Prairie skyscraper-watercolor

"Overhead," today's 9 x 12 watercolor, 140 3 Fabriano Artistico

Look up, way up.
Before the cold front hit, beautiful towering thunderheads towered over us. It's hard to show how much they dominate when you're close. But this is the first attempt. There will be another. And the photo from our front yard that inspired it.
Great Plains. Out here there's the sky. 

 

Why I am a newspaper man--listen to that press

Thanks!

Retirement Reverie--5B--My UCO Colleagues

At the retirement reception, I didn't get to greet everyone there, or talk much in the blur of the crowd and activity, and I wish there'd been more time to get photos with everyone. Here are more of my UCO colleagues who have helped make my life a success and joy.
First photo is with friend, former dean and vice president Gary Steward who presented the obligatory Old North photo, the Regents proclamation, and as important to me, his praise for me not being afraid of taking  on the administration at various times. 

Second is with Charlie Johnson, now in charge of University Relations--with Mark Hanebutt and son Travis in background. We're laughing at our standing joke. When I first met Charlie, I said, "I hate broadcasters." He responded, "I hate print people." Now we both agree, the world has indeed changed. 
We're all in the same digital boat.

Chemistry prof Cheryl Frech, and sister Lynne Baldwin Matzell,  my OSU alum

Fred Groz, retired, who my daughter Dallas worked for years ago

David Duty and Joe Hight

Mark Scott, Sumps in the background

Moose Tyler, and Sherry Johnson

Former chairs-Steve Garrison, Dave Ford and Fred Groz--I squint a lot

Jeff Hagy

My chair, Mary Carver

Just a faculty member  honored that President Betz came.

Friend Mark Hanebutt telling stories

Friends David Lowry of OC and Robin and Donna Acker

Sandy Martin, Jill Lambeth at table, Bill Hickman in green, the Kelseys and Sherri Johnson

Joking about "The  Paper," David Duty, Jeff Hagy, Mark Zimmerman, the Sumps

This is about it, a few  more photos and a link coming in next post--obviously this becomes my digital archive.
 

Retirement Reverie--Part 5A--My UCO colleagues

I think I just joked UCO would name a Port-a-Potty after me . Mary Carver and Mark Hanebutt

 Too many photos, but not enough. So I'm dividing this into two posts. I couldn't greet everyone nor get all the photos I wanted. Alas. But here's the first part of some very special people in my life. Much of my success is due to their friendship and support.

President Betz. Kateleigh Mills and Elizabeth Spence of Vista in background

My dear, dear freind Jill Kelsey, retired professor

Sherri Johnson is as close to a sister as I have

Christy Vincent like a sister too

My "other wife" Sherry Sump--my right arm when I was chair-- and husband Gary

Former students and colleagues, Mark Zimmerman, Zach Nash

The conspirators who put out my special paper of memories.

Ooops--forgot these alums--Sara Cowan, Sheri Guyse, Desiree Treeby in background

Crowd--colleagues--Dez Hill foreground, Gypsy Hogan right, and lots of others I never go photos with.

More photos coming.

Retirement reverie, 4 of 5--The Oklahoma Press

Oklahoma Press Association  honcho Mark Thomas spinning a yarn. Zach and Kathy Nash in the background.

I've been honored to be a member and associated with the Oklahoma Press Association for 45 years, working with journalists all over the state, many of whom are great friends. 

Pam Henry is a dear friend. Steve  Garrison, Dave Ford are UCO colleagues.

My emphasis has always been community journalism, and the newspaper people are my community also.  I was pleased that some of them attended my reception.
It's a community of  barbs, jokes, humor and stories based on years of experience. You know who your friends are when they gig you--it comes from years in the trenches of journalism's stress and satisfactions--mutual earned respect..
Next--my UCO colleagues.

The women of OPA, Ashley Novachich, Lisa Potts, and my editor Jennifer Gilliland. 

Old friend Steve Booher and I walked football sidelines at Duncan & Waurika.

I don't know what story Mark told, but it was good, and maybe true. UCO college Mark Hamebutt in background.