Pappy's Ponderings

I'm back

2011-08-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

After rather a long time I have come back to the blog. So many things have happened during this period that I have neglected this blog. I am happy to say things are working out. That's all for now. More later.
Pappy

Here again

2011-02-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

Time gets away when you don't make good use of it. Many times I have thought about writing something as I am going to sleep. The next day it all seems to have slipped away. Could I be trying to make more of blogging than it should be. With 3 readers I know pretty much whats going on. The things I do daily are very normal, not very exciting. I worked at a job for many years where I spent the day alone. Not much contact with other people, probably spoke less than 100 words during the day. After I got married and had a family I looked forward to those evenings with my girls. It was a good time. When my grandson was born I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could. I have been able to share much with him and his Mom and Dad. I have always been welcome in their home even for extended stays. My youngest daughter and her boyfriend have welcomed me into their home. I am a very lucky man to have such a wonderful family.

The 19th of February Jo and I will celebrate 46 years of marriage. The girls and grandson are coming here to help us celebrate. I am very pleased they are coming and very emotional. Thanks girls.
Safe travel, love you all.
Pappy

So long since I bloged

2010-07-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2010
Back in UT. Been here for a month now. Just hanging out with Sandy and her family. Several special things have happened since I have been here. Celebrated Sandy's birthday with her and the "boys". Very happy time for me. Went to watch Tristan play soccer. In the final game of the season he scored a goal. Great to see his reaction and the joy on his face. Attended an assembly at his school where he received a gold President's award. Signed by President Obama. A citizenship medal. His mom and dad were very proud. Grandpa was wiping bauba from his chin. (also very proud) It has been a good visit, a little longer than planed, but some things came up and this is how it worked out. Tristan and I head back to La Mirada on Monday. Looking forward to being home and seeing my sweet baby.

Espana won their game today and advanced to the next round. That's good. I am sure Jo is happy.

Take care.
Pappy1

Open Road

2010-01-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all,
Wednesday I began my trip to UT. It rained all the way to St. George, UT. Not very a very hard rain. Not a bad drive. It felt good to be back on the open road. Lots of time to think and enjoy the feel of driving. Something feels good to me when I can get out to the open roads and just drive. The freeways around LA are so crowded it takes the fun out of driving. Thursday morning it was very foggy in St. George. I had fog most of the way till I got past Filmore(home of the world famous potato logs) then the weather was a little hazy. Rolled up to Tristan's school in time. He said he was out on the playground doing PE and he saw my pickup pull into the parking lot. It was good to see the little man. We went to his house, unloaded the truck. Had a snack and talked.

Friday was a short school day. I picked him up at 1:10pm and we went to lunch at Taco Bell. Then to Walmart* for a little shopping. Only food items, much to his disappointment.

Saturday was game day (basketball). Marty, Sandy, and I were in the stands cheering. Tristan scored 4 points for a game high and a season high. He played very well. Blocked some shots, got a few rebounds, and covered his man so close he never got the ball. Good game. His team is undefeated. Next Saturday is the final game of the season. We are going to see the Jazz play Monday night. Looking forward to the game.

Things are good here, a little cold but no snow.

Take care love to all.
Pappy1

Family

2009-11-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings all,
Been awhile since my last post. Things have been good.

Last week S and T came for a visit. Then on Saturday L drove up from San Diego. My girls were home. We talked and enjoyed each others company. Went out to eat, cooked some of their favorite homemade foods. (catfish, choclate chip waffles, mini pancakes, etc.) Had a good time. Early b-day dinner out for L. I enjoy the interactions between JP and her daughters. They get along well and like each other. S looks great. Inspired me to join the WW program.

Saturday night I woke up about 2am. As I walked into the living room I was struck by a feeling of contement and joy. My family was sleeping and it was very quite and peaceful. My girls were home. I was so content at that moment. There is such a feeling of contement for me when my adult children come to visit and they want to spend time with me. I love my girls. They are important and very special. I am very proud of my girls. I tell them I love them, but the feeling I have when they come to visit is something they will have to experience when their adult children come to see them in their later years. Thanks girls for a wonderful visit.

Love you, take care.
Pappy1

9-9-09

2009-09-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

Had to get in on this date. I not much on numbers in general, but this peeked my interest. Today is the 252nd day of this calendar year. 2+5+2=9!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can go on and on about this number thing and I have read a number of things on the web today. I will just say kinda cool.

