ROPER • LOWE • CHANDES • DUNGAN • FARRIS • RAMIREZ • DOTY • EVANS • NITZ • LILES • et al

An old cowboy preacher* I heard once was very skilled at roping and lassoing. As he artfully danced in and out of his spinning rope he said to the boys and girls listening, "You know, you can't be a roper without a rope." (He was about to make a point.)

"Uh...excuse me," I said. "I beg to differ with you."

(Preachers love to catch other preachers in faux paus...all in love...of course!)

"I am a Roper, and I don't have a rope!" Finally, the name my peers could always find ways to make fun of, gave me some pay back. However, the old preacher didn't miss a beat, he just said, "Some...people can't be ropers without a rope." And he went on with his storytelling. I never have been a fast thinker...I didn't have anything witty to say back.

(True story: *Leonard Eilers, Cowboy Preacher, 1977)

What makes the Nitz family unique? What is great (...or bad...) about being a Lowe? What things characterize the Chandes family?

How have your parents...your name...your surroundings...your illness...shaped your lives?

What characteristics have your noticed in your family that have played a significant role in life?

How about a funny circumstance when you were in school...like the old two color of socks nightmare most of us have had.

This is the place for true stories - real events. Let's gather some family history for our children and grandchildren. We'll have a few laughs, perhaps cry a few tears. Maybe even learn some things along the way.

Think about it. Then write out your stories and histories (or just your ideas) and email them to me: or .

--Jim Roper
September 2002

 
ROPER • LOWE • CHANDES • DUNGAN • FARRIS • RAMIREZ • DOTY • EVANS • NITZ • LILES • et al

How about some creative writing from you all? It can be recent...or something you wrote thirty (or more) years ago.

"Four score and twenty years ago... our...fathers..." (Hmmm...that sounds familiar...haven't I heard that before somewhere?)

Or how about some of those great recipes have you created or modified? Share your culinary craftiness with us!

For you guys who don't even know where the silverware is in the kitchen. Why don't you share with us about the kind of work you do (or did in the past). What did you like best about your occupation?

Do you have any pictures you would like to share? More old photos of family? Or perhaps interesting pictures of unique places you have gone.

What hobbies do you have? How are you creative? (I am pretty good at making a mess!!)

This is the place you can express yourself. Let's have at it...and let's have fun!.

--Jim Roper
September 2002.