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I remember learning this lovely old French carol in Mr. Armstrong's French 1-2 class ('61 - '62). Or was it Mrs. Clark's French 3-4 class ('62 - '63)? Or did we really learn to sing it?? Maybe it was just in the textbook and we never sang it in class at all. Oh, to have my memories fully restored.....

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS:
On the 22nd, we'll have another one of those rare Four-Fers for

Kitty Norman Haskins ('57) of VA, Harry Barritt ('64) of VA, Dale Mueller ('64) of VA, AND Bill Rash ('67) of VA!

A 1st grade school teacher had twenty-six students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the 1st half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first-graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic!

Thank you, Sweet Adonis!

As always, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Okay, I must concur. The time has come for me to quit being so stubborn (well, THIS time, anyway...)

When I see my #2 son,

Brent (Harty - Hillsboro HS, IL - '90 - of OH) and his wife,

Bethany (Winona Harty - Siuslaw HS, OR - '94 - of OH), next week, I'll ask them to teach me how to make a blog and attach it to the site. That will be my New Years' resolution.

From Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 12/19/07 - "Suggested topic for Newsletter.":

Hi, Carol:

Perhaps the TYPHOON Nation might be interested in sharing some of the books they have read that have had an impact on their lives while wearing the Gold and Blue as well as later in life.

My suggestion is based upon a feature in Newsweek Magazine. This week "A Life In Books" featured Garrison Keillor. He listed "My Five Most Important Books" and it was very interesting. Also, an opportunity is provided to list any classic revisited with disappointment.

I find it very interesting to learn about books others have read and found interesting.

Joe Madagan ('57) of FL

That's a super idea, Joe! Y'all be thinking about it, and we'll return to this soon!

From one of my Famous Marines, Herb Hice of MI, who served in the Pacific Theater during WWII - 12/19/07 - "Herb Hice's Marine Corps Picture":

This is a beautiful sketch, Herbie Darlin'! I hope you'll have it framed! What a fine looking young Marine you were - but then, we already knew that!

I remember those quite well, Joe! I would always stop what I was doing and come running in to see Mr. Borge's act. Still do! Thanks for the memories, Adonis!

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas, yet!,

Shari

http://www.dayspring.com/movies/view.asp?moviename=thejoy.swf

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Christmas Locket

"The tree's up in the attic, Mom, it's wrapped and tightly bound,
If you want, I'll help you get it, we can bring it down.
"No," she said, "that was your father's job before he died."
"But, Mom, it's been almost three years and you've not even tried."

"You haven't had a Christmas tree since Daddy passed away,
And I think that it's time you put your tree up for display."
"Maybe this year I will do it," then she smiled at me,
"But I don't think today I feel like messing with a tree."

Three weeks until Christmas as I sat there at my mother's,
Sipping tea and talking of my children and my brothers.
She preferred to live alone after my dad's death,
Because she said she never would become somebody's pest.

So as we chatted and enjoyed each other's company,
I told her, "Mom, the kids ask every year about your tree."
"They ask why Grandma doesn't like to put it up and trim,
So I just told them next time, ask her; you explain to them."

She just smiled and said, "You tell them I don't need a tree,
Santa only comes to children; he won't come to me."
We laughed and then I had to leave, I had not made a case.
She said, "I'll put a little one upon the fireplace."

On Christmas Day since Daddy died, we all went to my mother's,
But it was not a happy time like all the many others.
We would take some things to her, our presents and some food,
She wanted it kept simple; she was never in the mood.

But this year as we reached her door the children starting saying,
"Mom, there's something different, we hear Christmas music playing."
I knocked and opened up the door completely mesmerized,
I just could not believe the scene that stretched before my eyes.

Christmas music playing and sweet smells that filled the air,
A Christmas dinner cooking and the tree was sitting there.
Fully trimmed and lighted up like never it had been,
A roaring fire and all the room with decorated trim.

Presents underneath the tree and candy all around,
I just stood there looking and I couldn't make a sound.
Stockings hanging by the fire so full and each a name,
I wondered what had happened; did my mother go insane?

