Inspiration

Click to listen to Israel Kamakawiwo 'ole from Hawaii, also known as "The Gentle Giant," sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. He was a Hawaiian singer and sadly died in June of 1997 at the age of 39.

Visit mele.com for more of his songs.

Jason Castro's rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which he recently sang on American Idol was a hit. Castro graciously acknowledged that Israel was his inspiration.

In my opinion, Kamakawiwo 'ole's talent is far superior to Castro's but I do enjoy Jason's rendition.

Tears come every time I listen to Israel sing it so it may sound silly to call it a happy song.
But I think Israel's music captures the dreams we all carry in our hearts.

After you listen, I hope you'll share your thoughts.

~~Mary

Signs of Spring

It was always the first Robin to harbinger Spring. No more, Robins are here in February and some winters they never leave. Something has changed the traditional signs of the changing seasons.

The QCA’s first sign of winter are the return of the Bald Eagles. The wintering population has become a destination for bird watching tourists. A drive through Arsenal Island from Illinois to Iowa will sometimes provide a view of 20 to 25 Eagles roosting in the trees at dusk. As they begin to move up the Mississippi, following the receding ice and the opening of the rivers in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, new migratory visitors stop over before following the Eagles.

When the Pelicans arrive in late March we can anticipate one last spring snow and by the time they have moved on, spring is ours. It snowed last Thursday and on the way to work on Friday I drove through Sunset Park and was greeted by the Pelicans. ~~Bob

Pictures of St. Patrick's Day Parade

1) A general view of the parade participants who walk the parade route.

2) Boom party bus.

3) Curious George character, Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor's fire truck and other floats and parade participants. Many of the floats are sponsored and built by local Quad City businesses and clubs.

4) Grand Marshall, long time Davenport Alderman Barney Barnhill.

5) Parade committee led by John Scally, the long time parade chairman.

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As the year goes on there are many more events that would provide good opportunities for photos. I would guess there are many of the class of '62 in the QCA who attend. I hope they share their photos and comments. ~~Bob

Agreed! Send photos to me at nctrev@gmail.com. ~~nancy

What's so Special about R.I.?

Bob reminds us that our hometown is a special place. That's why those of us who've moved away keep coming back. I especially think of certain foods: When I was there for the reunion I HAD to have a Maid Rite and a Harris pizza (I know Someone has a recipe for Maid Rite). I understand that Boetje's Mustard has won an international competition? Those are only a couple examples, and I'm sure you all can add to the list. ~~nancy

Travels, Anyone?

We've had a request to start a Travels conversation! In February, how many of us (especially those in the north where the ice, snow and below freezing temperatures taunt us daily) dream of getting away. I, for one, get this feeling every February, and this year it's more intense than ever! SO--what are your suggestions? What place would be a great get-away? Do you have any travel experiences you'd like to recommend? Places, prices, means of travel--anything? How about invites--well, maybe that's asking too much. Let's hear from you! --nancy

Weather!

Has anyone been profoundly affected by the bizarre weather this season? How about the fires? Tell us about it.

Ideas for the Next Reunion

Have ideas for our 50th? Post them here. Let's get a discussion going.