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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

inner ear infection has got me down

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

My dogs know how to relax. I am sure they had a tough day of running around the backyard and barking at the neighbors dog. Top to bottom is Dusty, Foxy, and Maggie, and they are NOT spoiled.

I am leaving in the morning. Headed off to the Denver area to visit my son for a few days. I decided to drive so I could take a few guns along to do some shooting with the Boy. Planning on shooting his AR 15. That is his patrol gun, he is a cop. I'll take along my mini 14 and a borrowed Taurus 1911. I want the boy to shoot that Taurus and see that it is a quality weapon. Talk to you guys sometime in the future,.

Got back from flaming Gorge on Wednesday. Fishing was wonderful, but catching was not so good. The lake level was raising quickly and the fish were scattered . The weather got bad every afternoon and we were chased off the lake. Wednesday morning the skies opened up as we prepared to launch the boat.. we turned the truck around and headed for home. But we did have a great time. There was more then one discussion about going back this fall. I hope that we do.

Got a point and shoot video camera and mom was the first victim

I am headed for Flaming Gorge again. I leave first thing in the morning and will be home sometime Wednesday. Packing rain gear this time, it is suppose to be some what wet. I'll post pictures when I get home.

WASHINGTON -- A gunman opened fire inside the Holocaust Memorial Museum in the nation's capital Wednesday, shooting and reportedly killing a security guard before other officers returned fire and shot the assailant, officials said.
WTTG, the FOX affiliate in Washington, has confirmed that the 39-year-old guard who was shot has died of his injuries after being taken to a hospital.
Police are now looking at an elderly man identified as James Von Brunn as the shooter, FOX News has learned -- though D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier would not confirm the identity of the suspect.
A man named James Von Brunn operates a white supremacist Web site, Holy Western Empire, that carries several anti-Semitic statements. A biography of Brunn posted on the site says he is a World War II veteran who served time in federal prison for trying to make a "citizens arrest" of Federal Reserve Board members in 1981.



Any way you want to look at this it is terrible. I pray for those that have shot. But I am amazed that the news is all over this white supremacy nut job, but will hardly mention the Muslim wing nut that killed a US solider at a recruiting office last week.

It seems the Left is attacking Conservatives blaming those who attended the
‘Tea Party's” for the cause of this attack, they need to remember that their number one President Obama wants to meet with another Holocaust denier, President Ahmadinejad.”

Busy day, mom and I got haircuts, I had blood drawn, I put "miracle gro" on the garden, and I changed the filter for my air conditioner/ furnace. This is one of those big high efficient type filter that is a bit of a pain to change. But it is done and should be good for the next six months. I also bought some locks for my gate and my work shop. I had a key lock on the shop but every time I went out there I forgot the key. So I have a combination lock now. Now to sit back eat a banana and maybe have a glass of wine.

The bride and I went to the Fleetwood Mac concert last night and it was wonderful. I did confess to my bride of almost 37 years that I had been in love with Stevie Nicks years ago. She made me promise that there would be no lusting during the concert. I pretty much kept my promise. However I did fall in love again. Stevie came out in the flowing warps that made her look almost mystical and her haunting voice and lyrics captured me again. It was two plus hours of great music and wonderful memories. The singing stopped and she walked off the stage and out of my life. It was over, and I left with the bride just as happy as a man could be even though I can not convince the bride to change her name to Stevie but I'm working on it.

Got back from fishing yesterday.
We were on the water before sunrise and it was worth the early get up time.

Jim with one of his many fish.

Nate was tearing up on catching fish. A good time had by all

I am leaving tomorrow afternoon for a two day fishing trip to Flaming Gorge. I know that this will be a good time. I am driving so I need to clean out my truck so I won't catch that much grief from my buddies. They do tend to whine from time to time.

Found this on a gun forum and thought it was funny

A Canadian is sort of like an American, but without a gun.

I had no idea that being retired would be so busy. It seems lately that I do not have a minute to call my own. To be honest taking care of my mom is a full time job. I don't like to leave her alone for long periods of time. I see her dementia is progressing, her health is great. I think she is in better health than I am. She does get confused and she forgets what she has said within seconds of saying it. I can't tell you how many times I answer the same question in any given hour. But what I have read about dementia is you answer the question like it is the first time they have asked it, to them it is the first time. My mom is happy and she is safe. To me that is the important thing.

I am not going to say that I am getting old, but everytime I walked out of my buddy's house there were vultures lurking about.

The fishing was very slow this trip and it rained almost everyday. We still had a good time and I will show you a few pics from my trip.

The vultures were starting to get on my nerves

I am home

I am headed off to Pennsylvania and I’ll be back in a little over a week.

It is a crime to use some one's ID and/or SSN, but in the great state of Colorado it seems the ACLU is take this issue to the state supreme court on the behalf of illegal aliens. If a citizen of the United States were to use a false ID or some one's SSN they would go to jail. But it seems that the ACLU and others on the left will swept breaking the law by illegals under the rug. To me this is so wrong on so many levels.

