Inn the Wilderness

Should have Known...

2010-05-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

You should have guessed, I have a Children's book coming soon. This is something that even I will be able to comprehend...I hope. So I went to the publisher on Thursday and talked about the draft. I think I have a good thing here. I will be able to keep going with the character in different titles.

This is a process that has taken too long and I wish I had some time to work on it without interruption. My goal is to get my book into this childrens book reading/comprehension contest in the spring of next year, along with others I will write by then.
More to come...

Has it really been that long?

2010-05-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long time since I last wrote in my blog. I was in the Philippines this time last year. I don't see a deployment in the future anytime soon (fingers crossed). I am hoping to enjoy a very nice summer in Alaska. Today was a balmy 62 degrees!! I thing we will have a warm summer, unlike the first summer we moved here it was raining all the time.

So I am putting my book together that I started when I was deployed. I have a few more pictures to finish then I will take it to my publisher. I can't wait! Then I will start on my next book when I am on convalescent leave starting the 21st of May.

Hopefully I will have the book for your viewing soon. I am so excited. Guess what kind of book it is...

About Darn Time

2009-08-01T23:20:00.001-07:00

Guess what folks I am almost on my way home I will be there on the 6th. Hard to believe that an entire summer has gone by. So I thought I would write the things that I was able to accomplish: I was able to finish up the one class that I didn't have to drop when I left, and start and almost finished THREE more. I have a couple B's and two A's I am so happy. Now I have two classes to take to finish my degree and start on my Masters Program.
So next I was able to chalk another deployment in my military career.
I spent some valuable time helping the good people on Jolo, although they are destitute, they will do most anything to stay head above water.
I went on five MEDCAPs taking pictures along the way and assisting in various ways that I thought I would never see in my lifetime.
I made some new friends.
I pissed a few people off. Nothing really changed there.
I have read a few books and actually was interested and enjoyed them. Although I couldn't bring myself to finish Harry Potter.
I had a super really awesome totally righteous gift made for my wife to be presented on our 20th Anniversary, don't even try to ask...you will have to wait. And it only cost 35,000P.
I was able to go shopping downtown Jolo and met some interesting people and see the hustle and bustle of the big city. lol
I witnessed the craftsmanship of the Phils in their buildings.
I was finally able to go to an island and then to the beach and was able to snorkel.
I flew on a helicopter for the first time.
I shot a 9mm for the first time.
I drove a Hummer for the first time
I went on a convoy with the army for the first time.
I missed a great summer in Alaska!
I ate octopus for the first time.
I received tons of packages and a really nice one from Marti Goldburg who sent 40 letters full of candy bars for the troops here.
I had a great work out almost everyday and lost 20 pounds to boot.
I for the most part had a good time. There were some times I wish I didn't come here but all in all it wasn't too bad. The best part is I will have a loving wife and children to go home to. Most of all I missed them and just being home. I was sick several times too, maybe that had something to do with missing the family.

Down Town Jolo

2009-07-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

For such a small island this place is bustling busy. The streets are packed with people all day long and this is just one of the streets, although this one isn't very busy. I don't know where they come from or what they are all doing I just know every day is like this. I bought some watches at one of the shops they were cheap but I don't know how they survive I don't think they sell that much. They were surprised when I bought four of them two are knock offs the other two I believe to be authentic, even still I paid P800 which is about $8.

Still looking for a place to go shopping in Manila if anyone knows of a place specifically with cheap stuff. Let me know.

Homeward Bound...Shortly

2009-07-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'll be home for Christmas just you wait and see, in fact I'll be home for Thanksgiving, Halloween, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Yom Kippur need I go on? I'll be heading out on a jet plane don't think I'll be back again!!?

So I started to get ready and low and behold my big suitcase is full already and I haven't even packed any of my stuff. I think maybe I will donate some stuff to the locals, shoes, cloths, no undies though. I'm burnin' those things. Well I went out on another mall run and was cut short by some gun fire down the street. Our escort wanted to go anyways, so they got their way. I hope to do some shopping in Manila too. Well I was able to get some things today despite having to come home early. I got some watches, shirts and a couple more purses for Jen. Gucci this time, I think they are authentic too they are real leather not vinyl. Anyway if anybody knows of a good place to shop in Manila let me know!! Thanks.

Ha Ha Jen! Check Out My Purse

2009-07-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well I shouldn't show this because Jen will see this. I should make it a surprise for her when I get home, 20 MORE DAYS. Any way I went to the mall here in Jolo again and did some shoppin'. I did much better this time, since I new how to haggle with the shop keepers. So I stumbled across this purse I'm sure Jen would love and being the greatest husband in the world I bought it for her. But the one that will be a surprise will be the one that matches her new shoes that just jumped in to her cart a Target.

The thing is I don't think this is a knock off it is real leather. The best part is that I only paid about $9 for it. Tell me what you think, and Jen you will have to wait for Christmas...

A Part of History

2009-07-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

OK, I told Jen I was going to go to bed since it is 3AM, but couldn't wait to put this on my blog. I can't believe what just happened. I just finished a Poly Sci test on-line, said my prayers and snuggled into bed. Then the door bell rang, good news the hostage that was kidnapped in January was released and they wanted us to go and give him a bill of good health. It was very exciting to see him, although I never met him. He is a spunky 62 year old.

We ended up hearing all about his captors dragging him through the jungle and all the fire fights he was caught up in. He said he just curled up in to the fetal position and covered his ears. What a scary thing that must have been. I am glad he is safe and back in the real world.

This one is a little blurry but you can recognize my shinny dome.I am sure he was sick of all the cameras and such going on and the reporters in his face etc.

I took this one and he looked up at me as to say enough. But he was just so happy to be free. Dwight was pretty happy too, this is what he was hoping to do, he got his wish.And we were all able to welcome him back with thanks to the Lord.

Ford Rules My 62 Ford Galaxie

2009-07-07T05:12:00.001-07:00

It has been along time since I mentioned anything about Sherrie my other child. Actually Jen is the one that fell in love with her and allowed me to buy her. She is the reason I love Ford vehicles so much.

I went to an auction during lunch one day, I had to get back to work and couldn't wait for this beautiful 1962 Ford Galaxie to be auctioned. So I put in a sealed bid for about $1200. As you can imagine I did not win the bidding. The very next day I was driving around in south Wichita (Kansas) and saw her. She was in a used car dealership, a really run down dealership. I had to save her. I was so excited that I had to bring Jen to see her. As soon as we were in eye sight of her Jen said "Oh yes, she is beautiful". So I went in and talked to the guys and they wanted like $2000. So I talked to them some more and we looked at her, she was in pretty descent shape except for the 77 Lincoln front seat she had mounted in her. I tell you what...the kids now days. Anyway she was running kinda ruff and the guy said we will have to tune her up and fixer' up before we sell her to you. I said well you know I was going to lay down 1500 cash and drive her away tonight. He looked at me then the books for a second and said deal, as is no repairs. I said none will be needed. So I drove her off the lot that night.

Jen really fell in love even more when she followed me home (to give you a heads up one of her favorite movies is Greese) as I pulled out of the lot flames shot out of the tail pipes about a foot long. She got so excited cause she thought I did that on purpose. Little did Jen know that Sherrie needed a tune up. But I had a ball driving her. She originally came with a 292 Y block Thunderbird engine, and three in the tree. I could actually chirp the tires from a stand still (by the way that is not very impressive).

I wanted to go get her filled up and went to a gas station near our house in College Hill. I got "the look" everywhere I went and still do by the way, even more so now. As I pulled out of the gas station she gave no indication that she was going to stall the next time I stopped which was about 50 feet down the road. I had to wait for someone to turn. Well she stalled and would not start for the life of me. As I was sitting there a pregnant woman pulled up behind me and waited too. cars were passing in the lane next to us an I could see that I was tying up traffic. It gets worse, someone slammed in to the cars behind me and hit the pregnant woman. I was more concerned about her than the car and called the police and went to check on her of course I didn't know she was pregnant until I went back to see her in her car. After the police got there they allowed me to get Sherrie pushed into a lot across the street and then I was able to find that the coil wire mysteriously popped off. How that happened I have no clue I drove for about five miles to get to the gas station and didn't have any problems. As soon as I connected the wire I drove off and the rest is history.

These pics are of her after I painted her, new rims, front disc brakes, air bags all around, new upholstery (I did myself), and a big bad 390 FE engine transplant that I also did myself. Now I not only chirp the tires I leave quit extensive peel outs, and on occasion dump my drive line (twice now too much power).

Ok so the pics didn't turn out I tried stealing them from my older blogs. But you can go to the 08 series of my blogs and check out all the old posts and see Sherrie.

Fathers Day Part II

2009-07-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

I finally got a chance to use my gift and wear my new tee shirt. FORD Rules! They arrived a little later than the pancake mix, so I had to make more pancakes to break in my new apron. Thanks Jen, It's great! All this after yesterdays episode of Dengue Fever. Our Doc here is very concerned about me and getting Malaria and Dengue fever. And rightly so I get bit all the time even after I spray myself with insect repellent. The dogs here follow me everywhere too maybe it's my attractive personality? Or it could be I smell bad? Whatever it is I am tired of it. I was laid up in bed all day yesterday and didn't eat anything. I am feeling a little better today, but I will still take it easy...or anyway I can get it. lol

Hope you all enjoy Independence Day. Of course we can't celebrate the usual way here. They would think it was another attack. Then we would be in trouble.

Homeward Bound

2009-06-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Only a few more weeks! Hope you enjoy this video I made it in respects to me arriving home soon. I had forgotten about this being Williams song. As Jen reminded me. This was sung by a good friend at his funeral.
I listened to the words closely and thought it would make a great missionary song too. I put my twist on it as I am herein the PI mostly for the humanitarian aspect. Let me know what you think.

