1956

I wrote last in the waning days of October, before the election results could be known. Mark Mitchell, running for a second term in the House of Representatives here in Vermont, was facing a formidable opponent for that same position but successfully won a second term. Still a practicing architect, Mark has been a strong voice in this neck of the woods for protecting the environment. Wha, hoo, wha!

Under the banner of "Can you top this?" I'm delighted to report a conversation I had with Bill Barrett, during which I asked him what had been really satisfying about the past year. It seems he and his wife, Jane, are avid bicyclists and have ridden all over the world. I remember hearing South Africa, Vietnam and New Zealand mentioned; but I'm sure there are other places I simply didn't hold on to. You may even remember during our senior year Jane and Bill were pictured gazing on Janet Pilgrim, the Playboy centerfold, who was visiting The Daily D office where Jane worked. At any rate, early this past year Jane got the bug to do a long-distance trip on her own. How about Concord, Massachusetts, to Florida? This 100-pounder to whom Bill has been married for 53 years covered the 1,500 miles in 24 days without a day off! On one day she put in 92 miles. I think that was around the Outer Banks. And remember this isn't out in a beautiful and sparsely populated park someplace. She had all the nasty traffic of 18-wheelers and commuters to deal with day after day. To share in the effort Bill rode along in a Winnebago and their four children met them to ride across the St. Mary's River and into Florida together. I'm sure there have been cases won in Bill's law practice this past year that brought a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, but they pale in comparison to the joy he takes in Jane's very significant accomplishment. Now, so you all understand that Jane's not a one-shot-and-that's-it kind of person, Bill told me she has obtained topographical maps for the West Coast in anticipation of another bike ride. Those of you who know the territory recognize the challenge that would be. While sharing this story with me Bill was busy in his woodworking shop putting the finishing touches on yet another eagle to go over the fireplace mantle in one of their children's home. His first, which hangs over the fireplace in his home, was so much appreciated that four more had to be crafted. Most of us would have taken delight in creating one!

The past two months have brought the painful news of classmates' deaths. We learned of Reynold Chases death back in 2005 and William Neely's death last October. Those obituaries can be found in this issue of DAM. Buddy Allen wrote of his wife Judys death also in October. It sure is hard to lose one's friends!

P.O. Box 968, Quechee,VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com