Men’s breakfast this morning at church, and the bride and I have been cleaning out closets and drawers this afternoon, pretty busy day. It has turned cold and it may rain a little. I think it is about time to settle down in front of a fire and watch some tube.

It has been a fairly busy morning, Had some blood drawn, blood pressure checked,picked up meds for mom, and met the bride for lunch. I also picked up some brake pads for the truck. I will do the brakes in the morning and I plan on splitting some wood this afternoon. It has turned out to be a beautiful day and the forecast is for great weather for the rest of the week. I had planned to go fishing on Thursday but my Thursday morning got clogged up. Mom and I were going for haircuts this morning. The lady that does our hair had to take he daughter to the doctor, some kind of a rash or something. She called and asked if we could come Thursday. So I will go Friday (Nate get your poles ready). I figure to head out about 8:00 Thursday morning. (Nate I'll be at your house about 8:15). That's about it for the day, not rebel rousing, no protest, no nothing.

more pics

I attended one of the many Tax day Tea Parties held around the nation. The crowd in Salt Lake City was about a 1000 strong. The protesters were polite and well behaved. A lot of the signs were directed at Obama but many were bi partisan as was mine. The government is out of control in its spending and the folks in congress are more interested in staying in power then doing what is good for the country. The turn out across the nation was incredible but you are hard pressed to find it mentioned by the main stream media. It seems that the average citizen is dismissed by media giants ABC, NBC, and CBS. The only full coverage was done by FOX news.

If you watched FOX would have seen 15000-20000 protesters in Texas, 1000’s in New York City, Boston, and cities all across the nation. The speakers asked that we keep the movement alive by burn up the lines to the White House and congress, to use our e mail and blogs to keep information moving. There is a good chance that you will see more of a political slant in my blog, and I will try to keep in bi partisan. If you sit back and take a long hard look at both parties they both are working towards big government and take more control in our daily lives Both parties have spent us into debt, both parties waste money on pork. Both parties have to wake up and listen to the people. After all it is We the People. BTW President Obama said he was not aware of the protest. Maybe he should look out his window.




















I took about 80 pictures but I am only going to post a few.
Above is a shot of the crowd.

















Yep that is me.

My buddies, I took this just as the protesters were starting to assemble. The middle guy is my buddy Nate from Wasted Electrons.

I am headed for a Tea Party in the morning. The federal government is out of control. They no longer repersent the people and it is about time we make some noise.

Happy Easter

He has risen

With this kind of mind set the days are number for the United States.

MA: State Representative Pam Richardson WANTS Voting Rights, In-State Tuition, and Driver's Licenses for ILLEGAL ALIENS

Garden boxes

I have built two garden boxes, now all I need is dirt. The land fill (county dump) has "green area" where you can buy mulch and compost for a good price. I think it is about $10 a truck load. So next week I will make two or three trips to the dump and buy my compost. Many tomatoes and peppers will be grown this year. The bride and I will figure out just what to plant. I have tried gardens in the past but I traveled so much for the government when I came back it was to weeds and dead plants. Now that I am retired I should have a much easier time with the garden. I'll keep you posted.

red river flooding

I am so confused, where is the riots, the looting, the masses waiting for someone else to do the work? click here

Got this in a email

So, Let's Recap--

1. The American people elect a black president with a total of142 days experience as a US Senator from the most politically-corrupt state in America whose governor is ousted from office. The President's first official act is to order the close of Gitmo and make sure terrorists civil rights are not violated. (He screwed up!!)

2. The U.S. Congress rushes to confirm a black Attorney General, Eric Holder, whose law firm we later find out represents seventeen Gitmo Terrorists.

3. The CIA Boss appointee, Leon Panetta, has absolutely no experience, has a daughter Linda we find out, who is a true radical anti-American activist and a supporter of all the Anti-American regimes in the western hemisphere.

4. We got the most corrupt female in America as Secretary of State; bought and paid for. (You can put lipstick on a pig, but it will still have cankles!)

5. We got a Tax Cheat for Treasury Secretary who files his own taxes.

6. A Commerce Secretary nominee who withdrew due to corruption charges.

7. A Tax cheat nominee for Chief Performance Officer who withdrew under charges.

8. A Labor Secretary nominee who withdrew under charges of unethical conduct.

9. A Sec'y HHS nominee who withdrew under charges of cheating on his taxes. (

10. Multiple appointments of former lobbyists after an absolute campaign statement that no lobbyists would be appointed. And that's just the first three weeks. . . but who's counting?

America is being run by the modern-day Three Stooges ~ Barrack, Nancy, and Hilary ~ and they are still trying to define stimulus..."it's spending"....

