The summer of 1954 was spent on the farm saying "good-bye" to the corn fields and hay fields. In September, I ventured all the way to St. Lukes School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids. It was a grueling three years as we took full load of freshman classes at Coe College plus our nursing classes at St. Lukes. Then our junior and senior year, we had our classes plus 40 hours working at the hospital to help pay for our education. The 3-11 and 11-7 shifts were staffed with students except for a RN in delivery and nursing supervisor. If students had those hours today, they would be abused!

I have fond memories of those three years. After living, eating, and working with classmates, many lasting friendships developed. I still keep in touch with many of our "click."

After graduating in 1957, I passed our Iowa State Board Examination. Janice Hahn and I decided to try out our wings and go to Greeley, Colorado. We had planned on staying one year and then move on. Our wings broke, I guess, as she got married and I'm still here.

I worked four months at the Weld County Hospital and then had the opportunity to work for two physicians at the Greeley Medical Clinic. That lasted for 17 years. When the last physician retired, the group didn't have a job for me. I was devastated, but it was a blessing. After two weeks of unemployment, I received a call from another medical office wondering if I would work vacations. I jumped at the offer, at least I had my foot in the door. A week later I was offered a permanent job. It started out with two surgeons and now there are five. All the general surgeons and I work one week in the office and next week at the hospital helping with surgery and instructing patients post operatively. My favorite part of surgery is being the first assistant to the surgeon. With the advancement of Laparscopic surgery, I get to operate the camera although, that was a big pain at first but now it is routine. All surgeons are very aggressive doing Laparscopic surgeries and two of the surgeons lecture across the United States.

Since there wasn't any basketball for girls in Greeley, I took up bowling in the fall of 1958. Since then it has been many tournaments and miles. I haven't missed a state tournament for 35 years and haven't missed WIBC championship tournament since 1968. It is held in various cities and that has enabled me to see a lot of the United States. Think I have peaked and my average has been going down for the last several seasons. Finished with a 175 average this year. In 1969, we bowled in San Diego and walked off with first place in Division 1 Team Event. It was a nervous 10 days, as we had to wait until the end of the tournament.

On the administrative side of bowling, I served as the Greeley WBA Treasurer for 26 years and am serving as a director now. I was inducted as a Member Emeritus of the Greeley WBA for outstanding service to the local bowling association. I have served on the Colorado WBA as a director for 14 years so this takes up quite a lot of my time.

I made yearly trips to Iowa but that will probably change now. My mom passed away January 9, 1994. My other traveling has taken me to Hawaii three times. The last was in 1992 which was special. My nephew was married there on the beach on the island of Kauai. It was a beautiful setting with the ocean waves echoing in the background. Hope to return at least one more time. I have two good friends in Greeley who were raised on Kauai. Would get to experience the natural life style of the Hawaiians.

There isn't any lack of professional sports with Denver, Colorado, being so near. I've been fortunate to see the Broncos many times through the years even though I'm not a season ticket holder. Even made it to the Super Bowl in 1987. It was a loss, but wouldn't hesitate to go again.

When the Rockies began last year, I had a hard time with loyalty. Being a Cubs fan for so many years, I was conditioned for losing. After a game with the Cubs, I became a true Rockies fan. Again I'm not a season ticket holder, but managed to see five games last year.

I attended some of CU's football games and then got hooked on CU's women's basketball last year. An Iowan is their point guard, and is an excellent player.

The Nuggets are finally on their way up again. It's exciting.

After all these years, sports still play a big part of my life. Will be looking forward to seeing all of you at the class reunion.

I'm still active in bowling and last year my team won the Championship in the Colorado Seniors Tournament. Have attended the National WIBC Championship tournament every year since 1994, so have seen more of the U.S.-Arizona, New York, Nevada, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. This year I will be competing in my 35th tournament.

Since retirement my life has been busy. It's no problem if a friend calls wanting to go somewhere or have lunch. I can drop everything and go. Freedom!

I was fortunate to go to Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego and witness the Denver Broncos first World Championship Game. What an experience and thrill.

Traveling is still high on my priority list. In June 1996, I along with my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and his wife floated the Grand Canyon. We were on the Colorado River for twelve days. What a spectacular view of God's creations. After a couple of evenings bathing in the river, you realize no one will be driving down the non-existing highway. The guides did all the rowing of the rafts. They also took turns preparing the meals. It was amazing what they could cook up. We even had ice the last night. All the supplies had been packed the first day of the trip. The white water rapids were thrilling-very thankful we had experienced guides. Then in August I took an Alaskan Cruise. Talk about being pampered-but I loved every minute of it.

After retirement I took a trip to Australia. That was a delightful trip, just wish it would have lasted longer and would have included New Zealand. So have passport now and will travel. Would like to cruise the Panama Canal and visit parts of Europe and the Orient.

Wishing you a successful reunion and my thoughts will be with you on May 27 and 28 after I finish competition. Everyone take good care of yourself and hopefully see all of you in two or four years.

Sincerely,

Lois

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