tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29507717916726505512024-03-13T08:44:40.546-06:00Wandering around behind the little animals.....Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-56082091851864916662015-04-12T14:01:00.000-06:002015-04-12T14:01:15.882-06:00Here we go again....Was just reading my last post and yes, it is time for another major life change announcement:<br />
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SINGLE AGAIN</div>
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Yup. Looking back (don't you wish we could "look ahead a little more...") the signs were there but I am an eternal optimist. Kinda in a funky stage right now. I have so much to be thankful for, I have so much to not be thankful for. I'm seriously thinking about developing a split personality (already done?). Thankfully the plus stuff is way ahead of the minus stuff.<br />
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The best? My two children are very happy in their marriages and where they are right now, both financially okay. My daughter finally moved within driving distance with 3 of my grandchildren and I have taken major advantage of that! My son is far away in PA but married to a wonderful woman and expecting their first this July (the bonus is they both want to move back to Idaho sometime!). And I get to spend time with my mother, a most wonderful person. And even though my marriage has ended I still am a grampa to all her grandkids, although I do wonder how that will play out.<br />
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I am living in a mountain area I've always wanted to live in but never really thought it would happen. I have a wonderful job with awesome people in a 4 season resort that is now on the upswing. <br />
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But I do find myself alone. When you grow up figuring on a 50+ marriage to one person, to have a special one to share all the times both good and bad together, to have someone right next to you, traveling life with you; to have someone who thinks more about your welfare than their own. That last never did happen, probably never will. Well I won't give up but for the first time I'm not keen on looking. Maybe that will work better, we will see. <br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-56361172567361986152013-09-23T15:15:00.001-06:002013-09-23T15:15:40.044-06:00A new life....<span style="font-size: small;">I really do need to get back here more often. Seems like I can't go 6 months without a major life change. So, here we go again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As you can tell by my last post things were going well in my life. My latest marriage going well, adding on many more grandkids, and buying a home in the mountains. Life was, well, not perfect but close to it. We realized right along that I would need to get a full time job; driving a school bus was fun but didn't quite pay all the bills. So for most of 2012 I filled out application after application for several different jobs but without any luck at all. I knew I could always go back to long haul trucking but that didn't fit well with my new life and family. I went back to driving a school bus last fall and wondering just what I was to do. Seems like being over 50 was a bit detrimental </span>to finding a job!<br />
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Well I kept looking and trying but with no luck. Then one of my stepsons saw an add on Craigslist for a job with the Tamarack Resort out of Donnelly, Idaho, as a security officer. This resort is about 35 miles from our Cascade home. I discussed this with Sue, my wife, and we decided I should apply. A few interviews later and on January 30th 2013 I started another new chapter of my life.<br />
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I should fill you in on Tamarack. Back in the early 2000's Tamarack came into existence. With great fanfare and lots of money (borrowed) about 380 chalets, townhouses and custom homes were built, along with a large condo lodge overlooking a major golf course, a complete skiing complex with several chairlifts and a half pipe, and then the "heart of Tamarack", a cluster of giant buildings to house condos and shops and have a plaza structure amongst the buildings. While all this was being built Tamarack opened and had all sorts of summer and winter activities going, with lots of celebrities here and lots of excitement. Even President Bush came and vacationed here.<br />
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Then the axe fell. I've heard lots of stories from lots of people who were here why Tamarack failed. but the upshot of it was that the "heart" was not finished and the whole of Tamarack was foreclosed on, closing in the first part of 2008.<br />
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In December 2010 the homeowners formed the Tamarack Municipal Association (TMA) and re-opened the ski resort and subsequently also re-opened the 18 hole golf course. At this point we are going strong, and now, through many court proceedings, Tamarack is now being "bought", with 15 unfinished duplex townhomes sold, and the Village Plaza (the heart) also sold. It will probably still take several years but eventually Tamarack will come completely back to life. The lifesaver is TMA; they have kept the ski buildings/equipment and the Osprey Meadows Lodge and golf course maintained and operational. Without this much of it would have fallen into ruin.<br />
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A key component to life at Tamarack is the renting of most of the homes and lodge condos. We have three rental companies that handle this, and we have a beautiful "Arling Center" which includes a chapel, school and large Grange hall. Through the summer we usually had two weddings every weekend! <br />
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So, here I am, a security officer at an absolutely beautiful resort, with a great group of people, in all our divisions, working together to make Tamarack a fun place to stay!</div>
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Overlooking Osprey Meadows Golf Course from the lodge</div>
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Looking down at the unfinished Village Plaza; the dome buildings </div>
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in front of it are the ski buildings</div>
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Lots of deer and foxes roam the hillsides and through</div>
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the homes, with elk in the fall</div>
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From the highest home at Tamarack</div>
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Our hot tub and pool at the lodge; there is even </div>
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Most of the rentals have access to the pools.</div>
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Pick your size of home to rent....</div>
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Or stay in one of our condos at the lodge.</div>
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Tamarack is alive and growing; with winter skiing, then in the summer with golfing, frisbee golf, biking, zip lining, kayaking, rafting and hiking we are a fun place to vacation. Yes, I am pushing Tamarack! Come visit us!</div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-52252831193530763792012-07-26T10:59:00.000-06:002012-07-26T10:59:45.251-06:00In the Idaho mountainsLife is good. Wonderful wife, great kids and grandkids, lots of family time (except for my own kids who have decided San Antonio is the place to be!). We have a cabin (really a home) in the beautiful mountains of Idaho and have spent a good portion of the summer there.<br />
