~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Who's on First? Yesterday Hu Jintao was named chief of the Communist Party in China. SCENE: The Oval Office, Washington, DC (The President & National Security Advisor are discussing the situation) George: Condi! Nice to see you. What's happening? Condi: Sir, I have the report about the new leader of China. George: Great. Let's hear it. Condi: Hu is the new leader of China. George: That's what I want to know. Condi: That's what I'm telling you. George: That's what I'm asking you. Who is the new leader of China? Condi: Yes. George: I mean the fellow's name. Condi: Hu. George: The guy in China. Condi: Hu. George: The new leader of China. Condi: Hu. George: The Chinaman! Condi: Hu is leading China. George: Now whaddya' asking me for? Condi: I'm telling you Hu is leading China. George: Well, I'm asking you. Who is leading China? Condi: That's the man's name. George: That's whose name? Condi: Yes. George: Will you or will you not tell me the name of the new leader of China? Condi: Yes sir. George: Yassir? You mean Arafat is in China? I thought he was in the Middle East. Condi: That's correct. George: Then who is in China? Condi: Yes, sir. George: Yassir is in China? Condi: No, sir. George: Then who is? Condi: Yes, sir. George: Yassir? Condi: No, sir. George: Look, Condi. I need to know the name of the new leader of China. Get me the Secretary General of the U.N. on the phone. I bet he knows. Condi: Kofi? George: No, thanks. Condi: You want Kofi? George: No. Condi: You don't want Kofi. George: No. But now that you mention it, I could use a glass of milk. And then get me the U.N. Condi: Yes, sir. George: Not Yassir! The guy at the U.N. Condi: Kofi? George: No, milk! Will you please make the call? Condi: Call who? George: Who is the guy at the U.N? Condi: Hu is the guy in China. George: Will you stay out of China?! Condi: Yes, sir. George: And stay out of the Middle East! Just get me the guy at the U.N! Condi: Kofi? George: All right! Light with sugar. Now get on the phone. (Condi picks up the phone.) Condi: Rice here. George: Rice? Good idea. And a couple of egg rolls, too.

Our member Esther Duncan has a new e-mail address: bryteyes@1941@aol.com or estherid41@cs.com Please change your records. The old address will be on the surname list in the December newsletter. Ruby Casto Membership Chairman of HCGS

Thanks much, Ruby. Cousin Bob's on our personal & church prayer lists, and we know he's in Good Hands! Love ya both! Patti

Ruby, Both Bob and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I really hope this will bring him some relief from the pain he has been suffering. It has been a very long time without a rest from the pain. Charlotte ----- Original Message ----- From: "RECasto" <recasto@iolinc.net> To: <HCGS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 11:42 AM Subject: [HCGS] BOB CASTO > Several of you know that my husband has been waiting on deep brain > stimulation surgery and it has been scheduled for noon on the 3rd of > December. > > We certain would appreciate you keeping him in your prayers. > > Thanks, > Ruby Casto > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

Ruby, you and Bob will be in our thoughts and prayers. Best of luck to both of you. Arden and Ethel RECasto wrote: > > Several of you know that my husband has been waiting on deep brain > stimulation surgery and it has been scheduled for noon on the 3rd of > December. > > We certain would appreciate you keeping him in your prayers. > > Thanks, > Ruby Casto > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

Several of you know that my husband has been waiting on deep brain stimulation surgery and it has been scheduled for noon on the 3rd of December. We certain would appreciate you keeping him in your prayers. Thanks, Ruby Casto

DONE. LET ME KNOW THE TIME. IRENE > Several of you know that my husband has been waiting on deep brain > stimulation surgery and it has been scheduled for noon on the 3rd of > December. > > We certain would appreciate you keeping him in your prayers. > > Thanks, > Ruby Casto > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

I forgive you I even said a prayer. Jim

THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU! > I forgive you I even said a prayer. Jim > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

I know this is meant for genealogy questions but maybe you can forgive me for this one. I have a young friend who needs help. I could be her mother. Her name is Julia Ann. She is in her fifties. She just finished beating breast cancer. With everything she had to go thru she never complained. You would have never known what she was going thru. Now they have found something in the other breast. She is to have a biopsy done. Would you all please say a prayer for her? Those of you who have prayer chains, please put her on your list. Thank you, Irene Dunlevy

