At the dinner for Patty Duff last week, we set a date of July 23 for a dinner at Twin Anchors Campground on Highway 30, Colo. Steve and Alecia Storjohann have a permanent campsite next to ours, both with roomy decks. Kay Eygabroad Kingrey has a site just down from ours. There is a nice 9 hole golf course next door and a small lake for fishing, no license needed. I think it's a great spot for a casual get-together. More details later.

I know some of you have campers, so we'd love to have you camp with us for the weekend. I talked to the campground owner. She's holding 4 sites across from us for now, more if we need. If you're interested, we'll need you to commit as soon as possible and pay for your site. All are level with shade and electric for $16.50 per night, one with water for $18.50. This is a very busy, popular campground so sites go fast. There also are lakeside sites close to us if you prefer. Lots of tent space for less.

As an avid camper, I'm excited for the possibility of chatting and catching up by a campfire!

Kay

Kay,

This sounds like a great idea.  For those of us who aren't campers and will be coming for the day/night....will we be doing a potluck type of event?  We all have coolers so can you imagine the different types of salads, casseroles, desserts and other goodies we could enjoy!  If there is anything that I can do to help please let me know.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in late July, if not before! 

Arlene

Arlene,

We're in the early stages of planning, but a potluck would be fun. Steve has a big grill and so do we, so we could possibly plan a meat and side dish. There is a nice shelter house in case of bad weather.

I forgot, there is a small beach, busy playground and paddleboats for anyone wanting to show off their grandkids. We always have Tomi and Steve & Alicia often have little Olivia. Kay's daughter also has a seasonal campsite, so we have gotten to know her grandson, Trent.

Patty mentioned wanting to see you, but we figured you were still in Texas. Lucky duck!

Kay

Hi Kay, Joe Childs here. how are you doing lady!  I see you are planning a cook out in July, have you received a good response.  I have been thing about coming back, perhaps July might be the time.  Please keep me posted on the event!  Take the best of care.   Joe C.

Joe,

Great to hear from you! We would love to have you join us! So far, the only people committed to camping are Diana Youngblood and Patty Gould, plus the 3 classmates that have permanent campers. There are more coming for the picnic.

The mini dinner reunions are a new thing, so it's taking time to catch on. We always have fun. Most don't commit until the last minute or just show up.

If you think you want to come, we have a motorhome setting in the driveway that we would be happy to set up for you. I've just been waiting for someone from out-of-state to show an interest in coming. Let me know soon so I can reserve your spot. I guarantee, between Patty and Steve Storjohann, we'll have VERY interesting campfire chats!

Just a reminder, if anyone is  planning on camping, please let us know so we can reserve a site. This is a very busy campground.

Kay

Hi Kay, sorry for the delay in responding.  I am still trying to firm up the schedule.  Not sure if I want to fly or take my time and drive back.  Thank you so much for the invite, that would be so cool.  I will let you know once I lock down dates.  I really do look forward to the fireside chats.  I am probably the only one that REALLY misses those years that we were all together.  We sure were lucky to have grown up during the best of times! I really look forward to seeing you and your family and all the others who will be there.  Please take the best of care and my best to your family.  Again, I will let you know when I lock things down.  Beat of thoughts, Joe C.

I am mailing a check tomorrow for the July Campout/campfire/potluck/fun filled weekend!  I am coming in on Thursday July 22nd and will stay at the campground until Sunday afternoon.  I am so looking forward to it.

If you haven't signed up, sign up now!  If you don't have a camper let Kay or someone know, we'll figure something out.  Could be a huge slumber party!  I know I can stay up until at least 11!  What happened to those days when we partied all night!  I don't know about you all but I start yawning around 2:30 in the afternoon!  I wake up though at 3:30 when I get off work!

I hope I'm doing this right and everyone sees it so we can all get together!  I haven't heard from my posey lately!  Where are you guys; Tom, Tom & Rich?!! 

SIGN UP!

Hello :  This is in response to the July Dinner and Campout-I am planning to attend for the entire weekend.  I will, however, need a small tent site, as I will be coming by myself.  I will gladly send in the necessary money, if you can let me know where to send it.  I have been thinking about this for some time now, and decided to get myself in gear , and make some definite plans.  So, I will be looking forward to seeing everyone who can come. I know that it will be a very fun and enjoyable weekend. If anyone reading this has any doubts, put them aside and come and enjoy the fun.

