I've missed you. Wondered how you were doing. Thought about our times together in a place that will last forever! Thought about the up times and the down times.

Yet, there is always the common thread. For, we, in some small way, wove common threads into a quilt of strength and beauty. That quilt knew many patches. Patched, by many people. And, that quilt continues to grow! It gives warmth to those of us in need. It gives a picture of what others, before us, gave to us.

I am reminded of a story. It's about a fire. Remember the "big" fires? Mrs. Casebolt's house? I remember standing in her yard, watching her house burn. I saw her. Strength in sadness. Well, here's the story:

A lady, known for her quality quilts, went to town to do some shopping. When she returned,
she found her house aflame. People gathered round. Sad faces. Tears dropping. One of her close neighbors came up close to her and said, "Were you able to save any of your beautiful quilts?" In her stoic way, the lady said, "ONLY THE ONES I GAVE AWAY!"

My dear friends, Cedar Vale "gave away" and continues to give away....all of her beautiful quilts!
They cover us. They make us feel warm. And, on days when the world seems upside down, her quilts let us know that they will be forever............and forever with them, we will be!

Love,
Don

Thank You!

"THANK YOU" to Gary, for getting me up and "blogging!" You spent considerable time getting me here! There were times when I was about to give up, but you never gave up on me!
It was great hearing from Gary, Pat, Phil, Don and Wayne after my blog finally got in!
Pat, I remember you and your always-present smile! I can see Nadine working at the post office! And, I remember the Pate Place, with the chain-connected rock columns in front, with the imbedded glass! We thought it was "treasure!" I think it was in front of your grandfather's house (Albert?). And, Phil I noticed that you were up at 5:22 a.m. and even at that hour, I see you remembered my full first and middle name! My Dad told me once that the name "Dean" was for "Dizzy Dean," the great Cardinal pitcher! I felt fortunate that he didn't name me "Dizzy!" Don, I have enjoyed your e-mails and blogs! I have two very vivid memories of you! One was when you sang "Old Man River" at the high school one evening. I still remember the cold chills I got listening to you. Probably changed my journey in life into a musical path! The other memory of you has to do with "LaSalle!" It was a rather large car, took up most of main street! Wayne, I remember you as a stylish south-paw pitcher! You reminded me of Warren Spahn, great Braves pitcher. You made it look so easy! I remember my Dad saying, "That boy's going to go places!" Well, it might not have been on the baseball diamond, but success has obviously come your way! Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed that this gets out of my computer into yours. It's been great talking to you and look forward to hearing from you ..... and continuing the conversation! :)

"My First Blog!"

Dear "Cedar Vale Memories!" As youcan see, this is a first attempt at "blogging!" It will be a miracle if this gets through to anyone! Proof that it did will come from you! This all started when, after attending a 50th Class Reunion in Moberly, MO., where I taught for ten years. I was the band director and the memories we shared brought back memories of my esteemed, first band director, G.A. Beggs! So, I "Googled" George, and sure enough, there he was! I read his hand-written letter that Gary White reproduced for us. Though he is eighty-seven, I could still recognize his handwriting....just like it was in my Arban Method book for Trumpet! Then, I got my old friend Phil Foust's e-mail from the the CV Memories page. After hearing from him, who put me on the trail of Gary, I soon got an invitation to join the "blogging crew!" I decided to take the plunge and see just how much my wobbling computer would take.! Well, it's taken me this far! Before I go any farther, I better find out if there is proof in the pudding!

I hope all of you are well!

Don Shaffer