I had hoped to be on my way to UT tomorrow, but will re-schedule for a later date. The kitchen project is still in the construction stage(though coming to completion). When that phase is complete, there will be some clean up. Then putting things back in place. Maybe some weeding out of unused or sometime almost never items. It is very interesting how a person comes into possession of some items, then thinks "What was I thinking".

We are also considering moving my desk to my room and returning the office to a bedroom. My desk will be difficult to move. It will require some dis-assembly and then re-assemble. What's the reason you ask? We discovered we like to use the door from the office to the laundry room. With the futon or a bed there we couldn't. Hence moving the desk to my room would allow the bed to be positioned where the desk is now. Thus allowing access to the laundry room door. When JP had the office as her bedroom our old hot water heater was very noisy. That is the reason she changed rooms. The new water heater is very quiet. Will she move back??????????

Maybe tonight I will be able to cook in the kitchen again. I think I will go grocery shopping just in case. Breakfast for dinner. Hash brown spuds, eggs over easy(yolks only for JP), ham steak, biscuits, and maybe just a splash of milk gravy. Just need to remember which box the skillet is in!!!!!!!!!!!

Normal temperatures have returned to our area. Very nice the last few days. I can almost feel fall in the air. This is one of my favorite times to be in UT. I will miss being there. Most of all I will miss spending time T. We enjoy each others company.

Take care, love to all.
Pappy1

More Salt

2009-09-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

Some pictures I shot during World of Speed. I am not sure which year.

Take care, love to all.

Pappy 1

Catch Up

2009-09-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

August, Speed Week. September World of Speed. October World Finals. All these events take place on the Bonneville Salt Flats. I love going to the "Salt". When conditions are right there is a seven mile long course. The sound of the engine when a "car" is going through the lights at 250 mph or 300 mph is awesome. I have only been to World of Speed event. I would like to get to Speed Week and World Finals someday.

Since my last post in July!!!!!!!!!!! I have been to Utah with JP. Had some minor surgery, living through a kitchen re-model(still going on) and taking things easy.

With summer almost over, I need to start planning for the fall. Maybe a quick trip to Utah!!! Who knows. September 25th back for some more minor surgery, so no traveling after that till things heal.

Take care, love to all.
Pappy 1

King of Pop

2009-07-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
Michael Jackson didn't do much for me. I think he was talented and a great preform er. I never listened to his music or made a point to see a video. His personal life was a little strange, but his life. I am not the one to judge him. On my first visit to Disneyland, I think I saw the Jackson Five doing a show at one of the outdoor stages. I didn't stay just looked at them in passing.

Today on TV I watched the memorial from Staples Center, yes the whole thing. I was very moved by the ceremony. Those who knew him and had a close relationships were very sincere in their grief. He was certainly on a path for self destruction. It is to bad some one close to him was unable to help him. But you can only be helped if you realize you need help.

Rest in Peace, Michael J. Jackson.

Take care, love to all.
Pappy 1

Fourth of July

2009-07-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
Happy 4th of July. Hope everyone has a safe and sane celebration. I think the real sense of the day is forgotten by most people. I was reminded of the meaning this morning while watching a TV program. A news program. They were at the Statue of Liberty. I passed by this great lady on my way to Germany and again on my return. A young man in the US Army. On my way to Germany I was to occupied by thoughts of things yet to happen to appreciate her. On my return my thoughts were about travel plans and getting home to CA.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

with conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

a mighty woman with a torch

whose flame is imprisoned lightning,

and her name Mother of Exiles.

From her beacon-hand glows

world-wide welcome;

her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor

that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands your storied pomp!"

cries she with silent lips.

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus (1849-1887)

This is an eloquent and beautiful portrayal of what America is about: a land of equal opportunity.

This message is carved into the concrete pillar at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Have your celebration, tip a few. Remember to appreciate what a great country you live in.

USA!!!!!!!!!USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!USA!!!!!!!!!!!! USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!USA!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care, love to all.

Pappy 1

Father's Day

2009-06-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Jo and I drove to San Diego. Took the SSR out for some R&R. The occasion was a CD release by Citizen Band. We planned and overnight stay at a cozy motel overlooking the bay. The drive down to SD was very pleasant, traffic moved right along. The SSR rumbled its pleasure to be out and running. We arrived at Jeff and Lizzie's house in good time. A very nice card from Lizzie and two CD's. The Citizen Band and Steve Earle doing songs written by Townes Van Zandt. Very nice. Since Jeff had played the night before and was playing Sunday night he chose to stay home and rest while we went to lunch. Our first choice had a huge line waiting to get inside, so we selected another location on the fly. Olive Garden. It was close and no line. Turned out to be a good choice. The waiters got mixed up, so we were treated to lunch on the house. The food was good and even better when we didn't have to pay. After lunch back to their house for a little while, then Jo and I headed for the motel. On the way we stopped at a fabulous dessert place were we purchased some dessert for later. Our motel was as described, good view of the bay. However our room did not have the bay view. But it was still OK. A little nap before the show then we were ready to go.

