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Below are the entire contents of the Newsletter for January/February including
some corrections. My Thanks to all who contributed to this newsletter, keep em coming.
10/30/03
Some more bad news, Troy Durham fell in his house in June and broke his
right leg, He was taken to Veterans Hospital across the bay where they had to amputate his leg and also take a small part
of his left heel. He has required some artery transplants in the area of the hip in an attempt to improve circulation in that
area so it would heal. Lying in bed since June has created many bed sores that must be painful. He has lost much weight since
Ron Yates last seen him. He request no visitors or phone calls. For any further details call Ron Yate's, at home
in Camino 1-916-644-6016
UPDATE 12/17/03
Mac-Just talked to Troy Tues.. 16 and its looking good for him. They have
him out of bed and running around in a electric wheel chair. (bet he's the fastest they have ever seen) He is working out
and doing different exercise to help build up his strength. His wife goes for her operation Thurs.. 18th (arthritis repair
of the spine.) and lets hope every thing works out good for her. They have been apart since June and they want to go home
and be together again. They talk to each other every day so that helps. He's on the mend and that's good. Thanks Ron Yates
10-29-03 From Peggy Peterson, I asked a question and received a great reply. This is what I have been asking for,
from all of you. Thanks Peg.
Hi, Mac, Just was reading the newsletter - and you both have certainly had a tough year!!! I wondered
why your e-mails were few, but so doggone busy myself that I didn't take the time to investigate. Must be that others saw
the newsletter on-line before writing in??? Tells me I could have done that as well. I haven't forgotten that you asked how
many members in my church. Believe it or not, Danville is quite a transient community - on the high end. With company transfers
and all. (I'm definitely on the low end of things here!) At any rate we have over 2,325 members and, incidentally, I just
read that we have an annual attendance of over 93,600, with well over $4M intake (not including special offerings for specific
mission recipients). All that, and we're often in shortfall with the budget!! I'm afraid I will have to take another pass
on Christmas dinner. I'll be in a performance at the church. I don't know if you would want to promote an event, but we'll
be doing 8 performances of "Christmas in Danville" between the first and second weekends in December. Some people who don't
normally attend church come back again and again for this event. We have an orchestra; choir singing cheery seasonal music
as well as deeply moving pieces; ensembles; soloists; drama - comedy this year and topped off with a funny, audience participation
rendering of the 12 Days of Christmas. I don't know yet how much the tickets will be, but it will be affordable. I actually
do some things apart from my church! I sometimes take day trips with singles groups or senior groups. Like going to Bonfante
Gardens in Gilroy - great place to go with or without the grandchildren. Had a tour of Mare Island with lunch at the Vallejo
museum. Very interesting. Wanted to go partly because my dad had worked on ships in WWII. Recently went on a very enjoyable
guided walking tour of Carmel. I get to some concerts of various types. Saw "Kiss Me Kate" at the Woodminster (?) amphitheatre
in Oakland and "The Radiant Maiden" at a theater in Chinatown after lunch and shopping. I go to some singles dances, but usually
leave after a few dances. So many of the men go to look and not to dance. I've not been going line-dancing lately. Keep saying
I'll start another series of classes (& dances). I love Cajun dancing, but don't like driving to Alameda - and the worst
part of Berkeley by myself, although I've done it. Lots of people say they want to go, but it doesn't work out. Due to both
shoulders giving me problems I haven't been playing tennis. Shucks! Can I be getting old? My only trip this year was 4 1/2
days to Indianapolis in October. Went by myself, but met up with other friends and roomed with a gal friend who has moved
to Colorado. They weren't adventurous, so didn't get out and see a whole lot. We went to the Gaither Praise Gathering, along
with 11,000 other people. WOW! The music was surprisingly very diverse. All fantastic, talented people. Everything from gigantic
choirs, quartets, trios, soloists, ballet, to a bunch of black kids from Maryland - and they were good. For a three day event
there were two afternoon (2 hr.) concerts and three 4 1/2 hour evening concerts. WOW! again! In the mornings we had choices
of sessions with very impressive speakers from top Bible teachers in the country to the gal who "blew the whistle" on Enron.
