"OUT OF TIME"

Tay's Science project!

2012-02-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

Taylor was required to construct an Animal or plant cell! We through around some Ideas, seems everyone in her class was going for the Styrofoam type. She was able to come up with using Clay. She was giving extra credit for turning it in early. She received an A+ even with leaving out one element. Pretty good work for her age and Grade in School! Were proud of you Bug!

I shook hands with the next President of the United States! Mitt Romney!

2012-02-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

Taylor and I went to the Mitt Romney rally in Henderson, Nevada tonight. We were inundated with a plethora of people crowding into a shopping center the size of a football field. We arrived rather early and were able to get right up to the fencing area. The Secret Service were spot on! At the end of his walk around I was able to get T-Bug right up close for a pic. I was able to reach over and was the last person Mitt Romney shook hands with before entering his bus! I wanted Taylor to be exposed to patriotism and love for this great nation, the Nation I fought for and many died for in protecting the Freedom our Fore fathers created for us! What a great experience. Afterwards, Pizza and Dr. Pepper. What a great event! Very Blessed! What a great man, what a great Honor! I wish I would have been able to fly "President Mitt Romney" in Marine 1. (HMX-1) What an Honor that would have been!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2626535064134.2115000.1278014355&type=3&l=4465aa5cba

"In a Real Man's World" Thanks Chris!

2012-01-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

SWEET!!!

SWEETER!!!

I'm always honored to be in the presence of Greatness! A real American Hero, eliminating the "Savages" in the War! No milk toast, Cream puff here! Just good company! A real man's Man! I was scouring the country for Chris's book to come out! Last week, he made a book signing appearance at Nellis Air Force Base! Thank you Chris for your Service! God Speed! Steve your the Best! (I would love to link this in at the MDDB, but I can't remember the Sockpuppet passwords right now)

Note: Page 82- American Sniper Quote by Chris Kyle: "When your working with Army and Marine Corps units,you immediately notice a difference. The Army is pretty tough, but their performance can depend on the individual unit, Some are excellent, filled with hoorah and first-class warriors. A few are absolutely horrible; most are somewhere in between. In my experience, Marines are gung ho no matter what. They will all fight to the death. Every one of them just wants to get out there and kill. They are bad-ass, hard-charging mothers."

"The Iowa Caucus"

2012-01-23T18:19:00.000-08:00

I heard the other day that the Iowa Caucus voting was finally Certified! Funny though, I spent two days listening to the news state that Mitt Romney had won the vote! Now you would think that the Number one and self stated Most Important Iowa "Hawkeye Caucai" would go out of their way being the first to make sure that the GOP Presidential run for 2012, perhaps the most important election in my lifetime would be spot on! Apparently someone is giving someone way way too much credit! What was that I heard a few days later? Someone had lost a couple of boxes of votes? Really? What kind of Redneck, back woods, Hillbilly state, loses Important and Critical ballots, ballots that could change the course of History? Little hard to believe isn't it! They are supposed to be touted as the most important vote on the Presidency. Isn't that a little like believing that the Obummer PACs didn't payoff CNN's moderator to ask Newt Gingrich about his and his former wife's sex life? Only if Gingrich could be the GOP candidate, I can tell you just how the State of The Union address should have gone- obummer: The State of the Union is in total Caos, but I'm too busy licking my Chops after So. Carolina to even talk about it right now!
As for Iowa, maybe we should re-think having them Caucus at all next time should we? Wait! Do they have a Barn somewhere in Iowa? Maybe Uncle Goober could be the voting certifier, Aunt Bee could sew the costumes, Opie could be the delivery boy, and Sherriff Andy could help out the "Good Ole Boy" that the opposition really wants in! Now that would be a Caucus! HUH??? Really???

Brian Head "2012"

2012-01-21T04:46:00.000-08:00

We Headed up to our annual Tubing trip to Brian Head, Utah Saturday. As usual the weather was perfect. We got going a few minutes late but the time flew by and we still got in about twenty runs. We ate at our favorite places, Pizza Factory, IHOP, and Cracker Barrel and as usual I over ate. The girls slept up and back. We were also able to stop by the property in New Harmony and take a quick look to see that all was well. We would have stayed there but we got in way late and it was snowing. We decided to stay at a nice hotel, Taylor was free of course and they always give me a Military discount. We asked Steve and Matt to go with us but they declined. Too Bad!!! Time flies by when your having fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51CVaAoNlKg&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFDls5byLx4&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVvX4MvKNK4&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBIXSCKCVNw&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw8bEAB_ieI&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qifXnmT7zM0&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEMEf8Xukx0&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odf9DGM1h2Q&feature=youtu.be

"Henderson, Nevada"

2012-01-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

Henderson was kind of a strange town in the 60's & 70's...a city in search of an identity… Not nearly as glamorous or glittery or worldly notorious as Las Vegas, and not as picturesque as the quaint, Spanish-arched /Art-Deco bedroom-enclave of Boulder City... The civically prideful B.C. -a slice of sensible mid-western temperance, -a piece of clean green corn-fed, wonder-bread wholesome-pure Americana…defiantly and restrictively delimited just outside the valley of Gomorrah and its kinky Sister City…

Poor Henderson…caught in the middle… a sociological and civic “no-man’s land”…an unlikely sprawl on a featureless Creosote plain, -a once ambitious manifestation of the nascent, wildly prosperous Arsenal of Democracy…eventually evolving into the trashy, indecently odiferous blue-collar industrial town we all knew and loved…the aromatic arm-pit of Southern Nevada. “Henderson Stinks” ran the derisive stickers classily affixed to the bumpers of smug out-of-towners …

I think most of Henderson’s people and town fathers during that time had sort of an inferiority complex about it, and from my limited childhood perspective and priorities in the mid-sixties, all the years of shamefully inferior, losing Basic High football teams didn't exactly boost one’s youthful, budding sense of “civic pride“ .

-However unlikely, -the town officials did manage, in a manner of speaking, to “compensate” by adopting the banal, childishly simplistic mantra of the long, tall, geographically jingoistic Texans …“Bigger is Better”… Thus the City bought up huge tracts of empty, seemingly worthless Creosote “forested” and oven-baked basalt land in the disparate empty quarters of the Las Vegas Valley. Years later, thanks to a miracle likened to the spontaneous eruption of cold spring-water in the sweltering tip of the Sinai , -came the completely unanticipated good fortune of favorable migratory demographics, -partially born of an opportunistically advantageous tax environment…The acquired land eventually made Henderson what it is today....- in mayor Andy Hafen's attempt at “civic modesty“: "The Greatest and Most Scenic City in the History of the Planet Earth" (I'm kidding Andy, with prescient insight you so graciously allow for pride-of-place in the future competing vistas of say, -the Valles Marineris) …Henderson is nice now, -but maybe at the expense of shedding its true historical identity…ie "Heritage Days vs. Industrial Days".

...I long for that heritage, for those good old days...for a nostalgia-inducing olfactory assault .…the gaseous industrial by-products… -the fresh, fart-blossom smell of a hydrogen sulfide leak …wafting gently across Boulder Highway on a parched westerly wind ...and the cool, verdant streams of pitch-black poison…“L’eau d’cancerigene‘” …industrial run-off cascading like a dark mountain stream under Boulder Highway…-a combination Rocky Mountain Spring Water Coors Beer commercial and Oklahoma black-gold oil gusher…mixing just to the east of Pittman with the unmistakable fragrance of minimally treated sewage effluent, -that whole potent brew eventually seeping its way down through the valley’s water table into Lake Mead, and from there, thanks to the Herculean and politically controversial Southern Nevada Water Project, was recycled in a covert Soylentian Green scheme back into the digestive tracts of the unsuspecting, water-traumatized citizenry, whose only crime had been to long for their own little humble patch of green in an otherwise desolate, gray-brown existence…Depending on the prevailing winds, his unique combination of scents added up to much more than the sum of it’s parts, -scarring the air with a pungency that, in one of my father’s more colorful colloquialisms “would drive a hound off a gut-wagon“ or, in my less ostentatious and obscure, but mediocre attempt at idiom, -causing a skunk to cover its nose in disgust.

In those good old days, looking west from Manganese Park, with the brown-black colossus of steel and concrete known by the deceptively glossy acronym TIMET making an informed, menacing backdrop, -one could see at sunset the sparkling shards and metallic glint of a thousand multi-colored broken bottles and cans and,…in the bone-dry air…Lady-Bird Johnson’s Hell …-mummified, perfectly preserved trash irretrievably tangled in the sticky branches of the ubiquitous Creosote and occasional Tamarisk, -a lurid littered landscape, a homogenous kaleidoscope of discordant color, -a monument to mindless, prideless, litter-bugging citizenship spread across the desert....…

There were the old neighborhoods, -the well-worn, severely rectangular, grungy-flat pastels of WWII-era temporary apartments whose halcyon days of opportunity, optimism and “V for victory” reflected a simpler but urgent time that had come, -and, thanks to post-war peaceful progress, -was then gone, -displaced and forgotten in the minds of upward-struggling workingmen. These once aspiring developments devolved by default into what came to be considered the town’s poorest sections, later housing those citizens whose coincidently unfortunate combination of modest income and varying degrees of skin pigmentation served to segregate them from the mainstream of an otherwise pale-faced proletarian paradise.

Then, the boxy, wooden fire-traps of “Townsite” -churned out in record time and number….the spartan and livably modest “liberty ships” of temporary wartime single-family homes. This austere district, -some of whose sterile street names read like a random sampling from the Periodic Table, or from the index of Peterson’s First Guide to Mineralogy….formed the original nucleus of the town. And later, in no discernable chronological order came the upwardly mobile middle class sturdy rebar and cinder-block Manganese Park…originally built for the grateful, loyal workers of the Three Kids Mine, and the company that bore the same name as the subdivision…and like the plants and Hoover Dam and the tumble-weed encrusted fall-out shelter on the western outskirts of Carver Park, -all designed to withstand the best the "Commie-Reds" could throw at us…..cold-war thermonuclear onslaught….so assiduously practiced only 90 miles away to the northwest…And in what would now be considered a bizarre, war-mongering Strangelovian aside, the normally ill-omened mushroom cloud of nuclear Armageddon became a progressive, symbolic image, accompanied by the motto “Power through Knowledge” -both prominently engraved on each side of every sapphire-studded Basic High School class ring…

Then we have the cheap chicken-wire embedded stucco of the nominally alliterative, poetic Valley View, along with the whimsical, fancifully monikered Triangle and Tract Two. -In all of these mass-produced housing tracts there was such a monotonous, unwavering regularity of floor plan, shrub and tree placement, that by comparison, it would make the original Levittown look like an eclectic collection of unrelated architectural extravaganzas …Later on in these quixotically ambitious neighborhoods every other home had, as a reflection of standard working-class compliance…-a requisite gas-guzzling Detroit late-model family sedan and knobby-tired GMC or Dodge pick-up truck with an over-sized, top-heavy “Tiltin’ Hilton” camper precariously balanced and bolted to the bed. And in keeping up with the ’monkey-see-monkey-do’ Jones’s….The apple of many an aspiring eye, ...lovingly constructed supplements to these conforming castles of contentment…-the re-modeled and, in many cases one might say… architecturally “distinctive” "additions" to the original tract houses...

