Saturday, October 24, 2009

The Smell of Death

Conference weekend some of the family came to Vernon to listen to General Conference. On Saturday evening Jesse dug a hole in the back yard, filled it with hard wood and burnt it down to some beautiful coals. He dug out the coals and we then put some seasoned roast in a dutchoven, buried in the hole with the coals and a heap of dirt on top. The next day put some potatoes in the oven. Oh yum. Sign me up again.
The next weekend was shipping and our great adventure to New Mexico and Texas. Fun Fun.
This weekend we drove up late Friday night to make the parts delivery in St. Johns, then over to the ranch to check the water. (For anyone that wants to know, there was still plenty). Back to Vernon to fix a frozen pizza, chop a little wood, (yea for fires). As we sat there eating, believe it or not it got warm enough to open the doors and let some fresh crisp air in. Suddenly I turn to Tom and ask him if he smells something dead. Yep he does. Wow do I need to close the door. As I get up to check it out, I smell it from the back door worse. Ugh. I go toward the door to close it, and wow, over powered. Death is in my oven. Oh man do I really want to look. Years ago we had mice nesting behind the stove and as I heated it up it put out a smell, so at this time that thought crossed my mind. And the pizza I just ate came from there. Hold on stomach. Open the door and behold death is wrapped up in tin foil. The stupid left over potatoes from two weeks ago. The sad thing is for those two weeks, I remembered I forgot to get them out. I just remembered every time I was in Higley. And forgot again when I was in Vernon.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