She came out of the kitchen with a smile across her face,
"Well," she said, "what do you think of Grandma's Christmas place?"
The kids were all excited as they ran to see the tree,
Then she sat me down and said, "There's something you must see.

"I went up to the attic after you left here last time,
Just to look around in it to see what I could find.
I saw the Christmas tree wrapped up but much to my surprise,
I also found the gifts your dad had bought before he died."

Around her neck she had a locket I had never seen,
She said, "Here, read this Christmas card; you'll see just what I mean."
I opened up the Christmas card and it was from my dad,
I started getting teary eyed and starting feeling sad.

The card was really beautiful and he had done some writing,
It was really eerie but was also so exciting.
"Merry Christmas, Sweetheart," he had written to my mother,
"You know I love this holiday much more than any other.

"I know this may be sad, but this may be my last on earth,
But we both know that we have lived it for all that its worth.
We both know that I am ill and may not have much time,
But the time we've had together was so very fine.

"I love you so much, Sweetheart, and I know this will be hard,
So I will put this letter inside of your Christmas card.
I am not afraid to die, for we've had many years,
But just the thought of leaving you has caused me many tears.

"You are my source of living and your love has made me whole,
Your love has penetrated even to my very soul.
That is why I know, Sweetheart, I am the first to go,
But we again will be together, that much I do know.

"A love like ours cannot die out; it is too very strong,
I will be the first to leave but you will come along.
One day we will be happier than we have ever been,
I love you, wife and lover, and my dearest, dearest friend.

"But, Sweetheart, please be happy; it will be a little while,
Before I once again can see your glowing, gentle smile.
One day we will look back on this and hold each other tight,
And never have to look again into the darkest night.

"I've given you this locket and our pictures are within,
With smiling faces just the way that it has always been.
Christmas at our house was always such a great affair,
With all our loved ones sharing happiness while gathered there.

"These pictures are from Christmas past that shows our happiness,
And now it will be different but I have one final wish.
It was the best time of the year and I will still be there,
Remember this and open up this locket that you wear.

"Enjoy the friends and family and the festive joyous ring,
Just share the love that we have known and never change a thing.
Remember that this happiness will take you through the years,
And when I hold you once again I'll wipe away those tears."

I closed the card and wiped my eyes and took a little while.
Then when I looked at Mother I could only see her smile.
"This was his favorite holiday," my mother said again,
"And I will make it happy until I'm with him again."

by James A. Kisner © 2003 (PoppyK1@aol.com)

e e e

Bobby's New Shoes

By Nancy B. Gibbs

After receiving a gift from a kind stranger when he was a young boy, my father created his own holiday tradition.

On a cold winter morning in the late 1930s Bobby awoke early.

It wasn't a day that would be remembered by many, nor would it go down in history as especially important. But it was a day that Bobby would never forget.

Bobby, his mother, and his three younger brothers were once again abandoned by Bobby's father. When times got hard, the man who was supposed to be the head of the house left home. He couldn't handle the responsibility of a hungry family. It wasn't the first time he left, so Bobby wasn't surprised.

Bobby searched the bare cupboards and realized there was no food in the kitchen. His tummy was growling. So he put on the warmest clothes he had.

Faith is connected to hope and hope means believing in spite of the evidence and then watching the evidence change.

He pulled on an old pair of socks and placed cardboard in his worn-out shoes. With holes in the soles, he hoped the cardboard would help keep his feet dry, at least for a little while.

Bobby hit the roads looking for work. He was a strong child and had worked many times before. His goal was to earn enough money to purchase food for the day along with a few cans of vegetables for Christmas dinner.

A few blocks from home, Bobby came across some men working on the side of the road.

"Can I help?" Bobby inquired.

"Sure," one of the men answered and tossed him a shovel. Bobby worked hard for hours. Suddenly, the rain and sleet pounded down.

"Here's your money," one of the men shouted, as he tossed him a few coins. "Go home and get out of this weather."

Bobby clutched the change in the palm of his hand. He then ran to the nearest grocery store. He used the money to buy as much food as he could afford. His socks were soaking wet. His feet were numb. While holding a small bag of groceries, Bobby stopped to adjust the cardboard in his shoes.

