Coffee in the Morning

2012-01-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

The Entire Campaign in One Cartoon

2012-01-07T19:17:00.001-07:00

Went to a gun show today with a couple of freinds. as guns shows go this one was just ok. No real deals on guns and one table every thing was marked 50-60 percent high. we didn't bother to talk to these people. I don't deal with folks that gouge. But it was a fun day hanging with my buddies. I did pick up some 12 ga buckshot and a couple of magazine for my AK 47. Tomorrow we will watch our two youngest granddaughters while mom and dad hit the slopes snow boarding. I am sure Ava and I will spent time baking brownies or cookies. She loves to bake with grandpa.

2011-12-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

Nasty wind storm. winds 40-60 mph with gust up to 90 mph. from the safety of my house I can see 1/2 dozens fences blown down. The house across the street is going to need a new roof and their siding is flapping in the wind. I won't go out and check my place untill the wind has died down. please pray for my neighbors.

It was nothing but fun.

2011-11-27T11:57:00.001-07:00

My buddies (Jim and Nate) and I headed for the desert yesterday to do some shooting. I was more then pleased with my new AK 47, it shot great. It is so easy to field strip and clean I understand why it is the most popular firearm in the world. As we were leaving my house we drove past a trash can with a 20-25lbs pound pumpkin sitting on top. We had to stop and grab it for a target. It turned into mush by the end of the day. We always pick up our trash after shooting but there was not enough pumpkin left to pick up. Anyway we figured it is bio-degradeable or it will be jackrabbit food. The bride is out of town visiting our youngest son and his wife. She seems to be having a good time and I am sure she is spending a bunch of money. She will be home Tuesday and her sister is coming for a visit Wednesday. I was given orders to make sure the house is clean and in order, so the next few days are planned around the goal of a clean house. There is no rest for the retired.

2011-11-24T08:20:00.001-07:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-11-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

Welcome the newest member of the family.

2011-11-02T17:52:00.003-06:00

Had a root canel today, not as much fun as you think.

2011-11-01T18:40:00.000-06:00

relaxing evening, nice fire in the fireplace it just doesn't get much better then this.

2011-10-18T15:04:00.001-06:00

Not sure what I did but I was taking my snow blower from my shop to the garage (the snow blower I just put new belts on), and it started to smoke, squeal, and do stuff that didn't seem altogether correct. I have taken it back to my shop and disassembled it and started a head sratching session. I think I'll figure it out but I am not sure what I did wrong the first time. Somebody please pray for me!!!!!!

2011-10-05T14:08:00.002-06:00

leaving Thursday to spend the weekend with my son and go to the Changers -Broncos game this Sunday

2011-09-21T17:15:00.002-06:00

Mom was placed on hospice today. They give mom as little as a month. She went to the hospital yesterday morning. It appears she had a small heart attack, a stroke, and she has pneumonia.

2011-09-17T17:39:00.000-06:00

I guess I should catch up my blog. The bride and I had a great time at the high school reunion. We also made time to get together with some old friends, just a wonderful vacation. Been busy doing retired guy stuff, going out to breakfast and lunch with other retired guys, going to the gun range, fishing, and drinking coffee. Spent today replacing a couple of belts on my trusty snow blower, plus changed the fuel filter on my truck. There is no rest for the retired. Tomorrow we will be attending our youngest granddaughter’s birthday party. Little Lea is 1 year old. Time does march on.

2011-08-24T19:11:00.000-06:00

The bride and I are headed for San Diego in the morning. It is time for our 40th high school reunion. Where does the time go?

2011-08-23T19:54:00.000-06:00

I was reading in the paper today there was an article about two illegal mexicans driving around a neighborhood stealing anything they could from open garages and unlocked sheds. Found out this was my neighborhood. My buddy across the street saw four cop cars in front of his house this AM. It appears this is where they stage the arrest.

God Bless our troops

2011-08-08T13:38:00.000-06:00

‎31 lost, 31 unwanted visits, 31 doors receive that dreaded knock, 31 families with shattered hearts, 31 pairs of boots lined up with rifles and dog tags and helmets, 31 comrades remembered and grieved for, 31 funeral services, 31 names on newly made grave markers, 31 empty places at the table, 31 souls who gave all, whose lives leave a void, so let's take 31 seconds to re-post this and pause to reflect on such a sacrifice as 31 gone forever

2011-08-04T15:23:00.001-06:00

"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States." --Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, 1787

Hi

2011-07-31T12:55:00.000-06:00

Been a while since I have posted, No reason just haven’t had much to say. I have been working very hard on the wood pile in the back yard. I have decided that I will have split and stacked before fall. I know it is a lofty goal but since my buddy Nate went got a job we don’t go fishing that much. I told him he was going to ruin a good thing, and he did. Way to go buddy!

I have had a very hard time walking any distance at all without the help of walking sticks. If I try and walk my back tightens up and bends me over. The bride finally got me to go to the doctor’s the other day and he found that I have 3 crushed vertebras. We figured that it happened about 3 years ago when I rolled my ATV.

Thinking back that is about the time I started to have trouble with my back. I may be a little slow on the up take but I get things figure out sooner or later.
Mom is doing alright but she fell the other day and broke her nose. She is very bruised but none the worse for wear.

2011-06-18T10:06:00.002-06:00

Update on my new gun. I went back to CAL Ranch and talked with the manager (Jake) explaining the situation showing him some a copy of Impacts web page with the price they had listed. Jake said they do not match prices and he was not sure that the gun was the same that I bought. We talked a little more when Jake said "I will take care of you". He refunded the $40 plus tax and gave me a CaL ranch ball cap and a Mossy Oaks fanny pack. I will be a CAL ranch customer for life.

