Yeah we had the blue blazers and the girls wore white skirts and the boys black pants.  We stopped in Harvey one time to eat and filled the restaurant.  On cue from Mr. Johnson we all stood up and sang our “Grace”  It was very impressive.  We were scattered all over but still managed four part harmony.   I never realized important reading music would be.  Now I singon a worship team and the ability to read music helps me to learn it quickly.  Mr. Johnson had a huge impact  on my    

Hello, Gary.  I am sorry that I have not replied to you sooner but for the past few months I have been rather busy.  I did retire on January 4, 2008 after 33 plus years of Federal Service.  I am currently at my sister’s house in Pflugerville, Texas waiting for my shipment to come in and my renters to leave my house .  My new address will be 103 Wren Cove, Hutto, TX 78634.  My phone number is (512) 788-3978.  My e-mail address is switched back tobbplykins@aol.com.  My wife is monitoring that address and forwards to me any messages meant for me.  I no longer have an e-mail address with the government.  In the meantime, until I get settled in my house, I am using my sister’s e-mail address at vicki.rowe@sbcglobal.net.

It has been a very trying and emotional time for me for I have dearly loved my job and working for the government overseas.  Also leaving the family behind was very hard.  Even though my wife and I are separated we still have a great relationship and then there is my young son whom I miss desperately.   Add to that the process of dismantling my life of 28 years in Wiesbaden, Germany and establishing a new life in Texas.  This would include getting rid of all of my electronic appliances, etc (they were 220 volt) and cars and other stuff.  Now it is buying a new car, getting a new driver’s license, insurance, buying all new appliances, and job hunting.  I am signing up to substitute teach at the local school and maybe teach some college classes.  Nothing heavy nor time consuming.  I am, after all, retired.  As I suspected, adjusting to life back in the United States is like adjusting to living in a foreign country.  We call it “reverse culture shock.”  It’s that Third Culture thing. 

I enjoy reading the tales from the old days in Dunseith as they are related by former and current residents.  It is more than a bit of local history that you are gathering and, judging by the comments, much appreciated by everyone.

Good luck, Gary.  I wish you and Bernadette the best in the new year.

Bob Lykins

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 From Crystal (Fassett) Andersen…….who is working like crazy putting Dad’s slides on a website………………..this is Susan Fassett’s birthday party in 1957 in the Fassett backyard.