MEMORIAL DAY AND MORE....

Our Colorado cowgirl in training to become a Texan :)

Macie Wheat! Teri was in Boulder, CO for her birth 6 yrs ago and it had been awhile since she had visited us from her new hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas! Her parents and two sisters were in town to join 50,0000 runners for the Bolder Boulder!

Grandma and grandpa sitting below the other flag we salute on Memorial Day!

Princess Brynn turned 2yrs old on Friday.....

Brynn sporting her new NEMO tatoo..............

Cam's Memorial Day flight---him and a friend flew the friend's parents who own a stellar plane http://blog.brentanderica.net/content/binary/N104ME_rv_10.jpg from Denver to Mt Rushmore for a day trip...600 miles roundtrip at a cruising speed of 200mph....



At 12,000 feet cruise level dodging weather.......

The Jimmy has been sold on Ebay--new home will be in South Dakota!

Cam starts a 2nd Summer job as an aircraft fueler soon..........

Until next time....

NASHVILLE

All aboard the General Jackson Showboat Cruise--the world's largest with a capacity of 1,100 folks!

Looking down the Cumberland River as we head toward downtown.

Steak, chicken with stuffed shrimp, oreo cheesecake--surprised the boat didnt tip over!

David in his best formal riverboat attire.....

Way better than American Idol........

Amazing indoor hotel waterfall!

Gaylord Opryland Hotel welcomes 3,000 attendees from 60 countries for the Intergraph Corp annual conference!

Our next door neighbor--the Grand Ole Opry House.

Teri's one 'investment'--a new pair of Sketcher walking shoes!

DANGER SIGN-- (this away to the Mills Outlet Mall)

Indoor river at the hotel with boat tours!

We weren't lucky enough to get an indoor facing room.... :(

IT WAS A GRAND OLE TIME ON SOMEONE ELSE'S DIME!

MOM'S DAY GIFT

Mom got a very nice mother's day gift from her oldest son as he invited her for an early morning flight (545 AM departure) and breakfast in the farming community of Greeley, CO, about 60 miles northeast of Denver. The flight started by presenting his mom with a gorgeous pink rose (got his dad's romance gene).

Cam at the helm looking for the Greeley airport.

Like I said, "farming community"--surprised to see it in Colorado,huh? Gorgeous and green this time of the year!

Beautful, serene and calm flight.

Cam's best friend since Jr Hi passed his FAA Private Pilot's license exam just yesterday--so he took his mom up as well and joined Teri and Cam for breakfast--how cool is that flying side by side!!

Just CHECKING in......

