Ode To Lt. Governor-Elect: Texas/Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International

March 25th, 2006

[Tune: Beverly Hillbillies] COME LISTEN TO A TALE ABOUT A MAN, KENTUCKY-BRED A “NATURALLY-BORN MALE” AS MAMA ALWAYS SAID THEN ONE DAY SHE SENT DENNIS OUT THE DOOR TO TOSS IN HIS HAT FOR LT. GOVERNOR Kiwanis, That Is…Division Three-Seven…T.O. DISTRICT HE GOT IN ALL HIS SCHOOLIN’, THEN WORE MILITARY BLUE OFF TO LUBBOCK, TEXAS, WHERE HE PILOTED AND FLEW A SHORT TIME LATER, HE WAS TEACHING MEN TO FLY THE BEST AND FASTEST CRAFTS EVER IN THE SKY T-38’s, That Is…Talon’s…Sleek MONTHS TURNED TO YEARS, THEN HE WAS REDEPLOYED OFF TO SPOKANE, WASHINGTON; OH, HE WAS OVERJOYED IN THE NAVIGATOR PROGRAM OR THE “BOMB N.A.U.” TO FLY THE BIGGEST BOMBER – THE B52 Stratofortress, That Is…Buff…Big Ugly Fat Fella HE MADE SOME GOOD CONNECTIONS AND WAS REASSIGNED ONTO NEBRASKA, THEN THE SOUTH DAKOTA LINE TO COMMAND A SQUADRON AND FURTHER HIS CAREER BUT SANDRA SAID, “I’M LEAVIN’ IF WE STAY ANOTHER YEAR.” Desolation, That Is…No Fun…No Social Life HE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND PRAYED LIKE YOU’D NEVER SEEN AND GOT HIS NEXT ASSIGNMENT AT THE BASE IN ABILENE 500 MEN AND WOMEN WORKED TO TRY AND KEEP THE PEACE WHILE DENNIS GAVE THE ORDERS AS THE CHIEF OF POLICE Lawman, That Is…Staff Car…Notariety WELL, FINALLY HE RETIRED; PUT HIS UNIFORM TO REST BECAME A PAROLE OFFICER; MADE McKINNEY, TX HIS NEST IN ’91 HE JOINED A CLUB FULL OF GALS AND GENTS AND A SHORT TIME LATER, HE BECAME ITS PRESIDENT Leader, That Is…Kiwanian Of The Year…Twice !! DENNIS IS THE KIND OF GUY WHO ALWAYS VOLUNTEERS ATTENDS THE WEEKLY MEETINGS; SAWDUST BEHIND HIS EARS HIS T’s AND JEANS ARE COVERED; HE ALWAYS LOOKS THE SAME WHETHER HE’S A HELPIN’ OR BOWLIN’ 300 GAMES Amazing, That Is…Underwhelming…Sometimes NOW AS I CONCLUDE THIS SONG, I WANT YOU TO TAKE HEED DENNIS ROBERT WILLIAMS IS THE KIND OF MAN WE NEED TO REPRESENT OUR DISTRICT; HE’S REALLY QUITE A GUY HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN PROMISE IS TO “WEAR A COAT AND TIE!!” M. Clary March 1, 1999

In Honor of Brian Hinton’s 24th Birthday

March 25th, 2006

I’m sure you can’t believe it That you’re 24 today But bet your bottom dollar Your mom will have lots to say Like how much fun it was for her To raise a son like you The best part being…you still act Like you’re in the “terrible twos” No doubt your dad is proud of you And ignores the way you act Deep down inside he truly knows One day, your kids’ll pay you back And Janis, of course, believes in you Thinks you’re a real cool bro’ Tho’ there are times you won’t agree Your “bond” will only grow So as you enter another year Remember just one thing A sense of humor will keep you sane No matter what life may bring M.Clary September 13, 1995

Juanita Ann Hinton’s 50th Birthday !!

March 25th, 2006

What was all the whispering about at the Mesquite Rodeo? Juanita Hinton soon would be a half-century old !! “No way, “ I thought….“This can’t be true.” Wayne smiled with a sheepish grin. But I could tell he just couldn’t handle That she still was younger than him. I’m sure he thinks that I’ll give her The same things I gave to him. Like X-Lax, Absorbine, and Rolaids Thank Heavens, I omitted Attends ! Instead I chose to give nice things So she’d feel like a sexy, young wife. I’d never do anything crazy Don’t you know that I value my life? So cheers to the WalMart/Sam’s woman And also, the Allen Feed Store. She watches for those “falling prices,” Then goes back and buys so much more. Hooray, for the gal who does everything. Not a bone in her body is mean. I’ve never seen her as proud as when She’s riding her John Deere Green. Much love to my friend and my neighbor May you have many more years to go. I’m so happy that we got acquainted. So does Bob, P-Toad, Missy and Beau. And, as you enjoy this nice gathering With family, horses, and friends We all are here to salute you In 2044, we can do this again !!!! Your Farmstead Friend, Maureen Clary June, 1994

