LETTERS

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Wish I could shout this to the whole world, but with the medical problems in the family right now, this would be crass as all hell. Get Barb and Philip back on wheels and then we'll see. Did I forget to mention Jerry Burdett? Sorry. Bill Johns Jan12-2004

From the Editor: On 10/09/03 I mailed the Bryant-Burdett Connection Newsletter. Please click HERE to send mailing addresses for yourself and everyone else you know in the family who may have changed addresses since this time last year.

I don't know if maybe this is already in the works or not, but I thought that maybe a birthday/anniversary page would be neat. Each month family members could send in birthdays/anniversaries of either themselves or other family members for the following month. Then on the first of each featured month, we could wish each of them a Happy birthday/anniversary. Might be too much work, but I would be willing to help with it if you needed. Also, I thought that each month we could feature a different family member and write about their life. The good memories, the struggles and triumphs. Like a little autobiography. (I think the older members would make the best candidates for this, as they have more experiences.)
Love ya, Lavida
8-18-03

Subject: A teacher at heart...by Reatha 7-10-03
I like the change you made to the title of the religion and politics page....I am a teacher at heart...I like to study and share the things I learn.....The last few months I have been studying the vowels, long and short sounds, some blends with my little student...It is so great to see a little one be able to sound out and read words for himself...A couple of days ago as I was having him read one of his little stories to me, I was having a difficult time keeping him on task....As I tried to direct him back to the sentence, he told me, "My lips are tired." "You talk from the time you get up until after you go to bed." I told him... "But my lips are tired." he said.

find the search for William most interesting as I am still looking for my g- grandfather, James Johnson, gone from GA after the CW. You're so lucky to have others join in the search. That's what makes this fun.
I've found the State Archives to be very helpful. By now most of the state/county records have been microfilmed and housed there. Also the Historical/Genealogical Societies have local and state record indexes and even some of the records. I've also found the special collections departments of public libraries and college and university libraries house most records in books, microfilm and fische. USF here in Tampa was absolutely overwhelming.
At Monticello in Jefferson Co here in FL, the CH turned the old record books over to the local genealogical soc therefore I'm sure you would find this to be true in a lot of areas.
I've found it most interesting to visit all these places when I go into an area to do my research. Have met just the most interesting people and one gentleman at the C H even taught us how to read property descriptions so that we could locate property that was owned before FL became a state.
I do believe this bit of detective gets into your blood.
Happy hunting Sandra

IGraveyard Treasure
By Dorothy Burdett Fuerst

Oh, now I understand. And I thought it had something to do with being made to learn to read early and studying hard in school. And after all is said and done, we were born this way. Part of our makeup. We'd probably have been doing this writing stuff even if we'd been captured by gypsies as little children. Kind of nice to know this. Ain't that aunt Dorothy a treasure? 5-11-03

Dear Bryburcon.com Readers,
Happy Mother's Day. It has been two years since our website opened on Mother's Day, 2001. At that time I had registered the name, Bryburcon.com, for two years, thinking that would take care of our "little" project. Indeed, "this writing stuff" does seem to be inborn in this Bryburcon group along with photography, arts, crafts, digging into our roots. Therefore, I have extended our ownership of the website name for another five years, through April, 2008. Enough? We shall see. Love Virginia

Hi there! It has been quite some time since I have visited the website. I see it has expanded an awful lot. I wanted to write a little something to let you all know I am still alive and kicking. I want you all to know that I love and miss you so much. My life has been somewhat hectic lately so I haven't really had an opportunity to come online and read everything there is on the website. I made some time today! I am planning a trip within the next month or so to visit South Carolina and see my Dad (Ronnie) and my Grandparents (Lois & Bob) And anyone else who may be there at the time. I enjoyed my last visit there so I know this one will be special as well... Mariah (My Daughter) wanted me to tell everyone "Hello" from her. She as well is looking forward to seeing everyone again. I'll keep checking in here at the website and making sure everyone is ok and to let you all know my status as well.. Hope you have a great day!
Angie Brown (Daughter of Ronnie Johns) 4-30-03

Gerry's new grandbaby is sure a beautiful little person. Mommy should be proud. He's is so new, but has such a big smile. Barb 4-27-03

I would like to thank Barb for her message to Philip and Matthew. The note of gratitude has been forwarded. Philip and Matthew are both looking forward to returning home and having a big bon fire with their friends. (This is one of Phil's favorite past times). And thanks to my mom and Mike for offering their place for said bon fire. Keep those letters and notes coming. They really need the encouragement from back home. God Bless. Lavida 4-22-03 (send letters in care of Lavida Click Here To Send E-mail)

I went to the message board, and other than the message that I posted, no one has posted since September. The message board and the chat forum are open. I had trouble trying to copy and paste the addy, so I wrote it down and typed it in. http://www.network54.com/Forum/173418 . I even had trouble typing it in at first, it kept trying to put something else up there, but I finally got it. I miss the scheduled Sunday evening chats. A regularly scheduled chat reunion would be nice. Somebody TALK TO ME!!!!! hehehe Love to everyone. Lavida Arnold 4-17-2003

Just a note to see how you are coming with the book publishing. I am sure there is going to be some big expense to get it underway. Maybe the Bryburcon clan can help defray the costs like they did before. A few bucks from everyone involved would probably do the trick. Do you think so? I'm sure everyone would be happy to help out. Maybe you could put this little note on the site, so everyone would know, I'll send my $20 bucks in the mail. Luv ya Later BARB
(Editor: Life has gotten in the way of the project. However, I have not considered giving up on it and will install the program "soon" and get going on it. I know I said it would be February, but that was a goal that was an approximation. I have zigged & zagged since semi-retirement; getting some emotional work accomplished that I had put off doing on the last guy thing {finally fairly neutral on him}; adjusting to the lifestyle changes that substitute teaching has brought; doing some glass work that has brought the old satisfaction {I stuck onto the mold a third of the latest lamp today}; working on keeping my mental self shielded against the horror that's on TV day and night; raising puppies. Thanks for the prompt and the offer to help with expenses. I welcome the offer of financial help, and I will put into a separate fund anything that comes in. The idea of posting an invitation to help is a good one. I have been spending an hour or two outside at the picnic table each evening reading, working on glass and watching the puppies chase each other around in the yard. I have had to work at plugging up all of the escape routes back there as C&C are little enough to escape out of pretty small openings. Too, until I get all of their escape routes blocked I have to stay with them unless I have then shut up in the kennel. I will put the start of the publishing project on the front burner. Love V) 4/15/2003

The Spirit Lingers. (Nellie/Wm>Isabelle>Lois>Connie)
You think a certain Connie just may have known a certain Isabelle? Bill Johns 3/31/03

Just a short note to let you know that Matt is on the Harry S. Truman, an they are seeing a little action. I will leave it to you how you might like to write that up so that the family knows that immediate prayer is requested. I trust your judgment. Love, Lavida 3-19-03

Barb, I know that that beautiful white stuff in Ohio is so cool. It's a darn shame we can't all have some of it. And to just be able to stay inside and enjoy a warm fireplace for days at a time is just too much to think about. I haven't been able to enjoy the delightful sight of an icicle in many years. I know your pictures will turn out really great. We just don't have anything worth photographing way down here in the heat-land of Florida. That is unless we can capture the dirty beads of sweat running down our foreheads as we bust our butts working in the yard. In fact, with all this work we don't have time to take pictures. Yesterday, Mario helped me mow and edge the lawn, then take a truck load of clippings to the landfill. We haven't even started on the fertilizing and spraying yet. That should have been done a few weeks ago, but it has been just too hot. Today, I cleaned the pool. I wish it could drop down to 50 degrees here. In fact, 60 would be really nice. Anyway, I'm glad you are really enjoying your beautiful spring weather. Oh, that's right, spring doesn't start for another week, does it. Love you, wish I was there, Philip 3-15-03 (Editor's Note: Washington Report - 55 degrees F here. Daffodils & tulips budding, trees in bloom, birds returning, drizzle with sun breaks.)

