Celebrating their union on November 15, 2008 - Eloy, Arizona
What friends are saying about Pat and Pennee
| Married August 24, 1958 |
Jenny and Jerry Bell
Jerry said the first time he remembers meeting Pat is when
Pat and Terry were bailing hay in Chandler. Jenny first met
them in 1977 when Jerry took her out to meet them when they
lived on the ranch in Maricopa. The next year we were
married and son Todd was sent to the ranch to work for a few
weeks. He still remembers working there and has such a
good time.
Jerry took his brother in law Jon out to meet Pat and Penee at
the ranch and Jon was so excited about the plane ride that
Pat took him on. He went on to get his pilots license and now
owns his own plane.
Pat and Pennee and Julie went with us to Ireland a few years
ago. Jerry was trying to get Pat to try Guinness beer but Pat
stuck to his Budweiser the whole trip. We so enjoyed the trip
and being with family just made it that much more special.
Summertime at the Murphree's
Every summer cousins and friends would descend on the farm. The
farm was a resource for summer jobs and a decent paycheck. Most
of the time was spent in the pistachio orchard but there were plenty of
other jobs on the place as well - chopping cotton, cleaning ditches,
irrigating, spraying weeds,etc.
It was mostly good clean fun and work. However, it was really a
good place to practice your cussing. As the day advanced and the
enthusiasm waned, our mouths would get pretty bad. Once we got
back to the house we knew we had to clean up our act because both
Pat and Pennee would stand for nothing foul!
Some highlights: Rotten dove egg fights; Julie saving us from
rattlesnakes, bad tree trimming techniques and Lisa's bad driving;
convincing Jimmy that Brent had a bionic arm; flying the work truck
off the Indian sump; driving the old Chevy truck; lots of baloney
sandwiches and spagetti; and much more.- Brent Murphree
Jerry said the first time he remembers meeting Pat is when
Pat and Terry were bailing hay in Chandler. Jenny first met
them in 1977 when Jerry took her out to meet them when they
lived on the ranch in Maricopa. The next year we were
married and son Todd was sent to the ranch to work for a few
weeks. He still remembers working there and has such a
good time.
Jerry took his brother in law Jon out to meet Pat and Penee at
the ranch and Jon was so excited about the plane ride that
Pat took him on. He went on to get his pilots license and now
owns his own plane.
Pat and Pennee and Julie went with us to Ireland a few years
ago. Jerry was trying to get Pat to try Guinness beer but Pat
stuck to his Budweiser the whole trip. We so enjoyed the trip
and being with family just made it that much more special.
Summertime at the Murphree's
Every summer cousins and friends would descend on the farm. The
farm was a resource for summer jobs and a decent paycheck. Most
of the time was spent in the pistachio orchard but there were plenty of
other jobs on the place as well - chopping cotton, cleaning ditches,
irrigating, spraying weeds,etc.
It was mostly good clean fun and work. However, it was really a
good place to practice your cussing. As the day advanced and the
enthusiasm waned, our mouths would get pretty bad. Once we got
back to the house we knew we had to clean up our act because both
Pat and Pennee would stand for nothing foul!
Some highlights: Rotten dove egg fights; Julie saving us from
rattlesnakes, bad tree trimming techniques and Lisa's bad driving;
convincing Jimmy that Brent had a bionic arm; flying the work truck
off the Indian sump; driving the old Chevy truck; lots of baloney
sandwiches and spagetti; and much more.- Brent Murphree
Bret Honeycutt
When Pat and Pennee were finishing up with the building of
their new home on the farm in Maricopa, Pennee was giving
me a tour. When we got to the master bedroom, she
showed me a small closet. She said that this was Pat’s
room. I assumed that Pat wasn’t allowed too many clothes.
Pennee then said that she was going to place a candle and
a chair inside and post "The Ten Commandments" on the
wall.
When Pat and Pennee were finishing up with the building of
their new home on the farm in Maricopa, Pennee was giving
me a tour. When we got to the master bedroom, she
showed me a small closet. She said that this was Pat’s
room. I assumed that Pat wasn’t allowed too many clothes.
Pennee then said that she was going to place a candle and
a chair inside and post "The Ten Commandments" on the
wall.
Berta Myers Autrey
The memories I have of Pat and Pennee Murphree could fill at
least a chapter. I don't remember how old I was when they
moved to Maricopa, but it seems like I have known them
forever. "Mr. Murph and Miss Murph", as we called them, were
cool. The first airplane flight I took was in Mr. Murph's plane out
on the farm. It was so much fun! We would play games, hang
out, talk, eat, and just have a good time together when we went
out to the farm.