Poor Monkey

2009-06-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned before that there are a couple of monkeys at the Trauma Center, Diane and Roger. Diane has been there for some time and is pretty much accustomed to all the people that come around to see her. About a few weeks ago another one came into the picture. I think the intentions were to have them mate. I don't know if that was successful or not but it may not be a viable thing now. Poor Roger went and bit a little girl on the face and ended up shot. He was fortunate not to get killed but it might have been better for him if he was dead he is in a miserable state. We had a good time going over and poking fun at him and getting him to flex his muscles so to speak, before this incident. Both monkeys are so cute you just want to let them climb on you and pet them. Roger is so bored now sitting in his cast not moving at all except for his one free hand and head. The orthopedic surgeon said he has a fractured femur. Yes his testies are about a hundred times the normal size. That is normal when you get shot in that area. I am surprised also that the father of the little girl that shot him didn't finish him off. Roger is very lucky...to be alive that is...his current condition not so lucky.

After visiting Roger; Greg and I played some badminton. We kick butt.

The New Candy Man

2009-06-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

Here it is the long awaited candy bombing. This was taken at the Medcap a few weeks ago. We were done giving out meds and check-ups, got a little bored and gave out some candy. The kids had been hanging around just waiting for this to happen. Either they like the candy I had or they just like bald guys. It's probably because I look like such a push over (by the way I'm glad they didn't push me over). They swarmed around me like this was the last bag of candy on the planet and it just happened to be here in Jolo. I had a good time and it was worth the 100 P that I paid for the candy.

Greg had fun too. Notice the girls liked him. He is not as intimidating as I am.

So when all was said and done every piece of candy we handed out the wrapper ended up on the ground, and all the kids had left. Nothing would have led you to believe the U.S. was here except the abundance of candy wrappers left.

Refer to my post about the medcap by the Islamic school. You will be able to see these kids up close.

All in all this really made my day, besides finding the mall, so I could shop for Jen my sweetheart.

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

The mail here is so mixed up and slow that I received the second box before the first box Jen sent. Fortunately the card and Fathers Day breakfast were in the box I received. I hope to get the other box today, but that may not happen cause we were attacked this morning. We scared them off though. All morning the helicopters have been flying over us so I didn't get to sleep in on Fathers Day either. So I was a good father to the guys here and made breakfast for them I can't believe how good they turned out. The pancakes were the best I ever made. They weren't rubbery, and so thick that you couldn't eat them. I ate four of them and was not as full as I usually am. So heres hopen that I get something today but is Sunday too.

To The Bat Cooler Robin

2009-06-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

My friends over at the FISGA house found a little bat in the roof of their house. So they gave him a new home in a cooler. I went over to do my laundry and they said "check out our new mascot" I was very surprised to see a little bat in the cooler. I could get him to talk by making kissy noises to him. He was kind of cute he looked like our little Ricky (chihuahua), but with wings.

I you remember from an earlier post I tried to get some bats on video as you saw that didn't turn out very good. This is my interview with a fruit bat.

World War II and Jolo War II

2009-06-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

We had a Medcap today to check out some of the WW II vets that are on the island and their families. Saw them and enjoyed a very hot day under a canopy. Stars and Strips was there as well. So look for us in the next coming months.

It was a pleasant day until...wouldn't you know it we had another fire fight. This time we lost more of our cohorts and were able to treat 9 injured. They are taking quite a beating but showing good spirit. All these guys are around us on a daily basis and we see them all the time here on camp. It is hard to see them come back this way.
We were also able to get into action; the surgeon and I did an exploratory laporotomy. One of the Marines was shot in the pelvic region still don't know if it was twice or not but he was bleeding pretty bad and rushed him to the OR as fast as we could. If you're squeamish don't look.

It is just the surgery not the other guys.

We were fortunate to save his life.

WOW! Candy Time in the PI

2009-06-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

Wow is all I can say to the Chugach Stake Young Men and Young Women! Well a couple of weeks ago Sis. Marti Goldberg got all of her youngsters together for a combined activity and sent some sweets to the Soldiers here in the PI.

I received those packs today and distributed about twenty, of the forty they made. I was so very impressed and just as surprised at the reception these big guys gave to the letters that came with the sweets. Watch out for the snake!

Every one of them was very appreciative and happy to receive. It broke up the monotony of being stuck on the camp and not being able to do much more than run security, work out, eat, sleep and get eaten by mosquitoes. I must say they all got a chuckle out of them. Here are some of the results. Of course I had to get into the action.

I had to put this guy in here. Jing does not smile very often but I got one out of him. Thank you Marti!

Trauma Day From...

2009-06-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

They are at it again. We had to go help at the trauma center here; there was a fire fight for which we did loose a couple but we got the better of them. Several other counter parts were hit, but not too badly. This one was shot in the ankle.

I remember once when I had to go on a call for a death note in Wasilla as the Alaska State Trooper Chaplain, and the guy's phone kept ringing. Fortunately we couldn't answer it, what would we say anyway? Sure enough all the Phils here have cells and they love to text each other. Needles to say these phones were "ringing off the hook" too.

This is a very sad thing to see. Even tougher are the guys that were out to battle with them, made it back in time to help bring them into the center.

Holy Flying Lizards Batman

2009-06-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a flying lizard? This one didn't know who he was flying too close to. Greg picked him up after he flew in to a drainage ditch. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it with my own eyes. He could be a baby dragon! OK maybe not, but he is really cool. And very colorful, his body was green and when his wings were open they looked like Monarch Butterflies.

MEDCAP #2 Part 2

2009-06-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

These girls were are interpreters while seeing patients. They are recent nursing student graduates. They graduated from the local Nortre Dame Jolo. Unfortunately they have no real experience. But they are very eager and helpful. The one in the middle sitting is the one I asked to go get some candy for the kids. I gave her 100P and she and the girl she went with came back with a bag full of gum and candy. (still waiting for the pics)

This is Jim with a patient and his interpreter for the day. He tried getting her to listen to heart and lung sounds as much as he could.

Here is Greg with his interpreter and a forty five year old woman patient.

This is the window I was talking about yesterday. The window almost lines up with the one in the school and I was able to lean out and get these pics. This is what I originally saw out the window then when I leaned out I saw the next pic. I tried to haggle with the store owner by the window but she didn't speak english at all. She did speak money though.

She wanted 350P for the purse that is hanging on the right. I believe it was a knock off as the price is equivalent to $7. I am trying to get out to the market with one of the army guys but I am not allowed to go by myself.

This was the Mall. It was not very big but this is the biggest in Jolo.

MEDCAP #2

2009-06-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

This was an early start to a long day we had to meet at 0645 to get to Jolo downtown and set up for a 0900 ceremony start; we did and stood around for two hours before it actually started. It was good to get out and see the kids and parts of town that we haven't seen before. Some of it though we could have done without.

This woman noticed me on the balcony after she was done breastfeeding her kid. She was so excited to see me up there she kept pointing and having her kids wave to me. So they were all to happy to pose for a picture. They love to have there pictures taken.

The sign is for an Elementary school I don't know why they had to point out what we would think to be obvious.

We were disappointed by what the water looked like and not one soul cared. While we were standing by the edge of what looked like a pool of human waste, we witnessed the trash from our medcap being dumped in to the water. The water is THE OCEAN front with tons of homes built right there. The burnt posts sticking out of the water is the remnants of the a house that burned in Mar of 08'. The owners now live in the house on the far left.

Here are some cuties that hung around me and posed for pics all morning. I became more popular when I bought a hundred pesos worth of candy and handed it out with a couple of my cohorts.

I think the kids liked looking at my braces too. They kept trying to get me to smile, which I love to do anyhow. I have the pics of the candy giving coming to me by one of the army guys that went with us. As soon as he sends them to me I will post them. They literally attacked me it was crazy to say the least. I kept looking down at my weapon to see if it was still there because they were bumping into me trying to get the candy I had. I think I will dub myself the new candy bomber like the one from WWII. Which by the way was LDS too. We had his grandson in our ward in California.

So we processed about 300 people today and gave away tons of meds and the ever popular tooth brushes. They like to get them but I'm afraid they don't know how to use them. We ended up having a good time and while doing some good. I can't wait till the next one.

The Fun is Over Again

2009-06-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well it's not all fun and games here. This was yesterdays events, we have two guys with open abdomens fractured leg and chest tubes. We had our air medics come down and pick them up to take back to the 21st century. We did the work down in the Phil Trauma Center. I think they will make it.

My Trip to The Other Side of the Island

2009-05-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

Greg and I went on a mission to another camp here on the island. It was a grueling 24 hours, but somebody had to do it. We went to do some minor procedures on the locals and ended up doing some preop and a dressing change. Next time we will get more patients than this trip. We have opened the flood gates (look out now). So we had a few moments to rest on the beach and see some of the aquatic life here. It was quite amazing for me as I have never been on an island and the beach that I have been to was in San Fransisco (cold). So we swam around the area and then they took us on a short boat ride to this rock in the middle of now where. We saw so many more things it was like we were in a finding Nemo or Areal movie. I was glad to see the beauty of the area.

This is Jolo as we left.

Here we are coming in to the camp.

This is the beach! Our beach.

We saw star fish at the rock then later came back to seeing them in our beach area. We released this one after it's photo shoot. Now he's really a star.

All in all we did have a good time and hope to get back soon to help those that have not.

I Love You Jenn

2009-05-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

I had a little time on my hands. Hope this turns out good.

Enjoy!