I haven't given up on the research. It's just too nasty to go anywhere. This is the worst winter I've seen in many years. For the last 3 days, up till about 2 hours ago, we had ice, ice and more ice. Just about every tree in my neighborhood has had big limbs broken off from the weight of the ice. I have taken a bunch of pictures but I don't know how good they will turn out. It's rather difficult to photograph icicles. Today it warmed up to 50 degrees and it all started to melt. Water came down like rain at first, then the ice started breaking off the limbs. At that point ice began to come down like oversized hail stones. It started hitting my roof, then it slid off on the ground.. Damndest noises I ever heard. Sounded like squirrels running around up there. This lasted all morning and half the afternoon. About an hour ago it finally quit. Now it's water on the ground. Just one soggy mess. I went to the mail box about noon and had to walk in the yard because the driveway was solid ice. It was smooth ice. You did not know it was ice until you stepped on it. I crunched through the yard to get my mail. My Magnolia lost 2 big branches off one side and there are limbs laying all over my back yard from the Maples. It's going to probably be a month before I can even get out there to clean up the mess. It'll take that long for it to dry up enough to do anything. When everything gets back to order and there's no danger of another ice storm, I'll get my butt on the stick and see what I can find. Later Barb 3-14-03

From my daughter, Cherryl Lynn (Forwarded by Bill Johns)
and mom you know is all into genealogy and she has told me that your family site is the best she has seen and she wishes others would do such a job in getting all info together and in order and then having the family member take part in adding to their own areas...(Nellie/Wm>Alta>Bill>Cherryl [daughter of Sandra] )3/14/03

The site is really huge, I have to agree. I haven't been able to read half of it. I think it's so neat that I get to connect with cousins, Aunts, Uncles, some people that I would never even know about if Aunt Virginia hadn't taken this on. (What a task to take on! I can't imagine!) Or, even if I "know" them, I would never know them like I get to "know them" in these pages. Thank you, Aunt V. Love You, Kimberley 3-10-03

Does this thing never end? I've looked and read till my eyes are crossed and there's still stuff to see from what I can gather. I find the letters section really neat and have enjoyed the feedback you're getting and the interaction taking place with the rest of the family. I've read so many stories at one time till I think I'll surely have to go over them again to remember them. By now it's all running together so I'm signing off. It's 1:00 A M here. 2-28-03 Sandra (Nellie/Wm>Alta>Bill>Kim(daughter of Sandra)

Elva called tonight and said that Bud was a lot better today. The Dr. said he thought he had had a mild heart attack and that's what has caused all these terrible problems. She said she couldn't believe how much better he seemed to be. He ate good, was able to talk and even tried to pull himself up to a sitting position in bed. You can put this information on the site if you want. I talked to Lois this afternoon and told her how bad Bud was yesterday. Right after that is when Elva called and said he was much better. About that time PPDubose called and I had to explain it again. That's OK, I'm just glad he's getting better because he was surely not good yesterday. later BS 3-1/03

Uncle Bud was released from the hospital and taken to a nursing home. I spent all day today, there with him and Elva. He seems to be failing, and he is not communicating with us. Barb Burdett S. 2/27/03

Dear Bryburcon.com Readers, On Friday, January 17, the inevitable happened. When I attempted to publish the Saturday updates all I got was an error message telling me that "the disk storage capacity has been exceeded". Simply stated, what I had acted as though was infinite file storage space for website updates wasn't, and I needed to call Earthlink Web Hosting Tech Support to order more website space. This I did, and now, a mere three days later instead of a month of heartache & frustration later (remember the switchover from Front Page web design software to Dream Weaver?), we are back online. We now have more than twice the storage that we have spent the past (nearly) two years filling up!! Submit your hearts out. I will continue to get us there from here whenever I am home at the computer that has the web design software installed on it. I will try to go back and pick up where we left off. If any of your pages aren't put right again (when disk storage capacity gets exceeded web hosting doesn't mess around, and it chops pages off in the middle of sentences) please let me know, and I will fix them. Virginia 1/20/2003

Virginia
I read with interest about the search old William Burdett. Between you and Barbara, No one can hide. Gerry 1-16-03

Was wading through a web search for William Burdett, William A. Burdett, William Archibald Burdett, many variations of Burdett, Burdette, when a promising lead popped up about a William and Nellie Burdett. I thought to myself, "Here we go!! It was from some Bryburcon.com web site. Stumbled over my own trail. Perhaps I'd better stick to writing and leave the search to the professionals.

Reminded me of the time James Garner and Stewart Margolin were acting in a western movie. Margolin was the scout. He stopped and studied the ground intently. Finally announced that two riders on horseback had passed that way barely two hours before. Garner said loudly, "You've been leading us around in a circle, you damn fool!!! Those are our tracks." Bill Johns 1-16-02<<(:{)----(}:)>>

Okay Grandma Isabel, you can run but you can't hide. We're learning more and more about you and your surroundings every day….Quote from Virginia re:Isabell Kemp Bryant
Okay Grandpa William Archibald, you can run but you can't hide. We're learning more about you and your surroundings every day. Bill 1-15-03

Well, perhaps I did do at least one. When I was at the tender age of eight, Grandma Burdett had Norman Franks and me go with her to Ohio. We had a several-hour layover at some bus terminal (may have been a train depot, I don't exactly remember after nearly 58 years). With all of the vigor of youth, I was running around the terminal there, burning off energy, when I burst into the men's room again for the umpteenth time. Took me a minute to figure out why all of those women were in the men's room, putting on makeup, adjusting their hose to those clips on their corsets, doing things that didn't need the presence of a man, even if he was only at the tender age of eight.
Bill 1-13-03

Kathy had been on a shopping foray and picked up Wendys junk food for dinner. I stopped hanging curtain hangers and went to eat. Julia was doing a bag of fries justice when she let out a whoop. Mom asked, "whatsa matter?" Julia had stuffed a finger in her mouth along with a french fry. For some reason, this got very funny. Julia left the table in tears. Mom coaxed her back and related one of dear old Mom's stunts from years ago. Kathy had gone to the meat market with Julia's big sister when sister Melissa was a little baby. Kathy saw a woman behind the meat counter in the mirror who looked very familiar to her. It was Kathy herself. Should never have told that one. I, of course, have never, never done anything like this. <(:{)--Bill

If you want this published I will add the tale about my going to the hospital pharmacy in Bremerton all the while Lloyd was a baby. On weekdays I accessed the pharmacy taking a certain route from Pediatrics or the clinic one of the older family members had visited, but if we had to see a doctor at the ER during "off hours" I had to go to the "off hours" pharmacy. It was, I decided a pharmacy station staffed just for these ER visits, and apparently closed up during "normal hospital hours". It would be years (I mean, YEARS) before I realized it was the same pharmacy, just approached from a different direction. Duh....Virginia

Only provided you include the one about my son Danny's Mother-In-Law Cathryn, going with Danny's wife, Donna and a church group over to St. Petersburg on an outing to the St. Petersburg Wax Museum. As The group was going into the entrance , Cathryn, Donna's mom, stopped to talk with this well-dressed lady and explained that they were a group from the Antioch Baptist Church. Donna said, "Aw, come on Momma, that's a wax figure." Bill

Life moves on but look at what was accomplished with this endeavor. Ain't you glad the ancestor's spirits prevailed upon you and wouldn't let you rest. The books should be almost as fulfilling as this first part. You realize that Uncle Gerald's family was lost to us for over half a century? I think my writing has improved exponentially---the volume in any event. Glad I was part of all of this. Love ya',
Bill 1/1/03

Happy New Year's Day 2003---Looks as though I am not to escape the responsibility of the website. Thanks, Kim, for the latest literary efforts. Okay, a compromise...I will collect material sent to me and do updates as time permits and whenever I find myself home with the computer which has the web design software on it. I confess I have felt as though I killed a family member by backing out of my habit of updating Bryburcon.com. Love you all, ya'll, you guys. Virginia

Please send Christmas greetings, stories, poems, photographs. I will publish new submissions on Christmas Day. Until then submissions on the CHRISTMAS Page are reprinted from Bryburcon.com First Edition. Virginia

Dear Bryburcon.com Readers, I am soliciting Christmas stories for publication on Christmas Day. So far I have one really terrific one. We would like to read about your favorite Christmas memories, about unusual or inspiring memories that you have. We published many good stories last year on Bryburcon.com First Edition, and if you would like, I will make a special Christmas Page and reprint those too. Virginia

I want to let everyone know that I had a wonderful time at my first reunion. It was great meeting all of you! You all made my husband and myself feel very welcome, and I thank you all for that. I enjoyed talking with everyone, and Harold enjoyed all the southern food as well as the hospitality. Mariah had a wonderful time meeting her newly found family also. But I think that her greatest fun came while spending some quality time with her great grandfather, Bob Miller. We miss you all, and can hardly wait to see you again! Thanks for everything!
Love, Angie (daughter of Ronnie Johns) 12-11-02

Regarding Bill's Sentence: Just great, BUT...................could he have done that in the 8th grade?????????
To cite a famous old speech teacher: First of all, look for a proper place, perhaps a church or temple would eagerly suffice, without necessitating that one make up some obscure vane as a source of direction, in a worthless attempt to maintain a slight branch of believability, while attempting to tear down long-held convictions of how to lift beams of light from a dark and stormy "night". BarbBurdettS 12-4-02

Does anybody know the answers to the 8th Grade Exam Questions? Virginia

To all of our great family across these United States on Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for being you, for giving us unending entertainment through the stories of your lives. Thanks for sharing our ancestry and for being the threads that weave the fabric of our consciousness. Virginia

Dear V,
Get that cat tracker on a leash before it does some terrible damage to that gato..Bill 11-25-02 (Ed Note: See "Lion Hunter" Virginia Page )

Virginia I have always known Brian Green as Brian, not Bryant. Have I been mislead all these years? luv BS 11-26-02
I have a fuzzy (that's getting more usual) memory of Aunt Reatha saying he was named for Grandma Burdett's family, the Bryants. I think I will check this out. Virginia
Phone Interview with Cecelia "Corky" Greene Wofford 11/26/02 "It's spelled B-R-I-A-N. Mom did name him B-R-Y-A-N-T, but us kids refused to spell it that way, so she legally changed it, I think before he started to school. My birth certificate came back with "Rachel" as my middle name. I don't know where that came from, but Mom had them change it to "Reatha". Corky
(Editor Note: Will change the caption on the Reunion 2002 Photo Mildred Page. Looks as though we were both right.)

