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Forty Four reports by yearCopied from copies of FORTY FOUR1989 No submission. No excuse, sir. 1990 Searching for document. 1991 No submission. No excuse, sir. 1992 Searching for document. 1993 Time has now proven that my most incisive bit of knowledge from my cadet days came from Bob Strecker, my Army Prep-School friend and constant academy roommate: nothing impedes a receding hair line. The knowledge permits me to age in comfort. There are several other receding capabilities, but I digress. Ley and I are constructing a second home in Turlock, Calif. Our intent is to divide our time between there and Palm Springs, and use our son Jim's higher energy level to maintain the larger acreage. He heads the International Section of Gallo Wine's Graphic Arts Department in nearby Modesto. Our condominium patio still satisfies my occasional agronomic urge. Ley continues to improve her artistic ability and gain status for her work in the Palm Springs Garden Club. I, to maintain stature in the growing number of '44 writers, now have a thriller genre novel in the hands of an agent. We look forward to continued health and enjoyment, and wish you all the same. John and Ley Kincaid (Addendum: Jim assumed all legal and financial responsibilities for the Turlock house and graciously extended Ley and I a standing offer to use any unused sleeping quarters.) 1994 Through the help of Ray Gordon, Ley and I saw many of the lovely ladies who attended the 50th reunion. His camera lens blur- red a few of my classmates' features as I rememberd them, but the obvious joy in their expression softened any errors on my part. Ray's thoughtfulness even included a scrumptious luncheon with Howie and Ruth Metzler at his beautiful country club. The descrip- tions left little doubt the reunion was a memorable event. (I omitted a picutre of Ley and I) Ley is recoverring nicely from back surgery. We spent the month of August at our son's, jim, house in Turlock - northern California. Re-experiencing the myriad requirements associated with a new home made me feel both younger and older. Landscaping quickly convinved me my hands no longer fit a shovel. Even the dirt is heavier! Other than similar problems associated with the passage of time, we are doing fine. For the present, we plan to refurbish our condo and remain in place. John and Ley Kincaid 1995 As a plebe in summer camp, I dutifully answered an upperclass- man as instructed by his buddy. From the squat position, I remember hearing a half-whisper from over my shoulder: "That should teach you not to believe an upperclassman." I last reported our intent to remain in our refurbished, re- painted, new kitchen, patio enclosed, citrus-trees-producing-in- abbundance condominium in Palm Springs. Don't believe it. On 7 March 1995, Ley and I moved to a single family home in Sun City, Las Vegas, Nev. We came, We saw. We loved it. We moved. As a pleasurable added attraction, Howie and Jean Tanner live within easy commuting distance. Howie and I both suggested we treat the girls to a saxophone duet similar to our cadet dance orchestra days. Both times, the conversation quickly drifted. The population explosion in Las Vegas is phenomenal,as is the matching number of Casinos. From their sheer size and lavish furnish- ings, it would seem the odds are in favor of the house. If the situation changes, I'll issue a bulletin. In the meantime, Ley and I plan a minimum gambling life style. We are both reasonably healthy and happy. Her back surgery is rapidly falling into the category of past history; however, that is abouth the only thing ahat is moving rapidly. It's a wonderful world. Let's enjoy it. John and Ley Kincaid 1996 Last year I promised a report when local casino odds favor patrons. Offer stands. Ley and I considered a climb of the Swiss face of the Matterhorn -- it is reportedly the easier face. Didn't go. I resolved to complete my second novel after achieving ten laps in one of our community pools. All pools too long. We scheduled two birth- days. Successfully completed. The year abounds with pleasant memor- ies. Ley does her many things. I compute(Ley is considering lessons.) Idea! Let's put e-mail addresses on our class list. Formal letters cry-out for a modicum of justification. The newer medium simplifies casual, though no less sincere, contact. My Address? jpkincaid@worldnet.att.net. Have time, will answer. John and Ley Kincaid 1997 The past twelve months must have been waiting for me to turn my head. Don's requested input for a new FORTY FOUR was a total surprise. Ley remains active. Her recent desire to improve her Spanssh via an interactive computer program jogged a remembrance of driving the last section of Spainish I (el cadete xxx esta ausente yedadopartealof- ficialdedia) After fifty plus years it could prove why I quickly lost my prestigious position. During the year we visited children, relatives and friends, but I doubt that could be considered newsworthy. I am certain many of you enjoyed similar experiences. Except for the gentle reminders attrib- utable to age, Ley and I are doing well. May the coming year be kind to all of you. John and Ley Kincaid 1998 I misplaced Don's notification, so did not submit an entry. To read my catch-up article in ASSEMBLY.(click here) 1999 This year I resolved not to miss the submission deadline, and began my article the day I received Don's notification. It is now late September. My resolve dissolved. The many new casinos in Las Vegas support my theory that the odds are with the house. Come see, not to gamble but to look. The awesome structures are proof that improvements have been made since our drawing classes in the attic of Washington Hall. On 1 September, the $785M "Paris" opened with a fireworks display from their impres- sive replica of the Eiffel Tower. Ley and I enjoy a pleasant existence, though we no longer consume 16 oz. steaks after a raucous cocktail party, jitterbug, or schedule evening entertainment that ends at sunrise. Ley is still active in "Kitty Krafters" where she has developed a well earned reputation as an innovator. As for myself, designing a web page for the Internet recently supplanted my literary efforts; however, having now passed my fortieth birthday for the second time, I plan to renew my dedication to writing. I want to finish a current novel, then get to other planned projects. I know Ley and I are not alone in our feelings, but we do miss the friendships of years past, enjoy the friendship of our current friends, and hold increasing dear our bonds with family members. As our class dwindles, I feel justified in squeezing in a hello" to Spike 'n Patty (ya'll), Mac (John), Freddy 'n Joan (stacked mattresses, Philippines), a remembrance to Private Nick Fuller looking for a red brick WP Prep School House at Fort Harrison (we used a small wooden barracks), Mel, Bill, Jazz, Sam, and Wally (all now gone), and all you other fine people who have added immeasurably to our lives, including Howie and Jean Tanner, in nearby Henderson. Ley and I wish all the best to you and your families. May life be kind, gentle, and enjoyable. Take care. 2000 - pending |
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