Just The Guys

2009-05-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

I have never worked in a place where there has only been guys and no women. This is very different and different than I thought. I can imagine that I do, but some of these guys get just as moody and the back biting is still present. Don't get me wrong we all get a long and we have a great comrodary too. I don't mean to imply that it would be worse here with women. But I think people tend to put a show on for the benefit of others. Anyway here are some of the guys with me at the end.

This is our fearless leader Mr. B for short.

Greg he thinks he's a surgeon or something like that.

This is our anesthetist he's hiding something...

This is our PA he is the dish washer here.

These screwballs are are shacked up here in the hospital with us for some reason.

And me I've lost 184 pounds on Jenny Craig!

We have a good group of guys.

Hurray I've Got Chips

2009-05-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

Here they are ladies and gentlemen. The chips that took a long time to perfect. I tried baking, frying, and baking then frying. Nothing turned out as good as the frying alone. They were crispy and half way decent. Although the shells were too thick and made for a very heavy and crunchy chip it was still good. We had some old cans of cheese sauce with jalapenos which made it all the much better. So yesterday you saw me after working out here I am after eating those chips.

I'm the little one biting his butt (Got Fleas) sorry.

Grease Monkey

2009-05-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

This little guy had an infection on his neck and we were able to clean it up a little. It looked like a giant run away zit. When we popped it there was a ton of puss that came out. He will be happy, I am sure when that thing finally heals. Here he is stuffing his pockets with toothbrushes and toothpaste. We gave away four cases of them.

So I have been working out this is me now.

What do you think? An improvement or not.

So my folks sent a package today, well I received it today and inside was a bunch of packing peanuts and this:

They say I am supposed to cut the tortillas up and fry them and voila restaurant style chips. I will have to try that tomorrow. I might bake them since all the greasy food has turned me into a grease monkey. By the way now all the cheese and salsa is gone.

Rain Storm

2009-05-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

This was a spectacular rain and thunder storm. It reminded me of the Mid West. This storm rolled in and dumped a lot of water in three and half hours. We have a couple spots where the gutters are bent and the water just poured on to the ground. We also have tin roofs and the rain hitting that was what got our attention.

This place needed a rain Storm to come in and clean things up a little. The ditches get a little stagnant and smell a lot.

You Don't See This Every Day

2009-05-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

You don't unless you live in the PI. This kid is probably about a year or so old. He has no helmet and nothing strapping him to the driver. How crazy! Well chill out this is the norm here. They even ride whole families together. Highest I've seen is five on one moped and that was on a bigger island with a ton of traffic. I don't think you even have to have a drivers license. Yet another reason to live here.

I was out the other night and took these pics of the little shops we have here on the camp there is four shops and a barber/tattoo place. One of the oddest things I think I have ever seen is the FROG purse. What it is is a frog that is relieved of its hide (all intact) then tanned. Then the strap and zipper are sewn into the mouth and voila a purse that used to be a frog. You think that's gross the pocket coin purse is a half of a frog (zipper in the mouth). Does anybody want me to bring them one? I think it will catch on in the states real soon. Jen will be sporting hers this winter.

Where's The Beef

2009-05-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

I found the beef it is here on our camp! Not...these are the cows that have access to the whole camp. they eat anywhere. I don't know what they are going to do with them since they don't have very much meat on them and they are not milking cows.

So we were walking down to the Trauma center for the rededication (2nd anniversary) ceremony when we ran into the cows. We were supposed to do as many walk in minor procedures as we could. We walked in to the Trauma Center the Phils had already started doing a couple circumcisions and a mole removal. We hung out there for a while (no pun intended) then the surgeon and I were able to do a breast biopsy. It was still kind of weird doing the surgery in their facility, after the last case (appendectomy) and the lack of sterile technique, but we managed.

Wouldn't This Be Nice

2009-05-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

I found my new home here in the PI.

Although it was raining it was still hot and humid!

We took a trip to the next camp over and did a clinic for the populace that has cleft lips and cleft pallets. Seven showed up and we needed 30 we will do another before the doctors that will preform the corrective surgery show up in July. Some of them were very bad and had bilateral clefts on their lips. I didn't want to take pics as everyone else was and though that I would spare them the agony. Hopefully we will be able to get them fixed up.

The surgeon and I were able to do a little lipoma removal too. This is what we removed from the back of some guys neck.

So this is me under a coconut tree. We also brought some home to eat, but don't know how to get in to them. We will figure it out soon.

Say hello To My Little Friend

2009-05-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

I found this little guy when I moved one of the boxes in the ER. He fell off the box on to the exam table and couldn't jump down from there.

Hope I don't get warts.

I released him in the ER, there are too many predators out there that would eat him in a second. I hope he doesn't crawl across someones face as they sleep. There are probably worse things that crawl on us as we sleep.

Gecko Peeping Toms and Master Results

2009-05-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

I finally caught up with those guys here they are. This is what we see every time we enter the bathroom at night. They like to loiter in there for some reason.

I also have been waiting to hear if I made Master Sgt. The result is in and no I did not. This is the answer Jen and I have been waiting for. I will finish my masters degree in management and retire. So in reality I will have master one way or another. My goal was to finish twenty years in the military and I am just about done with that one. Many of you may not have known but I went to basic training the day after Jens birthday so her birthday was a celebration of my nineteenth anniversary this year in the AF. And Jen will be twenty as well for all you wise acres. Less than a year until I can retire now. This is getting very exciting to say the least. I still feel/act like a kid. The only thing that gives away my age is the top of my head. Where has all the time/hair gone. Can anyone tell me?

Thank YOU!

2009-05-13T03:17:00.000-07:00

We had some very scary things happen when Jen and I were on Skype yesterday. I am OK and so is everyone else on the base. There was an attempt on the Governors life, it was foiled to an extent. His body guards were wounded a little. The explosion and fire fight were right out side of the camp. Jen was a little scared and shaken when she heard it. I thank you for your prayers and well wishes.

The picks are of the crowd and military outside of the hospital.

We as the surgical team had to go down town to help. Everyone was OK, but a little shaken up. This is the fastest ride I have ever taken in a Humvee.

Thank you again!

About That Time...

2009-05-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

I think it is about time I explain my blog name. Sometime ago I was investigating this old building by the Matinuska River in Palmer Alaska. I was so excited that I talked to the owner about it. He allowed me to go in and check out the place. I wanted to turn the place into a luxury B&B. It didn't turn out, the owner backed out of negotiations and I was unable to secure funds. I would have been able to Finish the project with $1 mil. Unfortunately nobody had the vision that I saw in this place like I did. I wasn't supported outside of my immediate family. I still have the mind set to do a B&B but it will have to wait obviously until after I retire. I have one year left and then I am throwing in the towel. I will be done with my Masters in Management too.
I have a lot of exciting things going on in the near future. I can hardly wait. I look forward to returning to my family from the PI and spending lost time with them, then I will get in to all these future endeavors that I am planning.
One thing that I have always wanted to do is write a book. You may have noticed that I do a fair job on this blog. But I am currently in the final stages of a children's bed time story. I can't wait till it is done and out on the streets. You will have to look for it on Lulu.com. Rochelle is doing the art work for the book. She is very good at that. In fact she sketched the B&B as it would have looked when completed on a poster board when I presented my idea to the top dog at Alaska USA. He basically said come back when you have grown up. The proposed B&B is at the foot of the mountain that you see in the picture it is called Lazy Mountain. You can go back in the history of this blog and see all the fun I had when that was going on in my life. I believe March time frame of 08.
That in a nut shell is why my blog is named INN The Wilderness.

Have You Ever...

2009-05-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen an avocado this huge? I haven't and they are about five times bigger than the ones they pawn off on us in Alaska. We are going to have some serious Guacamole...oh wait no chips I guess we will just have to eat it out of the bowl. I love avocado so much I have been tempted to just eat it like an apple. I will tell you how it turns out.

We haven't had a rain storm in some time now, but a few days ago there was some clouds in the distance and thunder to boot, but no rain. today the same thing and this is what it sounds like when doves...oh wait wrong song. I love a rainy night, I love to feel the rain on my face as the thunder lights up the sky. Well, thunder doesn't light up Lightning does. You may not hear the thunder or the clouds for that matter but I have some other shots too.

This is a pretty cool bucket of cookies. I picked up at the commissary they usually don't have much but they do have a lot of booze. They had four pallets as tall as me of Rum and another hard liquor. The bottles cost about 60P and the same size radiated milk costs about 200P go figure. The cookies are OK but a little stale. Don't know how long they have been there. Talk to ya later.

Thanks For Your Support

2009-05-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

You are all so wonderful to be willing to support the deployed guys here. We don't have the comfort of home except for the generous packages that do come in. One guy from Hawaii gets stuff literally everyday. He usually shares which makes for good times.

I have noticed a lot of people using Skype, I believe you can punch in my name in and do a search. I will bet money that I am the only Dale Wilderness out there. Last night Jenn's father got a hold of me, we didn't talk, but his contact is in my list now. The video is not always good. Sometimes we will stay on for 2 or 3 hours and other times 1 to 2 minutes. It is hit and miss. Thanks again and enjoy some more pics from the PI. The motorcycle above has a side car and they are everywhere here. It will cost about 20 P for a ride to the other side of town. 50p:$1

Would You Believe?

2009-05-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Would you believe for some reason my computer is not downloading the pics I don't know what the deal is. Any way I just got back from the local Phil hospital. There seems to have been an altercation of sorts. We had to fix up some of the guys and ship one out. Not a fun night, besides the fact that the hospital doesn't have A/C. I sweat my bald head off out there (keep on track with me).

So any how here is the bounteous gifts from the old country a bunch of snacks. MMM yum yum. Thanks mom and dad. I got the packs in 7 days why does it take 3 more days to get here from AK?

