Family News

Message From Kay Bailey

I now have a new title... GREAT Aunt! How cool is that! :~)<

Brooklyn Marie
Born: 2/27/04
Time: 10:40 p.m.
Weight: 7 lbs. 11 oz.
Length: 20 ½ Inches
Parents: Stephanie & Brendan

Message From Kay Bailey

March 20, 2004

John - Jim participated in the Special Olympics this weekend. He got a Silver, Bronze and a 4th place. Here's a few pics. - Kay

Jim's Team Picture

Message From Loren Eltiste

March 18, 2004

John,

What a great web site! I believe you have more information on the Kansas side of the Eltiste's than I do. I have been gradually updating my Family Tree Maker file over a number of years with more attention recently paid to my mother's side, the Merkleins, than to the Eltiste's

My intention has been to put up a web site, but obviously have not.

You put my efforts to shame! I do have over 1500 names on my file, with many being the Merklein side.

My brothers and myself and families will be returning to KS in mid-April for our mother's 90th birthday. I will be flying into Kearney via Denver from Simi Valley, CA where we reside.

Regards, Loren

November 24, 2003

When this was E-Mailed To Me From Gloria Durman I thought, It was worth Posting

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant
for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant and
resumed their trip.
When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the
table. And, she didn't miss them until after they had been driving about
twenty minutes.
By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance
before they could find a place to turn around in order to return to the
restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old
man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during
the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he
became. He just wouldn't let up one minute.
To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. And as the woman
got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old
geezer yelled to her,.......
"While you're in there, you might as well get my hat."

David and I returned from our adventure south late Sunday evening. Tired but happy. Monday's flight was uneventful - YEA. It was good to see Ann again. She is doing well. If you haven't talked to your sister/brother lately - why not call them tonight? We, David, me and Jennifer left Nashville Tuesday after noon for Ft. Benning, GA. The drive was nice but it did get dark very early... 5 p.m. So, we ended up driving the last 3 hours in the dark. No big deal, I just wanted to see more of Alabama. After enjoying a couple glasses of wine we tried to sleep so to hurry time along...

None of us were sure what time we could be on base for Family Day so we arrived at 8:15 a.m. We had to wait until 9a.m. for the soldiers to come marching in dressed in their dress greens. My, I am such a sucker for a man in uniform! I have lots of photo's. They are still on David's computer so I'll send them later.

We were able to be with Gabriel until 9 p.m. both days. All we really did was watch Gabriel eat BEEF and listen to stories. It has been a good experience for him, although he is glad it is over.

Gabriel shipped out to Ft. Sam Houston, TX on Friday morning. He called this evening, Monday, with his address:

I do hope you will take time to send him a card or letter over the next 16 weeks.

While he will not be home for Thanksgiving, but will have two weeks at Christmas. He will be able to leave Ft. Sam Houston, 5 a.m. on December 20th and must return by 6 p.m. Jan. 2, 2004.

Gabe said there are lots of guys enrolled ( I'm sure that isn't the right term) in the AIT school for MEDIC. The recent past has shown a 30% failure rate. So, the program has changed. Gabe didn't have time to go into much detail but he did promise to call later in the week.

That's all for now... will send more info and photos later... Please keep Gabriel and all our soldiers in your prayers.

Dear Family Members,

After many years of talking about this, I finally started. As has been said many times, a long journey begins with a single step. In the past few weeks I have taken a lot of steps many in the wrong direction. But I finally started. God willing and my eye sight holds up, we are on our way. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have. Many of you have pictures or information you may want to share. Please feel free to send what ever you want to send. As many of you know I have a lot of "stuff". The project now is to organize it so everyone can enjoy this information. I will be working on the web site when ever I have time. Some of you have E-mail addresses of family members that I don't have, if you could please forward this e-mail to them.

Hope to hear from you soon,