As my last posting for 2016- I chose "Let's Make A Memory" as sung by "The McGuire Family".
I also chose this video- as my year has gone by about has fast as it takes to play this song it seems. All photos are from my phone and there is a date by each photo- I did not take enough photos, or post all photos. but I hope you can recognize some photos or relate to many as memories, you also have. It seems photo albums and diaries are a thing of the past- I hope next year you are in more of my photos- and more importantly- hope you are in more of our memories.
Lastly, thank you for those who viewed my blog these past 9 years. (361,000 views) Things change over the years, and new years brings on changes- some I do not even know yet. Most importantly I thank you for your friendship, being part of our memories, and I want to wish you a Happy New Year that is filled with many happy Memories.
Raindeer Farm in Leavenworth
The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot.
Warning: Dates in Calendar are closer than they appear
It has been a tough year, but we're making it! But not everyone has been as lucky as we have been 1. The economy is so bad that I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail. 2. I ordered a burger at McDonald's, and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?" 3. CEO's are now playing miniature golf. 4. If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you have to call them and ask if they mean you or them. 5. Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM. 6. McDonald's is selling the 1/4 'ouncer'. 7. Parents in Beverly Hills and Malibu are firing their nannies and learning their children's names. 8. A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico . 9. Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting. 10. Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore. 11. The Mafia is laying off judges. 12. BP Oil laid off 25 Congressmen. 13. I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, and our bleak future, that I called the Suicide hotline and was connected to a call center in Pakistan. When I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck.
Blue Christmas was first recorded in 1948- 68 years ago. It was written by written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson. It has been recorded by numerous artists, probably most famously by Elvis Presley who first recorded it in 1957 and released in 1964. I found very few Christian artists doing this song? I added a few photos of friends/family who I miss this time of year and have gone on. There are many more friends/family who are stored in my heart but did not have a photo handy to share. I always look forward to Christmas letters back, sadly some of those have stopped as well. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and I owe a lot to those who have gone on but left an example for me. For you who have fresh grief this Christmas, I understand. It is ok to Grieve- it shows you loved that person. So with only 30 days till Christmas- I turned on the lights today and I am ready to celebrate Christmas. We normally send out Christmas cards on December 7th each year- just 14 days from now.
No one knows when our next snow will arrive and I cannot predict who wants snow and who does not. There are 23 days till Winter begins on calendar. This a parody song of "Frozen" called Let it Snow with a few photos to show you what a typical day last winter was like, since I cannot bring you to work with me. (I think most people are afraid to ride with me- including my bosses) This winter I will be working days (5am-3:30PM) in Wenatchee- hopefully with lots of snow to plow.
My husband and I purchased an old home in Northern New York State from two elderly sisters.
Winter was fast approaching and the years first snow came early and I was concerned about the house's lack of insulation. "If they could live here all those years, so can we!" my husband confidently declared. One November night the temperature plunged to below zero, and we woke up to find interior walls covered with frost. My husband called the sisters to ask how they had kept the house warm. After a rather brief conversation, he hung up. "For the past 30 years," he muttered, "they've gone to Florida for the winter."
A blonde driving a car became lost in a snowstorm.
She didn't panic however, because she remembered what her dad had once told her. "If you ever get stuck in a snowstorm, just wait for a snow plow to come by and follow it." Sure enough, pretty soon a snow plow came by, and she started to follow it. She followed the plow for about forty-five minutes. Finally the driver of the truck got out and asked her what she was doing. And she explained that her dad had told her if she ever got stuck in a snow storm, to follow a plow. The driver nodded and said, "Well, I'm done with the Wal-Mart parking lot, do you want to follow me over to Best Buy now?"
The Indians asked their Chief in Autumn if the Winter was going to be cold or not.
Not really knowing an answer, the chief replies that the Winter was going to be cold with lots of snow and that the members of the village were to collect wood to be prepared. Being a good leader, he then went to the next phone booth and called the National Weather Service and asked, "Is this winter to be cold?" The man on the phone responded, "This Winter is going to be quite cold indeed." So the Chief went back to speed up his people to collect even more wood to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again, "Is it going to be a very cold winter?" "Yes", the man replied, "it's going to be a very cold Winter." So the Chief goes back to his people and orders them to go and find every scrap of wood they can find. Two weeks later he calls the National Weather Service again: "Are you absolutely sure that the Winter is going to be very cold?" "Absolutely," the man replies, "the Indians are collecting wood like crazy!"