So I was at the latrine again with my camera (keep with me here guys) and found this huge bug. It looks like the beetle from A Bugs Life, so I took some pics and asked for its autograph. He gladly signed and went on his marry way. Come to find out it really wasn't him in the first place and I soon found out from some freinds who laughed at my expence told me that the beetle from the movie is actually in Europe on vaction. Now I have a worthless pic of some beetle I don't even know.

I enjoy the sun but not the heat that goes with it. I took Jen out in the back yard with me the other day and talked to here via Skype. It was nice but I sweat in 65 degree weather.

So any one else want to join me on Skype look me up when you get downloaded. Then give me a holla.

Couple Little Friends

2009-05-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

I was able to catch a couple peeping toms on film, but than again here I am with a camera in the latrine. That's not so weird? Right? Anyway enjoy a couple of geckos, just a couple of the thousands here. Usually I am entertained by at least one when ever I eat dinner running on the wall by the TV in the DFAC. They are the coolest little guys ever, they are a lime green almost transparent.

Sea Shells By the Sea Shore or Something Like That

2009-05-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

I found these here by the Hospital they are used in the cement and barricades. I think they just scoop up what ever they can right out of the ocean and use it to build with; there is more coral than anything and literally tons of it. I have some good pieces of that and will show them some other time. I was amazed that these weren't destroyed like most all the others that I have seen. There are little surprises all over here. So Jen agreed that when the Target comes here that we would retire here and live amungst teh shells. It won't be too long since they now have two in Alaska!

Can anyone make out what kind of shells these are. I know the pics are hard to see.

Pics of Me and My Honey

2009-05-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

So this is a little late I tried to put this on last night but web went down anyway enjoy...Jen is going to be super tired tomorrow she and I talked on Skype from 1400 my time to 2000hrs, that would be 0400 for her. What a bill...NOT! It's all free anybody with a computer can download it and use your web cam and mic to talk it is great. Dad you need to go to Skype.com and follow the instructions. it is super easy and fast. It is a great way to see people that you haven't in a long time. So if you are interested then let me know and I'll give you my Skype name. So I wanted some pics of Jen to put on my blog since she has so many on hers, this is what she sent me.

I love her so much. Oh I also got her package yesterday it took 10 days from AK. It was a very nice surprise to see notes from Shell and Myssy. I miss those kids! So here is the progress on my work out I said I would get you some pics of me before the six pack and after. It is really coming along I am following the Bill Phillips program somewhat. I need to stop eating so much and yesterday I didn't pay for my next weeks meals at the DFAC. So I won't have so much grease intake. I do the aerobics portion every other day usually the elliptical and rotate lower body and then upper body the other days the workout that got the most the week prior gets the break the next. So I do upper on Tue then Thur I do lower and upper on Sat again. The next week lower, upper, lower.

Any how get signed up on Skype so we can chat. Maybe if you are interested I can help you with your workout plan.

I Went Out Really Far This Time

2009-04-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure about going out but I didn't want the Col. to be all by himself with a bunch of Army guys. They are really cool by the way, they are from Guam. I wanted to see the outside but didn't want to deal with the body armor and gun and helmet etc. etc etc. Here are some of the pics I took from the country side. There is some really neat places and some not so neat. I think I found a spot for my retirement home, don't tell Jen, but that is my surprise. And it only cost 50,000P! About $20 American!

This is us heading out we are delivering supplies to the outlying camps.

I actually made a Friend while I was here, yes believe it or not. This little guy was tethered to a little hut. He could jump around a bit but was limited on where he could go. I gave him some of those wheat sesame chips from the Costco brand rice cracker medley, he took them right out of my hand. As we were driving away from this camp I saw another one on the side of the road he was much bigger than this one.

This huge tree was so big beautiful I couldn't not show it to the world. I had to take two pics of it!

Here is a little vid of our trip.

Here are some of the local kids that rushed out to see the convoy and laugh and wave.

By the way just kidding on the $20 US. It's slightly higher (but not much).

Spoiled Aren't We?

2009-04-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

You must realize as Americans we have many wonderful blessings. Here it is 2009 and we keep finding bigger and better things in life. Do you realize though, there are many people, might I say millions, if not billions of people that do not enjoy the luxuries that the rest of the world does?

Here are some pics to ponder...

Would you be frightened if you saw this on the way into the ER at your local Hospital? I would and quite frankly I was. But our armed escort helped with that.

I don't know if the ambulance in the foreground works but the one behind it is burned out literally.

This is why I am content on doing what I know is best and contemplate the words "Charity is the pure love of Christ". Not always does it mean giving large amounts of money but simply your time, consideration, help, ideas, in-put etc.

Unexpected House Guest

2009-04-28T01:38:00.000-07:00

I finally caught up with one that wasn't dead, and not where I expected.
This morning while running I saw one and couldn't get my camera in time so I missed it.
When I first got here there were several on the road dead and I did not take a pic.
So I'm walking back to the rooms from the ER, I was following our anesthetist who if it was a snake would most assuredly have bitten him, but walked past it without noticing him. As soon as he passed I noticed it and freaked out.
They have alluded me too long and I finally got a good video. The pics didn't turn out but after we scooped him up we threw him outside. Makes me wonder where he came from and how long he was there. Although he was coming from the surgeons room!

The video is not for the squemish, if you get scared of spiders and mice lookout!

Visit to Jolo Hospital

2009-04-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

I did enjoy getting out of the camp today, but it was a hot one. And we did have to wear our uniforms so needless to say I was sweating like...a guy in his uniform on an island on a very hot day with very high humidity.

These are some of the student nurses sitting around waiting for the sky to fall. The entire hospital has open air halls to the court yard. You would have to go into the ward, OB unit, OR, etc to seek shelter if it rained real heavy. There is no AC and power was faulty at best.

This is the entrance to the ER an armed guard sits there with a sign in front of him that says leave your guns here. The sign here in the corner says "Load or Unload you Weapons Here". I guess it all depends on what you want to do when you go inside as to whether you load or unload?

Here we have a cat one of the pregnant ones we say just wondering in and out of the wards. Probably looking for OB.

This one was making rounds I think.

And how can we forget the hospital goat? Fresh milk for the tots.

All in all it was a very eye opening experience to see the place when we went on the tour with the head nurse we walked in any room and every room no matter if there were patients or not. Our armed Army escorts were welcome to. We did not see the blood on the walls as was described to us the last time the surgeon went. But it makes me ponder how fortunate we really are to have been born in a country as ours that has modern conveniences.

I may change my plans to retire here after the AF. Jenn and I could live like royalty here on just my pension. We would have a maid for every room and be able to have a house with twenty rooms! Look for my next episode I'll have movies of the ride to the hospital. Wow what an experience, but not as bad as Manila.

2009-04-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

This would be really great if you could actually see the Moon and the Bats. On the left of the tree right by the branch that looks like a ledge you might be able to see the moon. The bats are evident in the light. But can you beat this sun set? It is one of the best with the moon I have ever seen. To bad I wasn't able to share it with my Honey. I will though when I get back. Hope you enjoy and I hope you don't get sea sick as I meander around tracing the bats.

If you have been following my blog about packages to send here is one thing I thought of CHIPS! Any kind of chips we have some cheese dip and some salsa but nothing to put in them.

Thanks again.

Say Hello to My Little Friends Eaten Alive (by Mosquitos)

2009-04-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is our Phil crew that has come over for a visit to get to know us. They are the trauma for the camp. They are really nice. I made a cake and we had ice cream and cookies. Sounds really corny but they went crazy for it. they really like ice cream. So the next day they and most of our crew went down town and did about a hundred circumcisions. The right of passage in their culture. I did not go because of some GI issues so I held down the fort.

It's been two weeks since I last looked at American soil. It's been fun here, but I thought I would get away from the giant mosquitos of Alaska, I was wrong just look what they are doing to me here. This is just the half of it. I have bites on my arms, and can you believe my fingers? If you can't tell that is my chicken leg. I really need to start spraying myself more often. I do spray but sometimes we just can't predict when we will be outside.

Thank You for Your Support

2009-04-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those that would like to support the troops and airmen. I told Jen today that she would have to give the address out on e-mail when she gets requests for it. I am happy to receive items of any kind. The bottled water here that we have to drink is very bad tasting too because of the minerals that they add to it, so the little drink mix packs i.e. Crystal Lite and so forth are like gold over here. We are not proud so you can get the generic brands to save a little cash. We also might have to coordinate delivery with Jen so I don't get a ton of olive oil. I have a comment on the last blog entry that a bottle will be heading this way, thank you very much. Wet wipes are not needed and little trial size snacks and the like are welcome. Oh I like car magazines too. I need to replace the girly mags that are here!! Thank you all for your support and prayers, but I think the prayers should be directed to Jen with all the kids. I hope I don't get home and find her locked in the closet from a child mutiny. She seems to be doing alright, but that's her life (the kids). That's why I love her so much. I am also glad she is doing this apron and purse thing I really think it is great. Maybe I'll be a stay at home dad some day. I don't think I could have done this with any other person. Again thank you and I look forward to the surprises.

Here is some coral and shells that is everywhere here.

More Birthday Wishes For My Love

2009-04-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

I stole this pic from my beautiful wife's blog. You may recognize it. Hope you don't mind. I can't wait to get home, although I might have to stay till December??!! We'll see what happens. By then we will be going on our Anniversary trip I can't wait.

Happy Birthday and many more. I wish I could put a song on this pic, the one I would put to it is Rascal Flats Fast Cars and Freedom. Then put on Gavin DeGraw I'm in love with a girl. So put it on when you view this blog. I love you Jen.