I was only going to write a few lines - and am reliving my year here! Time to go! I certainly hope your year will end with
much better health and lots of happiness! Peggie
11/05/03 From Greg Smith
Hi Everybody;
These are our preliminary
travel plans for 2004, and early 2005. We will probably not be back to Happy Trails until Oct. 2005!
January 7 thru 12th,
we will be in Indio, CA at the FMCA Western Date Rally.
Maybe a trip to San
Diego, CA then Back to Happy Trails
March 16th thru 18th,
we will be at the Albuquerque, NM Adventure Intl Rally
Back to Happy Trails.
Leave Happy Trails
on April 10th Head to Claremore, OK Will Rogers RV Park, FMCA Area Rally.
Leave Oklahoma after
the rally, touring up through South Dakota to Wisconsin, visit with Daughter Susan and family. Then on to Chicago to visit
with friends on our way to Detroit, MI. Tour this area. Our next rally is
May 26 thru 31st in
Berrien Springs, MI. for the FMCA Great Lakes Area Rally.
June 19 thru 24th,
Hutchinson, KS for Great North American RV Rally.
July 13 thru 17th,
Essex Junction, VT for FMCA Northeast Area Champlain Valley Expo
After the July rally,
we will head to the Maritime are in Maine to tour, play, and find other rallies to attend. Our plans are to work the east
coast down to Florida, and stay there through the winter of 2004. While in Florida, we will attend the homecoming rallies
for Holiday Rambler, Safari, Monaco, Tampa Super RV rally, FMCA Brooksville, and smaller rallies in this area. We will also
be planning on spending a couple of weeks in the Florida Keys.
If you have any Additions,
Suggestions, or changes, please let us know. As you know, we are always available to change our plans for other fun and exciting
places. G&R
TRAVEL-BUDDIES EntGreg & Roberta Smith(602) 524-4122 or (541) 990-7675FAX: (623) 321-1284greg@travel-buddies-ent.comwww.travel-buddies-ent.com
Thanksgiving Trip: A great time was had by all attending our annual trip to the town of Plymouth. Attending
were the Dreisbachs, Mullikins, McVickers, Hatheways, Marshalls, Bernie & Gesa. Doris brother Stan & wife Daryl. We
had drop in visitors, the Diebners, Ron Yates & Dave Meltzer. Except for Dave & Ron the rest of us enjoyed a great
Ham dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving and many years of friendship. And the two I forgot in the original news letter and
I apologize to Jan Moss and Bill Wood.
Below are three great recipe's that where brought to our latest RV trip. Both were really enjoyed by all attending,
and most asked for the formula. So here goes!
Dory's Bean Salad.
1 15 oz can Green Beans
1 15 oz can Wax Beans
1 15 oz can of Kidney Beans
1 15 oz can Garbanzo Beans
2 Jars Artichoke Hearts
1 Onion
1/2 Cup Sugar
2/3 Cup Vinegar
1/3 cup Oil
Salt & Pepper
1/2 Cup Green Pepper (Opt.)
Gesa's Sweet Potato Casserole
4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 sup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
one teaspoon each of cinnamon & nutmeg
Pour into lightly buttered Casserole dish.
Topping:
1 cup pecans chopped
1 cup coconut grated
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon & nutmeg
Mix till crumbly, sprinkle on Casserole dish.
Cook 30 min. @ 350 Degrees
Darleens Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls
1 18 oz jar of chunky Peanut Butter balls
2 cups powered sugar
5 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 cups rice Crispies
1 12 oz bag chocolate chips
1/3 block of paraffin.
Mix first 4 ingredients, form into small balls
Melt chips and paraffin in top of double boiler.