2011-06-17T20:08:00.005-06:00

Impulse buys can be a bad thing. I went to the new Cal-Ranch store here in my home town. Walk up to the gun counter and saw a Henry Repeating Arms lever action 22cal calling my name. I held the gun in my hands like it was a new born baby. I had planned to come back in the morning and buy it. However my bride was standing behind me saying if you want it just buy it, so I did. I am very happy with the new gun even though I may have to buy an additional gun safe. But I did check on line with one of my favorite gun stores "Impact Arms" and found they had the same gun $40 cheaper. I would love to say lesson learned, but I have done this before and I will probably do it agian. In the words of the late great John Wayne " Life is hard and it is harder when you are stupid". I just want to go shoot it, maybe Monday morning would be good.

2011-06-16T20:01:00.000-06:00

I take mom to the doctors tomorrow. She is pretty much confined to her wheel chair but is hanging in there. I moved mom out of the rehab facility and back to assisted living a couple of weeks ago. Mom seemed happy to be back at Applevillage.

I am headed off to Flaming Gorge next Wednesday. Plans are to stay until Saturday, so I am hoping my buddies and I have a boat load of fish.

2011-05-10T12:42:00.002-06:00

Home safe and sound. I had wonderful time with my buddy. Talked him into buying another gun (Ruger GP 100 357 Mag). After the purchase of the gun he decided there should be a gun safe in the house, so off we went. We ended up wrestling a 24 gun fire rated safe into the house. Another responsible gun owner is born.

In my opinion mom is not doing well. It is hard to watch her fade away, but I guess that is life. This part of life sucks..

Weather forecast is maybe we will get some spring like weather for a few days. Hope it is true.

2011-04-29T08:25:00.002-06:00

I leave for Pennsylvania in the morning. The bride and I are headed out to visit my buddy and his wife. Should be nothing but a good time. I have family coming over and they will take care of the dogs while we are gone.

Mom continues to work on her recovery, but for the most part I think she is slipping away. She is being well cared for at the rehabilitation facility so I can go on vacation with little worry.

Now that brings up a question, can a man who is retired really go on vacation, or is it just retirement at another location I am sure my buddy and I will spend hours discussing this next week.

2011-04-11T16:09:00.002-06:00

Mom went to the Dr this morning. X rays show that the fracture has not started to heal, and there is a chance that it will not heal. The screws should hold the bone together either way. Mom has to start putting weight on the leg in hopes that she will be able to walk again. Time will tell.

I am tried of snow. Over this past weekend a foot of snow fell in my yard. It is time for spring and I want it now. I want to fish, and go to the desert with more guns then I can shoot in one day. I want to go for my walks around the neighborhood in my shorts scaring small children with the sight of my legs. I want to be warm!!!!!

It looks like I will be heading to my son's around the 20Th of May. As I understand it he is to receive a medal for valor from the police department he works for. This has to do with the shooting he was involed in last year. The boy makes me proud.

2011-03-29T08:57:00.002-06:00

Mom is in the rehab facility and seems to be adjusting. The facility is very nice and the staff is very attentive to mom's needs. I am leaving in few minutes to see how she is doing. The surgeon told us before the surgery that 40% of people in mom's demographics pass away within 4 months the surgery. I guess that is still better then a 50/50 odds. It sucks to get old.

2011-03-23T08:51:00.002-06:00

My mom fell and broke her hip yesterday, she had surgery last night and seem to come through it well. She will spend a few days in the hospital then go to a rehab facility.

2011-03-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my mom’s 90th birthday. We had a very nice party for her Saturday night. Mom was the best I have seen her in months, and she seemed to enjoy herself. My sister came to visit for the birthday. Mom did not know who she was at first, but after I assured mom it was her daughter it all came together. My sister heads home Friday morning, and as always the visit is too short.

We are getting hints of spring and I am ready. I am tired of the snow and cold. Looking forward to fishing with my buddies and bar b ques with all my friends.

2011-02-18T11:07:00.001-07:00

"The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale." --Thomas Jefferson

2011-02-11T14:35:00.001-07:00

Mubarak has stepped down and Obama was excited by what he saw in the streets. Seems funny to me that he mocked the tea party's when they were in the streets. The only difference I can see is there was no violence with the tea parties. Again Obama has proven himself to be a a two faced liar.

2011-02-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

"[A] wise and frugal government ... shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government." --Thomas Jefferson

2011-01-15T14:08:00.002-07:00

Very quite day, the bride is taking a nap on the sofa and I am thinking about taking a walk. We have dinner plans with some Friends this evening and that is about it. Life is good and God is great.

2011-01-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." --Cesare Beccaria, On Crimes and Punishment, quoted by Thomas Jefferson in Commonplace Book

2010-12-27T10:39:00.002-07:00

They are moving mom into the Alzheimer unit today. This is a secure unit and mom will get a much higher level of care. Mom has been wandering the halls of the assisted living center all hours of the night and walking into rooms of the other residents. Mom has been caught trying all the door knobs in the place. There is a fear that mom may go out side and not be able to get back in, and with temps well below freezing this would be a bad thing. We had mom over for our Christmas eve dinner with the kids, grand kids and great grand kids. When I picked mom up Christmas morning she did not remember any of it. The center is moving her so mom will not connect the move with me. I'll take her clean laundry to her tomorrow and see how she is doing.

2010-12-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

I spent a good part of yesterday keeping a friend company while he was in the emergency room. Seems he was having symptoms similar to too when a blocked artery. Intense pain in his back running across the shoulder and down his left arm, and numbness in his fingers. The hospital released him yesterday evening and has scheduled a stress test this morning. Just waiting to hear the results.

The bride is in California, her girlfriend and her spent the weekend at Disneyland and this morning they will board a cruise ship for a 5 day cruise. I am sure they are having a great time.

It is cold and raining this morning so the dogs and I are enjoying a cup of coffee in front of the fire. It is just nice and I do enjoy this time in my life.