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Had two of Sue's kids and their families up to the cabin last weekend to celebrate our new zip line through the trees back of the place! We are still tweaking it and need a real trolley (burnt up the cheap pulley!) but the kids all had a great time!<br />
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Took the kids out to Clear Creek to cool off. Between swimming and hunting for mussels and "gold" rocks they had fun. "Course, we did too!</div>
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</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-24043719866150208932012-03-17T18:28:00.001-06:002012-03-18T14:22:56.236-06:00Summer and Winter 2011-2-12!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow! Been a long time since I wrote here. So much has been going on. We certainly enjoyed our new cabin in the woods through the summer and since Sue and I went back to work (she teaching, me driving school bus) we have tried to also enjoy it this winter. Last winter I bought a season pass to the Tamarack ski resort.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately I went down a run I wasn't ready for and fell hard, spraining something in my left knee! It took about 2 months to get that back good enough to try again, and this time I stayed smart and had a great time!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The highlight was having kids and grandkids up twice to enjoy sledding down our driveway and the road. Steve and Michelle brought Kyle, Dylan and McKayla up and what a show was put on!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then about a week later Larry and Kristi brought up Lorrissa, Levi, Leah and our newest Grandson, Christopher.....</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A week from now I will be flying to Albuquerque NM. My daughter Jesse and her husband, Michael and their 2 little girls will be going through the Albuquerque LDS Temple for their endowments and to be sealed together, and my son Sean will be there, too! It will be a great weekend being with them and Michael's family!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">THEN I get to drive Jesse and family back to their home in San Antonio, TX and spend spring break with them. Finally I will get to see the best of San Antonio, including their famous river walk! Life is good!</span></div></div><br />
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</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-8946058507702725132011-05-23T21:22:00.000-06:002011-05-23T21:22:13.674-06:00Goats, Grass, Grandkids and cabin.....<div style="text-align: center;">Thought I'd touch on just a few of the things happening in my life lately.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVm2j1dTcEY/TdsdI5i2JYI/AAAAAAAAALM/IVpZUeSn9gQ/s1600/imagejpeg952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVm2j1dTcEY/TdsdI5i2JYI/AAAAAAAAALM/IVpZUeSn9gQ/s320/imagejpeg952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our latest addition, we have around 25 kids on the ground.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T07lYQca8ME/TdsdgiJl2RI/AAAAAAAAALQ/evMmXPHUTT4/s1600/0522112014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T07lYQca8ME/TdsdgiJl2RI/AAAAAAAAALQ/evMmXPHUTT4/s320/0522112014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we have several acres of grass to care for, including </div><div style="text-align: center;">cheat grass needing mowed....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b76eUI65hs0/Tdsd2ZoVL7I/AAAAAAAAALU/lH_j4nkwCYY/s1600/0515111620a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b76eUI65hs0/Tdsd2ZoVL7I/AAAAAAAAALU/lH_j4nkwCYY/s320/0515111620a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...so here's Sue of on her antique Craftsman to do the job! </div><div style="text-align: center;">(didn't happen, it blew up!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYEcCd8jPIs/Tdsfl1QRvhI/AAAAAAAAALk/_yUtfSA5D9s/s1600/0515111641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYEcCd8jPIs/Tdsfl1QRvhI/AAAAAAAAALk/_yUtfSA5D9s/s320/0515111641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Sue trying to get the goats interested in their new toys!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqyQNEVdEdw/TdsehehkowI/AAAAAAAAALY/YYLhxdqs-cI/s1600/IMG958377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqyQNEVdEdw/TdsehehkowI/AAAAAAAAALY/YYLhxdqs-cI/s320/IMG958377.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On to the grandkids in NM, this is Kadence...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlaWIwQp1ko/TdseztHru0I/AAAAAAAAALc/Ild5KjMcrIU/s1600/IMG955471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlaWIwQp1ko/TdseztHru0I/AAAAAAAAALc/Ild5KjMcrIU/s320/IMG955471.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and this is Sophie, her new sister!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybd9D47v5o8/Tdse-PGI4jI/AAAAAAAAALg/IJsaMamG3xY/s1600/IMG952053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybd9D47v5o8/Tdse-PGI4jI/AAAAAAAAALg/IJsaMamG3xY/s320/IMG952053.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the two of them watching Alice in Wonderland!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(scary moment?) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-YrdsC08l4/Tdsf7ssowFI/AAAAAAAAALo/wrE-VEnCyFs/s1600/0521111231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-YrdsC08l4/Tdsf7ssowFI/AAAAAAAAALo/wrE-VEnCyFs/s320/0521111231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now our new (to us) cabin. We have cleaned it top to bottom, </div><div style="text-align: center;">now it's time to paint. Before pic....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxOOAvhiZ8g/TdsgkX5D75I/AAAAAAAAALs/VvqrxTkhiEM/s1600/0521111749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxOOAvhiZ8g/TdsgkX5D75I/AAAAAAAAALs/VvqrxTkhiEM/s320/0521111749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and after painting. I really hate to paint but it came out good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Life is darn good right now. Quite a change, going from long haul trucking to homemaker and goat tender! Not used to staying home but sure have a better appreciation of the work to be done at home, especially if you have about 3 acres of grass and 50 goats, 5 dogs (plus 5 new pups), 3 peacocks and 1 Llama to go with it! Plus 4 step kids and 4 step gkids! We have plenty to keep us busy!</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-67026551139569187572011-04-09T22:30:00.000-06:002011-04-09T22:30:23.036-06:00The best come in small packages......<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">April 6th, 2011; for the Malarsie/Church/MacLeod/Murray families this date is one for the books! At about 8am my niece Sarah Murray gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. After having 2 wonderful boys coming up with a little girl was a dream come true. I am so happy for them!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJQF5AIstYs/TaEvgKsAKUI/AAAAAAAAALE/9SXecWkAMh4/s1600/Alice+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJQF5AIstYs/TaEvgKsAKUI/AAAAAAAAALE/9SXecWkAMh4/s320/Alice+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alice</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So Sarah had beat my daughter, Jesse, to the punch! They were within days of each other on due dates but everyone expected Jesse to win as her first came early and Sarah was usually late. Well, the day was not over!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">At about 9pm that same day Jesse gave birth to her 2nd girl, Sophie!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7axIhcyKdC8/TaEwUaJXodI/AAAAAAAAALI/dScEOb-G98I/s1600/Sophie+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7axIhcyKdC8/TaEwUaJXodI/AAAAAAAAALI/dScEOb-G98I/s320/Sophie+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyone else notice the resemblance? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mother's and babies are doing very well and we are all overjoyed! One of my bestest days!! Alice and Sophie, welcome to our families!!