Dot said those pictures came from my Mom and Dot supplied them to Barbara. I guess she figured that I wouldn't yell at Barb. She was right but you can bet I'll have some fun with Barb when I talk to her the next time. Later and keep up the outstanding work. Gerald Burdett11-21-02 (Editor Note: Photos referred to are Youth Pictures of Gerald on Gerald James Page).

The tropical plant that Barbara photographed at my home and displayed in JOTS is a ginger plant, often referred to as a pineapple ginger. They are engulfed in a bed of variegated aspidestra, commonly called cast iron plants. I will definitely take some variegated aspidistra with me, although it must be planted in a shady location. I have a very special collection that I have been developing for about twenty years -- separating the variegated strain from the solid green. As for the ginger, it is very invasive and I have been trying to kill it out with Roundup for the past year. Sorry about that.

My landscape design at our new location will be more Southern traditional than tropical, except I do want to work in some crotons and exora which are very showy.
Philip DuBose 11-20-02

Hi everyone, this is Camille. I was just wondering who made the great fudge that was auctioned and sold at the reunion? This did come with a year's replacement guarantee didn't it? Ours is all gone so we could use a replacement batch! Oh, just kidding, it was worth a try right? 11-20-02

Reunion lore: You can't imagine what it felt like to walk up to that reunion and see Uncle Gerald's son and grandson standing there bigger than life. All of those stories about having an Uncle Gerald must have been true after all. Bill 11-16-02

..................

photos by Barb Burdett Slaughterbeck
left photo L-Gerald James Burdett R-Jerry Burdett (Nellie/Wm>Gerald George>Jerry>Gerald James)
right photo L-Ray Smith (N/W>Isabelle Pearl>Ray), Gerald & Jerry

Back home, in fine shape, but tired. Ain't as young as I usta was. Called a tire place this morning to get my tire fixed and had to deal with some wise-ass. He didn't like me when it was over. Then I went to the garage, plugged in my air compressor and soon had air in my tire all by myself. It seemed to stay aired-up, so drove it to my regular car dealership, and they fixed it in about 15 minutes. It had a nail in it. Must have picked it up somewhere before I left. Dot (Gerald's wife) called me last night, and I no sooner hung up when Jerry called. It seems that they all had a very good time at the reunion. You missed the best one ever. lol Have not been able to go see the tore up parts of town as the police have the streets cordoned off. Too much traffic was hindering the clean-up. The count stands at 90 homes destroyed.
The hospital transferred all the patients to near-by hospitals in other towns. We have a school that has been closed and unused for several years, so they opened it up and all the St. Wendelin (Catholics) students are going there. The school and the hospital were damaged extensively. One of the factories had a lot of damage, but the major damage was to houses and trees. Uprooted some of the biggest Maple trees you ever would see. Tore up one of the parks, power was out for several days. Just snapped big poles right in half. Telephones were all out, computers couldn't work. The water purification system was wrecked so the rush was on for bottled water. When they got it fixed everyone had to boil their water because of contamination. Now that is OK. The town is slowly but surely being put back together. The homes will take a long, long time to repair tho. BUT NO FATALITIES. THANK THE LORD.
Later Luv BARB 11-15-02

This was from Reatha, I thought it might be good on the website.
Lois11-15-02
----- Original Message -----
Subject: Good time
Hi Cousins,..Just a note to tell you what a good time I had yesterday at Phil & Ingrid's..Who would have thought one could have so much fun with a Yankee piano player playing Southern Gospel music on a Noah's ark piano? And two old goats playing guitars, and a story teller reciting tall tales?.....I guess you might say it was a multi- culture, multifaceted event.....Good food, good company, good time! What more could one want? ..LOL..Reatha

Hello, Bryburcon.com Readers, This evening (Thursday) I received a call from Cousin Jerry Burdett (Nellie/Wm>Gerald George>Jerry) who reports that he arrived safely back in Arkansas. The home front is fine. The cats seem to have been fed by Jerry's friend, and the raccoons came up ready to eat as always (as though they had been eating cat food or something). Jerry called Barb Burdett Slaughterbeck (N/W>Austin>Barb) who is back in Ohio. Fostoria, where she lives, was hit by the storms which tore through the Midwest, and many homes are damaged. Barb's personal effects suffered nothing more than a mysterious flat tire on her car in the garage. Jerry thinks that Barb may be a bit slow getting e-mail out to relatives because of the disruption of power in the area. 11-15-02 Virginia

Virginia, My daughter, Margo, did not win the knife in the raffle. I just asked Ingrid, and it was Corky's daughter (or her friend) who won the knife. Philip 11-14-02

The knifes are these. Phillip daughter got the one in the raffel?
Terry Malliat bought one of the knifes. He is Marilyn's Son-in-law.
Barbara Slaughterbeck bought one.

Teresa Malliat got both of the afghan in the raffle She gave one of them to Marilyn. Teresa is Marilyn's Daughter.
Gayla Smith got one of Aunt Dorothy's picture won in the raffle.
Raymond Smith won a picture for the funniest story.
Lois took some picture with the digital camera, Will have to have Kevin process the picture. She hopes they come out.

Philip was taking some pictures. Jerry Burdett''s son and his wife Dot came from Virginia.
Angie Brown and her husband and daughter came out to the reunion with Ronnie.
Lois said they had a ball at Phillip's on Monday. It lasted until dark.
That is all of the news.
Carolyn 11/14/02

Hello, Family Members, Today we honor the great family of Nellie Bryant and William Burdett, of Isabell and George Bryant, of Mabel, John, Carl, Charlie, Ed Bryant. And of Ruth Terry and the Calvinist Kemps and all of us, their family, here in the year 2002 at the Bryant-Burdett Family Reunion in Tampa. Please enjoy yourselves, and send lots of stories and reunion pictures. Virginia

Dear Aunt Virginia,
The reunion will not be the same without you. I think we should make it a part of the constitution that your presence is mandatory! How else can we get those great reunion shots and post script stories for the website? I sure wish you were coming so I could hug your neck. I guess I'll have to be satisfied with a virtual hug!
I did want to say, "thanks!" for a great year with the website! I appreciate it very much and realize it is a real outlet for me to voice, "My Life". I think it helps to handle the kookiness of it!
I guess we will have to live with the Virginia Void this year, but next year will be a Must See Virginia Tea, okay? Love, Camille11-4-02
(Eds Note: The closer the reunion gets the worse I feel. As we speak I am completing that substitute teacher app so that I can get help for the financial situation. I wouldn't be able to stand missing the next one. I will work on getting back there mid-year.)

Always a special time when one of your young protégées accomplishes his / her first major milestone and you can say, "Today my son, you've become a man." (Or woman, as the case may be) Tomorrow, our young tom cat goes to the vet for "that" operation. Have already composed the welcome home speech: "Today my son, you've become a eunuch." 10-29-02

I talked to Virginia and she said she appreciated all the cash being sent her way and that she would use it to defray the costs of the up-coming book and to help with the expenses of maintaining the Bryburcon site. She said she would still not be able to come to the reunion because of other commitments in Washington. I was very disappointed about that as I imagine the rest of you will be too. But only Virginia knows what she needs to do. I tried people, but it didn't work. Thanks to all of you out there, who also tried. Luv to all BARB 10-29-02

(Excerpt from Letter sent to BBC.com Reader by the Editor:So far I love retirement, but herein lie the reasons I won't be able to come back for the reunion this year. Money is a major part of it, sure, but there are other reasons. My retirement funds have gotten a little delayed, so I must stay here and work on an app from hell for the school system for my substitute teaching. It's the same app for fulltime, certified teachers, so they want to know me inside & out along with all sorts of verifications. Lloyd is struggling financially, and since he is working almost fulltime & attending college, I figure he's making as big an effort as he possibly can to be a good kid, so I'm willing to put him first at this time. I am adopting a poodle puppy as soon as she can be weaned (a couple more weeks I think). I need to stay here to spend quality time with my baby until she learns some manners. I am being treated for mild anemia which means I'm a little listless and lustless and don't feel up to the trip. I need to stay here to make stained glass Christmas light catchers in order to get the extra income I will need until any teaching income begins. I can sell every one of those I can get made plus some.

All of the above - there may be more, but that's what I can think of extemporaneously - adds up to it making bunches of sense for me to miss the reunion. The family has helped address a lot of the mental & emotional issues simply by protesting my decision to stay in Washington. I love all of you for it. Some of these stink weeds have even sent checks which make me feel like an egg suckin' dog.(because of staying in Washington) No, no, you guys. I will handle the budget. You handle the head by sending love & appreciation. I think I will be able to make the trip in the spring. Actually, my plan to do that coincides with the hope of having the book to distribute in person to some of you. (The checks I have accepted as help with the books.)

