July 2024
Welcome to July. Please prepare for yourself for record heat in our area this year. Drink plenty of fluids and keep in the shade. When out take some shade with you like a wide brimmed hat or an umbrella and sunscreen is necessary. Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible. Plan your outdoor activities either early in the morning or when the sun starts to set. Air conditioning is your friend in summer. Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you don’t have an air conditioner, go somewhere that is air-conditioned. For example, read a book at the library, walk around in indoor malls, watch that new movie at the theater. Dress appropriately. Whenever you can, try wearing loose, light-colored clothes. Avoid dark-colored clothes as they may absorb heat. Cool down! Take tepid (not too cold or too hot) showers, baths, or sponge baths when you’re feeling warm. Don’t have the time? Then wet washcloths or towels with cool water and put them on your wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck. These simple changes will help you both stay cool and avoid sunburn.
Don’t forget, our 58th class reunion is planned for August 24, 2024. More information is posted on the “Details of Events” page here on our website. We will be sending out email reminders later this month.
Here is some history about us, the baby boomers’ population.
The generation of baby boomers appeared after the end of World War II, between 1946 and 1964, when birth rates around the world spiked. The explosion of infants became known as the baby boom when seventy-six million babies were born in the United States alone.
In today’s hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook the big moments that shaped the Baby Boomer generation. From watching the Berlin Wall crumble to facing the challenges of the AIDS epidemic, Baby Boomers lived through some pretty intense times. Let’s be nostalgic to explore not just the gadgets of Baby Boomers’ youth but also the major political, economic, and social events that defined our generation.
Back in the day, when Baby Boomers were growing up, the world was gripped by what we now call the Cold War. Think of it as a high-stake staring contest between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, with nuclear weapons aimed at each other. Baby Boomers lived with the constant fear that one wrong move could lead to a nuclear catastrophe. Examples include the Cuban Missile Crisis. They even had drills at school where we practiced hiding under desks in case of a bomb – talk about a chilling childhood memory!
Can you imagine being told you might have to leave everything behind and go fight in a war in which you didn’t believe? That’s exactly what many Baby Boomers faced during the Vietnam War. The draft lottery decided who got called up, and it caused a ton of tension and protests across the country. It was a time when young people were questioning authority like never before, and the whole nation was feeling the strain.
JFK’s assassination wasn’t just a tragic event – it was a defining moment for an entire generation. Baby Boomers remember exactly where they were when they heard the news because it was like the world stopped turning for a moment. Kennedy represented hope and promise, and his death left a void that was felt across the country. It was a wake-up call for Baby Boomers, showing us that even our heroes weren’t invincible.
Before the internet, there were card catalogs. Picture this: you’re in a library, and you need to find a book. You’d head over to the card catalog, this big cabinet filled with index cards that listed all the books in the library. You’d have to flip through the cards, find the one you were looking for, and then go hunt for the book on the shelves. It was an entire process, but there was something kind of satisfying about it-like going on a treasure hunt for knowledge.
Baby Boomers saw a time of incredible technological change, but it wasn’t the lightning-fast pace we’re used to today. Back then, it was more like watching technology evolve in slow motion. Baby Boomers saw the first personal computers hit the market and saw the birth of the internet, but it wasn’t until later in life that these technologies became everyday essentials. We had to adapt to these changes gradually, which meant we had a different relationship with technology compared to younger generations.
You’ve probably heard of The Beatles, but do you know what Beatlemania was like? Baby Boomers do because we lived through it. The Beatles weren’t just a band – they were a cultural phenomenon. Baby Boomers saw the hysteria firsthand, with screaming fans and sold-out concerts wherever The Beatles went. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the way The Beatles changed the world and influenced an entire generation.
Picture this: it’s the 1960s, and everyone’s talking about peace, love, and flower power. That was the Hippie Movement, and it was important for Baby Boomers. We saw a whole generation reject the status quo and embrace a counterculture based on free love, psychedelic drugs, and anti-establishment ideals. The Summer of Love in 1967 was the peak of it all, with thousands of young people converging on San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to celebrate love and unity. It was a time of radical change and social upheaval, and Baby Boomers were right in the thick of it.