By the way I'm going to win that apron. Ha Ha Ha Ha (laughed Sinisterically) (by the way I made up that word)

If You Care To

2009-04-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Like I said, I love to cook but we are limited on the things we can cook to supply on hand. If you would like to send a care package (large flat rate box) would cost less than $12 no matter the weight. I don't have any olive oil or the Montreal steak seasoning. If you can e-mail Jen for the address as I won't be able to display it here she will send it to you and you can send the stuff directly to the guys here. We would all appreciate it very much. There is a group that I would like to thank and that is the Blue Star Mothers they send stuff here on a regular basis if the names of those stationed here are presented to them. Thank you for the goodies. Well so long for now tune in tomorrow for my next adventure.

Lunch Hit

2009-04-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well some of you know that I love to cook, (kitchen mostly). So I am somewhat bored over here and decided to in my free time cook for the guys. Here is what I started with...

This is the chicken that I had to clean they brought it to me on the rib cage and one of them still had the heart! Way cool.

That's its little heart in my hand.

This is the end result, broiled chicken Alfredo. I was able to have our house keeper get us some peppers and tomatoes. I cubed them and sauteed them then put the Bertolli's Alfredo sauce in, warmed it up and spread it over the pasta.

This is the surgeon and the anesthetist cleaning up. I think they all enjoyed it.

Happy Birthday Jen

2009-04-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

I will be the first to wish Jen a Happy Birthday seeings how it is the 23rd today for me and still the 22nd for you all. I trust she will have a good time. Kadie is helping out with that. Of course I can't spoil the supprise if she reads this, so we will have to wait till tomorrow for the results of her 29th birthday bash. I Love You Jen. Happy Birthday!

Earth Date 21 April 2009

2009-04-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well it is two days before Jennifer's 29th birthday!! She can't wait till I get home with her birthday present. I can't wait either! I think she is having a party (don't get too crazy).

Here is what I woke up to this morning. When I worked out at 0600 it was 79 degrees F and probably around 90% humidity. It was not cool in either respect.

Can you imagine this is what we pay for breakfast and dinner (two meals a day) for a week? It's outrageous. Not really it works out to about $40. It is ok for the surroundings. But is nothing like the Hotel in Manila.

This artist guy on the camp is really good he painted this warrior in less than one day. It's pretty good.

I don't know who did the Red Cross that has been here for a while.

I am so glad to see I have quite a following. That is so nice. I don't know any of you but that's ok. Just kidding.

An up date on the dead goat it was killed Chuck Norris the dog. He killed one a while back and we had to pay 1000P. This time maybe more, because of the baby. They didn't even put him down they evidently took him to an outpost. There are way too many dogs here. Yesterday I was bit by a Flea. Hope I don't see to many of them, because of my allergy to them.

Dead Goat Wake up Call

2009-04-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

This morning when I went to work-out I walked the back way off the main road and ran into a dead mother goat. I thought oh, how disgusting, and kept walking then I saw its baby; dead too. It must have been the dogs last night they were barking for about a half hour. It started with a couple then all twenty started in. I went to go take a pic of the thing and it was gone. I really wanted to show you, bummer!

Any way I had a good work out on the elliptical for an hour. I'll probably run this afternoon with the other guys. I'm going to have to cut down on the food in-take though.

Also a side note I haven't set my computer to the Philippines time so when you see a blog it will be in Alaska time I am a day ahead. So today is Monday, you may see it as Sunday and so on.

It would be fun without a pic so here is the water tower on the camp.

Beautiful Sunday

2009-04-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

OK you saw Saturday rainy day...look at today it is beautiful I should have layed out and soaked up some sun. I took a walk and found some kids begging for money and food. They said I was extremely white and made fun comparing my skin to theirs. I kept walking around and found in the sun that my skin IS extremely white. I will have to work on that while I am here.

Just Another Day In Paradise

2009-04-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the way the morning went and early afternoon. It never got sunny just cloudy all day. I was able to get some movies in and lounged around.

Monday I'll start my work out and get some awful before pictures so you can make fun.

Enjoy the video it is footage of right outside the back of the Hospital.

Oh, by the way, did I tell you about flying over the volcano that blew by Clark AFB in the PI years ago? This is it! The whole right side is gone. Surprisingly the vegetation has grown back quickly, it doesn't look like there was an eruption other than the side of the mountain is gone.

Having Fun in the PI

2009-04-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

You can't tell but these are some wild Turkeys on the camp. They go wherever they want. They are the typical turkeys too, they will ruffle their feathers and attack passers-by. This is the jogging road that is not easy to run on because of the large rocks.

For all you military folks this is base housing. Consider yourselves lucky to have what you do. There is no doors windows or facilities with running water. There is our Doc running on the road his first day, you can see how humid it is in the pic.

This is a papia (not sure of the spelling) tree I did not know how they grew it is pretty neat. One of the officers from the Phil AF took one down and cut it up for me, of course they teased me about the side affects that it has. I won't have to worry about that here.

This is me before the big game I went over to the court to play B-ball with my Nine. We won the first game and then I had to sit out. I couldn't catch my breathe.

Hello from the PI

2009-04-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here are my five star accommodations! I feel like a king here in the PI. From the pics you can see my room and massive bed, my shelving unit and desk/closet.

The hall with all the doors are the other rooms. At the other end is the ER/OR.

We actually have running water now in the kitchen. Of course we can't drink it or brush our teeth with it.

This is the day room and the big screen, it was great for watching Wolverine!

Out side the front entrance to the ER is this huge tree. It is so big I want to climb it, but I was told it is bad luck for some reason. I took some pics of the coral and shells on the ground.

Everyday so far it has rained a pretty good thunder storm and has cleared up a little the sun is covered by clouds most of the time. But it still gets hot and is always muggy.

Hope you enjoy I'll have more pics on the way. Keep a look out for the housing here on camp! WOW!

Welcome to Beautiful Alaska

2008-11-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share some recent pics of Alaska...Enjoy!

Earth Date November 2008

2008-11-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

It certainly has been a very long time since I filled you in on my wonderful life. Well here goes; I recently signed up for more classes after last semester Principles of Management and Business Law...an A and a B! Thank you. I started this week a research writing class and a basic computer class, should be fun. Hopefully my blog entries will be spelled correctly and sound better.

Two days ago I started a little project on the stairs and all I have to do is grout and seal. It's hard to see but it is slate in some very different colors, it looks so good.

Looks great, right?

I started another project when Jen was in Utah...The Master Bedroom. Here is what we saw everyday in the "bedroom." It's hard to believe we put up with the color.

So I started with the carpet and pulled it up, it was green too. Then went to the painting. I started with the ceiling with a nice mellow cream, then went to the chocolate brown bottom half and a nice taupe on the upper. I then finished it off with a chair rail, base boards, and crown. it really looks like, as Jen put it, a "magazine bedroom." Oh, I can't forget about the floor, I found a nice dark laminate I also put it in the closet too. I am sure Jen will show you all the updated and finished pics when she gets time.

I put all of our stuff in the living room while doing this. It's a good thing Jen wasn't home to see all this happening. I knocked out a wall too. Just to make the family room a little bigger. I also rerouted the Dish on the front of the house to the side. It is no longer at the front door!!

In the middle of all this Garrett got his Bear badge for cub scouts. He is actually wearing a black bear skin.

And how can I forget check out my beautiful smile.

FIRST SNOW

2008-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? As little as it is, it still snowed last night. We awoke to a thin layer of snow and fog today. Fortunately we didn't have to go to church because it is General Conference; and we listened to it on BYU radio. After the first session Ben came to us in this one piece body suite and sandals and said he was ready to go outside. Needless to say we dressed him for the occasion before he went out to "eat some snow."

We have had a wonderful fall this year and we are working on four weeks of color. The leaves are staying on the trees and look so beautiful. Last year we had one week of fall the leaves changed on Monday and a strong wind blew them all off by Friday. I think we are in for a snowy, snowy winter. Hopefully we will see as much winter wonder land as we did last year, with the frost sticking to everything.

Does anybody else out there have snow today. Tell me what the weather is like where you are!

Lawn Circles Target in Palmer Alaska

2008-09-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

We came home from a bit of shopping yesterday and found this extraordinary phenomenon in our yard. I can't explain it at all. I know that Target is coming to Alaska, but this is crazy. Targets are appearing all over the place. I don't mean the normal Targets. Just see below. Before you do let me warn you this is the beginning of an unexplained ET experience. Target in Palmer Alaska, brace yourself this could be what actually freaks your mind out. Somehow it was perfectly centered in the front of my window and freakishly perfect. Soon we may see people mesmerized by the Target symbol, doing crazy things they wouldn't normally do. You may see more of these phenomenal sightings all around. Small, large no matter the size it will blow your mind. Target is coming and some have been too excited to even speak. I've heard perfect scholars stumble for the words, professional shoppers at a loss, halting all shopping expeditions just to save money. These crazy sightings have driven people mad, I tell you, mad; Simply out of their minds. The best thing to do is just sit back and when the feeling hits you just go with the flow and do not resist, resistance will be futile. The urge to drop everything and go to the mother of all stores will come over you, you must not resist.

SUNsational Fall Weather and AF Ball

2008-09-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the beautiful weather we have had the last three days. It's a little chilly but not a cloud over head. I was able to take Sherri out yesterday and enjoyed the stares from everybody. They just can't turn their head far enough to get a good look! I enjoyed the AF Ball everybody saw on Jennifers blog. We had a good time. I enjoyed myself with my beautiful wife!

Where is Target?

2008-08-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

After arriving late to the Temple and missing a session we were able to help elsewhere and enjoyed our time at the Temple. Always a good time!

