I was (am?) the original Bart Simpson. (I didn’t do it!) High school bored me. With few exceptions, my teachers were simply paycheck collectors. Their monologues plodded along at the pace of the slowest person in the class. I seldom attended, finding almost anything more interesting, even sleep. The prospect of college had zero appeal. (At least I didn't piss away four years and my parent's money as an "undeclared" student of psychology.) Besides, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up…still don’t.

For the record, I thought that Ruth Mayer was the absolute hottest girl in school. She didn't even know me...then or now.

I did two tours in Vietnam on a helicopter carrier and single-handedly stemmed the tide of communist aggression in Southeast Asia, evidenced by the fact the Saigon fell right after I left. In 1970, I married Peggy Thornton (William Penn, 1968), to whom I was introduced in the form of a blind date set up by Babs Johnson. This past July 18 was year 37. We have a son, Charlie, 36, a Vice President of First USA Bank, and a daughter, Katie, 33, M.Ed., Clemson, 1996, who is the itinerant counselor for emotionally handicapped students in Pickens county, SC.

After fumbling through a series of try-on occupations (duPont, insurance, big band drummer, mentor to the unenlightened, et al) I incorporated my own general contracting firm in 1982 and never looked back. I have the greatest boss in the world, although I do very little contracting these days. You may have seen our website: www.matriarchyacht.com This "brainstorm" was actually Peggy’s idea. I just wanted the damn yacht! There’s nothing quite like owning a big toy that makes big money! Hell, it’s what I’d be doing anyway if I were retired.

We moved to the thriving metropolis of West Union, SC (one red light, 1 cop) in 1996, after I had designed and built (myself) "the big dream house" on Lake Keowee, right next to a gorgeous 25’ two-tier waterfall. Our 2,000 sq. ft. basement is my restoration/tinker shop and O gauge train room.

Peggy "retired" herself in 1996 in order to become a full-time "domestic goddess." We have six grandchildren, three of whom live locally in Walhalla, SC.

I’ve restored 5 antique cars (teens and 1920's), two of which were Hemming’s Motor News cover cars. I’ve also restored two houses (for resale) and four antique boats. Currently, I'm nearly finished my semi-autobiographical novel about growing up in Brookside. It's also my justification for being weird.

I suppose I’m the classic under-achiever but what the hell…I did it my way and really have no regrets. We're healthy, wealthy and happy as clams. I promised Peggy when I proposed, "It will never be boring." She claims that I have more than kept that promise…exponentially. We’ve discovered the meaning of life: Living! We do it every day…wide open. I strongly recommend it. 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Gotto go... Ed McMahon's at the door.

Y’all take care now, y’hear?

Jan 


Epilogue

The reunion was a real trip for us, particularly the social at the Deer Park. I left Patty Jo Cronin (Hocutt) at 16...she showed up there at 56! ...as happy as ever. 

Many were conspicuous by their absence: Krit, Podie, Lucy, the Lois',  the Joans, Titty Patty, Teddy, Good Gray, Valiente, Lefonzo, Clyde C. Clyde and so many others. Where the hell are you guys? I also seem to have missed Ruth Mayer...and probably my last chance to worship from afar. 

However, for those of us who chose to "Be there" (not square), it was a chance to pick up where we left off. As they say, we seemed to remember only the good times.

To Gail Weber, Jodie and Birdlegs...y'all still know how to have fun. Let's all go out on Creek Road and get drunk next time.

Sue Kosey ...you're still gorgeous!

To the several who threatened to come down to Dixie and cruise...We'll be waiting. Don't make us come up and give y'all an ass-wuppin'.

To everyone...I'll catch you in 10. 

Jan

P.S. I have decided to put off dying indefinately. Peggy thinks it would be too inconvenient.

P.P.S. Hey Tom...If old age is a gift, how do I return it for credit?

Class of 1967