2010-11-17T08:17:00.001-07:00

In the world of bazaar I think this ranks pretty high. Yesterday my downstairs toilet erupted. I had left the house to take a friend to a doctor’s appointment. When I came home I found water and very small shredded pieces of toilet paper coating every surface of the bathroom. Thank God there was no fecal matter to be found. But this went at least four feet up the walls, all over the vanity, mirror, floors and had blown out into the hallway. I ran down to the basement and found everything was fine then ran up stairs to check the bathrooms up there and nothing was wrong. I flushed and the toilets and it seemed I was good to go (no pun intended). .

Before I left to help out my buddy I had notice a smell coming from the master bath shower drain. I figure maybe some bacteria had grown and I pour a good amount of bleach down the drain. Maybe the bleach reacted with the gas and the downstairs potty was the first place the pressure could release. Anyway I was told I could not put bleach in the drain anymore. I am glad I was not sitting on the pot when it blew. I am sure it would be embarrassing to explain what happened at the emergency room as they pick small pieces of embedded paper out of the backside. I am off to see what adventures await me today. Wish me luck.

2010-11-12T13:11:00.001-07:00

It‘s been awhile and I have done a lot. The trip to Yellowstone was wonderful, a good time spent with friends. I did get a call from the assisted living center where mom lives and was told that she was in a lot of pain from a fall she had taken. I was 6 hours away and I was stressed just a little bit. My buddy Jim and his wife Maese were house and dog sitting for us and they were kind enough to go and sit with mom in the emergency room. After many test the staff at the hospital could find nothing wrong with mom. Jim and his bride took mom back to the assisted living center and mom promptly forgot she went to the hospital. Thanks to wonderful friends I was able to relax and finish our long weekend.

The bride and I took a trip to Durango CO. to celebrate our 38th anniversary, again just a great weekend. We rode the Durango-Silverton narrow gage railroad, a seven hour round trip but a lot of fun and beautiful country. I figure out the only way to see the part of the country is to be young and in really good shape or ride the railroad. I choose the latter.

My youngest son wanted me to fly over to Denver for a visit. Again it was a good time (I believe I am beginning to sound redundant). I did make an impulse buy while I was out there. I became the proud owner of a new Smith and Wesson M&P9. I found that it is pretty easy to fly with firearms. At least of southwest Airlines, Just make sure it is unloaded and securely locked in your checked luggage. I declared that I had a firearm and was asked to show that it was unload. I was the escorted with my luggage to the TSA and a simple x-ray and it was done. I picked up my luggage and gun at the other end of my trip.

The bride’s sister is in town for a visit and the girls are out spending money and having fun. I have relegated to keeping the house picked up and doing dishes. But I really don’t mind.

2010-11-05T16:04:00.000-06:00

I am still alive,just don't have much to say

2010-10-07T15:21:00.001-06:00

Headed for Yellowstone in the morning. The bride and I are headed up with three other couples. I know this will be fun. full report next week

2010-09-29T19:24:00.002-06:00

I am doing much better, I still have a headache that just won't leave and my balance is a little off. I can just be sitting minding mu own business and the room will start to spin, but I do feel better.

My new granddaughter is just beautiful. I have not had much of a chance to spoil her yet but I'll be working on it.

I need to get out and do some yard work in the morning. Things have just gotten a Little out of hand. I just need to get started and it will go pretty fast.

2010-09-22T10:23:00.002-06:00

encephalitis, I have it and I don't like it. been down just over a week and I am getting better but have a long way to go. I have a brand new granddaughter that I have not seen yet, and she is only 8 miles away. I just don't have the energy and I am in too much pain.

2010-09-11T14:52:00.000-06:00

Do you remember where you were 9 years ago today? Do you remember 3000 dead on American soil? NEVER FORGET, NEVER SURRENDER.

2010-09-09T12:20:00.000-06:00

"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever." --Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 18, 1781

2010-09-06T16:08:00.002-06:00

Craig and Tammy went home yesterday, BUMMER!! But we had a wonderful time The bride spent most of the week spending money and decorating the house. Craig and I spent most of the time fishing. It just does not get much better then that.

I have been invite to go fishing in the morning with my buddy Nate. We are headed for Wilard bay looking for wipers. I hope we find some........

2010-09-06T15:50:00.001-06:00

2010-08-29T08:45:00.002-06:00

My buddy Craig and his wife Tammy came for a visit. They live in Pennsylvania and we get together every year. At least Craig and I trade trips every other year. We have been friends for 30 years and it is more like family the a friendship. God has blessed me with this friendship.

We will get Craig an out of state fishing license here in a little bit and most of the week will be spent fishing. Seeing how Tammy is along on this trip there will be some chick things that need to be done, I not sure what but I know I'll be told as soon as I have the need to know.

Tammy and the bride are talking and laughing so I guess I'll go do the breakfast dishes. see-ya

2010-08-26T07:50:00.002-06:00

I think I will go see the 10:00 showing of the expendables. I know the bride is not interested in an action flick and I need to see a movie where old guys are still tough. But first I need to do the dishes, but I'll have a mean look on my face.

2010-08-26T07:46:00.000-06:00

Went to my post op on Tuesday and the Dr said I was doing great and I had no restrictions. So yesterday a buddy of mine wanted to go shooting and I said "sure". This morning I have placed some restrictions on myself. The shoulder is very sore. I am glad we only used handguns and not rifles. Need coffee............bye

2010-08-22T12:48:00.002-06:00

I am feeling much better. The shoulder is still very sore but is on the mend. I was able to sneak out in the truck and go to the store. It was great to get out of the house for awhile. The bride and I are going to see mom and pick up her dirty laundry. Not much else, just wish it was football season. GO CHARGERS

2010-08-19T16:19:00.003-06:00

My surgery went well, however shortly after I got home I was gasping for breath after any movement. I have had blood clots in the lungs twice before and this felt a lot like that. The bride hauled me off to the emergency room and after many tests and many hours it was determined that I had aspirated something during surgery and it had settled in my right lung. The DR called it phenomena and give me some antibiotics. The pain from the surgery is not as bad as I thought it would be and I am able to manage with some pain killers.

