Sittin' Varsity

Tonight Linc had a ball game. It was against Bare Pond, the same team they played about ten day ago. Linc played the second quarter and the last two minutes of the Junior Varsity game and had his own cheering section. There were his wandering grandparents, his Corn Husker aunt and uncle (I presume), his tallest uncle and aunt plus two kids, His step aunt and uncle and cousin (lately from Norway and soon from Texas), his Southern cousins (Magdogs), and his Aggie cousin and his mom and three siblings (G-man stayed home) and I. I think that totals nineteen in all. He did really well and helped the cause with a couple points along with, as always, lots of defence. We thought the night was over and went home. Wife was going to go to the varsity game and Linc was going to stay and watch as well. Well, Linc called and told us that he was invited to "sit varsity". This means that he got to warm up and sit on the sidelines for the varsity game. He didn't play a single second but it is an honor to "sit varsity". The coach told him that it was because of how hard he has been working that he got the honor. It really is an honor for a Sophomore to do this.

Further stuff

Well I just got back from the doctor and it is indeed bronchitis. He also said that my arm should heal up on it's own and that he doesn't think that anything major is busted. I actually had a nice long conversation with him and he listened to me. He explained the names of the muscles and what they did along with some politics (I was wearing my tee shirt that read "Bitter typical white person clinging to God and my guns"). In all it was a pleasant trip to the doctor. I need to state here that it was not the same doctor that delivered me. It was however the same doctor that delivered three of my children.

On a related matter Step-father is in the hospital with Pancreatitious or some such thing and mom says that he is having some sort of scope tomorrow. Mom called Wife today and was almost happy that he was in there because they said it was because of his drinking that caused it and I hope he gets a clue and quites for good. Step-father feels that Joseph Smith was uninspired when he wrote the word of wisdom. Any way if you get the chance have a thought or a prayer for Step-father.

Another thing. I read a news item that many of you may not hear about. It was that the church that Governor Palin went to in Wasilla, Alaska was burned. They don't know for sure who did it but are rather certain that it was arson. This was on the Glenn Beck web site and they gave an address which is:

Wasilla Bible Church

1651 West Nicola Avenue

Wasilla, Alaska

99654

Wife and I are sending this letter:

Dear Wasilla Bible Church Official,

We recently heard about your building being burned and being Christian ourselves (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), yes we know you may not consider us Christian) and recently having been the focus of some harassment ourselves; we wanted to give a donation to your church to help rebuild your building.

Enclosed is a check for $20.00. We know it isn't much but we hope that it will help in some way.

We may worship differently and have contrasting doctrine but we both worship God and his son Jesus Christ. Continue to stand for Christian Values and seek after truth.

Your brother and sister in the Lord,

our names

PS. Merry Christmas

I take a woopen'

Well for about a week now I have had a cold/bronchitis but I have not let that stop me. I barely move in the first place so it's hard to know when I actually stop. Well Saturday morning I get up and it has snowed about 6" so after breakfast I get out to shovel. This fall I put down a "Redneck patio" which is to say three shipping pallets that have had the slats filled in with other scraps of wood. Wife felt that since the ground is now frozen we should take them up until spring since they were somewhat slippery with snow on them. Well I got two of the pallets up with no problem and moved them over by our bushes to construct a "fort" for the boys. Upon attempting to pick up the last (it's always the last one) I reached down with my left hand and started to pull up. The pallet didn't move but I heard three very distinct POPs in my arm and the kind of pain that tells you that you've just done a very stupid thing. Me being a tough manly man decided to keep going because I reasoned that it wasn't a big deal. I shoveled some and came to realise that it just may be a big deal. I got the pallet up by prying on it with a stick (couldn't have thought of that first, hey, Hercules?). Then I tried to lift it up on the top of the other two to make a roof for the "fort" and heard three more similar sounds. I asked Linc to assist me then went into the house and haven't poked my head out since. I can bend my elbow but I can't twist my wrist very far without being reminded of just how stupid I was. I think I will give it a day or two and see is there is any improvement then will probably go the the doctor and have them both looked at.

Lincball update

Linc went to Pelier and watched as the JV won their game. The coach told the Sophomores who didn't play something like 'sorry I didn't put you in but I wanted to win'. At least that's what Linc said he said. I think that last year was a great disservice to Linc by having him play JV as a freshman and all the other things that went on. Linc is a great defencive player and they say that that is what they want but the coaches don't seem to encourage it much. I wouldn't care except for what it's doing to Linc. Oh, and the varsity lost. They are now 2-2.

