I have been checking some old photos and trying to jog my memory about the early beginnings of the club, and it is still pretty foggy.  I wish I could get with Ramona.  I think if we fed off each other, more details would surface.  It was the summer of 1981 (Aug. I think) that Heard had their first Nature Photo Class. Ramona and I met in that class.  I still have some of the slides shot at that time.  We began meeting shortly after that.

I had Joshua Sept. 26. I can't remember if we started meeting just before, or just after I had him.  We met in a small room at Heard.  I think Nancy Storer was one of the early members.  Most of the time there were only 3-5 people who showed up.  Sometimes Ramona and I were the only ones and we talked of disbanding the club, but we enjoyed being together and decided even if it was just us we would keep it up.

We began meeting on the 3rd Sat. but it often conflicted with holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. - so early on we changed the meeting day. The first Sat. seemed busy for most so we chose the 2nd Sat.  We began meeting at 1:00 at first, but for those who didn't live near Heard it was better to come at 1:30, so the time was set for then. 

I can't remember when you, Angie, and the Rucker's began coming, but our first Field Trip was to the Harmon wildlife sanctuary in Quinlan.  Were you there?  We went at the end of March or beginning of April because Joshua was 6 mo. old and I backpacked him around the sanctuary as we were taking pictures. I still have some of the slides.  I wish I had one of Joshua and I.  Other
members took photos of us, but I didn't get one.  I cannot remember the first name of the Harmon's, but they were associated with the museum at that time, they may still be.  The club began to grow more after the about the first 2 years - if I remember correctly.  At first we just called members to remind them of meetings, then we began mailing postcards. After awhile we began collecting .25 from members who were at each meeting to pay for the next mailing.

We started a small newsletter.  I wrote the newsletter and Ramona was the president for years.  I don't remember when we decided it was time to pass the baton, and I don't remember who was president after Ramona, I just remember you took over the newsletter - you have done a really great job with the newsletter.  I appreciate you still sending it to me.  I do hope one day to come back to the club.  My mom lives in Dallas and at 83, although she still gets around with a walker and is in good health, she doesn't drive anymore.  I usually spend my Saturdays with her.  I don't
photograph much anymore other than documenting family get-togethers and vacations.  I do still do a small wedding every once in awhile for families and friends.  I still shoot with my 2 Canon FTB's.  They still take great pictures.

I know this e-mail is long, but it has been kind of fun going down memory lane. We had a lot of fun together in the early days of the club.