JEAN, I DON'T QUITE UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MEAN. ARE YOU ASKINK FOR SOMEONE WHO BELONGS TO THE HARRISON COUNTY DAR OR SOMEONE WHO HAS ANCESTORS FROM HARRISON COUNTY? > I would be interested in hearing from some one who is a member of the > DAR or SAR Harrison CO. I already am a member of DAR through Joshua > Jones, Marion Co., WVa. > Thanks, Jean Smith > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

I would be interested in hearing from some one who is a member of the DAR or SAR Harrison CO. I already am a member of DAR through Joshua Jones, Marion Co., WVa. Thanks, Jean Smith

Irene, I missed you while you were gone. Good luck with your new computer. Ethel Irene Dunlevy wrote: > > TO ANYONE INTERESTED, > > My old computer had problems. My son Mike ordered me a new one,to be built. Something happened to it after a few days. It was finally picked up, fixed and brought back today. My new address is still the same. i.dunlevy@attbi.com > > Irene Dunlevy > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

TETRICK LONG FORM Microfilm Roll 0163878 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preston B. Gandy, resident of 314 Buckhannon Ave., Clarksburg, WV Born: 08/27/1895 at 520 W. Main St., Clarksburg, WV Married to: Martha Pantall b. 12/14/1896 Punxsutawney, PA d/o John Ervin Pantall and Agnes McGuire Married 09/17/1924 Punxsutawney, Jefferson Co., PA Children: Preston Boehner Gandy, Jr. b. 06/21/1926 at 631 S. 7th St., [Clarksburg] Harrison Co., WV Martha Lou Gandy b. 10/31/1930 at 314 Buckhannon Ave., [Clarksburg] Harrison Co., WV Father: John Preston Gandy b. 03/30/1850 Clarksburg d. 02/03/1917 Mother: Laura Boehner b. 02/28/1866 Lewistown, Mifflin Co., PA d/o John Eberhardt Boehner and Anna Magdalena Graebuer Parents� DOM: 03/10/1887 Lewistown, Mifflin Co., PA Preton�s Siblings: Anna Magdalena b. 08/06/1891 Harrison Co., WV; d. 04/23/1901 GF: Otho Preston Gandy b. 03/04/1818 Preston Co., (W)V; d. 01/04/1892 GM: Louise Jane Cork b. 04/09/1824 Clarksburg, (W)V; d. 01/15/1876 d/o Peter and Nancy Cork GP�s DOM: 02/07/1843 Clarksburg, (W)V John Preston Gandy�s siblings: [All b. Clarksburg, (W)V.] Helen Virginia b. 01/08/1844; Flora Annus b. 04/10/1845; Warren Oswell b. 11/01/1846; Laura Frances b. 04/17/1848; Charles b. 01/26/1852, d. 09/20/1852; William Bray b. 12/26/1859 G-GF: Amos Gandy b. 1781 G-GM: Rachel Manear d/o William Manear G-GP�s DOM: 11/29/1803 Monongalia Co., (W)V Otho Preston Gandy�s siblings: Susan b. 07/04/1805 Preston Co., (W)V; Amos b. 04/18/1807, d. 1868; Sally b. 04/02/1809; Samuel b. 04/12/1811; Betsy b. 05/28/1813; Owen b. 1815; Mary Ann b. 10/11/1820; Matilda b. 03/11/1826; Manly b. 11/14/1828; George Watt b. 10/12/1829; Rachel; Clayton G-G-GF: Samuel Gandy b. 1745; d. 1828 Preston Co. Buried Gladesville, WV, cemetery. [Noted that Samuel Gandy relocated from NJ ca. 1790.] G-G-GM: Rachel -- b. 1752; d. 1830 Buried Gladesville, WV, cemetery. G-G-GPs� DOM: 01/09/1770 probably NJ Amos Gandy�s siblings: Jonathan b. 11/22/1776; Sarah b. 06/20/1778; Mary b. 03/28/1780; Levi b. 1783; Ruth b. 08/10/1785; Elizabeth b. 03/27/1787; Susanah b. 04/27/1789; Aaron b. 08/14/1791; Otho b. 09/27/1794 (�Moved to Churubusco, Ind. In 1849.�) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Samuel Clyde Griffith, resident of Clarksburg, WV Born: 8/29/1876 Ten Mile, Harrison Co., WV Spouse: Iva Pearl Ashcraft b. 3/25/1890 at Tunnell, Wetzel Co., WV; d/o Jesse Ashcraft and Harriet Elizabeth Carson DOM: 04/01/1908 Oakland, MD Children: (All b. Harrison Co., WV.) Jesse Alden 03/22/1909; Charles Leslie 09/15/1911; Thelma Ruth 10/18/1913; Roy Allen 03/02/1915; Virginia Elizabeth 02/25/1921; Martha Jean 05/28/1923; Lyle Gordon 11/25/1925 Father: Samuel Griffith b. Ten Mile; d. 1878 Mother: Savannah Koon b. 02/19/1849 Worthington, WV; d. 12/15/1933; d/o James Koon and Mary Tetrick Samuel Clyde Griffith�s Siblings: James Allen d. 07/02/1907; William Seymore; Fredrick Clinton --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mattie Teague, resident of Clarksburg, b. 04/08/1875 near Sardis, WV Spouse: Charles H. Teague b. 07/04/1874 Jefferson Co., NC; s/o Jacob and Amanda Teague DOM: 01/09/1901 Clarksburg, WV Children: (All b. Harrison Co., WV.) Malcolm H. b. 01/28/1902; Mabel Virginia b. 09/12/1904, d. 05/21/1920; Bertha Merle b. 11/26/1908, d. 05/24/1929 Father: James Halpenny b. 04/14/1839; d. 10/31/1910 Mother: Luna Linville b. 04/11/1838 d/o John Linville and Margaretta Gifford Pars� DOM: 10/25/1863 Harrison Co., WV Mattie�s siblings: (All born Harrison Co., WV.) Simion C. Halpenny b. 08/03/1864; Tillman E. Halpenny b. 01/19/1871; Belle Woodmansee b. 01/16/1873; Bertha Sullivan b. 12/23/1878; GF: Peter Halpenny b. Ireland GM: Susan Gray b. MD --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs. Sarah White, resident of 906 Ohio Ave., Clarksburg, WV Born: 1888 Tyler Co., WV Spouse: Lambert B. White b. 1886 Tyler Co., WV s/o Taylor White and Claracy[?] Booher DOM: 1907 Tyler Co., WV Children: (All b. Tyler Co., WV.) Delbert L. b. 09/30/1908; Clarence b. 07/10/1909; Clayton b. 01/07/1912 Father: Caleb Henderson b. 1860 Wetzel Co., (W)V Mother: Corander Gray b. 1864 Tyler Co., WV; d. 1905 d/o James Gray and Sarah Lemasters Pars� DOM: 1884 Tyler Co., WV Sarah�s siblings: (All b. Tyler Co.) Daniel b. 03/20/1889; Henry b. 09/19/1891; --?�Dana[?] b. 09/16/1893; Mary b. 09/12/1896; Louisa b. 05/21/1898; Iva b. 05/09/1901, d. 1916; GF: Samell Henderson GM: Sarah A. Headly Caleb Henderson�s siblings: Robert; Ca___a; May Jane; T___; Dannel --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive medley & videos from Greatest Hits CD