Lincball schedule

This is mostly the varsity schedule but the JV and Sophomore games follow rather closely.

• Dec 4-6.........Micky Dees Invite.at Capitol city (going on now)
• Dec 12...........Bare Pond...............There
• Dec 16...........Rio Verde...............Here (Sophomore)
• Dec 18-20.....Fire Gap Invite.....Rio Verde
• Dec 27...........Bare Pond..............Here (see this LBS?)
• Dec 30...........The Hole................Here
• Jan 9..............River Town...........There
• Jan10.............Sheri Dan..............There
• Jan 14............County Seat..........There
• Jan 15............$$$ County UT....Here (Sophomore)
• Jan 23............Nat Rona..............Here
• Jan 24............Kel-Wal................Here
• Jan 30............Stone Fountain...There
• Jan 31............Rio Verde..............Here
• Feb 4..............Evan's Town.........Here
• Feb 6..............Evan's Town.........There
• Feb 13...........Nat Rona................Friendly Ghost Town
• Feb 14...........Kel-Wal..................Friendly Ghost Town
• Feb 19...........Stone Fountain.....Here (Sophomore)
• Feb 20...........Stone Fountain....Here
• Feb 21...........Rio Verde..............There
• Feb 25...........Evan's Town.........There (Sophomore)
• Feb 26...........Evan's Town.........Here
• March 5-7.....Regionals...............Friendly Ghost Town
• March 12-14.State......................Friendly Ghost Town

He has played four games so far (2 Sophomore 2 JV) and has yet to win. Varsity is 1and1. They played School town and Capitol City East and are playing Capitol City Central today. I will try once again to get mom to even a minute of a game but I think it's a lost cause. I can't quite understand why she will go to a concert and not to a ball game.

The making of my day

Today like all Tuesdays (Tuesdays are the new Mondays) was rather crappy. Linc had early morning ball practice. No really big deal there I was headed to work anyway but now for the first little while it was with a grumpy teenager. Work was frustrating, machining, they say is an exact science. Numbers and computer code, metal and measurements, exactitude! Hogwash! It's an art and I was having artist's block. Well crappy work day. I picked up 'Leenie from Wife's work. I got home and was told that Linc needed picking up from school at 4:00. I knew that he wanted to get to the shoe store (yes we have one here) before it closed. Well, I went to the HS to pick him up and I waited, and waited. I went in and searched but no tall Sophomore (not mine anyway); so I went home thinking he got a ride with one of his friends. At home Holl informed me that there was no Linc so back to the school I went. Not before I was informed that Holl had pie-annie lessons right then. So 'Leenie went for a ride with me (don't ask where Wife is on Tuesdays that's another entry all together) back to the school. I took another direction in my search this time assisted by my lovely companion on my arm (literally). One of the teachers informed me that Linc was finished with what he had to do half an hour ago. Well I started to call home on my communicator when it hailed me and Linc said that he saw me driving off the first time so he took the 4:30 bus home (I wish I knew of this bus). Arriving home again I collected Linc and to the shoe store we flew. The quest was a pair of "team" basketball shoes that on previous occasions was out of stock and many sizes too small (another blog entry in the making). With the precious footwear ordered (here in five or six days) it was home again. The plan was to take Sparky to his reading night at 6:00 then off to general priesthood meeting at 7:00. I cleaned up some (shaved and washed my hair) then went to put on my church cloths. Dear sweet Wife had collected my cloths that I had left out from Sunday to wear on this very occasion and put them in to wash. Now the point of all this play-by-playing was to let you know the mental state I was in which was not good. In fact I was working up a really good mad which could be attested to by my children. It was 6:00 so I threw on my Aggie shirt and grabbed Sparky and headed the half block to the school for reading night. Now my mood was about as dark as the surrounding night, when as we were crossing the street Sparky asked "Are they carrying the scriptures?" I asked who was carrying the scriptures? He pointed up to this sign and said "them, are they carrying scriptures or books?" I mumbled something about Scriptures are books and outwardly went on but inwardly I stopped dead in my tracks and thought of what a wonderful thing it is to be surrounded by such fantastic people as me kids. I never made it to my priesthood meeting, I was too busy reading with my first grader and marveling at what a great bunch of kids I have been blessed with.