The congress passes the $800,000,000,000 (that's $800 billion)pork loaded spending bill where the government gives you a smidgen of your tax dollars ($13 perweek) making you feel so good about yourself [stimulated] that you want to run out to Wal-Mart and buy a new Chinese-made HDTV and go home and watch Telemundo!

Yee-haw!!! Only in America, what a country... We are lost... Here's the good news though... Obama took Air Force One to Denver to sign the stimulus package, wasting as much as 10,000 gallons of fuel. Don't you just love this guy? In these times "I'll keep my God, my freedom, my gun and my money. You can keep "THE CHANGE".

I have been a busy boy for the past few days. I don’t think I accomplished anything but I have been busy. If the weather holds I will build my garden boxes tomorrow afternoon.. I plan to build two right now and maybe more later. I have all the lumber stacked up in my shop just hoping the snow that is forecast holds off until the evening. The bride and I are going to a birthday party this evening and I know we are going to have fun. She is catching a few winks in the recliner right now. I am going to make mom some dinner before we leave or she won’t eat.

The plumber is down in the basement putting in a new water heater. The old one was 13 years old and had just started to leak. I looked into the tankless water heaters but decided on a traditional tank heater. In case you are wondering it is a 50 gallon tank.

Wallowing in my own self pity did not work out to well. Nobody seemed to care. So I quite after about 30 minutes. One thing that helped me was I noticed one of the bird houses I built seem to have a bird living in it. I think that is about as cool as it gets. I have plans to build some garden boxes next week. I think that above ground gardening in the way to go. It really cuts down on weeds and having to bend over. I plan some tomatoes, peppers, and what ever else the bride suggest. I have some gourds seed that I want to plant and use the gourds for bird houses. I am going to be a busy man. To bad it is suppose to snow today.

I sold my ATV yesterday. I was in a pretty bad accident last November and decided it was in my best interest not to ride anymore. I have to admit I am bummed that I got rid of the machine. I am going to wallow in my own self pity for a little while just to see how that works for me. I'll keep you posted...

I went fishing yesterday, it was cold and the water was murky. I lasted about 40 minuets and head off for different adventures. First stop was harbor freight tools. I picked up a saw horse, a bunch of shop rags, and something else I can’t remember right now. My daughter called and wanted me to go pick up a kennel for her new puppy. She had found one on KSL.com and told the folks I was on my way. I got to the street and called the kennel people because I could not find their house. I was told that they had sold it just before I got there. Ticked me of but what can you do? I did find a great kennel out in Morgan for the price of free. I figured I could afford that and I took it.

It looks like Barry Obama is starting to show his true colors. He wanted to start charging the wounded vets of the war for their wounds. He figures he could save 540 million dollars. This is the same guy that just gave 154 Billion bucks to AIG and did not say anything about the Hugh bonus ($10’s of millions) the executives received until the public out cry was too loud to shut out. It seems that when Barry was a senator from the great state of Illinois he took about $100,000 from AIG. Could it be Barry is as dirty and crooked as his Chicago cronies?

The speaker of the house, third in line for President Nancy Pelosi was caught on tape talking with a bunch of illegal immigrants and saying that they were patriotic and that our immigration laws were UN American.. It seems that the democrats are bound and determined to ruin this country

Had a nice weekend hanging with friends and doing guy stuff, we went to the sportsmen’s expo on Friday and out to the desert Saturday. The desert consisted of many guns and a lot of expended ammo. Many cardboard targets and soda cans died that day. I spent a couple of hours on Sunday cleaning guns. I have to admit I love the smell of Hoppes #9. I think I am going to go fishing sometime this week, it all depends on the weather. I have to admit I am blessed and I am loving life..

We had a party and it was great. At least I think it was great. Everybody seemed to have a good time. Many friends and some family were there all to celebrate mom’s 88th birthday and the burning of our mortgage.

My sister left this morning and is on her way back to Georgia. So we are putting the house back together and will return to normal in a day or two. By normal I mean consumption of food. I believe we put away enough food to feed a small African nation for a week. I know my cardiologist is going to yell at me. I‘ll see her a littler later this month.

This Friday I am hooking up with some buddies and headed for the sportsmen’s expo. There will be a lot of Alaskan outfitters there, this will allow us to pick one for our upcoming salmon trip (planned for 2010). Saturday may include a trip to the desert with a different group of desperados, although my normal group will be invited. I figure the more there is the more guns there will be. See-ya

I am having a great visit with my sister; she has been here since Feb 26th and will leave March 8th. We have been on the go everyday seeing and doing. Today the bride and my sister will go and order stuff for my mom’s birthday party this Saturday. We have invited many friends and family and this is going to be a good time.

I have noticed that some of the smaller bodies of water are ice free so I plan to buy my new fishing license and hit some local fishing spots after my sister leaves. This is not serious fishing; it is getting out of the house fishing. I am just about tired of winter and look forward to spring.

I recieved this in an e mail

I honestly believe Obama is bad for the country and if this comes about we are in for a world of hurt. Please read the following:

Is President O laying ground for an Islamic America? Don't want to be an Alarmist, but does this make sense to YOU?

