Tom and Ginny's YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

THE TEMPLE

2011-07-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about the Temple a lot lately and what it means to me and what I have had to do to go through and to be able to receive my Temple blessings.
Before I decided to commit myself to the lord I had issues I needed to repent of and habits I had to change. I was not going to "fake it" to impress my girl friend or to get my parents blessings or increase my social standing with the church members. I had a lot to work out. It took months and a LOT of ups and downs and temptations. It was not easy.
That's the way I was taught. The temple is such a sacred place that you had to be clean and pure to enter it. No I don't believe I am perfect! My wife reminds me all the time about how imperfect I am! The imperfections I am talking about are those that we need to talk to a church authority about to receive forgiveness.
I have experienced a lot over the years. Being involved with the youth of the church and helping young men prepare for missions. I have seen countless times when people lie to be able to enter the temple. The sad thing about this is that parents, grand parents and church leaders know something is not right but they choose to ignore it! NOT MY SON OR DAUGHTER!!!!! or They are old enough!!!! Do you think the people were old enough when Christ cleansed the temple of his brothers and sisters or sons and daughters??????
I helped and supported a young man to go on a mission but to our surprise he left the MTC on his own accord and found his own way home. When he got home I had a longggggg talk with him and some of the things he told me would make your hair curl. The short of this story is he was so involved with a girl sexually so much so that they had sex before he left for the airport to go to the MTC.
I knew the girl and worked with her father in the Stake Young men's Presidency and when I was trying to help get this young man get ready to go I expressed my concerns to the father but all I got was "Not my Daughter"!
Well needless to say she would have nothing to do with the young man when he came home to face the truth and was not able to serve a mission. He was crushed and to this day wants nothing to do with the church and now his kids don't go to church.
She got married in the Temple six months after the young man came home to a return missionary no less. How does that work??? Lies!!!! Oh and a side note. One of the girls brothers fell away from the church and another is gay. Both return missionaries. common denominator? Parents!
So parents be involved with your kids even after they are married. Counsel them when you feel and know something is wrong. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is basic. Its Black and White! No Gray! If they know you will say something they will feel accountable and will most likely choose the right. Do it lovingly just like our Heavenly Father.
Respect the Temple and "let no unclean thing enter"

Memories of May

2011-06-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

In May we found out that two more special packages were coming. Billy's wife Hannah (#4) & our daughter Louise and Lance will be having their first adding to our son Blaine and his wife Kaitie's first. This family is growing and growing more than just cows! Love it.

BEST COUSINS!!!! Carsyn, Averee, Paisley, Nixyn

In May, Cody, Ryan and I met at the ranch to gather the bulls and move them. Then on to the east pasture to move anything out of there and close all the gates. I came to the ranch the back way as to see where the bulls might be. Four were east of the mill and hopefully the others were just beyond the ridge. We went out on quads. It was a no pressure day. If we got it done or didn't. We still had time before spraying to get it accomplished. Knowing that I could take some time and teach Gideon to ride on the quad. Also to see if I could ride with two dogs on a quad. We got to the four bulls and couldn't see the others. I went west and Cody went farther east. As I passed the drinker I let the dogs get a drink and a swim. Cody found them and called me so I headed back his way.
Time for lesson one. I got a rope on Gideon and put him on the back of quad. Sat on the rope, then called Vaquera who promptly sat in front of me. I sped off. It worked. Got two dogs on and saved their energy for later. We gathered the bulls and started to push them. Like always my dogs were a bit too pushy. But they got the feeling of things and started to work right. Pushed the bulls to the ranch. Got a drink and loaded my dogs on the quad until we got to the east pasture. I went north, Ryan went south and Cody went center. I found my first cattle on the east side on a hill. My dogs and I pushed them toward the road. I spotted some more that looked to be on the fence line. I swung wide to get behind them. Gideon was still coming up the hill slow (bad hips) and Vaquera looked to be headed straight for them. I tried to call her but the wind and the quad made that imposable. So I will just clean up after her. As I topped out I could see she had judged it right and was behind them pushing them down to the road. So I went on down the fence a bit more to see if I could see the other riders and know if we had done the complete area. I looked and saw Cody headed toward what I had pushed off and Ryan on the road with a few head. My dogs had kept the cattle going while I checked out things. What a breath of fresh air. They are still young and impatient, but I am getting somewhere with them. Pushed the cattle through the gate and Yea done. Finished, trained and tired.

In May, Scott Baxter who is creating a book about 100 Arizona ranches for 100 years, to help Arizona celebrate its centennial, came to take pictures of the ranch and us working and interview my dad on some of the ranching history. Some of the ranches will be featured in the Arizona Highways Magazine. We won't know if we will be, but we will be in the book.

In May, we gathered the cattle and sprayed. More time to work my dogs. And great time working along side Blaine and my extended family.

Say anything just get rid of that picture

2011-04-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am posting to get rid of that picture. It was a great lesson, but I am tired of the butt.

I did see momma cow the other day. I had gone out to check water and salt. I decided I was going to drive around and find her. It really didn't take long. I saw a couple of red cows and drove toward them. Nope, wasn't her. Started off toward a road that would take me toward the east, then I spotted a bronco faced red cow. I drove toward her. She was alone, coming in for water. I got next to her and rolled down the window. I said "hey momma" and she stopped looked at me and I said "is you baby with the sitters?" and she looked back over her shoulder in the direction she had just come from. I then said "sure wanted to see baby" and she continued on. We done did have a conversation. She had no signs of infection and her bag had recently been drank from.

I told Steve about it when I caught up with him at the big mill and all he could say was that I need to write for Disney. Well if telling the truth is enough for a Disney story then scoot over I am on my way to stardom.

I went out on Friday morning to dig up loco weed. Got to the location around 6:30 am. Decided that I would take the road by the dead cow and clean it all the way to the east fence. I started out fine but as time passed the winds really picked up. Got to where I would pop a plant loose and it would start tumbling away. I didn't need all those seeds going anywhere before I could put them in a gunny sack so I called it a day and did the water and salt routes.

That was 3 bags in just over and hour. I got a forth bag before I had to stop. Not bad for a short morning.

Anyone bored can come and help. I did one mile and there is only 4 or so to go.