</span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-71453281166569688392011-03-20T21:35:00.005-06:002011-03-21T07:23:19.122-06:00The Bread Machine; An American Tradition<div style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was over at my mother's the other day and noticed her old bread machine in the corner. I asked her if I could have it and she was delighted to have it leave the counter. I have, in the past, used a bread machine with very good results and thought since I was at the moment the homemaker of the family why not? Unfortunately upon trying the machine I found it hopelessly froze up (it was at least 20 years old). I told Sue of the death of the machine; she said, "oh, we have one somewhere around here...". </span></div><div style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;">A little side note here; I have been very busy cleaning out the cupboards in a very nice kitchen and have found all sorts of wonderful devices sharing room with the dust and..... Just hadn't run across the bread machine yet!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UzZBGTxVkmM/TYbEuzn8OGI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/2imEqyt0n3w/s1600/0320112100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UzZBGTxVkmM/TYbEuzn8OGI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/2imEqyt0n3w/s320/0320112100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, after a little searching we found it!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q4_BsxXCZA0/TYbAe4CT3JI/AAAAAAAAAKI/hhOUNV9wlVc/s1600/0320112048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q4_BsxXCZA0/TYbAe4CT3JI/AAAAAAAAAKI/hhOUNV9wlVc/s320/0320112048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #6aa84f; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, this one is also quite old BUT it works, and works well. It is not fancy, not very configurable, but it gets the job done. So, off I went to the store and bought 3 "in the box" bread machine loaf "kits". (well, what do you call them?). Tried a couple and had good results but it wasn't much fun. Soooo, off to the computer to find out what I could find out about honest to goodness HOME MADE BREAD MACHINE BREAD!! LOL! Well, good old amazon.com to the rescue (I just love that site!). I found a wonderful book, down loaded it to our Kindle and then linked the Kindle to my computer and away we went! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bmY4mvTtytw/TYbCAJxxGYI/AAAAAAAAAKM/1r36oAyOvAM/s1600/0320112049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bmY4mvTtytw/TYbCAJxxGYI/AAAAAAAAAKM/1r36oAyOvAM/s320/0320112049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: cyan; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well now! Everything you ever wanted to know about bread machine bread but were afraid to ask!! Using the machine, knowing your terms (gluten?), and just like that brand new cell phone of yours about 3/4 more than you will ever use!! Ha! </span></div><div style="color: cyan; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: cyan; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Breads from around the globe (ciabatta, pagnotta, pane toscana to name to many). Oh...my...gosh I am in heaven now!! Not only breads but pizza, cinnamon rolls, fruit cakes (NO!), jams and preserves you can do in your wonderful bread machine! Need I go on? (ok, quit the yawning!).</span></div><div style="color: cyan; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: cyan; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many loaves later, guess what I discovered? Now, listen up, this is the quote of the year!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: magenta;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE SIMPLEST WAY IS USUALLY THE BEST WAY</span></b></u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: lime; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's right folks! A good 'ol down to earth recipe for bread machine bread has them all beat (so far!). But, it's still going to be fun to keep trying to disprove this! Stay tuned!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DmNyr_6P4LI/TYdRPjFommI/AAAAAAAAALA/RR0Mys1-SWg/s1600/0320112048a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DmNyr_6P4LI/TYdRPjFommI/AAAAAAAAALA/RR0Mys1-SWg/s320/0320112048a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-58322661407725069422011-02-27T20:05:00.000-07:002011-02-27T20:05:15.560-07:00What We Can Imagine Will Never Equal The Reality That Surrounds Us: Looks like we may have a home bought....<a href="http://celllman.blogspot.com/2011/02/looks-like-we-may-have-home-bought.html">What We Can Imagine Will Never Equal The Reality That Surrounds Us: Looks like we may have a home bought....</a>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-91915870342141878632011-02-27T20:02:00.000-07:002011-02-27T20:02:43.257-07:00Looks like we may have a home bought....<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">After countless houses looked at, week after week of running up into the mountains and offering on several homes; today we had an offer accepted!!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-psCd4nIwSpw/TWsJKycCS3I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/bBBhiCITDfQ/s1600/imls98445505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-psCd4nIwSpw/TWsJKycCS3I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/bBBhiCITDfQ/s320/imls98445505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not bad looking! Lots of trees!! (obviously a listing photo)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We have had quite a time! Got our Kia stuck on the first run. Have worked with 3 different realtors and each have had a great sense of humor! Running up and down the snowy roads laughing and telling stories, looking through home and after home. I've never "shopped" for a home before and we sure have learned a lot about the process! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VeYN5-8tJSM/TWsK9t_ZBiI/AAAAAAAAAKA/_mx2INW4QJ8/s1600/0226111416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VeYN5-8tJSM/TWsK9t_ZBiI/AAAAAAAAAKA/_mx2INW4QJ8/s320/0226111416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still a fair amount of snow around yesterday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In this bear market the prices on all homes is way low, but that brings with it it's own problems! Most homes are either repossessed or are a "short" sale where the owner is asking their bank to let them sell for less than what is owed, with the bank getting the "short" end of the stick!! Either way it isn't a quick way to buy. The banks can take all the time they want to make up their collective minds! So it was very lucky for us to find a home all paid for and listed at a price we feel is a steal. AND to have the owners grateful and extremely happy with our offer!! AND for it to be almost perfect for us!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-krQXNiRG35g/TWsNC2TC3mI/AAAAAAAAAKE/2-4pp4HTxms/s1600/0226111429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-krQXNiRG35g/TWsNC2TC3mI/AAAAAAAAAKE/2-4pp4HTxms/s320/0226111429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ladies and Gentlemen, our view!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all it has been a blast! We have seen lots of homes, lots of beautiful views and met and made some very good friends. </span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-84815957358606460832011-02-20T13:38:00.000-07:002011-02-20T13:38:29.593-07:00Homcoming!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On February 2nd my son, Sean, returned from his 2 year mission to Chile. All my family gathered including my daughter Jesse, her husband Mike and their daughter kadee. To say we were excited is an understatement!!