So yesterday I had 15 free minutes and stopped by our farmer's market to get fresh fruit for the family. I know the guy that owns the place and he gives us half the fruit for free 'cause of our larger family now- nice. Anyways, I was waiting in line and this 16 year old boy starts talking with me about how he doesn't like all of these people and that he is from a much smaller place. So I ask him where he's from- Big Lake, AK. I told him I went driving across that lake 2 winter's ago and about all the family in Wasilla and that it was Grandpa's birthday yesterday. His Mom then tells me that the 7th is also her Mom, Grandma, and niece's birthday. Then, I shared with them some good treats to buy at the market. The boy said he had heard of Ford 'cause he has older cousins that used to play hockey in the area. Interesting that I was compelled to go to the market with my 15 extra minutes and ended up meeting them.
So I woke up with you on my mind, Ford, and wanted to let you know I was thinking of you.
Tehya said " I love you Uncle Ford", when I just asked her what she wanted me to tell you. She actually kept her clothes on this week so that I could take her to the pool in our old neighborhood on the 95 degree day. All is good here. We are looking forward to seeing Auntie Kate the weekend after this one. We are holding you both in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Shanna
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Dear Dad...
Remember when we would take long drives together?
COME HOME SOON AND PLAY WITH ME!!!!!
Remember when we used to snuggle on the couch and watch movies?
I miss those days...
COME HOME SOON AND PLAY WITH ME!!!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Ford Stories
Since everyone is telling Ford stories I have to add one more. Corliss was in school at the University of Alaska doing her nursing degree. Evidentally Ford would help her study! I was living in Texas at the time and I called or got a call from my sis. Ford was 'little', maybe 5 or 6. He and I talked on the phone and during our conversation he told me he had invented a machine that would cure AIDS. This machine would seperate the bad T cells from the good T cells and then the good T cells would be put back in the people with AIDS and that would help them get better. Hell of a concept.
As Uncle Stosh said, all is about the same in California. We are looking forward to spending some time in Mexico and seeing everyone. Kate - I still say you could work from the beach! Jill and Paul - the beach is calling.
Ford - you know how much I love you. Stay safe.
Love to all,
Auntie Carla
As Uncle Stosh said, all is about the same in California. We are looking forward to spending some time in Mexico and seeing everyone. Kate - I still say you could work from the beach! Jill and Paul - the beach is calling.
Ford - you know how much I love you. Stay safe.
Love to all,
Auntie Carla
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Chi-town....
Last weekend, while in Chicago for a business conference, I got to visit with Royce during the Venetian festival. On my last night, Mom Z drove up from Madison and we all had dinner together on the boat, it was soo nice!! Thanks you to both for the hospitality...Pictured is the view from Roycey's boat --not bad!!
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Mad Bomber of Shattuck-St. Mary School
Zimmy. I remember your post about Shattuck and how it is producing several NHL hockey players lately.
Here's a little known known factoid about Shattuck that most poeple don't know.
During the two years prior to Fordo's graduation from Shattuck, we both gained somewhat of an affinity to the art of building improvised explosive devices.
We used the garage and back yard of mom and dads home in Wasilla as a "proving ground."
When Fordo graduated, I packed in my checked luggage, all things necessary to put together an IED. This of course was prior to 9-11-01, so all the gear made it to Minneapolis-St Paul without the slightest delay.
Late in the evening, or early the next morning, following graduation ceremonies, Pops, and myself detonated an IED on the football field of SSM.
The concussion was deafening, setting off a few car alarms in the vicinity. We all scurried to the rental car and drove off. The next day I saw the crater in the football field and I have to admit it was pretty impressive.
Looking back at the event, I remember there being plenty of alcohol involved, and I don't think Corliss was to thrilled with the shenanigans. I'm pretty sure if we would have been caught, we probably would have ended up in jail.
Fortunately we did not, however, the next day the campus was abuzz about the rather large explosion the night before.
So, not only did my brother start the biggest food fight in West Point history, he was a part of what later became known as The Mad Bomber of Shattuck St-Mary School.
