Friday, October 7 2022


 Day One starts with us peering up at the sky over the "Sun City".  A recent Mexican hurricane sent lashings of rain yesterday and it is quite overcast this morning. Expect umbrella bumping on the bus this morning.

We are a distinctive crew in our orange shirts grabbing a lite bite in the cafe and greeting each other under the beautiful chandeliers. This is our first opportunity to gather en masse.






Jerry's chartered bus is a god-send.  Hard to imagine all of us scurrying around in our cars and ending up in the right place in a timely manner.  It's still overcast but so far no rain.  While the school has grown and changed the stadium vista is still majestic.





We are headed to the EPHS Alumni Museum, a tiny building off the southwest corner of the campus. Plans are in the offing for an expansion but what the museum lacks in size it makes up in content.

Not a square inch is wasted. Every wall and display case is filled to the brim photos, mementos, spirit ribbons and uniforms.




  








Even the tiny bathroom is thoroughly "tigerized".


Lots of interesting photos and even a long lost relative from 1918.


There was free time to browse the centennial plaques that line the press box.  It was such a popular fund raiser that once the press box was covered the memorials extend out over the plaza.

Of course, what would a EPHS reunion be without a mention of our greatly missed and loved class president, Richie Ford.












It's tradition to gather on the school steps for our class picture.





We're back on the bus and headed to a stop all have been really looking for to, the L&J cafe for a lunch hosted by Jerry Rubin.











Everyone is so happy to be here.  Those who scattered from El Paso forever bemoan the lack of great, authentic Mexican food in their new cities.  I know Skip won't even go out to search anymore which keeps me busy roasting chiles all year.

L&J is deceptively large and is already busy.  We have taken over the whole back room and no sooner than we are seated that the parade of food begins.


















It was one savory taste after another, washed down with beer, margaritas and iced tea.  Just when we thought it couldn't get any better out came dessert!  Tres Leches Cake!

Back on the bus with very full stomachs for a short ride to The St. Rogers Depot, the iconic way station nestled between I-10 and the rail yards.






The inside has been refurbished into event space with two long wings off a central bar area.




You may recognize the signage from the exterior of the El Paso Times building.












Bob "Daddy-O" Wade's last work graces the entry hall. In the mixed media style he pioneered a train engine bears down on the guests. Unfortunately, the reflexion of the bar sign mars this shot.



We are back on the bus for a stop at the Jerry and Stanlee Rubin Center for the Visual Arts.






Nestled at the south end of Miner Stadium it is two floors of gallery and conference space.  A full time director maintains the the exhibit and performance schedule.
A docent led us around the modern and airy center commenting on the current varied and provocative exhibits.



We are again on the bus for our return the Paso del Norte and a short rest.










Last but not least for today is our dinner at State Line restaurant.


I think we were originally scheduled for the patio but the threat of rain persisted.






I think everyone was happy to sit down and relax over generous plates of State Line's iconic offerings, an end to a full and perfect day.




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