For our date night we went looking for the new Target. Jen holds her Target finding apparatus. This isn't Target...
neither is this...
Don't think we're getting closer...on we go.

But wait, here it is, we found it! Only a few short months...till V-Day for the Mat-Su valley!

I don't think the sign could get any larger it wouldn't fit in the picture. This store is huge. One neat thing about it is the Alaskan flag on the side that is as big as the building, sculpted into the wall.

TARGET FAIR DAY

2008-08-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

Although this is an ARMY custom made bike it was pretty cool. Unfortunately they wouldn't let us drive it.
Yet another ARMY car, but this one has two strikes against it...the second is it's the C word that I don't say on my FORD BLOG.
Here is my first love I can't mention her name here, but she was so nice to see again I pet her neck like she used to love so much.
I have my everlasting love now and Sherry...I mean Jennifer is her name! Ha Ha just a joke don't get all bent out of shape.
Cause here is my love right on TARGET!! She flusters me so; I get weak in the knees.
Look out people TARGET is coming to Alaska! I will be the first in line with TARGETS number one fan!!
So you may know that TARGET is opening on Sunday...how are we going to get out of the house without the kids knowing we went to the Grand Opening. So we came up with an emergency room visit to get retail shopping therapy! I'll need to rush her in right away; she has been in withdrawal for 2.5 years. This is just what the Doctor ordered.
What I need to know is the things they currently have so we can have a heads up on what to buy. No toilet paper or razor comments. thanks.

TARGET

2008-08-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

OK so you ever wonder how a bird sees the world below? This maybe one way. Or maybe this is the way a teacher sees the disruptive students head.
Or this!
I work with a lot of sureons but never really though how they see the world. Heart surgeons may see it this way? The only way I ever see them seeing the world is everybody bowing down to them (sorry Garth.)
Halloween is coming up soon. What do you think about Vampires? Is this the way they see the world as everybody a drinking fountain? This might be the way teenagers see eachother too. But we wouldn't know about that...right?
OK enough said!
As you can see I had a little fun with the really cool suckers that Target gave out at the Alaska State fair yesterday. We had more fun there yesterday than at any fair so far. The fire works were awosume. They had two grand finales. The 3-D glasses made every bright light a Target symbol, it was really neat. I can't wait till the store opens Jen is sooooo excited about it. We are going to be the first ones in the store opening day and on black Friday. I have more exciting pics to come with the suckers so stay tuned.

First Day of School

2008-08-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again...another year of some would say torture, others bliss, but most commonly called SCHOOL! This is what it looks like when you take five kids to school on the first day. Our Wing Commander gave us permission to take our kids to school in uniform to show that we support our kids and he encouraged us to continue to do so throughout the year. I'm glad I was able to take the kids I met the principal at PMJS, Garrett's teacher at Sherrod, and Maddie's teacher I knew from Kindergarten (she had him then). Really I enjoyed the short day at work I didn't get in till 1000 and did some work till 1100 ate lunch did some more work and left early.

I was supposed to go to school too, but the class canceled and I wasn't notified until basically a day before so I couldn't quit pull another class together in time. I am taking Business law and Principals of Management. I bought my books today and spent $250. on two books that I'll only be able to get about fifty each when I sell them back.

My week will be very busy Family Home Evening on Monday, class on Tuesday, scouts on Wednesday, class on Thursday, and date night on Friday. I can't wait till October 09 then I know all my classes will be done and I will have graduated and have started my Masters program.

Free Ride in a 1962 Ford Galaxie

2008-08-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well it seems that offering a free stay in a luxury Bed & Breakfast isn't enough. I will also give free rides in my Galaxie plus free stays in a luxury B&B what do you think? Just take that into consideration!!

B&B INN the Wilderness

2008-08-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Either one of two things are happening or maybe both? Nobody is reading my blog or nobody wants to go to a luxury B&B in Alaska. If anybody out there has some rich Uncle, Mother, Friend, Oil Company CEO (like EXXON), please send them my way. I've determined that 10 investors with 100k each would get this place up to par and be the most luxurious in Alaska. They would be able to stay in the INN the Wilderness free of course for limited times and not all at the same time, so I can make some money to pay the bills.I see a million tons of potential. It will work some day, some how.

BMG Plus

2008-08-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Refer to the next blog!!!

A little more about INN the Wilderness or the Big Green Monster (BGM). It will be a luxury suite/banquet hall/commercial kitchen for rent. It is on the Matanuska river bank and at the base of Lazy Mountain.

It has a beautiful bike path starting on the property down to the river following the Old Glenn Highway. It is a peaceful setting and beautiful all year round.

BGM any Takers?

2008-08-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

OK, I've talked to some people about this adventure. I think right know I should look for some "investors" to help out. Anyone that wants to take a vacation to Alaska anytime of the year and stay in a luxury suite, (for free) it will only cost you $100,000 donation (not free). If you are so inclined you can reply to this blog. I only need about 10 donations in the amount above.

Howdy!

2008-08-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

I really need to get back in to this whole seen. I miss writing on my blog . I did the ride along last Saturday and had fun I don't know what it is about driving fast that puts a smile on my face but I was really trying to maintain my composure. We got close to a hundred once. chasing down some kids. We arrested a guy with a warrant, and tried to catch some speeders (no takers though).

I think I will try to become a cop while trying to figure out the "INN the Wilderness" thing. I hope at least one of them will work out! I am taking three classes this semester and hope to have my degree finished before spring semester so I can make graduation this coming spring instead of next October!

How long has it been?

2008-07-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I wrote. So much has happened since my last message. I am part of the Alaska Stated Troopers now...as a chaplain. You might have seen on Jennifer's Blog, but I went on my first suicide, less then a week on. Here is a little pic I haven't picked up my name tag and badge yet. I am going on a ride along this weekend after our ward Pioneer Day picnic. We are roasting a pig I can hardly wait. I will also be on call for the Troopers Friday after Jennifer and I go to the Temple with some friends. Some of you might notice the collar...well as you can see I wear the Trooper uniform the collar is for my protection more than anything. This will hopefully distinguish me from a Trooper so I don't get shot. We do not do any proselyting, but can tell all about the church when asked. The Troopers do not do any kind of religious training only counseling support for those in need.

Earth Date 23 June 2008

2008-06-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been a while. Not much new on my plan to take over the world! Or Palmer for that matter.
We only had three scheduled surgeries today and since we are accredited from the Joint Commission (as of last week) we decided to take it easy.
No word on the BGM either I called the owner last week and he was going to call me he still hasn't.
I'm getting ready for school again. For me and the Kids. Just a little bit more to go. For you military type there is a bill about to be passed for dependants to use the GI Bill of the sponsor. It's also getting a raise on the total usable amount to $80k.
Its been a cloudy day but very pleasant.
Elmendorf is hosting an airshow this weekend. I have to work in the Nacho booth for our Christmas party on Saturday and a roving medic on Sunday.

The Boys, Sherri and the BMG

2008-06-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well you might have guessed it the boys landed in some trouble last night at the car show. Here are some pics of the problem. Robbie was caught red handed. We had a beautiful day yesterday and then when we went to the show it started sprinkling. Fortunately we didn't get rained out and we were able to put the kids on some rides. They had a really good time and we ate too much cotton candy.

I had Sherri out, and Jennifer, Ben and I went for a ride when it was a near blistering 69 degrees. Ben could not contain his excitement of riding in the car every time I floored it he got a huge smile and kept saying do it again daddy. Of course I would have too. I love the feeling of driving around in Sherri everybody looks and people usually shout "Nice Car!" Although they could have been starring at Jennifer and saying nice car...but then again she doesn't always ride with me. She don't like the rocketing power under the hood.

I've been trying to get ahold of the BGM owner he still won't return my messages and his voice mail is full and you can't leave any more hope nothing has happened.

Fresh Fruit and Veggies

2008-05-25T20:10:00.001-07:00

I miss the fresh fruits and veggies from Larry's in Cali. I wish we could run down just for some warm weather and fresh produce. Tell me about your super finds.

First Holiday Weekend for the Summer and Last with Kadie

2008-05-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

We have been having a beautiful week in Palmer until Saturday when it rained most of the day. It's a good thing we didn't go camping!

It's Kadie's last day with us today Sunday before she heads off to Ketchikan AK. I think she will have a wonderful time. We are going to miss her and her help around the house too. This will be her first job and her first experience away from her family. Hopefully we can keep in touch frequently. This is my picture tribute to Kadie.

Car Trouble #8

2008-05-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well I did it again...the last time this happened I was driving to the Stake Center to get my temple recommend renewed and Jen and my parents were with me. I finally got Sherri running and decided to take her to the church. We drove off Travis AFB and made it about one and a half miles down the road. We stopped at a light and I thought I would show off a little. I was first and ready to go, so I sped off and nobody could catch me; or so I thought. All of a sudden we heard a large BANG and an even louder noise like a polar bear and a grizzly fighting, scratching and head butting the underside of the car. The drive shaft broke loose from the differential the Universal joint couldn't handle the power of the new engine. So the drive line is not attached to the transmission by bolt, screw, nail, wire, or bracket and can just slide out without the U-joint in place. I was traveling pretty fast at that time, and when the bears below were fighting to get out from under the car they really didn't smash a whole lot of stuff before the drive line flew completely out from under the car and up into the air about six feet and then landed in the ditch. I was needless to say embarrassed and pulled quickly over to the shoulder. I was going fast enough that the car had enough momentum to travel another mile down the road and into the lot of Burger King. We parked and called a tow and eventually got to the church on time.