And then of course, -what every self-respecting Hendersonite aspired to in those happy days...the elevated life "above the railroad tracks“, in the exclusive, rarified air of Henderson high-society, -to be a part of the ordained oligarchy of opulence, -a claim of residence in the colorless but appropriately named, aristocratic, doctor, dentist, and general big-shot populated…Black Mountain Golf Course and Country Club! Ah….yes…a golf course…come to so unlikely a municipality as Henderson no less?…in those days considered the “sport of Kings” on green grass…with its esoteric rules, erudite etiquette and elitist enthusiasts…a thirsty greenery whose affluent, adjoining residents wallowed luxuriously in the stylish decadence of such avant-garde innovations as….sliding-glass doors…waiting obliviously for the first errant slice or hook to shatter their sheltered worlds…
Thanks Jerry and Kim for your inspirations!

"The Magical Forest @ Opportunity Village"

2011-12-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Sandi, Bug and I usually go to the Opportunity Village each year to see the beautiful lights. Bug was invited tonight by her good friend Daphne with an overnighter to boot, so Sandi and I went out and bought a ton of Christmas gifts we have been procrastinating on so we made it a Date night and extention of my Birthday. Daphne's father sent us these pic's on Face Book, and we wanted to share them! Hopefully I can grab a stack of tickets from work and we can all go together in the next few days. Although I'm not looking forward to the freezing part!

Reserved

2011-12-20T20:32:00.001-08:00

Reserved

"One Year ago" Happy Birthday

2011-12-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Doctors gave me a clean bill of Health one year ago today!

Two out of three Birthdays so far! Let's hope it stays that way!

Marine Corps, Remission, and the regular one!

Me Behave?

2011-11-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Me behave? Seriously? As a Child I saw Tarzan almost naked, Cinderella arrived home after midnight, Pinocchio told lies, Aladdin was a thief, Batman drove over 200 miles an hour, Snow White lived in a house with 7 men, Popeye smoked a pipe and had tattoos, Pac Man ran around to digital music while eating pills, that enhanced his performance, and Shaggy and Scooby were mystery solving hippies that always had the munchies, The fault is not mine!!!

"Veteran's Day 2011"

2011-11-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

"Missing Man" table setting

Sandi chats with good friends and Air Force Veterans, Cecile & Rob Hoyle

Air Force Veteran Rob Hoyle and his wife Cecile and their family joined us for dinner at the V.I.P. table!

Pictures with daughter Taylor and her friends!

Taylor and Dad

We went to Applebee's again this year for the "Veterans eat free" dinner! It was packed as usual. Got to visit with and eat with a bunch of my Veteran friends. I had the House Sirloin and veggies! Delicious!

Reserved

2011-11-11T14:28:00.001-08:00

reserved

Reserved

2011-11-11T14:27:00.001-08:00

reserved

"Tivoli Village"

2011-10-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

Taylor and Sandi went shopping at the new High end shopping center that open earlier this year. Not sure if they bought anything though! At least not for me!

"Happy Anniversary"

2011-10-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sandi, Taylor and I enjoyed dinner lastnight at the Restaurant celebrating 15 years of Marriage! Ah, and they said it couldn't be done! Happy Anniversary Sandi ! Your loving Husband! Anniversary Pic's at the City Center!

"It must be in the name" UPDATE

2011-10-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Me, Gary, Sandi and Taylor

Last Tuesday, Taylor surprised me and Sandi when she came home from school with the following announcement! After finally getting used to her class schedule, Taylor notified us that she had been advanced to four out of five (Band doesn't count) accelerated classes, Science, Math, English and Writing, if I remember correctly. We celebrated by her choosing Raising Cane's for dinner! She spent nearly three hours at church Saturday working on Achievement day projects. We are so very proud of her! Keep up the good work. Can't wait to do that Trumpet duet and have your "New" uncle Gary sit in on the Drums? We met Gary and a good friend for dinner at P.F. Chang's and then went to the Cheese Cake factory afterwards. We hadn't seen Gary in 13 years. Gary is one of Sandi's first Bosses when she was 21 and managed a huge chain Pizza Company, Peter Piper Pizza. Gary, a former Bishop in the LDS church would leave books of Mormon on his counters at the store. Gary, and Stan Neilson were partners and when Stan started the chain if Las Vegas, he called Sandi to transfer to Las Vegas and help run his largest store. Stan would tease Sandi about meeting a nice LDS man and get married. Sandi told Stan one day that if God wanted her to meet and marry a good LDS man, that he would walk right through the front doors of the Pizza Store. Not only did we meet at Pistol Pete's Pizza, using the intercom system to call guests to pick up there orders, and in front of about 300 Pizza goers I asked Sandi to marry me, followed by a large standing ovation and cheers. (Startled the heck out of me). Gary baptized Sandi when she was 22 years old.

This looks good! The Joseph Smith Story!

2011-10-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

I think we are going to go see this, it looks good, the trailors were well done.

Bye Bye Tony, (I hope)

2011-10-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

I have been telling my wife for five years now, Tony Romo is super overrated. Man am I going to get it if she see's this post! yipes!!!

It must be the name "Lane"

2011-10-05T14:44:00.001-07:00

We received Taylor's first progress report this week. We are so proud of her! On top of Piano concerts, Trumpet Band and other school activities she is still an Academic master! Although we took school pictures I managed to get this one off her school ID card. We pondered all year as to send Taylor to "Middle School", a term some Left Wing nut job came up with no doubt. A real esteem enhancer! Yeah, my student is going to Middle School next year! What is Middle School? Somewhere between where I think I've been and where I hope I'm going? Yeah right! So we researched the differences. Apparently "Middle School" is more of the Touchy-Feely atmosphere and we wanted Taylor to go to an Academic School. We were encouraged to send her to a Jr. High School as she Tested in the top percentage of Clark County Students over all. I have had to help her in her Math classes as Sandi the normal Math standout in the Family works several nights a week at the Restaurant so I get to fill in, it's like working on the MBA all over again sometimes as I have spent hours researching how to do Six Grade Math. No I'm not smarter than a Six Grader! Open house was a blast this year! I was chosen to be a Campus WatchDog! Should be fun! Were looking forward to Taylor's Band concerts and other achievements. For security reasons we have hidden some of the information. She is still getting used to the extra Security around her! Note the Teachers comments! We are so proud! I'm still hoping she chooses BYU for College and Graduate school.

"Monday Night Football"

2011-09-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

I went out and bought dinner for the Dallas/Washington game this Monday night! Taylor and Sandi put on their Dallas Jerseys and we made homemade Sub sandwiches!
It went down to the wire with Sandi getting harassed on Facebook but came out the winner! It was a fun family home evening!

"Old Pic's on FB"

2011-09-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

I got a hold of a really awesome slide, negative machine and have been transferring images into digital and now have finally started an "Old pic's Album on my Facebook page. It's in the infancy stage but is coming along well. I've decided to add all old memories and past relationships, events and girlfriends and other events. Be patient! I may just close my FB page as the site is going downhill fast!

2011-09-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Cowboys football practice was delayed nearly two hours today after a player reported finding an unknown white powdery substance on the practice field. The coach Jason Garrett immediately suspended practice while police were called to investigate. After a complete analysis experts determined that… the white substance unknown to players was the GOAL LINE. Practice resumed after a special agent decided the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again!

"Pat Tillman/Mike O'Callahan Hoover Dam Bridge"

2011-09-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

We all had time off together today and decided to have family time its been a long hard week for everyone. I suggested the Hoover Dam Flyover Bridge. We had gone over it for the first time last month and noticed that you could hike up to the bridge and explore and enjoy the view. It was fun helping tourists take pictures of their group or groups. My daughter called me the Camera Guy today, and I over heard my wife telling Taylor that I was the nicest man she has ever known, how sweet! It was a totally exciting experience and I recommend it to everyone. Easy access and it is free for now! Fun place to take the family unless you have a fear of heights!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2019451887434.2101525.1278014355&l=0bf6c1acc1&type=1

"The Jury is in!"

2011-09-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

We spent last week picking out and trying instruments for Taylor to play in Band this year! We spent a few hours at a Ward members home trying the Sax, Clarinet, Trombone, and then finally the Flute. Taylor decided to go with the Trumpet! Now I can brush up and do a duet in Church sometime?

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

The Girls fishing at Lake Navajo!

Taylor caught the only fish of the day, a "Minnow"

                                                                             Taylor decided she wanted to work on her homework while waiting for the fish to bite! No such luck!

                          We decided last minute to head up to the Utah property and meet Richard and Lori there. We loaded up the much bragged about Durango and decided to include a battery charger and jumper cables as my sixth sense told me that the Battery was on its way to the deep six. As I locked up the house and joined the girls for a word of prayer before going I attempted to start up the SUV and the battery decided to take a dump right then. We quickly transferred all the supplies into the new car of which might get 39 MPG highway but I dreaded driving it on the dirt roads to the property and to Navajo Lake. Never the less we headed out. It was so nice listening to Sirius radio, no fuzzy channels or finding something to listen to. Presto, push a button and music galore. We made it up in time to head into Cedar city for dinner at Cafe' Rio in north Cedar. Ah, delicious. I ate a burrito the size of a small Buffalo and bought dinner for everyone else. We sat outside and enjoyed the cool weather, until Richard started on the Political subjects and we decided it was time to go. The AC was loud all night and it went on and off a lot. So we froze for awhile and was hot for awhile. Richard brought all nine of his dogs up in his special camper and bedded them in the Garage, one in his truck cab and the little girl that was pregnant in with us. The night flew by, I had to get up my usual two to three times so sleep wasn't very good. Monday morning we headed into Cedar to IHOP where we decided to eat a burly breakfast before heading up to Navajo Lake. With the Shooting at the Carson City IHOP yesterday no one questions why take protective measures 24/7. We headed up to Navajo lake, a 26 mile drive. Richard and Lori had to jam back up to the Starbucks for a quick coffee and met us there at the lake.
What a beautiful drive up to the lake. When we got there is was fuller than I have ever seen it. People were leaving. Stupid me forgot to take even a long sleeve shirt let alone a jacket. But Vegas was 105 degrees when we left and at 10:00 PM at night it's still 100 outside. What was I thinking. Even the night before we sat around a beautiful fire and looked at the stars. It was nice, cool and soft outside. It started to sprinkle a few times at the lake and boy was it cold. Everyone left shortly after we arrived without even a bite or nibble. After three hours of watching everyone come and go we too packed it in. Not a nibble! Dang! But as they say, even a bad day of Fishing is better than a good day at work. It was just nice to get away. We drove back without stopping all weekend at Pizza Factory (Closed Sunday night). We unpacked and were too tired to even do a Jacuzzi.   It was get ready for Work and School, make sure the battery was charged enough to go get another one (completed today) and take care of the daily business.   I finished a load of Laundry but was too tired to do anymore. I Prefer doing it and doing it right! We didn't have the usual long weekend that we often like to take, but we have missed church a lot with all the traveling this summer and going to Mom's ward some, so we decided to go this Sunday. Good thing as we have the opportunity to get General Conference tickets. Can't wait!