Was it small explosive devices that got my brother interested in being an operator in the Army? Hmmm?
Forder....I love you brother, and I miss you like crazy. I can't wait to make some more memories with you with or without explosive devices.
BTW. It must be in our blood because Beau's 8th grade science project involved plastic bottles, tin foil, and some type of Drano....when mixed together made a pretty hefty boom, and the "coolest" part of it all, was that it was sanctioned by his 8th grade science teacher.
Evidentally there are a few cool teachers left.
If any "heat" comes as a result of this post...it was all my idea....and no one else helped me. I lit the fuze and strategically placed it on the field. Fordo had no idea what was going on, and had he found out he probably would have called the Fairibault Police Department with a tip.
To the rest of you reading this, family, and friends alike. Thanks for your continued support for Forder and Kate
Namaste
blayner
A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. -M. Ghandi-
Here's a little known known factoid about Shattuck that most poeple don't know.
During the two years prior to Fordo's graduation from Shattuck, we both gained somewhat of an affinity to the art of building improvised explosive devices.
We used the garage and back yard of mom and dads home in Wasilla as a "proving ground."
When Fordo graduated, I packed in my checked luggage, all things necessary to put together an IED. This of course was prior to 9-11-01, so all the gear made it to Minneapolis-St Paul without the slightest delay.
Late in the evening, or early the next morning, following graduation ceremonies, Pops, and myself detonated an IED on the football field of SSM.
The concussion was deafening, setting off a few car alarms in the vicinity. We all scurried to the rental car and drove off. The next day I saw the crater in the football field and I have to admit it was pretty impressive.
Looking back at the event, I remember there being plenty of alcohol involved, and I don't think Corliss was to thrilled with the shenanigans. I'm pretty sure if we would have been caught, we probably would have ended up in jail.
Fortunately we did not, however, the next day the campus was abuzz about the rather large explosion the night before.
So, not only did my brother start the biggest food fight in West Point history, he was a part of what later became known as The Mad Bomber of Shattuck St-Mary School.
Was it small explosive devices that got my brother interested in being an operator in the Army? Hmmm?
Forder....I love you brother, and I miss you like crazy. I can't wait to make some more memories with you with or without explosive devices.
BTW. It must be in our blood because Beau's 8th grade science project involved plastic bottles, tin foil, and some type of Drano....when mixed together made a pretty hefty boom, and the "coolest" part of it all, was that it was sanctioned by his 8th grade science teacher.
Evidentally there are a few cool teachers left.
If any "heat" comes as a result of this post...it was all my idea....and no one else helped me. I lit the fuze and strategically placed it on the field. Fordo had no idea what was going on, and had he found out he probably would have called the Fairibault Police Department with a tip.
To the rest of you reading this, family, and friends alike. Thanks for your continued support for Forder and Kate
Namaste
blayner
A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. -M. Ghandi-
Hey Fordo!
Just a note from your Uncle Stosh.
The Skipper gave us a day off (we are seriously kicking butt in making sure you've got back up) so I thought I'd catch up on some things I needed to do - one being to write you. Hope you're doing well over there, anything you need let me know.
Stories about Ford when he was younger? You need to pay me some "hush" money unless you want the Fordo at @ 1 1/2 - 2 years in my dad's van stuffing his diaper with dad's change that he kept in the console story to come out.
Everyone was out at a picnic (yes, another picnic) and Ford disappeared. Grampa found him in the van loading up his diaper with the change he kept in his console. As I hear it the diaper was sagging like it had a pound of poop in there. OOPS! Guess I just told it. Oh well, guess you saved some "hush" cash. Fordo always did like $$$. I"m glad he learned that it's not all for saving. I worried about that for a while when you were younger but you figured it out just fine.
I'm looking forward to seeing your mom and dad in about a month in Mexico. REALLY wish you and Kate were joining us. We'll drink a cervesa to your health and speedy return home. Maybe next year.