“Cry unto Him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks

2011-03-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday March 5, I,along with Tom and Brock came across this. I knew what it was(prolapse vagina,)but I didn't feel confident in fixing it. So we went home and left her. I didn't sleep, I went through what I learned at school, I checked on line to find more. As I still lost sleep. On Tuesday I had enough. Went to Tom and told him I had the desire to save her and hopefully the calf also. He said I should do it. So I got a hold of Steve and Cody to see who could go up the soonest. Thursday morning before Cody got to my house I asked Tom for a priesthood blessing. I still wasn't sure of what I was doing and wanted some guidance. Got to the ranch and TRIED to bring the horses in (A story that needs a few cuss words, so save it for another time). We decided to take the quads. Cody took some time to gather a few tools that might be use full. We went to the mill to see if she was on water. She was not so we split up. Cody found her on the east fence real fast. He called me (for all you older cousins, can you believe we call each other on cell phones and work out problems before the day gets away from us)and I headed over to him. I flushed out a coyote, good size one. We tried to push her to the gate. We tried to push a few others with her to the gate. We tried to let her have water then push her. We were burning day light and she didn't care. So we use one of Cody's tools. We decided if she won't trail in we will load her. Cody grabs some more tools and we head back out to her. He gets a chain around her neck and we use a come along to change her mind. The hay helped a bit also. We got her back and put her in the squeeze. I have got to say I have never worked with a more gentler cow. Thankful my first experience of this kind was with a kind, kind. The first thing I did was call my teacher from Kansas and make sure I could preg test before fixing her. I didn't want to put undo pressure on her. He said yes, so I reached in and wow. All legs, a hoof and a big head. All facing the proper way. Cody went a head and felt so he would know what it was like. Made my heart skip a beat. I also felt the artery that feeds the womb and it was pumping just great. As we working with her the replacement heifers came in. No big deal except they were in the wrong pasture. Also we had someone else's heifer in on us and this would be a perfect time to pull her off. I called Dad and he made a call to Wade Prescott to see if he could stop by to see if it was his. So now to push that back in and sew it. Every sight I went on made it sound simple, but no pictures of the stitches. I had an idea of putting it back in but the sewing was nerve recking to me. Started to push and it was tough. Me and Cody had to trade places, I didn't have the strength. After we got it in we decided all we needed to do it push up toward the tail. It just pops in if you push toward that empty space. So there, if you are ever caught in this predicament you know where to push. I put in some stitches, I now know they were cheesy. Cody drove home and I went to Vernon. Her bag still wasn't tight so I knew I still had time to sleep at home and not the ranch. This was also work weekend so I knew I had lots of help watching over her. Friday morning Steve was driving up so I met him there. The stitches didn't work and the vagina was out again. I called the vet to see if he would do it, then I could see it first hand. He wasn't answering. Then to a great relief up drove Wade Prescott, I asked if he had done it and he said a few times. He checked the heifer and it was one he was looking for. He would go get his trailer and bring back the tools needed to sew her up. Yea! He did a fine job. Yes that is mule tape. He couldn't find the right stuff so he just grabbed something. Now the rest of the time consisted of me spending nights at the ranch and driving over to Vernon for a shower and food. Until the truck broke down then my dad drove up and gave me his truck. I needed her to have it, because I had a meeting in Eager on the 21st that I really wanted to go to. Plus Cody was driving up to go with me and I really didn't want him to miss it either. Of course her bag had been full for a week. I would throw her some hay and then she would let me feel her left side and I would feel the baby move. My teacher called out of the blue one day and told me to feed her half of what I had been feeding her because she was already under to much pressure. See now you know why I love that school so much. They really do care about their students and what is happening. I did pray lot. Sat out on the hay stack and read books, took walks, and prayed some more. I didn't know how it would end, I just wanted to learn even if it was learn from mistakes. I just trusted the Lord and what He might have in store for me. On Saturday I broke, you need to under stand the conditons Ginny was living in for the last week to check the cow every two hours 24 hours a day. she had no electricity, no lights because someone stole the kerosene lamps from the ranch house. when the sun went down she could not even read.She also had coyotes yelping all night knowing a cow was about to give birth. All she had was a flash light and her phone. she called Saturday all freaked out, her phone was about to go dead and thats when I called Guy and asked him to go get Ginny and make her go back to Vernon.Tom. my dad came and got me and made me sleep in Vernon. Sunday morning we went early to the ranch and still no action. I could feel the baby but it was light. I went to church and then after that we loaded her up and took her to Vernon so dad could watch her while I went to the meeting. Monday morning we were greeted with this:

Her bag of water. We tied her off and Cody cut the stitches. We left for the meeting and within an hour I got a call that we had a calf.

I could have never done this without support from my husband, Cody, family, ranching community and the Lord.

The calf came on Tom's birthday so of course I named her Thomasina. But I like to call her Sina Miracle. Seen a Miracle. Hope this doesn't happen often but sure hope the Lord helps me endure more miracles.

I do believe there is money to be made in green jobs

2011-01-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

I get to work, I am asked if I could take a head to Tucson and then to Globe. While I am at it, I can drive to Vernon and get my "up north fix". Load her up she is ready to fly. I finish up in Tucson and report, only to find out I need to return to the shop before I head out. Dang I so wanted to take the road from Tucson to Globe. Kinda sad, when I get a call from Cody that the generator won't start. We are low on water at Jennys. The windmill has been down and then no wind. But it is fixed, so now just pump it with the generator.
I call Tom and he said I could take one from home since I was going by there now. It is working out.
I drop off what I picked up in Tucson and get the generator. Run up to Superior for a drop off then to Globe for another drop off. Now I am work free. Got to Vernon late, pumping will wait one more day.
Early morning start. I still have to unload this heavy monster by myself. I got some long boards to wheel it down. Tie the generator in so I can lower it down slowly. The boards keep falling down. Give Tom a call and he says take your tail gate off so it will be a better angle. Wow it works. It is unloaded and ready to start. I get it in place and I can't get it to start. Poop. I call Tom and tell him I am going to go to Vernon and get me some help.
An hour later I am still fighting to get my tail gate back on. Even called Tom who calmed me down. That did it. I did it.
Went to find John to help me. There he is on the ranch road. Catch up to him and find out he is helping some others but he will help me soon as he is done there. It is six pm and both of us rather wait until the next morning.
He can't get it either. He helps me load both generators and off I go to Globe where Tom and Jesse are at a Park and Swap. The dang things fires right up. The other one is locked up. They decided the oil was to cold in the first one and it locked it up. The other just didn't want to start in the cold and I should of had starting fluid. Another thing not to leave town with out. My ranching list is getting longer.
On Sunday Tom and I do a up and back trip to get the mill some water. Ha, the winds have started and we have recovered half of what we needed in about 24 hours. Yeah, double yeah.
Drive back to the ranch house to put things away and look what we found.

The ranch mill is out of order now. We found the drinker in the bull pasture to be almost out, but the drinker in the horse pasture is great. One more look and the float to the bull pasture is frozen. Loosen it up and got water. Decide to run the generator at the ranch to get more water. The pump kicks in and the water is running out. Wow besides the sucker rod being broken the fittings have come apart also.

Tom was able to get the fittings back together and now we were pumping water into the tank and not on the ground any longer. Thank goodness Tom came with me.
Two wind mills down in a month. Now that is a paying green job.

So that is how puppies are born?!

2010-12-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas I was making my rounds at the ranch, drove out to Jeannies Mill and noticed it wasn't working. Called my dad and he called the well man. Then went over to Cecils mill. Noticed two stray dogs running around a cow carcass that has been there since about July of this year. One ran off and the other Leary hung around. Dogs are a bad thing, they will kill just for fun. So when I got home I asked Tom to teach me how to shoot.

We went to the desert Christmas evening, along with the family. I learned to shoot a gun and we roasted hot dogs on the fire. The babies ran around and had a good time with the flash lights that were in their stockings and Grandpa and Grandma's house.

Next day hear from Cody that he is at the ranch and he went over to check out the cow carcass. He found two black puppies in it. I was so happy for them. But I was mad at my self, I had a strong feeling to go there but I wrote it off. Did some back peddling though. Set as one of my new years goals to act on more of those feelings.

Today I get a call from Tom that some guys are waiting out by the ranch turn off, they want to see the guard rail that we posted on craigslist. I met them there and then decide I might as well take a look at the cattle, gates and water. Drive out to Jeanies. All is fine. Let my dogs out to work a few head, load up and head for Cecils. I heard that the dogs were still out there and wanted to see now that the pups were gone if they had taken off. I see the cow, I have a feeling and as I drive up I see a shadow move. Oh joy another pup.

This cow sure can produce.
'

Shipping, The Way I Seen It

2010-11-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just like the gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, they all were together with Christ, yet they all tell it differently.

On Saturday at 5:15 a.m., I walked down to get the instructions on how the day was to go. I told dad I would like to drive down to the ranch a little early and drop my trailer with the new squeeze on it. Thinking that way I could load my quad and come back the back way in and start gathering in section 36. He was all for it. I really didn't mean right now, got nothing but time to kill because we weren't even getting started until 9 a.m. So we jumped in my truck and got to the ranch before anyone was out and about. Dropped the trailer reloaded my quad and was headed back to Vernon before anyone noticed we were gone. Got a call from Steve, said it would of been nice to have been invited. Anyone who knows me knows that I live by, you snooze you lose. It is the impatient, noncommunicator, loner in me. Yes I know all 3 are nothing to be proud of, I am told all the time. It just hasn't sunk in. In all defense, I think no ones wants to do the crazy things that I do so I just do them alone.