2010-08-16T13:16:00.002-06:00

Having shoulder surgery on Wednesday. I figure I will not post anything for awhile. I am lousy at typing with two hands and be twice as lousy with one.

2010-08-08T16:31:00.002-06:00

Had a bar-b-que at the house last night, invited a few freinds and had a wonderful time. Hamburgers and hotdogs abounded. The bride made her homemade baked bean and mac salad. It was nothing but fun. I am thinking I will do it again before the end of summer.

2010-08-05T09:03:00.001-06:00

Just want to wish my daughter HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2010-08-03T08:24:00.001-06:00

Just got back from my walk, sometimes the walk is no fun but I do feel great when I get done. Funny how that works we all go through tough times and it drags you down but when you get through you feel fine. That is as deep as I am going today.

I will be taking mom out for lunch in awhile, first I need to do a load of laundry for her and put some weed and feed on the lawn. Some important papers have been misplaced and the house was torn to shreds trying to locate them. I need to put the house together again and start the search over. At least I know where the papers are not and I can proceed searching other areas. Of all the things I have lost I miss my mind the most. I am off like a heard of turtles , see ya

2010-07-26T09:57:00.003-06:00

I am home safe and sound from the great state of Alaska, had a wonderful time and even caught some fish. It seems the allergies I have been complaining about were really a sinus infection. The bride took me to Urgent Care almost as soon as I got home from the trip. I am on some antibiotics and I think I am getting better, Just not sure yet. I know I have almost zero energy. I think it is nap time. Bye bye

2010-07-12T18:30:00.002-06:00

Time is getting close. I am headed for Alaska Friday morning for a week of fishing. I will be in a different location from my previous Alaskan fishing trips and guess I be fishing the Kenai River for Red Salmon. My past trips we were targeting silver (Coho) salmon which are a wonderful sport fish and taste good to boot. I understand that the red salmon smoke up the best and I smoke almost all the fish I catch I figure this will work out well.

There will be four of us on the trip my buddy Jim, Scott, his wife Nancy and myself. We have a cabin lined up that is within walking distance of the river and is in or very near the town of Soldotna. The trip it self has spiraled a little out of control for price but, there is a quote I that like “Life is a big canvas, throw all the paint you can” and that is how I am approaching this trip.

I am sure that I will have a number of adventures to report when I return. Until then take care and be safe.

Town Hall

2010-07-08T10:35:00.003-06:00

Allergies are kicking my butt this morning. I did not go for my walk and I am not going to do any housework. I am going to watch TV and think about going back to bed.

I went to Senator Orrin Hatch’s town hall meeting last night. Senator Hatch is one of the most powerful men in Washington having been there for 34 years. I was able to express my belief that the founding fathers did not imagine career politicians, and that power corrupts and the D.C. in Washington stands for District of Corruption. I asked the Senator if he would support term limits for congress. That is when it got a little heated. The good senator told me that there were term limits already. My darling bride said she was sure he meant that if didn’t like the guy you could vote him or her out of office. But that is not what was said. After his comment I don’t think I needed the microphone that I was using. I explained that he had been in the senate for 34 years and he was shooting for another 6 years. When the subject of a constitution amendment limiting congressional terms be proposed the good senator in no uncertain terms that he would not waste his time writing a amendment that had no chance of passing. There were a few calls from the audience saying “just write it’ and the answer was “NO”

So it appears that we have a government out of control government in place that will not listen to us and is almost impossible to change. Things that make you go “hummm”

2010-06-24T13:31:00.001-06:00

It is a beautiful summer day in northern Utah. The kind of day that makes you glad not to be in an office some place. Spent most of yesterday on a lake with my buddy Nate, We managed to catch our limit of trout. I managed to talk Nate into taking all the fish. It is not that I don’t like fish but I just finished smoking about 15 maybe 20 pounds of trout and salmon and I have plenty for fish. I kept 1/3 of the smoked fish and handed out the other 2/3 to Nate and Jim. The fish was from our last fishing trip to Flaming Gorge.

I slept in a little later then normal this morning and got a late start on my walk. It had warmed up enough that it affected the quality of the walk and I did struggle a little. But I figure if I keep plugging along it will only get better.

I misplaced my to do list which has really worked out for the best. I have forgotten what was on it so I don’t have to do any chores, Makes for a relaxing day.

2010-06-11T19:07:00.001-06:00

It is raining and will be raining for the next few days. Parts of the state are flooding or have flooded. I figure it must be global warming (sarcasm that was sarcasm). All in all life is going very well. My buddy Nate just got his boat fixed and wants to go fishing. But it is raining and will be raining for the next few days. So maybe Monday would be good. Tuesday would not be good, I have a doctor’s appointment in the early afternoon and I know if the fish are biting we will not leave the water. Wednesday would also be good; looking at my schedule any day next week would be good except Tuesday.

I took my mom to the hospital today for a yearly treatment for her bones. The bone density test she had a few months ago showed she was at moderate risk for just breaking. This treatment should stop her bone loss. We got done about lunch time and she wanted a burger for lunch. We ended up at the Red Robin and they do put out a tasty burger. The bride and I went out for a little shopping and trying to figure out what to do for date night.

We figured out date night, the bride made hamburgers and French fries. We have a fire in the fireplace and we are watching TV. Maybe we will hit the garage sales in the morning.

2010-05-31T15:44:00.002-06:00

One of my three readers has complained that I do not post much anymore. Never really sure if I posted a lot but I have slowed down. I explained that since I retired I have been too busy to spend time on the computer. He expressed some doubt in this fact. He is retiring at the end of September and he'll learn that there is not rest for the retired. I need to turn off the water in the garden so I will sign off now. Only the Lord knows how many tasks will come from just turning off water.