Subject: Actions of our President- (DO YOU WANT this to happen?)
Messiah or Anti-Christ? You decide! Put that darn Koolaid down my friends, clear your mind, turn the head lights off and start looking at what is really going on!


Go to the following site and you'll see the document signed by our President.http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/retrieve.html-
Check 2009 and ..go to blank at page bottom to enter page number 6115. On page 6115 you can read the actual Presidential Document signed by Barack Obama. ...and begin to WORRY.
Obama Signs Executive Order Allowing Palestinians Loyal to Hamas to Resettle In USPublished: February 7, 2009 - 3:01 PM

President Barack Obama has signed an executive order allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to resettle in the United States . Sure, what can go wrong when we allow hundreds of thousands of people who have been, as Mark Steyn memorably described, "marinated" in a "sick death cult," who voted for Hamas, and 55% of whom support suicide bombings live here and at the American taxpayers' expense:
By executive order, President Barack Obama has ordered the expenditure of $20.3 million in migration assistance to the Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in Gaza .
The "presidential determination" which allows hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with ties to Hamas to resettle in the United States was signed on January 27 and appeared in the Federal Register on February 4.
President Obama's decision, according to the Register, was necessitated by "the urgent refugee and migration needs" of the "victims."
Few on Capitol Hill took note that the order provides a free ticket replete with housing and food allowances to individuals who have displayed their overwhelming support of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the parliamentary election of January 2006.
Let's review some of Barack Obama's most recent actions since he was inaugurated a little more than two weeks ago:
His first call to any head of state as president was to Mahmoud Abbas, leader of Fatah party in the Palestinian territory.
His first one on one interview with any news organization was with Al Arabia television.
He ordered Guantanamo Bay closed and all military trials of detainees halted.
He ordered all overseas CIA interrogation centers closed.
He withdrew all charges against the masterminds behind the USS Cole and 9/11.
Today we learn that he is allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refuges to move to and live in the US at American taxpayer expense.

Anyone else seeing a pattern here?

Today is my birthday and the bride had a surprise for me. My sister came to town which was no surprise. She comes to town this time every year to celebrate mom’s birthday. Mom will be 88 next week. What the surprise was two tickets to see Rascal Flats in concert tonight. The bride does not care a whole bunch for country music but my sister does. So my sister and I are going to Salt Lake and have a great time. This is going to be fun.

6:30 in the morning and it is just me and my coffee. I did have the company of two of the dogs until they figured out I was not going to share my toast with them. I am sure they are now curled up sleeping on my pillow.

This evening the bride and I are going to see Celine Dion in concert. The bride has seen Celine once before in her Las Vegas gig. The bride is very excited and this should be a very fun night. Seeing how we are going to be in the nose bleed section I am taking my 16X60 binoculars so the bride can see what is happening on the stage.

Obama has signed his stimulus package into law and on the confidence of it doing nothing good the stock market continues to fall. I will admit I do not like Obama but I am going to wait and see what happens, because that is all I can do. I am sure that this next four years is going to be interesting and I wonder what the country is going to look like at the end of it. My suggestion is to pray, buy guns, ammo, and hang on for the ride.

We got another 17 inches of snow yesterday. I would post pictures but I figure you guys already know what my yard filled with snow looks like. I have my driveway and mailbox all dug out and I cleared the snow off my back deck. The forecast is for warmer and sunny days for the next couple of day and I'll let the sun do the rest of the work. I am ready for spring. My sister is coming to town next Thursday. She will spend eight days here and we will celebrate mom's 88th birthday. She did call this morning with some bad news. The company her husband worked for just laid off 8000 people and he was one of them. My sister lost her job about a year ago and has not been able to find work, with the economy in today's world this is a scary thing. I think the worst is that they have lost their health insurance. Bummer

Happy Valentines Day, Now that I have said that I really think Valentines is all about the sale of greeting cards. I honestly believe that February 14th is a gilt trip that forces men to spend money on cards, flowers, and candy. Wait don’t forget about the prime rib dinner that is coming this evening. Don’t get me wrong I love my bride and I buy her stuff all year long. I just don’t like a holiday made up to boost the profit of Hallmark.. But if you do buy cards buy American.

We were suppose to get about an inch of snow today. I had plans to run a bunch of things on my to do list but I don't think I'll leave the house. UPDATE: I just checked and there is 17 inchs of snow in my driveway.

I am suffering from a head cold. This is no fun what's so ever. I did take mom out yesterday for the free Denny's Grand slam breakfast yesterday. We drove by two Denny's and the lines were unbelievable, and I was not going to stand in line for what I am sure would have been over an hour, in 32 degree weather for a free $6.00 breakfast. Mom and I ended up at Village Inn. The Village Inn was also very busy. It seems a bunch of folks did not want to stand in line for a free breakfast. The news report that Denny's served over 2 million breakfast nation wide yesterday. That is a lot of pancakes. it seems there was reports of a few fist fights in some of the lines. I don't understand folks sometimes. Come on a fight over bacon and eggs. Get a life I am heading back to the recliner with a nice cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice and nurse myself back to health.

