Class Notes summer internships around the country. Their payback is the Habitat work they do on arrival. Great kids! “Right now, we have a 15-year-old Irish boy living with us for five weeks. His family is among our best friends in Ireland, so we have known him since he was one month old. I promised him a trip over when he was old enough, and this year he was ready. We’ve been showing him around Texas (had lunch with Walt and Karen Kleine in Corpus Christi and lunch with Christi W. in Waco), and now we’re off to Tennessee and Texas, where he’ll see Music City, the Corvette Museum, Mammoth Caves and Churchill Downs and ride the Belle of Louisville on the Ohio, etc. Near the end of August, we’ll fly back to Ireland with him and start our vacation there. We are planning a trip to Tucson in late October or early November to visit with Preston and Judy Holtry and with Gwen’s sister and husband, who recently moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona. It’s about an hour south of Tucson. Christmas will find us in Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky, visiting relatives and our son, J.P. IV, and his family, who come up from Florida each Christmas to be with the extended family. “We have taken note of Tom Myers’ past travels, so next spring and summer, we have decided to do the great circle route of the USA. Will start with a swing east toward the Atlantic, then north to New Hampshire, then west to Chicago, then back down to Texas. After a rest, we’ll head west to San Diego, then north to Vancouver then east to Milwaukee, then head south again to Texas. Should take at least three months to ‘get her done.’ Alert! As most of you know, my travels always involve dropping in on brother rats wherever I find them. Don’t feel obliged, but if you can, we’d love to meet for a drink or a meal when we’re in your area. Call me at 361-946-1850 if you want more details. All the best from Texas! Pat.” Catherine and Jim Hoge have taken up a new retirement hobby which they are enjoying greatly: “Since early last year we have been on six cruises: Two to England, two to Mexico and one each to Alaska and the California coast. Cruise No. 7 will be in November and will go from Florida through 2016-Issue 4
the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, with six port calls along the way. In our voyages, we have met several couples who cruise most of the year. They say it’s less expensive than a retirement home. Definitely true, and definitely food for thought. All the best, Jim.” Pres Holtry said he’ll take a chance and submit to the rookie team and keep his fingers crossed that we at least spell his name right: “Judy and I just finished a three-week (almost 5,000 miles) car trip in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We stayed pretty much off the grid and saw a lot of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho before heading through Utah and home to Arizona. It was a three-week reminder of why I wanted to marry my best friend five decades ago. Another reminder was how beautiful the diverse vistas were in each state. Anytime we saw a brown sign advertising a National Forest, a museum or historic site, we peeled off. I think I may be done with overseas ventures; we’re already talking about another car trip next year. Book No. 4 and the final volume in the Westphal mystery series is scheduled for publication in late September. For the next writing project, I’ve slipped into the second century Roman Empire for a three-book historical novel series, which is currently in draft. The publisher is interested, and if he sends me a contract, book No . 1 of ‘Arrius’ should see the light of day late next year. Talk about keeping fingers crossed – Mike, get ’er done and get off the gim list! Pres.” “This year’s sailing has been the best of my life. We did the Caribbean Windward Islands in February and bare boated (with six friends) the southern Greek Isles in midJune. Yes, we drank a lot. Now suffering the heat at home on the Chesapeake Bay.” Bob Powell. Kent McCraney sent: “I got nothing except a pretty face and a hairdo like Curleyrat. I do enjoy seeing Facebook entries of those who are on it. I got on it around 2006 or so and then did nothing for four years. In 2010 or 2011, I started up again stating, I hadn’t been on in four years. A great-nephew responded saying he looked forward to my next post in 4 more years. Ten-year-olds can be so educated in the ways of the world. Shape up, Curleyrat!”
Fred Green said most BRs will probably recall that Brother Rat Eric Jan Fygi lost his wife, Mary, to cancer a year or so ago, shortly after our 50th Reunion. “I am happy to report, actually ‘rat out,’ Eric on a piece of good news. Eric reconnected with a lady who was formerly married to a law school friend and classmate (over 50 years ago). They apparently ‘clicked’ on phone calls and matters progressed. Eric remarried earlier this year, and the couple are now consolidating their homes in northern Virginia. It’s a really neat story which Eric will relate under direct examination. Ask him!” (Eric Fygi did indeed tell his story – see above.) Artie Phaup: “Curleyrat and I talk on a weekly basis and frequently ‘do coffee or lunch.’ He has a wonderfully positive attitude and is looking great ... bald head and all! Prayers for Mike and Peg. Ann and I are doing well.” Tony Hancock: “No big news from me. Oldest son coming home from Fort Lewis in September for Gayle’s family reunion. Been three years since last visit. We are very proud of him.” Great to hear from Bob Nussey! He’s been living in Midlothian,Virginia, since 1978. Just recently, he was contacted by rat year roommate and fellow basketball player, Lou Friefield, who had departed the “I” that first Christmas. Bob’s VMI pedigree is solid, from his father, Edwin L. Nussey ’35, to his son, Robert Nussey Jr. ’86, who recently celebrated his 30th. Betty and Mike Smither “...proudly report the birth of our fourth grandchild, Luca, born July 22. He has a provisional appointment, as do his sister and cousins. This happened just before my 75th birthday; a most welcome and fitting gift for me. And, speaking of becoming 75, as most of us turn this year, I am very fortunate and happy to celebrate!” Our heartfelt good wishes and prayers go to Peg and Mike. They sound ever optimistic, which is admirable in the face of the treatment he faces. Best wishes also to everybody else on the gim. You go, guys! We look forward to hearing from you again – soon and often. Beau Walker and Mike Smither for Mike Curley. 57