FALL BREAK? 2009

This week was Tom's fall break from school and Ginny’s three days of shipping cattle. As we both needed a vacation, we took most of the week off from Baker Machinery and made a working/traveling trip out of it. It started off Sunday; we had all the kids in the valley over for dinner. We had to get in the last good byes with the little girlies. Ginny loaded up her cow dog and took off with her brother to do the ranch work. Tom buttoned up the itinerary for the trip and the businesses.
Monday morning went to the ranch to gather all the cattle in the knolls pasture. Buddy (my horse) has gained so much weight on the ranch grass that his saddle won’t stay up right. So I had to keep stepping down in the stirrup to straighten it up that at one time I must of popped my phone off my hip only to get to the mill and realize that it is missing. See what a fat horse can cause.
On Tuesday late afternoon/evening after a very tiring hard day at the ranch I went to load up my dog and he would have nothing to do with it. He had always stayed by my side but now he stayed a couple of feet in front of me so I couldn't catch him. I will admit he can, and is stubborn, but I forgive him cuz he is a great companion and help with the cattle. But at this time one of us was going to learn a lesson. I left him at the ranch. I was hoping and silently praying that it would be him that learned obedience and not me having to learn more patience. Cody was spending the night there so I asked if he would keep an eye on him. He said sure and I took off.
Tom came up Tuesday night and we decided after calling Cody that it would be a good deal to leave the stubborn thing there all night. In the morning Tom took off to St. Johns to diagnose a piece of equipment for a customer and I headed off to the ranch. I get there expecting a reunion with my dog, nope, no where to be found. Can’t go find him cuz the calves had knocked a gate open and were all out in the bull pasture. 78 head loose, Cody had most of them back in but still no time to look for the dog, cuz we only had an hour to get the calves separated and counted before the cattle inspector came and the cattle truck arrived.
Tom called said he was done on the machine and wanted to know where to start looking for the dog (I call him a dog but to me, he is still a pup, he had just turned a year old that week and that is when the brains and training really start), I told Tom to go around and come into the ranch from the back way cuz that is the way I bring Gideon in most of the time. So Tom did that and did some more looking. He had no luck and came into the ranch just as the cattle had been loaded and I was done with the shipping papers. So I was free to leave. Tom the good hearted person he is wanted to blow off our trip and spend the week looking for the dog. Me the cold hearted person who can’t put up with disobedience or stupidity wanted to take off on our trip. We decided to take one look over at the big mill, that is where he is used to working along side of me. And then drive one more time out the back way so I could shower in Vernon, before I spent the day with 2 inches of corral dust and cow stuff on me. So yep he wasn’t at the mill, yep started questioning my self but then I am more stubborn than my dog. Started the dusty, bumping road to Vernon. Lo and behold there is Gideon about 30 yards from the 60. He had heard our truck as we drove up the ridge and had already turned and was running back toward us. He would have made it home to Vernon, just don’t want to think of him going down the highway.
Got cleaned up in Vernon and passed Gideon off to Steve to take home to Jesse’s house for the rest of the week. We ate lunch in St. Johns because we were now 3 hours behind because of the dang dog. Then headed off to our first destination of Los Lunas NM. Tom had planned the trip to take as little as interstate roads as possible. It was amazing to see all coke ovens in the yards of the Zuni Indians. How they take care of them by tarping them over when not in use. While there, we stopped at Phillips Diesel to pick up parts for the ranch Yanmar.
We then went to Albuquerque and had dinner in a bowling alley that had great food. We heard about it on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. You wouldn’t believe what they serve. You’ve just got to go. Well worth it.
Stayed our first night in Santa Fe. Since we were behind in leaving we had to check out the town in the morning. Now it is so early in the morning, and we have got to get going, we end up walking around all this history before anything is open. The Indians who sale their wares are in front of the Palace of the Governors. This is where Gen. Stephen W. Kearny of the Army of the West announced to the citizenry that they were now under the rule of the United States. So basically the US took possession of the south west here. The Mormon Batalion was part of the army of the west but had not come through Santa Fe yet.The workmanship was well worth the look. History will have to wait for another trip. Hurry of to Taos, the real history. Kit Carson home. But atlas, we are still behind because of that dang dog. Didn’t have time for history here either. The auction that we came for was hours away and going to start. Besides the dog lateness we have a new time zone taking 1 hour away from us and some stupid day light savings time stealing another hour. For a grand total of 2 hours. Just wake up world. Quit changing things. I don’t know but this is another reason the word “Change” makes me sick.
Leaving Taos is some beautiful country, and where we ate lunch at Eagles Lake, can take your breath away. And to think before all the foreigners got there it was Cattle and Lumber County. To put it like I heard an old man there say “before them from California came here and told us how we should live”.
We were hungry when we got there, so we were going to eat at the first thing that showed up. It was a little hamburger place, no empty tables, dang, then the old man previous spoken of comes up and greets us and tells us to go ahead and sit with him and his friend cuz his friend is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. And to tell you the truth he was. Ends up when he found out we were from Arizona he told us that he had served in the air force at Luke Air Force Base. He did not complain of the heat like most. He said he missed it. He was raised here in Eagles Lake and the short warm season and the long cold season made him appreciate what we all hate.
On the road to Dalhart (the cattle auction) we drove down a state road that took us past Philmont. The big beautiful scout camp. No time to look for scouts, cuz you know we still haven’t caught up with the lateness or what we can call the CHANGE. Get to Dalhart Texas, the address we got off the internet for the auction ends up being the address for the head quarters. Did the only thing you can do. Rolled down the windows and let the smell lead us there. Got there after the calves had gone through, but the cows hadn’t. Man it is so exciting, I always feel like I am the trainer for Miss America. Sit there so proudly as my girls hit the scales and get judged. Only if you let the money per pound be the points scored. My girls can die proud of their selves they done them selves fine. Collected the checks from the sales and slept thinking about the closure of this year and how I can’t wait to work cattle again.
The hotel in that place was great, for more than nothing but a cattle stop. My only thing was the train runs all night and has to sound its horn as it goes through intersections. I know my hotel was a good as the rest cuz the hotels are all in the same intersection. So really, can’t tell you anywhere to get a whole night sleep. But they have clean rooms and great friendly people.
Went the next morning to Lubbock to pick up a special parts washer for the machine shop.
Then on to Los Cruses, it is close to a pecan tree farm and we are thinking of getting some more. They won’t be sold until winter, but what the heck we are in the neighbor hood. Then went to Hatch NM, just had to see the “chili capital of the world”. It was amazing to see field after field of chili plants. This time of year they were red chilies only but that gave some great color. On the side of the road and on business roofs they have them out to dry. It was cool to see. Bought some red chili powder and some green chili crumbles. Can’t wait to cook with them. Oh but I will wait. So tired from the trip don’t even want to cook.
Then on to Safford to see the girls and Lance, but to get there we had to go through to black mountains and Gila National Forest. That took us back over the continental divide. And the color in the trees. Was able to stop and pick me some leaves. Now a little bit of fall will be in my house. Met them for lunch, went to see where Alicia lives and went to see Louise’s kitten. Just a mean ball of fur. But the face makes up for it.
Had to stop on the way out of town for a cone and the best ice in Arizona. Worth the crunch.
On to globe where we stopped for a park and swap and Tom got some machine tips and me a small cast iron pan and a bat so I can play ball with Gideon. So ready for a water bed. Just can’t do regular beds for to long.
All on All I would do this trip again and that is unusual for me. Tom was right all along. He has told me that life would be good once everyone moved out of the house and he got it right. So relaxing for a mom not to worry about what and who she left at home. Thanks heaven for marriage and school. Not ours, theirs.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

EMPTY NESTERS!!!!!