Anyway, things are the same here. I'm going to have shoulder surgery in October the other possibly in December. They should then be done cutting on me and let me retire. Aunt Sharon says that I "WILL" take 6 months off (minimum) to evaluate what I want to do in my next "work" life and to get my golf game in order. She's so hard on me! LOL
I'm telling you buddy, it's really tough when you're actually "there". Being done with the military after 27 years (more than 1/2 my life) is tough. What other job can you get where you make as much of a difference in people's lives as we do - your troops, the people you're liberating, etc. Money isn't an issue - if you continue this through for a career you won't have to work to get by. It really becomes about what job can you get that you're really contributing and changing the world. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing many jobs out here that are more satisfying for a "sheepdog" than the military. Just preparing you for the future... leaving the Navy isn't as easy as I thought it would be.
Good to hear you called your mom. You need to do that as often as possible! She needs to hear your voice to know that you're ok. It's tough for those of us over here knowing that you're over there in harm's way, but no one worries more than your mom (well, maybe your wife). I know it's tough but miss out on a couple of minutes of sleep and give them a shout as often as you get the chance (and yes I know what 24/48/72 hour days are like - been there, done that). It sounds like I'm lecturing... and I don't mean to. It's just that not being on "your" end allows me to see how the people back home cope with our absence. A call or a quick note on the blog makes everyone take a deep breath and know that you're still doing well.
Anyway, I just wanted to check in. Know that I think about you frequently and hope that you're doing well. Keep up the good work and stay safe. February can't get here soon enough for any of us.
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
The Skipper gave us a day off (we are seriously kicking butt in making sure you've got back up) so I thought I'd catch up on some things I needed to do - one being to write you. Hope you're doing well over there, anything you need let me know.
Stories about Ford when he was younger? You need to pay me some "hush" money unless you want the Fordo at @ 1 1/2 - 2 years in my dad's van stuffing his diaper with dad's change that he kept in the console story to come out.
Everyone was out at a picnic (yes, another picnic) and Ford disappeared. Grampa found him in the van loading up his diaper with the change he kept in his console. As I hear it the diaper was sagging like it had a pound of poop in there. OOPS! Guess I just told it. Oh well, guess you saved some "hush" cash. Fordo always did like $$$. I"m glad he learned that it's not all for saving. I worried about that for a while when you were younger but you figured it out just fine.
I'm looking forward to seeing your mom and dad in about a month in Mexico. REALLY wish you and Kate were joining us. We'll drink a cervesa to your health and speedy return home. Maybe next year.
Anyway, things are the same here. I'm going to have shoulder surgery in October the other possibly in December. They should then be done cutting on me and let me retire. Aunt Sharon says that I "WILL" take 6 months off (minimum) to evaluate what I want to do in my next "work" life and to get my golf game in order. She's so hard on me! LOL
I'm telling you buddy, it's really tough when you're actually "there". Being done with the military after 27 years (more than 1/2 my life) is tough. What other job can you get where you make as much of a difference in people's lives as we do - your troops, the people you're liberating, etc. Money isn't an issue - if you continue this through for a career you won't have to work to get by. It really becomes about what job can you get that you're really contributing and changing the world. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing many jobs out here that are more satisfying for a "sheepdog" than the military. Just preparing you for the future... leaving the Navy isn't as easy as I thought it would be.
Good to hear you called your mom. You need to do that as often as possible! She needs to hear your voice to know that you're ok. It's tough for those of us over here knowing that you're over there in harm's way, but no one worries more than your mom (well, maybe your wife). I know it's tough but miss out on a couple of minutes of sleep and give them a shout as often as you get the chance (and yes I know what 24/48/72 hour days are like - been there, done that). It sounds like I'm lecturing... and I don't mean to. It's just that not being on "your" end allows me to see how the people back home cope with our absence. A call or a quick note on the blog makes everyone take a deep breath and know that you're still doing well.
Anyway, I just wanted to check in. Know that I think about you frequently and hope that you're doing well. Keep up the good work and stay safe. February can't get here soon enough for any of us.
