SAGiles-writing about life!

This last weekend was the 40 year reunion for my husband and myself for our high school.  We graduated from a class of 763 students.  And yes! you can go home and still know people, and have so much fun!!!  We did anyway!!  A number of our old friends have remained friends for all of these years, so that was easy,  but many who were friends had drifted to other areas, have lived great lives and yet, as we did, found their way home for a three day reunion.  

Some people, I never did recognize--even with name tags it was almost impossible to know who they were, or even to remember later.  Several, had not changed, and I mean that.  One of our cheerleaders for our senior year, still looked at though she was 17.  Most of the men had the most dramatic change, and yet there again, several looked as though they belonged still at the high school.  Several had been in law enforcement--as in the ATF and DEA.  One in the IRS as an investigator for the treasury department--hope you all have paid your taxes!  One who started a business in his garage and is now a multi-millionaire--(not Bill Gates).  If you have heard of Kickbox Boom Boxes, well he is married to the gal who looks 17.

We have all lived life to the fullest for 40 years, and hope to do so for many more.  The 50th reunion is already in the planning stages! 

But then, on the down side.  We have already lost over 50 of our classmates.  Too many on the deceased list for there to be total joy!

Our hometown has changed, just as we don't look the same, neither does it! 

But all in all!  We really had a great time!

Heading soon to the big 40 year high school reunion so if you don't hear from me about this weekend's OU football and other great college games, it is because the lap top is not going with us, and well in my little hometown in Okla. I am not sure about computers that might be available.  I know our one remaining relative who lives there doesn't have a computer.  Maybe our hotel will, but no guarantee for that.  So, next week I will give you all the low down on what a 40 year high school reunion is like in Okla.  I know that my husband and I have received more e-mails from people we haven't heard from in 40 years as to what we are wearing to the big dinner/dance on Sat.  As if we are the ones to determine the fashion for that???

Anyway, Friday night is the big meet and great and football game that is also homecoming.  Now, at one time that would have been exciting as our high school was state champs for all 3 years that we were in high school for 6AA high school.  My husband, first string all 3 years, no, I wasn't a cheerleader, but VP of our pep squad the bravettes.  Yeh that was the 60's when such organiztions existed and everyone belonged!!!  Now, the football team hasn't won a game in forever and I think they have another new coach this year, so the expectations for the game on Friday night aren't all that great, except it will be fun to see old friends and talk and laugh--and maybe party like we did in 1967!!!! Well, at least until about 11:00 if we can stay awake!!

This should for us be a truly entertaining weekend.

I am now moving up the age range for this as I have discovered that as I get closer to 60 that the 50 year olds really aren't ready to relate to this! 

Two weeks from now I will have just spent a weekend with my old high school friends at our 40 year reunion.  Now, I haven't been to a reunion since our 20th.  There have been 2 that my husband and I just couldn't attend.  But we felt this was significant as the next one will be our 50th, and who knows who will still be around!

I wrote a few months back that I was questioning whether to attend.  My husband was even less enthusiastic.  But, now with the days fast approaching, we are excited to scream, "Well, you haven't changed a bit"  (who was that person--I don't know him/her).  I have heard from friends that I haven's talked to or written to in years.  And we are still friends!!!!  I even have a good friend that we were friends in jr. high, high school, and then lost touch in college even though she also attended OU.  And low and behold she and her husband have children who live in the area and they are now moving to Plano--so we are again in touch and closer as friends then before.  Gee, we have grown up!

I am having low keyed expectations for the final outcome of this event.  If I get to geared up for it, I am afraid I will be very disappointed.  I guess  I will find out if you can go home again or not. 

So, what should I look forward to, or prepare for with this upcoming event?  If you have experienced a 40 or 50 year high school reunion let me know how I need to prepare for this!