TETRICK LONG FORM Microfilm Roll 0163878 INDIVIDUAL: Preston B. Gandy, resident of 314 Buckhannon Ave., Clarksburg, WV DOB: 08/27/1895 at 520 W. Main St., Clarksburg, WV SPOUSE: Martha Pantall b. 12/14/1896 Punxsutawney, PA d/o John Ervin Pantall and Agnes McGuire DOM: 09/17/1924 Punxsutawney, Jefferson Co., PA CHILDREN: Preston Boehner, Jr. b. 06/21/1926 at 631 S. 7th St., [Clarksburg] Harrison Co., WV Martha Lou b. 10/31/1930 at 314 Buckhannon Ave., [Clarksburg] Harrison Co., WV FATHER: John Preston Gandy b. 03/30/1850 Clarksburg d. 02/03/1917 MOTHER: Laura Boehner b. 02/28/1866 Lewistown, Mifflin Co., PA d/o John Eberhardt Boehner and Anna Magdalena Graebuer PARS� DOM: 03/10/1887 Lewistown, Mifflin Co., PA PRESTON�S SIBS: Anna Magdalena b. 08/06/1891 Harrison Co., WV d. 04/23/1901 GF: Otho Preston Gandy b. 03/04/1818 Preston Co., (W)V d. 01/04/1892 GM: Louise Jane Cork b. 04/09/1824 Clarksburg, (W)V d. 01/15/1876 d/o Peter and Nancy Cork GPs� DOM: 02/07/1843 Clarksburg, (W)V JOHN PRESTON GANDY�S SIBS: [All b. Clarksburg, (W)V.] Helen Virginia b. 01/08/1844 Flora Annus b. 04/10/1845 Warren Oswell b. 11/01/1846 Laura Frances b. 04/17/1848 Charles b. 01/26/1852 d. 09/20/1852 William Bray b. 12/26/1859 G-GF: Amos Gandy b. 1781 G-GM: Rachel Manear d/o William Manear G-GPs� DOM: 11/29/1803 Monongalia Co., (W)V OTHO PRESTON GANDY�S SIBS: Susan b. 07/04/1805 Preston Co., (W)V Amos b. 04/18/1807 d. 1868 Sally b. 04/02/1809 Samuel b. 04/12/1811 Betsy b. 05/28/1813 Owen b. 1815 Mary Ann b. 10/11/1820 Matilda b. 03/11/1826 Manly b. 11/14/1828 George Watt b. 10/12/1829 Rachel Clayton G-G-GF: Samuel Gandy b. 1745 d. 1828 Preston Co. Buried Gladesville, WV, cemetery. [Noted that Samuel Gandy relocated from NJ ca. 1790.] G-G-GM: Rachel -- b. 1752 d. 1830 Buried Gladesville, WV, cemetery. G-G-GPs� DOM: 01/09/1770 probably NJ AMOS GANDY�S SIBS: Jonathan b. 11/22/1776 Sarah b. 06/20/1778 Mary b. 03/28/1780 Levi b. 1783 Ruth b. 08/10/1785 Elizabeth b. 03/27/1787 Susanah b. 04/27/1789 Aaron b. 08/14/1791 Otho b. 09/27/1794 (�Moved to Churubusco, Ind. In 1849.�) INDIVIDUAL: Samuel Clyde Griffith, resident of Clarksburg, WV DOB: 8/29/1876 Ten Mile, Harrison Co., WV SPOUSE: Iva Pearl Ashcraft b. 3/25/1890 at Tunnell, Wetzel Co., WV d/o Jesse Ashcraft and Harriet Elizabeth Carson DOM: 04/01/1908 Oakland, MD CHILDREN: (All b. Harrison Co., WV.) Jesse Alden 03/22/1909 Charles Leslie 09/15/1911 Thelma Ruth 10/18/1913 Roy Allen 03/02/1915 Virginia Elizabeth 02/25/1921 Martha Jean 05/28/1923 Lyle Gordon 11/25/1925 FATHER: Samuel Griffith b. Ten Mile d. 1878 MOTHER: Savannah Koon b. 02/19/1849 Worthington, WV d. 12/15/1933 d/o James Koon and Mary Tetrick SIBLINGS: James Allen d. 07/02/1907 William Seymore Fredrick Clinton INDIVIDUAL: Mattie Teague, resident of Clarksburg DOB: 04/08/1875 near Sardis, WV SPOUSE: Charles H. Teague b. 07/04/1874 Jefferson Co., NC s/o Jacob and Amanda Teague DOM: 01/09/1901 Clarksburg, WV CHILDREN: (All b. Harrison Co., WV.) Malcolm H. b. 01/28/1902 Mabel Virginia b. 09/12/1904 d. 05/21/1920 Bertha Merle b. 11/26/1908 d. 05/24/1929 FATHER: James Halpenny b. 04/14/1839 d. 10/31/1910 MOTHER: Luna Linville b. 04/11/1838 d/o John Linville and Margaretta Gifford PARS� DOM: 10/25/1863 Harrison Co., WV MATTIE�S SIBS: (All born Harrison Co., WV.) Simion C. Halpenny b. 08/03/1864 Tillman E. Halpenny b. 01/19/1871 Belle Woodmansee b. 01/16/1873 Bertha Sullivan b. 12/23/1878 GF: Peter Halpenny b. Ireland GM: Susan Gray b. MD INDIVIDUAL: Mrs. Sarah White, resident of 906 Ohio Ave., Clarksburg, WV DOB: 1888 Tyler Co., WV SPOUSE: Lambert B. White b. 1886 Tyler Co., WV S/o Taylor White and Claracy[?] Booher DOM: 1907 Tyler Co., WV CHILDREN: (All b. Tyler Co., WV.) Delbert L. b. 09/30/1908 Clarence b. 07/10/1909 Clayton b. 01/07/1912 FATHER: Caleb Henderson b. 1860 Wetzel Co., (W)V MOTHER: Corander Gray b. 1864 Tyler Co., WV d. 1905 d/o James Gray and Sarah Lemasters PARS� DOM: 1884 Tyler Co., WV SARAH�S SIBS: (All b. Tyler Co.) Daniel b. 03/20/1889 Henry b. 09/19/1891 --?�Dana[?] b. 09/16/1893 Mary b. 09/12/1896 Louisa b. 05/21/1898 Iva b. 05/09/1901 d. 1916 GF: Samell Henderson GM: Sarah A. Headly CALEB HENDERSON�S SIBS: Robert Ca___a May Jane T___ Dannel --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive medley & videos from Greatest Hits CD

