Is there anything more wonderful than a band of brothers (or sisters, for that matter)??? Mike shares a lot of love by sending this photo and caption:
"There are plenty of memories wrapped up in the family albums. Just thought I would share my loving brothers, all together, with OUR fellow BUFFALOES ! I know other classes are visiting "OUR BLOG " and thought this might be interesting content to some.
From left -- Me (’60), Ken (’68), Larry (’59) and Rick (‘67) [click on photo to enlarge]
Over our illustrious histories we have fathered and raised 23 children (claimed ) and are proud grandparents of 12 and counting, to date, unless I have missed someone."
Earlier Submission, June 25, 2008:
You don't have to have read much on the blog without knowing that one of my favorite contributors is Mike Roberts. He has many submissions of wit, encouragement, homespun philosophy, etc. sprinkled throughout the posts and comments. But until now ... no biographical information. I did wrest a teensy bit of a Valentine Love Story from one of his comments, but other than that...nothing, zilch, zip, zero, nada! So you can believe I have nagged him a good bit. FINALLY, today (June 25, 2008) he gave up and gave us some material for a bio page. (And just as an added bonus to you, faithful reader, I will include my very favorite story of the whole blog - from Mike, of course - at the bottom of this page. KD
Mike writes...
Okay Karla, here is the bio you were waiting for. Please feel free to repair my sentence structure so as to make it easier to follow. I hope it will spur some input from others who have yet to jump on board with a comment. It certainly is not nearly as interesting as those that have predated this one. This is not going to be front page stuff here, as I have never been one to stand out in a crowd.
I suppose I was a late bloomer if a bloomer at all. I was always more interested in what others had to say or do, their contributions and experiences. I am still that way today. I wait patiently to see new content here on the blog, what a venue !
As the second of four sons to graduate from Milby High School I represent a quarter decade of family history as Buffalos. Married in ‘ 64, 3 years and a baby daughter later we divorced. I still have a beautiful daughter today. I was married to my soul mate Marilyn in ‘ 70. She had a son from a previous marriage and after our 1st year together we produced another son. I would tell people that when all the kids were together that my kid and her kid would beat the heck out of our kid.
Our most precious tradition was holding a Christmas Eve gathering for my side of the family and on Christmas Day another gathering for her side of the family at our modest home in South Houston. That tradition started about ‘75, at which time I purchased an organ that Marilyn taught herself to play. In ‘78 I purchased a video camera just to record the great fun and sing-alongs. We have tapes of family and friends dating from that time. I did upgrade to a battery operated color camcorder in ‘84. Technology is a wonderful thing.
I have always been punctual, worked hard and tried to do the right thing. I was a retail clerk and manager for 7 years after High School, then went to work for Hughes Tool Co. in Feb of ‘67. I retired the at end of May 2006. We have 3 beautiful grand-daughters, all born in April which is the Month of my Mother's birth as well. My daughter gave us two, 17 and 15, and our youngest gave us one now 4 years old. I can entertain myself by just watching these little ones for hours. THEY ARE THE KEYS TO MY HAPPIEST MOMENTS ! My biggest challenge is creating enough joyous memories as to have the family traditions continue long after my demise.
But wait, there is more... next day, June 26th, Mike added more bio info through a comment (copied and pasted here)
Hi all you tiring Buffs and retiring Buffs. What's RETIREMENT ? ? ?
I got an e-mail response to my BIO that told me I needed to add a line or so as I am no longer in South Houston. So I will do it here.
During my working life I was always looking for ways to elevate my income without doing anything like work and so I bought some investment Real Estate. Sold it when we moved to The Woodlands. Did okay. Watched the commodity markets as well and tried my hand. oooops. Put in $500.00 and the mkt ate that right up, case closed.
When I found out that The Company was going to move in the late '80's and many people were going to be cut, I told Marilyn that our plan to build or buy another place was in jeopardy as I might get laid-off, so we began looking in earnest. She wanted to look for a place close to her sister in Channelview and I had seen a property on the VA Repo list that I wanted to see.
We decided to go to Conroe and look at mine first and when we pulled in the circle drive we could see a lake behind the home. As we pulled up to the front double doors behind a 40' roofed porch under a 40' balcony above we were in awe! It was open, so going into the custom tiled entry which continued thru the dining area to the glass double doors with a veiw of the water behind the home and on thru the ample kitchen, we were aghast! We put in a bid that evening with an agent and put our house on the rental list. Our bid was accepted ! ! ! Sold our RE investments when we moved to The Woodlands. This was going to be our " RETIREMENT HOME ".
My career at Hughes Tool Co./Baker Hughes Inc./Hughes Christensen ran 39 years 3 1/2 months. Just could not stand all that prosperity so I retired a little early at the end of May 2006.
I have never looked back ! I just love the idea that I no longer must get up at 4:30 am if I do not choose to. I enjoy my small community and home. I would go fishing at one of the seven lakes in our community most evenings when we first bought here. Since I have retired I have only been fishing maybe twice. I have a honey-do list that only gets longer as I work on it. Funny how that works. I really love the fact that I have things that I can improve on.