I don't see too many restaurant reviews in the blogs, so I thought I would spend a few minutes giving a thumbs up to a very good restaurant in Plano, TX.  It is not part of the mega chain restaurants, and that is what really makes this review a thumbs-up!  Before I give you the name, I must tell you that we have visited this restaurant frequently and yet not so frequently during the past 15 years we have lived in this area.  We ate there for graduation lunches and dinners, birthdays, a surprise anniversary dinner for friends, church groups, etc.  and we have seen this restaurant grow in clientele.  The food always consitently good, the waters and watresses o.k. from time to time.  And there is even entertainment on a nightly basis.  From live music, dancing and even an overhead model train that makes the circuit of the main dining room. 

SO, now, do I have your appetite curious?  

This place of good food, fun, and entertainment is The Bavarian Grille in Plano.  on Highway 75. 

We went Saturday night, and believe me if you don't want to have to wait in the Biergarten for over an hour or so, you need reservations!!!!  The place was packed with many standing outside to wait an hour or more for a table. 

And on many nights such as this you would expect so, so service and food that you wish you had stayed at home to not eat.  BUT--not so for The Bavarian Grille. We had perfection all the way around.  And believe me, we (especially the birthday boy) are a fussy, critical crowd.  Our daughter-in-law had arranged for a birthday cake for him,  Black Forrest Cake--the favorite of my son and of mine [and I can tell you a life long search of mine for this kind of cake--from great to terrible]  this restaurant out did itself.  A cake to serve 8-10--for the four of us--yum!  Candles, and even personalized--if you know Black Forrest Cake you know that some places try to pass off a tastless version--with not so real whipped cream, cake that is dry and tastless--etc.  WELL NOT SO here!!!!!!!

OH! yes they serve beer!  And do they have choices!!! But you must be adventuresome and wonder away from your Bud or Coors!!!!!  Believe me let the waiter or waitress help you with a variety of selections and you will be very satisified!  They too serve German wines, Schnapps, etc. 

The menu varries with the seasons, and so during the summer they are serving lighter Bavarian foods with a variety of vegatables.  And yet, they do still prepare the standards--and I just can't go to a German restaurant without eating Sauerbraten--reminds me of my German grandmother. 

So, venture forth in your eating endeavors to The Bavarian Grille Restaurant in Plano on 75--it is tucked away on the backside of a small shopping center at Parker and 75.  And just remember excellent food and service is not cheap, yes, it is not like a Chili's or Der Weinerschnitzel--so be prepared to pay for a wonderful dining experience.  Not one that is stuffy as this place is full of singing, good food, and merriment!

With so many discussions of The View lately and the Rosie gate, I thought those of you who are home in the morning or have time to set the TVO or DVR before you leave would like to know that the guest co-host for today is Rene Syler.  Now, some of you may think "who'?  Well, you will remember her from CBS 11 here in Dallas and more lately morning show on CBS M-F.  I like Rene and watched the national show in the mornings because of her.  You may not know that one , she has a new book out (and the title escapes me) and if you are thinking well I haven't seen her on the CBS national news show for a while, it is because they as she even calls it 'fired' her before Christmas of last year.  She has also been battling breast cancer.  So, I think she will bring a "great" point of view as a guest co-host.  For those of you who watch or did in the past watch The View, I would hope that Barbara Walters and her producers will return to their senses and seek out someone like Rene for the co-host!  It scares me to have Kathy Griffin on there so much as she is too much of a BIG MOUTH and may just be a Rosie wanna-be.

Anyway--there are more important things in life than The View, but I just thought you might want to follow-up on a quality news person who used to be on the local air-waves. 

Finally, I have made it to see a few movies.  I have not had the chance to see "Pirates of the Caribean--World's End"  as no one wants to go see it with me, so I will find a time this next week to go see it by myself.  Now, I have seeen "Mr. Brooks", "Fracture", and "The Waitress". 

I think I will begin with the chick flick--"The Waitress"  I went with two of my good friends--both teaching buddies--who still teach, so we really hit the movies in the summer.  We all enjoyed "The Waitress"--it does move a bit slow, and the plot--well if I were to just read the script, I don't think I would want to see it.  It is your basic simple love triangle movie, and the location -- Joe's Pie Diner--somewhere in the rural south.  Kerrie Russell's character envisions all types of pies with strange names to apply to various situations in the movie.   She has a somewhat of a scoundral of a husband, and Andy Griffith plays an adorable if not somewhat crusty character.  Women--go see it.  You will find it a nice way to spend an hour or so in the afternoon.