Got my machine back just a few minutes ago...

it looks like I have been infected by a virus and/or spyware. I have ran Mcafee a few times and I am still infected. So I will take my computer into the shop and get it fixed. See ya later

The new treasury secretary Timothy Geithner’s failure to pay self-employment taxes for four years did not seem to matter to Republican Senator Orin Hatch. Good old Orin is in lock step with his democratic buddies singing the praises of Geithner. Orin seems to have forgotten where he came from and who is supposed to represent. Senator Hatch is truly a Republican in Name Only (RINO). What would have happened if Secretary Geithner would have been a republican? The wailing and gnashing of teeth from capital hill would have been heard around the world. But being a democrat and all “missteps” and crimes are overlooked. Utah has lost its voice in Washington, and it makes me wonder how RINO Hatch can look at him self in the mirror.

Very quite rainy morning, the bride, mom, me and the dogs enjoying coffee and a fire in the fireplace. Life just doesn't get much better then this

The Bride turned 56 today. Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you , happy birthday dear bride, happy birthday to you

I saw to day that President elect Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Solider. Someone correct me if I am wrong but Obama is not the President yet. He is still just a citizen of the United States. Sure he will be president on the 20th but he is not now. Also what was the occasion for the wreath? The President lays a wreath on Memorial Day, not on the day before Martin Luther King Day. In my opinion Obama no right to perform this publicity stunt. Can we all say PHOTO OP?

I have a choice to make. The snow is receding in the backyard and there is much dog poop to pick up. I am not very interested in the playoffs since San Diego got knocked off last week. I could go out and clean up the yard now or I could wait until they swear in Obama. I think I would much rather pick up poop then listen to this joker get sworn into the office of President.

The season is over for my San Diego Chargers. They were knocked out of the playoffs by the Steelers. But such is life...
I did not go to the gun show this weekend. The news reported 11,000 people showed up on Saturday alone. This is the last big gun show for this area before Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. This is going to be interesting time in America's history. Mr Bill Orielly had a poll on his web sight asking if you were rooting for Obama to succeed. This was a yes or no question. This question goes so much deeper then yes or no. If I want Obama to succeed in unfettered abortions, stripping away the bill of rights (doing away with the second amendment). spreading the wealth around, deploying his citizens force as well funded and well armed as the military (his words not mine). Then NO I do not want Obama to succeed. Do I want him to fix the economy, then yes I want him to succeed.

It is nine days until Obama takes over. I have to wonder if he will turn his back on Israel. In one of his books he stated that if things go bad he will stand with the Muslims. Going to be intresting. I will pray for my country and for it's leaders and wait to see what happens.

There has been an Ava sighting

Grandkids are the best

Tomorrow is the big day, I pay off my house. I have been looking forward to this day for awhile now. Life is good, I really do feel blesssed.

Scary stuff at my house last night, Mom was sitting at the kitchen counter and said she did not feel well. Her voice got very soft and was incoherent, and then she was totally unresponsive. Mom got very pale, her hand began to twitch. The bride called 911 as I stood next to mom with my arm around her to make sure she did not fall. To me it looked like a stroke. After what seemed like a life time mom started to come back around. By the time the paramedics arrived mom was back to normal. We still sent her to the hospital were a whole bunch of test were ran. .It appears mom was dehydrated from the stomach flu and it caused her blood pressure to drop. Mom is home with me now puttering around the house like nothing happened. What away to end the year.

There has been a stomach flu going through the family. I had it, my son had it, my bride had it and now mom got it. She got sick this morning and threw up in bed, going down the stairs and in the down stairs bathroom. Plus the dogs pooped in the house, other then that my morning is going well. I got mom in my room while I wash her sheets and stuff. I got the house cleaned up and I am trying to get some liquids in mom. Dehydration is not good for old ladies. I will work on getting the Christmas stuff put away and getting the house back to normal. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year as we celebrate the birth of the Lord, and I love the way it feels. But I really don’t like the way it disrupts the house. If it was just me I am sure I would not put up the decorations, but I have been known to be a humbug. So I will wish everybody happy new years and hope and pray the best for all of you.

Denver 21, San Diego 52 Go Chargers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas

My youngest son is in town with his wife, and all the kids and grandkids were over last night for our taco feast. For over thirty years we have tacos for Christmas eve dinner. It is nothing but fun. But as every Christmas eve for over thirty years I ate too much. I have been awake for hours, no it is not because I am too excited about Christmas. One of the dogs woke me up around 1:00 this morning and I have not been able to get back to sleep. I did some reading, drank some coffee, and watched the news. Now I am just waiting for the family to get up. So again I want to wish everybody

Merry Christmas

I did it, I cleared the base and I am retired!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was really surprised how fast 35 years went bye. I enjoyed my career and it had been good to me over the years but it was time to move on. This is going to be fun....