Back in the day, Baby Boomers were witness to one of the most important social movements in American history: the Civil Rights Movement. This was when people from all social classes came together to fight against racial discrimination and segregation. Baby Boomers saw powerful leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. leading the charge for equality, and we weren’t just spectators – many of us were out there marching and protesting for change ourselves. It was a time of immense bravery and determination, and it shaped the way Baby Boomers viewed issues of race and justice for the rest of our lives.
The fear of polio loomed large in the minds of Baby Boomers’ families until the development of the polio vaccine brought relief. We grew up in an era where polio outbreaks were a constant threat, causing widespread panic and fear. The introduction of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk in the 1950s was a major breakthrough that saved countless lives and brought hope to communities around the world.
Baby Boomers lived through one of the biggest political scandals in American history: Watergate. We watched as President Richard Nixon’s administration became embroiled in a web of corruption, cover-ups, and abuse of power. The Watergate scandal wasn’t just a news story – it was a watershed moment that shook the nation’s faith in its leaders and institutions. Baby Boomers learned firsthand the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in a democracy. How familiar does this sound in today’s world?
Baby Boomers were there at the dawn of rock ‘n’ roll, and we saw its explosive rise to prominence. We heard Elvis Presley’s hip-shaking performances, danced to Chuck Berry’s guitar riffs, and felt the rebellious spirit of Little Richard’s music. Rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t just a genre – it was a cultural revolution that challenged the norms of society and gave a voice to a generation. Baby Boomers embraced rock ‘n’ roll with open arms, making it the soundtrack of our youth and shaping our identity for decades to come.
The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a historic turning point in global politics. Baby Boomers saw the symbolic dismantling of the wall that divided East and West Berlin. This momentous event brought about the reunification of Germany and ushered in a new era of geopolitical cooperation and diplomacy. For Baby Boomers, it stood for the triumph of freedom and democracy over tyranny and oppression.
Baby Boomers saw the rise of the feminist movement, which fought for women’s rights and equality on all fronts. We saw women breaking down barriers in the workplace, fighting for reproductive rights, and demanding equal pay for equal work. The feminist movement wasn’t just about individual rights – it was about challenging the patriarchal structures that had long oppressed women. Baby Boomers were at the forefront of this fight for equality, shaping the course of history for generations to come. Unfortunately, it’s a ongoing effort.
Limited television channels meant you had to make the most of what you had. Baby Boomers didn’t have hundreds of channels to choose from like we do today. We had a handful of broadcast channels, and that was it. No DVR, no streaming services-just whatever happened to be on at the time. It might sound limiting, but Baby Boomers remember it as a simpler time, when watching TV was more about spending time with family and less about finding something to binge-watch.
Baby Boomers experienced the transformation of American society into a consumer-driven culture. We saw the emergence of advertising, marketing, and consumerism as powerful forces shaping the economy and everyday life. From the rise of shopping malls to the proliferation of brand-name products, Baby Boomers saw how consumer culture influenced our purchasing decisions and lifestyle choices. This era marked a shift towards materialism and consumption, changing Baby Boomers’ attitudes towards wealth, status, and personal identity.
The AIDS epidemic was a dark cloud hanging over the Baby Boomer generation. It was a scary time-a time of uncertainty and fear. Baby Boomers watched as HIV/AIDS appeared as a global health crisis, claiming countless lives, and causing widespread panic. It was a time when stigma and discrimination ran rampant, and many people felt like they had nowhere to turn.
Baby Boomers lived through the oil crisis of the 1970s, which caused widespread fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations. We experienced the economic repercussions of skyrocketing oil prices and energy shortages, leading to inflation, recession, and economic instability. The oil crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of America’s dependence on foreign oil and sparked efforts to increase energy efficiency and promote alternative energy sources. Baby Boomers learned the importance of energy conservation and resilience in the face of global energy challenges.
Typewriters were the OG word processors, and Baby Boomers were experts in the craft. Composing documents on a typewriter meant precision and focus, as every keystroke had to be deliberate-there was no “undo” button here. Mistakes were an unpleasant fact and correcting them often involved a lot of whiteout and creative maneuvering. Despite their limitations, typewriters were a symbol of productivity and professionalism for Baby Boomers.