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzDpHZ5UtiE/TWF0vPj8McI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-CTOW0XaLQA/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzDpHZ5UtiE/TWF0vPj8McI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-CTOW0XaLQA/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sean and another missionary both came out of Chile to Boise Idaho together. My family is on the left, the other's on the right.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvEMVpA77JA/TWF1cQVtoiI/AAAAAAAAAJo/PT7n_nwisY8/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvEMVpA77JA/TWF1cQVtoiI/AAAAAAAAAJo/PT7n_nwisY8/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> And here he is!! (hint: he's the one in the suit) </span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JKOwfZ9pu0/TWF16swZEkI/AAAAAAAAAJs/xZcYUVfF1BE/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JKOwfZ9pu0/TWF16swZEkI/AAAAAAAAAJs/xZcYUVfF1BE/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Greeting Mom and Dad</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_785jPdoVzM/TWF2Q2Wv_BI/AAAAAAAAAJw/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m57J_J9r_Cs/TWF2l5EwdfI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ojU9t7SZZEE/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m57J_J9r_Cs/TWF2l5EwdfI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ojU9t7SZZEE/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Felisa, Jesse, Sean and Chris. Jesse had the poster made.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsNJpBomWhg/TWF3IEEmEAI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Ijgu3KWQoiE/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsNJpBomWhg/TWF3IEEmEAI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Ijgu3KWQoiE/s320/DSC_0266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The whole group! Glad to have him safely home! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-67818352647276928022011-02-19T21:19:00.002-07:002011-02-20T17:05:09.256-07:00Update on the house huntingWell, we lost out on the first house we bid on. Since then we have looked at quite a few homes from Garden Valley to New Meadows, Idaho, about a span of 50 miles. Just spent today (Saturday) viewing 2 homes in McCall, 1 in Donnelly, 2 in Cascade and 1 more in Garden Valley, all in the Idaho central mountains.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">2 of them stood out; 1 in McCall and the 1 in Donnelly. First, McCall:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxuduRjuVGQ/TWCIZG6JixI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Xgek7kbglXs/s1600/1403+Stone+Lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxuduRjuVGQ/TWCIZG6JixI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Xgek7kbglXs/s320/1403+Stone+Lane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm7kjKK_XLo/TWCJEKKv6HI/AAAAAAAAAI4/vRfAwaZwVc0/s1600/fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm7kjKK_XLo/TWCJEKKv6HI/AAAAAAAAAI4/vRfAwaZwVc0/s320/fireplace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSffSdCSsUA/TWCJMzPlGZI/AAAAAAAAAI8/7r6gcyVAogg/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSffSdCSsUA/TWCJMzPlGZI/AAAAAAAAAI8/7r6gcyVAogg/s320/kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSKS5OzWdJM/TWCJUEiDKdI/AAAAAAAAAJA/yGxxOPvek9Q/s1600/back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSKS5OzWdJM/TWCJUEiDKdI/AAAAAAAAAJA/yGxxOPvek9Q/s320/back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkePceg2kCU/TWCJo6DBXpI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GppLfEo2gt8/s1600/DSC_4270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkePceg2kCU/TWCJo6DBXpI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GppLfEo2gt8/s320/DSC_4270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first 4 were off the web; the last shows the back yard today. This one is located near the end of a culdesac in a nice sub west of McCall proper. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then the Donnelly property:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaSEDU2A_u0/TWCLmfhlmOI/AAAAAAAAAJI/8qK34iRAv74/s1600/954+Roseberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaSEDU2A_u0/TWCLmfhlmOI/AAAAAAAAAJI/8qK34iRAv74/s1600/954+Roseberry.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fy8vN4cwMxw/TWCLsBv7BVI/AAAAAAAAAJM/PSfqjby4f0U/s1600/Garage+apartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fy8vN4cwMxw/TWCLsBv7BVI/AAAAAAAAAJM/PSfqjby4f0U/s1600/Garage+apartment.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj3OTL1fV4E/TWCL37vA37I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/r3zX6h4HWpQ/s1600/Large+garage+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj3OTL1fV4E/TWCL37vA37I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/r3zX6h4HWpQ/s1600/Large+garage+shop.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 buildings on a narrow and long lot of 1 acre. The middle garage has a fully contained apartment above.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But look inside the home:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NpGcZulZKI/TWCMfEJY5AI/AAAAAAAAAJU/mdOTQ6nATfc/s1600/DSC_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NpGcZulZKI/TWCMfEJY5AI/AAAAAAAAAJU/mdOTQ6nATfc/s320/DSC_4344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veS931lR5Jc/TWCMq-QKl5I/AAAAAAAAAJY/J1youQEaVdc/s1600/DSC_4351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veS931lR5Jc/TWCMq-QKl5I/AAAAAAAAAJY/J1youQEaVdc/s320/DSC_4351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCr7K9UIg3M/TWCM3lgcTyI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Rb9HxWtmTjU/s1600/DSC_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCr7K9UIg3M/TWCM3lgcTyI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Rb9HxWtmTjU/s320/DSC_4368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is one "stick out" looking at the outside of another, two on each side of the house. Different!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlctDcwTpQ0/TWCNO6O-pUI/AAAAAAAAAJg/5GRtHtkZfFY/s1600/DSC_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlctDcwTpQ0/TWCNO6O-pUI/AAAAAAAAAJg/5GRtHtkZfFY/s320/DSC_4339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This one is a fair amount more than the first and the local is not as good. Coming home our Realtor called and advised us the McCall property, at the listed amount, would not be a short sale and would not need bank approval so could move quickly if we offered at the list price, which we did! Keep in mind the economy has all properties at or below half price; we are happy with the price of this home!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So now again the waiting game. But not being a short sale (where the bank has to okay as they will loose money on the deal) or a repossessed home where due to the economy again the bank owns the property and also stands to lose money, this is simply up to the owner to accept our offer. so we will see! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-22011694665732994952011-01-16T14:16:00.000-07:002011-01-16T14:16:14.714-07:00A home in the mountains.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/TTNeCXRlNhI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Lzeh3iBFnXU/s1600/IMLS98392369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/TTNeCXRlNhI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Lzeh3iBFnXU/s320/IMLS98392369.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> My new wife, Sue, has always wanted to live surrounded by evergreen trees in the mountains. We have talked about buying a place in the mountains later when we retire, but have realized NOW is the time. The prices of property are way, way low and so are the interest rates. Sooooo, we have spent the last 2 weekends looking at places to buy now! <br />
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The last one is an older home in good shape right on a river! It has a 3 car garage one of which will fit an RV, a small outbuilding good for crafting, gun room or guest room. We are bidding on it right now. The second to last is another one we are interested in if the other fails.<br />