Welcome to Facebook

2011-09-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

The place where people add you as a friend, but walk past you on the street, where marriages and relationships are perfect, Affairs are started and liars believe they are telling the truth! Your enemys visit your profile the most, yet your relatives and family block you! Where those who loved you the most, you were the happiest with, gave you the most happiness, guided you through the hardest and toughest times in your life, gave you the most, changed your life for the better, are forgotten. Although you write what you are really thinking someone always takes it the wrong way, and people think your status is about them... Your High school and College "Best Friends" ignor your friends requests, so you can't see what failures they have really turned out to be and ignor your "Friends" requests or Messages, and your ex-girlfriend/fiances'-boyfriends/lovers or the "Love's of your life" are never mentioned, acknowledge, or included in your photo albums lest your son's/daughters/husbands/wife's dare start asking questions, why you didn't Marry the guy/girl who is more Beautiful/Handsome than their Mom/Dad and is more successful/happier than they are, but pictures of people they had bad Marriages, got divorced to, or had bad relationships with are always included, but captioned carefully as to not reveal the truth of that relationship. A place where "Security" is the excuse why they don't open their "Wall" or "Info" or "Photo" pages to everyone, but to ensure their own insecuritys and failures. Facebook is a place where all your high school ex's new boyfriends will post on the same threads 20/30/40 years later, post to you directly but never send you a "Friends" request! A place where only the best and most interesting and carefully picked photos are placed. A place where "Never" new "friends" are made, long time grudges settled, bad relationships mended, or old friendship/relationships gone bad, healed.
What a social network!!! Welcome to "Facebook"

Little Child

2011-09-03T19:25:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHZ79InLGRY&feature=related

First Day of Jr. High School

2011-09-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

Taylor started Jr. High School this year! Wow, where does the time go? She will be taking a full load and the school is only a short distance from our home. An accomplished Pianist, Taylor is thinking about taking Trumpet in School Band. I dug out my old Old's Trumpet that was manufactured in 1959, before they rubber stamped them in a factory. I showed her how to blow the horn with the mouthpiece and then played a few old favorite "Herb Alpert and the TJ Brass songs, Reveille, and Taps. Puppy sang along and Jo Jo looked confused. Even Sandi was impressed and that's hard to do! Sandi didn't play in Band but was an All State girls Basketball player in California... We are going to let her try a flute and clarinet before we purchase an instrument. She is completely new at the school as she has been going to a Variance school in Elementary where she was a consistent "A" student.

It won't take long for her to make friends as she has that same Kinetic personality that her mother has. It's cool watching her take interest in so many things. We just don't want her to grow up too fast. It's particularly hard for me as everyday is precious to me now.

Can't wait to see her perform in concert!

I remember how much I enjoyed Jr. High and High school. We hope the same for her!

NFL Cardinal's Game/ Arizona Trip

2011-09-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Bighorn Sheep park.

One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go!

Taylor at the Bighorn Sheep park, clowning!

Endzone View of the Touchdown at the Cardinal's game!

Beautiful Rainbow on the way where we encountered a huge thunder and lighting storm for two hours.

"Big Surf"

Well we went to Phoenix last weekend to see the Cardinal's game, unfortunately we had already bought the tickets weeks earlier and then found out my QB cousin, Max Hall was put on the injured reserve waivers two days before the game. It was an exciting trip, the first time I have actually driven over the new Hoover Dam By-pass. It was uneventful as we were literally over it before we realized we were. It's only a few football fields across and at 65 or 70 MPH shazaam, your over it! We will stop down sometime soon and actually walk across, if possible, and gets some good pictures. On the way we got a great shot of a rainbow, The Arizonan's must have pissed off oBummer big time, the roads were horrible. It was nice finally taking a longer trip in our already one year old new car next month. It drove like a Mercedes and used less than a tank of gas down and back. Richard and Lori met us at the Cardinal's game, it was exciting to see the new stadium. I've become more of a Dallas Cowboys fan ( Sandi's favorite team) but still deep down inside follow the Oakland Raider's. We went to the "Big Surf" park in Tempe and at best calculations I hadn't been there since right after Desert Storm in 1992. It was weird, it was like going into Disneyland and the only thing you recognize is the Matterhorn. After about an hour in the wave pool I asked a few people that had been there for awhile if it was the same. They all told me that except for the wave pool itself, the entire park, was redesigned. (I took the straight jacket back to the car! Whew!) Never the less, we enjoyed the park all day, ate and snacked. Climbing up the rides wore me out in the first few hours. Do to my recent bane, I'm only at about 85% at any given time. I enjoyed the wave pool a lot. The Girl's just ran all over the park. Taylor and Sandi both are endless energy. Afterwards we went back to Sandi's mom's before the game and ate a delicious BBQ dinner. Sunday morning we followed Sandi and her mom over to Sandi's sisters house, where they had recently moved from Pioria. After about 20 miles I had T-Bug text her mom to see if we were still in Arizona. There new home was nice, small but nice and out there with the Coyote's and wild pigs and spiders et.al; but nice just the same. The ride back was nice, the girls listened to the Sirius channel that does the open reading. They read the Book "The Help" of which both have read and seen the movie. (not me) I don't do TV. I'm on the PC Most of the time, Plus I just bought a new Killer Laptop. I'm having to get new software and hardware, extra Data sticks, etc., I have been in undated with "Friends" requests on Facebook but have had to be picky. Sandi is on too but not often. I do most of the Social Networking. Lot's of fun. We stopped at the Big Horn Sheep park on the way home in Boulder City, hoping the sheep would be there (and a restroom) and they were both there! We got home and ate dinner, unloaded and did a Jacuzzi before retiring for the weekend. I took a few pic's but not many. I'm seemingly always conserving my energy. The 110 degree heat is kicking my behind. Well I had a few moments to write about this quick trip I'll catch up with everything else this weekend. Hopefully Richard and Lori will meet us up at the Property in New Harmony this weekend. Were going to hit the St. George Temple and a few other places like Sandi's favorite "Pizza Factory" on Main st. May or may not go fishing. Looking forward to a long weekend. Since they got a lot of rain I'll have to take the Durango. I wanted to pick up a new SUV but Sandi loves her Durango (even though she never drives it anymore, spoiled!!!)

More pics and entrys on the way soon! Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Relaxing Saturday!

2011-08-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Taylor is warning me to not get too close or else, splash!, I'm going in too, camera and all!

Chillin' on the raft!

Taylor and Daphine playing in the pool!

Sandi Multi-tasking!

Friday night, we went out with Cecile, Rob and Mihrena and her little sister to see, the Rise of the Planet of the apes. Saturday, Taylor's Friend Daphine came over for the whole day and played and swam, enjoyed Pizza and enjoyed each others company. Daphanie and Mihrena will be going to Middle schools this next year, Taylor will be attending Jr. High School so they keep in touch with each other on their cell phones, calling, texting and sharing photo's. It was a fun relaxing day. I finally figured out how to keep the pool clean from algae this summer. Finally!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

This year we went to Steve's house. It was a quiet night. We didn't buy any firecrackers this year. Steve had purchased a bunch and we enjoyed the evening. It just didn't seem the same without Lauren there. We were leaving for Vail in a week so we enjoyed BBQ, fireworks and family!

Preparing for the Summer's play!

2011-07-28T08:27:00.002-07:00

Once again, Taylor was chosen to play multiple roles and play a piano solo in this years Care Bears Open House. She has been making costumes and practicing diligently for the August play and performance. Here she is styling one of the many costumes she will be performing in. As always, I will record the entire show and make CD's to purchase as the proceeds will go to future shows and charities!

Vail 2011

2011-07-28T08:27:00.001-07:00

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1875925739370.2095336.1278014355&l=8e49a271c9&type=1

"Dear Caylee"

2011-07-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Caylee, don't worry, "I got this ...."

Love Always.... God !

"O.J." The Sequel

2011-07-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

Was anyone surprised? This woman is a guilty as the day is long! The most important part of this is to see the Moral compass of the Country. This is where the citizens of the U.S. are and sinking further into the Abyss of Moral depravity. These twelve, clueless, ignorant, classless individual pieces of Human defication represent those that would let a Cold Blooded murderer off and vote for the low life living in gov't housing refered to as the White house!

Sad, Sad day for America, and little Casey! This truly was t he O.J. Sequel!

"Happy Independence Day" (as on Facebook Page)

2011-07-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

"The American Flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American Flag flies from the last breath of each Military member who has died protecting it! American Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Civilians don't go to war because they hate what's in front of them, they go because they love what's behind them! "

"Irony"

2011-07-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

North Las Vegas, Henderson and other cities, towns and municipalities are having to cut back on Law Enforcement agency's due to budget cuts. The Police themselves are purchasing signs and using them to scare the public into allowing them to keep their jobs touting lack of security and law enforcement on criminals. My question is why should they be able to keep their jobs and yet the private job sector is getting axed left and right.

Here is the Irony!

We pay the Policemen with our tax dollars. They run around and write frivolous traffic tickets that usually are bull*@%t We go to court or pay our ridiculous fines which in turns generates revenue that in turn pays for the police that are harassing drivers and writing bull*@%t tickets in order to sustain and keep their jobs! Is it me or is there something really wrong with this picture???

"Father's Day"

2011-06-20T21:43:00.001-07:00

Taylor and I took a Daddy's Day picture right after church! Hummm! Is that yet another cupcake in my pocket?

Steve explains to his oldest son Criss the Dynamics of cooking hamburgers. Sandi, Taylor and I brought over a ton of Ribs for everyone slathered with BBQ sauce so we missed out on the Hockey pucks.

OH WELL! Maybe next time!

Criss gave up the cooking and stuck to looking up Youtube sites.

Criss, Taylor and Criss's new girlfriend Heather frolic in the pool. I didn't go in even though the pool water was nice. (Heather is LDS and I hope she is a good influence on Criss.)

Sandi had her usual stellar game. How about a 40 foot putt! Wow! I didn't do too bad myself, just need to work on my short game!

Taylor and I went to the Craft stores Friday night to find a hat and mask. She was asked to take a lead part in a play and to do a dance at the end. This is for the dance. She has been practicing day and night as well as her Piano practice. Nice look for a young lady!

How about that new Father's day Golf shirt. Didn't help my game much... Need to go out 14 times a week or more!

Some highlights from Father's day weekend! Started on Friday. Taylor and Sandi spoiled me with gifts cards. Got a ton of calls, swam, BBQ'd, golfed, was Sick for a short while,( didn't eat breakfast Sunday morning and scarfed down three delicious cupcakes in HP quorum, sugar overdose I guess), had dinner with Mom and sister and family, started another page on Facebook, and even had time to make comments on a few posts on the MD DB, other forums and a ton of Blogs I read. Spent some quality time and relaxed!

Taylor's Elementary Graduation!