• It's been awhile and some of you have inquired about no recent blogging, but sometimes it is hard to stay motivated---translated, we lead a boring life :) Teri has suspended her blogging as a result of this same attitude as blog hosting makes you feel obligated to post updates and sometimes the inspiration leaves the building!
• I woke up to a nice gift from our youngest son on Thursday--a pair of tickets to the Nuggets playoff game for Saturday night. Man o man, the Pepsi Center was a rocking, but the Nuggets 'gave away' another one and lost by 5 points. I have never heard so many frustrating comments as everyone was exiting the building-- sometimes it is simply easier to accept losing by 20! The only cool thing is the San Antonio Spurs is who I would root for if the Nuggets dont move on as they were my favorite team growing up as a kid.
• Spring cleaning has begun around here. CRAIGSLIST has been a great resource to avoid 'dump runs' as we are listing free stuff and you should see the e-mail responses you get when you put that magical word in your posting. Last week, we gave away a desk, working freezer and a papason chair--this week, some old tires, hockey equipment and skis.
• The 1971 JIMMY gets a piggy back ride on a tow truck tomorrow as it heads off for an engine rebuild to be followed with a FOR SALE sign (one of our 2007 goals). I probably will try Ebay in seek of a higher return on our investment. So, for the 1st time since we have lived in this house, I will park my everyday vehicle in the garage...should have done this project in the Winter--duhhh...
• My 8 cylinder body continues to run on 7 cylinders,sometimes feel 75%,sometimes 100%, all in the same day.... 46 areas of blood and urine test results came in on Thursday, all 46 (shockingly for this geezer body) were in normal range--must be the wife's great healthy, home cooking :).
• Our whacky 6 month weather pattern continues. On Wed, 24hrs of non-stop rain resulted in 2+ inches of cold, windy rain here and 24 inches of snow just west of here about 30mins. Today, high of 85 degrees expected which would be an all time record high for this date.
• Another 2007 goal, the bathroom and bedroom update, has begun--sort of. WE have always done interior painting ourselves, but I was sitting in my mom's old chair staring at the 14 foot vaulted ceilings thinking "this doesnt look to appealing, let me call and get some estimates". One guy $550 to do both areas, the next guy $1100---woah! So, then Teri had a brief moment of inspiration saying she would do the trim work and I could do the roll on. ..still waiting for that inspiration to die off and call the $550 dude back :)....
• Austin about done with track. As a JV, he ran mostly 1mi,2mi and 800 meter races. Best 1mi time at 5mins,42secs, which was fairly decent for a kid whose only nutrition intake is a daily vitamin that he remembers to take weekly. He is about half way done with his driver's license required hours and is Honda purring right along.
• Cameron still busy as usual buffing his body, going to college, working and flying around. He has connection with a co-worker who owns a 1941 taildragger that he is getting some experience flying in, so totally enjoying that new adventure. He still stops in a couple times of week which we enjoy!
• Our darling lil niece Brynn turns 2 years old in a month, cuter and funnier than ever!
• Our great friend and retired pastor of our former church here in Arvada and his wife move into their 'retirement' home this week, a brand new one in south Austin, TX--leave a light on for us!
• Reality show addictions down to two, American Idol and Survivor....AI favorites Jordan and Blake, Survivor favorites Earl and Youman.
• We have slowed way down on our Ebay listings more due to burnout than anything else, but we have saved a great deal of 'change' from the business and may crank it up again soon--but boy do we have more spare time now! Teri has done the same with her used book sales on Half.com.
• Heading off to Flatirons Community Church shortly (still loving it!).......til next time!

SPRING BREAK IN TEXAS!

Serenity defined.................

Texas does have views!

Chillin in front of the big HDTV!

Only in Texas!















You have found the right neighborhood....







Bluebonnets in 'bluem'...









A few oaks in the front yard...

Granpa's tire scrubber!

The ultimate dream home-a backyard deer feeder!

SAFE ARRIVAL INTO AUSTIN

-One Whataburger down the pipe
-CMT on TV

Life gets no better than this......

WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

THIS IS WHAT I SPENT MOST OF SATURDAY COORDINATING FROM OUR 911 CENTER...

LAKEWOOD - Police shot and killed a one-year-old bison after spending much of Saturday afternoon trying to capture it as it roamed along Green Mountain.

"I think the coyotes probably separated it," said Mike DeBell, the animal's owner. "It jumped over the fence and then it got lost like a dog. It was gone."DeBell purchased two bison to raise for meat. He kept them at a farm adjacent to the southwest edge of Green Mountain. He said after a thorough search, he found no breaches in his fence line which stands five feet tall.DeBell estimates the bison, or commonly called buffalo, traversed Green Mountain for more than six miles before ending up in a neighborhood on the south side of 6th Avenue.

Authorities say they were first notified about the bison around 8 a.m. Police cornered the bison at McIntyre, and DeBell tried to get his Bison back."We tried to get some panels and get it corralled and pushed into the trailer," DeBell said. But, that did not work and it busted out of their makeshift fence, breaking though the perimeter, and jumping over a police car conntining its tour of Lakewood and unincorporated Jefferson County.

