Thanksgiving 2014, Pigeon Forge, Tn

It has been a great week here in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. Pat and I are so Blessed and we thank God everyday. I have put together a little slide show for memories.

 

 

 

Another Milestone in My Life

My oldest grandson graduated from Manatee High School this year. He is the third generation to do so at Manatee. I graduated in the late 50's and both of my lovely daughters graduated in the 80's. It was a dream come true for me to be able to attend and see this. At my age you treasure each day you have and things like that are very special. The next thing on my bucket list is to see my youngest grandson to do the same.

It would be very hard for me to explain the emotion that I had sitting in that stadium and seeing him walk across the stage. I also hope I can view that as he now will attend Southern Ill University which is located in Carbondale Ill.

I hope that you enjoy this little slide presentation as much as I do.

God Bless All!

Manatee High School

Today I visited my high school, Manatee High School. What a great feeling to be on the grounds and remember the greatest time of my life.

I moved to Bradenton in October of 1954, that was the beginning of a new life for me. Leaving Miami and all the friends that I had been in school with from 1945 to 1954. I thought it was going to be a tough transition, it was not. I found all the people that I met to be extremely friendly and nice.

I remember sitting in the second floor rooms and looking out the windows and day dreaming. In the early mornings you could feel and smell the fresh air. There was no air-condition in those days. Most all of the teachers love teaching and love the kids that they taught. The fifties was a great era to grow up in. Looking at Joe Kinnan Field, memories of Friday night football games flowed through my mind. Every body in Bradenton was at those games, after the game we all went to the teen club. The El Patio Drive Inn restaurant was jammed up also.

Today as I read all about what our school board is doing to our school just drives me up a wall. How dare them try to destroy one of the greatest traditions in this state. How dare they try and destroy all my high school memories. The Manatee nation will stand tall and take down the intruders that taint our school and lives. Long live Manatee High school and her traditions!

May God Bless Manatee High School and all her family and friends.

“Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that's what makes you strong.”