2011-06-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Taylor graduated from Elementary School last week. We were both able to attend. Taylor had received an invitation to the Graduation, meaning that she was to receive awards. It was interesting to see the parents that didn't attend because their children were not receiving awards. We bought Taylor a new outfit and Mom curled her hair. We were excited as Taylor stayed on the Honor rolls for K through 5th grades. She was always standing out in her academics, Student Council, G.A.T.E. and all her other activities. We are so proud of her. It was hard for me as it was the one year anniversary of my phone call from my Doctor with the shocking diagnosis. Never the less, after waiting for a her class (the last one of course) to get awards, I cautiously moved to an area where I could get pictures. Sandi and I were both shocked to see her name not called and not be able to go up and receive any awards, though we knew she was to receive them.

This is one of those times when even "Superman" Dad can't do anything. Unfortunately there are no "Do Overs" in school graduations. I felt a little confused and silly moving closer to get pictures, all for not. The office told us after Sandi called that it was an over sight. It was difficult for me to sit and watch her anxiously awaiting her name to be called only to not have it called. Sandi said she was crying after school and on the way home. She went straight to her room in tears as if she had disappointed us. It was one of those times that I had to give the old 'Daughter/Father' talk. All was good once I explained that she had nothing and no one to prove anything to but herself. We went out and had a great evening celebration.
She was definitely an over achiever all these years. We were so blessed to get the variance to the school. It is important for students to go to the same schools throughout, I was fortunate that way, even though Sandi was an Airforce Brat, she excelled in school and college as well.
We listed all her certificates and a few we left out as to not brag!

Tayor, you go into Jr. High School next year! Upwards and onwards, I say. We love you and are so proud of you. God Bless you!

"The Pool Light"

2011-06-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

"Little Geek"

Sandra Chillin'

The "*#@* Pool light!

As a young man my father always taught me that if an Intelligent man could design and build something, an Intelligent man could fix them as well. Apparently my father never changed a pool light before. Now you have to remember I have usually just made a phone call and presto, he comes, fixes whatever and here is my Credit card number. I decided three weeks ago to venture into the Pool cleaning and fixing up season. Both the pool and hot tub lights were out. The spa was a no brainer. Simply empty the spa ( a neat little trick I learned by mistake a few years ago). Since the service call to just come out, not including parts and labor was $98.00 I decided, this was something I could fix, a lesson learned two months ago when I paid nearly $200.00 for a repairman to come out and replace a fuse in our dryer. OUCH! I also allowed the pool to evaporate as much as a foot so that I wouldn't have to go into the cold water to take out the big light. The hot tub bulb went from regular to Halogen, no worries. Easy money. Finally after an hour and a half I finagled the big light but was unable to replace it into it's hole and secure it due to it's new buoyancy. So I found myself in 64 degree water screwing in the light. I went to a concert that night and thought I would reward myself afterwards by flipping on my new pool lights when I got home after dark.
After the concert I flipped the switch and "nothing". The circuit popped as usual. I had had a problem screwing in the light bulb on the pool light, It ended up at an angle. Being no pool expert I didn't know if that was normal as to reflect off the bottom of the pool. The next weekend I fought the cold water and removed the pool light and re secured it after removing and re screwing in the bulb. I learned quickly that this was a two man job and I had no business trying it myself. The key was vice grips. That seemed to help. With the task complete, I flipped the switch and to my dismay the breaker popped again. What now? I decided that I would check the no brainer light in the hot tub just for fun and took it back out. Sadly there was not only water in the canister but the new $8 halogen light had not only blown but was full of water as well. Reluctantly I stopped by the pool store the next day after meetings and picked up a new seal for that light as well. After replacing everything as per instructions I cautiously flipped the breaker and Eureka, the lights went on. My excitement only lasted two days, as to my horror, the pool light appeared to have a small leak that looked like water slowly creeping up the inside of the canister. But how could that be? I'm not an electrician, but shouldn't the breaker pop when in contact with water? So today, I dedicated myself to "Pool" day. I shut off the breakers again, pulled the pool light, and took it apart allowing it to dry out. I then cleaned out all the filters and replaced them, then vacuumed the pool. Sandi was wonderful enough to come and help me make a hard one man job simple. The light went together like it was sent from the factory. It came on bright, the pool was clean the water warm so we sent in "Little Geek" to work his magic while we went to a restaurant Sandi had wanted to go to that we hadn't been to in a few years. The wind was blowing all day and after being gone for one and a half hours, there were pine needles and dirt in the pool again. So, I dispatched Little Geek again and he cleaned the bottom in short order. I had been reluctant to by a pool bottom cleaner for six years now, but since I got sick last year my energy level isn't what it used to be. So vacuuming the pool three times a week didn't work for me anymore. It's amazing what a $420.00 investment can do for ya! After an 85 degree swim, I sat and picked off a few pigeons while Taylor and Sandi sat in the loungers and read. I had had enough sun for one day and felt now like I had been in a three round MMA bout. Never the less, the pool is back in top shape. Now I just need to figure out how to stop this incessant wind. It's getting worse and worse every year!

"Memorial Day"

2011-05-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sandi, Taylor and I took my Mom to all the cemetery's where we placed flowers on all of the family graves. We ran into her sister Shirley, (my Aunt) what are the odds? We took some pictures, here they are. Mom has lost most of her memory and at 87 she still does well. I got the sense that this might be her final trip this year as her health is continuing to get worse and worse every month. It will seem very different going with out her every year as I have enjoyed doing so for the past 26 years since Dad passed. We took Mom out to dinner and then to my house for awhile then home. It was a good day. We were all tired. God Bless you Mom... We Love you!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1769246992468.2090962.1278014355&l=78badafc5f

"Celebrity Apprentice"

2011-05-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Early on I was a big fan favorite of John Rich, former bass player and vocalist for one of my favorite Country Bands, "Lone Star" to win this years Celebrity Apprentice! A maticulous, sharp, attention to detail guy, John kept his cool throughout the entire series taking on every task with Class and his Journeyman like demeanor. The clincher was when Def Leapord didn't show and he went out and Vamped. The nicest compliment was that my wife said he reminded her of me. It was tough staying up and watching but well worth it. I never watch TV as a rule, news mostly, computer a lot. This was worth the wait. Congrat's John. Your a great Artist, Man and Leader!

" 11 years old"

2011-05-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

We spent Saturday afternoon with Taylor and several of her friends for her eleventh Birthday party at Sunset Station Casino. The Girls bowled for about an hour and then stuffed themselves with Pizza, afterwards enjoyed "Big Time Rush" cake and opened presents. Sandi Mother was in town for Taylor's Birthday and for Lauren's internment at the Boulder City Veteran's park. After the bowling party, the girls headed home and I stayed for the second week in a row to see "Dokken & Quiet Riot", last week it was "Slaughter & Great White". The day before, I dropped off a ton of cupcakes at the school office for her class and staff. Wednesday, she celebrated again at Carrie's and made another haul of gifts and Sunday after church we went to my mother's and her and Aunt Linda had purchased a cake and had gifts galore. Taylor had more like a wonderful Birthday week.

Multi-Cultural Night at School

2011-05-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

I went with Taylor to her annual Multi-Cultural Night at school for the final year. The Students spent weeks and weeks preparing for the different cultures and nations. Taylor spent the better part of three nights at home putting together the project and the rest of her class did the final research at school. We made our rounds and visited most of the old teacher she had and Staff. We went to the restaurant after and had dinner.

Hard work comes to fruition. We are proud of you Taylor! Next up Jr. High School !!!

"Is it Summer yet?"

2011-04-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Burrr!!!!!

"Golf, Misc, The almost Perfect Day!

2011-04-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

Taylor et.al., at the Easter Egg Hunt

Sandi after a long Drive. (and my stupid glove in the way)

"Fore"

Sandi surprised me today by booking 18 Holes of Golf at the Boulder City Golf Course. We started the day by dropping off Taylor at her last day of School before Spring Break. It was "Camo" day. Everyone dressed up in their favorite Camouflage attire. We then finished up some banking and headed up to the Links in Boulder City. We were fortunate to get hooked up with a couple of great guys in a foursome. The course was awesome, the day was beautiful and I got fried like a Crab in a steam pot. Sandi had her best day in forever that I can remember. I had my usual, one step above Wii Golf, only the real deal. The cashier remembered me from all the years of the American Legion Golf tournaments and bumped us up way ahead of our Tee Time. You couldn't have asked for a more peaceful, beautiful day. Our team mates John and Don were the consummate Gentlemen, yes, what a pleasure, Thanks a ton guys, you made it all worth the five hours of baking in the Sun. Don, nice Chip in!!!

We headed back to Vegas just in time to pick up Taylor from her school for spring break. We didn't think we would get there in time but made it with time to spare.

We went home, cleaned up and headed to the Green Valley Hotel and Casino where we used three V.I.P. Tickets to the "Feast" Buffet, I was given by a good friend who works there. I stuffed myself with BBQ ribs and anything else I could get my hands on. We stopped at the store and picked up the newest Harry Potter DVD and spent the rest of the night relaxing. I fell asleep! May have just overdone it a bit. We ended up the Night watching Americas Funniest Home Videos.

The other pics are of Taylor and friends at an Easter Egg Hunt, and at her School Carnival where I spent three straight hours running the huge inflated obstacle course. That was interesting. Hundreds of kids running around and me helping them up over the tough spots. Tiring.

Today was the closest thing to a Perfect day I have had in a long long time.

Here are most of the pics, the others are linked to my FaceBook page. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=1686284518458&id=1278014355&aid=2083141&l=5771a683cb

"$75 Bucks !!!

2011-04-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

We decided to go up to Brian Head, Saturday and spend the day tubing, head back to St. George and have a little Pizza Factory before returning home. I have our house guest taking care of several incidentals needed around the house.
I stopped at the cheapest gas station I could find, and it took $75 dollars to fill up the SUV. On top of that I will have to top off in St. George before coming home.
If we had a "real" president that had a pair, we would be drilling at home and only paying .65 cents a gallon. But I digress!
I had to top off in Cedar City, another $30.00 in gas, and with breakfast and then lunch it made for an interesting day. We stopped off at the property in New Harmony and I checked out everything. Most of the snow was gone and it looked like I was the first human being to walk ever in that area. On to St. George, since the Durango has a somewhat antiquated GPS system and we didn't have the Garmin with us we decided to find the "Pizza Factory" in town rather than the usual RedCliffs restaurant. I decided to use my cell phone. Understand that is an expensive phone that has App in it you can get and I have everything but the FA-18 Super Hornet simulator. The wife is working this thing while I'm driving and tells me that it is in fact on the south side of St. George. We ended up somewhere between St. George and Santa Clara, I think at some hole in the wall "Pizza Factory" on Sunset Blvd. After getting instructions to locate the well hidden restrooms, I sauntered over to our table. I noticed a woman at the table who looked up at me and smiled, her eyes wide as if to say "hello" I know you... I said hello back several times and she then looked puzzled. I asked if her name was Linda and she replied no. Boy, did I feel like the idiot. Never the less, she was sitting with 8 or 9 elderly people and I proceeded to inform them as to why I had called the meeting, puzzled they all looked at me like, who is this guy? I began to ask if this was the only other Pizza Factory in the county and thy exclaimed that there was one just off the main street in St. George near the Brigham Young home. I was mad. But I learned a valuable lesson about my cell phone navigation app. If you business is doing well and your not advertising, your not on the Nav system. That's how we ended up at this little whole in the wall with every old person in the universe. Never the less, the food was good and we headed back to Vegas. The girls laid down in the back and watched the Yogi bear video. Naturally the headphones we left back at home so I had to run the sound through the stereo system. Fortunately having been through this exact torture driving to and from our Condo in Vail, Co., I had brought my Ipod along. It was only a matter of, would the movie be over before my Ipod with a low battery die before the movie ended. We came home, it was a good trip. We all unloaded the SUV and headed to some R&R then off to bed. A great fun day.... I love Utah!