"Fracture"  oh this has Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling as the stars.  I like each very much and this movie is intriquing with a few well placed twists.  Of the three I saw this week--I liked this the best as did my husband and our friends who joined us also for Mr. Brooks.

Kevin Costner and Demi Moore--what were you thinking in making this movie?  "Mr. Brooks" is not for the faint of heart, and while I can watch bloody or gorrie movies, this just doesn't appeal to me.  What you see in the trailers is pretty much the movie--and I had no trouble predicting the outcome.  But you be the judge!

Now, "Ocean's 13" comes out next weekend, so I hope to make it to "Pirates" before the other movie hits the screens.  As I like the "Ocean's" movies as much as the "Pirates" 

There is another interesting woman's movie coming soon--I think in July--"Evening" with a cast of thousands--well anyway, Claire Dane, Meril Streep, Glenn Close, Francis McDormit, Emma Thompson, one of the Redgrave sisters, and more.  It really looks good, so my teacher friends and I will venture to that,  and I will review it for those who are interested.

I am sure there are movies I should see, but just don't know about, so let me know some of your summer favorites--and I am not into "Spider Man 3" or any of the animated movies.

Next week the third movie of the Pirates series--I will brave the crowds (something I have grown to dislike this last year) to see this third in the series.  I just so like Capt. Jack (Johnny Depp) the character!! 

And then another of my favorite series--Ocean's 13 the size of the group keeps growing.

I think those are the two highlighted on my movie ticket for the summer.  Get the popcorn popping!!!

I will give you my comments after I have a chance to see each movie!

Taking Cookie to Texas A & M today.

  This year is the 40th year reunion for the high school graduating class of my husband and myself.  Plans have been made, the graduates have beeen contacted--there were 763 who graduated from a high school in NW. Okla. in 1967.  Of that number 539 have been found and contacted.  And the list of those living and gone is noticable.  The shock to my husband and myself is the number who have passed on--around 25-30, and no, not all due to the Viet Nam War.  The best man in our wedding, close friend to both my husband and me died at the age of 46 due to coronary disease.  We have mourned his leaving of this earth for 10 years now!  But some of the others listed were truly a surprise!  Guess by the 50th there will be quite a few more!

But the SHOCK--the pictures that have been posted on our high school web site!!!  The men--are bald--well quite a few of them, and have certainly gained weight with the hair that remains being grey--or white!!!  The women seem to have faired somewhat better!!!!! Hair coloring for women makes a difference, and even those who seem to have gone natural don't have as many grey hairs.  Weight gain, well some--but not terrible--I think I had better go on a diet before Sept.!!! 

The question being, do we really want to travel over 6 hours for this event?  The last reunion we attended was the 20th.  There have been 3 since then, and we missed those without a lot of regret, but the pressure is on for this one!!! 

Both my husband and I were involved in quite a few high school clubs and actvities;  for him football, student council--class officer, for me: honor society, chorus--mixed and girl's glee club, attendant for several events, even homecoming, and I guess what you would call popular in our high school days, and while we had quite a few friends--we all, for the most part have lost touch with one another, and I really don't know if I want to spend $150.00 for a catered meal at a convention center, pay another $200.00+ to stay in a motel, drive for 6 hours, to say hello for 4 hours to people I barely remember.  I don't mean this as being snobby, just I truly don't think I would recognize half of my classmates, and while that may be silly and funny for a time???Well, then what memories will we be left with???  Yet not going means I may not be there for the next one, or someone I wish I had spent 3 minutes talking to may not be there in 10 years.   In a way, I wish our class weren't quite as large!  Of course the chances that all those on the current "found" list will be there are slim and none.  We are spending this weekend deciding if we will attend as we have until May 10th to send in  our reservations and pay our $150.00 to reserve our place for the dinner/dance.  Gee, I could stay in the DFW area that weekend and spend that same amount of money going out to eat at a nice restaurant with some of our friends here!  But there wouldn't be the pictures taken, the memories recounted of what happened when, the laughter at "oh, my gosh you haven't changed any in all these years"--and that being the most forced comment--I certainly know my looks have been really altered!  And reliving the past is sometimes good--certainly makes the present worthwhile, and as they say can put a new spring in your step.