DeBell was worried at what his 400-pound animal might do. "It was away from the herd, so it was just plain scared," DeBell said. "It would've gone through anything, over anything, and around anything, just to get away."Lakewood Police corneded it in the backyard of a home. It rammed a parked pick-up truck, knocked over a cemented-in basketball hoop, and nearly knocked down a privacy fence when police decided that was enough.

An officer shot and killed the bison around 2:15 p.m. near 1st and Flora. "I gave the directive to do that," DeBell said. "Because, I didn't want anybody to get hurt.""He was jumping around the patrol cars here, busting through that fence and we had civillians getting in the way. It was a dangerous situation," said Sergeant Creighton Bates, Lakewood Police.

An animal control officer was within a block with a tranquilizer gun when the bison was killed."We couldn't understand why they weren't going to use a tranquilizer," said Irene Smith, witness. "We were told by one of the park rangers that it wouldn't have done any good and right now I don't understand why.""If it would've gotten hit by a tranquilizer, I believe it would've started running again and who knows where it would've gone then," DeBell said.DeBell said he is happy with the outcome because no people were hurt.

Reba Sheehan owns the yard where the bison was killed. She said, "Sometimes you just have to give up and do what is best for the public."The Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office were trying to help to capture the animal.

THE OTHER SIDE....

Well, no doubt, you have probably surmised over my brief blogging career that my other career is full of humor and tales of the misfortunate, uneducated and the intoxicated. But, for the 3rd time in my brief 18 years at our 911 center, the dreaded 'officer involved shooting' on our shift arose today.

What started out as an argument between a mom and her boyfriend turned tragic. It was the type of call we take ten times per day that more often than not turns out as separating the 'actors' for a cool down period and we are on our way.

This call started out much the same way. The upset lady was reporting her boyfriend had stormed out of the house, but nothing physical had ensued. He was just pacing in the front yard between the house and his car with a brief mention by the caller that she thought he owned a pistol that was located in a blue pouch under the front seat. He had no local history with law enforcement. As officers drove in mid-block they commented they saw him outside, then noted he was running toward the car. Thirteen seconds of air silence and then the dreaded words "shots fired, male down inside the car". It appears he reached for his gun and made a motion toward the officers who were given no choice but to fire. Simultaneously, the subject had decided he was going to place a bullet in his own head, all while the girlfriend watched in horror as she spoke with the 911 operator. DOA at the hospital.

It was a rare moment when an officer informs a dispatcher that he thought his life was saved when the calltaker and the radio dispatcher were able to convery the 'blue pouch' may contain a gun. The officer indicated withouth that knowledge, it may have ended bad for them as the item looked like your simple CD holder you see in an automobile and would have not otherwise heightended their concern.

Three in a career is enough.....

>>>

Ø Austin doing well with his driving. In the last week or so, he has chauffeured Mr. Daisy to the Pepsi Center downtown to see an Arena Football game and to Boulder to eat a treat at Dairy Queen---about 25% done.

Ø For the 1st time since mid-December, Standley Lake is completely ice-free. Enjoying 60 degree temps today.

Ø Cam enjoyed a long weekend in Phoenix last week with his flight school. As all students, he is looking forward to Spring Break in a week.

Ø Austin’s high school basketball team lost in the State 4-A championship last night, but he enjoyed being in attendance.

Ø Cameron was co-pilot today for his first time ever ‘tail dragger’ experience, a 1946 front-back seater with a cruising speed of 70 mph.

Ø 2 of 6 ‘2007’ resolutions completed: Austin has a car and we have found a church home….

Ø Peace to my Uncle Dwight’s family tonight as he passed away of cancer this morning—85 yrs of age I believe.

Ø “JAMES”, the 1971 Jimmy, is on 2007 goal list to sell—looks like he may sell with a new engine as I discovered anti-freeze coming out of the exhaust—classic blown head gasket symptom

Ø It must be March---illnesses, injuries and aging (birthday month)—this year, a.m. sinus infection seems to have returned. Feel fine after lunch…..hummm..

