard to foot the bill when this expires. If no one wants to use this BLOG resource, then it's best that we shut it down.

Unless, we see more traffic, then, that's what we'll do. I hereby release any and all restrictions on content. You folks can post whatever you want and perhaps it will stir more interest. Tell your fellow classmates all about this and I'll do my best to give it more publiciity in my next bulk e-mail to everyone.

Now, how about that SARAH PALIN chick!! Experienced or not, that babe has my vote!! Have you seen that photo of her in a bikini and holding a rifle? WOW!! Yeeeee haaaaaa! --Dennis

Sorry, if my change of attitude upsets the applecart. I was speaking out of frustration when I wrote that originally and decided to tone down my angry rhetoric. Your efforts are appreciated, but no one rushed to respond to your call. If I have let you down, I apologize. I didn't mean to.

Besides, it seems that you and I are the only ones writing anything in here anymore. I even stopped by the chat room the other night and saw that I had just missed you.

I don't know of any other way to motivate friends and fellow alumni to help out with the website, so I've pretty much given it up. I've pleaded, cajoled and begged and still only a tiny minority cares enough to help with costs. And it's the same people over and over, again, and they have done enough. It's not fair to continue to draw from the same "well" year after year.

If it happens, then, it happens. If it don't... it don't. It's not like I'm making the world a better and safer place to live in with my website.

It's no big deal. All things come to an end eventually.

My thanks to Vikki Chapman for her complimentary blog, recently. I wish it generates some funds for the website but, we'll see.

As for Donnie and Michelle Haynes, well, Donnie is General Manager of Alamo Toyota, here in San Antonio, I haven't heard from Michelle since a reunion about 15 years ago. I'm sure Donnie would know where she is.

As for Ms. Dinkins, she applied for a radio station job with me back in Kerrville over 25 years ago, but I haven't heard a word of her since. As for the Ballentyne's no words on them.

Sisters, Gail and Dorothy (Dot) Clark have died. I don't remember if they were related to the Clark you asked me about. Their sister, Melodey, and brother, John are still alive. Funny thing-- I dated both Gail and Dot during my Senior year. Yikes!! Talk about living dangerosuly!! Never date sisters!!

I'm just wondering if anyone is using this resource, anymore? Did anyone watch Ted Kennedy's speech at the Demo convention Monday nite? I don't care too much for him but I was deeply moved by his speech and the video honoring him. It made me yearn for my youth and the fun of the 1960s. Sure, there were some rough times, as well, but I was never happier than I was in the 60s.

Caroline Kennedy is a GEORGEOUS babe!! She should get into politics. In fact, she would have been a good choice for Vice President. I hope she has some role in the Obama administration, if he's elected.

In other news, my thanks to everyone who has sent in a donation to keep the website going. Want to know something? A bunch of my closest friends from JJHS that I see on a regular basis have NEVER given one penny to help with the web site. Yet, underclassmen who I don't know or have ever met, come out and support this website. To top if off, there are some people who insist that I update their e-mail address everytime they switch e-mail addresses and these people have never donated a penny, yet, they want me to always do things for them. Yeah, it ticks me off to be taken advantage of in that way.

I've been doing the reunions and newsletters for 30+ years and the website for 11 years. I dunno', maybe I'm just fetting cranky in my old age.

Thank you Anne and Mike for the birthday wishes. It means a lot to be remembered by y'all. I hope you're both having a wonderful summer. Love is all around...

Sorry that I haven't been present for the web chats for several weeks. Like John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." I would hate to see this BLOG fall by the wayside.