Jeanie, I'm so glad you are coming!  I am looking forward to seeing everyone.  I just sent my money but my son has a camper and he's going to park it for me.  I just paid for the spot.  I promised to keep his girls with me so they could have some time alone, so there was some bribery involved in me having a camper that has a bathroom, bedroom and kitchen!  They do have a nice bathhouse there and I took my showers and used it rather than the camper the last time I spent a couple days at the campground with them. 

I am going on Thursday afternoon and staying until Sunday afternoon.  I hope the weather cooperates!  If we were doing this in Vegas, we'd only have to worry about heat!  I can hear Kay whining already!  I got even when I went back and it was 18 below with the windchill factor!  BIG time whining from me!

See ya!

Patty

Joe, You aren't the only one who has fond memories of growing up in Marshalltown in the time we did. One of the things we enjoy at our little get-togethers, is exchanging stories. Patty keeps us totally entertained, but her memories always have a little different slant than I remember. Hmmm! So looking forward to you coming! I'm holding the motorhome and a spot at the campground for you.

Jeanne, Glad you're coming too! I really enjoyed visiting with you at the reunion. There will be plenty of tent space, so you don't need a reservation. If we should have a storm, we'll bring you into our camper.

Patty, It was 112 degrees in Vegas the last time we came! I had every right to whine. Okay, I admit I only have a 10 degreed no-whine zone. July is usually too hot for me. Thank heavens for air-conditioning. We can use the rec hall if weather conditions try to ruin our party.

Less than 3 months now!

Kay

Hi Kay, it seems as if more and more classmates are planning to attend this very COOL event!  I have been e-mailing others to try and get as many as possible to attend.   Kay what are we to send you for event capital and, what should we bring?  Joe C

I am getting really excited!!  Joe, don't listen to Kay, I don't embellish the truth!  In my eyes, that's what happened!  So maybe I see things differently!

Do we have any kind of count on how many people are coming?

Can't wait to see everyone!

Patty

Hi Patty, I just got a call from Dave Elledge.  We had a great chat and he has decided to come back to M.Town for the Bar B Q.  I told him you were coming back to town and was planning to attend and, he said it would be nice to see his old MHS lab partner!!   Add one more to the get togeather!!  Take care and see you there!  Joe C 

I am so excited!  You have no idea how much Dave harrassed me in that class!  He was also really nice about doing all the disecting and letting me just hold the tweezers!  I can't wait to ask him if he remembers some things!

This is going to be so much fun!

Me too Patty, a chance for old adventures to be relived!! have a great day!  Joe C.

You have the rest of a good day and lets keep everyone excited!  This is going to be a lot of fun!

I talked to Vic and the plans for next month will be finalized next Monday.

Joe, The camp fee for 2 nights is $35.31. Are you going to stay longer and is your wife coming?

Camping is my favorite thing, so I'm really looking forward to shared memories around a camp fire. For those coming from out-of-state, the adjoining restaurant has the best homemade tenderloins!

Kay

Hi Kay, The plans are for both of us to fly into Cedar Rapids on the July 22nd, rent a car and be in M.town for lunch at the MAIDRITE!  She has NEVER had that privilege!!  The plan continues with a stay of 3 to 5 days.  However, Presently Carole's mother who will be 90 on July 6, is not doing well health wise.  If her health does not begin to rebound, Carole will most likely stay at home and close to her mom, just in case she takes a turn for the worse.  I will still follow the plan unless she passes.  I will stay at the Hampton Inn but will spend the vast majority of time with you guys.  So much to talk about and so little time.  I had a chat with Dave Elledge and he is planning to come.  Jeff Downing and Bob Anderson also plan to attend.  I look forward to the campfire talks with as many of those who attend.  God I am getting excited.  After the meeting on Monday, please let us know what we can bring or contribute to the Bar B fund!!  I hope that no one is planning to retire early from this campfire chat!!  This could be an all nighter!!!!  Kay, please let me know if there is anything I can do.  

Thank you guys so very very much for putting this "GET TOGEATHER" togeather.

I leave you with a quote (which I totally agree with) from Patricia Gould Duff, "I AM SO EXCITED"  It is going to be so great to see everyone!!!!!!

Wishing you all the best, Joe

Hi Kay.  Just got home, heard your message and sure was disapointed I missed your call.  It's to late to call this evening, so I will call you tomorrow and hope I make contact.  Have a very nice remander of the evening.   Look forward to talking to you tomorrow.  Nighty Night!!  Joe C.