Joan Turns 80! Please Join Us	BACK
When: Saturday June 20, 2009 Where: Gordon's House 610 Sunset Drive Paradise, CA 95969 530.872.1606 RSVP: Carolyn (click here to email Carolyn  or phone 408.423.9746) Although Joan knows there's going to be a party, the guest list is a surprise (she thinks it's only her family coming) so.................. MUM'S THE WORD!
Of course guests, spouses and kids are welcome. If you play an instrument, please bring it along! We hope you can come!
MEMORY BOOK: We would love it if you would write a few lines or send a photo to include in a memory book. Photos can be scanned and sent via email if you would like:
Click here to email your Memory Book contributions Look at what we have so far: I’m sorry I can’t make the party – I was in California last weekend to see my family. I am also in the process of moving and apparently have already packed my photographs. I did, however, find this card that Joan gave me in 1995. We used to exchange birthday cards by recycling the one we had been given by the other, crossing off each other’s name until we ran out of room on the card. This card seems particularly appropriate this year, 14 years later, and I’m sure Joan will appreciate its humor. Tell the old bat (the way we routinely referred to one another) I said “Happy Birthday” and give her my love. She was a significant part of my life for a long time and I am enriched to know her. P.S. Hello and love to all the rest of you. -Judith Little (now living in Atlanta) From Joan to Judith in 1995- "Your Room is Ready" Joan- good gawd. yer turning 80 (WTF?!). where the hell has the time gone? seems like just yesterday yours truly (aka 'this ol' cowgirl') was sitting at the OOD front desk, pretty much a newbie myself and you rolled out of the elevator in a freaking wheelchair (broken ankle?) on yer first day of work...laughing, as usual besides all those truly sensational PAJARO weekends (what would we have done without our velda aka 'vargas' J always being the driving force and queen of organization?!) can't find that b/w pic I took of you with your back to the camera; hope you still have a copy: it's still one of my favorite photos ever , one of the (many) standout memories is when you collaborated with me on that great 'april fools' day prank: me calling up random folks in the elevator (where you were 'stationed') from my reception phone, disguising my voice and pretending I was calling from their bank or whatever boy howdy nick, those were the days, eh ? and when jeanette was first in the hospital and y'all had put a sign over her head "BRAIN TRANSPLANT" and some student nurse or whoever made the comment that she didn't know they could even do that J. I have told that story countless times and still burst with a 'right outloud guffaw' when it comes to mind fyi the folks down here in 'the south' don't GET that kind of humor; they look at me, shake their heads, attribute it to the 'left coast wackos' and say 'well bless yer heart' (that's how they react to ANYTHING out of the realm of their very very little world here) all in all, gotta love your sense of humor and young-at-heart outlook on life you have spread pervasively ('perverted'ly?!) throughout the years it is the fabric of your 'being' and at the risk of sounding sappy, am honored to have been even a small part of it am so sorry we can't make it out there for this 'gala affaire' (rolf would've loved to see you again as well) it would be hugely appreciated if we could see some kind of 'proof' J that this hallowed event actually took place! much love and hugs to you, your wacky family and all folks who make it up there to see you 'in paradise' J -Sheila deG Moeller (& Rolf) Nice day here yesterday.   Spent some time chillin at the beach. I wish I could be there to help celebrate. -George Makatura (Worked with Gordon at Sun, now living in North Carolina) Dear Joan, I often think of you and the good ole days at your beautiful home in Wallingford. You were something of a role model to me, and as it turned out, I ended up running a household very similar to yours when my daughters became teens & young adults. Everyone hung out here, everyone played an instrument, and it was the joy of my life. To this day, there are still about a dozen young grownups out there that call me "The Mama". hahah. But now my daughters are adults and have their own place and the house is cold and quiet and empty. And TOO BIG, just me, my dog and my 3 cats. Lots of love to you and the family. Peggy Moore (ne Hesler) now living in Arizona Greetings from Andy Valdes-Dapena Joan & Dave Carolyn & Joan Easter 2009 (click HERE for link to video) Joan in Hawaii Joan with Micheal and Carolyn Joan, Mandi, Micheal and Carolyn at Leah's Wedding Joan and Phil at Leah's wedding Hilltop Rd, Rose Valley  Joan in Rose Valley Joan Joan and Mary Joan at Schoolhouse Joan in front of schoolhouse Dave and Mandi's Wedding Joan sorry I couldn't be there with you on this blessed day. I have lots of great memories of the years we worked together. You were always so kind to invite us to your house for lunches. I always enjoyed the many breaks we took together when we were in the trailers. The memories will always be close to my heart. You are a great friend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Lajinia Miller Stanford University Blood Center Purchasing Assistant 3373 Hillview Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 650-723-0081 Fax 650-725-4470 Thanks for the elegant announcement regarding your Mom’s birthday.  Although unable to attend we cobbled up a few photos (that include some text) that you may find suitable for the memory book.  These are attached herewith.  Included is that photo of myself with the gang of Swissys in the corral that was sent previously – in the event that the previous was discarded – just because a group of critters might add interest. Sincerely, Jule Melbin Melbin kids Jules Melbin and Friend Paul Jules and Canine Charges