It is only through raising 4 boys and 18 years of teaching that I
can truly appreciate the love and dedication they had for the
"Band of Love" choir kids. God Bless them for being such an
important part of my youth and that of the other kids from youth
group and choir that frequented their home.
Of course because "Miss Murph" and her Mom "Grandma
Howard" organized and led the Band of Love choir, I have a
truckload of memories of Pennee Murphree. She always had
time to listen, to give advice, to guide us in His Ways. I will
forever be indebted to her for being such a fine Christian
example during my formative years.
Thanks again for being such an important part of my life. I'm
sure you have no idea how many souls you have touched!
Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary! May God bless you
with many more years together.
Love you both!
Berta Myers Autrey
Our Own Episode of the Andy Griffith Show
I was watching Andy Griffith - the episode where Opie gives Miss
Crump silk stockings - the other day and remembered that one
Christmas Mom got a call from Bobbie Honeycutt just before choir
practice. She told Mom that Bret was on his way to our house with a
Christmas present for Mom - a pair of pantyhose (L'eggs). She just
wanted to make sure that Mom wasn't surprised by such an intimate
gift.- Brent Murphree
I was watching Andy Griffith - the episode where Opie gives Miss
Crump silk stockings - the other day and remembered that one
Christmas Mom got a call from Bobbie Honeycutt just before choir
practice. She told Mom that Bret was on his way to our house with a
Christmas present for Mom - a pair of pantyhose (L'eggs). She just
wanted to make sure that Mom wasn't surprised by such an intimate
gift.- Brent Murphree
Little Blue People
Long before a popular cartoon of the 80s appeared, my friends began
calling Mom and Dad, Miss Murph and Mr. Murph. As everyone
grew and began having kids of their own, the names persisted.
For years, Dianna Smith, would tell her kids, "I have to call Miss
Murph." Or, she'd get off the phone and tell her kids, "That was Miss
Murph."
After some time, it dawned on Dianna that her kids thought she was
talking to Miss Smurf. I hate to think that some little illusions were
shattered when she had to tell them that she was indeed speaking with
Mom and not a little blue cartoon lady.- Brent Murphree
Long before a popular cartoon of the 80s appeared, my friends began
calling Mom and Dad, Miss Murph and Mr. Murph. As everyone
grew and began having kids of their own, the names persisted.
For years, Dianna Smith, would tell her kids, "I have to call Miss
Murph." Or, she'd get off the phone and tell her kids, "That was Miss
Murph."
After some time, it dawned on Dianna that her kids thought she was
talking to Miss Smurf. I hate to think that some little illusions were
shattered when she had to tell them that she was indeed speaking with
Mom and not a little blue cartoon lady.- Brent Murphree
Susie Ysaguirre Zinkie
Pennee was my 4-H sewing teacher when I was in the
seventh grade (1972?)and she taught me how to read a
pattern and make my first dress. I am a third generation
quilter and this was one of the first of many sewing
challenges I would face as a child and Pennee helped me
overcome all the tiny details. She made it so simple and easy.
I love her forever for the tenderness and kindness and the
especially the patience she gave to me.
I was fighting to read the pattern. I am naturally hard headed
and stubborn and of course, knew everything about sewing as
my Mother and Grandmother had taught me that a pattern
wasn't necessary. I refused to listen to Pennee and didn't
even have my fabric and thread prepared because I could not
decide what type of dress I was going to sew and on top of
that I was required to submit it to the Pinal County Fair! I was
scared out of my mind!
Well, during a particularly difficult class one afternoon,
Pennee noticed that I just didn't have my head into the project.
She took me on a tour of their beautiful home (away from the
other girls in the class) and had a little talk with me -- all the
time smiling her "Pennee Murphree don't put off to tomorrow
what you can do today" smile.
She reminded me that I was a beautiful girl and didn't have to
live and die in Levis. She said "Don't you know the boys will
love to see you wearing a dress!" Well, this did peak my
curiosity, so we decided I would make a short dress with
dolman sleeves, but I still couldn't decide was color or type of
fabric to use. She kept talking to me, consoling me,
reassuring me and calming my nerves.
Pennee hugged me and kept assuring me that I was pretty
and that I could do anything I put my mind to!