2010-05-22T15:06:00.000-06:00

I have not dropped off the face of the earth, but I have been busy. I left on the 9th of May with a couple of buddies and went fishing at Flaming Gorge , left the Gorge on the 12th did laundry and the bride and I headed of Las Vegas s on the 13th. Met up with my buddy of 30 years and his wife, had a wonderful time and lost a lot of money. Came home on the 16th and I took off for Denver to visit my son on the 17th. Got home on the 20th and here I sit. The bride and I did go out with some friends to see a Beatles tribute band (1964 the Tribute) in Salt lake last night. Those guys were very good and put on a great show. Today the bride had decided to tackle the computer / throw anything in there to hide it room. We have made a very large dent in the room and thrown out a lot of stuff that should have been tossed when we hid it in the room. Not much else going on and I don’t plan any more trips until the 16th of July when I leave for Alaska to go fishing.

2010-05-04T15:03:00.000-06:00

I had a tough night last night. The dogs woke me up about 1:30 this morning and I could not get back to sleep. I think I am going to survive. Had a great visit with an old friend from our pre retirement days, I had not seen him in a year or so and he bought breakfast. Good visit.

I had a cup of coffee with mom today and again explained to her why she was living in an assisted living center. I know my explanation did not take hold and I will have go over it again, again, and again. I know this must be hard for mom, her dementia continues to worsen. But on the bright side we did see a number of Lazuli Buntings at the bird feeder. Really pretty birds I have only seen them once in my back yard but there was at least three pair at the assisted living center, and that is only a half mile from my house.

Buddy Nate and I attempted fishing at Willard bay and again we were forced to retreat to the sanctuary of the marina. We did manage to last about 10 minutes in the main part of the bay this time. But having waves come over the bow of the boat is not my idea of a really good fishing trip. I figure we should have a good fishing trip starting this Sunday. Nate, Jim and my self head for three days at Flaming gorge. We always have a good time and manage to catch a fish or two along the way. As soon as we get back the bride and I will head to Las Vegas to see my buddy Craig and his wife for the weekend. Life is good and God is great.

2010-04-22T08:00:00.002-06:00

It's snowing, and snowing hard. I had some work I was going to do outside but it will have to wait until another day

2010-04-18T16:19:00.003-06:00

The bride and I went and saw mom at the assisted living center yesterday. We checked he out and went for a ice cream cone and a nice ride. She seems to be doing just fine and is getting use to the place.

I built a picnic table for my granddaughter. It turned out better then I had hoped. Can't wait to give it to her.

Spent most of the day cleaning up the yard. mainly working on the fire wood pile. I still have some to split and some to stack. I will spend a good deal of the spring and summer getting some more wood and getting ready for winter. We all know in Utah winter is just around the corner

2010-04-06T09:00:00.002-06:00

I am in Colorado this week spending some time with my son. I always have a great time while I am out here, both he and his wife are wonderful and we spend most of the time laughing. The boy and I will be working on put a tile backsplash in his kitchen. That means the first thing we do this morning is go tool shopping. Life is good, and God is great.

2010-04-01T09:08:00.002-06:00

Springtime in Utah, this is my backyard this morning. I think it is a little too early to plant tomatoes.

This is the bear chair I made for my youngest granddaughter. It was a fun project and she does seem to enjoy it. My next project is a child size picnic table. I have the plans and look forward to the construction phase.

I am moving mom into an assisted living center this weekend. I am not happy about it but feel this is for the best. I don't feel I give mom the care that she needs, but I do try. My bride and freinds have noticed a downward turn in my attitude and in my health. The stress of being a full time caregiver can be overwhelming. I just hope that I am doing the right thing. I ask you please to keep me in your thoughts and prayers

2010-03-15T19:38:00.002-06:00

It's been busy around here. My sister was out for a visit. We had a wonderful time laughed most of the week.

Mom has not been doing so good, I believe she had a small stroke a week ago Saturday. At one point she did not know who I was. She seems to be doing better but there is a difference in her mannerisms. Plus she has had an infection of some kind. The Dr. prescribed some antibiotics and she is doing somewhat better.

The weather was beautiful today and I got some yard work accomplished. I have a full day of yard work planned for tomorrow.

2010-03-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

I was chastised in my own backyard this afternoon. I was setting on a bench in the backyard and it seems that two dark eyed junco’s have set up housekeeping in one of my birdhouses. I have to assume that I disturbing their move in. I didn’t think that they would be using the houses this early, but it made me smile. I had two additional birdhouses I had just built and they went up today.

Tomorrow my friend Nate and I are headed to the desert and exercise our Second amendment right. It will be good to get out and burn some powder. Nate, Jim, and I have put in for the muzzle loader deer hunt this year. So I will be taking my muzzle loader out and see if I can remember how to make it go boom.

2010-02-25T14:09:00.002-07:00

Some people's kids. Some bonehead went to the airport was in the process of declaring their gun and the weapon discharged injuring a skycap. For Pete's sake why would you not triple check the weapon before you leave the house? Anybody that handles firearms should know what condition the weapon is in at all times. This will give the anti gunners something too chatter about

2010-02-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Things are going well in my little corner of the world. The bride and I are headed down to Salt Lake City to watch a performance of Swan Lake and then to dinner at Benihana’s.

We spent last weekend in Salt Lake City just for a small get away. Had a very dear friend stay with mom, and just had a great time. We ended up buying the droid phone and monthly data package which allows internet access from the phone and so many cool buttons and whistles. It is the very latest in high tech time wasting.

I have spent a lot of time this week out in the shop puttering around. “Puttering “is just such a cool word. It covers so many aspects of life. You can putter in the garden, in the shop, the garage, and even in the house and you don’t have to accomplish anything. I mean how cool is that? The bride has called me from her work to ask what I am doing and I say “puttering” and I am covered. Life just doesn’t get much better then that.

I believe I will get one more cup of coffee and go putter some where. Have a blessed day and take care.