TETRICK LONG FORM Microfilm Roll 0163855 INDIVIDUAL: Nelson H. Hustead, resident of Lumberport, WV DOB: 01/24/1877 SPOUSE: Viola V. Martin b. 04/24/1877 Doddridge Co., WV d/o William L. Martin and Mary C. Kyle DOM: 10/01/1899 near Center Point CHILDREN: (All b. Harrison Co., WV.) Wilma Anita b. 11/18/1902 Hilda Constance b. 12/18/1906 Muriel b. 02/23/1915 FATHER: John Wesley Hustead b. 09/24/1844 Tyler Co. d. 03/29/1922 MOTHER: Louisa N. Coffman b. 11/17/1847 Harrison Co. d. 06/1887 d/o Benjamin Coffman and Mary Boggess PARS� DOM: 05/03/1868 Harrison Co., WV NELSON�S SIBS: (All b. Harrison Co., WV.) B. Russel b. 11/13/1869 d. 04/21/1912 Tilman O. b. 08/19/1871 Mary A. b. 01/17/1873 Loyd S. b. 01/01/1875 Arildo[?] L. b. 12/23/1878 Ettie b. 01/23/1881 GF: John Hustead GM: Lydda Thomas b. Tyler Co., WV JOHN WESLEY HUSTEAD�S SIBS: (All b. Tyler Co., WV.) William Jimort[?] Amanda Elizabeth Margaret --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive medley & videos from Greatest Hits CD

TO ANYONE INTERESTED, My old computer had problems. My son Mike ordered me a new one,to be built. Something happened to it after a few days. It was finally picked up, fixed and brought back today. My new address is still the same. i.dunlevy@attbi.com Irene Dunlevy

In a message dated 11/5/02 9:26:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, emonds@earthlink.net writes: > This is probably a little premature but I will ask anyway. Any ideas of > what some of the classes will cost? When I replied to Christine's letter the other day, my reply went only to her not the list. We don't have a definite price per class or for the workshop but I wanted to let people know that it would be something that wouldn't be expensive. My estimate is somewhere between $15.00 - $20.00 to attend for the day. There would be a small additional charge for nonmembers and also a charge for lunch. There are restaurants nearby if you would prefer to go out for lunch. Patricia Dennison Patricia