The Show.
Lizzie introduced the opening acts. They played and sang very well. Met several of Lizzie's friends. Always pleased to meet her friends. Nice to see the re pore between them. Then CB was on stage. I had been told it would be loud. It was LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!! Great. The joy and happiness displayed by Jeff and the band members was quite evident. Heads were bobbing feet jumping, guitars screaming. Baby it was ROCKING!!!! The drummer kept the beat throbbing in your body. I had a really good time. So much so that I dreamed I was on stage with them playing guitar and singing. But it was only a dream, but it was good!!!

Thanks Lizzie and Jeff for a memorable Father's Day.

Take care, love to all.
Pappy1

Random

2009-05-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Disappointment abounds. Cav's lost in a big way. Could Orlando be for real? Superman will need to play well if they want to beat the Laker's. His defense and post up play will be tested. Could it be the Jazz will trade CB to the Cav's for ????? The big Z!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Jazz have a lot to consider this off season. The fans will stick with them if progress can be made.

I will go out on a limb here and say the Orlando Magic in seven.

Another out on the tiny limb predication; Danica finishes second in the IRL.

There they stand, bold and brassy. Write them down, heed my look into the future.

Take care, be kind to your fellow man. For tomorrow he may be King!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pappy1

The Garden

2009-05-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

The view from my office is nice. It looks into our backyard. Today I took some photo's and will post some. It is relaxing and peaceful to look up from the computer and see the plants and flowers. This year for my tomato's I am trying something new. A "Topsy Turvy". The plants hang upside down. We should be able to cut our loss of tomato's due to snails, ground rot, etc. So far they are doing well. The plants N brought over will add much to our garden. Our patio has a lot of potted plants already, so we will need to plant several of those we received from N.

The weather has been good lately. Cloud cover in the morning then a ocean breeze from about 11 am on. Temperature in the high 70's. Mid 60's at night. Good sleeping. Jo's school year is winding down. It will be nice to have her around during the day. We don't do much but I like her company.

On my recent trip thru Las Vegas I was tempted to put money on the Cleveland Cav's to take the NBA title. But they are having a tough time with Orlando. Maybe I saved myself some money. When the Jazz were in the finals way back when, I put $100 on them to take the title. The Bull's proved to much for Malone and company. I am still a Jazz fan. Maybe they can make some trades this year and get back to the finals next year. Jo is flying high over the big soccer win by Barcelona. I am happy for her. Her Dad was a season ticket holder for that club for many years.

With summer vacation coming up you know gas prices are also going up. Gas is $2.60 a gallon here. Like MT always says "Californians don't know what to pay for things." The state raises the gas tax to keep us from driving, then complains they don't get enough revenue from gasoline taxes to build and repair roads. The federal government wants vehicles to get 35mpg. . Then they will want to raise the federal tax on gasoline so they will have money for the federal highways. What you gonna do?

Take care, be kind to your Senator and Congressman. They are feeding at the public trough, and goodness knows we (the people) don't want to upset them by being practical.

Pappy1

Home

2009-05-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Back home in CA. Good to be home, had a good time in UT, but it's nice to get home. I enjoy the time I spend with Sandy and her family. They make me feel very welcome. Tristan and I enjoy each others company and get along very well. But home is home.

The SSR again was a pleasure to drive.

Tristan is playing soccer. I got to see him play in two games. He did very well. The team is quite good. 2-0 so far.

JP did a good job taking care of the garden while I was away. Our tomato plants are growing and now have some small tomatoes.

This weekend is the official start of summer vacation season. JP and I will grill some pork ribs tomorrow. Maybe N will come over to share them.

Take care all.
Pappy1

Open Road

2009-05-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Greetings all,

I am posting this from West Valley City, UT. I arrived here about noon today. I left home Sunday in the SSR. It felt good to get out on the open road and let Black Beauty run. This car attracts attention. I really enjoy driving the SSR. The sound of the exhaust is music to my ears. Speaking of music I played the new BH cd on the trip. Great. Great songs, wonderful guitar work, great harmony. Really good production.