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House hunting in the mountains is a lot of fun! And we have a real estate broker who is pretty much as crazy as we are! Wish us luck!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-72742902880764203932011-01-02T14:00:00.000-07:002011-01-02T14:00:43.706-07:00We must remember......<span style="font-size: large;"> My family and I have had a wonderful holiday time! All my siblings were able to get together (a rare thing) and it really made my mother's season. And it was cool for her to attend my first Christmas with my new family (we had deep fried turkey, ham and spuds!). And we are all very excited as my son will return to us on February 2nd from his 2 year mission to Chile!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> But with the happy times comes a sadness. Tomorrow (Jan 3) is the 1st anniversary of our losing Sgt. Joshua Lengstorf in Afghanistan. He was my daughter's husband and father to their 1 year old daughter. He was more than a son-in-law; he was a son to me. I didn't realize this until he was gone. Be he and I hit it right off; we speak the same language and the times we had together, though few, were good. It hurts now like it did a year ago; it will hurt always. But at the same time I'm so glad I had those times with him. He was special, really special. He was one of those who looked to the needs of those around him. In his service to our country he truly was a "Soldier's Soldier". He was the type to take the point, to be out front; that's how we lost him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Josh was also doing so well as a husband and father. That did not come from the start; Josh had to do some learning, as we all did, to go from me to we. He got to return for his daughter's 1st birthday and it was so cool to see him with his wife and daughter; they were a family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Josh, I know where you are; I know you are watching all of us. I know you want us to be happy. And we will be. But we will never forget you, and your daughter will know you always. As she grows she will learn of you from us and from your family. I promise this. See you later, son. I love you."</span>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-62467180966238390442010-11-11T20:32:00.000-07:002010-11-11T20:32:52.966-07:00Another night in my sleeper......<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh boy, some people want to hear from me. Here I am! Wow, does life ever slow down? Just when I think I've got a handle on it it screams and runs!! Let's see, now ready to get married (yes yes again, shut up K8!) have the marriage certificate in hand. Fiance is off on a scrapebooking cruise in the caribbean seas with her best friend. Son will come home from Chile in a couple months. Will leave this truck just before Christmas and become a "kept" man (and part of the kept is taking care of her 40+ goats!). Will try substitute teaching in Sue's school so we will go to work together! Um, let's see, what else? OH! Daughter is well along with her second child, due the first week in April. First child, Kae, is really using the terrible twos time! Love it!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Really, really looking forward to a home life with a really wonderful woman. Her 4 kids and I get along great and her one grandchild loves me. One of the things I have always wished I could do is learn to cook with spices and herbs. Sue is NOT a cook so this works out just fine, she will be the cleanup queen! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Truly, I feel so blessed at this time in my life. Wonderful family, now a wonderful new family to add in; Sue and I compliment each other and we have taken the time to really get to know each other (that is something new for me...). Great friends online; Geri, still hope to make it for that lunch date! Kat, some day I will just walk in your house! Judy, Sue and I will be cruising the US and hope to barge into your space sometime! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/TNy0ct21XAI/AAAAAAAAAHs/yyDEMTWOMjg/s1600/KaeBday2010Roseburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/TNy0ct21XAI/AAAAAAAAAHs/yyDEMTWOMjg/s1600/KaeBday2010Roseburg.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks, everyone! You're the best! </span></span>(pic of Kae!)Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-39017190694144269332010-08-31T14:38:00.000-06:002010-08-31T14:38:36.090-06:00Mild meanderings (behind the little animals.....) Growing up in a small Idaho farming community in the 70's was great! Living/working on our family farm gave me employment from the time I could lift and carry irrigation tubes. I can remember being paid a quarter an hour at about 6 years old. <br />
It was an easy, safe time to grow up in. By foot, by bike and finally with our own cars we roamed as far as each mode would take us. We had farm buildings, hay and straw stacks, etc. to play in; we had friends living across the road to play with. We had TVs but that was mostly an evening event. We had to much fun outdoors, some of it safe, some not so safe! I remember digging many tunnels and caves, playing in the canals and drain ditches, riding our bikes for miles around. But we grew up with a confidence seldom seen in the youth today. We drove trucks, tractors and combines as soon as we were physically able and proved early on that we could be trusted and responsible. This work and play taught us to be safe, even when doing unsafe stuff!!<br />
Now, my teen years were quite colorful as it was the early 70's with all that entailed!! Wish I had some pics to share (I think) of the clothes we wore then! We listened to the rock of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Chicago, The Rolling Stones. We had black light posters, bell bottoms, harvest gold and avocado green and bongs. We said "far out!", "right on", "dig it", "gnarly", "groovy", and "let it all hang out"!!<br />
Drugs were an issue, and I still miss marijuana! But I realized that when I was under the influence of "maryjane" I might take anything else and quit all of it in my mid teens. Again, because most of us could be trusted we rarely let drugs or alcohol lead us to the crime much of our youth are involved in today. It was more of a social event rather than a way of life. It wasn't "cool" to be a junkie or an alcoholic.<br />
Even though my kids grew up in a small community and on several acres with chores and the like, and with NO broadcast or cable/sat. TV we still could not allow them the freedom I had growing up. But we did the best we could and our kids grew up always outside with their mother and I spending a lot of time with them in scouting, 4-H, camping, trips, etc. We had a lot of fun!<br />
Now I'm into a new way of life. Divorced and moved back to my hometown, driving long haul to pay the bills, and now with a wonderful relationship with a beautiful lady close by and her family to get to know and love. Life is good; it has it's ups and downs but with the right attitude you can weather anything and even find good in the bad. Love being around my Mom, brother and sister now, and having sooooo much fun with all my online friends!! You all are great and the fun is just starting!! Right on!!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-89771034157518144892010-08-29T19:05:00.001-06:002010-08-31T12:59:14.431-06:00Canadian potato run 2010<span style="font-size: small;">For about 7 weeks we ran newly harvested potatoes from Oregon and Washington into Canada, to Taber and Vauxhall Alberta. Approx. 6 trucks running on the American side delivered bulk potatoes to Bonners Ferry, ID and met with about the same number of our drivers running the Canadian side. I say "about" because although many of us were permanent we had a few others rotating in/out. This is how it went.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Most of the potatoes were from the Terra Poma Farms outside Irrigon, OR. We loaded by backing into a belt auger.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">.......then Miguel would load us up!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">As you can see they dumped them raw into our trailers!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We had a young lady inspector who made out our Canadian bill of lading, Tina!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We had to weigh in on a truck scale and then weigh out, telling them each time how many pounds of potatoes we wanted them to load us with. Then it was about a 5 1/2 hour drive to Bonners Ferry where we would congregate to give our Canadian truckers the loaded trailers and we would hook to their empties for the return trip to Oregon.</div><br />