The fall of the USSR was a major turning point in global history. It wasn’t just about the collapse of a government; it marked the end of an entire era-the Cold War. Imagine growing up in a world where the U.S. and the Soviet Union were locked in a tense standoff, and suddenly, that all changed. Baby Boomers saw the world transform before our eyes as the Soviet Union dissolved, and it was important. It wasn’t just the end of a superpower-it was the end of a way of thinking from a strict conservative way of life to a more liberal way of life that shaped the world they lived in.
Baby Boomers experienced the decline of manufacturing jobs in America as industries shifted towards automation, globalization, and outsourcing. They saw once-thriving manufacturing towns and communities struggle as factories closed their doors and jobs moved overseas. The decline of manufacturing jobs had far-reaching economic and social consequences, contributing to unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality in many regions. Baby Boomers saw firsthand the impact of deindustrialization on American workers and communities, shaping their views on economic policy and globalization.
Remember pay phones? Baby Boomers sure do. They were these clunky machines you’d find on street corners or in gas stations, and they were a lifeline when you needed to make a call while you were out and about. There was something kind of reassuring about them, knowing that no matter where you were, you could always find a pay phone if you needed to reach someone. Sure, they might have eaten your coins sometimes or smelled a bit funky, but they were there when you needed them.
Baby Boomers saw one of humanity’s greatest achievements: the moon landing. In 1969, when Neil Armstrong took that historic step onto the lunar surface, it wasn’t just a triumph for science – it was a moment of national pride. Baby Boomers watched in awe as the Apollo 11 mission unfolded on live television, proving that anything was possible with determination and ingenuity. The moon landing inspired a generation to dream big and reach for the stars, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of Baby Boomers.
Waiting for downloads was the ultimate exercise in patience. Back in the day, if you wanted to download a song, a movie, or even just a piece of software, you had to wait. And wait. And wait some more. It wasn’t like today, where everything happens in the blink of an eye. Baby Boomers remember the agony of watching that progress bar creep along at a snail’s pace, wondering if the download would ever finish. It was a different kind of waiting game-one that needed a lot more patience than we’re used to these days.
Floppy disks were the original USB drives, and Baby Boomers relied on them for storing and transferring data. These little squares of plastic were like gold in the world of personal computing, offering a convenient way to save your work or share files with others. But they weren’t without their flaws-floppy disks were fragile, prone to damage, and had a frustratingly limited storage ability. And who could forget the dreaded moment when you realized your floppy disk had been corrupted, taking all your precious data down with it.
Several million baby boomers have died in the decades since but immigration to the U.S. has helped replenish the supply. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the baby boom population has reached about seventy-three million based on 2020 census data, the latest info available.
The generation of baby boomers is still a powerful force in the U.S. economy and will continue to be one for years to come. Boomers are the longest-living generation in history so far though ageing is a privilege. With the increase in life expectancy, it will make it likely that we'll spend more time in retirement than our parents did, raising concerns about the ongoing viability of the Social Security system.
Today, Baby Boomers are beginning to experience the threat of history repeating itself in many aspects including an attack on our constitution.
You do have a voice, VOTE!
We will leave it here for now but life ahead look to be a continuation of trying times for sure.
I believe it’s time now for some humor.
"I think animal crackers make children think that all animals taste the same."
A dyslexic man walks into a bra.
“An escalator can never break it can only become stairs. You should never see an Escalator Temporarily Out of Order sign, just Escalator Temporarily Stairs.”
“The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three, he was a genius.”
"When I was a kid, I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me.”
“The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it’s unfamiliar territory.”
“Doing nothing is very hard to do…you never know when you’re finished.”
"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, which is just long enough to be president of the United States."
"A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it."
“As long as the world is turning and spinning, we’re going to be dizzy and we’re going to make mistakes.”
Sometimes I just sit and admire the gray in my husband’s beard, how distinguished it’s becoming, and think, “I did that!”
"I want to hang a map of the world in my house. Then I’m going to put pins into all the locations I’ve traveled to, but first I’m going to have to travel to the top two corners of the map, so it won’t fall down."