After I eat breakfast and make sure my dogs have a special high protein meal to hold them over on a hard work day, I set off for the ranch. Unlike as earlier planned to come in the back way, it will be better if me and Ryan leave from the ranch house. As me and Ryan leave the others are going to see about dealing with the squeeze. We were to be about an hour a head of them to be able to check the section and then be caught up with the riders coming out on horseback. We drop down to the far side of Cecilville, noticing that there are about eight head of cattle and two bulls lying down. As we pass the cattle, they had gather and start heading in. We drive down to the lane that leads to the section. Upon entering we come upon 6 head of cattle. I tell Ryan to leave them and we will pick them up after we ride the square out. Ryan goes south and I go north. I cut back and ride the high knolls and see nothing. I head back to the cows to wait for Ryan. To note here, I had left Gideon with my dad to bring out to me and have Vaquera on the quad with me. Ryan shows up with nothing and we push the cows out, I have Vaquera off the quad working them. They drop down and meet up with others I mentioned previously. I left my small herd to walk the road while I go to the south on a rise to see if there is anything on the fence. Don't see anything and go back to the road. Ryan goes a little north and picks up a few head on a rise. We meet at the road and I take them down toward the mill. I tell Ryan to go to the corner there and ride east to the Knolls fence then head north. Just as he takes off I ask, have you seen the bulls and he said some were up ahead. I thought those were the ones that were lying down when I came in.

As I push up a hill and have the mill in sight my dad catches up with me and I now have both dogs working the cattle. It is always tough at first because they get competitive, but it doesn’t take long for them to back off. I get to the mill and only one rider is there pushing two bulls in from the west, she turns and heads back out to find more. Now Ryan is bringing a bunch. He comes up to me and Dad and said a hunter left the gate down and he found six head on the knolls side. We decide that there is enough horses to cover what is left so we will ride up and see if there is any more on the knolls pasture. I put my dogs in the truck because we will be moving fast and far. We get through the gate and divide up. Ryan flushes 5 so I go to help him. Then he goes up the hill some more. I push what I got and the fight is on. They want to return to the gate they came in through and I want to push them down to the next gate because that is where we are going to push everything through anyway. Just got to drive them down the fence. Ha, not so easy. Come upon a rocky ridge. After pushing hard the mamma cows decide to descend it. But not the two steers. One ends up going through the fence and toward the Mill. I can see the riders and they are not by the mill anymore. I tried to push the other through the fence because it easier to push two cows than one. I call Steve on his phone and tell him one is through the fence. The other steer takes me a long away around the ridge but finally we are pushing the mammas again down the fence. By now Steve has caught up and is helping me. We notice that Ryan has found more and three more riders have gone to help him. They sent Matt to see if he can get the steer that got away from me and 3 other riders are holding the herd at the gate. We open the gate and all the riders and cattle are together. Me and Ryan take off for the ranch because it is murder riding quads up the lane to the ranch.

The cattle come down the lane to the ranch and we sort the bulls off. We are short two. Dang they are the ones that were lying down. Shoot, double shoot. Oh well at the least that is exactly where we were taking them back too after we check them for soundness. We drive the bulls back out to Cecils mill, pick up that lone steer and put the cows and calves in the center hold and hay them until Monday. They had the squeeze unloaded but we still had to assemble it, and get it in right place. Since most of us are not mechanical it took a lot of thinking, with lunch in there too. So after we ate, our heads were clearer and we got it done.

Monday we ran the herd into the round pen and started sorting cows off calves. As we sorted one of our neighboring ranchers came up. I was on a gate so I didn't hear what he wanted. But I was summoned over to talk to him. I was told I might know more on this subject than them. He wanted to know if we had seen any of his while we gathered. Now he does something different to his cattle than any of the rest of us. He takes a slice in what they call the dewlap. That is cutting a slice in the skin of the neck. I told him I saw one in the summer but none today. He said he came and got her off earlier. Wow, if we counted right our numbers are off. They come at you in tight small bunches and it is hard to get a good number. But still we have a good idea of the calves because of branding. And we are low. We know we will have a good count by the end of the day because we will see each cow individually and have to sort the calves by branded and unbranded. So now we are going to check the cows that consist of running them up the lane into the new squeeze. What you check for while she is there is her tag number, how her teeth are, if she looks like she has had a calf, her brands, overall health and I have learned to do body conditioning so I had fun doing that. Culling is cutting a cow out of the herd to sell. It may be her teeth might be too worn down to survive another year, she may have cancer eye, just an all-around health check. I got to admit. This year was a thrill to me because I had learned to preg test cows. And there was a cow that for the last two years had come through with no bag (sign of no calf) and I wanted her out. I was notorious. Every tag number that came I checked against out list from last year. I saw her coming down the lane. Not even in the squeeze, didn't have her number yet but it is her I know it is. Yep the number checks out. I don the glove. Add a little olive oil and preg test her. Drop off to the right. Nothing, back up follow the cervix and she is called open (not pregnant). I loved calling out "Cull her". Yep I don't know why but she had bugged me for two years and I got her.

Now of course it isn't that easy. We have some cows that just refuse to come down the lane. We have been putting tags in their ears for about 3 years now. And low and behold. We tagged two cows that had previously escaped over a fence on us. Mellowed out in their old age I guess. Don't look now we have a high jumper. Cleared one fence and was starting on her next. I shouted get me a tag number. They got close enough before she jumped the next. I look at my sheet. Get this, next to her number is a note that she jumped last year. She has got it down.

Now call me crazy but during branding of a previous year I had a feeling that one got her ear marks but not a brand. That is weird. As we released her as a calf I asked "did she get branded?" Yes was the answer. Oh my goodness, up comes this young heifer (cow that hasn't had a calf). She has the ear mark but not one brand on her. There is my proof. Yep by her tag number on the tally sheet it is printed UNBRANDED-NEED TO DO IT THIS YEAR.

One cow came through that was our neighbors so she was cut off for him to pick up. We have gone through all our cows and we are short on numbers. We know of 5 that died this year but it is looking like about 10 are missing. Moving on to the calves now we sort them and have low numbers on branded calves. Only 3 unbranded for this year. That was the most happiest number in the world for me. We have been trying to get the cows to birth early in the summer. By only having three, that means the rest were born before the fourth of July. That is happiness. Note here last year we had 12. We take the three young ones and put them with the cows and drive them out to Jeanies Mill.

On Tuesday morning we are to sort the calves, heifer and steer for shipping. Thanks so much to those who took me off the gate so I could use my dogs in the lane. First I brought out Gideon. He has done this last year and boy did he remember fast. From the holding pen they send about eight or so into the lane. I cut them back to the sorting pen. So I and Gideon are a live gate of sorts. Then when they start sorting we have to move out of the way and stand along the fence so the calf will run past us and we can push it toward the proper gate. Two times and Gideon knows right where to stand without me telling him. He knows when he is a gate and when he is a fence. He just is in no hurry to push to the gate. Then I trade out for ol speedy. She listens to me when we are a gate or a fence but she has never done this before so she never really catches on to that part. But wow, those calves can’t be pushed fast enough to their gates. She has lots of grit. Can’t wait until she has a brain to go with it. But she is still a youngun. The trucker shows up and it is just me and Cody for a bit. Steve had to go repair some fence. How do I spell relief, S T E V E. That is hard work loading on the truck. One more year done.

P.S. Then next week me and dad went on quads and found the 10 cows and 8 calves missing. They were on a neighbors section. Now we get to take the calves to the auction this week. All accounted for.

My School Days

2010-10-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

The second week of October I went to School. It was in Kansas. And I was nervous. Just getting there was big for me. All alone and driving? Then there is understanding what I would learn, having enough brains to ask questions, then can I really pull on a sleeve and put it where the sun don't shine? I asked Tom for a Priesthood Blessing and it made all the difference. I felt all my anxiety melt away.