Ø Four hours later, 2006 tax return about 99% complete---looks like there will be a family vacation after all

Ø Ebay sales still hitting about 90%

Ø Austin starts his track meets this week—will be running the 1mile and 2mile runs, we think.

Ø March Madness—Hook Em Horns!

Ø Two more weeks, Teri, Austin and I will be munching on Whataburgers—Cam house sitting while we are in Lone Star state

Ø Two more months, Teri and I are in Nashville for 4 nights, courtesy of my job—seeing Phil Vassar live at the Wildhorse Saloon while we stay at the Opryland Hotel.
Praise the Lord for a 7pm sunset time in Mid-March—gonna love this new D.S.T.

THERE, NOW YOU ARE CAT-SUPed......

GET IR....

DONE....

Some great friends treated Teri and I out to a nite on the town and seeing Larry the Cable Guy in concert. He was at the Denver Convention Center and I think we were about 12 rows back--awesome seats! It was a gut buster as you can imagine. And, for all of our Texas kinfolk, he is coming to Austin and Corpus Christi in March!

NEW FAMILY MEMBER

Finally, the "Austin car search" is over--arriving an hour ago and 7 weeks after our search began is a 1986 Honda Accord loaded (pwr everything, cruise control, sunroof,etc) with an automatic transmission. Unbelievably, only 133,000 miles and ONE OWNER. Perfect car for him to finish up his required driving hours. He is not even elgibile to test for his license until Novemeber, so plenty of time to hone his skills. And my favorite part--when the sun is hitting it just right, it is a DALLAS COWBOYS blue!

RESCUE 911

It seems the 21 month old Brynn-cess was interested in cute firemen at such a young age, so her mommy gave her a hand this morning by locking the keys in the car, with it running, with MOMMY OUTSIDE the car. Hence, the call to the Arvada Fire Department to come rescue her. The Honda Accord 2 door reaked havoc with their equipment, but after 20 minutes or so, the darling in distress got to meet her 3 love interests!

(After the ordeal this morning, Teri came in wishing she had the camera and then decided against that desire expressing "that would have been tacky"-- oh well, perfect reason for me to have it on my blog :)

SHORT JOURNEY CONCLUDED...

Our gypsy church tour concluded tonite--it ended almost as quickly as it started. This was our 5th venue and our final. Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, about a 25 minute drive from our house and this place is ALIVE and WELL! Cameron actually attended with another girl last week (who used to attend the same church we did and was Teri's coworker-they would make a cute couple :) and called us and just raved about the worship and the message and he was dead-on! While Teri and I felt that going 'small' would be a better fit, clearly we came from a big church that we once loved and now have found another 'big' church. Like Teri said, "It was like looking for a house--you just know when you are at the right one". Of course, the message was 'romance' in nature this week and the lead pastor had us laughing at the outset and crying at the end-- it was a night to remember.

Puxatony Phil’s Demise......

The famed groundhog is nothing more than a happy memory for a couple of buzzards who have feasted on him. It seems "PP" stepped out of his Mile High hole this morning and immediately became a corpse as Denver's record breaking chill for this date of EIGHTEEN DEGREES BELOW ZERO zapped him!

WEDNESDAY'S WIT

Mujibar was trying to get a job in India. The Personnel Manager said, "Mujibar, you have passed all the tests, except one. Unless you pass it you cannot qualify for this job." Mujibar said, "I am ready" The manager said, "Make a sentence using the words Yellow, Pink and Green." Mujibar thought for a few minutes and said, "Mister manager, I am ready," The manager said, "Go ahead." Mujibar said, "The telephone goes green, green, and I pink it up, and say, 'Yellow, this is Mujibar.'" Mujibar now works as a technician at a call center for computer problems. No doubt you have spoken to him. I have.

ANYONE KNOW WHICH WAY THE MOUNTAINS ARE?

From Cameron's flight school pretty much in town a herd of 16 does masterfully guided by their one, studly mule deer buck are in search of morsels! (Click on the photo to enlarge)

MAKE IT SIX...