Needless to say, I made a bright red cotton dress that year
and wore it in my class picture, where I sat next to Brent! I
didn't win a ribbon that year, but I won more than any ribbon
could ever give me - I won Pennee Murphree's love and
kindness and she has never faultered in any situation that I
have chosen to share with her.
"La Pennee es una buen mujer!" xo
I love you so much Mrs. Murph!! Thank you for everything! xo
Pennee was my 4-H sewing teacher when I was in the
seventh grade (1972?)and she taught me how to read a
pattern and make my first dress. I am a third generation
quilter and this was one of the first of many sewing
challenges I would face as a child and Pennee helped me
overcome all the tiny details. She made it so simple and easy.
I love her forever for the tenderness and kindness and the
especially the patience she gave to me.
I was fighting to read the pattern. I am naturally hard headed
and stubborn and of course, knew everything about sewing as
my Mother and Grandmother had taught me that a pattern
wasn't necessary. I refused to listen to Pennee and didn't
even have my fabric and thread prepared because I could not
decide what type of dress I was going to sew and on top of
that I was required to submit it to the Pinal County Fair! I was
scared out of my mind!
Well, during a particularly difficult class one afternoon,
Pennee noticed that I just didn't have my head into the project.
She took me on a tour of their beautiful home (away from the
other girls in the class) and had a little talk with me -- all the
time smiling her "Pennee Murphree don't put off to tomorrow
what you can do today" smile.
She reminded me that I was a beautiful girl and didn't have to
live and die in Levis. She said "Don't you know the boys will
love to see you wearing a dress!" Well, this did peak my
curiosity, so we decided I would make a short dress with
dolman sleeves, but I still couldn't decide was color or type of
fabric to use. She kept talking to me, consoling me,
reassuring me and calming my nerves.
Pennee hugged me and kept assuring me that I was pretty
and that I could do anything I put my mind to!
Needless to say, I made a bright red cotton dress that year
and wore it in my class picture, where I sat next to Brent! I
didn't win a ribbon that year, but I won more than any ribbon
could ever give me - I won Pennee Murphree's love and
kindness and she has never faultered in any situation that I
have chosen to share with her.
"La Pennee es una buen mujer!" xo
I love you so much Mrs. Murph!! Thank you for everything! xo
Pennee Murphree
By the way mom made my dress and also the bridesmaid
dresses. Our wedding was very economical. Mom sewed,
Aunt Berneta made the cake and a cousin provided the
music. Just punch and cake for the reception. Dad and
another church deacon spiked the punch. Janice, Barbara
and Pam giggled through the ceremony.
By the way mom made my dress and also the bridesmaid
dresses. Our wedding was very economical. Mom sewed,
Aunt Berneta made the cake and a cousin provided the
music. Just punch and cake for the reception. Dad and
another church deacon spiked the punch. Janice, Barbara
and Pam giggled through the ceremony.
Debbie (Pratt) Metz
When I hear the question "Do you remember who
introduced you to the Lord?” Pennee Murphree comes to
mind. Through Pat's encouragement and support, Pennee
served the Lord by teaching us "youngsters" about Him
every week in Sunday school.
We were still in "The Barn" at the time and had not yet
moved to our new little church on "the other side of the
tracks". It was through her lessons and the instruction of a
few other special people in our little community church that I
came to learn about Jesus Christ and made the greatest
decision of my life when I accepted Him as my Lord and
Savior.
Not only did Pennee teach every Sunday, she also hosted a
large number of usually rambunctious teens (or were we
still pre-teens?)from the church every week or so in the
Murphree home at their farm to learn Christian songs. We
called ourselves the "Band of Love Choir" and Pennee's
mom, Lucille, accompanied us on the piano (and made the
drive from Chandler in order to do so!)!
I'm sure Pat was exhausted after farming all day, but he was
always gracious, supportive and encouraging us in our
music. What fun times those were as we sang and
traveled to churches around the valley singing our praise
songs! She also took us to many a summer church camp
that were also filled with great memories!
There are so many other memories of Pat and Pennee and
their 4 children as we all grew up together in our small
farming community and especially since Brent and I were in
the same grade. Since we called Pat and Pennee Mr. and
Mrs. Murph (which kind of got abbreviated to Ms. Murph), that
name still "sticks" today! I have to mention a few other
memories:
When my mom, Jan Pratt, was unable to take a car load of 9
year olds to Tucson for a 4-H event, Ms. Murph stepped in to
take her place. She still refers to that as a "real eye-
opener"! (Is she referring to us, the 9 year olds?)
