10JUNE2012 @ Clemson, SC - Today we began early with a gathering of Clemson Donors at the Madren Center.  This 0800 event featured a wonderful breakfast and short talks by three students and maybe 4 adults including President Jim Barker.  Afterward I had the opportunity to meet several folks and reunite with Marcia Barker.  Though a classmate and a friend, Jim was engaged in a conversation with about 4 others and I chose not to wait or horn in.  Clemson has obtained $590,000,000 in contributions this fiscal year and it is highly likely that he was talking with some folks who have given as much as $1,000,000 more than me; better I say my hellos at another occasion.
Kimberlee Hampton was killed while piloting her helicopter in Iraq about 9 years back.  Her parents, Dale and Ann, have written a book about her and were having a signing in Easley.  I was there at 1600 as were 100 folks in line (I counted) and another 20 milling around.  Having contracted with myself in 1972 to not stand in lines, I was one of the milling arounders.  Dale and I had a brief discussion then he struck up a conversation with one of the multitude.  It is good to be witness to such an outpouring of love for Dale and Ann ... they've had a tough decade.  I will buy the book later this year when there is no line.
Back at Clemson we all sang the birthday song for Walt then enjoyed supper at Brios, a pasta and atmosphere place on the main Clemson Street.  Cousin Margaret telephoned and reported that she is organizing a first ever Yongue family reunion for October 27th in Winnsboro.  It sounds like a good idea and time; can Montanans possibly get there?
Sometime today as I ate a fresh peach my throat began being scratchy.  I actually thought about the peach skin seeming to be a throat-roughner.  So,  perhaps I expose my self to all manner of sickness for two months and then get sick when in a "clean environment".