2010-02-09T14:25:00.002-07:00

This is a true story only the names will be changed to protect the naïve. The battery in my watch died about a week ago. The bride told me I should go to J.C. Penny’s and get it replaced. So I went to Penny’s and ask the young lady (we will call her Thor the Norse god of thunder and lighting) at the jewelry department of they replaced watch batteries. Thor said it is $9.99 and she would be glad to help me. I handed her my watch which is about 6 years old. And off she went around the corner of the jewelry counter. In just a matter of minutes Thor was back saying that she did not have the correct size battery and recommended a store that might have it. I could see her struggle getting the back of my watch reinstalled. She pushed and pushed to no avail. Again she headed around the corner of the jewelry counter, this time I followed. Penny’s has a little watch press used to install the back plate of watches. I stood by having a conversation with young lady and seeing she was having just rough time of it. I jokingly commented “I would take a hammer to the sucker.” In a matter of seconds I heard a “whump, whump” and I saw Thor smacking my watch with a hammer. I yelled “ I was kidding” and she looked at me with horror in her eyes and stammering “ don’t say that, please don’t say that” By this time I am doubled over laughing as Thor goes on explaining that she does not know what she was thinking and she would have never done this on her own. All this time I am laughing uncontrollable. Thor brings me my watch and the little watch press and together we try and reassemble my watch. I am looking at the tattered inner workings and I realize the old watch has ticked its last tock. I am still laughing when Thor asks if I want a new watch. I tell her sure why not, but I told her I did not want her too get into trouble. . I was asked what I paid for the watch which was $50.00 along time ago. Thor says I can have $47.00 credit and I pick out a $60.00 watch. Her little fingers are flying all over the cash register and she tells me I will owe $3.99. I get the receipt and Thor has given me a bunch of discounts. So I went to the store too buy a $10.00 battery and I walked out with a $4.00 watch.

2010-02-04T23:04:00.002-07:00

I changed the fuel filter in my truck yesterday, I deeded it was not too cold. I also did the air filter.

I can tell we are coming out of winter even though they are predicting snow for this weekend. It will be late March or early April until can even think about putting anything in the ground. It will probably be that long until the snow is gone from my yard. Sometimes I wished I lived someplace warm. Anymore I get this way around Febuary. I don’t do the cold like I use too. I could spend hours sitting on a frozen lake trying to pull fish up through a small hole in the ice and not be bothered at all. Or I would take off for the desert and tramp all over Gods frozen land looking for rabbits. Now I get upset if I have forgotten to turn on the heated seats in the bride’s car. Yes it is sad I have become soft and I whine about things, but I do it well.

Tomorrow is a day filled with errands with the bride (she has the day off) , and a surprise birthday party in the evening. Saturday is a gun show here in town. A few friends and I plan to attend. I really don’t need anything but it is fun to hang with some buddies and look at guns and ammo. Who knows I may find something I can not live with out that I just don’t know about yet. Time will tell, take care

2010-01-29T13:14:00.001-07:00

Took my truck in to have my transmission, and transfer case serviced along with an oil change, it set me back a little but you do what you have to do. As soon as I determine that it is not to cold I will change the fuel filter.

The owner of the transmission shop showed me the pan off my tranny and pointed out there were more metal shaving then they would have expected. Told me to watch out for slipping or hard shifting, the old tranny seems to run out real strong but I will pay more attention to it. A rebuild on it will run about $2600, which is a lot cheaper then a new truck. The bride and I will put a category in the budget to save for the repair if needed. It is our endeavor to never use credit again. If we don’t have the cash we don’t need it.

Things are going pretty well in the household. The bride is counting the days until she can retire. As it stands right now it is just under three years, but rumors abound about an early out. I think we can swing it if she pulls the plug. We only have one bill left (it’s a big one) and we are on track to have it paid in two years time. It will be glorious to have no debt at all. I have just been informed that I need to fix the light in my mom’s bathroom. See-ya

2010-01-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

My daughter informed us that we will be grandparents again. I am a happy camper

2010-01-13T21:38:00.002-07:00

Been awhile since I had anything to say, life has been somewhat emotional lately. It looked like I was going to have to put mom is an assisted living facility. Tension in the house was off the scale. We took mom to a new doctor that specializes in the elderly and she put mom on an additionally medication that has done wonders so far.

I have a lawyer working on making me mom’s guardian, and conservator. This is a necessary step. I have talked with my sister and she thinks this is for the best. Sometimes life is not fun.

I blogged about my son’s in laws losing their son just before Christmas, his daughter, their granddaughter fell off the kitchen counter last night and they had to use life flight to transport her to primary children’s hospital today. She has a concussion, cracked skull, and had internal bleeding in the brain. The last report I had was the child was doing well and the bleeding had stopped. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts.

2010-01-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year.!!! I woke up this morning to find one of the dogs had pooped in the house. Not really the way I wanted to start my year. I am hoping that it only gets better from here.

The bride and I stayed up to see the New Year in last night and now I remember why we don’t stay up any more. It was no big deal and we ate way too many snacks waiting for the stroke of midnight.

I did something I am proud of. I came across a bag of firecrackers laying around the house, and knowing that they are illegal in the Great State of Utah I knew I had to get rid of them. The bride and I love to watch law enforcement type shows. On many of these shows I watch the contraband gathered by the many law enforcement agencies get destroyed by fire, and that is what I did. At midnight last night I put a match to the firecrackers. In less then a minute they were gone and I felt so much better knowing that I had dome the right thing.

The bride has just wandered downstairs and I think I should go spend some time with her, besides my coffee cup is empty. Again Happy New Years to all

2009-12-27T07:14:00.002-07:00

I just had to delete my Christmas post. I had a comment that looked like Chinese writing. Interspersed in this post was the word "sex", it also appeared to be a link, and no I
I did not click on it. I figured at best this would infect the computer with a virus and at worst it it was porn. I want nothing to do with either.

