Summer Fall 2007
Highlights
 

   We put Dirk and Kathi on a plane on Tuesday Aug 21.  Wednesday morning, Mary and I headed out (by car) for her High School's 50th class reunion in Rochester, NY. Taking our time as we usually do we arrived in the area on Thursday evening which we spent visiting with our niece and nephews  with dinner at a local barbeque place on the banks overlooking the Erie Canal.  The weekend of Aug 24-26 was a mini-vacation as we stayed at a local Holiday Inn Express, aren't we "smart"?.  The big weekend began on Friday afternoon with a tour of the John Marshall High School building. Mary was blown away by the fact that the physical plant had not changed, save for the graffiti and probably gang signs which were unheard of in the late 50's.  The other noticeable change was that the school is no longer the neighborhood school of the late 50s.  The Rochester School District has created small specialized academies at each city high school drawing students from all over the city.  This creates a much more diverse student body than the neighborhood school of the 50s.  The idea of the academies is to draw students based on interest.  Once enrolled, they must maintain proper grades in the core courses (English, Math, History, etc.) to remain in their favorite courses. Mary commented that the girls shower looked the same and she could hear the gym teacher cajoling students to get wet.  Friday evening the main party was held at a local Banquet house with the usual comments, introduction of the planning committee and other comments surrounded a family style dinner. Most eye-opening thing at the party was the poster containing the high school yearbook photos of the 40 students who had passed away.  At my reunion they had mentioned the number and the names in the program but the pictures really bring it home. At my reunion in 2003 there were 13 not with us, but our graduating class was considerably smaller about 70 to Mary's 220 so I guess statistically 40 is not surprising.  However, when you see it, it certainly gives you pause. On Saturday, those interested attended a picnic at a local American Legion Post.  While there we found out that it is an annual affair sponsored for all John Marshall grads.  Each year area alumni from Marshall attend. It also gave me a chance as a Legionnaire to visit another Post where Mary and I enjoyed a very affordably priced adult beverage.  Saturday night found a small group of participants attending the ballgame of the local Triple-A Rochester Red Wings.  It was a lovely evening, and even though it turned out to be a loss all had a good time anyway. The final reunion event was a Sunday brunch at a local country club.  This was an opportunity for hugs and goodbyes and the usual promises to keep in touch.  After the brunch we spent some time at the home of Mary's best friend and Matron of Honor looking at pictures and reminiscing.  We then went to spend the remainder of the afternoon with the family again.  This time we enjoyed one of nephew Matt's barbequed chicken and sausage along with fresh corn from the Gentleman  farmer's garden.