Well it is official we are Empty Nester's!!!! Last Monday morning Alicia cleaned her room packed up her car and left for EA! it has been a quiet week but Alicia was not loud any way. With the shop next door we get lots of visitors looking for food or what ever so its not to bad.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

THANKS MICHAEL!!!! FOR NOTHING

OK! OK! I know I am adding to all the BS about Michael Jackson and I do feel sorry for the SOB but come on! That dude was weird! But that's OK we are all weird in one way or another. I would say I am for writing about Mike! Well I guess it is not about him, it is about all the weirdo's that worshiped him! WEIRDO'S!!!!!!!! I mean come on! What has he done to better the human race? His race? The guy was a disgrace to his race in that he tried his best to be white!!! What a disgrace! And then you got all the Black people trying to put him on a pedestal to the likes of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks and all the other people of color, all colors that contributed to the betterment of mankind! I have not heard one report of Michael being a philanthropist. He spent so much money on himself that he was in major dept!
All I can say is if Jesus was worshiped while he was on earth or even now, as much as Michael was this world would have been a lot better off! Thanks Michael! For nothing!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day Ginny!

Ginny and I are sitting here in Vernon this Mothers day with our lap tops cruising the Internet and watching Carsyn and PayPay while Jess and Amanda are out jeeping in the forest. (?)
It is so relaxing and comforting before we go back to the rat race of our lives.

As I watch Ginny interact with the girls I was thinking to my self "this is what life is supposed to be about" I don't know if I was to busy to realize it when my kids were growing up or this is what we are supposed to feel only as grand parents? It has given me a stronger love for my wife and my family. All the time we spend together is so precious to me that I cant bear the thought of being with out my family. This is what motivates me to try my best to obey the commandments and I hope my kids are doing the same so we can spend eternity together.

I have had some personal trials lately , nothing serious just things that make you wish Christ would hurry up! But I am trying day by day to be a better person. Lately I had to make some not very popular decisions and make questionable stands by myself but I feel the Lords support in all that I do. It is through these trials we become stronger to face the next trial. I am a person who feels he is not progressing if there is not a trial to work through. Ginny thinks I create most of my trials. Maybe I should just lay low and let things go by. Naaa! I asked Blaine the other day if he thought I was more relaxed when things go wrong or not the way I felt they should and he thought I was so I guess I am progressing!

Ginny and I have been together for over 32 years and my love for her has grown to were I wonder if it could grow any more but I am sure it will as I strive to follow church council and do what she wants me to do.

Monday, April 6, 2009

A DAY IN THE LIFE AT BMI !!!!!!!!!!!!

Baker Machinery!

"Can you rebuild a hydraulic cylinders?"

"Yes we can!"

"How much would it cost?"

"With out looking at it I cant say."

"Can you just give me a idea?"

"Most cylinders cost about $200.00 to $250.00 plus parts."

"OK, I will bring it in."

Customer brings in the cylinder and says he wants a estimate. He signs a work authorization form that states that he will pay for the tear down if he decides not to finish the job.

We call him and leave a message telling him the the cost of the cylinder.

Baker Machinery!

"I am calling about the hydraulic cylinder. I was told it would cost $200.00 to $250.00!"

"You were told it "could" cost that much, that price did not include parts."

"I was not!"

"Yes you were, I was the one that talked to you."

"That's to much money! I'll just pick it up!"

"O (he hangs up) K."

The next day his wife shows up. (I don't think he had big enough ----s)

"I came to pick up the hydraulic cylinder."

"OK, that will be $145.00."

You told my husband it was no charge.

"No we did not."

"Yes you did!"

We printed a copy of the work authorization form and showed her her husbands signature and were it said they would pay for the labor.