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We met on this dirt lot actually on the grounds of the Idaho port of entry and what a dusty mess that was. There was a small truck stop there with store, restaurant and 2 small showers....all the conveniences of home!! It actually was the hot spot of the town, the food was very good and lots of town folk packed it up each night. I don't think there was a lot else happening in Bonners Ferry......<br />
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The potatoes were being harvested each day just as we arrived to load, brought in in farm trucks and backed into the building up to the machine to clean and load them into our trucks.<br />
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In the first pic you see a truck backing in; they would load into the large tank, then would be run through some cleaning belts, then would be cleaned again by the crew you see above. Ths crew would also pick out the larger potatoes as the spuds were on their way to Frito Lay to be made into potato chips and they were picky about size!<br />
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It was quite the project; I wish I had taken more pics of our truck drivers as I made some pretty good friends. We even had one buy a charcoal bbq and we bbq'd steaks, hamburgers and hot dogs while spending time at Bonners Ferry!! WOO HOO!!!'<br />
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Okay, due to popular request, I have located the BBQ PICS! And here they are.....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">You can find fun in almost any situation!!! </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-73410844867305666452010-07-20T16:51:00.000-06:002010-07-20T16:51:54.235-06:00Phil R.Robert Philip Enoch Church. My father. Known far and wide (at least in Canyon County, Idaho) as Phil R.<br />
<br />
Dad was a farmer. Period. Every waking hour was devoted to his farm. Oh, he did do other things, but usually it involved farming in some way or another. He went to bed early every night, up early every morning. It wasn't like he had to make himself do so, it was his life. And he excelled at it. He truly was a "farmers farmer". Sundays, birthdays, holidays; ask him about them and they were "just another day". <br />
<br />
My two older brothers and I grew up on Dad's farm. He was our step-dad but the only dad we ever knew. Dad was from Old Missouri blood; that meant he was most definitely the boss and kind words were not part of the picture. He expected the best from us and when we gave that nothing needed saying. If we fell short he would let you know and how to correct it, sometimes harshly but once said that was enough! His way of teaching made you want to do your best, not just for him but also for your own pride.<br />
<br />
So Rick, Scott and I were among the best. I say this with some pride but not to puff myself up but to honor my Father and his ways. It was common to hear people say if you wanted to know how to do it right, ask Phil R. He simply was that good, but usually if anyone devotes the time and effort he did, they would be, too.<br />
<br />
Dad was very helpful to others, but wasn't very good at taking praise. One of our favorite stories; a new Simplot Soilbuilders field agent moved in next to one of Dad's places, and had a small pasture on his place which was overgrown. Dad was going by with a rotary mower on one of his tractors, pulled in and mowed that pasture down. The agents wife came out, knew who Dad was, and stopped him to thank him. Dad looked back at the pasture and said, "Well, now it looks like someone lives here!" and without another word went down the road!<br />
<br />
In truth Dad was an institution in Wilder, Idaho. It was unthinkable that he would ever be gone. But, all things come to an end. Dad came up with pancreatic cancer in early 1995; He never would admit he was terminal and I think he was surprised at the end. But a few months later my Father was gone. At the time my family and I were living in Juneau Alaska and I hadn't been quite updated on just how serious it was. So I never got to see my Dad before he died. But I did do something during his illness I, nor any of us, had ever done before. I wrote a letter to him telling him how much I appreciated all the years we had together and all he had taught me. The thing I did different; I told my Dad how much I loved him. Dad had grown up taught that to praise someone or say I love you was a weakness. So affection was not part of our lives growing up with Dad. Looking back I can truthfully say I have no regrets on this issue; I know that my Father loved us so very much and am so grateful I was able to let him know it was returned before he left. I miss him so very much....Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-92054260346916295112010-07-11T09:54:00.000-06:002010-07-11T09:54:28.143-06:00Something of importance....The following blog is about our physical and spiritual wellness.<br />
<br />
I heard the following story on the radio this morning as I was driving on I-86 westbound:<br />
<br />
"It was during a family vacation to Yellowstone Park and my young daughter and I were walking on one of the many boardwalks that take you along the boiling pools in the park. As we walked along my daughter suddenly moved to the very edge of the boardwalk and began a precarious balancing act along that edge. It suddenly occurred to me that this was a perfect teaching moment. I asked my daughter if she knew what she was doing; she replied yes, balancing on the edge was fun. I then told her that her balancing act was putting her in possible harms way. As with most youth this did not deter her a bit as she assumed she could handle it. I then told her this was much like the people in the world who walked the edge of spiritual safety, barely on the path of safety and getting a thrill by almost being in danger, and not aware that one misstep or bump along the way would have them completely off the boardwalk. As this did not impress her I casually moved over to her and then gave her a slight bump that pushed her off the boardwalk onto the ground next to a pool. She was startled and looked around then quickly regained the path. She gave me one of those looks, and then I asked her how she had felt off the boardwalk? She thought a minute then said she was fearful of the immediate danger and also knew it was illegal for her to be off the path. I then explained this is what can happen it one treads the edge of their spiritual path of safety. If you walk on the edge be assured that Satan walks with you and when, not if!, the time is right he will give you a slight nudge to put you off that path. I explained to her that by her sure knowledge of the physical danger here in Yellowstone she knew to regain the path immediately. And also, hopefully, by her sure knowledge of the worldly dangers to her spiritual self she would also know that treading the that edge would also lead to a far more deadly danger. She thought this all over and as we continued down the paths I noticed that she no longer balanced on the edge but rather stayed to the middle in safety."<br />