"I don't fail, I succeed in finding what doesn't work."
A colonel I heard speak at a convention told of the time he was transferred from San Diego to Germany. It was up to his wife to take their eight rambunctious children to Europe by herself. After an hour-long layover in Baltimore, which she spent chasing and corralling her brood, they finally arrived in Germany, exhausted. At customs, the official asked if she was carrying contraband such as drugs, alcohol, or weapons. The colonel’s wife replied, “I assure you, if I had any of those items, I would have used them all up by now.”
Early one morning, on my way to work, I stopped at a coffee shop and gave the barista my order: Medium skim decaf latte.” The barista read back my order: “One medium Why Bother.”
Two men are seated on a train. One pulls out his phone and shows a photo of his girlfriend. “Isn’t she beautiful?” he asks. The second man responds, “If you think she’s beautiful, you should see my wife!” “Oh? Is she gorgeous too?” “No, she’s an optician.”
You may consider not driving a car at your age if you happen to experience any of the following:
1) Frequent Traffic Violations
2) Overwhelmed by Multitasking
3) Ignoring Traffic Signals
4) Increased Anxiety or Fear While Driving
5) Getting Lost in Familiar Areas
6) Delayed Braking and Slow Reflexes
7) Trouble Seeing Road Signs and Markings
8) Difficulty Judging Gaps in Traffic
9) Other Drivers Honk Often
10) Trouble Parking
11) Scrapes on the Car, Mailbox, or Garage
12) Unable to Turn Your Head to See the Blind Spots
13) Concerns Raised by Others
Riddles for Adults
1) A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and rode out on Friday. How is this possible?
2) What is full of holes but still holds water?
3) Rachel goes to the supermarket and buys ten tomatoes. Unfortunately, on the way back home, all but nine got ruined. How many tomatoes are left in a good condition?
4) I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
5) I’m orange, I wear a green hat and I sound like a parrot. What am I?
6) Two fathers and two sons are in the car, yet there are only three people in the car. How?
The answers are below.
A scammer called my friend’s aunt insisting he had all her passwords. If he thought he’d found an easy mark, he was sorely mistaken because she responded excitedly, “Hold on honey, I need a pen and paper. Now, what are they?”
When I was a kid our neighbors had a large bell on their porch, and every night the father would ring it loud enough so that wherever his sons were, they would hear it and come home for dinner. I thought it was a great idea and suggested to my dad that we get one. My very practical father replied, “We don’t need a bell, we’ll just eat when they do.”
Sign spotted outside a local auto body shop:
“The next time we meet will be an accident.”
What font is alphabet soup? Times New Romen.
An old-time pastor is rushing to get to church on time when his horse stumbles and pitches him to the ground. Lying in the dirt with a broken leg and no help in sight, the pastor calls out, “All you saints in heaven, help me get up on my steed!” Then, with extraordinary effort, he leaps onto the horse’s back and falls off the other side. Once again on the ground, he calls to the heavens, “All right, just half of you this time.”
The ultimate knock-knock joke.
“Knock-Knock.” “Who’s there?”
“Grandpa.” “STOP THE FUNERAL!!!”
Can you guess who made these comments?
“You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.”
"Always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise, they won’t go to yours.”
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
“I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.”
“No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.”
“It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much.
“I wish I had an answer to that because I’m tired of answering that question.”
You are right, Yogi Berra. An 18-time All-Star, Berra won a whopping 10 World Series championships as a player, all with the Yankees. Widely regarded as one of, if not the best, baseball catchers in history, there is something else Berra is best known for. Better known as “yogi-isms,” Berra is also beloved for dropping some famous quotes.
Riddle Answers:
1) His horse is named Friday.
2) A sponge
3) 9
4) Seven
5) A Carrot
6) They are grandfather, father, and son.
The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Because what’s in front of you is so much more important than what’s behind.
It's one thing to make people laugh, it's another thing to make people smile.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.
Look for a single moment of joy each day.
Pray for tomorrow.
Cherish your blessings.
And visit with your precious memories often.
Thank you for visiting.
Your Ballard High School Class of 1966 Reunion Committee.