Keep over hot water while dropping in peanut
butter one at a time. Scoop out with fork and
place on wax paper to set. chill
11/03 From Charlie Dickinson
Mac: Hope this finds Dory back on the "Beam" as they say. Sent a card early this week
( including 04 HFF annual dues for 04) so won't repeat everything here. Ready for Thanksgiving? Hard to believe its only a
couple of weeks away. We've visited family in CA a couple of times this year. With family in Pleasanton, Oakdale, Valley Springs,
Redding, and Alturas its a "road race" each trip, with seemingly no time for anything else. With 8 Grandkids gotta catch up
with them for sure. I'm staying very busy at work in the US Fire Administration (USFA). USFA has always been part of FEMA,
and part of the busy work has been our transfer into the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS). Very interesting and full of challenges
to say the least. I continue to primarily work in Emmitsburg where most of USFA programs, projects, curriculum development,
and course delivery occurs. Occasionally have to go to DC to FEMA Hdqts, and other Departments and travel on business fairly
regular all over the country. This coming April will have been the Deputy US Fire Administrator for two years. While I enjoy
the work and experience, wouldn't trade one day for the 36 years I had in the fire service! I finally got back to writing
some more on the "Pittsburgh Experience". The first article (March/April 2000) recapped our first year in Pittsburgh. The
second article (Sept./October 2000) covered experiences from 86-88. The third article (March/April 2002) described my leaving
Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire in Sept. of 98, and the 9-11 FDNY experience (with US Fire Administration) as well. This Fourth
article includes from 1988 when I was appointed Fire Chief, to through 1995. Most importantly, from Lily and myself, a very
sincere Happy Holidays to you, Dory, and all the Hayward Firefolks. Charlie Dick.
12/01/03
From Pat Maloney
Dearest MAC AND DORIS: GOT YOUR INFO ON
XMAS BUT HERE IS THE DEAL. DON'T KNOW WHERE I WILL BE FOR NEXT MONTH. HAD TO THROW A MAJOR HISSY FIT AND THREATEN TO CANCEL
CONTRACT ON MY NEW PLACE IN ORDER TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. SUPPOSED TO BE IN BY CHRISTMAS (OF THIS YEAR). BUT HAVE TO COORDINATE
GETTING PHONE, WATER, CABLE, AND STUFF MOVED FROM STORAGE IN FREMONT. IF I WASN'T ALREADY NUTS I WOULD BE SOON. PLUS EVERYBODY
AND HIS BROTHER HAS TO DO THEIR OWN INSPECTIONS. IT WOULD BE EASIER TO PUT ON A BROADWAY SHOW OR SO IT SEEMS. ANYHOW AS SOON
AS I HAVE A PHONE WILL GET IT TO YOU. ADDRESS WILL BE 1400 W. MARLETTE #14, IONE, CA 95640. WILL KEEP IN TOUCH. IN MEANTIME
I AM LEARNING SO MUCH PATIENCE (GRRRRRR) THAN I WILL HAVE SOME TO SPARE, HUGS, PATSY.
11/28/03 From Darlene Wilson
My best wishes to all the Firefolks Family. Nov. 6th was
the first anniversary of Lou's death. It has been a year for good memories and wonderful support from our friends near and
far. A special thanks to Mickey Henderson for his hospitality during my trip to Idaho for Lou's Memorial Golf Tournament this
summer. Also a big hug to the Dreisbach Klan for playing in the tournament. I'm heading south to a RV Park that Lou and I
spent 6 winters in, so stop & see me if you find yourself in the area. I plan on being there from 11/15 to 4/1
Darlene Wilson, Quail Run RV Resort, Arizona City, AZ 520-466-1616
11/18/03 From Robert Wright
A few lines to let you know that
I enjoy hearing about everyone in and out of the department. I am getting alone fairly well, especially since everything that
happened to me in my short 6 years in the fire service. Some eye problems, my leg injury is sometime troublesome, ulcers and
slow healing if I injure it. My back seems O.K.. after falling through the roof on July 1965, it hurts from time to time ,
but what doesn't at 72 years (old, age) HA!
