Ponderings by Pat

Editors note: As we begin a new year, we reflect on the loss of Pat Jones, whose “Ponderings by Pat” brought heartfelt humor and wit to The Albany News for many years. In her honor, we’re sharing one of her past columns, a reminder of the laughter and joy she brought to our community.

By Pat Lidia Jones - January 7, 2007

Another year has come and gone. And now 2007 is upon us.

I have enjoyed Bobbie Cauble’s columns, and I’m sure you have too. We have agreed to write together with (thus far) no set schedule. Donnie and Melinda are easy to work with, and the more I observe them, the more I appreciate the two who, week in and week out, serve up to us a fine publication—The Albany News. Well done.

I said last month I was having trouble getting ready for Christmas. Well, truth to tell, I never did get ready. A few gifts are still sitting around the house, unwrapped, and some wrapped but not delivered.

My organization is disorganized, to say the least. The friends who love me and whom I love forgive me, and I appreciate that.

Now for my New Year progress report. Since it’s January, I will get to be another year older. So look out—here comes a 74-year-old woman. And the condition of the woman is good. I realize I don’t exercise enough, and I will make another New Year’s Resolution about that, just as I have for years.

As for the state of my private life, I revel and delight in the interests, companionship, and love that my husband and I continue to share. It began when we were 13 and 14, and now, after 56 years of marriage, we still are a couple who love to be together.

We had three children we raised and educated in Albany until they went to college and graduated from Rice, McMurry, and Oklahoma University.

Van became an architect and traveled widely in his work: Chicago, New York, Saudi Arabia, Houston. He died in 1989, much loved, much mourned.

Patti married and had Jay Hardaway, a fine boy who grew into a fine man. He graduated from McMurry and is now in Denton, completing an advanced degree. 

K.C. is married to Pati Tierney Jones, a girl from St. Louis, Missouri. K.C. is father of three: Jake, who is a graduate of Georgetown University and now at work in New York City for an investment firm; Zach is at TCU; and Madison is in the fifth grade at Nancy Smith Elementary School. They all live on the Newell Ranch, which K.C. owns and operates.

Patti Jones Holloway lives in Abilene and Guernavaca, Mexico. She is married to Jess Holloway, who is a retired judge.

So that is my family roll call. The best part is that everyone seems to get along with everyone else—and to enjoy being together.

After years of doing needlework of all kinds, I got bored, I guess, and quit all of it. Then the other day I saw some pale blue yarn and bought enough for an afghan and am chomping at the bit to get it planned and get started.

I told my daughter-in-law Pati that I am going to knit an afghan for her brother Tom Tierney, who has moved here and is building a house by the Albany golf course.

I was all set to get started until I asked his color choice, and he said, “Black and green.” I just can’t get excited about that color combination. I’ll wait for a second suggestion.

One thing happened on New Year’s Eve that reminded me of our mortality—some film that we saw from New Year’s parties (past). A bunch of us have met together since we were young and had supper together, put on funny party hats, wore leis around our necks, and sang while Bob played old songs. We watched the films afterward.

But it was different (to me) this time. There were Max and Merene. That was Elizabeth Green. No Bill, no Patsy. Here and there were gaps in the films where dear familiar faces used to be. I didn’t cry, but I wanted to.

So time does march on. Laugh and scratch. Run and play. But one of these days, we won’t be there to yell Happy New Year!

But sad as it seems, I do wish all of you a Happy New Year—and Good Health and Good Cheer.