Howdy and Happy 50th Anniversary from Raenell & Calvin Ruzicka

Howdy from Texas to our dearest Pat and Gerry, in celebration of your

                              50^th Wedding Anniversary !!!

We are so happy that 36 years ago you were lookin’ for a couple from Texas to befriend, and we are still excited that you chose us.

Recall how this first meeting took place?  Mutual friends of the Taylors’ were going to the same dance and they arranged for Calvin to escort Pat. Gerry would join in the fun later, and Raenell was holding down the fort at home

in Texas.

Once we were settled, we too, filled many evenings with Bridge Club,Supper Club, Theatre, Ladies Bridge, Socials, Dances, Shopping Excursions,Book Club, and celebrated Canadian and U.S. Holidays.   The Taylor’s had been there, done that, and together it was glorious fun.

Once we (the girls) decided that the girls would plan a night on the town, make the reservations and surprise the guys, and all they would know ahead of time was when to get there and if you needed special attire.  Then the guys would

have their turn. Girls would go first, and we planned an evening at one of the beautiful theatres in downtown Toronto. We had hors d’oeuvre on the patio, with

dinner following, the program - the Alvin Ailey Dancers. The guys did not appreciate the blending of the ballet, jazz, Black African, hip-hop. The guys were not appreciative of the dancers’ talents and, refused to stroll the lobby at inter-

mission.  Maybe Gerry and Calvin felt out of place, not having a purse to carry like so many of the men.  Seems like one or both nodded and slept  during the last act. Oh well, they were quiet. 

When it came time for the boys to plan an evening for the girls, you can imagine that it was a trip to a strip club.  Soon after this, our outings seemed to be less often and the

rotation of planning was halted.

In passing, we all know how quick Pat is to grab her camera, and the many photo albums she has amassed.  There is one that maybe titled, “Sunday in Springtime at the Toronto Zoo” or it may be titled “Sex in the Sudan” .  Ask, she may still some 5 X 7’s  in stock.

It seemed that with all the fun and laughter, and a few bubbles down, we four thought we were the funniest thing  that could still walk. That’s when it was time to pull out the

favorites.  Gerry was the self appointed MC, and he would call on Pat as’ Patty Bell, tell your joke about the 2 guys on a sheep ranch, Calvin, how about your parrot one?

Raenell, time for your bride and groom and cutter loose”.  Depending on what “room”we might be “working, ”Gerry would have worked the room and found the bar for

a topping off”. I recall one such night , as when we passed a open hotel door you could hear people having a good time.  We walked into the room, introduced ourselves, told

our jokes, said “Good night” and moved on.

Pat and Gerry, Congratulation on this milestone of life, Thanks for letting us tag along with you.  Never before have we found a couple of friends that became as special as

family, or more so.

We are so sorry that we are not there to celebrate with you, please know you are always on our minds and forever in our hearts.