First off, stop your snickering… there are two “N’s” in that first word, and that totally changes the meaning, will you “kids” never grow-up?!? For anyone who doesn’t know, that is Latin for “horrible year.” It’s a quote by a famous Queen, not a a River Queen, but Elizabeth II, of England.

In a speech given in 1992, Lillibet said,

“1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an ‘Annus Horribilis’.”

She was referring to the year in which:

• Prince Andrew separated from Fergie (not that Fergie! The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson)
• Princess Anne divorced her husband, Captain Mark Phillips
• the suicide of her nephew Prince Albrecht
• the publication of Diana’s ‘tell-all’ book
• the paparazzi catching Fergie topless
• leaked recordings of Diana’s intimate conversations with James Gilbey
• and, lastly, the disastrous fire at Windsor Castle.

Well 2020 has turned into our own ‘annus horribilis‘…

• the loss of three more CHS Class of 1980 classmates this summer… Chuck Nixon, Joe Rixen, and Linda (Storts) Grear
• COVID-19 has turned our world upside down
• an unprecedented economic disaster brought on by the virus
• ingrained societal discrimination resulting in social unrest across the country
• a weather event never before experienced by the citizens of the Iowa, the ‘derecho’ straight line winds, in excess of 100 mph, of August 9th
• AND lastly, and in the scope of the things above not all that important, but… the postponement of our class reunion!

This weekend would have been the celebration of our 40 Year Class Reunion, but it just wasn’t prudent to proceed. But rather than dwell on that which has gone terribly wrong, let us look back at happier times. I wish I had pictures going back further, but what I do have are some reunion pictures from the past 3 reunions (35th, 30th & 25th). If you have “snaps” from ANY reunions… could you scan them and send us a copy? THANKS in advance!

Now enjoy this “walk down memory lane”!

Below are just a couple pictures from the 30th class reunion (I think!)…