Hope you enjoy this. Ethel How did we ever survive? Looking back, it's hard to believe that we have lived as long as we have. As children we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat. Our baby cribs were painted with bright colored lead based paint. We often chewed on the crib, ingesting the paint. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes we had no helmets. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. We played dodge ball and sometimes the ball would really hurt. We played with toy guns, cowboys and Indians, army, cops and robbers, and used our fingers to simulate guns when the toy ones or the BB gun was not available. We ate cupcakes, bread and butter, and drank sugar soda, but we were never over weight; we were always outside playing. Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't, had to learn to deal with disappointment. Some students weren't as smart as others or didn't work hard so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade. That generation produced some of the greatest risk-takers and problem solvers. We had the freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. Almost all of us would have rather gone swimming in the lake instead of a pristine pool (talk about boring), the term cell phone would have conjured up a phone in a jail cell, and a pager was the school PA system. We all took gym, not PE... and risked permanent injury with a pair of high top Ked's (only worn in gym) instead of having cross-training athletic shoes with air cushion soles and built in light reflectors. I can't recall any injuries but they must have happened because they tell us how much safer we are now. Flunking gym was not an option... even for stupid kids! I guess PE must be much harder than gym. Every year, someone taught the whole school a lesson by running in the halls with leather soles on linoleum tile and hitting the wet spot. How much better off would we be today if we only knew we could have sued the school system. Speaking of school, we all said prayers and the pledge (amazing we aren't all brain dead from that), and staying in detention after school caught all sorts of negative attention for about the next two weeks. We must have had horribly damaged psyches. Schools didn't offer 14 year olds an abortion or condoms (we wouldn't have known what either was anyway) but they did give us a couple of baby aspirin and cough syrup if we started getting the sniffles. What an archaic health system we had then. Remember school nurses? Ours wore a hat and everything. I thought that I was supposed to accomplish something before I was allowed to be proud of myself. I just can't recall how bored we were without computers, PlayStation, Nintendo, X-box or 270 digital cable stations. I must be repressing that memory as I try to rationalize through the denial of the dangers could have befallen us as we trekked off each day about a mile down the road to some guy's vacant lot, built forts out of branches and pieces of plywood, made trails, and fought over who got to be the Lone Ranger. What was that property owner thinking, letting us play on that lot. He should have been locked up for not putting up a fence around the property, complete with a self-closing gate and an infrared intruder alarm. Oh yeah... and where was the Benadryl and sterilization kit when I got that bee sting? I could have been killed! We played king of the hill on piles of gravel left on vacant construction sites and when we got hurt, mom pulled out the 48 cent bottle of mercurochrome and then we got butt-whooped. Now it's a trip to the emergency room, followed by a 10-day dose of a $49 bottle of antibiotics and then mom calls the attorney to sue the contractor for leaving a horribly vicious pile of gravel where it was such a threat. We didn't act up at the neighbor's house either because if we did, we got butt-whooped (physical abuse) there too... and then we got butt-whooped again when we got home. Mom invited the door to door salesman inside for coffee, kids choked down the dust from the gravel driveway while playing with Tonka trucks (remember why Tonka trucks were made tough... it wasn't so that they could take the rough berber in the family room), and Dad drove a car with leaded gas. Our music had to be left inside when we went out to play and I am sure that I nearly exhausted my imagination a couple of times when we went on two week vacations. I should probably sue the folks now for the danger they put us in when we all slept in campgrounds in the family tent. Summers were spent behind the push lawnmower and I didn't even know that mowers came with motors until I was 13 and we got one without an automatic blade-stop or an auto-drive. How sick were my parents? Of course my parents weren't the only psychos. I recall Donny Reynolds from next door coming over and doing his tricks on the front stoop just before he fell off. Little did his mom know that she could have owned our house. Instead she pick him up and swatted him for being such a goof. It was a neighborhood run amuck. To top it off, not a single person I knew had ever been told that they were from a dysfunctional family. How could we possibly have known that we needed to get into group therapy and anger management classes? We were obviously so duped by so many societal ills, that we didn't even notice that the entire country wasn't taking Prozac! So......just how did we survive?

Joannie, Thanks for letting me know that you are ok since the earthquake. I was wondering about both of our members up there and just never got around to putting out an e-mail and asking you. Anytime there is a flood, tornado, whatever and we have members in that area we are concerned about your safety. Thanks once again and hope you get your snow too. I'm hoping we don't get to much here in WV. Take care and stay warm. Ruby Casto Membership Chairman of HCGS