The parade of luminescence

A long standing dream was realized tonight. Oggie and I were in the parade of lights. We were accompanied by the boys from the toolees and 'She along with Sparky, G-man, and Holl. Linc was too cool to put on a Santa hat and ride with us. I believe a time was had by all. (Thanks Wandering Grannie for the picture.)

Tom has something to say

A friend at work gave me some quotes by Mr. Jefferson that I thought were rather timely. I thought I would share a few with you.

• The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
• My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
• The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
• I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
• The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
• No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
• When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.

I don't remember the exact quote but Ben Franklin said something like: "We need to make being poor as uncomfortable as possible so people will want to quit it."

Gas $

It's $1.90 at the Million dollar beer store.

Just remember what goes down fast can go up faster. Now the tax hungry thugs will want to raise the gas tax so that we are paying $3.00+ no mater what the oil price is. This just shows how bad people expect the economy to get. By the way the sales for my work are about double what they were before Nov. 4th. Weird! It most likely is a bump and not a trend but hey, take what you can.

And now for something completly different

Share something about...

• your cell phone. It's for emergencies and trips.
• your hair color. Brown and gray.
• your mom. For Sparky's birthday she bought what we felt were girl plants. Wife tried to be nice and said that they were the wrong size (they were) and exchanged them for some regular boy pants. Mom showed up with the same "girly" pants only in the right size. What can you do?
• your dad. Gone for just over fifteen years now but never forgotten.
• Favorite thing. my '74 VW Thing
• Last nights dream. Can't remember.
• dream goal. See all of my kids married in the temple.
• The room I'm in. Cluttered, comfortable.
• hobby. Drawing.
• Greatest fear. Falling short.
• Where you'll be in 6 years. Hopefully in a better America.
• What you are not. Short.
• 1 wish on your list. enough food storage.
• Where you grew up. Where I am now.
• your TV. Useless after February.
• your pet. Barks too much.
• your computer. Slow Internet.
• your mood. Anxious.
• your car. Need the window fixed.
• favorite store(s). Hastings hardware, Familee thriftway.
• your summer. gone.
• Favorite color. Blue
• Last time you laughed. At 'Leenie
• last time you cried. After thinking about what my kids will have to go through.

In defence of Sarah

OK, I will answer Spuddering out West's questions (see comments on last post) and then say no more about it. Mitt Romney, I would love to see Bro. Romney as president. Not too likely to happen. Where everyone seems to be wetting themselves over electing "the first Black president" there is still lots of predigest against Mormons. You saw it in the primaries when McCain and Rev. Huck-a-bomb teamed up to destroy Romney. It's still OK to hate the religion people choose to follow, note rumors about BO being Muslim.

Now about Mrs. Palin's policies. She is a life member of the NRA and it isn't just show. She actually knows how to shoot and goes hunting. Her son is in the military so I infer that she would support the military and the troops. She is "pro-life". She demonstrated that by having her last baby even though she was told it would be "special needs". She goes to church and isn't afraid to admit it. She asks for Gods guidance often. She is against corruption period, whether it is done by a Dem. or Rep.. She is for lower taxes as demonstrated by her eliminating property tax in the town she was mayor of. I call all those principals Conservative.

What does she bring to the party? Well, she is a self made woman. Her husband hasn't held any public office and isn't a billionaire. She rose from the PTA level and still had the sensibilities of a mother who wants to make things better for her kids. She is REAL! She did make the mistake of letting McCain's people "package" her. The same people that got in her head and told her to toe the McCain line are now complaining to the more-than-willing-to-listen media about how difficult she was to "manage" and how she would go "rogue" on them like when she needed diapers and had them stop at a Wal-Mart to run in and get them herself. Self-important people don't plan out to stop at a Wal-Mart to get diapers and knows just what isle they are in.

As far as firing her Ex-brother-in-law. He was not fired he was on leave until an investigation was concluded. She was asked by the police, as Governor do you have anyone who has threatened you OR YOUR FAMILY. She replied that her sister was threatened by her estranged husband that he would "kill her father". That would be Mrs. Palin's father as well. The man also "tazered" his daughter (Mrs. Palin's niece) in his patrol car. Mrs. Palin was simply answering questions about who might be a threat to her or her family. By the way she was cleared of any wrong doing the day before the election. Weird timing I say.