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I do not post this to cast any aspersions; nor do I EVER judge anyone else save myself. I find myself with at least one foot off the spiritual path of safety at this time in my life and know what I need to get back on that boardwalk! I hope that this message will simply make you pause and consider what is ahead in your life, both here and later.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-38010542246375497312010-06-22T19:56:00.003-06:002010-07-11T09:58:23.553-06:00Much better!!<div><div><div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 24pt;">Rain</span></u></i></b></div><b><i><u><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 24pt;"> </span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;">It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an<br />
appointment at 9:00 am.</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;">I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I<br />
was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.<br />
<br />
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.<br />
<br />
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to<br />
the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.<br />
<br />
He told me that</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 24pt;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;">she had been therefor a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.<br />
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As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.<br />
<br />
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.<br />
<br />
I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every<br />
morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'<br />
<br />
He smiled as he<br />
patted my hand and said,<br />
</span></i></b><b><i><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;">'She doesn't<br />
know me, but I still know who she is.'</span></u></i></b><b><i><u><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;">I had to hold back<br />
tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,<br />
<br />
'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'<br />
<br />
True love is neither physical, nor romantic.<br />
</span></i></b><b><i><u><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;">True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.<br />
</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;">With all the jokes<br />
and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message.. This one I thought I could share with you.<br />
<br />
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.<br />
<br />
I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.<br />
</span></i></b><b><i><u><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 24pt;">'Life isn't about<br />
how to survive the storm,<br />
<br />
But how to dance in the<br />
rain.'</span></u></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div><div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div><div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 24pt;">We are all getting<br />
Older</span></u></i></b></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-20926679694830710982010-05-26T21:18:00.000-06:002010-05-26T21:18:42.300-06:00My life, such as it is.....Here I am, sitting in my bedroom (sleeper) parked at the Pilot Travel Center in Laramie, Wyoming. I tend to forget that I have lived a most unusual life. In the view of the corporate world, I am a failure. Climb the ladder? I never even looked for it! Although I am that rolling stone I am happy and satisfied with what I have done. There are times in my life I wish I had not had or done, but yet even the bad times helped to create the good times.<br />
<br />
Growing up on our family farm gave me the ability to work. My imagination helped me realize I could do "other" things. Even though changes were scary, I could never have simply stayed the same in the same place. I wanted each day to bring new challenges and opportunities. As soon as I figured out that I could be something other than a farmer I changed. I spent several years as a police officer, several more driving dump and log trucks in the coastal islands of southeast Alaska; more again as a director in a nursing home, one as a school janitor, another running a carpet cleaning business. Spent a year driving long haul in the late 80's, and the longest (12 years) as an industrial weigh scale technician. Spent another 10 years as a volunteer fireman and several of those years as an EMT. Now, do not get me wrong! This is not my greatest accomplishments.<br />
<br />
That would be our children. Of course, anyone who has raised kids knows the most wonderful and the most dreadful times of life. We know the heartache of loosing a child at birth, and the thrill of knowing our kids have become wonderful adults. A great help in this was our religious beliefs that focused on the family, not the world.<br />
<br />
Our world today wonders why we have such trouble with our children, why our economy is in shambles, why our crime rates are so huge. It really is quite simple. We have pulled away from "the family", have stripped "God" from our buildings, our homes. It is not so much a belief in a religion, or a God; it is the beliefs that these religions espouse; that of family, sacrifice, giving rather than receiving, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. We have become a selfish people in our utopia of life. If one were to study and understand the history of humans we would know what always happens when we get fat and sassy. Always....happens!<br />
<br />
Think on this....in a few years the children of our nation will be our leaders. Are you satisfied that they will be ready for this? Have we trained them to understand, to be compassionate leaders? Have the TV, the video games, the cell phones helped them to learn to socialize and interact together in such a way as to lead a nation? Have our kids learned to act on their own, or do they simply react to their surroundings? Have they been taught to be responsible for their actions, or have we, over and over, taught them to look for excuses, to blame "someone else"? Think about it.......<br />
<br />
So let's end this on a lighter note. Here I am, back driving long haul all over the United States. Although I would rather be at home more, especially now that I have a girl friend (easy, it will stay that way for quite some time!) I love driving these large trucks, and once again constantly changing all the time. My life! I think I'll keep it.....Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-20879737786881932922010-03-01T20:36:00.000-07:002010-03-01T20:36:01.909-07:00That's the way it is.....Does anyone ever wonder who helps the person who helps everyone else?Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-87422048414141900862010-02-02T17:01:00.000-07:002010-02-02T17:01:11.879-07:00Class Reunion; A Great Time!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the summer of 2007 Wilder Idaho had a 5 class reunion at our small park. We had a bunch of people show up from the classes of '71 thru '75 and it was a great time</span></span>! <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was not suprised that we didn't get a photo of everyone together; the classes tended to group together and no one thought of it. This first one is of my class:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i4iGjQpSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/3sMOpatbvxQ/s1600-h/11542_1130477269646_1458673113_30306548_5696364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i4iGjQpSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/3sMOpatbvxQ/s320/11542_1130477269646_1458673113_30306548_5696364_n.