A man in uniform, a representative from The Salvation Army, witnessed Bobby's distress.

"Hey son," the kind gentleman said. "Are those the only shoes you have?"

"Yes Sir," Bobby confessed.

The uniformed man took Bobby and bought him a brand new pair of shoes. Bobby danced and skipped all the way home.

I wasn't there on that cold December day. But I've heard the story many times and could always picture my father, as a child, dancing and skipping, wearing a shiny pair of dress shoes home. Daddy often spoke about how he could see his reflection in those special shoes.

Several years later, Daddy joined the Navy. He continued to send money home to support his family. But Daddy always saved enough money for the Salvation Army, hoping that another little boy somewhere may receive a new pair of shoes for Christmas.

The tradition lasted until my father became too ill to shop. Daddy passed away six years ago.

It is my hope that many people will remember this story when they hear the Salvation Army bells ring at store fronts and malls all over this country. And in Daddy's memory, I pray that little children everywhere will have the opportunity to dance and skip.

While the new shoes kept Bobby's feet warm in the 1930s, his act of giving back for several decades warmed his heart in a much greater way.

Each time I drop money in a Salvation Army bucket, I remember my father, his story, and his first new pair of shoes. Then I count it as a blessing to be able to give.

In my mind's eye, I can see a child somewhere—dancing, skipping and wearing a new pair of dress shoes—and my heart is warmed, as well.

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<PLEASE READ PREFACE FIRST>

This does contain dieting tips, but I'm sending this out because we all have our own demons or less than good traits at times and if we ponder, possibly we can all do some correcting in life. Whether it be food, watching less than wholesome shows, an addiction or whatever, we can work on it, if something is making us a prisoner. I'm not intending to offend anyone with a weight issue (at all)., but like the analogy of "You may leave the room whenever you so will", and thought it could help us, in whatever matter we may struggle with. I always think about self improvement as the new year is approaching.

Keys to Your Room

Thomas B. Costain's book, The Three Edwards, depicts the life of Reynald III, a duke in what is now Belgium. Reynald was commonly called by his nickname, Crassus, which in Latin means "fat."

He and his brother Edward had a violent disagreement, and as a result, Edward led a successful revolt against Reynald.

He did not kill Reynald; instead, he built a special room at his castle and imprisoned him but offered him his freedom on one condition. If he could walk out of the room, he was free.

Edward offered to restore his title, kingdom and property. That seemed a fairly easy imprisonment sentence but there was one big problem. None of the doors and windows of the room were locked. They were near normal size but Reynald was not. He was too fat to fit through the doors or windows.

Edward knew Reynald well. Each day he sent Reynald a rich assortment of meats, breads, pies, pastries and other delicious delicacies. Since Reynald was now confined to a small room where even walking and thus exercise was limited, he did not get slimmer but grew fatter making his predicament even worse.

Accused of cruelty Edward remarked, "My brother is not a prisoner; he may leave when he so wills."

Reynald was released ten years later when Edward died in battle. By then his health had so deteriorated that he died within a year. He was a prisoner of his own appetite and easily available food.

Within these pages are keys to your room.
You may leave the room whenever you so will.

~The first story in FAT2Fine - The SPIRIT of Weight Loss~

http://www.fat2fine.com

e e e

It has been a "pet peeve of mine" for awhile now that we cannot buy very much that is not made in China. This year I deliberately looked for hand made crafts, foods, candies, movie and restaurant gift certificates and magazine subscriptions that were made locally. Many churches have Christmas bazaars where home made gifts and foods are sold. There are craft guilds in many towns...you just have to stay out of the stores and malls.