I had no problems at the airport. That is clearly going good. Every time I fly I am the one pulled to the side and patted down. So you can see my spirits are up. I get my rental car and have a two and half hour drive. I had three different ways to get there. I pick one, got lost and stopped at a Circle K to get back on track. A customer there helped me. She is a Ray from Gilbert and is married to a Whiting from Vernon. So I felt at home. She got me on the interstate. I was avoiding that because I wanted to see more of the old roads but realized I better just get there.

Monday morning we started our first day of class. There were fifteen in the class. Most of them were from east of the Missouri River. And four from Midwest, only three of of us were from the southwest, if you count California as part of that group. That is a very diverse group of ranchers. And one of us was a Dairyman from Pennsylvania. How will they understand and teach us all the right information for our areas?

Our first day was classroom only. We studied the reproductive system of the cow and the bull and when the cow needs different levels of nutrition for different times of the reproduction cycle. It was amazing to hear that. They would break it down for each of our areas. They would call me Arizona. They would say "Arizona how do you do this or that"? I would answer and the class was shocked, but the teachers would say, "Yes that is correct".

On Tuesday we did morning class, went to lunch, when we returned we found finger nail clippers and files on our desk. What? Yep you have to have nice short fingernails to don the glove and head into the rear end. This day all the cows will be open (not pregnant). Morning class had beat into our brains what we will find. Think of plumbing your house in totally pitch dark room. First thing is find the cervix (turkey neck, really feels like one). Follow it down to the Uterus. If the horns of the cornua are tightly curled she is open. There is no way to explain how amazing it was to find what they had described.

On Wednesday morning class was on nutrients, cow conditioning and assisting in calf birthing. Afternoon class was preg testing on dairy cattle. They told us they would feel different. The day before we had beef cattle. They are different! But we were well prepared.

Thursday, yea. Pregnant cows! As we were preparing to go the teacher looked at me and I must of had a bigger smile on my face than usual. He said "Arizona you look like a boy scout excited to go on this outing." I told him I felt like a cub scout going on my first outing. Everyone was assigned a cow. Now knowing that they are pregnant, we just had to drop off to the right side and feel for the womb. They told us depending on how far along they are it may feel like a water balloon with a small bar of soap floating in it. Just give it a small bounce and you will feel the fetus. I reached in, dropped off to the right and felt a large head. If you know me you will know exactly how I responded. I cried. Tony, one of the assistants who was assigned to stand by her because she is so far along saw my tears and smiled. He knew I had found what I went in for. I think they saved that cow for me. I was the last one picked and usually I was one of the first assigned. The rest felt like the balloons, but the first one I will never forget.

Friday was class time then in the afternoon we could either preg test or pass the rod (artificial inseminate). I just did the preg testing.

Then drove back to Kansas City Mo. to catch my flight home on Saturday morning. Home to some really happy dogs. Tom was camping and I didn't see him until the next afternoon. All in all that was a real great school. With them if you need a refresher class you can always come back for free. They say just call and tell them you are coming back. So if I ever want to AI all I have to do is go back.

Can You Tell Me Why?

2010-10-13T04:45:00.000-07:00

I believe some of you can answer me this one question: Why do people pick on me? I don't know why. Here are a few examples of what I mean.

In May I drove to the BLM office for a week. It was by the old Metro Center Mall, nice long drive. The class was amazing. Learned about invasive plants, how to read soil, and wind or water erosion. I was the only civilian, meaning all the others were state or federal employees there to gain further education toward their employments.
Before the week was up they were calling me Mom. Most of the instructors were my age or older. But they came up with that name for me. And then was the picking on me. Just little jabs here and there. But then again, the instructors or the highly knowledgeable students would make sure they teamed up with me to help my inexperience. The instructors and students came from about five different states, yet they had time to pick on me and help me, a civilian out. I have high regards for them. Even though they PICKED.

Now I am in Kansas taking a class. The students here come from 6 differnt states. Most are from east of the Mississippi. Here comes the picking. The instructors ask a question and if know one answers, they call on me. The first day I got all the questions right. The second day wow, a bit more challenging. I am not kidding about picking on me. I sat in the front row so I wouldn't miss anything. Unlike the first class that was free, this one is very costly and I wanted my moneys worth. Well here comes a question and I look around to see if anyone is going to answer and dang then I look forward and I get a pointing finger or the nod. They ask me to make a guess. And some of my answers make for a good ribbing. They love that I am from AZ. They give an example and then they turn to me and say what ya think, I say, can't work here and they say your right. Then they explain why AZ is so different from were they are.
I walked out my door and the oldest student was walking to go get dinner so I invited myself to go with him. He is 78 and Vietnam vet. I wanted to visit with him and learn more about him. He is amazing person. He is from the south, and yes he is black. He used to in his younger day, raise race horses. And so many other things. He is like an interesting book and I just wanted to check it out. He is so happy and positive it sucks you in. So anyway during our dinner I told him, "they pick on me" he just smiled and said "I think they just like you".

So answer me, why am I picked on? I could see if I started it but I will testify the first class I didn't not start it. I was so out of my league that I wished I was a mute. Way over my head on that one. Now this class, I picked. But they started it.

WHY DO THEY PICK ME TO PICK ON?

Water Lesson Part 2

2010-09-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Drove to Cecil's mill around 7 am. On my way there I passed the proof that our plan is working. The plan is to get the cattle to graze south of the mill and leave the north alone. We moved the salt away from the drinker where it had been for years to a new place south of the mill. Remember yesterday I put out this yellow bucket? They have found it. Some may go out for coffee and other prefer salt.

Gained 2 inches over night. Decided that was good. With no cattle on it and all. Then drove out to the Big Mill. With hunting season open I wanted to check the gates and the grass with all the moisture we have gotten. Saw about 12 head of Antelopes. In the distance so no pictures. Then came upon the proof that Cody really did get a chain saw for his wedding.
These trees were known to add Arizona Pin striping to the sides of your trucks.

Gates and grass look all in order. Still early morning so maybe I aught to muck out the drinker at this mill. It was more dry than wet so the work went fairly fast. When I first started my dogs jumped in with me and rolled around on it. I didn't think much of it until I hit a wet spot. It did stink. No wonder they want it on them. Dogs love to stink.

Before

During

After

Job done so I drove past Cecil's mill and noticed I had already lost my gain and it is still not near afternoon when they all would of drank. I decided to go ahead and run the generator. I have to leave and my dad will return so no need to put extra work on him.

Just Checkin

2010-09-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Went today to check the water level at the mill. Down 8 inches but there is a breeze enough to pump water. Decided to leave it and check it later in the day. That way I can get a feel for how much the wind can put out and how much the cattle take in. I always have the generator to pump water.

Didn't see any salt. So when I went back out to check the level of the water it was down 2 more inches. That is okay cuz the cattle have all drank for the day. I brought out a block of salt. Did find the old salt and it was down about 2/3rds. Put it in a yellow bucket to keep it out of the dirt. Not an exciting day. Just a learning day.

Bringing Us Up To The 21st Century

2010-08-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Dad, Greg and I went out to Jennies Mill to muck out the drinker. It didn't take long so we went ahead and remounted the electrical box for the pump.
Stopped by the ranch to grab a couple of blocks of salt to take to Cecil's Mill. As we were approaching the mill, out of the west we had some cows on a fast run toward the mill. We were commenting that we had never seen a sight like that. Then I noticed that there was a second bunch on the rise doing the same thing. We were joking that the cattle thought they were antelope. Antelope always run the same way you are headed and they will beat you at an intersection in the road and keep going. It baffles me why they don't turn and go far from you. Why they race to cross you. Anyway here is two group of cows racing toward us. We get to mill before them and put out the salt. I have noticed that just before reaching the mill they have turned and now are walking north. Out of no where comes along a man on a mountain bike. Ends up he is what my dad calls a (Nester). Some one that buys a few acres and lives out in the desolate range we call the ranch. He talks to us and loves to check out everyone that crosses our section. He wants to help out how ever he can. As we drive off it comes to me that cattle were on the run from the man on the bike. We decided that is what we need to do. Round up on bikes and we will have them gathered in less time. Straight into the 21st Century.