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Addendum to the last blog
The earring incident occured the same week that he came home from school and informed me that I couldn't call him Ford anymore because he had changed his name to Spike! I think that was 1st or 2nd grade.
Here are a couple of funny stories about the Fordo.. as told by Ricky V...Nate and Ford were racing..Nate (who was a year older than Ford..and faster) won the race. Ford looked up at Rick and said," If we were running in mud I could win, I'm really fast in mud!" He was 4 or 5 at the time... and by golly, many years later, he and a couple of buddies did very well in a mud based triathalon! 2nd I think. I have photo's of Fordo ..mud from head to toe.. Ford went through some interesting phases growing up. This story was told by Ricky V... We lived next door to the V's. Ford and Nate were the best of friends.. they didn't spend much time apart. One day he arrived at the V's door with a gaudy clip earring on one of his ears.. (I'm sure that he was trying to be like his big brother who had just gotten one of his ears pierced.) The V's had just gotten a new lab puppy and they were trying to figure out a name. Ford's name choice was "Cockroach" I did get a phone call from the boy yesterday! That will make my month. He sounded good.. but tired. It was 2:00 A.M. his time. He verified that he enjoys reading the blogs..so keep them up guys!
Friday, August 1, 2008
70's Porn
I couldn't handle it anymore. You people need to start doing more talking....or maybe I just talk to much...hmmm
Anyway, so my sophmore year of high school, Uncle Greg hooked me up with these two Korean brothers...Jae Hoe Sim, and Jae Wu Sim...and for whatever reason, they were the "go to guys" when it came to porn in Sheridan Wyoming.
I still dont get it. The only Korean family in Sheridan Wyoming...and they were peddling swedish porn....Amazing
So I spend like $30 on this 16mm reel-to-reel, horrible sound quality, swedish porn. I think her name was Seka.
When mom and dad were at work, I was charging the fellas whatever I could get, to watch my porn. I was always the entreprenuereal type.
I think it even made an appearance or two, along with mom and dads 16mm projector to a high school party.
At any rate, Fordo must have been about Tehya's age. My hiding spot for whatever I happened to be hiding at the time was in a small crawl space, underneath the stairwell. I guess I should have had a better thought out plan. Evidentally Fordo was exploring in the stairwell one day while I was at school and found my porn.
He immediately turned it over to mom and dad. Man I was pissed I can't even remember what happened. I don't think I even got in too much trouble. Dad probably still has it hidden from mom somewhere.
So Fordo...thnaks for the memory Bro...I love you tons....everybody else...lets talk shit about Fordo while he's gone. I want to hear some funny stories.
I want to hear stories like when he started the biggest food fight in West Point history.
Peace
blayner
Anyway, so my sophmore year of high school, Uncle Greg hooked me up with these two Korean brothers...Jae Hoe Sim, and Jae Wu Sim...and for whatever reason, they were the "go to guys" when it came to porn in Sheridan Wyoming.
I still dont get it. The only Korean family in Sheridan Wyoming...and they were peddling swedish porn....Amazing
So I spend like $30 on this 16mm reel-to-reel, horrible sound quality, swedish porn. I think her name was Seka.
When mom and dad were at work, I was charging the fellas whatever I could get, to watch my porn. I was always the entreprenuereal type.
I think it even made an appearance or two, along with mom and dads 16mm projector to a high school party.
At any rate, Fordo must have been about Tehya's age. My hiding spot for whatever I happened to be hiding at the time was in a small crawl space, underneath the stairwell. I guess I should have had a better thought out plan. Evidentally Fordo was exploring in the stairwell one day while I was at school and found my porn.
He immediately turned it over to mom and dad. Man I was pissed I can't even remember what happened. I don't think I even got in too much trouble. Dad probably still has it hidden from mom somewhere.
So Fordo...thnaks for the memory Bro...I love you tons....everybody else...lets talk shit about Fordo while he's gone. I want to hear some funny stories.
I want to hear stories like when he started the biggest food fight in West Point history.
Peace
blayner
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