2009-12-11T11:56:00.004-07:00

On Wednesday Dec 9 my daughter in law's 25 year old brother passed away. We have been busy helping the family any way we can. There will be a "celebration of life" service this evening and a family graveside funeral tomorrow. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

2009-11-29T10:50:00.001-07:00

Home safe and sound after a wonderful week visiting my son and his bride; plus watching as much football as we could in one week. Went on another ride along with Nick (He is a cop) . This was my third ride along and the second time we had a dead body. Nick was calling me the angel of death. Seeing someone dead is never the highlight of my trip but it is interesting to see how the situation is handled.

I did enjoy the Chargers beating the Broncos last week and the seats were the best I have had for any sporting event. We were 14 rows from the field and it was fantastic, the fact that the charges won buy the score of 32 to 3 help a lot.

The Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful and we laughed during the whole meal. My son did the majority of the cooking and is a wonderful cook. The only down side to the trip was having to put down one of Nick’s dogs. It was hard but had to be done. I was able to help share the grief and was glad I was there for my boy and his wife.

2009-11-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

I am headed off for Denver in the morning. My youngest son and I will be attending the Chargers vs Broncos game; we will be decked out in our finest San Diego yelling at the top of our lung. I can not wait. I will stay through Thanksgiving and return home the following Saturday. The bride and mom will come out to Denver Tuesday before Thanksgiving should be a good time.

2009-11-17T12:54:00.001-07:00

Safety tip.. Do NOT vacuum around the fireplace when you have a fire going. I took the vacuum extension and was cleaning off the hearth, when I was done I could smell something really bad. None of the dogs were around so I could not blame them. With my keen eye I noticed a large amount of smoke coming out of the vacuum. I figure this was not good and I carried it outside opened it up and the vacuum bag was smoldering away. I pulled the bag out and tossed it into the snow. All was good on the home front. I explained what happened to the bride and she still wants me to vacuum, I can’t seem to catch a break.

2009-11-13T09:26:00.002-07:00

The brides sister is in town and the girls have been on the go every since her plane touched down. They seem to be having a wonderful time. I have no idea how much this is going to cost, but I would bet it going to be a lot.

The Internet has been going on about Obama plans to sign a world treaty end privet ownership of guns. Even if he signs this piece of crap I doubt it could be ratified by the congress. If they do ratify I would bet it would get real ugly over here.

2009-11-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

Not much going on in my life. I did take mom for a pedicure, and manicure today. She loves being pampered.

2009-10-29T08:10:00.000-06:00

I have sent my e mail off to Home Depot on my protest for the firing of the gentleman for wearing his “One nation under God” button.
This is a quote from the pledge of allegiance, so is Home depot anti God or anti America, or both? This is one more example of political correctness gone awry. I have spent thousand of dollars at Home Depot and I told them no more. It looks like Lowes gets all my money now.

2009-10-26T14:26:00.001-06:00

A week of anniversaries for me, Oct 28th is my wedding anniversary, Oct 30 is my heart attack anniversary, and Oct 31 is my service comp date for the government. I will be married to my bride for 37 years, 8 years since my heart attack, and 36 years since I started with the government. Since I retired at the first of the year my service comp date has lost much of its meaning. The heart attack still means a bunch too me. For those of you that know me well know I have been in the hospital every fall since the heart attack. This year I am hoping to stay out, and not every year has been heart related. There were the two years with blood clots in the lungs, there was the double knee replacement and let’s not forget my ATV rollover and the life flight out of the desert, and to think fall use to be my favorite time of the year.

2009-10-14T16:13:00.002-06:00

The bride and I are headed off to Disneyland in the morning. We will be home Monday. I was also invited to go fishing this weekend. Out of the two I know where I would rather be, but will keep that to myself. Just in case the bride happens to read my blog. It will be a good time and she has been wanting to go for a very long time. A little known secret about Disneyland history: I was there the first day it opened. It was pretty short at the time but mom said I had fun. As much fun as a two year old can have in a stroller. Maybe I still look good in mouse ears

2009-10-09T08:27:00.000-06:00

President Obama has won the Nobel peace prize. What a joke. He was nominated less then two weeks after he took office. He had barely had time to find all the bathrooms in the Whitehouse much less do anything of substance. The only thing the man has done is increase the debt, surround himself with left wing socialist, government take over major manufacturing, and abuse power buy firing the head of a corporation with absolutely no constitutional authority . The president has managed to make himself look the fool in an attempt to hold the Olympics in Chicago. I am sure his main goal was to increase the wealth of his cronies. All the time troops in Afghanistan are pleading for help. You make the decision on what is more important for a president, the Olympics or the men and women on the ground in a war zone? I know which way I would lean, but then I am not the chosen one.

I pray for my country and hope we can survive the on slot of stupidity that is being forced on us. God Bless America

2009-09-22T10:04:00.002-06:00

The bride and I are headed off for a vacation. We will spend two days in NYC, then get on a cruise ship for New England and Canada. Should be nothing but fun....

2009-09-15T09:53:00.002-06:00

Not much going on in my life. Just finished a cup of coffee and I am watching the price is right with mom. Stayed up late last night watching football. The Chargers beat the much hated Raiders; however they did not look good but a win is a win.

I picked up a truck load of fire wood yesterday afternoon. Both the bride and mom love fires and I go through a lot of wood every winter.

I feels like fall is coming, it is cool in the mornings and you can feel the change in the air.

2009-09-07T19:51:00.003-06:00

Got home today from a relaxing weekend in Las Vegas. We saw three shows and they were great, Terry Fator, defending the caveman, and Jersey Boys.

2009-09-02T17:26:00.003-06:00

Pulled some carrots out of the garden today and used them in a carrot-cake recipe I found on the web. I was just wondering if I was suppose to wash the carrots before I mixed them into the batter?

The bride and I are headed to Las Vegas this weekend. We have tickets to a couple of shows and plan on having a very relaxing weekend.

2009-08-23T10:47:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was an all guy type of day. It started off with a couple of buddies and I having breakfast, and then going to a gun show. I bought a gun and 1,000 rounds of ammo. I finished of the day with an evening fishing trip and we caught some very nice fish. Just fun all day long.

