I couldn't wait. Memories of all the good times had at the Phoenix reunion of '98 danced across my thoughts as I awoke at the unGodly hour of 5 am, in order to pack and make my 7:20am flight from San Jose, to Ontario (CA), to Phoenix, and then to San Antonio.

I wasn't disappointed. I got to meet soooo many new friends I've only spoken  to through this mailing list over the past few years...too many to list here.  I'll simply say that it was an honor and pleasure for me to shake hands and  to hug you all - my friends from the 60's, 70's, 80's, and even one from the 40's.

I also got to see friends or folks I knew of back then, Jerry Lipscombe, Cheryl Saylor, Nancy Ward, and Lena Davis Carlucci.

As always, it was like homecoming to once again be with those I've grown so close to - John & Diana Ruff, John Prunier, Sweet Miss Gaye Perkins Parnell,  HotTub Jenn, Gary Mac, KJ, Wendy Sevenandt, the Duckster, and good 'ol Dary  just to mention a few. John and Diana, I am so very sorry we were in such a rush to catch a ride with Gina Burrows' (Meiners) dad that we forgot to say goodbye. Ace and I felt so bad when we realized this...I still feel so bad about it today. I miss you two very much.

Along with all the good times meeting up with folks, I was sad to miss those who weren't there - Jo & Carol Kristol, Kit Kat, Kylene, and Tony Goolsby, just to mention a few.

The hotel was an awesome sight. Older than the San Carlos in Phoenix, but in much, much better shape. The rooms were enormous with two full bathrooms. The ballroom where the reception and dinner party were held was very elegant.  Jumping from one dance room to the other to the outside dancing area at the Sunset Station was unbelievable...more unbelievable yet was the "Leopard Skin Queen" and the (14) falcons - including the gentle giant Bull - that we managed to fit inside one dancing cage...well, most of us were inside...Dary was hanging his rear end out and shaking it in an effort to make Wendy forget her darling Rutger:-). I think Wendy was actually smiling because she was imagining what bro Dary would look like in a cast if his silly ^$#^^#$$% would've feel and broke something:-). Then, the second night it was climbing up and down the three floors of dance rooms at Polly Esthers...singing Oh Rickey you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind...along with all the ladies swooning over Rick Avera and wondering, "what an idiot...you're singing to a Man!!!!" I'll let others tell you about the "Dirty Wall Dancing." Suffice it to say...well, I won't even say that:-).

There's too much to write in one sitting. I think I'll just kick back over the next week or so, and add a touch of commentary in regards to what i'm sure will be other Falcons' posts. 

In closing just let me add...Tom Wiederman, I know consider you a very close friend and I'll walk anywhere with you. Thank you so much for your company throughout the weekend and your friendship. Ardis Ferguson you and I are psychic - you know what we're talkin' about. 

        ******* To all the Falcons in attendance, to my Feathered brothers and sisters who couldn't make it this time, and to all you wonderful folks I will get to meet and be with during reunions in the years to come...thank you for all the wonderful memories that I will carry in my heart...and then, from time to time until the day I die I will pull them out and visit with you once more...we'll hug, and smile and laugh, we'll dance and drink and look each other in the eye and know how truly blessed God has made us. I love you all very, very much.

Belden 75
beldot@aol.com

Carrie Boutwell May 76

I am sure organizing a reunion is a task NO ONE can comprehend till they have done one.  The details you had to figure out must have been so overwhelming at times.......the trips you made to S.A. to iron them out at the hotel.....the phone bill......the email..........geesh, makes me nauseous just thinking about it.

And that is just the things I can imagine.........I am sure I don't know  20% of it all.  You are an <<<<amazing>>>>>  woman.....I admire your perseverance.... your patience........Your creativity........YOUR STYLE!!

Words fail me at this time.......You and your many helpers created a memory that will not perish.......

Hearts were touched, lives will never be the same..... Friendships were renewed and  made......  Tears, chuckles, laughter, hugs, wishes and hope were all experienced.  I don't know if you will ever volunteer again........

I do know this....  You did great, girl!  YOU ARE GREAT, GIRL!  YOU LQQKED GREAT GIRL! 

 I LOVE YA to pieces....... God really blessed us with your leadership and style......  and hats off to all who helped you make
it happen.......seen and unseen.  I imagine there were many!!

It was an awesome event.....  I will write the HOTEL, for sure!!  They were the best! 

May God bless you richly.........  HUGS

LINDA JONES 68
POTATOE SALAD LADY

First, Texas is not my favorite place in the world, I hated it as a teen.  But I must say that San Antonio is a beautiful town and soooo much prettier and "tourist friendly" than it was in 1965.

Second, Diane Edelman '69 did an excellent job and what a sweetie.  I saw her many, many times just walking the lobby and nearby areas, just checking on everybody and making sure that things were fine.  The Hotel was wonderful and the people were incredible and happy to help in any way they could.  I love good customer service.

Third- Don't you all wish you had wonderful friends like I do?  I went to a seemingly normal party for a few of my closest friends at my "first Love's" home (lovely home) and was surprised to have a SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY. Yes, I am now 40...I was a child prodigy, and the class valedictorian... I have never in my whole life had a surprise party and it is quite fun, embarrassing, thrilling and I was totally speechless.  (Nearly)

Fourth-Thanks to all the YOUNGER SET for putting up with us mature and dashing agier folks.  The girls of '65 made quite a spectacle of themselves that no one really understood, but they were very gracious.....and that is all that counts.  I met many young kids and as with everyone....get ready it is disgusting....I love them all.  Lastly I got to kiss Steve Gladdin.....and I do love that man.  You too Ruth, but I kiss you all the time.
See you all next year - where ever we go.
Kandy

What a long, sad, happy, trying, joyful, wonderful trip. Lots of pics and details later!
Gary McClellan '75

I have returned from another great reunion, and I can prove it with pics.  As I slowly post the photos on the website: 
http://www.whoa.org/reunions/99sa/ you can follow and help me correct my usual mistakes.

All I can say for now is "wow!"  What a great bunch of people.

Thank you

garygarylenajuliejuliewendywendyjuliearlenebeldenstevestevetombarbarabarbjanicebeckyvaldianediannelloydbobkandycarol alclaudejimjimmikemiketishgayejencherylcherylvickibrucejeangeneandybillmaryloumarysusanpaulhowardricksuzibobduckie debbiedonnabevjaysallyruthsherryalansharonstevemikejeanreginarossbullvjpatdollyronideelarhondalilyjudyrontonibarbdonny dougsuedarymargefrankjimpatriciabettytomjoveymarkbobkarenroggylaurarickmelodyeloisejeannettemelizabethkaynancytrina nanettemaxinekatiejerrybertginapamelasharongloriasharidianajohnstevestanemilybuttonslindastevejoanndennismikegay robertajimphillindamelaniecatherineandymichaelroncarolbrendaraysandrajuanitamikemarlenedorothybillchrisallenfelix soniaduaneterrydavealmapatty

John '65
Webmaster to the Stars