Two Much Trouble

2010-08-13T19:35:00.001-07:00

For the first time I worked both of my dogs together. They are a year apart and both under 2 years of age. Believe me when I say they compete. I knew it was going to be an easy ride. We were riding early in the afternoon, going to just throw them on water so we could film them for a video auction. I was dropped off on the south on my quad. My dad would go get his quad from the ranch house and come in from the north and my cousin would come from the east on horse.
I have the option if it gets to hairy with both I can tie them to a tree and come back after them. First thing I notice is one of our calves is over the fence. I decide that my younger dog Vaquera, who loves to ride on the quad, will ride with me then I don't have two scary monsters chasing one scared calf from here to there. We go through the neighbors gate, swing wide, low and behold it goes down the fence line. Now momma has noticed and she comes the fence line. Just got to get the calf to the gate before his mom, and it will be fine. Yes, the calf saw the hole and ran through. Now as I close the gate the cow takes off on a trot the wrong way. I go to turn her and the game is on. The two take off at top speed to see who can get there first. The cow and calf have tails high in the air and are gone. First choice is to get the dogs back under control. My trainer has showed me how well dogs listen to a quirk (a whip). I catch up with them, jump off my quad, give two snaps with the quirk and tell them to get back. I get on my quad, once again tell them stay behind me and slowly come up on the cow. My older dog, Gideon, he's a heeler. Doesn't like to go out front. He loves to trail behind. He keeps his distance. Not much fight in him. He will take a nip if he feels that is needed. The other, she is a control freak. She tries to take charge of every situation. Head is her place but she will come behind. Always on the move she is. Swing up one side and then the other, always trying to get to the front.
We now have the cow and calf almost bunched up with about 12 other head. My young one has now stepped up to work the cattle. Every time she gets close the last cow stops and takes a look at her. I call her back. Soon she takes notice that if a cow looks back she is too close and she either stops to get distance or she slows down. Lesson learned. It was a beautiful thing to behold.

Worth the fifteen minute wait

2010-08-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago Tom and I were with my dad checking Cecil's Mill, when dad got telling us stories.
He said when he was young they also raised colts for sale beyond just the cattle they ran. They wintered them in Cecilville and summered them on a forest permit and also the Taylor place.
They would sale the colts to the Apaches. They were pretty good horses. Had a stud and quite a few brood mares.
It was first of December. Him and Judd were to move them off the forest. They had found them earlier in November and left them in Los Burros. As they left the ranch they stopped by the Midway. Which at the time was also the post office and told Donald Goodman to watch for them. They would be a few hours and they would need someone to stop traffic on the 60 as they crossed back.
They got to Los Burros. To get them to all follow them, Judd saddled up the stud. They did a few laps around the clearing until all the mares were in tow. Dad brought up the rear. They strung out for quite a ways. Mare,foal,mare,foal.
Back at the midway, a highway patrol man had stopped by the store and Donald asked if he wouldn't mind hanging around just a little longer to help the boys and horses to cross the road. It had been about two hours and it shouldn't be much longer.
Close to that time Donald could here them coming down the road. So Donald and the officer went out to stop traffic on the 60 while the horses crossed. The officer told Donald after they had gone bye that is was worth the fifteen minute wait.
We asked how old he was at this time and he remembered it was the last winter before he went into the service.

Now that explains all the pictures of colts in at the ranch corals.

EL PASO

2010-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

Recently I found out that the song "El Paso" by Marty Robbins was the number one song about a gun fight. When I heard this I went online to research the song to get to know more about it because it was one of my Dad's favorite songs.
Did you know that the Grateful Dead covered this song and that it was their most requested song on the road? Also, Marty Robbins wrote another song, "El Paso City," while flying over El Paso. He said it was the second time he had ever written a song in the same amount of time it takes to sing it. The first one was "El Paso"!!! Both songs hit number one!
Most of you might know my Dad was born in El Paso, Texas. As far as I am concerned he was the only good thing that came out of Texas.
My Dad was not really into music enough to go out and buy it or buy a stereo, but he did like to listen to it on the radio if he had one. I do remember having the Marty Robins album in the house that had "El Paso" on it. All we had was a record player and I think the only reason we had that was for Sister's 45's.
Anyway, as I listen to this song, it reminds of Dad for different reasons.
1. He was born there.
2. Dad was born 100 years too late. He loved anything to do with the old west.
3. He loved his childhood home Mexico and the culture. When we would go to Matta's he would always have the mariachis sing the Mexico national anthem.
So please listen to the song and I think you can envision Dad trying to sing it!

Missing Dad

2010-05-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted anything and I have really wanted to say something about my Dad but It has been really hard for me to say anything. I guess I have been in denial. I still don't believe that he is gone. I keep thinking I should call him because he has not called me and then I remember. No more phone calls.-------- I am having a hard time right now.------- Sorry.

I am also reminded all the time with "How is your Dad?" And then I have to give them the news. Then they give me their condolences and I say "It was a good thing, It was a good thing." I really don't think I say that for them but for me! I am telling myself "It was good" because it has not been good for me. I miss my Dad! Dad and I spent a lot of time together working, dreaming, fighting, forgiving, farming, raising my kids, playing, going to church, parades and helping each other on hobbies.

For fifty years He has was always been there for me and now he is gone!

I hurt.

April 21, 2010

2010-04-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal,

Up at 5:30 to take the dogs on a run. Nice, nice morning. Think I will take them all the way around the alfalfa field. As we approach home I have two dogs with classic signs of fox tail in the ears. One side of the field doesn't have fox tail but too late for me to notice, the other side does.

Tom had told me of two places I have to go this morning and now I know I can add the Vet to that list too.

Come home and fix breakfast for me and Tom, get dressed to go to work. Start my morning computer routine. My computer had a little burp but I finished what I needed. The Vet will see me at 8 am. Great, then I can go to Bill and Elaine's to say my good-byes to Bill. I tried to on Sunday but there was tons of family around. I had in my heart what needed to be said from me and I wanted and needed to tell him.
Had a good hour visit with him. Good man.

Then off to Beehive Clothing to satisfy some of Tom's list. Done there and now to finish of the list so I can get back to work to send in payroll. Went to get a couple of bed rolls (that is what we give as wedding gifts to our children, because that is what we got ourselves for a wedding gift). Pick up some more lead rope for my dogs because I like the price there. Now the list is done and can head to work again.

Sit down to work and my computer keeps turning off and then restarting. What?!!! I have a virus. I don't need this. Run down to use Tom's and his is doing the same. Find a computer that has some sanity and post payroll. Call Lance on the computer problems. See if Blaine can do anything. Lance can't do anything by remote service. Blaine tried some stuff but it is not working. Get depressed and do what I always do if I can't work through it. Went to bed. I can work as hard as the next, but if my hands are tied, I cope by getting depressed and falling asleep.

Woke up late, only to recieve a call that I can now pick up my dogs who are now awake from their minor surgery. Too depressed and too late to fix dinner. Tom wants to take me to dinner to help me settle down. He has a class him and the boys are going to, but if we drive separate and hurry it can all be worked in. Chinese buffet. Feed the stress, that is as good as sleep.

Come home and decide to just read. No TV, just read. About 7:50 get a call from Tom. You want to meet me at Mom and Dad's? Sure why? Dad has died. Heart stops. Mind reasons. If the Lord doesn't send us more than we can handle, why do I feel that I am having a heart attack? Get dressed and head there to watch, learn, grieve.

I am grateful to be a member of the true church that teaches us more than just to believe, but to KNOW there is life after death. That the Lord loves us and will only give as many trials as we need to grow and learn.

April 22, 2010

I am still breathing. I lived through it. My computer has been resurrected by Lance telling Blaine what to do. I was able to talk to Bill before he went home. My dogs are normal and happy. My heart is full. The Lord loves me, the little rough neck that I am.