P.S. I will send anything back if you don't want it applied to website & book expenses.

Hi Virginia,
I found interest in Gail's request. She asked about pictures of her grandmother's mother. That is, her grandmother, Viola Burdett Higgins' mother. That person is Nellie Bryant Burdett. I easily found two pictures of her on the website. Perhaps there are more. It would be great to have a dozen or more of her in one collage on her page. She is a common grandparent or great or great-great grandparent to most of us who visit this site. She is the love of our lives. Philip 10-28-02 (Nellie/Wm>Edna>Philip)

Editor's Note: "the love of our lives"----you got that straight. What a magnificent spirit. I think Gail was trying to go back further than Nellie (mother of Viola, Gail's grandmother). What she didn't have clear was who Nellie's mother was. I explained that George W. the Second & Ruth Terry Bryant were Nellie's parents. Champness Terry & Rebecca (from the group shot on the TERRY PAGE) were her grandparents on Ruth's side, and Isabelle Kemp/George W. Bryant Senior were her grandparents on her father's side. I will check back with Gail before she makes her presentation at school to make sure she has it clear. Yes, I agree, that a collection of Nellie photos is a good idea. Will see what I can do about that on her page. Thanks. V

Dear Virginia, Dear Gail

Hi, Gail, I posted the photo that Ceil sent of one of the ancestors. She wrote that she thought it was either a Bryant or Burdett grandmother, but I think it's one of Uncle Charlie's grandmothers or his mother since it resembles him. Do you have any idea who it is? Did you look into the DAR? Love V 10-26-02
Things has been so demanding at school - I have only had time to submit assignments and study for test. I will try to look at the web site since I have never seen the picture that Ceil sent. I am still hoping to search for the DAR web site as well. This week-end has 5 papers to write and 3 assignments to turn in so it probably won't be this week-end - but you never know. Gail 10-26-02That was so nice of you to send me that picture. I have printed it so I can use it for my school presentation next week. I have to tell the class who I am and I have grandma and grandpa's picture and Isabell Bryant my great, great grandmother and now grandpa's mother. Do you have a picture of my grandma Viola's mother. That would be Isabell's daughter? Gail 10-26-02
This is really cute that you would assume that Isabell's daughter is our great grandmother. My son sometimes refers to our family as, "that little matriarchy you came from." No, indeed, George Washington Bryant, husband of Ruth Terry Bryant, was Isabell's son and our great grandfather. It went Isabelle Kemp Bryant>George W. Bryant & Ruth Terry Bryant > Nellie Bryant Burdett>Alta(for me) and Viola (for you)>Charlene>Gail. Let me get the photos for you and I will also tell you where they are on the website.....OK, the ones I'm sending as attachments are of George W. Bryant & our great-grandmother (great-great for you) Ruth Terry Bryant which appear on the BRYANT PAGE of the website. Isabell Kemp Bryant who has her own page, ISABELLE KEMP BRYANT. I just added photos of Viola, Charlie & four of their children on the VIOLA Page. We are so fortunate to have this data for our great big "matriarchy". Virginia 10-27-02
I can't thank you enough for sending those pictures. I have a big board that I am using to put the family tree on in pictures for my presentation. What is the web site address again? Do you have a copy of the young picture of my grandma viola on the web site? Do you have a picture of Isabell's husband our great great grandfather on the web? Thank you for all your help - having the pictures has made me really excited about doing the family tree. Gail 10-27-02

Was sent a lengthy review of that hearing (See "A Southern Fairy Tale" by Bill Johns BILL'S PAGE) by a lady by the name of Mary. The way the hearing was conducted makes it quite clear that no fundamental changes will take place without fundamental changes in the entire approach. There's just too much money up for grabs. I had a regular habit of reminding people during my long illustrious career that Christmas comes only once a year, there ain't no Santa Claus, and business doesn't love you. The same can be said of politicians, attorneys, and insurance companies. That's just the way things really are. Deal with it. I would also remind people on a regular basis to look out for their own asses when it came to safety. A business is profit-oriented, not necessarily a bad thing in-and-of-itself, but where safety gets in the way of money, you'd better believe business will lean in the "money" direction. Bill
PS: Ain't that Nate something special? 10-24-02

Dear Nate.,
After nearly half a century, I get involved in a conversation with an old classmate. Lady informs me that I could have had my pick of any girl in our class (98 students--about half girls). Not only that, I could have had my choice of any girl in the class following us. "Didn't I have a clue???" As a matter of fact, no I didn't. Another classmate told me recently that she needed to sharpen a pencil but I was standing in the way of the pencil sharpener and she was afraid to even speak to me, in the fear of revealing her true feelings for me. "Didn't I have a clue?" No, I didn't. And nearly half a century later, here comes Nate. I finally feel vindicated. Took a while, but the wait was worth it all. Hang in there, nephew. What you possess is powerful stuff. Use it wisely. Am I worried about the future being in such clean hands? No, I'm not. And I've fallen in love again. Her name is Jane Doe.
Yes, Virginia's grandson, there really is a Santa Claus. Great Uncle Bill 10-22-02

Uncanny resemblance to that Higgins ggg grandmother and Uncle Charles A. Higgins. Look at the chin, cheeks, mouth, etc. which you obviously already did. Aren't there any more "Barb Burdett" quality researchers out there? Bill Johns 10-21-02

I hadn't seen Uncle Bud (Nellie/Wm>Bud) for quite awhile and I didn't get a chance to ask Elva about him in church this morning. I decided to go out to their house and visit this afternoon. I was just elated at what I found. Uncle Bud looks better than he has for a long time. He was moving around, talking and being jovial. He had allowed Elva to trim up his beard and mustache which improved his looks tremendously. While I was there, I helped them fill out their absentee voting ballots so they would have a vote in this year's elections. He informed me that he wanted to vote a straight Republican ballot. He went to church with us this evening, stayed awake for the whole hour and received a lot of well wishes from the congregation. We then proceeded to Bob Evans for some supper. He ordered a big meal and ate every bite of it. Just made my day. Thought you'd all be interested in this little tidbit. BARB
P.S. We discussed the reunion but they can't come because they can't take Amber out of school. 10-20-02

Well, that sucks! Barb Burdett S. (Editor Note: Yes, it sucks rocks.)

Hello, Bryburcon.com Readers,
I send to you my wishes for a happy and memorable Bryant-Burdett Reunion in Tampa November 10, 2002. I regret that I will be unable to attend this year because of issues here in Washington that I must stay and tend to. I may be able to travel back East during the spring or for the reunion in November, 2003. I am not as disappointed as I would be if I did not stay in touch with the extended family on this website, via e-mail and by phone. I am pressing ahead with the book project, and I hope to have the first of the series ready around February, 2003. Send me your reunion photos and stories.
Does anyone have a photo of Uncle Gerald George Burdett? At this time he is the only one of the 12 Burdetts without a photo of himself on his page.

Virginia 10/17/02

Must relate an experience I had in Jr. High School that may be of encouragement to Ronnie Johns' granddaughter in her pursuit of Southern Fried Chicken. The Agriculture class was to have a Father-Son banquet and Southern Fried Chicken was on the menu. One of our football players, Paul Duncan and I had the duty of cleaning and cutting the chickens into quarters. Remember the word "quarters", very important here. On the night of the banquet, another one of our football players, Dendal Lee, was seen to consume thirteen pieces of chicken. If highschool math serves, that would be three and one quarter fully-grown chickens eaten by this young stalwart. Don't despair, young one. Practice, practice, practice. All us Southerners are behind you in this worthy pursuit. We all know the joys of Southern Fried Chicken. And if you'll notice, Dendal Lee couldn't get down four chickens either. Three chickens and one piece was the best he could manage. Bill Johns 10-13-02

I feel like a sneak as I go to the family web and check all the new things that you have put on, and then back out without any input. I guess it is like taking a free ride. SHAME ON ME! Did you get over to Mindy's to see the new pups? I went by Friday, but didn't see her vehicle so I didn't stop. I'd like to see them when their eyes open. I have quite a bit done on the latest afghan that I am making for the reunion. I like it and I hope that it will be well received. Keep up the good work. Later-Gerry 10-6-02 (Editor's Note: So, this means TWO afghans and the pansy doily for the reunion from Gerry. Anybody else with photos of reunion treasures? No, on seeing the new poodle pups. My new baby, Carille, is in the litter, so I have to go meet her soon. Thanks for the sneaky peeks at the website. Judging by the hit counter, there are a lot more like you out there :-)

