Way Corp group(s) I was in
14th
About Me
Married to Bonnie Rabideau, 8th Corps.
Daughter Renata, born 1992
Exchange Student Daughter Hsuan-Hui, (Pronounced Shun Whey), born 1991 in Taiwan
(She thought she was going to California, but West Coast also includes ALASKA!)
My Interests
bonsai, orchids. I usher at our local theater and volunteer at a large number of Gardening community functions and state fairs for the bonsai displays/ I have more than 300 trees or prospective trees and 60+ orchids, moslty miniatures mounted on cork bark and cottonwood bark. FInally got a greenhouse addition to my house this last year.
Employment or Career
FedEx instructor, hired 1986. Landscaping business, floral business. I teach bonsai throughout the state and write articles about bonsai in the far north for different publications. I travel around the country quite a bit for work, mostly the West Coast and Memphis, but I got to go to Japan this year and I am hoping to get to China next year.
Comments
Love,
Joanie
Sorry it's taken so long for me to get back with you! How wonderful to hear from you too! It looks like you have made a beautiful live together with Bonnie. And who would have thought you would land in Alaska! Good for you! It's a place I have always wanted to see. I'm sure you see many wonders all about you!
As for memories; I have tender recollections of your humor, thoughtfulness, depth, and ability to roll with the punches. I'm certain these things have remained constant along with your radiant smile.
All my best to you, Bonnie, and Renata!
Xristin
Kevin
Stay safe (inside the fire swamp)
For whatever reason, I was subjected to all kinds of verbal harassment, physical bullying and stupid stuff like a kid on a motorcycle roaring up behind me and speeding past me with inches to spare. One kid would see me coming down the hall and slam into me with his shoulder, then yell at me to watch where I was going.
This same kid once slammed into me for no reason during a whiffleball game, and I punched him right in the face. He tried to retaliate with a flurry of blows but none of them landed, and then he walked away. Never bothered me again. Wait, I take that back, he once threw rocks at me while I was trying to deliver newspapers.
There were two other kids I had to fight or challenge to fight before they left me alone. And there were other kids who liked to push me around but were way too big to fight.
One time two high school kids picked me up hitchhiking, recognizing me as the son of their principal. The guy in the passenger's seat, who was sharpening a big hunting knife, told me I could tell my dad that they think he's a real a******. I guess it takes one to know one.
OK, now I'm fillling up your page with my repressed memories! Feel free to delete this to free up some space. Long story short, I'm sure there are mean 8th graders everywhere, and I'm sure Alaska is full of friendly, kind, neighborly people.
I did learn a valuable lesson — when people push you around, push back. Jesus did say turn the other cheek, but he also said sell your shirt and get a sword.
On another note, I would love to see your bonsai trees.
Take care, Karl