"D.A.R.E." Graduation

2011-03-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

Taylor with her graduation certificate and Medal.....

Mom and Taylor enjoy a proud Moment after coming home from D.A.R.E. Graduation.

Four out of 134 Fifth graders won this prestigious Medal for Excellence.

Taylor and MiReina her best friend enjoy pictures and kudo's after graduation...

School Principle Mrs. Wooldridge and Henderson Police Officer Hull open the ceremony!

Channel 3 Weatherman and Children's Author Kevin Jannison give another awesome speech to the D.A.R.E. Graduates.

Today we were able to attend Taylor's D.A.R.E. Graduation... She was selected the top of four students in fifth grade to read an essay she prepared and that was required to pass the class. The Ceremony was well done and we were able to go to her home room afterwards and enjoy doughnuts and juice afterwards. Sandi and I didn't have this program when I was in school. We were so proud to see her participate in this program and graduate with an outstanding award for achievement. I was able to get a ton of pictures and video. Included is the link from Facebook to view the rest of the videos and pictures.
Taylor, we love you and couldn't be prouder!
Love,
Mom and Dad.....
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2080998&id=1278014355&l=d4cd0bed10

"NASCAR" Weekend

2011-03-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

We all showed up at the Las Vegas Speedway for the NASCAR event, there was a good turnout. Lot's of pre-race and post race eats and tailgating. Everyone enjoyed a nice warm day. I got raccoon eyes from the sun as did most of us. Not many crashes but a few. It's obvious that you have to be a NASCAR fan to enjoy sitting for over three hours but overall it was a good day to relax and enjoy friends. The Helicopters flew overhead before and after the race shuttling the VIP's back and forth. Felt like being back on the old Marine Bases of yore.

Good company, good eats, nice day!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2079428&id=1278014355&l=81bdf0438c

"SEA CAMP"

2011-03-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Taylor, Marhania, Robert, Cecile, Sandi and Armani at pre-Camp lunch!

Heading out for "Sea Camp" finally!

Dinner after arrival in San Diego! Then off to classes!
Ah yeah, a long awaited Sea Camp arrived today. After 8 months of waiting the Girls headed off to San Diego for three days of "Sea Camp" a program offered by the School for those interested in Ocean and Marine life. I insisted that Sandi be a chaperon so this was in the planning for a long time. Call me the over protective father but it is what it is. We spent the week packing and preparing for the trip. Sadly I'm stuck here with near front row tickets to the Sunday's NASCAR event at the Las Vegas Speedway with two hours of pre-race tailgating with all the Military guys and gals, co-workers etc. I'm hoping for lots of pictures when they get back to add to the face book page and Blog. Taylor's best friend Marhania and her father and our friend Robert will be doing most of the activities while there. I hope they have a great time. They deserve it!
More Pic's to come!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2079453&id=1278014355&l=f155dc2a43

"Happy Birthday Puppy"

2011-02-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

Puppy turned 8 years old on February 8th. I'm not sure of the exact day because he was a gift from my former awesome secretary Elaine. He is a male, not quite the Ankle biter but still going strong at eight years old or 56 in human years. He is a handsome boy. I first called him Barney, but as a puppy getting under feet and doing his business in the house, Sandi would constantly yell at him and call him Puppy. Puppy, outside, Puppy, no, Puppy out of the flowers etc. One day I called him in the house by his given name Barney and he looked at me like, who the heck are you talking to? So Puppy our handsome Sheltie rules the roost, but don't tell that to Jojo and certainly not Skeeter our cat!

"Do you love me that much"

2011-02-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Joyp96VjD8U&feature=related

Sometimes at night I lay awake,
Just to watch you sleep, hear each breath you take.
When the morning lights your face,
I just wanna hold you, and forget the day.
I live and breathe your every touch
Do you love me, do you love me, do you love me that much?
When you look at me across the crowded room,
Suddenly I wanna be alone with you.
I hang on every word that leaves your lips,
Anticipate the moment when I feel your kiss.
Enough of you is not enough.
Do you love me, do you love me, do you love me that much?

For so long, I've been trying to believe,
That someday, you'll fall as deep as me.
But it's just not there, love isn't always fair.
Would you want the best for me,
And I hope I find the kind of love you can't feel for me.
Could you find it in your heart,
To end this thing right now before it's gone too far
Let me go and give me up
Do you love me, do you love me, do you love me that much?
Do you love me that much?

"Forced R & R"

2011-02-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

I finally had to have a "Come to Jesus" talk with Sandi this week. It seems she is simply working at the restaurant and sleeping. I haven't minded being the Mr. Mom during my Health recovery months and look forward to going back to work full time but It seemed as if we never saw each other only in passing. It was even starting to take it's toll on Taylor. Even cool Dad can't make up for mommy time.
So I took Sandi out to the Golf course and to lunch today. It was her day off and with Aunt Lauren's funeral tomorrow, I felt she need some well earned Rest and Relaxation. We came home ate a huge pizza and waited for family to arrive. We spent time watching movies tonight and setting up the bedrooms for the rest of the family.
It was a fun day....

"Happy Valentine's Day"

2011-02-14T07:32:00.000-08:00

To those I love, to those I have loved and to those I will one day love and love more! May this day be a wonderful day! Take this day to Love, to forgive, to Cherish those who we love and have lost! Life is short, live each day like it's your last... Love all of you! "Forever" Thank you for all your support... In a life filled with strife, stress, and uncertainty, your Love is a game changer!

Pittsburgh Steelers Suck!

2011-02-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

Apparently even the Referee's were unable to produce a second "Dirty Super Bowl" win for the Steeler's this year. Although it was all too obvious they were doing everything they could to call lousy, awful and pathetic calls against the Green Bay Packers, the Packer's prevailed. (I'm no big fan of Green Bay) Annette Funichello and the Micky Mouse Club could have been the opponent this year, it mattered not. I'm sick of "Big Ben" escaping the law for his promiscuous antic's and the bullying and thuggery of the rest of the players.
Go home Pittsburgh, stay home. You lose... Live with it! Nuff Said!

"Sleep over"

2011-01-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Taylor enjoyed her second Birthday sleepover in the past month. Our little girl is growing up. She keeps the "A's" up in school she knows she gets special privileges. This is the same group we went with on Halloween. Taylor spent a few hours on the Internet looking up Sleep over tips and put together a binder and gave it to her best friend for the party. They all had a blast! This was downloaded from a phone, I hope I get a bunch more. I'll post them then!

"State of the Union"

2011-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

I missed the annual State of the Union speech on TV Tuesday night, I had a pressing issue at home, I needed to beat Sandi in an 18 hole Wii Resort golf game. Although I lost (as usual) it was a relaxing effort, running to the dining table to help Taylor with her Math homework in between shots. From all accounts, polls, opinions and interviews, obummer's speech was equated to a sloppy third trimester abortion. How stupid are Americans to fall for such a fraud? It defies logic! Even after two years of horribly failed policies, people still suffer from "Acute Messiah " disorder.... I have to admit I did see a pop up or two of obummer delivering the speech. I must honestly say that the greatest part of the entire night, was seeing House Speaker John Boehner sitting behind the idiot that was speaking!

Arm Excercise ?

2011-01-21T21:36:00.000-08:00

I walked by Taylor tonight and noticed that she was playing the Wii again more regularly. What was odd was she was waiving her arms up and down in a motion reminiscent of a runner. I looked at the TV and she was playing a mountain biking game on the Wii. What it looked like was she was doing some kind of arm exercises. When I tried to talk to her she was oblivious to my presents. She had her Ipod in and was rocking away with the music. Too funny!

"D.A.R.E." (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)

2011-01-14T18:14:00.000-08:00

Taylor is in the process of finishing her D.A.R.E. Program at school. This will be her last year in Grade School and will now go on the a real Jr. High School. We are looking at several Academy's but so far no luck. Taylor has asked ton's of questions to me about drugs and alcohol and it has been enjoyable to help her out with something I can. I'm not smarter than a fifth grader when I comes to Math. So this works better. It's finally warming up here in the City... I hate the cold and I hate the extreme heat. I picked a good year to retire. Now I just have to do it! This weekend I think I'm going to just hang out and find a nice warm park to go visit and then go to Apple Bee's and eat dinner. Sandi is off Sunday and Monday.. Wooo Whooo!!! As soon as I get the pic downloaded with Tay and her new DARE Tee I'll put it on here!