About the librarians and book banning. She was accused of wanting to ban books that weren't even published when she was mayor. Pure fabrication.

Still with me?

About the bridge to nowhere. It really was a bridge to somewhere but she's no dummy. The Senators got the money she just decided to use it on other road improvements. Why is one man's pork another man's taking care of his district? I don't condone that sort of thing but many people get elected and re-re-reelected promising to bring home the bacon. This I wonder about myself.

Now all of her high priced clothing. That was the RNC (Republican National Committee) that bought her all those cloths which she is in the process of giving back. By the Way has anybody asked how much Michelle Obama spends on cloths? How much does Mr. Obama's suits cost and Mrs. Clintons pants suits. Not to say "they do it too!" but why is it even an issue?

Is she smarter than a fifth grader? I think that if I was suddenly thrown into the public eye and was told by people who worked for my "boss"; "don't say this","don't say that","answer this way","turn your head just so","Don't screw up!". And then I was placed in front of hot lights and TV cameras and was grilled by someone who I knew was trying to get me for over an hour and a half. The chances that I would have trouble answering their questions would be rather high. By the way the "media" only used the three minutes that were most damaging to her of the hour and a half interview. I'm sure that if I was interview (interrogated) for an hour and a half they could probably come up with three minutes of stuff that made me look stupid (more like 85 minutes).

Does she support our standards? Well, I know she claims to be Christian (Pentecostal I think). She has a daughter who needs to get married real soon but that never happens to "good families". How can you really know anyone in the public eye or believe what the media tells you. You just have to study things out in your mind, study things out on your knees and go with your best guess.

Do I want her to run for president in 2012? Sure. Do I want Mitt Romney to run? Yes! In this last election the only person on the national stage who I felt was "real" and "Conservative" and best reflected my beliefs, principals, and values was Sarah Palin and that is the only reason I voted.

Well, Library Ninja, maybe we should stick to discussing the weather and other safe topics this year. You had a good idea there.

Please note I am not upset at anyone I just feel the media has done a bang-up job on getting their guy elected and destroying the opposition.

Peace and love to everyone!

I have the audacity to hope

The day the USA committed suicide

I have hope but very little of it. There seems to be more idiots that I imagined in this country. I have just voted and it is 4:05 PM Mountain Standard Time. Now I don't know what the outcome will be for the president but it doesn't much matter. The choice is a conceited socialist or a broken down compromiser. I fear we would be only slightly better off with McCain but we most likely won't get the chance to find out. I suppose the only consolation is that I can say to the guy starving next to me in the soup line "I didn't vote for the bastards!" Now you can tell your kids and grand kids "I was there when the United States committed suicide, it was November 4th 2008."

By the way yesterday was Sparky's 7th and Saturday was Linc's 16th.

All Hallows Eve

The elementary school gives out vouchers for pumpkins at the local store and this is what the boys did with theirs. Wife said this was her best Halloween ever. She HATES Halloween but this year the ward had a party so instead of sitting home passing out candy to young socialists expecting something for nothing we went to the party and had dinner. Part of the dinner was that a few people told of their pioneer ancestors and I was asked to share a story. So I told the story of... let's say it together... Lucy and James. The two oldest dressed up like teenagers of the '00's and the girl went to a party in the lower valley. G-man was a mountain man and Sparky was Indiana Jones, while 'Leenie was Bull's eye (Woody's horse). I went as a hippie and Wife went as an over worked mother. We missed the majority of young socialists and a good time was had.

On another note I thank the people who sent in pictures for the calendar and say for the final time. If you want to send in a drawing for the calendar it had better be soon.

more gas

This is a picture of 'Leenie on her new pony.

Some further info on petrol prices here is the twinkle valley. Yesterday the price at the non-rogue steer station (the one North of town a bit) was $3.519 while the million dollar booze selling rogue steer station was at if I'm not on some sort of mood enhancing chemical was $2.579 (it's $2.679 today, go figure). I'm not sure what the price is at the brother of gold wrestler's store stands at right now. I do need to fill the work horse tonight so I will find out the price there soon. If it's of note I will note it.

Congratulations Corn husker-in-law on your new ear of corn! We pray for you all.