I made a pit stop in Jean, NV at the Gold Strike Casio. There are some slot machines there called "Wheel of Fortune". You play them normally, then if a symbol comes up that says "Wheel of Fortune" you get a free spin of "Wheel of Fortune" that's on top of the machine. A needle goes around various pay out amounts (20, 40, 250, etc.). The amounts it stops on is your payout. After putting about $2 in I got the free "Wheel of Fortune" spin. One thousand quarters. Two Hundred Fifty dollars. Not a huge win but very satisfying for me. The cashier paid me, I said thank you and got back on the road. Good start to the trip.

Looking forward to a very good visit with family here in UT. T already has some shopping plans lined up. Starting tomorrow at Barnes & Noble. A book store.

Take care all.
Pappy1

Thinking About

2009-04-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Washing dishes and listening to the CD by Sugarland I got to thinking about events and places that stand out in my memory. Such as.

Sun rise over Little America, WY after sleeping in the car on the way to Denver, CO. To meet JP and the girls returning from Spain.

Harvest moon rise in Idaho.

Asking JP's Mom and Dad for her hand in marriage.

Birth of my children. Birth of my Grandson. Holding my grandson.

Getting the news that my Father had passed away.

Fried catfish from Grandma Wann's kitchen in Summerfield, OK.

Grandma Moore's biscuit's. Dad Moore's gentle way.

The Grand Canyon. Hoover Dam. The Snake River. Columbia River Gorge.

Bonneville Salt Flats. Canyon Lands. The Arches, Moab, UT. Thunder storm in Limon, CO.

Trip to Canada with my daughters. Yellowstone Park. Luxury cabins at Lake Yellowstone.

Grizzly bear (wild) at Yellowstone not 20 yards away. Feeling when I first looked at my SSR.

First time I ate pancakes. Turning the crank on the ice cream maker with L sitting on it to hold it still.

Walking S down the aisle at her wedding. S's graduation from High School. Her graduation from college.

Taking L to college and saying goodbye in the parking lot. L's graduation. JP's graduation from college.

Flying to SLC to meet S driving from ID to watch a Jazz playoff game with the Denver Nuggets.

Life is good.
Pappy 1

Family and Friends

2009-04-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

A few days ago I celebrated my birthday. It was a very mellow day. The cards, calls and e-mails from family were much appreciated. Having Jo's kindergarten class sing happy birthday over the phone was very nice. The lovely flowers from Mia brought a smile. Jo and I had a nice dinner at El Torito Grill. I was even happy to have some of the servers sing happy birthday to me. A victory by the Jazz over the Lakers would have been the icing on the cake. Didn't happen. Maybe tonight in SLC. S, MT, and T enjoy the game at Energy Solutions Arena. Wish I was there with you.

Is this a new beginning? Starting my 69th year of life here on this planet. Looking back that is a long time. The past has been great, but I am looking forward to the future. There are many things I want see and do.

Thank you all for making my B-Day so pleasant.

Take care, love to all.
Pappy1

Words

2009-03-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Hello,
It has been a while since I have blogged. Thought of several things to write about but when I sat down at the computer, the urge was not there.

On March 14th L drove up from SD, she was going to reading by a friend in Tarazana. I went with her. We drove the SSR. Black Beauty needed to get out and run. The weather was nice enough but not top down nice.

The reading was good, they even had and open mike and L read a couple of her works. I have heard L read many times but I am still surprised and pleased each time. She truly has a way with words. She was surprised to see two singers there she had just met and saw perform in SD earlier that week. L was a little star struck, but handled things well. They seemed to enjoy her reading. It was a pleasant afternoon for me. Spending one on one time with L is always a good experience for me. Just a proud as punch Dad.

I got to thinking about words. Individual letters that we assemble into words. We assign meaning to these words. Take the letter C, add A, and T. Put them close together they spell CAT. Now who came first, the animal we call a CAT or the letters we put together to identify this animal. Perhaps in the mind of a CAT, they refer to themselves as "one who walks quietly".

Words are a wondrous gift. A song writer can tell a story that will leave you deep in thought. Dancing with joy. Crying with sorrow. A poet will take you on journey you may never imagined. Sitting in your living room a writer can make you want to put on a coat. Check the locks on the doors. Jump at the slightest noise. See the landscape. Feel the summer heat. The anguish and fear, the sexual tension between to lovers.

When we read words our mind unravels them and re-assembles them into thoughts. These thoughts allow us to understand, feel the meaning, and descriptions conveyed by the words. We enjoy what the words bring to us. Every where you turn there are words collected together. How is it possible that man has created so many words using only twenty six letters.(English) I heard recently that during the Dark Ages there was a Monk who had one of the largest book collections at the time. How many books did he have? Two Hundred and Fifty!!! It seems during those times it was acceptable to have sanctioned book burnings. Plus almost everyone was illiterate. The written word. A very powerful addition to mankind. My grasp of history does not allow me to thank the person who brought words to us.