Isn't It Ironic

2010-04-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

When we young we would dig holes and think they were so deep that just a bit more and we would be in China. Now I wish I had that tunnel, so when Alicia goes to China I could visit her.

I want to blow everything off and play with the grandchildren. Earlier years I wanted to farm out my children and get everything else done.

I thought horses were my world, now give me a quad cuz I prefer cattle.

It is not fun cooking for two after you have cooked for a family.

I have traded in all our bunk beds for queen beds.

I clean the best when I am pissed off, It used to piss me off to clean.

When the ranch started generations ago it was over seen by a woman for the most part, it is close to that time again.

The Big Picture

2010-04-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Carsyn decided after a day in the desert that she would go home with the grandparents and spend the night. We knew she wouldn't because just the short drive from the day camp to Globe for a park and swap, she cried out for her mom. But we said yes anyway. We would love her to spend the night.

She helped us put away the camping things, and relaxed with us while we watch a movie. Then early evening came along and I asked "Are you going to sleep over?" Right away she said "No". So she gathered her things and gave kisses. This is a step for her. She loves her moms so much. Baby steps with her. The bigger picture is one day she might spend a whole week with us and when it is over she might cry not to have to go home.

While my pup and I are training on cattle or chickens there is a lot of loud commands. My family listens to me daily and wonder by what they hear if I am going to kill a dog or dogs or just keel over with a heart attack.

What I am building for is a command that they can hear on the other side of a large loud herd of cattle. You really don't want them to watch for hand signals because they take their eyes of the cattle to watch you.

Today I got my two herding dogs to play fetch side by side, kinda. I had to have them each watch a different hand and throw in opposite directions but they ignored each other. That is a large step. They are very competitive so that brings them side by side for most of the day.

What I want and need is for them to work independently of each other most of the time and only unite on a stubborn cow.

Tonight not in the Moornan

2010-03-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Avree spent most of Thursday at my house while her mom sewed. Me and Tom were going to go and drop some of our camping gear at the camping spot, to reserve it. The sewing took longer that thought (first time with this pattern, so a little rough). We discussed just leaving a 5 am Friday and be back in time for school. Okay settled then.

Louise call about an hour later and Aves wanted to talk to her. Now the amazing part is, Aves is 2 and a half. On the phone she is pushing six. She answered the usual questions an aunt would ask and then all of a sudden she said "I am going to the water tonight not in the moornan", then turned and looked at us like did you hear me. We died laughing. The turkey listen to the whole conversation and had decided she was out of there one way or another. Thank heaven it is fourteen more years until she drives. She would of been gone.

My babies love to go camping. All I could ask for. Oh maybe some might like to ranch with me. Who knows maybe when they all have been born one or so may report in to the saddle.

Random Bits of Learning

2010-03-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

I am taking Vaquera to Petsmart classes. There is a shy little poodle in our class. In the second class we went over the manners expected from the dog while on a leash. Vaquera and I did fine, but our little poodle friend (Sophie), um lets say didn't want to participate. She sat down, held her ground. The teacher said drag her she will get up, no one likes to be dragged. She mopped the floor the whole night. The next week she walks normal. The tile floor is one thing on your bottom but a sidewalk and asphalt can teach a lesson.

Lesson: Walk up to what is expected of you, if you don't you might not expect what you get.

I went to Chino Valley to a livestock auction. Yes I put in time looking the animals over. But at one time I watch the people, especially the kids. They ran and played, showed off, and of course got rough. I noticed one young boy kept saying "I need to take this to my dad". The other said okay but you have to come back. He persisted that he come back. He had been treating him a little hard. So the boy ran up to his dad and handed him a little book and a pen. The dad looked at it and put it in his pocket. Said nothing. Just kept on talking to the other man. What I perceived is the young boy used it as a way to get away from the others. The dad was patient and none judging as his son stood next to him.

Lesson: Are we a safe haven at times without judging, or lecturing? Can we accept the way others may get out of a bad situation?

At the above mention auction they had ranch horses for sale. They would describe it as such: rides all day and is still ready to go, can be roped off, will drag um to the fire (branding fire), etc. The horse were shown by one of the owners, mostly men. Did see one woman. What took the cake was they sent out a boy that looked no older than ten. Fine looking horse, was a tad older than the rest but no where ready for retirement. The boy worked his horse like the rest. Fast start, stop on a dime, cuts both ways and then they always send out a calf for you to rope. The boy gets his lasso ready his horse if following in true form and.....what the heck the calf jumped a plywood fence. All you see is the belly clear, the back legs up in the air and thunk. The front body weight pulled the calf over. The announcer said we will release another calf to show you this horse has what it takes. The young man went down to get his next calf, faster that lightning it was an exact reenactment. The announcers apologises to the boy for sending him two bad calves and sends out another. Oh you have got to be kidding. Yep the third follows suit. It is nothing the boy is doing. The first calf found a weak spot and the other two learned it. They brought in a calf farther down the line so as hope it didn't learn the new way to make a gate. Low and behold it was roped and dragged before you could blink.

Lesson: For the boy, don't give up. For the adults, let them keep trying. For those in charge, take the blame don't hand it down.

Just things I see.

Once upon a Week

2010-02-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

On tuesday me and Tom crossed wires and I ended up having to walk from the Mesa Library to Jesse and Amandas house to wait for Tom.
I get there as Carsyn is going out the door to play. Paisley had a fresh container of popcorn and she offered me a bite. I went over to work on the quilt. Paisley followed me all the time asking "pop or". It was a joy being shared too instead of being the sharer.
Paisley is a tender heart.

On Wednesday morning the Red Tailed Hawk that had circled us the two previous mornings was at it again. I don't know if we are the only thing happening at 6 a.m. or if is sizing Mobie up for a meal. She circles and then lands on the same telephone pole and waits for us to go by. It takes a minute or two to get in the spot, but this morning I decided to coo at her. That brought Gideon to a halt and he turned to look at me with those big brown eyes that say "what mom?". It must of sounded like my cattle call in a way cuz not thinking I raised my arm to point at the bird, and off he ran toward Power Rd. I immediately called him back. He was on a high speed chase to find those cattle. I am thinking since my arm was so high he thought that meant way out there.
Gideon is an obedient heart.

Me, the dogs, and others went to work at the big mill. The cattle that for the last three feedings were not accounted for have been found. They were not at the big mill previous, but they are now and so we need to make sure there is sufficient water. Batteries were dead on the generator. As we study it out more we found that the bolt holding the alternator in potion had vibrated out and was gone. We found bolts on the windmill frame that would work. Got it set, jumped the batteries and pumped water. As we were leaving Grandpa Nicoll said " I do hope this is the last winter that we have to keep your mom up here. It is to cold for us anymore. I want to keep coming and helping. We just can't winter anymore."
Grandpa is a good heart.

Proud Mama

2010-02-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

I haven't been fair to Vaquera. She has had no puppy time compared to Gideon. With Gideon I was religious about 5 minutes 3 times a day on training. I don't know where my life has gone or my commitment to her is, but tonight I decided to change that. Yes I taught her to sit and to come when called. That is nothing compared to what I did with Mobie and Gideon. I spent time helping her learn about chickens but that was also with Gideon training along side of her.

I sent the other dogs in the house and decided to teach fetch. I grabbed a tennis ball. Called Vaquera to me. She came happily. I bounce the ball twice to get her attention. Tossed it, at the same time I said go. That way she would acquaint the word "go" to working cattle. She went for and returned with it. Wow, first time and so far every time. Mobie can't fetch, he takes the ball and runs. Gideon went for the ball but when I called him he dropped it, and came running with out it. It took some time but not long.