So like I said it happened again. I have been on leave this week and enjoyed the company we had (Jens parents) I spent a little time out in the garage working to get Sherri back together. I finally did and took her out for a spin she was running great and the adjustments I made to the tranny linkage seemed to have worked although I don't have Park or Reverse. I took her down to Fishhook Rd and turned around, at the stop I lit'er up. She smoked the tires for a good 50 feet and I don't know how fast I was going (I took the speedometer out), but it seemed I was going at a good clip. I went back to the house and gave her a rest.

Jen was going out and I decided to go too. She took the truck and I Sherri. We were both driving around and on the way back to the house we met up and once again at the light I decided to speed up and pass Jen when it turned green. So we took off, I don't know where I picked up those bears again but they got under that car and ripped out that U-joint. this time the drive line didn't come flying out for which I was looking to see, but it stayed in and there I sat waiting for another tow. Of course Jen came back to check on me and see how mad I was but I was excited, I realized I have too much power for the wimpy stock U-joints this time those bears have another thing coming when they get under the car cause this one is here to stay I got the heavy duty one!

Hair-B-Gone or Back or Whatever - Kadie's almost DONE!

2008-05-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well I was confronted by our Elders quorum president. He said he saw Maddie my youngest daughter at school. He asked her how I was doing since he came over with my home teacher and gave me a blessing when I was really sick in April.

Maddie told him the blessing didn't work. "When you put the oil on his head it didn't work.

He looked at her puzzled and asked, "well is he still sick?"

She said, "No"

Pres. Gooch said, "Well what is the matter."

"His hair hasn't grown back yet," she said.

He started laughing and made it a point to tell me.

I didn't hear in the blessing where he promised to restore my hair but she did. Unfortunately it still hasn't grown back.

Kadie graduated from seminary tonight she has gone all 4 years. Jen and I are so proud of her. One down 6 more to go!

Summer Is Here

2008-05-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

The trees are blooming and the grass is starting to get some color. Yesterday it was a warm 62 degrees, so we took advantage and got out.
Robbie, Garrett, and I went camping Friday night with the scouts. We had a good time and it brought back memories of the one and only camp out we as a family had in 2001 when we went to the Red Wood Forest in N. Cal. That was a really fun week. We are thinking of going camping this weekend too.

No, Really It's Spring

2008-05-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Yes it's finally Spring and warming up to a toasty 55 degrees in the day. The trees are blooming as you can see in the pics and we have a lot of snow too! I really like this time of year for that reason but the sun is now up until about 1130 PM. Thank goodness for thick drapes. I can't wait to get the Galaxie out and see what she can do. That reminds me I need to write a Car Trouble. I have been feeling a lot better lately and getting ready for the end of school which was last night. I drove by the BGM yesterday and it's still there. ugly as ever haven't heard from the owner. I think he might have thought I lost interest after the two guys came and looked at it with me and kind of discouraged the both of us. I won't give up though I think this town needs an en... no wait that's Batman this town needs a place like this.

Tell me how hot it is in your neck of the woods.

Spring is Here

2008-04-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is how we Welcome Spring to Alaska. All the stores get their gardening items, grills, and summer toys out and ready for sale and just in time too.

How's the Weather?

2008-04-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

I tell you what the weather this year has been so weird. We thought that we were at the end of the snow season for the spring. Well Friday proved us wrong again when I came out to my car from work I literally had a foot and a half of snow on it. I in my wisdom I put my ice scraper/snow brush in the garage. Some airman helped me get the snow off the car seeing me struggle with the hand towel wrapped around my hand. We got all that snow in less than 24 hours and the day before was very nice. Hope these pics make you feel better about your neck of the woods.

Celebration

2008-04-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

I have been so sick the last 24 plus days it is pathetic! I wish I knew what was keeping me down, so I can turn it around. So here is an old picture that will hopefully perk me up.

I think a congratulations is in order I finally hit 18 parked cars...no that's not it I hit 18 raccoons on the highway...no that's not it either oh, I hit 18 years in the AIR FORCE!!! Only two more left then that's all she wrote, the fat lady will sing, the end of the line, stick a fork in me I'm done, I think you get the point.

Maybe that is why I am out of my mind? I can't believe some of the stuff people pull when they have that much more rank than you. When I retire I'll have another segment like my Car Troubles it will be Life in the day of...

until then you can get me anything you want for my anniversary although it seems Jen forgot after her special day yesterday. She's pretty hot for a 79 year old. Happy Birthday! She also won a design team position. Way to go Babe. By the way I made the cake.

well I could have.

BGM

2008-04-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to the BGM today and Scott the contractor came over to look at it with me. He brought a friend too. We all walked around the inside, they gave some good advice and said it is doable but it will be very expensive. They were talking over 500k just for materials to get it up to par. I don't see that, but who am I right. They suggested an architect to draw it up and then I would have a better idea on how much. So I will have to see how much that will run me and probably have to wait until I win the lotto...to bad Alaska doesn't have one. I am at a stand still but I still think it is a really good idea. I guess I'm not rich enough to be rich?! The owner had a time today too. The Realtor that was going to come over and do a quick assessment originally was going to do it free (last year) then a couple weeks ago she said $200 then when she arrived today she said $500. The owner said hold on a minute. So she came down a hundred!! He said well I'm going to have to think about it. Then she said well it will only take about five or ten minutes!! He said no thanks, see ya. I just don't know about money it sure is a funny thing that will change people in an instant. So I will leave you with a beautiful site that I was able to see today. This is Pioneer Peak and Lazy Mt from the half way point between Palmer and Wasilla. Never mind the spot, it is in my camera.

Car Trouble #7

2008-04-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm unable to drive Sherry much because of the lifters. And the lifters are a little more in depth, I didn't want to do it by myself or even at the Hobby shop. I once again took Sherry to a mechanic. This one was probably the worse one yet. I specifically asked the owner if he could do this, he said "sure not a problem bring it in."

When I picked up the car long after he promised I was so angry I couldn't talk. He said that this car was different than any other car and his guys couldn't adjust the lifters. Well they sounded worse than before. I wasn't sure I would be able to drive her home. Then he said well when we were trying to do the lifters we punched a hole in the radiator. How they did that I don't know. To this day I can't believe I actually paid him! I later went to a radiator shop and had them rebuild the radiator which needed to be done anyway, but cost $300 that I wouldn't have had to spend if the mechanic didn't mess it up. I don't remember where I got the lifters done if at all. Tune in next time for the wheel and tire story.

The past few Days to include the BGM, Galaxie, and Jens accident

2008-04-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

What a long couple of weeks. I think it wouldn't have been half bad if I wasn't mostly bed ridden. I got a call from the owner of the BGM today. I made a really good deal on the transmissions that he has that are supposed to fit my car. He wanted 200 for the pair. I said will you take 100 he laughed, I thought ok he wants his 200 out of them. Then he said how about 125? I said done I'll pick them up when I get my truck from the shop. Here is what my garage looks like without Jennifer's truck. I like it...maybe we'll keep it this way?!

The owner is going to have the realitor come over on Thursday. He invited me to come over too, just not when the realitor is there. He also agreed to let me bring over a contractor (Scott) that has done some repairs on our house. I called Scott and verified he can come out on Thursday too so I am very excited to see what we got going on with this BGM. I am going to take some measurements and start getting the floor plans done completely.

Big Green Monster BGM

2008-04-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

I did get out yesterday, first time I left the house since the surgery. I went to a B&B Association meeting. It was actually really nice and everyone was very nice. It got me excited again about the INN.

Good to see some comments on the last BGM post. Although the well is pumping saltwater and they did try to drill several of them they had no water pressure anyway so they drilled in the river bed and got good water. Unfortunately the Matanuska River spring floods came and knocked the well out about 15 feet below the surface and they didn't get it back. So options now are to drill from the property at an angle down under the river bed and bingo good water. I will still have to get a purifier because it will be river water but it will be better to drink. I left a message about the BGM on the owners phone and as soon as he calls I will give him an offer. I think he will accept contingent on the loan approval. I really hate to see the buildings like this go to waste. Someone, some time ago had a dream and it didn't work for them it's a shame they couldn't keep it going with something else.

I have started doing floor plans of how I want everything. This is going to be the best thing that happened to Palmer! I understand the Moose lodge is a commercial kitchen that a lot of the caterers use but they aren't completely satisfied with that place as well.

Another thought occurred to me to have a bunch of kitchens instead of a banquet hall and have all the caterers come as much as they want and as many as can fill the place. That would be messy. I'd have caterers fighting and that wouldn't be cool.

So any how I still would like comments on the last price is right BGM post let me know. Either way I will still press on with the plan to do this thing. Thanks again and write you later

By the way this is what we took to the "Big Wigs" at the bank.Rochelle helped tremendously!

Snow in Alaska...Still! Are we over the tonsils yet?

2008-04-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well can you believe it; snowing again? It snowed all weekend, literally. We had a day break with Sun all day yesterday, just goes to show how crazy this weather can be.

I am feeling much bettter but can't seem to drink water. I had my first real, full meal yesterday (bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup and half can of diced tomatoes w/Italian seasonings) and today the same. I have totally let my self go this week. We had GC on Sunday and watched it online, so I didn't have to shave and haven't been to work or school...opps. Here is what a bald guy looks like that doesn't shave.

Tonsils, Big Green Monster

2008-04-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am still not feeling my best or even close. The only thing I did all week was sleep and lay around the house. I was hoping to do more but I underestimated the power of the dark side. I do have next week off as well and hope to feel better before I go back to work. I need to think positive and it will happen...

BGM

I have been doing some thinking about the BGM, ok a lot of thinking. I really need to purchase that soon. The owner hasn't gotten back on an asking price, so I think I'll just offer what I think is a really good price, of course for both of us.