When I retired in 1967 I believe
Walt Craven was the only fireman who had died. Everyone who I worked with have retired, some have passed away.
Don Dreisbach was my neighbor in
Union City and he asked me about the department, He must have liked what I told him, as he joined and made quite a career
while he was a fireman.
I miss being first into
a fire. I had some problems with the rescue calls, especially babies and young children that I couldn't help. Hope you get
together for your 50 year. I was awarded a medal for Korean service (50 years later) it took a long time. Ha! Sorry to hear of everyone's health problems, we can look back at our healthy years, we were
much younger then. Thanks for Your letters, you have kept things alive and up to date. Thinking of everyone. Stop by in Linden,
CA. I'm not far out of the way. Thanks again,
10/29/03 From the Neville's
Dear Doris & Mac
Good Grief! You two have had a memorial
- if painful-year. We are so sorry that it has been a pile on for you.
Hope fully, Doris, you are on the
mend. Aren't doctors amazing? They put you through all sorts of procedures and then seemingly shrug their collective shoulders
and say, "We can't explain it ." Thank you so much.
Bill and I appreciate very much
all your efforts in communicating with those of us out of the area. Thank you very much.
This has been a healthy year for
both of us - but a very busy one as well. Much time, energy and emotion has been spent on my Mom. She had a lot of physical
pain and mental deterioration in the past year - vascular dementia, strokes, heart attacks. She had to be moved to an assisted
living facility after spending time in a rehabilitation hospital.
She and my brothers insist that
she remain in LA. So for me it has been a minimum of a week each month and more when she is hospitalized and such. I am fortunate
that Bill is so supportive, It makes my trip back and forth so much easier.
As for Bill - he is still traveling
a lot from coast to coast and from all appearances is still having a rewarding experience and a good time with the fire service
as a whole. His committee work for NFPA, IFSTA and the IMS Consortium has been very interesting and challenging. Most of Neville
Associates contracts have been as well.
Interestingly enough he has been
working with the town of Woodside on their wildland fire problem for some time. The fires is southern California have renewed
their interest in the Firewise approach to wildland fire prevention.
I have been involved with spreading
the FIREWISE program for several years in home landscaping in my activities in the Master Gardener program.
Bottom line, it doesn't appear to
me that Bill is actually "retiring" any time soon. As long as he is having fun, it works for me.
We sold our camper and are looking
at a smallish travel trailer - nothing like the wonderful RV's of many of the Firefolks. However, it has been discussed that
a small ship Alaskan cruise would be great for the summer. Anyone taking bets on which comes first - the trailer or the cruise?
All ten of our kids and their family's
(including a 2 year old great granddaughter) are doing what is appropriate for them at this time. As one of them is fond of
saying "Everyone has a job and no one is in jail. We are a success!"
Enough of this rambling - please
take care of yourselves!
Warmest regards, Barbara.
SPECIAL POEM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS!!
A row of bottles on my shelf Caused me to analyze myself. One yellow pill I have to pop Goes to my heart so it won't stop.
A little white one that I take Goes to my hands so they won't shake. The blue ones that I use a lot Tell me I'm happy when
I'm not. The purple pill goes to my brain And tells me that I have no pain. The capsules tell me not to wheeze Or cough or
choke or even sneeze.. The red ones, smallest of them all Go to my blood so I won't fall. The orange ones, very big and bright
Prevent my leg cramps in the night.. Such an array of brilliant pills Helping to cure all kinds of ills. But what I'd really
like to know........... Is what tells each one where to go! There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look
for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
From Les Thompson. 12/08/03
Mac Sorry I won't make the Christmas Dinner party this year, But I bought
another house up in Lake County and will be moving up there soon. It was just completed , and the deal closes this week. So
I will have to be up there to sign papers and get the keys. Hope you and Doris are doing better Enclosed is a check for next
years dues. Les.
