The New Puppy – Valerie Halla

Did you ever feel down, depressed and lonely? Did you think: what’s the use? Why do I get up and go through the same old routines each day? Do I need stronger vitamins or meds? Or maybe everything in your life is copacetic and mellow. Either way or even in between those two stages or conditions of your life, what can make it better and more meaningful is a puppy. Trust me. It’s simple. It works.

Sure there will be challenges, with wet floors in various stages of yellow and gifts left in random places that smell like poo, and which actually are poo. But it will keep you busy with caring for another living creature, one who eventually will give you slobbery kisses and will look longingly into your eyes not caring if you are depressed or angry or just lost your job. Unconditional puppy love is the best. Puppies don’t talk back and don’t put you down. They want you, need you, depend on you and pay you back with their love.

I’m recommending a puppy for all ailments.

I’m recommending a puppy if your lover deserts you.

I’m recommending a puppy if your car breaks down.

If you cannot afford a puppy, borrow one, foster one, go to a shelter and visit one.

I had to put down my wonderful Ninny a week ago. It was extremely difficult. But I had adopted a mutt puppy three weeks before. It’s saved me even though I still cry and miss my 14 year old dog, my best friend. It has softened the blow. It’s a saving gift.

I hope this helps you. It has helped me greatly.

Simple solutions are often the best ones.

Jim Anderson, ’63

Jeff Sanderson was recognized on his April 20th, 83rd birthday in 1999 with a reprint in the Coyote of the picture of one of his teams. I think it is fitting that we honor him again on what would be his 106th birthday with a 3rd printing. These are but a few of the “Boys of Summer” that he coached in baseball and in life.

Karen Kinsley Tedrow ’63

I remember a first day for a new English teacher. Some of the students thought it would be fun to put “FIZZIES” (Google it) in our mouths and then foam in a variety of colors would pour forth as she started the class.

She did not find it amusing! Brother Mike says we all remember things differently so I’m wondering if anyone else has the same memory?

Jim Anderson ’63

This may well be the final MHS, JCHS Memory from this location. I sustained a concussion in a traffic accident three weeks ago and have been advised to reduce my mental and physical activities and let my brain lie fallow for a period of time to speed healing.

*Note from Mary*

Thank you Jim. You have done an outstanding job of collecting memories from graduates. I have really enjoyed reading them, especially those you contributed.

I know we all wish you the best for a speedy recovery. Take good care of yourself.

See you all this Summer for the All School Reunion!

Jim Anderson ’63

At age 10, about 5th grade, I was the smallest, scrawniest boy in the class and may have volunteered for this event because I lived next to the Texico Station and had access to their pile of used tires.

Anyway, I’m at the starting line (in the area where the new school stands) with my tire. (I wonder if the rules said anything about tire size) and standing next to me is a giant by the name of Clifford Kinsley. This is the same guy who just a few days earlier got a big chuckle as his pet hog took a liking to me and who 70 years later loves telling anyone who will listen just how fast Jimmy Anderson got out of that hog yard and by how many feet he cleared the fence getting to safety. Could this be the same rally day where in the morning spelling competition I could not spell the word “above” correctly? My excuse to this day: maybe my hearing was already headed south at age 10, because I had never heard of that word! So, after spelling it “abofs” I was looking for any rock to crawl under. Now I was about to be humiliated a second time by someone I thought was my friend.

When we heard the word “GO” to start the “roll” Clifford planted his size 12 boot on his tire which sent it half way to the finish line, while I just stood there in awe at this flagrant violation of the rules. But the officials let the game continue and the big guy got the blue ribbon (I don’t recall if there were participation ribbons then) while I started looking for that rock.

Some 70 years later, Dr. Kinsley and I discussed this life altering event over coffee. He claims that he was not at the starting line next to me that day because he was a grade ahead of me. The more I think about it, that giant next to me was Paul Thomas who was in the same grade. Man, those country kids were big!!

Jo Anna Poppe Warder ’56

I am not sure of the year, but I think it was 1955 when the Auditorium was built adjacent to the high school. I was a junior then and my class raised enough money to buy the popcorn machine purchased the year of the opening. To raise funds my class members sold magazine subscriptions and Christmas cards and accepted monetary donations. I have been informed that the machine is still being used and is operative after 70 + years. It might have had a few parts replaced and retired, but is basically the same machine.

Aka Valerie Halla