That was just the beginning, as she became quite involved
with 4-H!! She made hundreds of trips driving a few of us to
swim practice in Chandler after school in Maricopa every
day, along with mom, who also took part in the car pool
responsibilities. She was there encouraging us in our
summer swim meets in Maricopa, too.
Ms. Murph also rode with Mom and a group of other area
women for many years in the precision riding team
Quadrille de Mujeres. A book could be filled with memories
from those riding experiences alone!
Ms. Murph also wrote and delivered one of the most
beautiful eulogies I have ever heard and also arranged for
the beautiful violin music when we said our final goodbyes
to mom in January of 1992.
The Murphrees were also growers and avid promoters of
the cotton industry, being involved in many cotton promotion
programs and events. Cotton was a "staple" on my family's
farm as well, so we were united in our love of the crop and
the fiber.
And, I will never forget one of the most fun weeks I ever had
when Ms. Murph, my Aunt Judy Blair and I went to Branson,
Missouri for a week in 2000 (although we are STILL sorry
Julie couldn't make it!). What a fun and wild time we had!
Mr. and Mrs. Murph, congratulations to you both as you
celebrate 50 years of marriage. Thank you for setting such
a beautiful example for marriage, for allowing the love of
Christ to shine through your lives and in His service, for the
fine family you have raised and for the special friendship
and the wonderful memories you have filled and blessed
my life with. May God continue to bless you with many more
years together!
I love you!
When I hear the question "Do you remember who
introduced you to the Lord?” Pennee Murphree comes to
mind. Through Pat's encouragement and support, Pennee
served the Lord by teaching us "youngsters" about Him
every week in Sunday school.
We were still in "The Barn" at the time and had not yet
moved to our new little church on "the other side of the
tracks". It was through her lessons and the instruction of a
few other special people in our little community church that I
came to learn about Jesus Christ and made the greatest
decision of my life when I accepted Him as my Lord and
Savior.
Not only did Pennee teach every Sunday, she also hosted a
large number of usually rambunctious teens (or were we
still pre-teens?)from the church every week or so in the
Murphree home at their farm to learn Christian songs. We
called ourselves the "Band of Love Choir" and Pennee's
mom, Lucille, accompanied us on the piano (and made the
drive from Chandler in order to do so!)!
I'm sure Pat was exhausted after farming all day, but he was
always gracious, supportive and encouraging us in our
music. What fun times those were as we sang and
traveled to churches around the valley singing our praise
songs! She also took us to many a summer church camp
that were also filled with great memories!
There are so many other memories of Pat and Pennee and
their 4 children as we all grew up together in our small
farming community and especially since Brent and I were in
the same grade. Since we called Pat and Pennee Mr. and
Mrs. Murph (which kind of got abbreviated to Ms. Murph), that
name still "sticks" today! I have to mention a few other
memories:
When my mom, Jan Pratt, was unable to take a car load of 9
year olds to Tucson for a 4-H event, Ms. Murph stepped in to
take her place. She still refers to that as a "real eye-
opener"! (Is she referring to us, the 9 year olds?)
That was just the beginning, as she became quite involved
with 4-H!! She made hundreds of trips driving a few of us to
swim practice in Chandler after school in Maricopa every
day, along with mom, who also took part in the car pool
responsibilities. She was there encouraging us in our
summer swim meets in Maricopa, too.
Ms. Murph also rode with Mom and a group of other area
women for many years in the precision riding team
Quadrille de Mujeres. A book could be filled with memories
from those riding experiences alone!
Ms. Murph also wrote and delivered one of the most
beautiful eulogies I have ever heard and also arranged for
the beautiful violin music when we said our final goodbyes
to mom in January of 1992.
The Murphrees were also growers and avid promoters of
the cotton industry, being involved in many cotton promotion
programs and events. Cotton was a "staple" on my family's
farm as well, so we were united in our love of the crop and
the fiber.
And, I will never forget one of the most fun weeks I ever had
when Ms. Murph, my Aunt Judy Blair and I went to Branson,
Missouri for a week in 2000 (although we are STILL sorry
Julie couldn't make it!). What a fun and wild time we had!