BobG had this meme on his blog and had the things he had done in bold face, so I decided to copy it and have the things I have done in boldface. Kind of fun :



1. Started your own blog.

2. Slept under the stars. (Some of my happiest childhood memories)

3. Played in a band.

4. Visited Hawaii.

5. Watched a meteor shower.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain. (Hiked up to the top of a mountain, does that count?)

9. Held a praying mantis. (Lots of times; I think they are cool.)

10. Sang a solo.

11. Bungee jumped.

12. Visited Paris. (

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.

15. Adopted a child.

16. Had food poisoning.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.

18. Grown your own vegetables.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.

20. Slept on an overnight train.

21. Had a pillow fight.

22. Hitch hiked.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. (Hasn't everyone?)

24. Built a snow fort.

25. Held a lamb.

26. Gone skinny dipping.

27. Run a Marathon. (Are you kidding?)

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. (Been to Venice)

29. Seen a total eclipse. (Only of the moon.)

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.

31. Hit a home run.

32. Been on a cruise.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.

35. Seen an Amish community.

36. Taught yourself a new language.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.

39. Gone rock climbing.

40. Seen Michelangelo's David.

41. Sung karaoke.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt. (Several times)

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.

44. Visited Africa.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance.

47. Had your portrait painted.

48. Gone deep sea fishing.

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. 5

0. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain.

53. Played in the mud.

54. Gone to a drive-in theater.

55. Been in a movie.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China.

57. Started a business.

58. Taken a martial arts class.

59. Visited Russia.

60. Served at a soup kitchen.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.

62. Gone whale watching.

63. Got flowers for no reason.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.

65. Gone sky diving.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.

67. Bounced a check.

68. Flown in a helicopter.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.

71. Eaten Caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt.

73. Stood in Times Square.

74. Toured the Everglades.

75. Been fired from a job.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London.

77. Broken a bone.

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.

80. Published a book.

81. Visited the Vatican.

82. Bought a brand new car.


83. Walked in Jerusalem.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper.

85. Read the entire Bible. (read the new testament a few times.)

86. Visited the White House.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.

88. Had chickenpox.

89. Saved someone’s life.

90. Sat on a jury.

91. Met someone famous.

92. Joined a book club.

93. Lost a loved one.

94. Had a baby. ( I helped my wife have a few in my own small way)

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.

97. Been involved in a law suit.

98. Owned a cell phone.

99. Been stung by a bee.

100. Read an entire book in one day

It has been 12 days since I rolled the ATV, I am doing much better. We are going to celebrate Thanksgiving this evening. I was still in ICU on Thanksgiving so we will go with it tonight. . We have invited friends and family over and I except it will be fun. The bride has a 20 pound turkey ready to go into the oven and I just picked up 10 pounds of potatoes that need to be mashed. The bride makes killer dressing and I will eat myself into a stupor. I’ll open a couple bottles of wine but I won’t partake, I’m still using some painkillers.

The ATV is in the shop getting repaired. I will get it all nice and shinny before I put it up for sale. I do have mixed feeling about selling. The ATV was the most fun I had in a long time and I enjoyed it a lot, but if I can’t keep something with 4 wheels on the ground with out tipping over I am not sure I should be on anything. My daughter says I am allowed to work in the garden and out in my shop, nothing else. I may work a fishing trip in to the mix but I guess I’ll behave myself as much as possible.

I will be going back to work on Monday. I need to figure out where I am on my leave so I can clear the base (I work on Hill AFB) on the 17th and spend the last 2 weeks of the year on leave before I retire. As of January 3rd I will be gainfully unemployed and I am looking forward to retirement. Time for a pain pill and some recliner time., see ya.

Here is my buddy Jim on our ATV ride, so far so good.

Here is the emergency personal working on me on the ATV ride, things not looking so good right now!

Here is what they needed to get me to the hospital trauma unit on the ATV ride, fun level about zero.

Things did not go well, I just got home from the hospital today and I am still in a lot of pain. Broken sterum, seperated ribs, internal bleeding and a busted tail bone. I am doing better now but I have a long way to go.

UPDATE: I feel good enough to write a little

It has been a week and I still have a lot of pain. We were out in the the desert just north of Delle by I 80. I am not sure what happened , I was going along a trail, Jim was a little in front of me. I came to a stop and was looking down at my front tire next thing I knew I was tumbling down the hill with my machine right behind me, when the ATV landed on me was the worst, I knew I was hurt but did not know how bad. Jim came running back up the hill towards me to see if I was okay. I asked him to go back down and get the machine back on it's wheels. I figured I could ride out to the truck. He go the bike upright but I could not get up. I could barley move and I was hurting. I tried for 10-20 minutes to get up and told Jim he should call 911. With GPS and cell phones I only laid on the mountain for less then two hours. I spent the first three days in ICU and I was released from the hospital Saturday.

