Memory of the 2007 Picnic

Author: Bill Elliott

The October 2007 SHS 66 reunion picnic was one of those spectacular days that stays in your thoughts – blue sky, cloudless, slight southern breeze, perfect temperature. When you combine the perfect weather along with the gathering of old friends, in rich conversation, sharing a nice repast, what you get is a memorable October Saturday.

For several years now, the annual SHS 66 reunion picnics have enjoyed perfect weather. The third Saturday in October must be something marked down in the heavens as reserved for us. We all read about the pursuit of the quality of life and how we should strive for a work-life balance. Octobers are busy months, perhaps among the busiest of months. Yet, I’m hard-pressed to think of a more worthy way to spend a Saturday than being with old friends at Journeys End Ranch.

This years gathering was composed of many of the classmates who regularly attend, but we are always thrilled when an occasional person drops in. This year, Susie Kaiser Witt and her husband R.J., and Art Shuffler and his wife Jean, attended. Charles Beckner also attended. From other classes there was John Spears and his wife Patty, Basil Dulaney, Ben and Judy Mandeville, and Patti Hicks. Denny and Betty Jeter came from Missouri. As the years pass by, we are discovering that these reunions more and more should be multi-class reunions. We are simply aware of the joy we experience with each other.

The gathering began in earnest around noon and ended in the late afternoon. This year, we cooked burgers over the charcoal fire for everyone who wanted one. Many, if not most, brought coolers filled with all sorts of goodies. Jean Shuffler might get the award for the best gourmet cooler. She kept pulling out melon balls, shrimp and pasta salad, and so on. I continue to think that my old and treasured friend Art married up.

Perhaps she is getting old and past her time, as Alice Pressley did not arrive first. In fact, she and her sister, Linda Veazey Skinner did not arrived until most everyone else was already there. Alice is apparently slipping. Her excuse was rather lame. She said her sister made her late. Mark and Beverly Wright, in contrast, were first. You need to re-read that past sentence. Mark Wright was early. I’m not counting Bob Rowland, who was, in fact, first, but Bob is the captain of the SHS 66 ship and is ignored for this purpose.

I would like to propose that Bob Rowland be elected class president. Bob has earned that high office. Among other things, Bob brings the margaritas and arranges for the port o let. What can you say about someone who assumes the responsibility for the portable toilets. He is looking out for us.

Is this the place where I admit that I am in love with Judy Mandeville? Ben talked most of the afternoon, and, in fact, I am not sure he ever stopped talking. Perhaps his baseball hat was too tight. Once Art Shuffler arrived, Ben’s level of conversation accelerated. In fact, the entire conversation of the group got louder once Art pulled up. Does that surprise anyone? Back to Judy: One thing we cleared up at this weekend, Judy wants everyone to know that her McAlister family did not have the first swimming pool in Sherman. I’ve been in conversation with Judy since she worked for Dr. Gatti, the orthodontist, in 1965-1966. I would go over once a week or two for an adjustment and Judy and Dr. Gatti would bring me pain, but Judy’s smile and engagement sufficed as a pain killer. I wonder if Judy is smiling when she awakens in the morning. I’m trying to imagine a grumpy Judy Mandeville, but I just can’t see it. Judy is so spectacular and is one of those remarkable people who lights up the room. Amazing energy. Again, Ben married up.

Along about 4:00 o’clock, as is usually the case, the conversation moved to another level. Something happens about an hour or two before closing time. It is almost as if a switch is turned. Last year, you might remember, John Qualls started telling Art Shuffler stories, which were quite funny. Before John got going too far last year, someone raised the question as to whether we should be talking about Art without his being there. To clear up that ethical point, I called Art on the cell phone right then and told him that we were starting to talk about him and John in particular was going to reveal some secrets and did he mind?. Art, to his credit, said for everyone to have at it. Well, we did and John Qualls did. We laughed ourselves sick last year.

I have written before that the cure for having the reunion talk about you is to show up. I believe Art attended this year to avoid being the subject of conversation. Also, it was pay back. This year, Art took us on a tour of what it was like being John Qualls’ lifelong friend. In particular, Art described their first year at North Texas University, when they roomed together. John, trust me when I say that you should have attended to protect your reputation. Art was in fine form. From 4:00 pm to close was a constant state of laughter.

R.J. Witt told us what it was like to live at U.T. Austin with Tom Jaco and Steve Chase in a one-bedroom apartment. I’m trying to envision that arrangement.

On a serious note, I feel fortunate to be able to maintain closeness and friendship with my childhood friends. The essence of life is being with treasured friends. These relationships are treasures to be held dear.

As the years go on, our conversations change. We now talk about children, grandchildren, medical conditions, life’s ups and downs. We hear of our difficulties. We share in life’s joys. Most importantly, we experience our common bond, our lifelong friendships. We know who we are, without pretence.

As I go through my work and daily life, I listen to many talk of their aversion to reunions. You hear groans about people’s reunion experiences. Some have only attended one or two reunions. When I mention that our class has annual reunions, people stare at me in disbelief. How could their experiences vary so far from my experience, and what I believe is the experience of those who attend our picnics? These October Saturdays with old friends are among my most treasured of days. I can only hope that more come to appreciate what we have here. For those who are considering attending, I would encourage you to do so. Perhaps you will come to know the richness and joy that I experience every third Saturday in October.