We had to chop up the piano for firewood - but we only got two chords.
Happy All Saints Day. All Saints' Day goes back to the fourth century when the Greek Christians kept a festival on the first Sunday after Pentecost (in late May or early June) in honor of all martyrs and saints. Other sources say that a commemoration of “All Martyrs” began to be celebrated as early as 270 CE, but no specific month or date is recorded. Pope Gregory IV made All Saints' Day an authorized holiday in 837 CE. It is speculated that the chosen date for the event, November 1, may have been an attempt to supplant pagan festivals that occurred around the same time. Whether you celebrate it or not- I want to pay honor to those who have died for their faith, and for those who influenced my life by the way they finished their run here on earth. I can name many who have impacted my life- and many I have not met yet- but look forward to that reunion day in Heaven.
We started attending Wenatchee First Assembly the Sunday night after Christmas, in 1987. Pastor Jerry Beebe, Larry Henke, and Bill Hartman stand out as welcoming us, but actually so many welcomed us, and many have been patient and forgiving with me over the years. Many I cannot thank today, as they have gone home- I miss them so much. Others have moved away. I made this video probably 10 years ago- it may be outdated music to many, but is one of my first videos on youtube.com. I added a few photos to the music of Gaither Vocal Band Called "Home", to honor so many who have gone "Home" already. Most have gone home since making this video, I look forward to Home and so many of my friends who I miss. I owe so much to ones who paved the way for me, who helped build our church, taught my children, and many; who set an example on how to live and die. They say you never get over loosing a loved one- perhaps this song will remind you the day when the graves will give up their dead and we will meet Jesus in the Air, and we will at last be "Home". I still believe he could come at any time, like a thief in the night.
When we die we leave behind us all we have, and take with us all we are
I am standing on the seashore. A ship spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and; starts for the ocean. I stand watching her until he fades on the horizon, and; someone at my side says, "he is gone." Gone where? The loss of sight is in me, not in him. Just at the moment when someone says, "he is gone," there are others who are watching him coming. Other voices take up the glad shout, "Here he comes," and; that is dying.--Henry Scott Holland
Realizing that he would soon be gone from this world one day, Moody said to a friend, "Someday you will read in the papers that D.L. Moody of Northfield is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. "At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now. I shall have gone higher, that is all--out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal, a body that sin cannot touch, that sin cannot taint, a body fashioned like His glorious body. I was born in the flesh in 1837; I was born of the Spirit in 1856. That which is born of the flesh may die; that which is born of the Spirit will live forever
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
I hate to see my friends head south for the winter- that is one of the drawbacks of Winter. Two months from today, Winter begins on the calendar. No one knows what this winter will be like- The Farmers Almanac calls for a normal winter, whatever that is? So todays video is for you who will miss out on Driving in Our Winter Wonderland- and it is also for those who forget what winter driving looks like around here. I am looking forward to snow.
Winter is Coming- Knit faster.
Sven and Olie died and went to Hell. After awhile, the devil came to see how his new guests were doing. To his amazement, he found Sven and Olie were still wearing their winter gear and seemed to be quite comfortable. The Devil asked why they weren't hot.
Olie replied, "We come from Minnesota where it's always cold. This is feeling pretty good to us." This upset the Devil, so he turned up the thermostat. Awhile later the Devil looked in again on Sven and Olie. To his surprise he found they were still wearing their winter gear. The Devil questioned them on it again. "You have to remember that we are from Minnesota and it's very, very cold there. This is feeling nice to us."
The Devil was even madder at this, so he turned the thermostat all the way up to maximum temperature. The Devil waited some time and then went back to Sven and Olie. This time he found they had only unzipped their coats, but still had all their winter clothes on. The Devil couldn't understand what was going on. The punishment down here was supposed to be the unbearable heat. It wasn't working on these two. He had to ask again what the deal was. Sven replied, "We are Minnesotans and we just got over a freezing winter. This is really great for Olie and Me.
A light flickered in the Devil's mind. He went to the thermostat and turned it off. He thought if the heat wasn't a punishment, maybe he'd give them some freezing temperatures. A little while later the Devil came back to check in on Sven and Olie only to find them cheering and giving each other high fives, happier than ever! The Devil questioned them on their actions and Sven said happily, "Back home they always said, the Vikings will win the Super Bowl when Hell freezes over!!!"