Spoken word. There is a whole new ball game. You use the written word. But with the addition of the voice and all of the capabilities there in, inflection, anger, sorrow, etc. you can play and play.

I once thought a person was given only so many words to use in a lifetime. Now I know they are recyclable. There are words I have never used or even heard. I can use the same words over and over. They don't wear out. They don't lose their meaning. Words are valuable.

Use them wisely.
Take care, love to all.
Pappy

SSR Day

2009-02-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

February 13 was a memorable day. This day marked two years since I got the SSR. The weather was kinda rainy so I left it in the garage. But I went out and talked to the beauty.

See you.

Pappy1

Seperation

2009-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl yeah!!!!!!!!!!!! Great game. Cardinals lost(my pick) but they played great. The offense won the game but the defense did not hold. Great catch in the corner by the Steelers.

Maybe we are not were we want to be but are there because we need to be there. My folks lived in OK. Family was close around. For their own family they decided a move was necessary. Off to CA. Jobs and a house were waiting. How much of your household things can you take in two cars? The year was 1946, September I think. There was, Mom, Dad, four kids, (6, 4, 3, 1)my Grandfather, Grandmother(my mothers Mom and Dad), my mother's brothers. Martin, Walt, and Clyde. Eleven people. The cars were not large and comfy. It was 1946. The cars were not new. The drivers were Mart and Clyde. Clyde was the baby of the family. Both had been in the Army during WWII and had served in Europe. We were headed for a new life in CA. When there are that many people and not much money, traveling is not much fun. The goal is to get from A to B. No motel's. Sleep in the car. Sandwich lunches. Breakfast in a roadside cafe. They needed the coffee. I have a distant memory of a Port of Entry at Barstow, CA. They had to unload the cars and pile everything on tables to be inspected. You never know what Okies want to bring into the "Golden State". That must have been a hard trip for my folks. But you do what you think is best for your family. My Dad's family remained in OK. I remember he wrote to his mother every week.

JP left her family in Spain to be with me in CA. We left my family in CA to move to ID. We moved back to CA but to different part. One of our daughters chose to stay in ID. She met a feller. Then they moved to UT. Our youngest chose CA(so far), the southern southern part. San Diego.

We are all separated but yet close. We share experiences, events in our lives, and love. Support and encouragement. Proud of the achievements each accomplishes. We live our own lives but there is a connection. A strong connection. We are family. That family grows through relationships. Yet the original core grows stronger. In phone calls, e-mail, blogs and visits. We love each other. But maybe beyond that we like each other.

Love you all, take care.
pappy1

Travel

2009-01-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

The other day I got to thinking about a trip to OK when I was a young feller. We were on Hwy 66 in New Mexico. Winter time, cold but clear. At a roadside cafe I saw a auto hauler. As I watched him park his truck and go in the cafe, I began to think about being a trucker. He hauled new cars from the factory to the towns around the country. Got to see a lot of new places. Out on the road. A lot of time away from his family, kinda lonely.

Little did I know that many years later I would be a trucker of sorts. Not hauling new cars. Hazardous materials was my game. In trucking and vacation travel I have been in 27 states and 6 countries. I have seen some very beautiful scenery. The head waters of the Missouri river. The Colorado river where it is only ten foot wide. The Snake river in Idaho. The Columbia river between Oregon and Washington. The Rocky mountains of the West. The great western deserts. Bonneville Salt Flats. The Great Salt Lake. Death Valley. Yellowstone National Park. Moab, Utah with the amazing natural arches. East of the Rockies. The once great grasslands. The Big Sky country of Montana. Grand views of Canada. Drinking to much one night in Canada with my two daughters. A wild Grizzly bear in Yellowstone. Trucking along I-10 on a wonderful spring day close to Palm Springs, a car pulls alongside and a lovely young lady flashes and smiles. A snowy cold day in Nebraska with a ground blizzard. Forty thousand pounds of poison chemicals on board, snow pack covered road. Flash flood in Gunnison, CO. Rocks the size of basketballs and bigger flowing onto the road. So cold the diesel in the fuel tanks turns to jell. Harvest moon rise on the Snake River at Massacre Rocks. Ruts left by the pioneer wagon trains. Washington, DC. Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument. The Capital. Grand Central Station. Statute of Liberty.