Thanks Barb, for the words of appreciation of Spring Lake...There are times here that are captivating... Did you mean to say you liked Lloyd in the pasture?...He does come into the house sometimes....I too, enjoy watching him as he walks up the hill in the pasture to the garage... Come see us in November...I know just how Bob Miller feels about the computer... I have been so frustrated when trying to learn something new that I have cried and gotten splitting headaches. I have even hollered at them when they eat something I am composing and mock me as they hide it within the far recesses of their brain. Every time I try to learn something new, and encounter problems....Lloyd ask, "Are we having fun yet?"...When he hears me sharing a problem with another computer buff, he adds, "Computers are so much fun." He refuses to touch one.. I am not totally disappointed, however, as I know in no time, he would be so far ahead of me and I fear would dominate the use of this necessary intruder..I can't even figure out how to remove a pin head from the plate that covers the bobbin in my sewing machine......Keep surfing...and sharing....Reatha J Albury 10-6-02

I am really enjoying Reatha's Serendipity series. I have been to her home several times and I think it's just gorgeous. It's just an ideal place. It's so cool under all the trees. I enjoy watching the cows out on the hill, with Lloyd too. Barb Burdett S. 10-5-02

From the Editor: Today I mailed the newsletters to the last addresses of record for all of the family. As I did between the first and last editions, I removed any names from the data base for which I had received returned newsletters. Please advise, after you receive yours, if anyone in your branch of the family was skipped, and I will send it to them. I will be posting the paper online within the next few days. Virginia 10/4/02

From the Editor: Tomorrow I will be running off the mailing labels for the Bryant-Burdett Connection Newsletter. Please notify me quickly if you know of any address changes since last year or of any additions. Virginia

I wonder if there is a chance we could get a copy of the picture at the top of the Bryant page. It would be nice to have one on the wall. Maybe could be available at the reunion. Camille (Nellie/Wm>Alta>Mart>Camille) 9-30-2002
Editor: Yes, glad that you asked. I am currently working my way through a 2" thick manual on photo editing and graphics. The objectives are numerous. Among them is the objective of making prints available of any of the BBC.com photos. I have a space age machine which I haven't yet learned to operate which will make CD's and prints as well. The Fireworks program that I'm currently working with should have capabilities of storing all of the photos and of making them accessible to anyone on the web through the use of online photo albums. Hopefully I will have these resources available by reunion time. If not, I will be up to speed this coming year. By the way, that photo you inquired about is a prize, isn't it? Did you see the newly edited photo of Ruth Terry Bryant? The original is pretty drab, but Barb brought her out by experimenting with her edit program.

Hope the fireworks does not blow something up......Poor Isabell, Barb is going to keep digging until that woman is right out of the ground.....I just looked through some pics we took this summer, and there are some of the courthouse in Kenton, OH.....We went there to try to find Mama's (Alta Ruth Burdett) birth record, but they did not have it.....I wonder if it was registered?...Anyway, the courthouse is absolutely beautiful......Here is this little town with this large, beautiful building.....It was like the police station in Columbus, OH...it was a beautiful building.....Did I tell you we had a wreck there?....what a trip....the policeman did not even write a report, sent all of us to the station to file our own....I need to write that experience down.....Gerry's doillies show up really well on the web page.....My friend is planning a quilt show at the church the end of October and wants to put my quilt in it....I told her I had not backed it and bound the edges.....She said that was O. K....The thing is so heavy I can hardly handle it,...can't imagine anybody sleeping under it....It serves as a bed spread... Reatha J Albury (Nellie/Wm>Alta>Reatha) 9-30-02

Things have been full for me for the last several days. I would check the web each morning, and also check the e-mails, but that was about all. Mike and I took a one day trip to eastern Washington. While we were there, we bought a box of apples and one of pears. I had to buy a canner, jars and all the things to get started. I have put up about 36 jars of pears and apples. That is my first experience at canning.
Have you worked on your stained glass yet? I saw the picture you put on the web of the bear in the bath tub It really showed up nice. Keep up the good work. Gerry Johns Fay 9-27-02
(Ed Note: Four light catchers so far made in the basement glass shop since retirement- 2 bears & 2 angels. Next project a stained glass lamp - #25 Tiffany lamp in 18 years...thanks for the approval on the bear. The new owner was really pleased with it. V)

From the Editor: I e-mailed the following letter to all of the e-mail addresses that I have on 9-23-02:
Hi, Cousins,
It's almost Bryant-Burdett Newsletter time. Please advise me if I have left any of you or yours off of this mailing, and send your current US Post Office mailing addresses, e-mail addresses and phone numbers. I have some exciting news to send to you.
Virginia

Virginia, The "Who is This?" photo on Gerry's page is Caroline Emptage Moore (George Bryant > Mable Bryant Parish > Ellen Parish Emptage > Caroline). Thank you for setting up this web page. I ran across it for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Barbara's research on Isabelle Kemp and the posted documents have been great. But most of all I have enjoyed the personal stories about growing up in Florida.
Your 2nd cousin, Mark Emptage 9-18-02

On the Isabelle Kemp page I have read about this Aaron Bryan(t) person who was guardian for Isabell's affairs. Was he in some way related to the Bryant's? Was his name Bryan or Bryant? How does he fit into the picture? If she wasn't heartsick about losing her husband why was she institutionalized? This is very interesting stuff! Thanks Barb for all of the research! Love, Camille 9-18-02

I've been looking forward to these pictures of the look-alikes. It's just amazing. There are some really good resemblances. Keep looking. luv Barb 9-13-02

Dear Bryburcon.com Readers,
I will be offline until Friday, September 6, 2002. I am celebrating my landmark birthday and retirement. After my return online I plan to begin work in earnest with the Fireworks Graphics program. See you back here. Please feel free to send any photos, stories and articles that you want to send while I am away. Virginia 9/2/2002

While reading Gail's story about Alaska, I was struck with what a precious story it was. While backing out to go on to other things, I saw Aunt Viola's name. And of course, being somewhat of a literary turn of mind, I thought: "Voila! There you have it!" Only one complaint, too short. Later. Love ya', Bill 8-22-02

Small Alaskan Fishing Village
Gail's experience in Alaska reminds me of a story one of our electricians in the plant where I worked told about visiting his daughter for a few weeks one summer. The daughter worked with native villagers in a small Alaskan fishing village. I seem to remember her being an educator. The village was remote and the prime occupation was fishing. Nelson, we called him "High Pockets", claimed they ate salmon three times a day.
Due to the remoteness of the village, the main access was gained by bush plane. The village had one small store. A flight would try to come by monthly with re-supply for the store and to deliver mail, etc. High Pockets swore this story was true. He said that after eating salmon for nearly a month almost exclusively, he was ready for anything. The plane circled around, landed, taxied up to the community store and unloaded: Several cases of canned salmon. Bill Johns 8-20-02

First I would like to say "Happy Birthday" to all of our August birthday people. That includes Aunt V. and my daughter Valerie, as well. I am sure there are many more August birthdays. I thought it would be fun each month for everyone to send in happy birthdays to the people that were born in that month. I will leave all of that up to our wonderful founder and editor of Bryburcon. Happy birthday, Aunt V. Love ya! Lavida Arnold 8-16-02 (Ed Note: Thanks, love, it was the best one yet! I have resisted doing a monthly birthday list because of the job, but that ends in two weeks. I will try to add this feature once I get a life back. Virginia)

Phillip's and Ingrid's Anniversary
I'm all for Aunt V's suggestions except I might agree to do those things only once during the year. You know, Phillip doing the laundry for a year might not be a gift at all to Ingrid. Then again getting the car serviced might be okay performed once by Ingrid but she might not appreciate having to do it more than that. Please let us know and by all means have a terrific HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Love, Camille 8-14-02

This morning I checked the e-mails, and then went to the web. I am so happy that you have it up and running again. I sure missed it when it was down. Gerry 8-14-02

Dear Philip,
Let's see. Forty seven years. Hmm. How about a dozen roses, a movie, a card, and a new house. That only leaves only 32 more things you should come up with for your spouse. If math serves me correctly. And good luck, Happy Anniversary, Ingrid. You too, Philip. Bill 8-13-02

To Philip Re: Anniversary Gifts
Why not exchange lists with Ingrid of 47 tasks each of you would like for the other to perform during the upcoming year? Forget gender related aspects of these tasks or financial aspects or time constraints. (Example: "Philip, I would like for you to do the laundry all year", or "Ingrid, I would like for you to take over getting the car serviced.") Virginia 8-13-02

Dear Bryburcon.com Readers, We're back!! It seems that every time we do a technological upgrade it's two steps forward and at least one step backward. To make a long story short, the problem was indeed a firewall, but not the one in Norton Anti-Virus. It was a program named Zone Alarm which is significant because that begins with the letter "Z" and was therefore at the end of the Programs list. On August 9 the tech support person and I got no further than the "N's" in identifying something with a firewall (she was convinced that there was one somewhere causing the whole computer to fail). I spent the whole weekend waiting for Symantec's (manufacturers of Norton Anti-Virus) tech support people to return to work so they could tell me how to keep the anti-virus protection while disabling the firewall, and then they demanded credit card information before they would even talk to me (at $3 per minute). So I hung up and called Earthlink.net's DSL people back.