I am not sure I am going back to work before I retire, all I have to do is finish with the out process checklist

Went to the gun show and I have never seen crowds like yesterday. I talked my two buddies into getting there before the doors opened this has always worked in the past for beating the crowds. It did not work yesterday. There had to be 100 in line to buy tickets and 500 plus in line before the doors opened. The lines just as long when we left 3 hours later. Ammo was flying out the door. I bought a 1000 rounds of .223 and 100 rounds of .380. But I saw guys pushing dollies full of ammo out the door. Everyone I talked to said the same thing “they are worried about Obama” There is one more gun show before Obama is sworn in and I am sure that I will have some more money saved up by then.

But it was a fun day spent with some friends. We had lunch after the gun show and met up with some other friends. Swapping lies and just relaxing. I made Nate drive and on the way home we were talking about close calls we have had while driving. Nate mentioned he has rolled 3 cars in his life. I turned to Jim and said ” I think I will drive next time” But Nate got us home safe and sound. Jim and I finalized plans to go ride our ATVs next Tuesday, I am sure I will blog about the ride. With pictures.

I was going to post about the fishing trip yesterday, but my buddy Nate beat me too it. Check it out

Ann Coulter has a very good piece on the election, I believe I agree with the last paragraph

It has been one year today since I had my first knee replacement,. The second one was a week later. I am glad that I had the procedure and I am happy with the results. I have just spent an hour working out with the Wii fit, don't laugh you can get a pretty good work out if you apply yourself. I am off to see the Doctor that did the procedure and then take mom out to lunch. Got to go the shower is calling my name

With the election of Obama to the office president I believe America has taken a giant step towards socialism. Obama said he needed to spread the wealth around, do away with the 2nd amendment (his proposals on disarming citizens are too numerous to mention), socialized medicine, do away with the 1st amendment by pushing the fairness act (doing away with conservative talk radio). The left has increased control of the house and senate and it will be very difficult for the Republican Party to stop the far left agenda that is heading our way. You will see the wholesale slaughter of unborn children; you will see hard working Americans punished for their success with increased taxes so the government can redistribute money to who they decide is worthy. Can you say welfair state?

In the coming months I believe you will see the true colors of Obama and his wife and their radical and racist views. You could not sit under the tutelage of a “pastor” such as Reverend Wright for twenty years with out the influence of hate that was spewed from the pulpit. I believe America will be forced to turn it‘s back on Israel, Obama is quoted in one of his books that he would stand with the Muslims.
You will not see energy independence with Obama at the helm. You will not see off shore drilling which is needed as a bridge to alternative energy supplies. I don’t believe you will see much done in the area of developing alterative energies most of the research money will be spent on the new, bigger , better and improve welfare state. But what you will see is Obama bowing down to enemy states begging for oil as he bankrupts the coal industry as he stated earlier this year.

Talked with a co worker this morning and his analogy was “it feels like the morning after a car wreck”

The concert was better than great, the dinner was great, the room was great, all and all I had a wonderful time with the bride. I do have to admit it was funny the listen to Amy Grant sing all her old contemporary gospel songs with some in the audience standing hands raised praising God and others rocking to the songs slamming back beers and margaritas. The bride has always loved Amy and we were no more then twenty feet from the stage. Fun time and the bride did nothing but smile the whole evening. Now we start on the next thirty six years

The bride and I are headed off to Wendover for the night. Amy Grant is in concert out there and The bride loves her music. My daughter is coming over and spend the night with mom. This weekend is an early celebration of our 36th wedding anniversary. Should be fun

A lot of snow fell in the yard yesterday. I woke up t about 5 inches of snow and it snow most of the day. The fact it has been warm is the only reason it did not pile higher. This morning there is still about three inches of snow on the lawn. It looks more like January then October. The brides sister and her husband are in town for a visit. Curt (brother in law) had a multi city business trip ending up here in Layton. They will leave tomorrow morning for the drive back to Denver. The weather is going to be nice, that is a good thing. Interstate 80 through Wyoming can be very bad in winter conditions.

I will not be at work at all this week as I am burning up a lot of my leave before I retire. I figure I will be in the office about twenty days between now and end of year. I honestly believe that if you stop work all at once it can hurt you, so I am easing my way towards retirement. Just don't want to strain anything at this point in time.

I had given serious consideration to taking the ATV and going bird hunting this morning. It is cold and raining and should be snowing in the higher elevations (that’s where the birds are). I guess I can be called a fair weather hunter and I would not mind. I’ll try some other weekend but for now there is much coffee to drink and a fire in the fireplace to tend to.

Michelle Obama's intellectually refined racism should give all

Americans pause for deep concern.