I have been fortunate to see so much of this country.
Pappy1

SSR

2009-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

In Feb. 2007 I was able to purchase a vehicle that I fell in love with when it was first introduced. Chevrolet introduced the SSR (Super Sport Roadster) in 2003. I would go out of my way to see one at a dealer. The design was something!!! Priced out of my reach there was little chance I would ever own a SSR. Feb. '07 I was having the urge to trade vehicles. After looking around, JP said why don't you get that one you keep talking about(SSR). I told her they stopped building the SSR in 2006. They were expensive and not many around.

I bought and Auto Trader magazine. There were 4 listed for sale. I picked out a 2004 with 5500 miles. When I first saw the vehicle it knocked my socks off. Black on Black. The deal was made. Driving the SSR today still feels great. I have owned many vehicles over the years but this one is special.

April 21, 2007 I took my first road trip with the SSR. California to SLC, UT. It was my 67th birthday. Out on the open road. Three hundred horses at my beck and call. The open roads of NV were inviting me to turn them loose. I found out the speed limiter works. 125 mph. Sweet. Around home I don't get the chance

to turn her loose, but I know it's there.

T likes me to put the top down and cruise around town. We both enjoy the looks and comments about the car.

Thanks JP.

Pappy 1

A Tangled Web

2009-01-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

I was reading the blogs today and was suprised by how a country boy from the backwoods of OK got so involved internationaly. As a shy innocent lad of 24 years I met a lovely girl in Barcelona.
After a wirlwind courtship we were married. This year we will celebrate 44 years togeather. One late night she was surfing on the www and came across a post that put another peice in the puzzle. She discovered a half sister in Sweden. Waiting at the airport for M's arrival JP and I asked how will we know her. Silly question. They look enough alike to be sister's. There was many long talks, sharing memories of "our father" R. Each from their own understanding of the man. Our girls came to meet M and were suprised at how alike JP and M are. Through Facebook M is now in touch with neices in Spain. Her son J will perform with the rock group H.E.A.T in Barcelona soon. Some members of the Spainish family will attend the show and meet J. This has all been very wonderful. For M I am sure it has answered many questions. I am happy for her and JP.

My brother D is very interested in our family tree. He has done a lot of research and compiled stories told to him by uncles on my father's side. On a visit at Christmas he shared the fact that he was the 4th couisn 6 times removed from two US presidents. Being his brother I guess I qualify too.

Being a simple country boy this is hard for me to wrap my head around. But very interesting. I wonder how Sam and Dave are doing?

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!
Pappy1

Christmas Day Greetings To All

2008-12-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!!!!!!!
I had a very good Christmas. Family from CA and L and Han. Enjoyed the company.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Pappy1

Merry Christmas

2008-12-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

The season is here and we are all filled with cheer. Oh my what a year. So many things happened. A new President Elect, what a shock to the KKK. The near collapse of Wall Street, the Auto makers, and houseing was already there. It is hard to pay $3000.00 a month house payments when your income is $4000.00. When the air is relased from the ballon things get crazy. My mother-in-law always said, "Moderation is the key".

JP and I are going on a mini vacation for a couple of days. Looking forward to the trip. I have not been out in the country on the open road for some time. When I was driving for a living I enjoyed out of town trips. In Idaho sometimes I would be gone for a week. Here in CA it was just a night or two. I remember a trip from Id to CO. Across WY on I-80 in the winter time. Snowing and blowing. Very cold. Ice would freeze on the under carraige of the truck and the trailer. I would step on the brakes and there was none. Ice was so thick on the brake arms the air pressure would not move them. That was a scary moment. I was in a motel one night and had a dream that I was inside the trailer while the truck was moving down the highway without a driver. I woke up in the middle of the night with the head board of the bed across my body. I had pulled the headboard off the wall in my sleep trying to get out of the trailer I suppose.

Watching the news reports about the snow and cold in the mid-west and back east makes me appreciate the weather here in SoCal all the more. A lot of traffic and people to deal with but Mother Nature simles on us a lot. I dream of retiring to a warm sunny location, then I wake up and here I am.

To all that are traveling over the holidays be safe. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Pappy1

#9

2008-12-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

A very pleasant day here in SoCal. One of the things I like living here is the weather. It's hard to beat. I can look out into the back yard from my desk. The lawn is green, oranges on our tree. Just very nice for December. Our neighbor has a ton of decorations in their front yard. Ours is decoration free as of now. I suppose we will put up some lights pretty soon. Maybe a few other things. Hate to be the only one on the block without any Christmas display.