I connected with some of the coolest young nerds on Earthlink.net's DSL tech support line, and finally one of them named Justin said, "Read me the entire Programs list….Hey! Zone Alarm is a firewall too." (By the way, I had figured out on my own how to disable Norton Anti-Virus…and then to re-enable it if needed…$3 per minute is a huge inspiration for both Symantec and me.) While Justin left to get a drink of water I called up all of my programs & asked DreamWeaver to connect to the Internet and publish, and when Justin came back on the line I yelled, "I'm in love! Want to get married?" We laughed, and then he said I could indicate the degree of satisfaction I feel when Earthlink.net sends me the usual questionnaire about customer satisfaction. (That's a standard nerd response to a proposal).

I will spend time this week figuring out which of you sent what, and I will carry on with BBC.com with a DSL connection and a lot less aggravation. Thanks for keeping the hit counter going even though there was no new material for a few days.
Cousin Virginia

I think my computer is alive and kicking again. Extra hard drive and all that good stuff. Reinstalled Windows XP, or something like that. As a result the machine is booting up every time now -- and fast. Got my fingers crossed it doesn't screw up again. Maybe that's what the X stands for.
Ingrid and I have decided to build a new house in Brandon and then sell this one. It's a plan to get us from 70 to 90 with less maintenance. It will be the same house plan we now have, but we will have a postage size yard instead of this acre -- and no pool and no upstairs.
I hope I can survive it. We have our revised plans into the architect right now and will probably sign a contract by September. It will be next summer before it's finished. I have been concentrating on revisions for the past couple of months. That's one of the reasons no one has heard from me. Sound familiar? Love & Peace, Philip 7/24/02

I'm glad everyone is enjoying the pictures. I'm a picture nut and finally have something to do with some of them besides put them in a box. Barb 7-24-02

Aunt Dorothy is certainly correct about how slow Uncle Frank is. I was there and saw it with my own eyes. He was in the bathroom washing his hands and I went into the shower while he was doing that. I showered, washed my hair, wrapped my self in a big towel and left the shower stall. He was standing at the sink, still washing his hands. I retreated to the bedroom, dressed and dried my hair. When I was finished and Aunt Dorothy and Jean and I were ready to go out the door, Uncle Frank was still in the bathroom washing his fingers. She finally went in and told him enough was enough, that he was going to wash the skin off. He finally quit and we were off for the day. This was an every morning ritual with him. But he's a Sweetheart regardless of his idiosyncrosies. Barb Burdett S. 7-22-02

Hi, Family! Isn't that the cutest little girl (Linda) on the Bud page? Barb and Lois, I would like to personally thank both of you for your contributions to the website. The memories you share are very interesting and extremely enjoyable! Aunt Dorothy, I absolutely love your story about the differences between people. We all do things a bit differently don't we. Thanks for reminding me it's okay for Mike to take 15 minutes to do a 5 minute task! I've been missing Dad (Mart Johns) a lot lately. I wonder why? Sometimes I go months without feeling like this, and then suddenly I find myself really sorrowful that he isn't here to share my life with him. He would have really loved this website and would have been a real faithful contributor! However, like Lois and Uncle Bill have stated in the past, he is in a better place, and if I could I wouldn't wish him back!Thanks to a tremendous family! Love, Camille 7-22-02

Sure do look alike don't they. Dad's hair was a lot thinner than Marts. It was always thin, even when he was young. They have that same jaw. Amazing. I just hung up from talking to Jerry in Arkansas. I called him about 6 and he didn't answer his phone. About 8 he called me. We talked till 11.30. Quite a conversation. It was a fun evening. lol We discussed how we were going to get to your house next summer. Plus 4023 other things. lol barb 7-19-02

Re: The Bryant/Burdett Reunion in November - How bout that? Ronnie, Gayla, and PPDB. And all at Aunt Isabelle's urging. And we've had one ever since. I can't speak for Ronnie now, but Gayla and PPDB should wear that crown with dignity. Bill Johns 7/19/02

I just got done e-mailing Barb. I havent been on this thing for a few days, and she wanted to know what happened to me. Oh yes I read the article that you told me about, and you were right, it was a very interesting article. Barb's mom must have been a very special person. Jerry Burdett 7/13/02

Letter from the Editor: Aunt Dorothy Fuerst is in the hospital because of pain in the chest and throat. Her son, Ray Fuerst, reports that she expects to be released tomorrow and will be in touch. No further word at this time.

Boy that Graduation picture of Bud sure comes across the net just beautiful. Surprised me. lol Barb 7-8-02

We loved the computer graphic! I thought it was so funny! Sometimes I wish I could send a message with a similar flair to my computer! Love, Camille 7-8-02

The Bryant/Burdett Reunion Chat/Message Program is now in operation Go To http://www.network54.com/Forum/173418 to login. V

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE FAMILY

June 29, 2002
My brother, Ronald Burdett Smith, passed away suddenly at home on June 20, 2002. I want to thank all the people who helped and stood by his wife, Gayla, and their family.
I especially thank Bill Johns for his speaking about Ronnie. It was awesome and very true.
I especially thank my grandson, Lamarr Lee Johns, Jr., for writing and speaking how I felt. This man makes me very proud.
These were done at the service at the funeral home.

There are so many in the Burdett family that have shown me their love. All of them really. There are those that have given me special gifts, and I thank them and appreciate the gifts. Virginia Baxter who gave me the most beautiful lamp that she made. Aunt Dorothy's paintings are awesome. Jerry Johns Fay crocheted me a beautiful bedspread, and also crocheted me some pot holders.
I love my family and thank Grandma and Grandpa for giving us such wonderful elders to look up to and try to live as they taught us younger children a worthwhile way to live. I've got an Aunt Thelma who gives me a special love like I'm her daughter. Thank you, Aunt Thelma.
LOIS SMITH MILLER

What a breath of fresh air the recent writings have been about children and grandchildren and things great grandmothers have taught great grandchildren. I instinctively felt that there must be more writers in this gene pool. And every coherent member of the extended family has a story to tell. Would suggest that anyone thinking that they aren't competent to write their thoughts down, while probably being wrong about this, should in the mean time, relate their thoughts to one of us who, while never having an original thought of our own, would be most happy to ghost write for them or to offer pointers or to help in any other manner necessary.

When some of these inspirations attack me around 1:30--2:00 a.m. and I can't pencil my thoughts down nearly as fast as the thoughts come screaming through, I sense that the ancestors are watching. Perhaps that's the reason for the infernal, eternal re-writes and corrections. Don't ever want to have to answer to a stern A. Isabelle or G. Nellie about why I slopped through a story about the family. And even worse, why I either failed or refused to help another family member with a family story. If you don't think these past family members are watching, then think about taking a chance and finding out you were wrong. Love and peace to you all. And to all of you from the north. And to y'all from Arkansas. And to all y'all from Florida. Bill Johns 7-6-02
(Ed. Note: and to "US GUYS" in the Northwest)

FROM THE WEBMASTER: I have received a request to reactivate the chat program. Please notify me at bryburcon@earthlink.net if you want this feature back. You may leave messages for individuals, make dates to chat with anyone you choose, and join in any chat in progress. If I get at least one more vote I will reactivate the family chat program.7-6-02

Thanks Barb for the beautiful additions to the "New Stuff" page! It really adds a touch of class! Love, Camille 7-2-02

Don't like this heat. whew, can't stand it outside Barb 7-1-02

Aunt V. Loved the computer story! Can't wait for the next installation. I can relate to the computer gene thing. My 3 year old grandson is more adept than I am! (Oh well, at least my trainable gene is still partially functioning, lol.) 7-1-02 Lavida

Dear V.,
Was re-reading your story about Pinkie, Blinkie and Red Birds and Blue Birds. Am personally fair on directions. Learned early in life to follow the dog if and when I got lost in the Everglades around Okeechobee, FL. Have been pretty much following the dog ever since. One sense-of-direction that altered my outlook early on was our pet pigeon "Dicky". Dicky was a cool little pigeon given to doing pigeon-like things. The one act of Dicky's that made me know to leave such to the experts from then on was when Dicky laid an egg. I haven't been the same since. Love ya', 7-1-02

Great job, Cheryl! Go for it, your extended family is excited and proud! Good luck and may God bless all that you do! Mike, Camille & Kids 6-28-02

How did we get the knowledge that William Cullen Bryant is a relative? I've heard Wm. Cullen Bryant stories. And I see that Dad found that he is distantly kin to Longfellow. ?????? Really? That is too neat. I'd just like to be able to "look up" on it. Hmmmmm....Kim Johns 6/17/02 (Editor: Anybody? Key in the words "William Cullen Bryant" in address line of your home page. There are many links to information on WCB.)