**Up date... at the Gold Wrestler's store gas is $2.499. That's $.18 cheaper than the million dollar booze selling store and $1.01 cheaper than the station on the other side of town. MIL says it's $2179 in Winter Quarters and the new Corn Husker is doing good after her surgery.**

American symbol project

The oldest child has completed his National symbol project. This involved building shelves for the in between school's after school program (read mom's work). This is more involved than it may look. He has put in over 80 young man hours if you were to total up his and his helpers hours; which they do. You can see how it was before and then see the end product. I have a new appreciation for large majestic bird projects and the young men who do them.

Oldest daughter presented her YW in excellence project tonight and it involved rereading the BoM and making a list of scriptures for various categories. I was well done and all the other YW presented excellent projects as well. It gives me hope for the future.

Gas update

It's now $2.97 @ McCainrick. No little corn husker yet?

Gas $

This is for the wandering Granny. the price of gas here in the twinkle twinkle valley is $3.179 at the McCain like store. *Sorry everyone I originally posted the price as $4.179 which was over a dollar too high! Sorry for the mistake.*

'Leenie turns one!

'Leenie looking at a card from her Washington kin.
What is that glow?
Hi-o cowgirl!

Good cake!

foe-toes

This is 'Leenie anticipating her next seafood meal.

You don't have to squint very hard to see Linc's grandfather.

Linc took this of the valley.

On the left of center you can see the entrance to the canyon where the ranch is located.

I think this is a nice picture he took.

Holl is the tall one playing the xylophone with her back to the camera.

They are going to "friendly ghost town" to a competition this weekend.

Black is White and Bad is Good

Can someone please explain to me what is happening to this country. When the very congressmen who cause a financial melt down get praised for "fixing" it by socializing the banks and insurance companies. When a Marxist is leading in the poles and will very likely be elected president. When the "Conservative" candidate is talking about having the government by all the mortgages and owning many peoples houses. When pointing out who a candidate hangs out with is grounds for being called a raciest. When a vice presidential candidate can be called the most foul things on tee shirts and bumper stickers. When the most racist people are the ones that cry racism for not lending money to people who have no business buying a house and then saying that it had nothing to do with the mortgage crisis. When a candidate worked for and organization that is under investigation in many states for fraudulent voter registration. When people promise riots if their candidate is not elected. When it's starting to look like Germany in the 1930's when the government can't print money fast enough or in big enough denominations to keep up with inflation. When gas is just over $3.00 a gallon and we think it's a great deal! When it's OK to ride your husbands coat tails into the senate but it's scandalous to gain a governorship on your own and have a baby while in office. When people are pleading with the "Conservative" candidate to point all this stuff out. When the press willingly and blatantly suppress any bad information about one candidate and invent horrible stories about the other....

It's time to grab our pitch forks and torches and head to Washington DC.

Then there were six

'Leenie is into trying new foods and new things. Just today she tried goldfish. Not the Pepperidge Farms goldfish but one of our own goldfish. G-man decided to clean the fish tank today. He had the fish in a small bowl on the floor. Wife put chairs between 'Leenie and the fish but this was not a deterrent just more of a challenge. Wife took a moment to get something from another room and when she returned she found that 'Leenie had negotiated the chair obstacle and had managed to catch a fish from the bowl. I don't think she has any Japanese ancestors (she does have first cousins once removed that are half Japanese) but apparently she does enjoy sushi. Wife managed to get the fish out of 'Leenie's mouth but alas... the fish didn't survive the encounter. A brief burial at sea was held for the unfortunate Pisces.

If you are counting that's one down and six more fish to go.

I guess I otta write something

Well I suppose I should write just a bit. It will be just a bit. Things may be settling down just a bit but you never know. My car is making a funny noise and it may progress to a not so funny repair bill. Well, like I said this will be a short post.

Looks like rain, Noah.

Pray for America and pray for the family. It's starting to rain.

Weekend in zoobee land

Well, we are back from the funeral. It was, I suppose, a nice deal. It was nice to see Big sis again but the reason stunk. The pictures are of big sis's house that she is trying to buy and has a fair shot at getting (big sis is wearing flip up shades so there is a funky shadow on her face). I looks real nice and seems to be in a nice neighbourhood. We stayed over Friday night and stayed in a "hole-a-tella" as sparky would put it. It had a pool and the boys just loved it. This is a picture of 'Leenie and me swimming in said pool.