Ultimate Halloween Monster Mash Party Menu

March 25th, 2006

Appetizers: Mummy Mini Meatballs, Creep Creature Caviar on Tortured Toast Points, Buffalo Batwings, Frankenstein Freaktattas, Vulture Vittlettes Salads: Ghostly Greens with Vampire Vinaigrette, Morticia Melon, Black Widow Spiderberries Served on a Bed of Web w/Scream Entrées: Caldron Chicken, Frightened Fish Filets, Baked Breast of Bat, Pirate Sword Poked Tenderloin Sides: Monster Mashed Potatoes with Eyeball Gravy, Goblin Green Beans, Koffin Kielbasa Kassoulet Breads: Dark Reaper Rolls, Buried Baked Bread, Frightening Favabean Fritters Desserts: Crème Ghoulee, Pumpkin Panic Pie, and Flash-Fried Eye Scream Wines: Zombie Zinfandel, Wicked Witch Wine, Jack Ripper Riesling Black Raven Rancid Brew or Tarantula Hair Tea – complimentary M.Clary October, 2004

Three Angels

March 25th, 2006

Once there were three angels Who were so very dear. Given to a faithful couple Who were filled with joyful tears. But Father God in Heaven Had such a different plan. He caressed these tiny angels In His Precious Hands. He took them to a special place Where all His faithful go. He ensured they went together So they would never be alone. Yet in every human frailty There will always be. A “How could a Lord and Savior, Take these precious gifts from me?” And, when the feelings surface With grief-consuming thoughts. It is important to remember All the lessons He has taught. His Will was done for a reason And not for us to second guess. We must remain forever devoted Trusting He always knows what’s best. Remember…He‘s still a God of Miracles And He understands this painful time. So, continue to seek His Guidance For He has more perfect things in mind. M.Clary November 18, 2004

Why I Fly

March 25th, 2006

I fly to help me accept where “Kary” has gone…… Several years ago, my beautiful niece Kary (a 35-year old wife and mother of three children ages 2, 4 and 5) unexpectedly died one morning at home. Her baby girl was sleeping, her two boys at school, and her husband was working at the hospital in Flagstaff, AZ. My distraught daughter, attending school at the local university there, contacted me. I only knew one thing to do. I needed to get there from Texas to be with my family and do so as quickly as possible. I began calling the airlines, thinking it would be easy to get an immediate flight. I called several (including American) but began to realize I would likely need to drive to AZ. The fares were more than I could afford. Something caused me to dial the American Airlines number one more time. The American agent (angel) sensed something gravely wrong within my voice. I began to cry. Shortly thereafter, I was on a flight within a couple of hours; I never felt the financial pinch. I boarded my flight, took a window seat, and became absorbed in thought. I never heard the voices of the pilot, the flight attendants, nor the passengers. Deep within, I wondered if I was just dreaming and that Kary had not died. I tried within my thoughts to comprehend the “whys” of her shortened life. I had wondered where she was. I stared out the small window of the plane as it entered a beautiful cloud bank. Suddenly, in the distance, I saw a figure in white, gently waving and smiling as she always did with those perfect teeth. Her shiny, long blonde hair blew gently against the clouds. I put my hand against the tiny window and waved back as I saw her ascend upwards and disappear. I blinked and wiped away my tears, then closed my eyes and thought, “No one would ever believe this, so it’ll just remain my special secret.” I offered up a silent prayer of thanksgiving. For it was at that very moment, I was able to accept where “Kary” had gone. Perhaps this may seem a silly or ridiculous story to tell, but it happened exactly this way. The encounter left an imprint on my soul. Without trying to commercialize this personal event, I can honestly say I have formed a kinship with American. And, I suppose I will continue to somehow believe, if I sit by that very window….I will see her again. M.Clary September 17, 2004

XM Satellite Radio Contest Entry – Trip to Ft.Lauderdale

March 25th, 2006

An XM DJ, who loves the letter P (Ph, that is) Told me to enter, this contest for free He did not elaborate; said "Maybe you will win a trip to a place where you've never been!" Again, he did not elaborate; I had no details He said, "Send the letters XM inside your email" So this is exactly what I have just done I hope this is legit, as it sure sounds like fun. I've not been out of Texas, in many, many years 'n Fort Lauderdale, FL, has great weather, I hear I can certainly tell, all of you this To have a vacation, would be my fondest wish So let me know, just what I must do To enter this contest; please send me the rules If there is a form, that I must fill out Send it to me, as I'll have no doubt. That I'd like to truly, win this vacation You can rest assured, I'll be filled with elation The Sunshine State, Florida, is one place to be And beautiful Fort Lauderdale is waiting for me!! M.Clary October 14, 2004