I remember being in Germany one Christmas. A buddy of mine was from San Jose, CA his mother sent him some tamales. He got a big tin can from the mess hall and a Sterno candle. With this he steamed the tamales. He shared them with me. They were good. Since then I like to have a few tamales every once in a while. That memory always comes back. But the tamales never taste as good. Maybe I just think those tamales were good because they were from his home.

Tonight I am trying my hand at making a turkey pot pie. Still have lots of left over bird. Got the recipe from the food network web site.(how's that for progress) When I told JP that was going to be dinner see looked at me in doubt. Maybe I will have beginners luck.

Take care.
Pappy1

#9

2008-11-29T11:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is past now the Christmas season is upon us. JP and I had a very nice turkey day. Just the two of us but very pleasant. It was comforting to know the family was having a good day with friends and other family. We all talked and wished good things. I enjoyed my dinner and the time with JP. Drinking a little bubbly from Spain.

Today is a very nice day. JP and I will take the SSR and drive down to the beach for lunch. A short walk on the pier and cruising PCH. Not warm enough to have the top down, maybe?

When I was younger there were old guys in sporty cars and I said why? Now I am and old guy with a sporty car and I say why not. Happy motoring!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good day.

#8

2008-11-23T21:35:00.001-08:00

The month of November is going so fast. It has been a busy time. T has been visiting here for 21 days. We had a good time. I enjoyed his company very much. I will miss him. He is so mature at times but still inocent. He is just great. We used the SSR on our shopping trips, for groceries and of course some shopping for T. He had several places he wanted to go look for things. Being a soft touch(according to JP) he usually got something. T was always polite and thanked me. He also would give me a few days to recover. He like's riding in the SSR and wanted to put the top down. We did a few times. We played Horse a few times in the back yard and to his suprise I won most of the time. He said he was going easy on me. It will take a few days to get used to him going home.

Thanksgiving is this week. When we lived in ID it signaled the end of another year. The fields were frozen so our work was done till spring. When we moved to CA that all changed. Now that I am re-tired I am falling back to the time in ID. Time to look back over the year and be thankful. Health and family. The trips and experience of life. Happy Thanksgiving.

#6

2008-11-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day. My youngest was born. I was recalling memories this morning. They were good memories. November in Jerome, ID could be cold, and it was chilly but a good fall day. I took S to a friends house while I took JP to the hospital. Later that day I was blessed with another lovely daughter. That little girl has grown into a wonderful woman. She is still bringing me joy. As I look back over the years so many moments come to mind. As I sort thru these thoughts not one is unhappy. I always loved my girls and enjoyed their company. 4-H and dog shows, basketball in elementary school. Tennis and basketball in High school. The day I drove L to college and found it so hard to say goodbye in the parking lot. I am very emotional about my family. My wife, daughters and grandson are the joy of my life. I hope they understand how special they are to me. Happy b-day L. Love you.

T's visit is about over. I have really enjoyed having him here. We have hung out and just been pleased with each other. S is arriving tomorrow in the am. L is driving up in the pm. Friday they have planned a day at Disneyland. I will not be going, to long a day for me.

Take care.

#5

2008-11-13T15:32:00.000-08:00

This blog thing is pretty cool. You write things down not really knowing who or if anyone is reading them. I know or should I say expect certain people will read these words. But I find what I write is more for me than anyone in particular.

T and I were out and about yesterday. We stopped at one of T's favorite places. Panda Express. Orange chicken is his choice food from their menu. We elected to sit outside by a fountain and have our lunch. We talked about a variety of subjects, just enjoying the nice weather and each others company. There was only a couple of other diners in the out door area. One was a young man eating alone several tables away. When he finished he walked by our table and inquired if T was my grandson. I replied yes. He commented how nice it was that we were spending time together, that he wished he could have spent more time with his grandfather. I agree totally. I enjoy so very much the time T and I share together. He is such a wonderful person. I am very lucky to be able to share this time with him. The great thing is we enjoy each others company.

I read L's blog today and was surprised at how she described my writing. It's nice to hear. I am so proud of my daughters. They are very good people. In my mind they will always be my little girls. Now I get to see them as adults. Life is good.

Take care have a great day.

