[dropcap]J[/dropcap]im Herrmann welcomed guests this past week.
On May 15th, a baby Blue Jay sat on his shoulder for a while, hopped up on his arm, and plopped onto his shoe. It was just that one day. The jay stayed around for a few days, but not close to humans.
Humans covered The Herrmann’s backyard on Saturday for the retirement party Jim threw for Karen Herrmann and Holly Cass, retiring from work at Wallace Middle School.
They recently rode together in the Hays CISD 50th Anniversary Parade with signs showing their years of service, 18 for Secretary Holly and 22 for Nurse Karen.
The Herrmanns’ kids (Christy Herrmann and Rachel Hill, Daniel Herrmann, Bonnie Herrmann and Eric Lenz) put in a labor of love to pull off the party. Former Mountain City resident and friend, Will Bassett, gave up his Saturday to work just as hard as their kiddos.
Mountain City residents who attended included Holly (honoree and birthday gal) and Val Cass, Beth and Everett Smith, Brenda and Doug Agnew and family, Fred Morris, Jeff and Michelle Sultemeier, Kay and Kevin Bearden, Janet and Ray Patterson, Elaine and Phillip Kiernan, Christine Greve. Jenni Shaffer, Pauline and Ron Tom, Betty and Jay Puckett, Sandra and Butch Grizzle and grandchildren, and Stephanie Jamail.
Lehmann’s Los Lobos Mariachi (some, former Wallace Middle School students) serenaded Karen and Holly, who sat almost at their feet in chairs of honor.
Karen and Holly remember when they would practice out in the cafeteria at Wallace MS, then directed by Carlos Maldonado. In the office, they would hang out the front office door, to hear them better! They are so proud of how the students have perfected their art of playing Mariachi music!
Some guests tasted Cincinnati chili for the first time. It’s chili served over spaghetti, and quite appropriate since Jim and Karen hail from Cincinnati.
The Hermanns were early comers to Mountain City Oaks, 37 years ago. Their selected lot on Cedar (with an inside utility room) featured a small front yard and gigantic backyard. The gigantic white event tent erected for the party had ample room between their swimming pool and lovely gardens and left room to play Corn Hole games. Oh yes, and they had a bounce house. The tent, anchored with massive stakes into limestone, held up to the riproaring thunderstorm that came through the night after the party, before Monday’s takedown.
We took KissMe over to Dr. Bob Rosebrock’s one morning last week with a little section of his chest ripped open after some sort of adventure in our backyard. With 6 or 7 staples, he’s mended.
We’re asked, “Is KissMe accident prone?” Nope. He’s adventure-full, always in hunting mode.
Fawn dropping season, which is now (twins were born in The Kiernans’ backyard on Monday), concerns us. KissMe’s entire side got ripped open one May. And, years ago, it was in May that we put Starr down after a doe’s pummeling.
Take care. Please take notes when you see, hear, smell, or taste tidbits. Send to ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: Tidbit) or 512-268-5678. Thanks! Love, PTom