"2010" A Year in Review

2011-01-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

           This past year started out a little bit different than most. I had been feeling tired, both psychically and emotionally over the past year. I had wondered if I was up for another busy year.  I decided on a new diet program and workout regimen.   As the year progressed all was going well, considering the down turn with the economy, lest me being a bit frugal and basically a tightwad, we all set our goals and got through the bland months of January, and February. I put aside most of my blogging and other social sights to focus on Taylor's schooling, becoming more involved and Sandi came home from work on January 31st to announce she was taking some time off for about six months. With family going on deployment this sounded like a good thing to do. My brother Brad moved in again with us and put together a short lived trucking company. He stayed with us until August when I guess we had had enough of each other. Liberals and Conservatives just don't mix some times. We enjoyed his stay and help.  In June, we thought we were going to lose Mom. She spent weeks in the Hospital. We enjoyed visiting you everyday and bringing Krispy Creme donuts. Your a fighter and your doing well. Hope you live forever!
The next few months flew by and although my Brother in Law Steve had not yet returned from Afghanistan on his deployment with the Predators and Reaper's, by June first we were ready to take some time off and travel to Utah to the property and do some fishing.   I had just days before gone in for my annual physical, with all the bells and whistles, blood draws etc., as it was refill time for my prescriptions due to inherited blood pressure issues and a script for my seemingly endless Bronchitis that was going around everywhere in Las Vegas.   Uncharacteristically I had started snoring in my sleep and because my sister had sleep apnea issues it was suggested that I take a sleep test.
I have never snored before in my life and just attributed it to that past four stressful months and not the best of eating habits, a lot of hard work and again the economy. We met Richard up there with his hunting Dog and spent Memorial Day weekend fishing and looking at properties on Cedar mountain there at Panquitch lake. It was hot and sticky most of the day and I had been noticing other weird physical anomalies, but just attributed it to the last four months and was just happy to be with family again. On Sunday night, we all built a huge bonfire next to the barn on the property and decided to marsh the mellows as they say. It was early about 8:00 p.m. and I found myself falling asleep in my camping chair. After a long time of being call a wimp and other names I decided to call it a day and went inside to sleep. The others joined in later...
We got an early start back as Tuesday was Taylor's last day of school and was the following day. She was excited to go as it was also awards day. When she came home from school she had won just about every award she could including the School's second highest award. We are so proud of her... Taylor had just picked out where we were going to eat and celebrate when my cell phone rang. On the other end of the phone was my awesome Doctor of 10 years, a wonderful Christian lady who after divorcing her husband opened her own office and I went with her. She is spiritual and always says a prayer at the end of my appointments. She cured my four times a year Bronchitis problems in about 18 months years ago.   The only problem was that never in all those years had she personally ever called me on my phone to talk. She asked how I was and how I felt. I told her crappy and chronically tired. I guess God had been wondering lately about my Humility issues and other vices and got together with JOB, an expert on things going bad for you, and decided they needed to give me a nudge. It was then my Doctor told me she had some good news and some bad news for me.  Of course I asked for the bad news first and she told me I had been diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease and that I had had it for about two years now. The good news with proper and immediate care it could be cured although it would probably be with me for the rest of my life. Although I hadn't planned on winning any life living longevity awards anytime soon, any thoughts of making it to 70 or even 65 suddenly became a reality. ( But for now I'll have three Birthdays every year! November 10th, the Marine Corps Birthday, December 8th, the day the Doctors told me I was all brand new, and of course my regular Birthday a week later.)
The next few months everything in my life changed. It was Ladies vacation at the Condo in Vail, Co. this year. The doctors wouldn't let me go this time... Every priority I had changed and things I usually worried or dreaded about were not even an after thought. After two months of treatments I remembered laying in bed on night thinking back on Marine Corps Survival training and how I had hoped I would never ever have to endure anything like that again in my life. Apparently, God and JOB hadn't forgotten my words. It's been six months now, six months of having lifesaving poison dumped into my body and enduring pain, and feelings I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies. (well maybe one or two)...
Until now I have kept it private letting only those close to me know. One blessing is that my older sister who I have been estranged with for years and I have become close again, (except she is a dang lib and I'm a conservative.) We don't talk Church or politics anymore except for the occasional cheap shot when we feel the need.
My family and I have put our priorities in a better direction now. Each day is precious to us. We ended up with the most "Simple" but wonderful holidays this past few months. I enjoyed walking all over the countryside on Halloween dressed as "Hell Boy"... All the little kids would wait for me to go to the doors first if they were afraid, kind of their "protector" as it were. The same at Taylor's school Halloween night. It was fun but it took it's toll on me. Thanksgiving and Christmas were simple but very close family wise...
A difficult year, but one with more meaning in my life than any other. God has a plan for me and I spend most of my time trying to figure it out. As of this writing it's coming together. I've started a grassroots business in Survival and Food storage. I'm working on incorporating my doTerra membership into my company as well. Looks like I'll be doing a lot of traveling to Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah this year...
I would like to take the rest of this writing to thank so many loved ones and friends who have stood by me during this very difficult and trying time in my life. Although I look better than I have in years, I often don't feel it. It has been your love and strength, prayers and support that has helped me get through all this so far.
Good things are coming.
   Thanks to my beautiful family, Sandi & Taylor, Carol, Richard and Lori, Steve and Lauren, My BIG sis, Linda, Brad, all my Marine buddies, (Semper FI) that know, Gunny Mcfadden (Bob) Lori T (your the best), Mark, Dave, Thanks so much, Matt & Carrie, Bishop Matt Cox, (your truly my brother, thanks for putting up with me) Brad Wild my friend who's information has meant all the difference with what I've gone through, for the Blessings, Gale my doTerra buddy, the love and to all of you who I have missed and forgot to put your name in here and for those of you in my past who continue to influence my life. (Mom, I'm sorry I can't tell you about this but you have been through enough this year without this and have already lost one child, no worries)
May God Bless all of you!!!
   -Al

MADB sequel

2011-01-02T10:16:00.001-08:00

It's no doubt by now that the proprietor at MADB is aware that his games, and bias attitude doesn't work here in the real world. I have already predicted changes in the MADB format. This is what is refered as a "shot across the bow!" Always remember who your messing with in this life! I'll give it a few more months and around the end of Summer I'll give him a little reminder! Perhaps, Nemesis enjoys having to get new servers several times a year. But wait! I will have about four different agencys investigating the equipment Allen is using at MADB. This should prove to be interesting! If you follow my blog, check in the MADB around the first of August 2011. We will mix it up again for the forum perhaps shut it down for a week! If that doesn't work then we can get much harsher! Then perhaps we will see a hightened level of ethics, standards and Morals when it pertains to the MADB.

Reserved

2011-01-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

Reserved

Christmas "2010"

2011-01-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

At Mom's house, family Pic

Taylor's presents...

Mom's a big Cardinal fan now that her Nephew is the QB... Max Hall

Mom with her sister Shirley and Niece Tracy

Taylor and Grandma

Taylor's gift from Dad....

We enjoyed a quiet Christmas this year. We had a lot to be thankful for. We had two huge dinners, one at mom's and the other at Uncle Steve's and Aunt Lauren's. Most of my Christmas was for the Hunting trip, Sandi got a Kindle, and other cool things, Taylor a good mixture of gifts, a DSi, and mostly clothes. We enjoy her being well dressed at school, especially with all her different activities. Merry Christmas!

Utah Pheasant hunting-family trip...

2010-12-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Where the hunt was! Recommended!

Roux, Ken, Steve, Richard, Cedar, Al... Big Game hunters! Ha!

Picking up the processed birds at the area.

Caught the limit!

              Got to spend some quality time with family and friends in Utah this week. My first time Pheasant hunting. Went with my two brothers and a great guy, Ken from Sand Point, Idaho. He brought his dog Roux, a puppy from Cedar. Got most of our limit. The Hawks ate one of them for lunch. Richard showed off his expertise and Ken's dog, Roux did a great job too of hunting up the birds.
              It was a completely different experience than I expected but I had a great time and it was so fun to get away. On the way home, I showed my brother some sights, visited Ross Hunt my old life long friend, and former UHP officer, and old High school, Cheerleader buddy Kim Primavera at the Orem, Mall. I showed my brother where my old Businesses were, stopped and took pic's of the Mormon tabernacle that burned down and shared some great memories.
              The highlight was seeing Jennifer, Marshall and the newest Grand daughter, Avalon... We all met at Cabala's Sports store, better known as the "Lehi Temple" and spent some quality time. The hunt was fun. Lot's of snow that I miss. Provo is my second home. Short but sweet. All in all a great trip. Thanks Richard for the invite, Steve your the best as usual, Ken, your a gentleman and it was an honor to get to know you and enjoyed eating and visiting at all the Lehi Steak houses.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2072016&id=1278014355&l=97e8631d19

"Gay's in the Military?" What's next? This?

2010-12-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pShS4t_6EE

"Pheasant Hunting in Utah"

2010-12-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

My Brother in Law in Phoenix surprisingly invited me to go Pheasant hunting at a Reserve north of Provo, Utah the week after Christmas for three days. I was caught off guard buy the invite as I had not been invited several years before when Richard and my other brother in law Steven headed out annually. I suspected they didn't want me along because although I might be an expert Pistol shooter, the only thing I have been able to hit with a Shotgun was usually a bad guy at ten feet. We went out shooting last weekend and I couldn't hit the Skeet machine in front of me if I wanted to. Even the wadding was close to hitting the clay's but the "shot Pellets" were no where near it.
Never the less, I enjoy more going than doing. It gives me a chance to "rough it" once in awhile. I get to take out my survival gear and MRE's and not shower for a few days, and let it all hang out before I have to return to civilization... Although, we will be hitting the Pizza Factory in Provo around 6 P.M. Monday night to get stuffed.... We did manage to get some rooms in Lehi (Richard is bringing his hunting Dogs) and after the hunt Steve and I are going to head to Manti and visit family for a few hours, eat and head back to the property in New Harmony.
I haven't decided what to take yet, the Durango or the Jet. If it's snowing I'm going with the Durango for 4x4 purposes. I just have to decide If I should scrape off the Dallas Cowboys "Star" on the back window to avoid any persecution.
I'm excited to go, and anyone of you can join us! There's always plenty of room and I'm going to fully enjoy this month off.
I'll put pictures on the Blog when I get back.

Toys for Tot's

2010-12-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

Here’s a nice Xmas story with a happy ending!

December 14, 2010: Associated Press
Las Vegas, Nevada - A U.S. Marine reservist collecting toys for children was stabbed when he helped stop a suspected shoplifter in Downtown Las Vegas, Tuesday. Best Buy sales manager Orvin Smith told The Las Vegas Review Journal, that man was seen on surveillance cameras Tuesday, putting a laptop under his jacket at the Las Vegas store.
When confronted, the man became irate, knocked down an employee, pulled a knife and ran toward the door. Outside were four Marines and a former retired Marine Major in Civilian clothing, collecting toys for the service branch's "Toys ForTots" program.
Smith said the Marines stopped the man, but he stabbed one of them, Cpl. Phillip Duggan, in the back. The cut did not appear to be severe.
The suspect was transported to the local hospital with two broken arms, a broken leg, possible broken ribs,multiple contusions and assorted lacerations including a broken nose and jaw and several missing teeth...injuries he sustained when he fell trying to run, after stabbing the Marine.

Church Christmas dinner

2010-12-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

Taylor and I went to the Church Christmas dinner last Saturday. There was a huge turnout. I sat alone at a table and Taylor's friends all came and sat with us, including a friend in the Ward who occasionally drops off her children for us to babysit now and then. As usual I didn't eat anything. If I can't see it being made, or it's not a 4 star or better restaurant (not including the Spaghetti Factory or Pizza Factory in Utah) I don't touch it. I even declined to attend our Company Christmas party this year, because it's pot luck, (everyone bring a dish) dinner. No thanks! I've been through enough these past six months and with this special diet I'm on I'll stay on the straight and narrow.
The Missionary's spoke and sang. The Bishop was low profile as usual... Taylor pretty much just hung out with friends, Sandi was at work. I sat there most of the night talking to our friend, but as usual don't socialize much with anyone. Not my style... We don't see a lot of her anymore with this weird schedule she's on. Later, the children were invited to sit on Santa's lap and get photo's taken... It was a Ward member who always volunteers. Great guy. On a better note, I'm not going to have to narrate the Ward Christmas program for the first time in five years. And if they are waiting for the last minute to ask me (usual M.O.) they are out of luck.
It was a good night. We went back home and hung out! Very nice dinner!

"Two Missionary's- Two Homecomings"

2010-12-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

This Blog post was removed by request and by and for Respect and my Friendship for the person who requested it be removed. Thank you...

Taylor, just chillin'

2010-12-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

Taylor was just chillin' the other day, she had her friends all lined up watching tv together. Taylor is very creative and intelligent... I snapped this pic'...

