Mary N Spence:  

For starters, you might want to ask Cathy. She's the one who asked me to fill in the details. However, there are things in life besides filling everybody in on what you've been doing from the time you graduated until the present. Therefore, I have added some more. I still remember running away from he knows who he is in seventh grade, as he attempted to plant a kiss. Listening to Onlooker, Los Angeles, my son's band, is my favorite way to relax. I love pop punk/heavy metal! My children are my inspiration. They both followed their heart, as I still strive to do. I love to golf--been golfing since Jack and I got married. Your grown children are excellent teachers, learn from them. I admire their unwavering pursuit of personal goals. As was my inclination back in school, I still dress to fit the occasion, in my own unique way. In 10 years, I hope to be still alive and healthy. I'm going to get there by continuing to eat healthy and exercise as much as I do today. My oldest friend, Betty, and I met at the original Dudley School on Maryland, on the first day of first grade. This was way before kindergarten was in place. We walked home together, and discovered that we lived just a couple of blocks away from each other; after that, we became inseparable. I fondly remember her parents, Henry, may he rest in peace, and her mom, Marie. I especially remember her sister Linda, who became my sister, Angela's very good friend. I also remember her two handsome brothers. My sister, Christy, had a crush on her brother, Robert. I used to think I had a crush on her brother, Frank, until it dawned on me that he had a crush on my sister, Angela. Like me, she also went by her first name, Mary. Frank was an usher, and she worked at the concession stand. So, if you went to Sierra Theater from the mid-60's to 1970, she waited on you. My fondest memory of my childhood, is sitting outside with family, friends, and neighbors--acoustical guitar, violin, my uncle's accordion, and all manner of musical instruments, as we sang long into the night, each one of us (myself included) performing a solo. Felt like being on stage, as neighborhood children gathered around listening; some of them sitting on the porch that surrounded the courtyard, others just sitting anywhere they could find a place to sit. Not only would the neighbors and their children gather 'round, their parents that lived with them, came as well. These of course included those who did not actually participate by playing an instrument or singing a solo. No, they were there to enjoy the performances, also staying long into the night as we sang. I remember that we took turns--adults and children, alike--singing our favorite songs, as if we were paid professional entertainers. Oh! The memories.....Expand for more