A Tribute to the bro-in-law with the same name

Sadly I had little interaction with my oldest brother-in-law over the years. He was thirty years older than I and had cerebral palsy that limited his mobility but not his intellect. You could pick a random date, say June 19th, 1834 and he could tell you the significant things that happened on that date. His body was severely limited but his mind was fully capable if not exceptional. One day while visiting he decided to give me a book. The one who's title page is shown here. It also shows an example of his humor. The caption reads: "to RMS from RPD Dec 15, 1986 - rather late for the birthday and slightly early for Christmas". To perhaps help you get a sense of the man his other brother-in-law was Hugh Nibley and I'm sure they had many interesting conversations together over the years. I would have loved to have listened in on those conversations, that is if I could have followed even a small amount of the conversation.

Kneed to know

Older picture

At the request of one of the "engineering spuds" I will update you on Wife's knee. Thursday, after a two week delay, Wife had knee surgery. This was to remove a screw (yes, she had a screw loose. Bishop said that she had to in order to marry me) that was placed in her leg to repair her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) a few years ago and to "clean up" the cartilage in her knee. The surgery went well and she seems to be doing good. She is sore but manages to hobble around OK. You know her, I would have to nail her down to keep her from moving. She has a conference in the collage town Thursday and Friday and will likely drive to Zoobee town for my bro-in-law's grave side service Friday. Like I said you would have to nail her down.

ENOUGH!

This is for the folks that are on Wife's side of the family or others that may not know of my family. My Big sisters husband died Thursday of a bowel obstruction. This makes two brothers-in-law in twelve days. I am very sorry for my sisters but think the bro's-in have the right idea. After seeing what is happening to the US in the last week sticking around sounds harder and harder. here is a bright spot, all be it a small one, though; I can now vote for the vice president and feel fairly good about my decision.

Things that bug the Hall out of me.

Just to clarify the title. Having something that bugs the Hall out of you is something that bug you to the point of having to try and fix it. Linc came up with this particular saying. The following is a partial list of things that bug the Hall out of me.

• Crooked picture frames
• Curtains that aren't fully closed (small gaps where they come together)
• People that "um" or "like" when they talk
• People who have to say "Hi" to you every time they see you even if it was 5 minutes ago
• Cheese that is not cut straight across
• Lights that are left on
• doors that are left open
• people who interrupt other conversations
• Little yappie dogs (OK maybe not a Hall thing, I just hate them)
• Ovens or stoves that are left on
• microwaves that have time lift on them
• milk jugs without lids
• rude little kids
• pieces of field or lawn that have little patches that aren't cut
• cars that pass you then immediately turn off
• things that hum for no reason
• paper towels or toilet paper that unrolls with the sheets to the back
• couch cushions that have the zipper showing
• having "end" displayed on our stoves display
• Having people tell me to do something I am about to do
• Tangled fishing line
• being in situations that I'm not familiar with
• eating close to people who are right handed
• seeing people with something on their face or clothing
• people who write lists and think that other people care about them (their lists that is)

Well like I said this is only a partial list.

We are all praying for Big Sister's husband and want the best for him. Let us know what's going on when you can.

Wife is going in for surgery on her knee. It should be a minor thing but the way things are going lately it has me a bit worried.

None

Well, I just felt that I should write something, I don't quite know what to write about though. It was a nice funeral as far as those things go. The grave is in a very nice place, perhaps the most peaceful place in SLC outside the temple. I suppose you never really know a person no matter how much you associate with them. Having heard the touching and loving tribute that his children gave to my brother-in-law I have a greater respect for his life. I suppose none of us really know how many people we touch or how we do it. I do wonder sometimes about myself and just how I'm affecting others. Well anyway, I hope Big sisters man is getting better.

Sad day indeed

I have learned yesterday that my sister J's husband has died of a sudden heart attack. He has had several strokes over the last couple of years and has been in less that good health for some time. He was only 55 years old and his youngest daughter is about twenty. I feel so bad for my sister and her family. I have tried to contact her but because of her hearing I have not been able to talk to her on the phone. J, I want you to know I love you and your family very much and want to help in any way that I can. Please let me know about the arrangements and so on. Mom can relay any info she gets. Again I am so sorry, sister!

... and I'm thankful fur...

I've been thinking for some time about all the things I am thankful for but don't necessarily thank my Heavenly Father for in prayer, you know the things that would just be silly or wrong to give thanks for. So I have decided to publish a partial list.