The other day it was time to put away the chickens. Found all but one. After 45 minutes of looking. We (me and the two dogs) went into the back yard to see if she had come out to start roosting now that it was getting later in the evening. There I found her, outside of the yard. I said, see it. Gideon knows that phrase and went on alert, looking in the direction that I was pointing. Vaquera took to the excitement and tried to follow Gideon. I opened the gate, they ran in the direction of the chicken. The chicken started running the wrong way then turned and dove under the small hole in the fence. Both dogs turned toward the fence, Vaquera turned once again and ran toward the back yard to finish the job. Gideon stopped at the fence looked at me and then took off to the back yard. The chicken was put away. Yea.

Gideon amazed me on how smart he is. Vaquera scares me on how smart she is. Can I stay a step ahead of her?

LOVE, TRUE LOVE

2010-02-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

For anyone that doesn't know, I cry every time something involves a new born baby. Seeing one, holding one, talking about one, movies showing them, etc. Always human ones but even animals. So that is my weak link.

Every time one of my grand babies are born I have fallen apart. Everyone stares at me until I am done. One day in October or November Billy said I could come watch my first missionary be born if I wanted. He didn't even finish the sentence and I was crying. Not to mention this was in the down stairs office and once again I got stared at. I have gone back and forth. I really didn't think I would keep my composure. Just in private times thinking about it I watered my cheeks.

Wow, got up at 5 am and noticed I had a 2 am text. Oh my Hannah's water broke and they were at the hospital. Got to fly. Just wanted to hold my little boy. Didn't even cross my mind of staying in for the birth. Truly thought I had missed it. And hadn't convinced myself to stay anyhow. Get to the hospital and I am not late. Get a text from Alicia that I had better stay in there and watch. She has stated that her and Louise don't want me in their delivery rooms so I better take the chance while I had it.

I walked in the room. Started crying. Stated that I don't think I should stay for the birth. Hannah said not if you are going to make me cry. Well I had some time. Hannah wasn't half way there yet. Tom showed up. Tell ya I had to fly. Left him home, didn't take care of my animals. I was starving. Good thing Tom cleans up after me. He fed my animals, fed me and didn't cry.

Now it is time, Tom left the room and I was going to hide in the corner and be good. Just had to wait for the doctor so Hannah could push. What is that, the doctor wants me and her mother to hold her feet. Is the woman crazy. I will be down there with nothing to look at but, butt. Naw just had to put that in. Too tempting. So I decided to look into Hannah and Billys face. Hannah gave me the evil eye so I looked down. Low and behold it was the most beautiful thing I have witnessed. Birth. I've seen so many animals born. But this takes it all. No tears, believe it or not. Just pure love filled the room. I don't recall feeling those feelings before. I have felt love, but this was a new love.

While helping dress my sister for her funeral. I felt a new love, different for all other loves and different still from the one I experienced watching birth. The Lord has blessed us with so many loves. I guess I am going to have to live to find them all.

So now is the question, shall I become a doctor so I can revile in that joy more often or just work at a funeral home so I can feel that joy? Ah who am I kidding. I got no cooth and will just have to keep cowboying and feel that joy.

Love to all my family, especially if they can take my humor and my love.

THE CHICKEN GOD HAS SPOKEN

2010-01-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

As some may know I am trying to train two pups to work cattle. I have never worked a trained dog myself, heck I have never seen with my own eyes a dog work cattle. But I raised 5 children to work cattle, even though don't work cattle. Hey it looks fun.

To reach my goal is to work them on chickens daily. I don't have access to cattle everyday. So with the breed of dog that I have picked has one small trait that is common but would be better if I could shove it back into the closet. They are known for grabbing the chicken around the neck and dragging it over to you. Now what chicken farmer wouldn't love that. He brings you dinner. And all this with no death, no blood. They can do it without hurting the chicken at all. I will admit it is looks funny. So with my older pup (Gideon, named after a warrior of God). I have been working on getting it across to him that I don't want it. He is coming along.

I now have a younger pup (Vaquera, cow girl in Spanish) who came with a whole lot of grit. I spoke to the breeder and told her I need a very strong willed pup. I got a really really strong willed pup. She is in the middle of learning that the chickens can run around the back yard until I say, not her. She has tried to let this trait out and she has shown me that she won't be a gentle as the other. So I am working on that harder with her. I love the grit because our cattle don't like dogs and they show it all the time. I need one that looks like she will do all she can to get it done.

Now with the both of them I have chained them up if I found them putting them away. With Gideon I only had to do this twice. Vaquera had been up to four times now and didn't get the hint. I have read three really good books on training your own stock dog and everything I can google. In one of my books the trainer says if there is something going down and you can't control it with voice, can't reach the dog to discipline then throw a dirt clot at them and let them believe that the "god of you should do that" has spoken. So as I yelled in a very low growly voice NOT YET and threw a stick at her. It hit her in the side of the head. Oh my goodness the cry she put out. I went to her and checked her over, reminded her not yet and sent her to the back porch.
Where I loved her up for being obedient.

Done, the chicken god has spoken. She now lays in the yard and lets the chicken have all the room they need. Soon as I put the leads on the dogs and say walk up, they are doing their things. Gathering and pinning them in the coop.

Thank heaven she doesn't know it was me that threw it. That is one thing he pointed out. We don't want them afraid of us, just the command. So now when or if I have to say not yet, she will look around for the not yet god.

The Smell of Death

2009-10-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

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.

FALL BREAK? 2009

2009-10-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

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.

EMPTY NESTERS!!!!!

2009-08-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

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.

THANKS MICHAEL!!!! FOR NOTHING

2009-07-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

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!

Happy Mothers Day Ginny!

2009-05-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-04-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!

GRANDPA'S OIL

2009-03-04T23:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

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!

Butter Milk

2009-02-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2009-02-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do Unto Others

2009-02-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!!!!

I STILL HAVE IT!!!!!!

2009-01-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

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"!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!! From Santa!

2009-01-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

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.

A FREEBIE FOR A FREEBIE!

2008-12-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

#%@&^% Hell
666 E 666 S
Joefield, Utard
84666

December 11th 2008

Baker Machinery
18302 E. Nunnelley Rd.
Gilbert, Az 85296

Hello,

I am writing to inform you that the repairs on the mower didn't help it to start. Cannot start it and it took a long time to to get a couple opinions as to the problem. However neither one was able one to determine the problem and unable to start the mower.

Please refund the charges. There are 2 charges on 5/28/08 $75 and $24. I know $75 is mower but am not positive that the $24 is or not.

Sincerely, %&*#@ Hell

(The names and address have been changed to protect the stupid.)

Wondering what this is all about? Let me give you my side of the story. If you remember my answers to my tag I said I was always the S.O.B. Well this is the prof.

My Bishop called me last year and asked if we could look at a car for a divorced sister in the ward. A shop gave her a estamate on work for her car. She had asked for Money to get her car fixed but Bishop was concerned with the cost. After looking at the car we determined the needed work was bogus. The only item was a power steering leak and that was fixed by tightening a hose clamp.

Well that is how we started dealing with her. Over time we would do things for her with the bishops permissions and we only charged what it cost us. In the mean time we changed bishops. The new one wanted her to be more responsible and to pay for the repairs so we opened her an account, she would pay five to ten dollars a month with no service charges.

One day she brought her lawn mower in because she could not get it started. We don't repair mowers so i took it to my repairman and for $75.00 he fixed it. We used it to make sure it was working good. She picked it up on May 28th and we never heard from her again.

Since then she has moved to Utard. about a month ago we got a check from her new bishop (sucker) to pay for her remaining balance which included the lawn mower.

Then we got the letter dated December 11th. When I opened it I said "You have got to be kidding"!!!
You be the judge.

Tom has been tagged too !!!!!!!!

2008-11-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

1. I like using !!!!!!!!! points! (I think it is because of the yelling in my head!!!)

2. People are afraid of me. (Do you think its the hat? People really hate this hat!)

3. I love teaching. Church, work, family. I love sharing my knowledge.

4. I love history. Some World, mainly American, Arizona, and Az/Mormon.

5. I am always the S.O.B. I don't mind being one, that's part of my job description, and if I deserve it but more often that not I am accused of being one when I stand for whats right or put someone in there place. If you don't believe me ask my kids.