This is my passion, STAYING BUSY AND ACTIVE ! ! Mike
Thanks so much for this window into your life and loves, Mike. Please take the time now to make a comment in response to Mike's biography. You will also enjoy reading the comments that others have left.
Now here's that delightful anecdote that first introduced me to Mike's charm and humor on the blog. (from "Memories of Days Gone By - archived earliest comments", which is now linked in this section).
Ahhh, Southmayd, Kay Burg, I'll bet she remembers the Mayfete that she and I were partnered up in. We had to circle up with the rest of our classmates, dressed in neat costumes, and do a dance or whatever out on the playground. It was a windy day, as you can imagine, and all of our parents and other folks were gathered to watch. As the music started, the wind caught Kay's hat and off it went. Needless to say, off went Kay to retrieve the bonnet and I was left there to dance by myself. I was bashful in those days, so I was red faced and probably angry that I was left to dance alone. Everyone got a good laugh as each time Kay caught up to the bonnet the wind would send it off again. Sorry Kay, that is how I remember it. I should have been the gentleman and chased the bonnet for you, heeheehee ! !
Posted by: Kay Burg Moseley | July 14, 2007 at 11:49 PM
Mike, I don't remember that incident at the Southmayd Mayfete. Sorry I deserted you. (I probably need psychotherapy to find out why I am blocking it out!) Many fond memories of Southmayd and Mrs. Lawhorn, our principal.
Please take the time now to make a comment in response to Mike's biography. You will also enjoy reading the comments that others have left. CLICK HERE to return to the top of the main section after reading comments below, and/or making your own comment.
Hey Cousin,
It's good to finally get your bio input. I've been anxiously awaiting it for sometime now. You know, this venue is addictive. I've been so out of touch with everyone for so long, I'm really gettin' my kicks thanks to Karla. She's one heck of a facilitator isn't she? Do you remember when you lived on Keller and I lived on Palmetto, and we always had to come over to y'all's house on Christmas morning to see what you guys got....them was good times!
I'll bet we had as concentrated a group of buffaloes living on those two streets as Milby had anywhere. Wally Sisk, Don & Charles Loeder, Joe & Ricca Simmons, Jon & Ron Dansby, Wayne Currington, Kay(K.T.)Oslin, Larry, Mike, Ricky & Kenny Roberts, Joe Sunbarger, Terry & Martha Brown, Charlie Smith, Eva Herkender, Ronny & Sharon Dumesnil, Raymond Lucher, Benny & Linda Reed, Richard & Raymond Massey, Wanda Green, and Sonny & Ginny Jones. I'm sure I've forgotten some, but what a representation from only two blocks of Pecan Park. No wonder we had so many "world leaders" eminating from that area!
At any rate, it's really good to read your comments and enjoy reminising to your wit and "homespun" take-on-life. I feel like I'm reading Leon Hale sometimes. Keep 'em comin'!
Sonny
Posted by: Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones | June 26, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Hi Cuz,
Karla says I couldn't let you get away with showing me up so I submitted my BIO! NOT! ! ! You have been doin' that for years but it has never bothered me, fact is I kinda enjoyed seeing what you could possibly do next, heeheehee. Hey, besides, you were not the only one doin' it. I did “ ENVY “ and “ IDOLIZE “ you back in the day.
I have been needing to say something really smart about your BIO just won't come to me. Anyway, I spoke with our Dearest Aunt Ruthie about it.
I never knew you were that bad off, my selfishness shows thru at times. I just want to say that your Mom made “all the right moves" raising you and your siblings in Church as she did. She should be nominated for "Sainthood" along with her right hand gal, Aunt Ruthie. That goes back to our Grandmother and Granddad.
I could say that you made this miracle happen. I could say that your Mom and Aunt Ruthie made it happen. I will not. That came from One Place. It was a decision that was predestined and you have made "all the right moves" and given credit where due. You and your loving family have been blessed. You did your time, laid your tracks, and now are doing the "PENANCE" as your reward.
Thank you for sharing your "DIVINE" experience with us all.
Oh, hey Cuz, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?" Okay, okay, I’m not gonna sing it to ya ! !
Karla, ya know he's like that, but it just makes us better when we try to beat him!
[Well, it worked out great for me, because I finally got your bio page!!! KD]
Posted by: Mike Roberts | June 26, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Hi Mike - I'm new to the blogging so have missed some of your entries but will play catch up now. Sounds like you live in a wonderful place. I'm remembering our classes together. You were always lively.
Blessings, Glenda
Posted by: Glenda Burns Minniece | July 21, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Hi Glenda, thank you for your kind words and for noticing me so long ago when I was freckled and bashful. I always tried to keep a low profile and watch from the wings. You were so good looking how could anyone not have a crush on you, I did. I will add that I had a crush on a bunch of you good looking gals back in the day but my lack of self confidence kept my boyhood charm at bay.
I am so glad to hear your exchanges with some of our crew on this here blog and that you have done well in your life. I can see that you made a beautiful stewardess, probably had to fight the guys off on each flight.
Good luck in your retirement, IT"S TIME NOW TO HAVE SOME FUN ! !
Posted by: Mike Roberts | July 21, 2008 at 11:42 PM