From Jean Poole Burton ('64) of RI - 12/19/07 - "Sussex Carol was beautiful...":

From Jean Poole Burton ('64) of RI - 12/19/07 - "For all procrastinators, perfectionists, and those searching for 'the perfect gift'":

The perfect gift is spending time with someone you love...a cup of coffee together is priceless, a lunch out if you can afford it, a dinner together with everyone bringing a favorite dish, a great conversation, sitting by someone's bedside if they are ill, babysitting for a young couple or a single parent, pet sitting for a vacationing pet owner, doing errands for an elderly person. Many of us love to receive hand written notes, cards, and letters, photographs of your families. OK printed on the computer is fine...I do that! A loaf of home made bread, a coffee cake, a jar of home made preserves or jelly...it is not what you spend...it is the thought that goes into it. And don't forget those hugs and kisses, they cost nothing...but they are priceless.

I see that our Wizard of Wonderment,

Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA, has had some renewed interest in those terrific CD's he compiled for the Super-Duper Reunion of 2004. Having myself thoroughly enjoyed them for the past three years, I can heartily recommend them as a great gift choice for any time (though I'm not at all certain if David would appreciate a grand rush on his time at this particular moment...)

From Joe Drewry ('58) of VA to the Members of the Class of 1958 - 12/20/07 - "Update on Clyde Bryant, 12/20/07":

From one of my Famous Marines, Herb Hice of MI, who served in the Pacific Theater during WWII - 12/14/07 - "Dear Carol / Dimples, This is Dog Logic" (#3 in a series of 12):

There's much more to come - next time! Meanwhile, Good Yule - and Merry Christmas!

Y'all take care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Chorus:
Il est né, le divin Enfant,
Jouez, hautbois, résonnez, musettes;
Il est né, le divin Enfant;
Chantons tous son avènement!

Depuis plus de quatre mille ans,
Nous le promettaient les Prophetes;
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans,
Nous attendions cet heureux temps

Repeat Chorus.

Ah! qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant,
Que ses graces sont parfaites!
Ah! qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant,
Qu'il est doux le divin Enfant!

Repeat Chorus.

Une étable est son logement,
Un peu de paille, sa couchette,
Une étable est son logement,
Pour un Dieu, quel abaissement!

Repeat Chorus.

O Jesus! O Roi tout puissant!
Tout petit enfant que vous êtes,
O Jesus! O Roi tout puissant!
Régnez sur nous entièrement!

Repeat Chorus.

1.	Don't change horses	until they stop running.
2.	Strike while the	bug is close.
3.	It's always darkest before	Daylight Saving Time.
4.	Never underestimate the power of	termites.
5.	You can lead a horse to water but	How?
6.	Don't bite the hand that	looks dirty.
7.	No news is	impossible
8.	A miss is as good as a	Mr.
9.	You can't teach an old dog new	Math
10.	If you lie down with dogs, you'll	stink in the morning.
11.	Love all, trust	Me.
12.	The pen is mightier than the	pigs.
13.	An idle mind is	the best way to relax.
14.	Where there's smoke there's	pollution.
15.	Happy the bride who	gets all the presents.
16.	A penny saved is	not much.
17.	Two's company, three's	the Musketeers.
18.	Don't put off till tomorrow what	you put on to go to bed.
19.	Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and	You have to blow your nose.
20.	There are none so blind as	Stevie Wonder.
21.	Children should be seen and not	spanked or grounded.
22.	If at first you don't succeed	get new batteries.
23.	You get out of something only what you	See in the picture on the box
24.	When the blind lead the blind	get out of the way.
25.	A bird in the hand	is going to poop on you.

		This was pencil sketched by an artist at the Chicago Servicemen's Center in 1943. I was stationed at Navy Pier in Chicago for about 6 months before I went to the South Pacific. I found it folded up in a drawer, that's the reason for the fold marks. The young lady's name that did the sketching was Rosemary Simpson, 06-19-43 What a difference between WW II and war in Iraq today. Back then we did not have TV. The only word we would get on how the war was progressing was from the Radio, Newspapers, and the Newsreels in the Movies. When you would walk down the street ~~~ Every other Man you passed would be in a Military Uniform.

Sketch made by Rosemary Simpson, June 19, 1943

		This is a Thomas Kinkade painting It's rumored to carry a miracle! They say if you pass this on, you will receive a miracle. I am passing this on because I thought it was really pretty, and besides, who couldn't use a miracle?! Thank you so much, Glenn! You're right, we can all use a miracle of one sort or other!