Mr. and Mrs. Murph, congratulations to you both as you
celebrate 50 years of marriage. Thank you for setting such
a beautiful example for marriage, for allowing the love of
Christ to shine through your lives and in His service, for the
fine family you have raised and for the special friendship
and the wonderful memories you have filled and blessed
my life with. May God continue to bless you with many more
years together!
I love you!
The Band of Love Choir
The Band of Love Choir was the best! One year when Grandpa
and Grandma Howard came back from Hawaii they brought each
choir member these long seed necklaces that we wore with the
Tourquoise vests. Grandma Howard made us. We looked better
than the Osmonds or Partridge Family ever could! And we sung
harmony just as well, sort of. – Julie Murphree
The Band of Love Choir was the best! One year when Grandpa
and Grandma Howard came back from Hawaii they brought each
choir member these long seed necklaces that we wore with the
Tourquoise vests. Grandma Howard made us. We looked better
than the Osmonds or Partridge Family ever could! And we sung
harmony just as well, sort of. – Julie Murphree
Capture Your Unscripted Moments
You know, those moments in your life unplanned, unexpected and
singularly so special; those moments that even the best scriptwriter
could not have written for a Hollywood movie. If you pay attention,
you’ll discover you have plenty of those unscripted moments. Here is
one about Dad and Grandpa Howard and one about Mom and
Lauren Thompson.
Gin Dusky Brooks’ Birth
Anyone that’s raised a horse will tell you the most delightful sight in
the morning is a newly born filly or colt standing beside its momma.
Grandpa Howard’s mare, Ginger, who was basically the family
horse, was due to deliver any moment and we were all excitedly
anticipating the delivery.
After having a wonderful family gathering with Grandpa and
Grandma Howard one day to celebrate Grandpa Howard’s
birthday, we went back to their house to check on Ginger. We
suddenly realized the birth was about to take place. As she knelt
down first on her front legs and rocked back and forth until she was
on her side; we all sensed the birth would quickly happen.
Dad and Grandpa went outside.
Gin Dusky Brooks’ (we’d already come up with a name) front
hooves appeared first. To help, Dad carefully grasped her little front
legs that were poking out and pulled. Gin Dusky popped out in one
slick, soggy moment. Immediately, Dad and Grandpa left to let
Ginger take care of her baby.
We were dazed in amazement. We felt that it was such a gift to get to
see the filly’s birth. What added to the magic was Gin Dusky
appearing on Grandpa’s birth date. Grandpa, the ultimate
horseman couldn’t have received a better present on his birthday.
Gin Dusky Books gave us a beautifully unscripted moment.
Aunt Pam’s Christmas Present
When my Mom’s sister, my Aunt Pam, unexpectedly died of a
massive heart attack at the age of 53 in her sleep, Mom could hardly
speak or emotionally respond those first few hours when the family
discovered the tragic loss.
As the day wore on and the settled in reality of the loss made us all
band together as a family and love on one another, Mom sat down.
She had just gone the rounds hugging on all the kids bringing
comfort. She began to sob. It was her cry moment. It was her
pouring out.
Wide eyed and worried, one of Aunt Pam’s granddaughters, Lauren,
slipped out of the room.
In fact at one point during the day, Lauren had roamed through the
room shaking her head saying out loud to no one, “The grown ups
are all crying again.” It was true; the waves of shock and loss came
and went. In between the business of celebrating life and planning a
funeral, we simply could not hold our emotions in.
After her cry, Mom continued to sit in the chair wiping her face with
a tissue. Lauren suddenly reappeared with a wrapped Christmas
package. “Here, Aunt Pennee, this was for Gammy but now I want
you to have it.”
The room went silent and everyone solemnly watched as Aunt
Pennee opened the gift. Inside was a scented candle in the shape of a
heart.
Lauren gave us a tender unscripted moment.
Capture these moments. They come and quickly flee. - Julie
Murphree
You know, those moments in your life unplanned, unexpected and
singularly so special; those moments that even the best scriptwriter
could not have written for a Hollywood movie. If you pay attention,
you’ll discover you have plenty of those unscripted moments. Here is
one about Dad and Grandpa Howard and one about Mom and
Lauren Thompson.
Gin Dusky Brooks’ Birth
Anyone that’s raised a horse will tell you the most delightful sight in
the morning is a newly born filly or colt standing beside its momma.
Grandpa Howard’s mare, Ginger, who was basically the family
horse, was due to deliver any moment and we were all excitedly
anticipating the delivery.