From Paul DiGuilo 12/09/03
Enclosed you will find a check
for our Firefolks dues for 2004.I can't believe another year has shot by. We wanted to come down for the Christmas Party,
however I have to work that day, so that takes care of that. Oh Well I have a lot to be thankful for, Last year at this time
I had a neck brace from my surgery and a lower leg brace for my bum foot. Well now I am brace free and back to work at the
mall with only a slight limp. My P.E.R.S. medical premium is $1,068.00 per month so it looks like I'll be limping around the
Mall for a few more years. Well I was hoping to have something exciting or funny to contribute to the newsletter, But we have
been leading a quiet life up here in Redding with our 2 dogs and three cats. I'm kind of like a farmer now with 1 acre, except
all I raise is weeds! The Zigglers and the Sevedras live up here now, so we all try and get together for breakfast or dinner
2 or 3 times a month. Well it's cold and rainy so I'm going to crank up the stove in the great room and play with the dogs.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Paul & Jerie DiGuilo
A little more Humor
"Talking Dog for Sale."
He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard
and sees a black mutt just sitting there.
"You talk?" he asks.
"Sure do," the dog replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The dog looks up and says, "Well, I discovered my gift of talking pretty young and I wanted to help
the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms
with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies
eight years running. "The jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger and I wanted to settle
down. So I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters
and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings there and was awarded a batch of medals. Had a wife, a mess of puppies,
and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog... The owner says, "Ten
dollars." The guy says, "This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"
"Cause he's a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff."
From Peggie Peterson
Dear Family and Friends, I'm afraid I ran out of time and didn't get cards out, but I wanted to. You
are all important. Some of you know that I was singing 10 nights out of 14 (plus one afternoon) for the annual "Christmas
in Danville" Production. I enjoyed it so much - even my comedic little dance routine for the "Twelve Days of Christmas". I
was able to provide the audience with more than a little laughter the evening I overshot the guy who is supposed to "catch"
me when I come scooting backwards, and crashed into the scenery backdrop. Yesserie, I didn't know if I was going to ruin the
next scene of the drama by taking out the scenery, or if I was going over backward with the whole thing, dumping me into a
pit or through the window. Whew! My backup guy then got to me and assisted me. No one knew if I had done it on purpose or
not. (NOT!) We sang Sunday and then will sing for the 9:30 service Christmas Eve. My children, grandchildren and I will congregate
at daughter Lorna's in Pioneer for Christmas Day. I hope and pray that your Christmas Season will be blessed. Peggie
Christmas Dinner
We held our annual Christmas dinner at the Moose Lodge in Castro Valley
this year. There is considerably more room there. The tables are round & sit 8 persons which increases the visiting area.
The food was good, except for a little mishap in the kitchen that overcooked the Primed Rib. The manager/cook offered to replace
any primed rib with a steak cooked as you liked it, instead of the prime rib. There were a few takers. He also knocked off
a buck a dinner. This year we had a grand prize given at the end of the regular drawing. It was won by Irene Hanke. We had
a total of 59 persons in attendance. A good time was had by all.
Dues are currently due. This year I have
a double reminder in this letter. If there is a frowning face some where in or on the envelope they have not yet been paid.
On the fourth line of address label there is the letter F and a number which represents the last year you have paid the dues.
If you sticker has a 3 or 2 after the F your dues are due. If it has a 4, Thank You These numbers represent the year your dues were last paid. The
dues are $12.00 per year per member, $2400 a couple.
73s for now!
A LITTLE PICTURE PROBLEM
Whenever you access a page that is supposed to have pictures on it,
and there is none, wait a few minutes and a little x will appear with the name of the picture that belongs there.
Right click on the x and select "load pictures", and by some sort of magic, they will appear. Sometimes it takes
a while as pictures take a long time to load, so read some of the text until the pictures load.
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