• Chocolate
• batteries
• absent supervisor
• caffeine free Mountain Dew
• naps
• old movies
• DVDs of old TV shows
• family trips I don't go on
• poetic justice
• quiet
• old VWs
• working flash lights
• short checkout lines
• sale prices on stuff I want
• pocket knives
• stupid little figurines
• work breaks
• indoor plumbing (may have actually thanked Him for that)
• AutoCAD
• paper
• Legos
• humor
• computers
• spell check
• children taking naps
• 2 X 4's
• pain relievers
• raspberries
• mountains
• trivia
• cartoons
• chairs

Well that's all I can think of right now.

S**W

SNOW!

September 1st, 2008

What would you call it?

I got to thinking at work the other day (I know, this generally slows me down and is frowned on by my boss) and part of that thinking lead me to ponder about what I would name certain things. I thought of the categories and haven't thought of the names yet to it will be news to me almost as soon as it will be to you.

What would you name:

• your rock band: Crow Creek Crazies
• the town you founded: Knowhere
• your Indian self: Sitting Mountain
• your private island: Keepoffmy
• the business your started: Seven S Enterprises
• your product: 2X4 furniture
• your pen name: Zeke Diligently
• your book: The Onceupona ward Party
• the movie you make: Ray's movie
• your Viking name: Ray the Large

Bragging on myself

A few weeks ago a friend of mine from work was talking about a cycling event she was involved in and said that they were trying to come up with a design for the shirt. She asked me if I could think of a design and said that the theme was "rock the C.A.S.V.A.R.", C.A.S.V.A.R. standing for Cycling Association of Star Valley Annual Ride. Well many of you may remember the 80's hit by the Clash "Rock the Casbah". Well I got to thinking and this is what I came up with and they decided to go with my design. I didn't get payed for it but I did get lunch for me and the family (all the ones who weren't totally embarrassed at getting to eat lunch while having not ridden in the event) and two t-shirts with the logo on it. The Egyptian characters spell out casvar and the year 2008. I am flattered that they used my design and can now say that I have had a graphic design "published". I know that a casbah is more of an Arabic thing than an Egyptian thing but it Is a North African fortress so it's close.

Holes and Holls

Well due to the underwhelming response to my last post I will move on. Even if you didn't respond you can still draw pictures and send them in.In the last week we have replaced the main water line into our house, I did this while the rest of the family went to a family reunion. Didn't we already go to a reunion? Yes we did. This one not to be confused with the one we had with just us and the kids or the one with Wife's brothers and sisters but the one with Wife's grandparents posterity. Clear? Well we ended up not having Wife's cousins come up from the big California city because of a long complicated story that I will not relate here.

Holl had a birthday this week and the night before she sat us down and told us just what she wanted for her birthday. Perhaps it is a bit odd that a teenager would want yarn for her birthday but that is exactly what she wanted. I looked for the fuzziest, pinkest yarn I could find and that seemed to please her greatly. She is now South of here in the big city with two of her friends and one of her friends aunts. School starts for the young'ens next week so summer is officially over. Actually it has felt like fall since the end of the fair.

Oggie went on a little trip yesterday. Linc wanted me to drive him and his buddy to the river so they could "float the salt". It was just about all Oggie could do to get there and back but he did it. He needs much more attention but he is getting there.

Call for art

You may or may not have gotten my E-mail but I will put it on here. I have thought that it would be a fun thing to have the family (mine and Wife's) provide the pictures for the next family calendar. The only thing I ask is that the picture is a line drawing and uncolored so that others can color the pictures as they choose. Also I would ask that it is in "landscape" instead of "Letter" format so that it would fit the calendar format which measures 7.5" X 10". Everyone is welcome to send in pictures but I will give "priority" to the younger ones since there is only twelve spots available. I will try to have each family represented but if you don't send me anything I obviously can't include it. You can send it to me the usual ways, mail or e-mail or drop it by. There is no set dead line but it would be best if I got the pictures by December.