REUNION TIME????  Will we go????  Still have to think about this!  The Cost??  Old friends--PRICELESS!

I decided to make it short and sweet, we visited some great places along the way.  Our two main destinations were Eagle River, WI. and Minneapolis.  And so I will show you just pictures of places we visited.  Eagle River is mostly the river and resorts with cabins and such.  We were there before the season ( May 15th-October, 30th)  so this is mainly river scenes, but the pictures I took of the hospital are symbolic.  My grandfather Wm. A. Thorpe was the doctor in that area in the late 1800's and early 1900's.  He practiced in the area until the 1920's.  And while none of our relatives live in WI., and he didn't have the hospital for his practice;  I thought it necessary to take a picture of the facility he never saw or used.  I didn't take pictures of the wineries we visited--and they are prevelant in WI.  Cheese tasting and wine sipping along the way!!!!  In Madison we took time out of our drive to visit the Monona Terrace.  Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright,  this is a very interesting building on the Monoa Lake in downtown WI.  It is just a few blocks from their capitol.  I took a picture of that building as well, but it didn't show-up??? It is someplace.  Springfield, Illinois--the Lincoln museum--again for a reason.  My dad, born on Lincoln's birthday--Feb. 12 (not the year) had the middle name of Lincoln--so a must visit there.  And the fact I am intrested in Civil War memorbilia.  I have uploaded a representative picture of a farm.  So many along the way, all lovely, and all so much the same!!!

I have enjoyed sharing a bit of our road trip.  It was so delightful.  And at times funny---we got lost in the Wisconsin Dells and couldn't get out of the area--my husband who never gets lost kept going in circles.  We were tired, it was cold and rainy and we just kept missing the road signs for the direction we wanted to go--and it provided so much silly conversation and laughter for the rest of the trip.

Life is fun--go out and enjoy all that this lovely, wonderful country has to offer us!!  Drive it sometime--forget the flying, you miss too much!

IOWA!  A state I have seldom thought about, and have never until 2 weeks ago visited.  My oldest son however worked there for over a year after graduating from A & M.  It was his first "out of the office" assignment for the consulting company that had hired him. 

We all had to get out the Rand McNalley to find   PELLA, Iowa.  I had certainly never heard of this town, and neither had my son.  But he was going there to work in the IT department to redo the internet marketing for a company we all recognize--Pella--as in the window and door company. 

It was only natural then that on the road trip my husband and I took that brought us home from Minnesota through Iowa that we would spend some time in a state we new very little about.  Oh, I knew about the Bridges of Madison County, both from the book and the movie, and this held no interest for my husband.  I knew about Mason City and its connection to Rock 'N Roll with the plane of Buddy Holly, Richie Valenz--going down in a corn field outside of Mason City, and yes!  there is a museum there for Buddy Holly--but we didn't get to see that either.  We had interesting conversations with a group of local farmers in a sandwich shop in Mason City and ate a "famous" maid rite sandwich--this is unusual to say the least! 

But, the purpose according to my husband who was doing most of the driving, was to go to Pella to see this small town that truly held my son in awe--How was that possible?????  You must know--Pella centers its existence around the HUGE Pella window factory--and believe me from what we saw, every home in the town has Pella windows--also, there is a Dutch influence here, and they hold a tulip festival every year--missed it too.  The have a large windmill in the downtown--I have a picture of it somewhere--and a klockenspeil which chimes and figures revolve during certain times of the day.  But, the one place we had to go was "the bakery", our son would bring us the most wonderful baked goods from this bakery every week or so when he came back to Plano from his consulting job.  No Krispy Creme here--but what there is is Jaarsma Bakery.  Old world treats!!!! This is a business that has been in existence for over 100 years.  OH my!!! did we go crazy buying cinnamon rolls, kringles, cheese Danish--etc!!  Three huge bags full of food--and while I figured we had broken the bank--it was only $28.00. 

