Remembering Sandy

My good friend, Sandy (September 20, 1943 - June 5, 2026), passed away on Friday. She and her husband, Jim, were among our first married-couple friends. As I sat in church today, memories of Sandy and all our good times just washed over me, and I had to share them.

Here are some of the memories that came up in my thoughts:

• We met in 1982 right after Don and I were married. Sandy’s husband Jim was actually my husband’s college math teacher. When we got together, we all hit it off right away.
• We started meeting for dinner on Saturday nights (alternating between our houses) and then playing the card game Rook for the rest of the evening. Sandy and I were always partners, and we played against our husbands. We had such a great time, and we did this for years.
• I remember that we usually talked on the phone with each other at least once a week. She was always willing to give me wonderful advice when I asked for it.
• Sandy tried to teach me how to make homemade egg noodles, but mine never came out as good as hers.
• I remember going on several boat rides when Jim bought a new boat. One time he ran it aground and ruined the propeller, but Sandy was always calm about everything. 
• When Jim got sick, I tried to call her at least once a week in case she needed anything.
• Sandy and I would meet for lunch in the summers when I wasn’t teaching. I would go pick her up from the law firm, and we would go out to lunch about once a month.
• One year, when I was on Christmas vacation, Sandy went hiking with me at Raven Cliff Falls when it was snowing. We hiked to the bridge over the waterfalls. It was a beautiful hike!
• When the school threw all retirees a luncheon, we were allowed to invite our closest friends, and Sandy came to my retirement party. It meant a lot to me since she has known me for most of my career.
• I remember when her family threw her a surprise birthday party and invited us. It was a great party for such a wonderful person.
• After I retired, I started teaching courses for Furman, and I taught one of my courses every July. Sandy would come meet me for lunch after class ended.
• When Sandy was moving out of her last house, I went over to help her pack up some stuff. We spent a lot of time sharing memories of good times.
• The last time I saw Sandy was at her son’s house. I’m so thankful that she has had such a loving family that was there for her. She always talked about her children, and you could tell how much they loved her back. 

I will miss you, Sandy!

Original photo of Sandy and Pat 

Tyrannosaurus rex

The United States Postal Service released the 2019 First-Class Forever Stamps featuring Tyrannosaurus rex to honor one of the most well-known dinosaurs in history. The four stamps were introduced at the same time the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History opened a new T. rex exhibit. Each stamp displays a different illustration of the dinosaur created by scientist and paleoartist Julius T. Csotonyi. The stamps are unique because they use lenticular printing, which creates a holographic effect. When the stamp is tilted, the dinosaur’s skin appears to fade away and reveal its skeleton underneath.

The Postal Service created these stamps to encourage interest in dinosaurs, science, and museums. Because dinosaurs are popular with both children and adults, the stamps also made collecting and sending mail more exciting. Many stamp collectors appreciated the detailed artwork and creative design. The stamps combined science, history, and art in a way that captured people’s attention and celebrated prehistoric life.

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to ever live. It lived about 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period. Commonly called T. rex, the dinosaur had massive legs, razor-sharp teeth, and an extremely powerful jaw capable of crushing bone. Although its arms were small, the rest of its body was built for strength and hunting. Scientists estimate that T. rex could grow up to 40 feet long and weigh several tons.

The first T. rex fossils were discovered in the early 1900s by fossil hunter Barnum Brown. He uncovered the remains in Montana and other parts of the western United States while searching for dinosaur fossils. In 1905, paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn officially named the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, meaning “king of the tyrant lizards.” This discovery gave scientists important information about large meat-eating dinosaurs and helped make T. rex one of the most recognized dinosaurs in the world.

Dinosaurs are celebrated every year on Dinosaur Day, which takes place on June 1. The day encourages people of all ages to learn about fossils, prehistoric animals, and Earth’s ancient history. Museums, schools, and libraries often organize activities such as dinosaur exhibits, crafts, games, and science lessons. During these celebrations, Tyrannosaurus rex is usually one of the most popular dinosaurs because of its enormous size and fierce appearance.

Do you have these dinosaur stamps in your collection?

References:

• United States Postal Service
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• National Geographic Kids – Tyrannosaurus Rex Facts
• https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/0829-fearsome-dinosaur-immortalized-on-forever-stamps.htm
• https://www.mysticstamp.com/5410-13-2019-first-class-forever-stamps-tyrannosaurus-rex/
• https://nationaltoday.com/dinosaur-day/