2009-08-13T18:20:00.000-06:00

inner ear infection has got me down

2009-08-12T21:20:00.001-06:00

I guess I should update what has been going on. Last Friday they hauled mom off in an ambulance. Mom passed out, it seems that she got dehydrated and her blood pressure bottomed out. Scary to say the least. I have her drinking a lot of water and Gatorade and she is doing so much better.

I took mom to the mountains today. She gets bored setting around the house so I try to keep her busy. We were up around 10,000 feet in elevation and mom walked about 25 yards total and I was not sure I would get her back in the truck. I figure the air was just to thin for her. I started back down the mountain at full speed. I had driven about 5 minutes when she started complaining about how fast I was driving. I knew she was okay, I turned the truck around and headed back over the mountain. ( We traveled from Kamas UT to Evanston WY ) . Had nice lunch in Evanston and came home. All and all we traveled a little over 200 miles and had a good time.

Had breakfast this morning with some old friends that retired a couple of years before I did. It was good to see them and we all had a good meal and laughed the whole time. That just about does it for an update on me and mine.

2009-08-04T10:55:00.000-06:00

Busy morning so far. I started off with coffee, the only way to start the morning. I spent a good portion of the morning splitting fire wood. It will be 97 degrees today but I know winter is just around the corner and I have to get it done. I finished off pulling weeds from around the bird feeder and picking tomatoes, peppers, and onions from the garden. I figure to use all as ingredients (not the weeds) in great sandwiches for lunch.
I called an old friend that retired a couple of years before me and planned a fishing trip for tomorrow morning. Both of us being fishermen we figure to spend most of the morning lying to each other and have a good time.

2009-08-03T14:01:00.003-06:00

I just had a great conversation with Dave, a friend I met bloging. Dave is from Scotland. and a heck of a nice guy. Utilizing SKYPE and my new wireless laptop with a built in webcam we talked for a little over 15 minutes I have decided SKYPE is a wonderful thing. With SKYPE I am able to talk to anyone in the world free. Dave tried to talk me into using SKYPE a few years ago but I was resistant. That was foolish of me. I look forward to having conversations with Dave in the future, and any of you that have SKYPE let me know.

2009-07-27T13:53:00.000-06:00

Not real happy right now. I took mom out for lunch; we met the bride at one of her favorite restaurants. That part was a lot of fun. A gentleman and his wife came in saying that someone with a big white truck had a flat tire. Turn out it was me. I got out my air compressor and pumped up the tire enough to get me to Discount tires where I had purchased the tires a couple of years ago. I figured to get the flat fixed and all would be good. I got to looking at my tires and realized that they were just about worn out. You could see the wear indicator and I had about 3/32 of tread left. I have only put a little over 30,000 miles on the 60,000 mile Pirelli tires. I was not a happy camper. I had the inflation up to specs and I rotated the tires every time they were due. I did everything right, but they did not live up to their marketing. Talking with the young man behind the counter I let him know I was upset. They did prorate the old tires to the tune of $332. But it still cost me $600 for a set of four new tires. I did not go back with the Pirellis I choose the Pathfinder all terrain. If I do not have good luck with these tires I will be going back to Big O tires or maybe Les Swab. Anyway that was my lunch date with mom.

Ava goes swimming

2009-07-24T20:13:00.002-06:00

2009-07-18T12:05:00.001-06:00

The bride and I went to the opera (Carmen) last night. We had front row center seats. The seats were great and the talent was amazing. However I was a little frustrated to start. I believe this was my first opera, and my first thought was this is America, speak English! It wasn’t until I was halfway through the first act when I found the sub titles, they where on a small screen at the very top of the stage. This made the experience so much more enjoyable. I had read the synopsis of the opera so I had a general idea of what was happening but the sub titles put it all together.

I finally got to sleep last night about 1:00am. That is very late for me. The dogs got me up about 6:30 this morning to go out. I thought about staying up, but it was a fleeting thought thank goodness. I had been up about an hour or so when mom came in to tell me the pool (above ground) was ‘spilling out”. Now she claims that she does not know what happening, but one of the filter hoses was lying on the ground. I figure my momma was trying to straighten up and things went awry. All you can do is smile and put things back together.

The bride is out with a girl friend doing girl stuff. All three of us (bride, mom, and myself) are headed for a bar-b-que this afternoon. I love summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This E mail is making the rounds and I felt it needed to be shared. Our country is about 180 degree out!

2009-07-14T09:55:00.001-06:00

Band of Brothers Hero

From a buddy. May 'Shifty RIP.
Frank
---------------------
We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.

I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy
Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st
Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the
History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10
episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't
know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having
trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he
was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol
of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne
or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the
101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served,
and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so,
and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training
jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know
where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what
D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into
Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . .
and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said
"Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are
left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart
was in my throat and I didn't know w hat to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in
Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back
to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came
forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have
it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are
still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make
an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And
mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.

No big event in Staples Center.

No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.

No weeping fans on television.

And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet
way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to
the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

2009-07-12T08:57:00.004-06:00

Had a fun day fishing with my buddy Nate and his "new" thirty year old boat. The boat and motor are both thirty three yeas old and work great. We putted around East Canyon reservoir most of the day and even caught some fish. Nate did out fish me two to one, but he owns the boat and I want to get invited out again so I made sure some of the fish I had on the line got off before I boated them, just don't tell Nate.

I'll be headed outside soon to do a little bit of yard work. I see a couple of weeds that need to challenged, I believe I'll be up to the task. It should be 92 degrees today so I want to split some wood befor it gets to warm. All and all it wil be a quite day at the house.

2009-07-08T16:23:00.002-06:00

I have seen a pair of Blackheaded Grosbeaks at my bird feeder lately. The new bird feed has been bringing better variety of birds. I do enjoy setting on the deck and watching the birds. My sister thinks I am a nerd but what does she know.