I made it home safe and sound, my team the Chargers lost due to a bad call. The referee even admitted it was a bad call but because of the rules he could not change it, Bummer. This past Saturday I took my ATV out to the desert, my youngest son’s father in law (Jim) and my buddy Nate went along. Jim has a ATV but Nate does not. So Nate rode on the back of mine as we scurried around the desert and a dried portion of the Great Salt Lake bed. We each had a number of guns with us and did a little rabbit hunting. I managed to throw two half hearted shots at a rabbit, but were no rabbits endangered by this hunt but there were tire tracks every where. It was just a good time all the way around. The bride and a girl friend left for a four day cruise this morning. Her friend has been under a lot of stress lately and I suggested they take a road trip maybe to Las Vegas and see a couple of shows. Some how it morphed into a cruise, I am still trying to figure that one out. But I am sure they are going to have a good time. Jim, Nate and I are planning to go grouse hunting soon. It will not be this coming weekend, the bride will have just gotten back from the cruise and I could not stand the heat if I left to go hunting. So we have planed to head out the following weekend (Oct 4th). We will take the ATVs out once again and try to cover a lot of mountains around Soldiers Summit. It is a fairly long drive but I just love it down in that part of the state. I spent many a deer hunt down at Soldier’s Summit and have some great memoirs of the area. Jim and I talked about going deer hunting next year. I have not deer hunt in years but I think I could give it a go again. I guess I should break out the old .270 and the 30-06 and practice a bit. I will have to talk Nate into buying a deer rifle, I am sure he will want to come along.

I leave Friday morning for Denver. I am going to spend a few days with my youngest son and his wife. Saturday evening we will go to the Rockies baseball game and Sunday my son and I will be at the Chargers/ Broncos football game. Both my son and I are big Chargers fans and we wear our colors with pride. I will stay out there until Tuesday. The boy wanted me to stay and watch Monday night football with him. It is going to be fun

Monday the bride goes to see the surgeon to schedule surgery for her back. She has been in a great deal of pain and it seems to getting worse. Tuesday she will go see a pain doctor and get her third shot to help with the pain. I hope that it does her some good. She and a girl friend are taking off on the 22nd for a four day cruise to Mexico. So mom and I will be home. I figure mom and I can go crazy with out any adult supervision.

Last week my buddy from Pennsylvania came out for his visit. We trade off every other year. He comes to Utah one year and I go to PA the other. We spend most of our time fishing. It is a great time when ever we can get together; I am already looking forward to my trip next year.

Reading the obituaries this morning and I saw the obit of a man I worked with some twenty plus years ago. Willie Rogers was an interesting fellow, he was born and raised in Texas and was a Texan through and though. Heck of a nice guy, and I had wondered from time to time what had become of him. I saw that he had retired just four years ago. Not much time to enjoy his retirement after putting thirty years with the government. I pray his family will come be okay.

I find things of this sort do make you ponder on your own mortality, and for me causes a great deal of reflection on my own life.

Not much going on in my life. I went to work one day this past week. I am burning up a bunch of leave before I retire at the end of the year. The shed I am having built in the backyard is coming along; the remodel in the master bath is progressing slowly. We had a custom vanity ordered and that may take up to a month. We are redoing the laundry room. Having it painted and tile put on the floor. The bride decided that we could not put the old washer and dryer back in the remodeled laundry room so next Tuesday the new washer and dryer are being delivered.

We were invited to go the county fair with my buddy Nate and his blushing spousal unit. But the brides back in just giving her fits and we declined the offer. At dinner tonight we talked about the bride having surgery on her back. It seems to be the last option.

I bought a new toy the other day. A Polaris sportsman’s 500 EFI ATV. What a blast !!!

I went on two rides this weekend. The first one was out behind Wilard bay. This was pretty much a get me used to the machine type ride. I have never owned much less ridden and ATV. Jim (my son’s father in law) took me out and we put in about 26 miles. The Sunday ride was out of the Bear River services area in the Uinta Mountains, it ended up a 60 miles ride. A lot of fun was had and I found a few places to fish.

The group I went with goes out most weekends. A couple of the guys are both divorced and room mates, and asked if I wanted to go with them every weekend. I explained I like being married and really did not want to move in with them. They assured me that they had plenty of room and I was more then welcomed. I am sure that I will do the once in a while ride with the group but plan on staying with the bride.

This little guy was very friendly as long as there was some food being tossed his way.

Not all trips end up just the way you would like them too. This is the brand new tire and wheel on my brand new trailer I bought to haul my brand new ATV around. I went to the dealer that I bought my stuff from and explained that I thought I should get more then 200 miles from a tire and wheel assembly. They agreed and gave my a new one.

I leave in the morning for Fort Worth; I told the bride I believe this will be my last trip for the government. I am going to retire at the end of the year and I do not want to travel anymore. I was scheduled to travel to Korea in October but I told them (my boss) that I would not be going. 14 hours is a very long time in an aircraft, especially when you are in coach.