Could we use a credit card??? NO, as we had learned the night before at dinner--all the merchants in the downtown area--and it is a thriving downtown--take only that thing called "cash".  And there are few A T M's in the town.  So plan ahead if you go there, and enjoy this little throw back to Holland.  This maybe a factory town, but the atmosphere is heart-warming, as are the very friendly people.  Arrive hungry as there are so many great places to eat--the bakery is only one, and there are several bakeries in the downtown, as well as a smoked bologna shop--and restaurants with wonderful food.  All very reasonable priced.  We hope to hit the tulip festival next year--oh!  We are planning a return trip!

For all of you from Iowa--I now know a bit more about your lovely state--and I find it charming! 

This is a sad day for our country--so many young people--not only with those losing their lives on foreign soil, but for the sad loss of life at the hands of one mad man in Virginia.  This world is crazy. 

This blog though is about the middle America as I viewed it for a week and a half this month.  I have flown over much of this country, but driven very little of it.  A trip to Florida when my husband and I were first married was a road trip, and trip to California years later that my husband and I took when we were contemplating moving from Okla. this was sans children, and now the driving trip through the middle to the north of this country.  True there was much we didn't see but we got a great flavor of what is out there.  I never realized how flat Illinois is.  I grew up in NW. Oklahoma and was told that was the flattest place on Earth.  Well, I think Illinois wins that.  Now, I have to say that it is also so beautiful, even without the green and the crops that will be evident in a few more weeks, it is just the loveliness of seeing all the farms, white house, red barns, silos that dot the horizon!!!  Nice highways.  Wisconsin, and here I feel I have a bit of affinity.  My dad was born in Eagle River, my grandfather Wm. A. Thorpe the doctor for the area.  They even had the distinction of being the first family in the town to have indoor plumbing.  Here we found rolling hills, deep woods, flat plains.  Quite a mix of geography, and the friendliest people of our entire trip!!!!  I even have names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and promises to be in communication with some of the people we met.

Minneapolis--we have been there several times before, once for a football trip, and once business, like the area, but really didn't get to meet people.  But, on this trip we went to Easter services with our son and daughter-in-law  at their small Methodist church--Lake Harriet Methodist.  We met the pastors--husband and wife -- a large number of the members--and we were greeted with  "howdy ya'll" by most everyone--this being preplanned by our son and daughter-in-law who had announced that we would be visiting for Easter.  But, oh, what great people!!!  I think the extreme cold makes them go out of their way to be warm and friendly to help warm themselves and the atmosphere! 

We had several interesting visits with people in Iowa--and for the short time we were there, I actually have enough information that I am going to make that a blog of its own. 

The people in the heartland--they are great and doing quite fine! 

I tend to be a bit long winded, (known as elaborating) when I write, but I thought I would condense the eating portion of our trip a bit!

Ted Drues in St. Louis for custard (yogurt)  and on the Sunday afternoon at 3:00 it was packed.  There are no places inside to sit and eat, so everyone just gathers in the parking lot standing or sitting on benches under the trees.  We met some great people here!!!!  Talked with a young couple with 4 cute little girls, and the grandparents--who live with them.  A couple from Illinois who drive 60 miles twice a month to get yogurt from Ted Drues.  Such friendly people--oh well, it helped that we had Cookie in tow and everyone wants to pat the pretty doggy.  The four little girls were so adorable with her, and her tail just about twisted off with all the excitement!!!

O.K. no more elaborating in this blog, I will list places, and then discuss them in other writings. 

Eagle River Wisconsin--two very fine gourment restaurants--yes in this tiny resort town the nicest restaurants of the entire trip--and I guarantee that they could out do a number of places in the DFW area. 

my favorite--(and we can't remember the name) was in an old log school house, circa early 1900's----when my dad could have possibly been a student in that building.  It sits over looking the river (Eagle River) with floor to ceiling windows for the decor--the view of this lovely river.  A large deck with boat docks lines the outside (I am sure in the warmer weather that is the place to be--but we were there in 7 degree and blowing snow).  We had giant, and I do mean giant sea scallops that were in a wine reduction sauce that just was perfect.  Fresh steamed veggies, and wild Wisconsin rice.  All for $16.00 and a wonderful glass of wine--can't find these scallops of this size at Red Lobster--for the same price.