Happy 45th Birthday to Jelene Ellington (EDS-HR) – A Poem

March 25th, 2006

(Sung to the tune: 'My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean.') A gal named Jelene has a birthday – One year older, it’s hard to believe She still looks so young and so pretty – Few wrinkles or crows feet you’ll see Jelene hails from Mississippi – A “mannered” belle, yet lots of fun She’s married to a great guy named Tommy – For 25 years, plus two sons Four-five….Four-five Jelene is now Forty-five……..Hooray!!! Four-five….Four-five Jelene’s Forty-five today!!! Jelene lives in Carrollton, Texas – In a nice home, with new swimming pool This is why you have been invited – To a party, this fall, while it’s cool Her career has been working at ED’s place – As part of the Recruiting Team She knows all the data base tables – How many years? Oh, a mere 16 Four-five….Four-five Jelene is now Forty-five……..Hooray!!! Four-five….Four-five Jelene’s Forty-five today!!! When Jelene is not at her real job – She keeps busy, nonetheless As a Mary Kay consultant – Or out with Teresa Tavares Shopping at Just-Gotta-Have-It – Or maybe even Sam Moon Her trunk’s always filled up with plenty – A dilemma at home’s finding room Four-five….Four-five Jelene is now Forty-five……..Hooray!!! Four-five….Four-five Jelene’s Forty-five today!!! Dear Jelene, enjoy your birthday – You’ve been here “nearly” half-century We know you do count all your blessings – You’re the best that you can be Please know how much we all love you – Or we wouldn’t be here right now Take all of our words of wisdom – YOU GO GIRL, now please take a bow!!! M.Clary October, 2004

Happy 45th Birthday to Jelene Ellington (EDS HR)

March 25th, 2006

(Sung to the Beatles Tune: 'When I'm 64.') She's just so helpful She's just so sweet Anytime you call (bump pa dum pa dum) Whenever you need her She is always there Our Dream – Jelene E She really cares From data base tables In Recruiting Systems Eureka, oh she thrives Yes, we do need her – Yes, we do love her Though she's 45 When our Jelene E Is given a task She checks out each detail (bump pa dum pa dum) And if there is a problem She figures it out So the Recruiting Team Won't have any doubt Someday when Comet's error-free Then, we'll realize Yes, we did need her – Yes, we did love her When she was 45 But today, we still need her And we still love her Though……..She's…….. Fortyyyyyyyyyy……..Fiiiiiiiiiive……..!!! M.Clary October, 2004

The Clary Christmas Letter of 2004

March 25th, 2006

Happy Holidays From Texas, Y’all !! We both realize this greeting may be one of many “too-lazy-to-write-inside-each-Christmas-card” letters you’ll receive this holiday season. However, there is the option of not reading it. We will never know. Should you decide to do so, we’ll try to not to bore you with glitter. Let’s see…..what has been happening in the lives of two mature adults living on Farmstead Road in Fairview, Texas? How ‘bout eight (8) “At-A-Glance” line items? 1. Ron still is employed by our Town of Fairview, in the capacity of Director of Economic Development. Seems to enjoy “small town politics.” 2. Maureen, working for EDS the last 10 years (a PM in Workforce Planning & Management), will likely take the early retirement package offered employees, effective December 31, 2004. Her departure appears to be related to simply, “it’s just time.” 3. Ron and Maureen became grandparents for the first time in April of 2003, when daughter Marisa and husband Rand, gave birth to Rand “Kolton” Green!!! Soon, Little Kolt will become a “big brother” when a new baby boy enters their lives in January of 2005. Maureen will travel to San Diego for several weeks to “pretend she still knows how to care for a tiny infant.” The distance away from her family has been rough. 4. Maureen’s son, Marc, is now back in San Diego working for a travel insurance protection provider. He’s their web site designer & editor. He became tired of the cold weather in Boulder, CO…..said he “missed the sun and the ocean.” He’s still single and really likes being “Uncle Marty.” 5. Ron’s and Maureen’s health has had its ups and downs the past couple of years. Ron’s had two back surgeries, a tennis ball-sized tumor removed from his leg, and kidney stone surgery. It wasn’t pretty. Maureen has had so many ailments, they are not worth addressing in a holiday letter. We do know she DOES NOT have St. Vitus Dance, so that’s a blessing. One thing that has surfaced from these challenges has been her ability to correctly spell/pronounce every ailment plus relate the clinical specifics. OK, enough said. 6. Yes, Bob-The-Dog is still alive. He’s almost 13 years; snores a lot. Yet, he truly has been our “Texas Prairie Home Companion.” Thee best canine – and everyone knows and loves Bob. Our wonderful neighbors down the road (The Hinton’s) are his adoptive parents. Often, he goes to their home for comfort when we are cross with him. The sympathy he receives there……oh please! 7. Maureen continues to write and hopes during her temporary retirement to document a life’s worth of stories and poems. Son Marc already has designed a website for her creations entitled, “In My Own Write.” She also hopes to go through 10 boxes of photographs and organize them; then, plans to spend more time with her two wonderful sisters and best friend out west. 8. This past August, Ron lost his dad after a courageous battle with a severe infection from a prior hip surgery. It was a most sad time for the entire Clary family. Amazingly, his mother still runs the family business that has been part of their lives for more than 52 years. His dad was 81. Brother Neal and family still live in Selma, AL and sister Keven and husband live in Nashville, TN. That’s about it, folks. Here’s Wishing ALL OF YOU A Very Happy 2005 New Year !!!! THE CLARYS OF FAIRVIEW, TEXAS