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, this was not the usual look we had; we were not the most attentive bunch and it took a bit to get us this way. This is more like us:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i45mvRueI/AAAAAAAAAFo/kFbKO1ydPsc/s1600-h/11542_1130477189644_1458673113_30306546_5581864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i45mvRueI/AAAAAAAAAFo/kFbKO1ydPsc/s320/11542_1130477189644_1458673113_30306546_5581864_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Now, my class was always one to be on the move and busy with stuff, usual stuff that would get us in trouble. Not much different here as all the other classes sat around in chairs and casually talked over the good old days. Not us guys! We stood in a circle and laughed and roared and told stories for quite some time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i5o_Ue-xI/AAAAAAAAAFw/4UjALANDu2g/s1600-h/11542_1130477549653_1458673113_30306555_354411_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i5o_Ue-xI/AAAAAAAAAFw/4UjALANDu2g/s320/11542_1130477549653_1458673113_30306555_354411_n.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There were a total of 24 that graduated in my class. Wilder is a city of approx. 1400 people, a farming community. The ones that showed up, especially the guys, were most definitely the movers and shakers of my class (um, again that means the ones that got into the most trouble!). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This next photo was the the ones who stuck around to the bitter end. It was really a wonderful time, I moved around and talked with most all that were there. It is so funny, I was in the class of '75 and back then most of these people would not have given me the time of day but on this day we were all equal and so happy to see each other! We will do this again!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i7xOn3MAI/AAAAAAAAAF4/K8UNYyfNFKo/s1600-h/11542_1130477629655_1458673113_30306557_2040478_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2i7xOn3MAI/AAAAAAAAAF4/K8UNYyfNFKo/s320/11542_1130477629655_1458673113_30306557_2040478_n.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-81276306606376630532010-01-29T19:55:00.000-07:002010-01-29T19:55:13.658-07:00One of those down times<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b> Sitting in central Tennessee in the middle of an ice storm, not able to get down the road toward home. Of course I really don't have my own home any more as I kinda screwed that one up, too. I've always figured I was a pretty good sort of guy. So why is it I cannot find the right women to be with forever? I've tried 3 times. I always thought those people who have been married/divorced multiple times had something wrong with them. Maybe I was right.</b></span>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-71888478692747102052010-01-29T15:40:00.002-07:002010-01-29T16:00:20.294-07:00Good Times, Bad Times....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2NjZSz3weI/AAAAAAAAAFU/Dj1gr0YbzZo/s1600-h/family1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S2NjZSz3weI/AAAAAAAAAFU/Dj1gr0YbzZo/s320/family1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(reposted due to a problem with the original)<br />
<br />
At the moment I am sitting in the Portland Airport waiting for my connecting flight to Eugene. This has been the worst week+ of my life; my daughter, Jesse, lost her husband Joshua in Afghanistan on January 3rd. Their daughter, Kadence, is just 15 months old. I am on my way to Joshua’s funeral in Roseburg, OR. As a father, how do you help a daughter who has lost the love of her life after less than 2 years of marriage? Their marriage had just gotten to that wonderful stage where both were losing the “single” attitude and melding into a truly wonderful family. I do not blame Joshua for his choices, he was Army when he and Jesse re-found each other. I am so grateful for Josh and all those who truly put it all on the line to defend what we all enjoy each day. He is a hero and we must remember that always.<br />
<br />
My daughter is doing much better than I could have hoped. She knows her future is now nothing of what they had planned, but is ready to make the changes necessary to carry on. There will be those times when the burden will almost seem to much, but she knows this and has had the training to continue on at those times. So I guess I have already answered my question; what is a father to do? I have already done it with the upbringing we gave her. Now I can just be that support at times she needs me, and know she is strong and will prevail.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950771791672650551.post-18816267126984743692010-01-25T21:08:00.001-07:002010-01-29T13:30:49.661-07:00Family and Friends; They make the difference!<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S157NrcS82I/AAAAAAAAAEI/WuRu5roRK5Y/s1600-h/asamjjsize.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430913675585319778" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S157NrcS82I/AAAAAAAAAEI/WuRu5roRK5Y/s320/asamjjsize.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S154PwCfKqI/AAAAAAAAAEA/QLm94IJl0EQ/s1600-h/P1190288size.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430910412644100770" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S154PwCfKqI/AAAAAAAAAEA/QLm94IJl0EQ/s320/P1190288size.JPG" style="float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 240px;" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S1533oK2BaI/AAAAAAAAAD4/iNGKMp9Z40Q/s1600-h/P1180211size.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430909998214808994" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S1533oK2BaI/AAAAAAAAAD4/iNGKMp9Z40Q/s320/P1180211size.JPG" style="float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S152zKKrHSI/AAAAAAAAADY/BZblRXNotmY/s1600-h/P1170141size.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430908821929925922" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S152zKKrHSI/AAAAAAAAADY/BZblRXNotmY/s320/P1170141size.JPG" style="float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S152WPxjHpI/AAAAAAAAADQ/dyzoqP0kCR8/s1600-h/P1160119size.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430908325218950802" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S152WPxjHpI/AAAAAAAAADQ/dyzoqP0kCR8/s320/P1160119size.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S152F4WXXpI/AAAAAAAAADI/M7PZGE6emiE/s1600-h/P1150113size.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430908044053012114" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S152F4WXXpI/AAAAAAAAADI/M7PZGE6emiE/s320/P1150113size.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 254px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">In this world it is so easy to find fault, to complain, to be angry. When horrible things happen you just want to strike out, to punish someone for the wrongs done. But then, out of the<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S153EdRLzbI/AAAAAAAAADg/I01qyOPdNkc/s1600-h/P1170143size.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430909119115283890" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_juQYp1ej2VA/S153EdRLzbI/AAAAAAAAADg/I01qyOPdNkc/s320/P1170143size.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 240px;" /></a> bad things come good things. This is a photo tribute to friends and family who have stepped up to make the difference in our family tragedy. Without them this would have been unbearable, but when you are surrounded by so much love you can prevail.....</div><br />
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This is, of course, just a few of the people who helped us with being there, but dozens if not hundreds of others helped in bringing an overload of food to us, babysitting and simply emailing, phoning or writing to give us support.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thank you all so much!</span></span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507636973362911642noreply@blogger.com1