After having a wonderful family gathering with Grandpa and
Grandma Howard one day to celebrate Grandpa Howard’s
birthday, we went back to their house to check on Ginger. We
suddenly realized the birth was about to take place. As she knelt
down first on her front legs and rocked back and forth until she was
on her side; we all sensed the birth would quickly happen.
Dad and Grandpa went outside.
Gin Dusky Brooks’ (we’d already come up with a name) front
hooves appeared first. To help, Dad carefully grasped her little front
legs that were poking out and pulled. Gin Dusky popped out in one
slick, soggy moment. Immediately, Dad and Grandpa left to let
Ginger take care of her baby.
We were dazed in amazement. We felt that it was such a gift to get to
see the filly’s birth. What added to the magic was Gin Dusky
appearing on Grandpa’s birth date. Grandpa, the ultimate
horseman couldn’t have received a better present on his birthday.
Gin Dusky Books gave us a beautifully unscripted moment.
Aunt Pam’s Christmas Present
When my Mom’s sister, my Aunt Pam, unexpectedly died of a
massive heart attack at the age of 53 in her sleep, Mom could hardly
speak or emotionally respond those first few hours when the family
discovered the tragic loss.
As the day wore on and the settled in reality of the loss made us all
band together as a family and love on one another, Mom sat down.
She had just gone the rounds hugging on all the kids bringing
comfort. She began to sob. It was her cry moment. It was her
pouring out.
Wide eyed and worried, one of Aunt Pam’s granddaughters, Lauren,
slipped out of the room.
In fact at one point during the day, Lauren had roamed through the
room shaking her head saying out loud to no one, “The grown ups
are all crying again.” It was true; the waves of shock and loss came
and went. In between the business of celebrating life and planning a
funeral, we simply could not hold our emotions in.
After her cry, Mom continued to sit in the chair wiping her face with
a tissue. Lauren suddenly reappeared with a wrapped Christmas
package. “Here, Aunt Pennee, this was for Gammy but now I want
you to have it.”
The room went silent and everyone solemnly watched as Aunt
Pennee opened the gift. Inside was a scented candle in the shape of a
heart.
Lauren gave us a tender unscripted moment.
Capture these moments. They come and quickly flee. - Julie
Murphree
Maris Thomas
I have known Pat and Pennee (Howard) since our days at
Chandler High School together. Pennee and I were both
cheerleaders; later Pat and I were both pilots. While I've
known Pat for 50+ years, I've known Pennee even longer!
The Howards and the Thomases attended the Presbyterian
Church together. While our parents were Mariners, we
attended Westminster Fellowship. I have shared the loss of
Barney and Lucile, Pam and Terry.
We've watch their kids grow up and look forward to
celebrating their 50th anniversary with family and friends.
What a youthful couple! Gary and I hope we are around to
celebrate their 60th!!
Krinda Brown
While growing up, several times during the summer, Dad &
Mom would take Keith, Pam and I, out to the ranch, leave us
with Grandma and Grandpa Murphree (along with Brent &
Julie), and they'd take off to the lake with Uncle Pat and Aunt
Pennee, boat in tow.
Not that we'd complain, there was also something to do at
"the ranch", but we somehow felt that we were missing out
on something pretty fun with our parents.
So when the grown-up's got back sunburned and tired,
Uncle Pat always made sure to take us kids for a ride
around the dusty "Ranch Lake" (boat on the trailer, pulled
behind a vehicle)!
For some reason he thought this was a "thrill" for us...and,
you know what...he was right, I'm now 49++ and I still
remember those rides! Simple life, simple fun, those were
the days!
A love lasting over 50 years is rare these days.
Congratulations to you both - I love you
While growing up, several times during the summer, Dad &
Mom would take Keith, Pam and I, out to the ranch, leave us
with Grandma and Grandpa Murphree (along with Brent &
Julie), and they'd take off to the lake with Uncle Pat and Aunt
Pennee, boat in tow.
Not that we'd complain, there was also something to do at
"the ranch", but we somehow felt that we were missing out
on something pretty fun with our parents.
So when the grown-up's got back sunburned and tired,
Uncle Pat always made sure to take us kids for a ride
around the dusty "Ranch Lake" (boat on the trailer, pulled
behind a vehicle)!
For some reason he thought this was a "thrill" for us...and,
you know what...he was right, I'm now 49++ and I still
remember those rides! Simple life, simple fun, those were
the days!
A love lasting over 50 years is rare these days.
Congratulations to you both - I love you