"MADB" Mormon Apologetic's and Discussion Board

2010-12-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

(The following thoughts, ideas and writings are of my own Personal opinions and thoughts)

               After much thought, I have decided to keep the link to the MADB on my blog as I have found people can't seem to find it on Google or anywhere else. I first happened upon the forum by attempting to locate a former relationship to return some personal belongings after 25 years. I had made several attempts to do this on a known e-mail address but never got a response. I wasn't aware even at my age that these types of forums were on the Internet. I was quickly surprised, amazed and horrified by what I read, and the caliber of people that were on the forum. What was more surprising was seeing my ex-relationship involved with this type of Riff-Raff... I have to admit she was a bit quirky and out there, but her beauty and righteousness always over shadowed these issues. I noticed one particular member who was an alleged author, writer and speaker. But apparently he still had time to spend on the forum where he found his Minions, and groupies salivating on his every word and thought. No doubt the reason he after being a member for 8 years had the highest profile views in the forum.
After about 9 months on the forum I started to smell a "Rat" and with some sophisticated software and the help of another member, we investigated the forum, some of it's members and moderators and Domain owners. It was obvious my membership there was of odd and unusual presents. It took only a while for other members to see that I wasn't the "Normal" type of person that was on the forums like this. So while having some fun with the members, I quickly set some personal goals for myself and the MADB, all but one was reached. Although I have been banned from the forum (but have several "Sock puppets") over 8 months ago, I still have the second highest number of profile views on the forum and that was obtained in less than a year on the forums.
After, months of investigating the forum, it started to make more and more sense. We found out that the forum is a one man operation in the North West and that the senior moderator is the ONLY moderator, but uses different Greek names as moderators to give the members the illusion that there are many moderators. The forum uses a cheap but economically reasonable operating system, (probably why the site has crashed and been hacked so many times) and operated by the same type of person with the same type of personality of most of the members. We found out that over 83% of the members were lying about who they were and they're accomplishments. The average member is more commonly known as "Poor White Trailer Park Trash", Welfare cases, those having multiple relationships and marriages, most in Government assistance of one type or another, many with Psychological and Sociopathical issues, low self esteem and self Image issues, desperately trying to get any crumb of approval by anyone on another computer of whom they have no idea, or factual knowledge of who these people might be. Most of the female members have bad marriages where their obsessive-compulsive problems drive them to spend countless hours daily posting thread after thread in front of their PC's. This is your Jerry Springer, Murry Povich, Judge Judy crowd..
             Every once in a while you will see a person "Bail" out of the forums stating they recognize their Obsessive-Compulsive habits, only to return weeks if not days later. SAD !!!    The Moderator is of the same ilk. An insecure, antisocial computer geek who watches his "SHEEPLE" often beg for his forgiveness at the instance of a mis-writing or posting.   It's possible that this moderator suffers from "Delusions of Grandeur" and believes he is really some Greek God with believing he has pulled off the biggest con since the Madoff Ponzi scandal. Don't be surprised if you see a whole new format or Domain change with the MADB in the near future. It's amazing what a little Legal work can accomplish...
I actually became disgusted with the whole site a few months ago when a member contacted me through an e-mail, non-members of the LDS church who informed me that my name and character had been attacked on a post from perhaps the most dysfunctional, compulsive-pathological lier on the forum. These people could find nothing that I had written, then realized having been banned months before was unable to post anything on the MADB. That prompted them to contact me. They contacted me while traveling between SLC, Utah and there home state of California and our family's met for dinner and quickly became friends that we stay in contact with to this day.
I made it my goal to get my closest friends off the MADB. As with most of all my goals I have succeeded. I haven't seen any of my friends on the site and know of only 1 or 2 times recently that my ex-relationship has signed on. I'm pray daily that she will have nothing to do with this site as should any "Temple Recommend" holding member or for that fact any member in good standing in my church should have nothing to do with this site.   So for now, I have met my goals... Hopefully my friends and those I love will avoid this "Toilet" of a forum and put their lives to a more productive purpose... Let's hope so!

"Nellis AFB" Air show, USAF Thunderbirds"

2010-12-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

My brother in law and I decided a last minute run out the to the Air Show this November. I had just completed several days of Medical treatments and tests and it is usually about three days afterwards that the "Train" runs over me for about a week. But the day was beautiful, a Sunday and the last demonstration for the "Thunderbirds" for the year... Unlike the masses who have to park way out at the Speedway and be shuttled to the base, where they go through vigorous screenings and metal detectors, we just always pull up to the main gate and flash our Military ID's and they let us go on base and park where ever we want, usually by the Fire Station where my Father spent 34 years as a Crash/Rescue Firefighter/Fire Chief... I was a bit reluctant to walk around too much but I kept staying hydrated, and ate before I left to pick up Steve. The crowd was noticeably smaller this year but still a great turnout. We walked all around while observing all the ancillary side shows going on, like the "Red Bull" stunt plane, parachutists, and the "Heritage Flights" (way Cool") We particularly enjoyed the "Static" platforms that were on display. Steve still knew some of the Airmen and said hello... We spent 4 hours walking around (later would come back and bite me in the Derriere,) but never the less enjoyed the event... This is one of the few times I really enjoy getting out for the day....

Steve spent twenty years in the Air force and now works for a private contractor. He was also in Afghanistan earlier this year.

It's funny, every time you run into a fighter pilot, they are always fascinated by Helicopter pilots. I originally wanted to join the Air force and become a fighter pilot and be a "Thunder Bird Pilot" but Dad gave me anything but encouragement. I too am fascinated with Jet's and fighter pilots. Had I been able to be one I would have chosen this little "Bad Boy" the A-10 Warthog. A nasty little weapons platform. We saw ton's of these in Desert Storm in 91'... This would have been my aircraft of choice. Well, this is about as close as I will ever get to one I suppose. Maybe, just maybe I can become a celebrity one day and catch a ride in one of these. "I'll never be the same"...

The old "0-2" "Bird Dog" used by USAF Reconnaissance pilots in Viet Nam to spot downed pilots. This what my good friend "Uncle" Charlie flew in Viet Nam...

"The Few The Proud" (This title has to be Earned) U.S. Marine

Thunderbird Solo climbs for the loop....

Video's >>>>

The "Heritage Flight" once in a life time sight! F-16 Eagle, P-51 Mustang, P-40 Warhawk and the F-22 Raptor!!! From Past to Present....

The A-10 Warhog shows off it's turning and climbing abilities...

Two USAF Pavehawks demonstate a Mock rescue while the F-22 "RAPTOR" provides close ground support during the rescue...

"My Dad"

2010-12-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

I came home one night, Sandi and Taylor had come and gone to a church function, achievement day I believe. We have a special Calendar we bought for Taylor. It's her job to remind me to change it monthly. She is meticulous about crossing off the days, and keeping track of events. October was a particularly difficult month for me. All I remember is that my treatments took six days instead of the usual three, then I came down with Bronchitis but fortunately a mild case. In my old age, I have become quiet and introverted over the past 18 years or so. No one really knows how I feel about much. Taylor could sense that I was having a tough time last month and whenever she would ask if I was okay, (which is usually every hour) I would tell her "just fine"... She would just say "it's because you were a Marine, right?" I usually would just smile.

This particular night, as I walked by the Calendar, I couldn't help but notice what she had written on the picture... We are so blessed to have this little angel.... Thank you Taylor.... Dad !

Mom's Birthday!

2010-12-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

Mom turned 86 this year and although we wanted to have a big birthday party at the church for all of her friends it dawned on us that she has out lived most of them. I bought a big Carrot cake and headed out to the house. Linda bought her assorted Arizona Cardinal's gear.. Shirts, gloves, etc., Sandi, Taylor and I bought her an authentic Arizona Cardinal's jersey with our cousin Az. QB Max Hall's name and number on it. It fit perfectly to my surprise. Bradley and Eddie were a complete no show, ever, to no one's surprise. It's been 16 years since I've seen or spoken to Eddie. (No loss there).. When I think of the two most influential women in my life I think of Mom and a beautiful lady I met in Salt Lake City, Utah named Naomi (Muh) Smith. Two of the classiest, righteous people I have ever known. Mom has been without Dad for 25 years now. She is getting frail and forgetful. We realize that every day and every holiday may be her last, so we make the best of everyday. I never give up a chance to get a big hug and tell Mom I love her. I'm so glad Taylor had a grandmother to know growing up. I never knew my Grandmothers, and only had one Grandfather that I knew. Muh Smith was a Grandmother to me of sorts. I'll post more picks of her and mom when I find them. Mom was excited. It's been frustrating for Linda for the past 12 years living with Mom and dealing with her memory loss and other Health issues. We almost lost Mom in March of this year. We have been blessed and hopefully will be blessed for many more years.

"Church Trunk or Treat"

2010-11-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

We again enjoyed a wonderful "Trunk or Treat" at our Chapel this year! What a great turn out!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2066404&id=1278014355&l=f9a98ee82b

"Hellboy" a Six year old Halloween fantasy!

2010-11-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

Taylor was invited to a classmates house for a Halloween party. I have always wanted to be "Hellboy" for Halloween. You couldn't find a mask on the west coast. I even had to order this one on line. The party was fun, Taylor and I did a little Missionary work with her friends. Good food, lots of candy and lots of fun.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2066403&id=1278014355&l=9b0b398e27

"Halloween Trunk or Treat" School

2010-10-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Taylor, Sandi and I enjoyed Taylor's "Trunk or Treat" at her school"... I was in the Haunted House all night and missed everything but had fun anyway. Taylor and all her friends hung out and Sandi mingled with friends and the school Principle Mrs. Wooldridge.. Everyone had a fun time.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2065313&id=1278014355&l=270b778096

"Student Council"

2010-10-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tayor tried out for 5th Grade Student Council President today. We spent lastnight preparing her speech. Although popular, another classmate was selected. She was chosen over thiry candidates to be "Sgt.at Arms". We are very proud of her!

"Happy Anniversary"

2010-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Taylor surprised Sandi and I Sunday afternoon with an Anniversary surprise dinner. She had spent weeks preparing the menus and decorations. She dressed up, brought her keyboard downstairs for the music, lit a candle, and made romantic napkins. She escorted us to the dinning area after the Cowboy's lost, and brought both of us to tears as she took our orders and prepared the simple food from the menu. It caught us both by surprise. We have truly been blessed with a wonder and special daughter. After Family Home evening Monday night we all went to an nice restaurant and had great baby back ribs and everything else you can imagine.

"Family in the News"

2010-10-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Cardinal's Rookie QB "Mad Max" Hall wins his first NFL Start!

Mad Max Hall, undrafted Quarterback from Brigham Young University, will start for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL this Sunday. Max is the son of my first Cousin Mark Hall of Mesa, Az.

Sara Bishop (second from left) joins the UNLV REBEL Cheerleader squad for the second year.

Jan and Chris Bishop lived down the street from us when we purchased our home in Las Vegas. Jan was the first person to welcome us at a church function and Chris was our first Church visiting home teacher. We had been neighbors for 7 years until they spoke in church due to moving away to Henderson, Nevada. I noticed in HP Quorum that after Jan's father introduced himself, he had the same last name as my mothers maiden name. I found out that day, that his grandfather and my grandfather were both from Minersville, Cedar City area and were Brothers. Jan is my Second cousin. Good luck Sara!