She leaves in a huff.

Later that day Ginny gets a call.

Baker Machinery!

"Who is your statutory agent"? (a statutory agent is who a person files in court against when you are suing a corporation)

Ginny not knowing what is going on makes the right move. "I don't have that information but you can look it up on line"

"Can you look it up for me? I am not at a computer"

" No I can't"

Ginny tells me about the phone call and later that day I happen to answer the phone.

Baker Machinery!

"Who is your statutory agent?"

"Lady how stupid do think we are! Just pay the bill and you can have you cylinder back! (I hang up)

A little time later Jared answers the phone.

Baker Machinery!

"how much is the bill for the hyd cylinder?"

"$145.00"

"OK I will be down with the sheriff to pay the bill and pick it up"

"OK, cash only"

Later that day a Sheriff shows up and you know the rest!!!!!!!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

GRANDPA'S OIL

It is late and I was laying in bed going in and out of sleep when Louise bursts through the door in tears! She is not feeling good and feels like she needs to vomit but can't. She wants a Priesthood blessing.

As Mormon's we believe that all worthy males can receive the priesthood through the laying on of hands by one that has the Priesthood authority. When we say Priesthood authority we mean that same authority that the Savior Jesus Christ gave his apostles. With that authority we can administer blessings to the sick by first anointing them with olive oil that has been consecrated by that same authority for the blessing of the sick, then the anointing needs to be seal by another and then the blessing is pronounced.

As I was rolling out of bed I asked Ginny "were the oil is" and she reminds me that "Grandpa's oil" is on the shelf in the hall. When Grandma died and my Dad bought the house we had to go in and clean it out. As we cleaned out the hall cabinet were grandpa and grandma kept their medicine, it had a lot of old medicine bottles that we saved. As we were going through them we found an old dark brown glass medicine bottle with a strip of old white medical tape and on it was written "Consecrated Oil" in blue ball point pen. We set that bottle of oil on the shelf in our hall with the other old medicine bottles. Not in disrespect but as a reminder that Consecrated oil is part of the Mormon medicine cabinet.

After using the oil and the Priesthood I went back to bed. As my mind went through what had just taken place I stated to cry. No, I am not a boob. OK, yes I am when it comes to my kids and Grandpa Baker. To think that I was able to bless my child using oil that my Grandpa had consecrated years before. He, that had passed on, was able to reach through the vale and bless my daughter. I miss him so much! I relish the day when I will meet him on the other side. He was such a loving man and I know he loved his grand children so much.

It also hit me that this will most likely be the last time I will be able to give my daughter Louise a Priesthood blessing. As I give my oldest daughter to Lance he will use that same priesthood authority to bless her as well as my grand babies that come to them. Who knows, maybe I should give them some of "Grandpa's oil".

NEW JOB, NEW SON, NEW GRANDBABY, NEW CAMPING SPOT

In the last couple of months we have had a lot of new things come up if you cant tell by the title. Yes! Tom has a new job! I will be teaching at EVIT starting in August. It will be part time to start off. They have asked me to help them get the diesel/truck/heavy equipment program going. This is a first for the country. No one has taught this subject on the high school level before so we will see what happens? One of the first things they asked me to do was spend $100,000.00 on tooling and teaching equipment! I will keep you posted!

Yes Louise has given us another Son! Lance Rogers, We are so glad to have him and we are looking forward to getting to know him even better. He is so good to Louise and really treats her good. Someone needed to! We were sick of her! Just kidding! Love you guy's!

We have a new grand daughter Nixyn! Hanna gave us a wonderful little girl. Tom just wants to eat her up!!! Check out Hanna and Billy's blog for pictures.

The boys and i found the greatest camping spot but it takes over three hours of four wheeling to get to it and you can only get to it with four wheel drive or quads. if you want to go let us know!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Butter Milk

Just A quick note about Butter Milk. I discovered Butter Milk about six years ago. I remember my Dad saying it is the greatest on a hot summer day when it is nice and cold! Do you know what! It really is! When ever I go shopping I usually pick some up and Ginny will surprise me with it so we will have it in the house a lot of the time. I have to be in a mood to drink it so it can be in the fridge a while. Mom told me once that butter milk never gets old so don't go buy the date. She is right! Last Wednesday we had a Job in St Johns but it went into Thursday so we stayed over night in Vernon. I found some in the fridge and it was anywhere from, well Ginny says a year, I say nine months. Any way I tasted it and it was fine! So we used it to make french toast dip. It added a zip! Today we used it in creamed green beans instead of milk. we have used it in waffles and pan cakes too as well as all sorts of recipes! So next time you go to the store pick up a quart or two and use your imagination if not for just a tall cold glass full on a hot summer day!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

WARNING!!! Contents Could Be Lethal!!!!