Friday, June 14, 2002 6:41 AM Dear Aunt V, I didn't know if it was slim pickins for stuff on the website. If the bed story doesn't warrant publishing that's okay too! I just found it humorous, but sometimes I wonder if I live so close to the edge I find things funny that others don't :)! Anyway, I have been loving the stories. The last story that Alta wrote is that something Aunt Dorothy recently found? Do you supposed it was fiction or non-fiction or maybe a little of both? Someone should finish the story! I've got to go. Today is our "go-to-town" day (glory, glory!). Love Camille

Dear Camille, The Alta Ruth story is non-fiction as told to her by someone there, possibly "Aunt Eller" (Uncle Mart's wife). Unsure of who. I came by it when I asked Aunt Dorothy if she still has a copy of the Doberman story she wrote when I was a kid. She hunted in her stuff & found two stories that Mama (Alta Ruth Burdett Johns) had written & had sent to her. The other one Bill is working up a "forward" to. I will save it until after the other BBC.com contributors have had their turns. The other story tells more about some of the characters from the first.
I hope you had a good time in town. Love, AVB

Ten-year-old Julia makes the observation that she just can't wait until she's twelve. Mom Kathy wants to know what's so special about twelve. Miss Julia observes that twelve is one year away from being a teen-ager. Mom informs child that the teen years bring many problems and to: "just enjoy being a child; no worries." Child informs Mom that she already has worries. Mom, of course, wants to know what worries ten-year-old child has. Child, with all the insight and wisdom of ten long hard years, enumerates: "My cat Mikey, my hamster Milkshake, global warming" . . . .Bill Johns 6-15-02

I too would love to hear from more family members. I say if you are looking at this site and your name isn't in the "New Stuff" section within the last 2 months, TAG YOUR IT! Even if all you do is write a letter to just say, "Hi!" Let us know what your summer plans are, tell a story about your Dad, tell a memory you have about a family member (good, bad or ugly--no just kidding, something that wouldn't make them feel bad). We know there are those of you who have computers and use them. We know you are peeking, so fess up, we'd hate to start naming names! Aunt Virginia is just about retired-she really needs something to do! I really enjoy the stories about life in the "old days". I wasn't a close part of much of the extended family and I like getting to know you better. How about those in far away places, Alaska for example! Surely you have exciting winter stories or fishing stories or bear hunting stories. Or how about those who make terrific crafts, write a piece explaining how simple your most recent craft project is! How about the "Everyday Joe" who just goes to work or maybe is retired but has a garden or loves to garage sale or something. All of us do something with our 24 hours each day, what do you do? I can't wait to hear from you, Aunt Virginia look out!
Love,Camille

Dear Editor, Ah yes. J.C. Whitney. Guess what idiot sent them a dollar once for one of their catalogues? If you ever order anything at all from them, you'll play holy h--- trying to get them to stop sending you their latest catalogues. My Honda Goldwing custom motorcycle saddle and the floorboards and the cruise control for the bike all came from J.C. Whitney. If they ain't got it, you don't really need it. Now, if anyone knows what happened to that old OHV 4-cylinder Chevrolet engine that used to set on, I think it was, Uncle Frank and Aunt Dorothy's place (Drew Park)? And I once saw a V-12 Leyland Lincoln car & engine both somewhere north of Tampa, FL. Seems like I remember it being out Gunn Highway north from Tampa. Okay, ladies, you can come back and join the conversation now. We missed you. Love ya' all, Bill 6/1/02

In response to Bills query: Yes, it is an old Wisconsin Engine. When Dad needed parts for it, he'd order them from a big Company in Chicago. I can't for the life of me remember the Company name, and I always made out and sent in the orders. Maybe some of you guys know what it is. It's a big famous place. You can still get parts for Model T's from them. My Dad bought that tractor from my husbands Uncle who lived in Michigan. He paid $300 for it in the late 50's. When Dad died he left the tractor to my husband. As far as I know, he still has it. Barb…….
I finally remembered the name of the place where Dad got all his tractor parts. J.C. Whitney's out of Chicago. Those neurons are sure getting slow. Barb 5-31-02

Funny Barb B/S should mention the gene pool thingy and not having to be a Longfellow or Thoreau. As a matter of fact, William Cullen and Longfellow were distant kin. Read this in an encyclopedia once many years ago. Reason this sticks is the fact that William Cullen is a Bryant and kin to our Bryant line. Ain't that interesting?
Loved the house pics. What kind of a nut would go to that much trouble to build a house like that just to get to send pics of it to a family web site? Takes all kinds. Love ya', Bill 5-31-02

I've been searching for photo's to send you for the site. I have plenty but don't know what you can use. I'll send them and you can do with them as you see fit. I'm beginning to think that I'm the only camera nut in the bunch. I would think that the rest of the clan would have a lot of stuff to share too but I don't see much of it. For one thing, I would like to see a picture Bills house. I would also like to see some writing contributions from the relatives out there. Those everyday funny things that happen can make very enjoyable reading. The bathroom bit for example. Now that was funny. I have a couple more to send too, just as soon as I get time to write them up. When I look at the "New Stuff" page, it's always the same few people who are contributing. Not fair. Knowledge of the GENE POOL, that I know abounds in this bunch, makes it easy for me to know that there is a lot of funny stuff out there that needs to be shared with the rest of the nuts. OH WELL........................
If you think that letter is worthy of the site go ahead and print it. Maybe it will make some of the GenePool Members so angry, they'll start some rebuttals. I hope that everyone realizes that you don't have to be a Thoreau or a Longfellow, to put happenings on paper. It's not the writing that counts, it is the events. Just do like I do, Tell it like it was or is or what ever is relevant at the time. Just wing it. Spellin don't matta...................as ever…Barb 5-30-02

Two items:
(1) Comment--What a treasure trove of information Aunt D. has turned out to be. And
(2) Question--Does anyone know if that is one of the old Wisconsin engines on Uncle Austin's tractor? Bill 5-29-02

That was stressful! With life being in "psycho mode" I've just taken the time to sit down and see what all is going on in the site. I'm extremely far behind and don't know where to start first. Please tell me what and where the hilarious bathroom story is. I'm lost! And I'm not finding myself very well! However this is taking care of my "Johnsing" withrawl situation. Thanks much. I feel so much better! :-) Kim Johns 5-27-02

Okay Harry Green family, lets hear some of those jokes! Uncle Bill, the whole bathroom situation really was comical (unfortunately at this poor man's expense)! My motivation for putting it on the website is because years from now when my children bring their families to visit grandpa and grandma we will retell this story and I'll just bet it will get funnier (is that a word?) and funnier (who cares, you know what I mean)! By being on the website hopefully it won't get blown way out of proportion! Besides this is real day-to-day living, isn't it great?! Love Ya, Camille 5-26-02

Isn't that story just a stitch? She & I were on the Ms Messenger chat program, and she told me about it, said Mike thought it too gross for publication. With my Editor's nose I Smelled a good 'un. The rest is pure Camille & a familiar ability to tell a good tale. I thought we needed some comic Relief. Virginia 5-22-02

Hey!!! Whaddya mean "comic relief"? There weren't nuthin' funny about the way that dude relieved himself. Now, you just go and apologize to Camille. Bill 5-22-02

Hey! I've missed you. I didn't realize that the family site was back up. I have it as my home page at work so, whenever I sign onto the Internet, it is the first thing I see and the last time I was on I still had the page as "unavailable". My Lord I have missed the family site. I was getting worried about your software. Love you and glad to hear from you. When I grab a few non-stressed minutes I'll peruse the web-site more. I saw the front page and it looks like lots of goodies are inside. You did a great job! Kimberley Johns 5-20-02

Hey V! Thanks for your hard work and dedication to the website. I know it's been a real headache lately. The family is lucky to have such a devoted member as you. You bring a very large family together everyday with the website, and I hope you know how much we really appreciate you!!! Thanks again for all you do! Kevin Johns 5-20-02

This egg case just about had me. My doctor suggested that I just quit worrying about those dozens of loose ends; "Get ovum" were his exact words. If I hadn't been egged on by our cuzzin from the cold country, I'd have been acting worse than a chicken with its head chopped off long before now. Believe it or not, an old weathervane kept me heading in the right direction. (its weak but its there) Many nights, I've heard the cock crow before I gave up and lay my head on that soft feather pillow. I'll never look at an omlet the same, ever again. Tried to go out to dinner and just forget the whole thing for a few short hours. Chinese sounded safe enough. First thing after exchanging pleasantries: "ne hou ma" (how are you?) I was offered the special of the day: Egg-drop soup. I ran out the door screaming, "sai chen, sai chen" (bye bye, bye bye) My waiter called after me in flawless english, "Wait, you forgot your free egg roll." The emergency room doctor asked Kathy what had brought all of this on. She told him that I'd been studying a case much too much lately. When the doc asked her if I was some sort of egghead, I really lost it and thats no yolk. You need more? No, I didn't think so. 5-19-02

To Bill Johns: Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You don't know how surprised I was when I opened the box that arrived in the mail today. The knife is just beautiful. I can't believe I got one and didn't have to try ("try" being the operative word) to out-bid Phillip. You just will never know how much I appreciate this. I have admired Jims masterpieces ever since I seen the first one at (I think) the first Burdett Reunion that I attended. You are just "top notch" in my book for making it possible for me to have one. It will occupy a place in my china cabinet along with all my other treasures. I need to find the proper holder for it. I'll start looking immediately. Snow White is a keeper also. I like those new slants on those old stories. LOL Thanks again. Luv you too.5-16-02 BARB