DENVER – Just in time for the weekend, another round of cold and snow has moved into Colorado. 9NEWS Meteorologist Marty Coniglio says a cold front has moved into northern Colorado, bringing in colder temperatures and the chance for some light snow near the Wyoming border early Saturday morning. Marty says it will start snowing in the metro area during the morning on Saturday. Denver could see 1 to 3 inches by Saturday night.

Teri and I enjoying an Empty Nester weekend with Austin up in the mountains at church camp, and, of course, Cameron now enjoying life as a 'paying' tenant, but we still are seeing him a few times a week. Although between work, college and the gym, he has little time but to sleep.

So, the wifey and I are headed out for the day to hang out in the cold. Starbucks to start the day, a little Ebay inventory shopping, Costco trip and who knows where else.

Praying for warmth and overtime for our energy bill :). Later...

FOR THE 5TH CONSECUTIVE WEEKEND...

...AND WITH WINDS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TONITE TO 50MPH, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS JUST ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING...WHEN OH WHEN WILL IT END....

AIN'T YOUR MOMMA'S BISCUITS...

THEY ARE YOUR GRAN-MOMMAS!

In the event George Clooney's name shows up on our Caller ID and I come home to an empty house, I want the ladies to know I can sustain myself. Actually, the photo of my homemade from scratch biscuits is a tribute to Teri's grandma, Elsie Mae, who we lost last April 1st. As you can see in the background, Grandma Harpster's Hargill, Tx cookbook has been used and abused, especially the biscuit page. There is little doubt that America's proliferation of heart disease started on pg 9 of this cookbook as for one dozen of these golden beauties requires 5 tablespoons of Crisco. I love a recipe that tells me to cook them at 425 degrees, but does not give me the amount of time required, definitely not a male cook's cookbook.....and these cardiac cakes were soooo good with the crockpot bratwurst potater soup on a night where temps were hovering around 5 degrees.....

DENVER VS NEW ORLEANS

and we aren't talking football....
















With a historic blizzard of up to 44" inches of snow and winds to 90 MPH that broke trees in half, knocked down utility poles, stranded hundreds of motorists in lethal snow banks, closed ALL roads, isolated scores of communities and cut power to 10's ofthousands.......

FYI:George Bush did not come.
FEMA did nothing.
No one howled for the government.
No one blamed the government.
No one even uttered an expletive on TV .
Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton did not visit.
Our Mayor did not blame Bush or anyone else.
Our Governor did not blame Bush or anyone else, either.
Nobody demanded $2,000 debit cards.
No one asked for a FEMA Trailer House.
No one looted.
Nobody - I mean Nobody demanded the government do something.
Nobody expected the government to do anything, either.
No Larry King, No Bill O'Rielly, No Oprah, No Chris Mathews andNo Geraldo Rivera. No Sean Penn, No Barbara Striesand, No Hollywood types to befound.

Nope, we just melted the snow for water.
Sent out caravans of SUV's to pluck people out of snow engulfedcars.
The truck drivers pulled people out of snow banks and didn't ask for a penny.
Local restaurants made food and the police and fire departments
delivered it to the snowbound families.
Families took in the stranded people - total strangers.
We fired up wood stoves, broke out coal oil lanterns or Coleman lanterns.
We put on extra layers of clothes because up here it is "Work orDie".
We did not wait for some affirmative action government to get usout of a mess created by being immobilized by a welfare program that trades votes for 'sittin at home' checks.

Even though a Category "5" blizzard of this scale has never fallen this early, we know it can happen and how to deal with it ourselves. "In my many travels, I have noticed that once one gets north ofabout 48 degrees North Latitude, 90% of the world's social problems evaporate. It does seem that way, at least to me. I hope this gets passed on. Maybe SOME people will get the message. The world does Not owe you a living."

Author Unknown (but acccurate :)