I am interested in what you all have to say about a good price. Here is some more info to help you come up with an offer price: No well, the last one pumped saltwater, no sprinlker sys., no walls and no water pipes upstairs except to one 3/4 bath, no elevator, single pain windows, individual heaters scattered throughout, no kitchen, all floors and ceilings have to be done, outside upstairs exit needs stair case, and all the junk to cleanout. If this is not enough there is more I just don't have time to list. Again tell me what you would offer. Oh it's on 1.94 acres of river front property it also needs cleaned!

Tonsil day and UPPP

2008-04-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

You may know that I don't drink alcohol and there is a reason for that after yesterdays surgery I felt so out of my mind and couldn't control it. I didn't like that feeling. The little jokes that the Anesthetist's tell are "are you ready for your margarita?" and hit you with "the good stuff." If you ask me it's not so good. It also gave me a false indication of what to expect the next day and now I am hurting...bad.

Everything went according to plan, although my tonsils were larger and longer than the Doc thought.

Everybody treated me well and it was a good experience. Now hopefully I will sleep without snoring and apnea. Got to go feeling nausous. Talk to you later.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern.

BGM

2008-03-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

So the meeting went very well I had a lot of fun presenting to the so called "big wigs." They were really nice guys with a lot of info about loans and getting them. Unfortunately I do not have the 150k to put down. I will keep trying to find a lender that will give me the full 700k to get this thing up and running. The "big wigs" are still going to help guide us but I'm sure they will not give us the loan. They did suggest another place out of Seattle that does loans specifically like this from the SBA customers. I just think it wasn't the right time (too early). I would like to get the loan sometime around the fall so that we can have a grand opening in the spring and do some cookin' all summer! Thanks for the prayers and well wishing but it ain't over till the singing lady leaves the building.

BGM

2008-03-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

I have spent the majority of the day working on my business plan to get this monster going. I think it is all good now, just need to tweek it. I did take a break and take the kids out for DQ and show them the BGM. We also had a game of Monopoly which ended in a tickle fight I won. I'm supprised Garrett didn't wet his pants he was laughing so much. Please keep praying that we get this thing I meet with the loan officer on Monday at noon. I know we can convince him to see this thing like we do. Here are some more pics. Sorry if you have been looking for car stories I have been pretty busy, maybe tomorrow. Thanks for the support!

Big Green Monster BMG

2008-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am still looking for some Millionaire to give me a measly 500k to start this thing up. After my excitement HI the other day I almost hit the bottom today when I spoke to a bank loan officer that owns a cabin place out in Willow. She basically said shot yourself now.

I don't understand why you need money to get money as in a down payment. To get the loan I need, they want 20% of the loan then they give you 80% and your own 20% back!! I need 158k to get a 790k loan then I CAN GET BUSY!

Shelly drew up a sketch of the BGM with some landscaping and different paint. I was so impressed I can't wait to get started. Any moment now it will happen, I can feel it. Keep the faith talk to ya later.

Car Trouble #6

2008-03-26T18:40:00.001-07:00

Sorry I missed you all yesterday. Too much going on I guess. So where were we...oh ya Sherry made it to Cali for the first time probably ever. Once we got her settled in she sat, and sat, and sat. When I found a highly recommended tranny place I took the transmission out my self and took it to this mechanic to rebuild. This place was amazing there must have been about 300 guys rebuildig tranny's in the three buildings I saw. Once the tranny was built I had the auto hobby shop guys on Travis AFB help. As much as they didn't want to they did.

I did it! finally I did something to repair her without a mechanic doing all the work. I felt good and proud. I was happy until I drove her out wouldn't you know it the lifters started knocking!

Big Green Monster new pics

2008-03-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

I spent the entire day dealing with this whole thing. I found out lots of info, too much info. I have a lot of homework ahead of me. I've got huge planes for this adventure/career move. Jennifer and I are both getting excited. Things have been working so far despite all the hurdles. We still have a ton of work and lots of prayers to go yet. Thanks for all the visits to my blog I enjoy seeing the different countries on the counter. Please keep praying that things will work out for us thanks again.

Car Trouble #5

2008-03-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

So we got Sherry all fixed up and ready to go. We made all the arrangements from Cali to get her fixed and then with my dad to get Sherry to the out skirts of Salt Lake City then we would tow her back to Cali. So before this time I secured a tow dolly to get her and I went all over town to the transmission places and asked "will I be able to tow a rear wheel drive car from Utah to Cali on a dolly?" A resounding Yes from all the mechanics. I didn't follow my gut feeling and did it anyway. It probably didn't help that I pulled her back with my 01 F-150 at 80 on the cruise. We must have pulled her about a hundred miles before the rear seal blew out spewing all the superheated tranny fluid. How I noticed was the thick white smoke pouring out and filling the air. I quickly took the drive line out and on we went. Now I had to find a transmission place that would rebuild her. Obviously I wasn't going back to the guys who told me that I could pull her without pulling the driveline.

HAPPY EASTER

2008-03-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics before church. Everybody in their Easter best.

Car Trouble #4

2008-03-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and I made it to Cali with me racing around her with my Focus, as she slowly chugged away in the van. By now the van was missing and not running right at all. We found out from the Bishop of our Ward in Fairfield of a place to take it for repair. To make a long story short we spent over $300 for a distributor and the problem persisted so the mechanic changed the spark plug wire and oh my gosh it resolved the problem. That guy cost us big time!

Some time had gone by and I sure was missing Sherry. But I knew that I had to get her fixed before I could bring her to Cali...or so I thought. I found this guy who would rebuild the engine and R&R for a decent price so I went a head and gave the ok. Sherry was now under the knife and getting a heart transplant. Jennifer and I decided to take a little vacation and pick her up. I was so excited when I drove her, until she seemed to be lagging a little. Come to find out this guy had a hunch that there was a bolt to long, there was, and it ended up bending a push rod. Now we are down for the count again. He repaired it and still didn't seem to be like before. But I took her anyway.

We were on the way back to Cali with Sherry, how fun. I was driving her and Jennifer was driving the van. It was loaded and the car was loaded with stuff and kids. but we were happy and ready to get home. Everything was going great, till we got out of Salt Lake City I heard a grinding noise and the oil light came on. So I immediately pulled over and checked out the engine. It sounded ok and I continued on. Didn't get very far and pulled over for good the engine wasn't getting any oil. What a bummer!

I was mad and Jennifer was mad we sat on the side of the highway for about 5 hours until a cop showed up. Then another hour for the wrecker. We were towed 90 miles to the Nevada line and dropped off at another mechanic shop. Come to find out she was dead, no oil pumping through her veins. So there she sat for a few months as I paid rent for her to sit there until my dad came with a trailer and pulled her back to Wyo. The mechanic and the guy who rebuilt the engine agreed to do it all over at no charge, but very reluctantly telling me I ran her out of oil. The guy didn't rebuild her like he did the first time and skimped by replacing only the things he wanted and didn't machine the way he should have as I found out by a mechanic in Cali. So they got the engine back in and started her up. NO oil pressure again they were baffled.

Partly my fault I skimped on price and didn't replace the distributor and the oil pump gear on the bottom end of the distributor was shot. I learned my lesson in a hard way and very expensive way. All I want to do is drive Sherry! Is there a problem with that?? But wait it gets better; tune in Monday and see how it could get better than this.

Big Green Monster

2008-03-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well no news yet. I have to call the loan officer in Wasilla on Monday. The helpful guy at the SBA said sounds like a good idea but I should talk to the loan officer to see if it is a fesable idea for them or any other bank to loan out the 700k that I have estimated I'll need. Here are some more pics. This bottom pic is from the river bed looking up on the back side. Shelly and I drove down in the river just to get a good pic.

Car Trouble #3

2008-03-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

By now you probably think what a lemon, or what disaster, or good grief get rid of the thing. I have had Sherry for a long while and have grown attached to her, it would be like getting rid of one of my children and I could never do that!

So getting on with today's Car Trouble, I finally found a great place to get the engine work done and these old guys thought I was out of my mind when I asked if they knew how to work on the lifters. This place was called Dinosaur Auto; what do you think. Well I found them like two weeks before we were leaving Wichita. Just my luck, right. They made Sherry sound so good I couldn't believe it. I wish there were more places like that, then maybe I would take her to mechanics instead of doing it myself.

I better get on with the trouble for tonight. We were going to drive from Wichita back to Cali and decided we were going to drive the Plymouth van pulling our trailer with almost a ton and a half of stuff. Mind you this van had the little four cylinder. It had some lag in the mountains but pulled it seemingly with out trouble...until Salt Lake City. But that is not the car your here to read about, right? Anyway we also had a 2000 Focus ZX3. Yes as you might have guessed a dilemma, two drivers and three cars. I decided to rent a car dolly and pull the Focus with Sherry. No problem she had plenty of power with a factory 175 horse, but with a couple bad cylinders likely down to about 130 or so. Well we were all packed up and ready to go. We hit the road for Cali and after a long couple hundred miles had to fill up again. I decided to check the oil and move on. Low and behold, Low being the key word here, Sherry had just about no oil. I thought if this is the way it's going to be I better buy a case of oil for the rest of the way. Every time we stopped I had to put more oil in her. She was running great though pulling the Focus and I didn't think much more about it. When we arrived in Burns at my folks house she was almost empty again of both oil and gas and I had no more oil from the case I bought. Jennifer and I discussed the problem and felt it would be better to leave her in the barn (no not Jennifer)until we could properly get her out to Cali. This was the beginning of trouble #4, #5 and #6 tune in tomorrow same car channel and read how funny it gets...do you sense the sarcasm?