6. I am picky about my food and can be very critical about how it is done. But I think I am more critical about my cooking than others.

7. I love to feed people and cook for people.

8. I have never met a AZ dirt road I did not want to drive down. I guess that is why I love maps and off roading.

ginnys been tagged

2008-11-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

1. they say it is weird cuz i cowboy

2. i strongly desire to be at church 30 to 15 minutes early

3. i love to talk about gross stuff during meals

4. i have no desire to say i love you. but i love to love.

5. i cry during movies if it is a scene about child birth.

6. new born babies make me cry the first time i hold them.

7. i love to go bear foot. anytime, anywhere.

8. i enjoy being all by myself

CHANGE!!!!!

2008-11-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

"Change". That word has really been popular lately as most of you know if you followed the elections. Well, I am not really happy with the election out come but I felt we need to give the guy a chance. My wife is so POed about the results that I can hardly discuss it with her. Lately I have been trying to be more open minded and trying to look at things through the other persons eyes so I thought change might be a good thing!
So one morning when I was getting ready for work I had put on my britches and was slipping my belt through the loops when I thought "why do I have to put the belt through the first loop on the left? " So i did it! I made a change! I put my belt through the right loop first! I was so proud of my self! I had made the first move to get out of my rut! I had made a change! As I made my way over to the shop I could tell, I had a strut in my step. I was on a higher plane! I was going to have a great Day! Things were going great! My mind was sharp, my decision process was quick and precise. My 44 0z Pepsi seemed to really hit the spot that morning! I was invincible! Then it happened. When you get older, and you got to go, YOU GOT TO GO! No problem! I was invincible! After all I had made a "change"! As I stood over the toilet and went to unbuckle my belt I could feel my face turn flush with a cold sweat! My mind went blank! I had to think about how to get my buckle undone! I don't have time! I need to GO! After convincing myself to calm down I was able to get the job done with out making a mess. But that made me think, "Why did I make the change?" Was I just making the change to make the change? Was I trying to improve the process with the change? I really Learned something!
Dear: Obama, Think of the consequences before you make the change!!!

Well Hell !!!!

2008-11-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

Most of us have a sentence we either love or hate. Ginny had one when we were raising the kids. It was "Mom I'm DONE!!!" That meant it was time to wipe someones butt on the toilet. I don't think it was one of Ginny's favorites at that time but as always "time heals all wounds" so we tease the kids about it now. I think Blaine was the loudest.

I have a sentence that just sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it. "The water's out!!!" Those of you that live on a well knows exactly what I am talking about. The thing that baffles my mind is why it always goes out at night when no one uses the water! And it seems like it's always on Saturday nights, so Sunday morning "the water is out" is what I wake up to.

Well (no pun intended), enough intro, let's get to the story. A few weeks ago we started having problems. First thing one morning, "the water's out" was the cry and so out of bed I went. I slipped on pants from the day before, put on my slippers, a shirt and a hat. Why the hat, you ask? Well, I know I don't have much hair now, but for some reason when I wake up in the morning the hair I do have forms a sharp mohawk-like ridge right down the middle of my head!

So i jump on the quad or in the truck and over to the well I go. I found the well pump starter switch had tripped, so I reset it and headed to the house. Little did i know this was just the beginning. That dang switch just kept popping more and more so I called out the electrician to check it out, but by the time we figured it out and the starter switch replaced it had cost us $500.

About a week went by and life was bliss! Then that %&#*@ sentence woke me up again! So on with the hat and off I went. This time the well pump was running but not putting water in the tank. The pump is 600 feet in the ground. The pipe that runs the water from the pump to the tank was leaking so badly that the water just fell back in to the well. That meant pulling out the well pipes!

I had them replace the pump since it was ten years old and use Schedule 80 PVC pipe so it would not rust out. That cost $5,500.00. We didn't have water for three days.

Now remember, our house isn't the only thing that relies on this well. There is also our business, another house and seven other businesses. (When we first moved out here the houses were seven and businesses were two.) So I had people upset! Lucky for us, we have a 300 gallon water trailer with a gas pump that we can hook up to the house and shop, but we have to go and get the water twice a day. One of our customers on Warner road was kind enough to "lend" us the water.

So we got the piping done and again life was bliss...... or so I thought. "The water is out" I heard a few days later! CRAP! So on with the hat! This time the starter switch for the booster pump had popped! I reset the switch and wondered what that would lead to. I found out soon. A few days later the booster pump burned up. Thinking, "No problem. All I have to do is turn a few valves and run the system off of the well pump"! When I went to do that we discovered one of the valves was in the wrong spot. It must have been put there during a previous repair so Jesse, Blaine and I had to tear all the plumbing apart and re plump it so we could run off the well pump.

While we did the plumbing, Blaine went to Chandler to get a new pump and motor.($1000.00) We could not pick it up until later in the afternoon. when we did get it Jeff Long installed it and everything was good to go until the next morning......"The water is out!!" On with the hat, into the truck, over to the well , low and behold the booster pump motor was out again!!! Switched back to the well pump and Jeff pulled the pump and took it over to Chandler. They blamed it on us but after having Bill Tilton (electrician) look at it we strongly disagreed But that is another story.

We bought and ordered another motor for the new pump ($500.00) One morning before the motor came in I woke up at 2 am because I had a feeling. I laid there until 4 am when I got up to go to the bathroom. As I walked by the sink I turned it on and yes "The water is out!" That was the first time I was able to say that but i new this was really bad since we were running off the well pump that we had just spent $5500.00 on. I was sick! On with the hat and dragging Blaine out of bed (I thought it would ease the pain if I shared it) we went and hooked up the water trailer and filled it. I called the well people and picked up the booster pump with a new motor. Jeff Long installed the booster pump and the well people pulled the well pump. They found a shorted wire and would take care of it under warranty. I think this is the only thing that went right. After a couple of days they got it put back in and at 8:30 am we started the well and all was well!!!! Have you heard that before? You will hear it again!

That same day at 2:30 pm someone dug up a power line and shorted it out so our power went off! At 3:00 it came back on. At 3:30 Billy came in the office and said "The water is out!" After investigating i found that the power was off along Warner road from Power Rd to Recker Rd. I saw a SRP guy and asked when the power would be back on. He Said "in the morning" So back to the house, grab Blaine and the water trailer to get water but realized our customer neighbor might be out of power so there well would not be working. Yep! no water! We had about a foot of water in the tank. Enough for toilets only! So back to the house.

The next morning, putting on my hat, Blaine and I went out in the dark and found a fire hydrant to fill up the tank so we would have water for the day. Ya Hoo the power came on at about 10:00 am and believe it or not the well is still working good! Knock on wood!!!!!!!!

Moral of the story? When someone yells "I'm done!!!!" make sure you have baby wipes because someone might have all ready yelled "The water is out!!"

"YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING" TOM

2008-11-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

this is photo #4. not much of one. we had this part shipped to us and it was junk so i took photos to email them to get our money back.

Happy Birthday Ginny!!!!!!!!

2008-11-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

Ginny's Birthday was last Friday so i want to take this time to say how much I love her. In fact this is why i am starting this blog. My kids have been bugging us to start something so here it is. I hope I do this right. It dose not matter if this turns out the lord will know what i have tried to do. Ginny has always stood with me in all my ideas weather they worked or not. She has never demeaned or discouraged me. Yes she has told me what she felt but never has tried to convince me to do or pushed her ideas on me. Even when things have not worked out she has never said "I told you so". Ginny has had to suffer because of the decisions I have made but never has she said a peep. As I thank the lord for my wife tears come to my eyes because of the love I have for her and that she has for me. As most of you know Ginny does not say "I love you" or show it but I know for a fact that she loves me! I love you Ginny, my Wife, Mom and Grammies. I am trying to be a better husband.