#4

2008-11-08T21:48:00.000-08:00

Last night as T and I were watching the news they had a story about the toy hall of fame. They were putting a stick in the hall of fame. That brought back memories of how as a kid in OK we played with stick horses. Not the kind made by a toy company, but a real stick we got from the woods. We would tie some string on the end we called the head as bridle reins. Some more string for a mane. We would play cowboy, happy as a cow in clover. Our imagination and simple things were all we needed. We lived on a share crop farm just down the hill from my Mom's parents. There was a field between the two houses. They grew corn, cotton, and watermelons in this field. I was about 5 years old. Mom and I would walk through this field to visit Dad and Ma M. I had a pair of cowboy boots without any soles, just the tops. I would get my stick horse and my cowboy boots and away we went. I remember going to town riding on a wagon load of cotton picked by hand from the fields my Dad farmed. The wagon was pulled by a team of horses. We drove to the cotton gin in town so the cotton could be ginned and prepared for sale. My Dad did all his farm work with horse and mules. Our house used kerosene in the lamps for light, wood for cooking and heat. Water was hand drawn from a hand dug well in the yard. No indoor plumbing, out house out back. Years later we lived in California and my Dad kinda wanted to move back to OK but my Mom was not willing. I can see now why she didn't want to move back. Her life in OK was very hard, compared to what she had in CA. I have told the story about being born in a log cabin with a dirt floor. I didn't know any different. As a kid that was all I knew. My parent's worked hard to provide food and shelter for their family. That was my world. Nothing to compare it with. I was happy, we were happy.

When I was six we moved from OK to CA. More about that later.

#3

2008-11-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Wow what the last two weeks have been. The Bell's Pasly is much better. A visit to the doc on Tuesday said things were coming along fine on that front. However the recent x-ray of my knee revealed my bone was thin. So now I will have a bone survey to see if all the bones are thinning.

My daughter from SLC came down and brought T for a visit while he is off track. He and I have been having a good time. While S was here we did a trip to see BH do a show in the Altadena. I really enjoyed the show. JP, S, L, T, and me all together. It was great. BH do a great job. I so admire people who have a talent such as they have. It was a very pleasant evening. I got to share it with people I care a great deal for.

Tuesday was election day. I am a McCain supporter, so was disappointed that he was defeated. However the choice has been made and now we need to support the new president elect. I wish him the best, and hope he will be a good leader.

God bless America.

#2 Do over

2008-10-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted a title named "Fan Club" as I was going to the writing section I hit a key and suddenly it was posted. I didn't know how to correct the thing, so today is "do over".

By fan club I was referring to the comments from three people very close and dear to me. They know who they are. Thanks for the support.

Today was a good day. I worked in the yard a little, had some items I no longer needed hauled away. I am feeling ok and the left side of my face is working better. Received a phone call from my younger sister this evening. She and her family are ok. Her sons were asking about my health so she called to talk awhile. They live 30 miles from me but we don't see each other that often. Different schedules, and they are busy with their own lives. Still there is concern and caring between us.

I was thinking the other day how you know somebody for a long time. I am talking about family. I have known my kids all their lives. They have only known me since I was 26 and 31 respectively. I have told them some stories about me before they were born. But you get sidetracked with just living. I hope at some point I can remember and share with them some of the things from my younger days. I enjoy telling my grandson T some stories about the things I have done.

Several years ago I traveled with my mom, sister, and brother to a family reunion (my Dad's side). Some of my Dad's brother's and sisters were still living. My brother and I would set for hours listening to stories our uncle's would tell about when they were growing up. My brother is kinda a family history nut and he has written down some of the stories. Me I just enjoyed hearing them and learning something about my Dad before I knew him. My Dad was a kind and gentle man who loved the family he was born into. He also loved and enjoyed the family him and Mom made. Our girls were his first grand kids. He loved to have them visit. When we lived many miles apart he always looked forward to having the girls for a week or two in the summer. Christmas at Mom and Dad's house has more meaning to me now, because I am Dad. It is a great feeling when the kids come home to share a holiday or weekend. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Well enough for tonight.

#2 Fan Club?

2008-10-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

#1, Getting started

2008-10-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Just getting started on this blog thing. Hope it will give me a chance to express some thoughts. Relate some experience that I have had. Maybe tell some amusing stories, also some from the heart.

I am retired and enjoy retirement a lot. It seems there is always something going on. Yard work, small repairs, or improvements on the house. This past week there was a big repair needed. Beyond my scope. Our old galvanized water pipe was in bad shape, leaking in a couple of joints. Just in bad shape period. So we (JP my wife) bite the bullet and had the old pipe replaced with hard copper pipe. The guys knew what they were doing and did a great job.

I was planning a trip to WVC, UT to visit our daughter S and her husband MT, also our grandson T. On the morning I was to leave I woke up with the left side of my face numb. A visit to the ER and they said I had Bell's Palsy. No trip to WVC. Our daughter who lives in SD (L) came up to spend the weekend. Good to have her visit. We just spent the day taking things easy and catching up.

Share some more thoughts and happenings later.