50 things... another list

Well for some reason I feel compelled to make a list of fifty questions. Mostly because Pi-day Dave wrote his and put me down for question #25. So with some modification and very little fanfare here it is:

1. Do you like Blue cheese? Yes
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? "smoked"?... no!
3. Do you own a gun? To quote Fred Thompson "none of your damn business!"
4. Your favorite song? Lady by Styx
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Depends on the reason for the appointment.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I think their owners should give them a cool drink of water and a place to lie down in the shade.
7. Favorite Christmas song? God's rest ye merry gentlemen.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? milk
9. Do you do ten push ups? do you mean all at once?
10. Favorite thing about the 80's? I was in my 20's
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? A necklace Wife had.
12. Favorite hobby? AutoCad
13. Favorite weapon to get the opposite sex? Well I don't hunt, but I think a hunting rifle would do the job nicely.
14. Do you have A.D.D.? What's the question again?
15. What one trait do you hate about yourself? I'm too fussy.
16. Favorite animal? Cat
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. (A) What do I want for lunch tomorrow (Wife just asked me that), (2) how can I make this entry more funny, and (c) I'm a terrable speller.
18. Name three things you bought yesterday: (1) Snickers bar (b) 7up (they're out of caffeine free Mountain dew at work) and (3) Vienna sausages.
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: (3) Caffeine free Mountain Dew (2) Milk (1) water
20. Current worry right now? $
21. Current hate right now? Where the country is going in the next four years.
22. Favorite place to be? in bed asleep.
23. How did you bring in the new year? see question #22
24. Where would you like to go? England, Denmark and The Netherlands.
25. Name 3 people who will complete this? Pi-day Dave (already did), Wyo Sis, and Hillbilly Sis
26. Do you own slippers? No, I feel that they should stick around out of mutual respect and admiration.
27. What shirt are you wearing? mine
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? don't know
29. Can you whistle? yes, from two places at once
30. Favorite color? Blue... no, Yellooooooooooooooooo.....w! (Blue)
31. Would you be a pirate? Actual or movie version?
32. What song do you sing in the shower? "Too sexy" by Right said Fred
33. Favorite girls name? Wife's
34. Favorite boys name? Bjorn
35. What's in your pocket right now? See #3
36. Last thing that made you laugh? 'Leenie
37. Best bed sheets as a child? "Peanuts" quilt (still have it)
38. Worst injury you've ever had? horse fell on my foot
39. Do you love where you live? Yup!
40. How many TV's do you have in your house? one
41. Who is your loudest friend? N/A
42. Do you have a dog? yup.
43. Does someone have a crush on you? I hope she still does
44. Favorite cartoon? Loony Toons
45. Who is your favorite author? Douglas Adams
46. What is your favorite candy? Cadbury mini-eggs
47. Your favorite sports team? Minnesota Vikings
48. Last movie you watched? Rio Bravo
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? snoring
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? going to bed.

Sparkypanuer

It was Sparky's turn to have a coolade stand (I know that's not how you spell it). It was interesting that he set it up right before a thunderstorm but he managed to get the neighborhood to patronize his establishment to the tune of more than six dollars. Thanks in part to my marketing skills which consisted of walking to the neighbors and giving them a dime to go buy a drink from Sparky but it snowballed into many of the neighbours and some of their friends spending more than I imagined. Also we managed to paint the logo on Oggie. Thanks for all the input on which to use. We decided that the "bucking horse" was all ready on the licence plates so this is what we went with.

Input requested

We are holding a debate in the Alf's boy household as to which stencil to put on the front doors of Oggie. In order to keep the voting clean and with out prejudice I won't say who in the family is rooting for which version.

We shall call this: stencil (A)

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We shall call this: stencil (B)

I want to hear from all the stealthy viewers as well, just go down to the comments line and click on it. A box will appear and you can write a comment. You can even leave an anonymous comment if you so desire.

A Year and a Day

This Is where I compose my Witty and highly interesting blog entries. If you look in the upper right corner of this picture you will see a picture of "big 'Leenie" and higher in the center a picture of "Little 'Leenie" along with my favorite tie (the "Sea Foam" one that "big 'Leenie" gave me for my birthday last year). They all "watch" over me as I sit and pound on the keyboard.

I've had a rather difficult time yesterday, I'm sure not nearly as hard as Pi-day and the boys but difficult none the less. Like Wyosis has said in other parts of this electric cloud of a pseudo-world, at least Dad, Al and Duncan are all together.

Time truly went faster that she did.Linc put the top on Oggie today and it looks fairly good except for the rear window which is in tatters. The boys have yet to grow tired of Oggie but perhaps in time.One of the things we did over the weekend was build some shelves under the direction of Linc. We are about half done but we will have to wait for more $ to finish the project. As you can see it is rather sturdy and can double as a bunk bed.

Just got to add a picture of 'Leenie.