Sunday, July 27, 2008

Second Attempt at a Blog!

Hello, C.V. friends, neighbors and countrymen and women!

12 comments:

Gary White said...

And hello to you too, Don. It was great talking with you today and I'm looking forward to your many CV memories!!

Gary White said...

Hey, everybody! Lets give Don a big welcome. Tell us your story, Don.

Phil Foust said...

A big welcome, Donald Dean!

Unknown said...

Well, Don, I guess the second attempt must have been marginally better than the first??? Waiting to hear more from you.

Pat Pate Molder said...

I remember you, Don, as a cute little boy with red hair ! And, I remember what a nice man your Father was. I always wanted to wait on him when he came into the bank. Your Mother lived across the street from my Mother (Nadine Pate). There were times when I was visiting that you were also visiting your Mother, mowing the lawn. Such a good boy !! I look forward to reading what you have to say about your time in Cedar Vale.
Pat Pate Molder

DFCox said...

Don I remember what good friends your mother and my mother became. They seemed to belong to the same clubs and, of course, they both had handsome and talented sons-------not.

Don Shaffer said...

What a relief it is to know that I am now part of the blogging crew! So good to hear from you Pat, Phil, Gary, Don and Wayne! I must begin by thanking Phil for directing me to Gary, who directed me for over an hour as to how to "register" myself on the blog! I'm sure your ear must have been to drop off, Gary. But, thanks to you, here I am! Pat, I remember you! Always had a smile on your face! I remember the Pate Place, with the rock columns, glass work cemented within and the chain connecting the columns! I think it was your grandfather (Albert?) who lived there. And, Phil, to remember my middle name is a rare feat indeed! I've tried all my life to live it down but it pops up now and then. But, I saw where you got up at 5:00 a.m. to write the note and that excuses you! Yes, Don, our mothers did belong to many clubs together! I have many memories of you, Don, but two are vivid in my mind. You sang "Old Man River" at the high school one night and I got cold chills! I think my journey in life took the musical path after hearing you sing! The other was a "big 'ole car, LaSalle, wasn't it? Took up most of main street if I remember correctly! And, Wayne, why a stylish pitcher you were! I remember my Dad saying, "That young man is going places!" Well, it might not have been on the ball diamond, but a success you are! Well, I'll see if this gets through. If so, I've got lots of stories to tell and am anxious to hear yours!! Don S.

Dick Williams said...

Don, Welcome aboard.
I remember the many, many, many, etc. times you seranaded us while practicing your horn. We all went to sleep (or not) listening to your music. I also remember the time you fell out of a tree at your first house, I believe it was by the Church of Christ, and broke your arm. And how you use to like to catch snakes with your bare hands. Gross. Many other memories come to mind, but I'll leave them till later.

Pat Pate Molder said...

Yes, Don, you remember right about the posts Grandpa (Albert Pate) had in his yard. We now have them in our yard here in Benbrook, TX.

Diane Archer Bradbury said...

Don - Do you keep your playing chops ready still? I remember you as "the trumpet player". You were so good and the whole town was proud of you. I also remember your mother tirelessly working at the Methodist Church. She was such a nice lady and an especially dedicated church member. My folks were Opal and Fred Archer. I graduated from CVHS in '59 and my sister, Linda, in '56.

Don Shaffer said...

Diane! I remember you, your sister, Linda and your parents very well! You lived in a house "high on a hill" on the west side of Cedar Vale! Didn't Fred run a truck line? Opal had such a warm personality! Yes, I still keep my chops in shape, playing in the Hallmark Band and Lee's Summit Symphony. I started playing trumpet in the 8th grade. I remember Mr. Beggs bringing a Holton cornet to our home. He told me the "secret" was in the mouthpiece! So, he asked me to "buzz," and I did! He said, "You are going to a fine cornet player!" My parents bought the horn and I've been "buzzing" ever since! P.S. My mother passed away at the age of 94.

Diane Archer Bradbury said...

Don - I taught vocal music in Oxford and crossed your path at a music festival where you adjudicated the Oxford Band directed by Paul Banks, giving it high praise for being such a small band but with such good balance among other things. I attempted to visit with you for a minute but time was of the essence. My son, Jeff Gordon, plays trumpet in and around Wichita. and will be backing up (in a full band) Wayne Newton next Fri. at a new casino south of Ark City. I hope you will write your memories and tell about your life and achievements.
Also about your family - any grandchildren?