1943

Once again the Cape Cod minireunion had to be cancelled. This time it was Mother Nature—a New England Northeaster— that came roaring through on June 7 that was the culprit. Darn it! In anticipation of the get-together I had been rummaging through an old cedar chest and had found a fifth-reunion picture by David Pierce Studio (who else) that I thought would prove entertaining to the assembled. A planned picnic-style gathering at Bing and Anne Donaldson's home overlooking an angry North Atlantic wasn't feasible. Some 13 hardy souls had hoped to make it: hosts Anne and Bing, Louise and Don McCorkindale, Doc Fielding, Hugh Lena, Ray McMahon, Howie and Jackie Thomas, Barbara and Bob Mustard, and Louise and Pres Brooks. Several regulars at past Cape minis, the Miskells, the Grays, the Grants and the Meads, were either on the sick list or not on scene at the time. Bud Miskell had an unfortunate bicycling encounter, which resulted in a broken hand; Farmer Mead was just about ready to return to his Vineyard home after rehabbing at Spaulding Hospital in Sandwich following a tough winter (heart, flu and bladder ailments, but still his sense of humor) while wife, Jan, was recuperating from a second hip replacement. Bob and Suzie Gray were on the Cape just prior to the mini date visiting the Donaldsons and we did see them briefly. They recently moved into a new home in New London, New Hampshire, and are doing okay, although Bob is no longer tooting the tuba. Bob Grant wrote to ask about the Cape mini but their schedule had them returning to their Cape cottage in Brewster from Sarasota later in the summer. In late April I received an e-mail from Herb Schaffner, still living in the Canton, Ohio, area, with kind words about the column (thanks, Herb) and asking for e-mail addresses of Scott Mitchell and Ed Bock. Fall mini: October 6-8. Classmates' deathes to report: Donald E. Clark, Herbert B. Walten and Robert W. Liming. Condolences to their families. Stay well!

92 Greenland Circle, S. Dennis, MA02660; (508)385-4888;pbrooksjr@capecod.net