Hope the plant doesn't feel that its mission is now fulfilled and it will now be free to become one with the universe. If Cleo should just possibly want one of the off-shoot babies from this plant, or even the mother plant itself, just have her get word via the grape vine or call & I'd be honored to see that she gets it. Love ya, 5-15-02

Dear BBC.com Readers, Is anyone interested in working with the webmaster in order to produce a website cartoon on a fairly regular basis? If so, please respond to bryburcon@earthlink.net. V

FROM: Barb SUBJECT: Indian TEXT:"All I can say is good luck." 5-13-02

Dear Family, I don't always have the time to write all I'd like to or respond to the wonderful stories I've been reading on the website, but you all may take note-I am reading them and enjoying them very much. I was looking at Barb's page, and at the bottom is a picture of Austin and Barb. I was struck by how much this man resembles my own father (John Mart Johns). I don't or didn't know Uncle Austin personally and doubt I have ever laid eyes on him, but he sure does remind me of my dad. Those of you who knew both of them did they look alike in real life?
Mindy, 40 isn't all that bad. People finally treat you like you MIGHT know what you are talking about. (Except for teenagers, of course).
I'd like to write a little about Mother's Day this year. I went shopping for a dress this past Friday. Being Beulah is nursed it is difficult to be away from her for any length of time, yet trying to try on clothes with a baby is not ideal. So our solution was for me to take Michael (Jr.) with me to the store (actually he took me). He is so helpful, and I felt confident in his abilities to handle her while I tried on clothes.While he was hanging out in the electronics section he was asked if she was his. He politely responded that she was his sister. Later in another store the cashier wanted to know if I was the grandmother or mother? Everywhere we went we got stares that begged the question, "Is that baby theirs, or is she the Mom or is he the Dad?" I guess we have confused society.
Keep up the great work on the website and I'll try to sit down and write something soon.Love, Camille 5-13-02 ( Ed Note: I first met Uncle Austin the August I turned 16, and I have told family members ever since then who asked about him that he was "another Mart" in appearance. The nose especially was a dupe....Virginia)

No, I didn't know that Gail was coming from Alaska. I'm sure she wants to inform me that Isabelle was a Cherokee. lol Linda, Bud, Elva, Reatha, Lloyd and I, went out for lunch after church this morning. (Lloyd went to church too) He wouldn't go to sunday school with us but he joined us at church. Since it was Mother's day, the ladies all got carnations. Compliments of the Pastor. We had a really nice time. Barb 5-12-02 (Ed Note: Gail & I will establish that Cherokee lineage yet. My late husband used to look at my mother's photo & say, "There's GOT to be one back there somewhere.")

Hope this makes it. I never sent a picture before. This is a picture of Dad (Grandpa Burdett / Uncle Bud) when he was at St. Catherine's Nursing Home recently. He is now at home, still not the best but doing much better (less confused and can walk a lot better). He's been eating good and taking medication which has helped a lot. God Bless you all. LINDA 5-6-02

We got us a new author (ess) here or what. I just knew there had to be more than the four or five of us who have reared our heads so far. Accolades and appreciations to all who take pen in hand and oft-times tell it like it is. Later. Love ya', Bill 5-5-02

A comment on the "A Strong Man" story by Bill Johns, which features brother Jim Johns. Another boy committed a more serious offense than did the kid who got his face rubbed in mud. This neighbor boy called one of Jim's sisters a vulgar name. Jim wrestled him to the ground and rubbed his face in dog poop. Virginia 5-5-02

Virginia, The site is looking great. You've really done a wonderful job. I've read almost all of the new stuff you've posted and a lot of the old too.There is some really great stuff there. I know that most of the family is probably raving about the job you've been doing. How is everyone there in the Northwest? I hope everyone is getting along alright. What are you using to do the page now Front Page or Dream Weaver? I was playing around with Dream Weaver but I have had a lot of problems trying to design another web page. I downloaded Front Page 2000 and had some problems with it also. I think I am going to try getting a copy of Front Page 2002 and see if it is any easier. I've finished my 3rd song and would like to as soon as I get it recorded and post them to a web page or at least add a link. How did you set up the server? Did you set that up yourself or have someone come in and set it up for you? Well I gotta go for now talk to you soon. Keep it up. It's absolutely great!!!!! Gerald James. 5-4-02 (Ed Note: The "new" BBC.com is all DreamWeaver. Front Page 2002 has some really exciting features, but make sure that any ISP Web Hosting Service has FP2002 extensions, or brace yourself for a lot of grief. I did it all myself here by myself with many sessions on the phone in the middle of the night with tech support. Will scan & e-mail you DreamWeaver's instructions for adding audio. This may give you some pointers for either design program. I hope you get the song into your page, and we will welcome a link. I have set for a near-future goal adding audio. If you want to wait for BBC.com I can put your song here. Thanks for the lovely praise. Middle-of-the-night website designers need that as much as they need caffeine. :-) V)

Dear Family, I know this may sound very unusual but can someone tell me where Alta is buried? I know Everett is buried in Bay Pines National Cemetery (or at least if my memory serves me correctly) but I don't know where Alta was buried. Maybe we could also tell those not in the know where Nellie was buried, too. Any information would be appreciated including name of cemetery, address, directions, etc Thanks! Love,Camille 5/2/02 (Ed Note: See "Paying Respects" Virginia's Page)

I would appreciate your help in getting the word out to keep her in prayer.Thanks,Gail............

Virginia wrote: If it's OK I will post a notice on the website for the extended family. We have two others who have had recent serious medical problems. Too bad about our elders. If only we could keep them young & healthy.V

From: Gail Tharpe-Lucero <gail@ptialaska.net>
Subject: [Fwd: Update #2 on my Mother]
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2002 22:15:03 -0800
I didn't know if you were aware of Aunt Charlotte ( CharlotteMacFadden) (my mom's twin sister) medical trials - I thought you would like to know - know you will keep her in prayer. I am very worried
about her. Gail (Ed Note: Charlotte Higgins MacFadden is the daughter of Viola Burdett & Charles Higgins. Jim Johns-son of Alta Ruth Burdett-is recovering at home from quadruple coronary bypass surgery. Lavida Arnold-daughter of Gerry Johns Fay & granddaughter of Alta Burdett-is recovering from heart surgery to repair a valve. Uncle Bud -Arthur Bryant Burdett- is home after hospitalization with serious chemical imbalances.)

Hey Looka here, here I am trying to be serious and focus and do the best I can doing a re-write on a couple of serious stories and you go and post something like that from Barb Burdett/Slaughterbeck and now my concentration's shot and my wife thinks I'm having hysterics from all of this laughter and I'm just not going to be able to make the deadline. And it ain't my fault either. So there. Bill The Wordsmith 4-30-02 (Ed's Note: "The Chamber Pot" & "A Mouse in the House" by Barb Burdett S.)

Virginia I checked in on the web sight this morning. I think to make the map work properly, there is something I have to down load, but I don't know how.
I hope you got some rest today. These all nighters can be hard on the 'bud's.
Later Gerry 4-22-02
(Editor's Note: I went into the site map program and looked at all of the links. The one that was working correctly had only one difference between it & the others, so I changed them to make them all the same as that one. Now all of the pages, once you go to them, have a "back" option....things are getting easier, in part it seems because my computer is learning....in the middle of the night that's enough to make you tremble. Processes that I struggled for hours to figure out the computer now defaults to. I told it, "Okay, I have a gun, and I know how to use it." If it gets any smarter I just hope it loves all of you as I do :-)

It took me a few minutes to navigate, but I got it all figured out. That is real neat.
It was good to chat with you. We need to get together some time soon so we can have a talk-a-thon face to face. It seems that as the years pass, I feel the need to have sibling contact more often.
Keep up the good work.Gerry 4-20-02

Your feelings about Lois, Aunt Isabelle's daughter, are quite well known to me. However, I must take issue with one of her statements made on the Nellie/William page. She stated, and I quote:

"I broke her heart when I got married as it wasn't what she wanted for me. This is so hard to write. I have no talent but Grandma taught me about love, being humble and about truth, the Bible and Jesus and many more good things."

Lois, you must explain one thing to me. Why am I up at two o'clock in the morning, sitting on the edge of my chair, hanging on every word you wrote about Grandma Nellie, enthralled at the things I discover from you about Grandma, and you with "no talent". The last person to cause me to do this was Robert Louis Stevenson with his book he wrote for his son about Treasure Island. I don't know what the son thought about the book, but I know what I thought about it around the fifth time I read it as I grew older and progressively more literate. The big words gradually started to make sense to me. Good old R.L.S. may not have had any talent either but both of you surely have me fooled. And that's good enough for me.

And Barb Burdett/Slaughterbeck, your talent for research leaves me in awe. Both of you ladies keep up what you're doing because you must. Perhaps I'll find my niche too one of these days. Love to you all. ("you all"--that's Southern for two or more people, ya' hear?) Bill Johns 4-19-02