Bob and his wife live in Toledo, Ohio. One winter morning while listening to the radio, they hear the announcer say, "We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even numbered side of the street, so the snowplow can get through." Bob's wife goes out and moves her car.
A week later while they are eating breakfast, the radio announcer says, "We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the odd numbered side of the street, so the snowplow can get through."
Bob's wife goes out and moves her car again.
The next week they are having breakfast again, when the radio announcer says "We are expecting 12 to 14 inches of snow today. You must park..........." then the electric power goes out.
Bob's wife is very upset, and with a worried look on her face she says, "Honey, I don't know what to do." Which side of the street do I need to park on so the snowplow can get through?
With the love and understanding in his voice like all men who are married to Blondes exhibit, Bob says, "Why don't you just leave it in the garage this time?"
Puns about winter are snow joke.
After the winter thaw, the entire neighborhood was able to start a slush fund for next year.
Do birds know where they're going when they fly south for the winter or do they just wing it every time?
After winter, the trees are relieved.
In the winter my dog wears his coat, but in the summer he wears his coat and pants.
2 months from today Winter begins- I do not know when the first snow will hit nor do I know what this winter will be like. However- based on my past winters- Here is what you can expect; 1. Expect your commute to take longer if it is snowing out- even longer if you are in an accident. 2. Expect your all wheel drive to take the same distance to stop as a 2 wheel vehicle in snow. 3. Expect your friendly snowplows to drive at 35 or less when plowing or applying salt/liquid. 4. Expect to be covered in snow and blinded if you pass a snowplow on right. 5. Expect bridges, and shaded areas to be icy when rest of roads may be fine.(road temps can vary greatly from air temperatures and elevation makes a big difference 6. Expect temperatures to drop just as sun comes up each day and at night or overcast. 7. Expect the worse if you are standing on a icy road. Warn vehicles if your car is in roadway and/or try to get it off the hiway if no one is injured. Call 911, take photos, exchange information , but do not cause more accidents. Fusee's or flashing lights mean slow down more! 8. Expect higher chance of sliding if your tires are bald. Even studs may not improve your chance of not sliding on bare pavement. 9. Expect salt and calcium chloride on roadways in winter. Washing your car occasionally when temperatures are above freezing is cheaper than replacing a wrecked car. 10. Expect snowplows to plow center of roads first. roads are tapered and we must uncover that yellow line. we are not playing chicken with you- give us some room and its ok to follow in lane we have plowed. It is ok to follow us, our routes are normally about a half our long and we will turn around. The salt we put down takes awhile to work. We want you to get home safely at the end of the day as well as we do.
Monday we welcome Jeremy Worley to our striping crew as the new driver to replace Beau who is our new lead tech. We also say goodbye to Johnathan who is moving on to Radio dispatch on Monday, and to Jeanine Ring, our former boss, who is retiring on Wednesday. Sid Simon retired this summer. Johnny Allen and Brad came back this summer to help out. We even moved to a new office last month that has the best top floor view. I don't have a video for this year, or even a group photo, so here is 2013 video to show you what we do. 2013 was our last year with Pat Medrano as lead driver, he became a lead tech on Stevens. We welcomed Steve Lupton as support Truck driver in 2013, and is still with us. It was a good year with no accidents and lots of good memories. So here is a salute to the NCR Striping Crew- Real Men of Genius- We Salute You.
This is Brad who worked with us this summer
and works radio dispatch in winter.
Alana Johnson has been on striping crew longer than any present crew member
I enjoyed working with Jeremy Worley in Leavenworth and on Stevens Pass
Here is a selfie, by Hendricks Road, where we striped this spring below Othello.
This was our entire crew the first year I worked with striping crew- back in 2003. One has passed on, two were promoted, and 3 of us are still with crew 16 years later. Our boss back then retires this Wednesday.
This may be last group photo we have taken- this is from 2014 and has Sid Simon our former Lead Tech in it.
MY JOB SEARCH
My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. Couldn't concentrate.
Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack, but just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.
After that, I tried being a Tailor, but wasn't suited for it -- mainly because it was a sew-sew job.
Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting.
Then, tried being a Chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but just didn't have the thyme.
Next, I attempted being a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it.... couldn't cut the mustard.
My best job was a Musician, but eventually found I wasn't noteworthy.
I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but didn't have any patience.
Next, was a job in a Shoe Factory. Tried hard but just didn't fit in.