The other day Ginny and I were at Jesse and Amanda's and as I walked in Paisley was eating and when she heard my voice she wiggled into a position so she could see me. She gave me the biggest smile! Who could resist but pick her up and just love her! Well one thing led to another and before you know it I was rough housing her and she was laughing and screaming with joy and then it happened!!!!!!
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Do Unto Others

As I get older I have noticed how "Great Teaching Moments" will just all of a sudden come to mind. Am I crazy or does this happen to you?
Saturday after work, I took Nick home and he was telling me about a under ground fort he and his friend was digging in his back yard. I told him about all the under ground forts my brothers and I dug growing up. I told Nick about the last big one Randy dreamed up and how he hired a Brother in the Ward to Dig it for him with his back hoe. Then one of those "Great Teaching Moments" came to mind.
This brother had a son that was "different" and I remember my Dad telling us we need to involve his son in our under ground fort activities. I can't explain why but that simple advise really made a big impact on me. I was about nine or ten years old. It impressed upon me for the rest of my life as to how I should treat people that might be "different".
Thanks Dad and Mom!!!!!!!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

I STILL HAVE IT!!!!!!


Last October the boy's and I with some of there freinds went to Oak Flats just above Superior to camp out and do some four wheeling. I had told the boys about a job that Dad and I had done in that aera for a rancher in this little valley covered with bermuda grass and a wind mill right in the middle. But to get there you had to go down some wicked switch backs and back up them to get out. We burned up a clutch trying to get of that place it was so bad.



We left camp and we found that valley. It was the same as what i remembered but the road that dropped down in was not the same one i used years before. some one built another way in and it was nothing as rough as the old way. When we got to the bottom i found the old road. Man was it grown over and washed out. As I showed it to the boys they could not belive that i took a two ton service truck up that road with an engine from the machine we were working on in the back.


Well we went on our way but the whole time i kept think of that road and how i wanted to try it! I kept telling myself "You're nuts if you try that"! Well guess What! Yes "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING"!!!!!!!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Merry Christmas!!!!! From Santa!

Two years ago we bought a Santa suit for me because we found out with my size and greying beard at Christmas time when I wore a white tee shirt with my red suspenders I had Little kids watching me like a hawk!



Dad playing Santa at Empire Mach. 1973
Also I guess it is a family Tradition. I remember as child my dad playing Santa. One time Randy, Curt and I went with my Dad to the old Gilbert Ward Building for a ward Christmas party. I was a preschooler. As Dad sat on the stage playing Santa a little boy yelled out "There's Santa"!!!! Of course me being me, I said "No its not, that's my Dad"!! Randy and Curt quickly tried to shut me up.



Dad playing Santa at Stapley's 1955 to 1960.
Tom Stapley asked Dad to play Santa because he was big and Rayles Chapman was gettting tired of doing it. (he had only one legg!!) Dad would pull wrenches for Stapley's untill 2:00 pm, get cleaned up, put the Santa suit on and play Santa till 9:00 pm. Kids from all over the valley would come and see Santa. He did that every year he worked for Stapley's.



Me at the Ward party with Carsyn and Paisley 2008.
This year was the first year I had a grand child old enough to start wondering. I played Santa again at our ward party so Amanda brought Carsyn and Paisley to see Santa. As Carsyn sat on Santa's lap I think she recognized my voice so she just looked strait into my eyes the whole time in wonder. just before I let her down she went to pull Santa's beard off so she could make sure it was Pa Pa. It was hard trying to change and keep it from Carsyn.
We have to lay my suit out so it can dry because I sweat allot in it. it was laying out in the front room one day and Carsyn saw it! She pointed at it and said, "Pa Pa"? I Guess next year we will have to tell her that Pa Pa is Santa's helper.
Some of my gigs have been: Nicoll family party, Ward party, Baker Family party, Chick fil a and Higley High. If you ever want to know what the latest hot item is give me a call.