The other restaurant The Stonebridge--oh my goodness, the surprise here--not only the wonderful food, the wine tasting that is apart of each meal, but the decor!  I had a flat iron steak that was actually very tender with again a demi-glase that was mouth watering, steamed veggies and the wild rice is the thing there--and so good, all for $10.95.   The wine tasting included.  My husband had a walleye that was unbelievable!!!!! 

Now Minneapolis--the original Buca di Bipa--just like we have here, only in the basement, under the stairs.  I think I have downloaded a picture or the exterior of this.  The inside being just the same.  Same food--and the Tiramasu--I love it!!! 

I am going to save Iowa for its own blog!

There were little cheese shops and wineries all over Wisconsin that we visited.  All unique and good!  If it weren't so far away, and so cold in the winter--I think I could and would move there--and who knows that may happen someday?????  We discovered blueberry wine at a winery in Three Lakes, WI.  very interesting--and I think I will have to order more--oh we did bring back a case of an assortment of wines from here--all from grapes, and then cranberries, blueberries, apricots--oh this is so smooth--great discovery!

Eating while not a hobby, is certainly something my husband and I enjoy!  And what better way to learn about an area than to sample some of the local flavor.  Now, in America we don't really have to stray too far from any of the major flavors--Chili's, Taco Bell, KFC, even Texas Road House in Minneapolis--but we tried to find a few places with only local fame--

Our first, Pete's Place in Krebs, Ok.  Krebs is noted for having a number of Itallian restaurants, and all serve basically the same thing, and served family style, but with each restaurant putting their own taste to the Itallian food.  We first started eating there about 32 years ago when we lived in OKC. and had a place on Lake Eufala and after a day of swimming, fishing, napping, etc.  if was the thing to take a shower, put on clean clothes and drive about 20 miles to Krebs to eat at one of the many Itallian restaurants.  Pete's is not the only one, there is Giacomo's--that was the first place we ever tried there.  It used to have a very elaborate, art deco type gasoline station in front, now gone from the property.  And as years passed we made several trips to Pete's when Giacomo's was too busy.  The Isle of Capri was the third--we couldn't find it on this trip, and wasn't too fond of it way back in the 70's and 80's.  We must not have been alone in this!

Then, Pete's was rustic, picnic tables inside, and unless you had a large group of your own, you would quite often be seated with other groups at the same table--we made a number of friends from the lake area this way. 

The traditional Itallian fare was served as part of the meal, ravioli, spaghetti and meat balls, cheeses, Itallian peppers, salad, and on top of that you would oder your entre--fried chicken, steak--huge steaks!!!! pork chops--or just stick with the Itallian dinner.  And the bowls and platters of Itallian food was filled and refilled for all to keep eating. 

It is all the same today---EXCEPT---Pete' has gone designer.  New tables, small discreet private rooms, clean wallpaper, and table clothes.  They had when we first joined the pilgrimage to Pete's a beer they made ( now known as micro-brewing) called Chock beer--and they still have that along with several other beers.  The prices way back when--$10.00 for a very large rib eye or T-bone--and all the Itallian family style food you could eat.  NOW--same menu for steaks---$25.00---and chicken $14.95 when it used to be much lower in price.  Sadly--the new decor has changed the food as well, or my old taste buds have changed as it just wasn't as good, and I only had the Itallian dinner--no $25.00 steak for me!  The Itallian meal costing only $12.95--and there was plenty to eat, just not with the same flavor I had hoped for.

But, if you just happen to drive that direction on your way to Tulsa, stop in Krebs and give this interesting dining experience a try.  OH! the Chock beer tasted better that I remembered!!!!  But then this was before we had Wisconsin beer!!!

Finally, Cookie will be seeing a vet for her heart valve situation in a few weeks.  And she did o.k. on this trip--and even being with our son's puppy seemed to perk her up.  Glad we took her, there was no way I would have left her here with us being so far away!