"Time for a new Car"

2010-10-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Decided to purchase a new car this week. My older "gas saver" had 53k three thousand over the warranty.
I loved the new 2011 VW Jetta SEL. Fully loaded, and has all the new toys including the usual Sirius Radio and Navigation, heated seats, sunroof. Pretty exciting... Sandi insists on hanging on to the SUV. Why not, only five years old and 58K on it. Sandi wishes she could have taken the new SEL to the Condo in Vail this year... Heck, I wish I could have gone period. But all is going well and I even have most of my hair, ha ha ha! The question is, what shade should I have the Window tinted? Wait, I can probably do that!

UPDATE: I decided on the dark tint this time. More privacy and more heat rejection. Took me less than an hour. Turned out perfect! Like riding a Bike, you never forget! Maybe I should do this professionally!

Brad Dunn's Semi-Pro game...

2010-10-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Linebacker Brad Dunn poised to go in on Defense.

Taylor enjoyed KFC and a football game with Dad.

Linebacker Brad Dunn takes a breather!

Head Coach Mike Kelly and ass't coach Chris Davis and I played together at UNLV...

Ass't Coach Chris Davis (big guy, tan hat, far right, played lineman with Mike and I at UNLV.)

Taylor and I went to Brad's game at Freedom Park yesterday. It's touted as a Semi-Pro league. Not sure if it is. These guys could probably beat BYU or UNLV. Fun to watch! Head coach Mike Kelly and Ass't coach Chris Davis and I played together and UNLV, way back when!

Brad Dunn closes the line and goes in for the Tackle.....

"Another year of Student Council, Congrat's Taylor!"

2010-09-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

We went out after school to the restaurant to celebrate Taylor's victory for winning Student Council for the second straight year. This year Taylor's classmates unanimously elected her to the 5th grade Student Council where she will continue to show her leadership talents at her school....

"NASCAR" Truck races

2010-09-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday night a bunch of us met at the NASCAR raceway here in Las Vegas and watched a night full of racing and flying. Before the race, they introduced the drivers. During the National Anthem, two Combat Ready F-22 Raptor's surprised us with a flyby. The crowd erupted! It was awesome. I did manage to hear them coming back by and caught the second Raptor chasing the other on straight up before the crowd. I decided to wear my Shooting ear gear this year so I wouldn't have my patented headache after the race from the extreme noise. After the race Steve and I grabbed some "In and Out" burgers on the way home. No traffic and only one fight!
Nice and quiet for a change. And of course a very generous THANK YOU, Lori for the surprise stack of tickets. I managed to use all but two. Your the best. Saw many people I knew there. Fun night. Cell calls and texting was miserable as usual. I managed to have the Church Scout Leader drop off my huge generator at a neighbors house as Taylor and Sandi went to the movies. Ha! Truck Races, no girls allowed......

"Taylor's 1st Football game"

2010-09-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Taylor took me to her first High school football game. Our Family friends son was playing on the JV team. We ate dinner and went to the High School. When we got there Taylor surprised me by paying for the tickets after I was told I wasn't allowed to "Carry" on School property and had to briefly return to the car.
When I came back, Taylor purchased a new Jersey to wear and refreshments with her own money. Kind of a Daddy, Daughter night out. We left at halftime to make another commitment. It was fun and we won.
She was particularly interested in watching the cheerleaders. She's growing up!

"Shooting Day with the Predator boys from Creech, AFB "

2010-09-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2061986&id=1278014355&l=d8031820b8

"Dinner on Taylor"

2010-09-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

For taking Taylor to her school PTA fundraiser she surprised me tonight by fixing my favorite "Poi" soup, aka Top Ramen. Sandi had to close the restaurant tonight so Tay and I hung out. I was chillin' playing Wii Golf when she yelled; "Soup's on!"... Delicious... They grow up so fast!

"Mia's Blessing"

2010-09-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

We were able to attend two Church services with family and friends today! Ours and my "Little Sister's" (adopted by me) service where they recently returned from China and adopted a little girl.
The place was packed and was one of the biggest Blessing Circles I've seen. The LDS Church offers new Born's a blessing much like the Catholics Baptize at birth..
A lot of people there.... Good services!

"Bingo Night" at School

2010-09-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Most of the Regular PTA staff was there. We have followed them for six years now!

We sat with Anthony and Stacy, Shane and Carrie's daughter Sidney, and Ms. VanKell, a long time friend and Teacher at the school!

Everyone got in line early to get the goodies.

And the first number is?

Taylor goofs around while Dad gets his shoes on!

"Let's go do this!"

Taylor and I headed to her school for "Bingo" night. They passed out Bingo boards and free popcorn and candy, drinks and other goodies. The PTA was on it's annual membership push. It was a two hour ordeal for me with screaming elementary students. I got a great headache. People were starting to leave around 7:30, mostly because the prizes were pretty "cheesy". I donated a $250.00 gift certificate on the final ("cover all") game. No one else left till it was over. A little 3rd grader won the Grand Prize Certificate. I met the family afterwards. It was a blast but I was more than ready to get out of there and go home to bed... Getting old is Hell! The restaurant was too busy for Sandi to get there and enjoy the fun with us. Next time!

"Labor Day"

2010-09-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Waiting for everyone to arrive.

Waiting for the Grill to heat up!

Taylor and Sandi found extra time to play with the "Magic Eye" books

Checkin' the BBQ

Being Sassy!

Lauren discusses unruly customers she dealt with at work!

Criss decided to chill by soaking his feet!

Steve sits pondering, when will my homemade Ice cream be done?

We all got together (family only) at Steve's house on Labor Day. He recently returned from Afghanistan with the DOD.
We brought over some thick steaks, the first for me in a long while, Steve Q'd em up nice. No one felt like swimming but we talked about everything we could until late and Taylor had to get ready for school. It's good to see Steve back. Hopefully he won't want to go again for another year, hopefully none of us will have to be there anymore.
Lauren prepared the rest of the dinner, and I thanked Steve for burning me his complete Dokken library.
I guess Halloween is next?

"Til the Morning Comes"

2010-09-11T09:30:00.001-07:00

YouTube - Paul Anka & Peter Cetera Hold Me 'Til The Morning Comes

"Mad Max" and the Arizona Card's

2010-09-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

My cousin Marks son, Max Hall showed his mettle with the Arizona Card's this past pre-season.
Staying focused and tough, Max signed as the back up to Derick Anderson... Great work Cuz!

First Day of School, last year of Elementary

2010-09-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Taylor entered Fifth Grade this week. We are so proud of her. Time fly's by when your enjoying life. We are looking forward to her continued good work with the G.A.T.E. program, Student Council, Drama projects and other endeavours. Good luck Sweetheart. We are so proud of you!

The Museum of Natural History

2010-09-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

While Sandi had to work all day at the Restaurant, Taylor and I went all over Vegas and ended up at the Museum of Natural History. This at one time was our weekly Saturday adventure. But as Taylor has grown, her interests have changed, but after seeing an advertisement in the newspaper, we decide to give it another visit. Taylor went into the "Projects" room and went to work. It was a fun day and afterwards we joined Sandi at the Restaurant for lunch. Taylor and I swam and played around in the Hot tub. A fun relaxing day. One I needed!

New Chapel Dedication!

2010-09-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

We were able to go with my Mom to Church today, something I wasn't sure was going to happen again these past few months. I spoke, only to enjoy seeing many people in the Congregation that I had grown up with, in the new chapel that was recently rebuilt on the sight of the Original chapel that I was raised in. A homecoming of sorts. Mom seemed very fragile today but I was honored to be there with her and speak about her during the talk. It was fun to see everyone! It's a beautiful Stake Center now. I told Mom when she feels even better she had the Challenge to go to the Temple with Sandi and I. I was a proud Son today.

Like I said in the beginning!

2010-08-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

“The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the presidency. It will be easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails us. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president.”

In November, you will never in this life time, again, have the opportunity to take America back!

Business/Pleasure

2010-08-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Brother in Law Joe showed us how to take an Iron shot with his putter from over 100 feet from the green.

I have to credit Wii Golf for my improved short game.

Sandi's a Natural Athlete. I get beat up when we play any sports or even Wii anything.

Joe and Sandi discuss a 235yrd driver shot!

Sandi's Driving was a bit off this time. We have agreed to go to the driving range at least once a week.

Sandi, Taylor and I, Lauren, Matt and Criss drove to Phoenix this past weekend. Steve couldn't make it as he had just flew in from Afghanistan after four months of Hell. (it gets twice as hot as LV and Phoenix). It was good to get away for me. We had several functions to attend. The best part was I was able to rest and get in a couple of holes of golf. Joe, Sandi's sisters husband met us at the course were we got in nine holes. Joe had to go and Sandi and I played another round. I must admit the Wii Golf has upped my game a bit. It was hot and muggy but a fun and quick trip. Taylor was the only one that swam at Grannys. I was just too pooped out to do much more than relax and take in the rest. I must purchase a Ping hat now that I'm going out every week and play a round. Its was discouraging to have to take 2 hours from the Arizona side of the Hoover Dam to the Nevada side Security check posts. It's the longest 7 miles I have ever driven. I was also dismayed at the lake Mead water level... Having grown up in Las Vegas I have watched the water level drop drastically for the past 20 years. Shockingly, I also was caught off guard when I saw the infamous "Batching Plant" that I had grown up hearing about at the foot of what used to be small islands off the beach that now look like Mountains due to the water level. We used to be afraid to SCUBA dive to the plant it was down so deep. You could actually see the old cement truck sitting next to it dry as a desert bed. I'll try and get pictures. The fly over at Hoover Dam is almost finished. It's beautiful but a little late. If the water level gets any lower you'll be able to just walk across the Colorado river on stones.

"Ward Shooting Outing"

2010-07-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Grand prize was the Pinata pay phone, won by Bill Hair

Bill Hair brought some serious artillery with him. This is what he hit from 200 yards with everything but the kitchen sink.

This is where you hit from 200 yards when you know what your doing!

A bunch of the guys from the Ward gathered to the BLM Land south of Las Vegas and shot up the hillside. The Bishop Matt brought his family along and Kevin Lee and his son Hunter showed up so we were well represented by the Bishopric. Bill Hair shot the Pay Phone Pinata and won the few dollars that was still inside. Smoke bombs, Skeet, rifle and pistol enthusiasts alike enjoyed the morning were fun was enjoyed by all.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2048189&id=1278014355&l=a79be469cf

"Odd's and End's"

2010-07-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Skeeter found one of the Pigeons Dad shot three houses down... How did he do that?

Taylor takes a nap with Dad until he gets stronger...

Taylor does a dress rehearsal for her up coming annual play. This year she gets the lead role. Were excited!

Taylor takes charge of Family Home Evening. You never know what she has in store!

Family Home Evening. "Don't even go there!"

Aunt Linda's Birthday

Cake and gifts cards all around. Off to a reunion she goes.

"Gods Speed"

2010-07-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the rest of your life! May God be with you, may all go well!
God's Speed!