I became a Professional Fisherman, but discovered I couldn't live on my net income.
Managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company, but the work was just too draining.
So then I got a job in a Workout Center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job..
After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a Historian - until I realized there was no future in it.
My last job was working in Starbucks, but had to quit because it was the same old grind.
FINALLY I tried RETIREMENT and found it PERFECT for me.
It seems only yesterday we brought Darcie home from the hospital in Olympia. (I won't say how many years ago it actually was) We actually checked in right at midnight; and I fell asleep on the heat register, while Jan stayed awake? What a blessing and joy she has been- Thank You Jesus, for giving us, her. So many wonderful moments we have shared together- and looking forward to so many more. I wish her much joy and happiness and pray Gods continued blessings on her. Happy Birthday Darcie.
SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, things are going to be a lot different. The garage won't be full of bikes, electric train tracks on plywood, sawhorses surrounded by chunks of two-by-fours, nails, a hammer and saw, unfinished "experimental projects," and the rabbit cage. I'll be able to park both cars neatly in just the right places, and never again stumble over skateboards, a pile of papers (saved for the school fund drive), or the bag of rabbit food—now split and spilled. Ugh!
SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, the kitchen will be incredibly neat. The sink will be free of sticky dishes, the garbage disposal won't get choked on rubber bands or paper cups, the refrigerator won't be clogged with nine bottles of milk, and we won't lose the tops to jelly jars, catsup bottles, the peanut butter, the margarine, or the mustard. The water jar won't be put back empty, the ice trays won't be left out overnight, the blender won't stand for six hours coated with the remains of a midnight malt, and the honey will stay inside the container.
SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, my lovely wife will actually have time to get dressed leisurely. A long, hot bath (without three panic interruptions), time to do her nails (even toenails if she pleases!) without answering a dozen questions and reviewing spelling words, having had her hair done that afternoon without trying to squeeze it in between racing a sick dog to the vet and a trip to the orthodontist with a kid in a bad mood because she lost her headgear.
SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, the instrument called a "telephone" will actually be available. It won't look like it's growing from a teenager's ear. It will simply hang there . . . silently and amazingly available! It will be free of lipstick, human saliva, mayonnaise, corn chip crumbs, and toothpicks stuck in those little holes.
SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, I'll be able to see through the car windows. Fingerprints, tongue licks, sneaker footprints, and dog tracks (nobody knows how) will be conspicuous by their absence. The back seat won't be a disaster area, we won't sit on jacks or crayons anymore, the tank will not always be somewhere between empty and fumes, and (glory to God!) I won't have to clean up dog messes another time.
SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, we will return to normal conversations. You know, just plain American talk. "Gross" won't punctuate every sentence seven times. "Yuk!" will not be heard. "Hurry up, I gotta go!" will not accompany the banging of fists on the bathroom door. "It's my turn" won't call for a referee. And a magazine article will be read in full without interruption, then discussed at length without mom and dad having to hide in the attic to finish the conversation.
SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, we won't run out of toilet tissue. My wife won't lose her keys. We won't forget to shut the refrigerator door. I won't have to dream up new ways of diverting attention from the gumball machine . . . or have to answer "Daddy, is it a sin that you're driving forty-seven in a thirty-mile-per-hour zone?" . . . or promise to kiss the rabbit goodnight . . . or wait up forever until they get home from dates . . . or have to take a number to get a word in at the supper table . . . or endure the pious pounding of one Keith Green just below the level of acute pain.
Yes, someday when the kids are grown, things are going to be a lot different. One by one they'll leave our nest, and the place will begin to resemble order and maybe even a touch of elegance. The clink of china and silver will be heard on occasion. The crackling of the fireplace will echo through the hallway. The phone will be strangely silent. The house will be quiet . . . and calm . . . and always clean . . . and empty . . . and filled with memories . . . and lonely . . . and we won't like that at all. And we'll spend our time not looking forward to Someday but looking back to Yesterday. And thinking, "Maybe we can babysit the grandkids and get some life back in this place for a change!"
Today is a special Day- Darcie was born on this date, when we lived in Tumwater. (it seems only yesterday.) We are so thankful for her, her husband, her 4 children. and the many happy memories. She has so many talents! What a great mom she is to her kids, an excellent photographer, and the valleys best dispatcher. I cannot imagine life without her. Happy Birthday Darcie. I wish you many more Happy Years and pray Gods continued blessings on you.
I really enjoy my job and the people I work with. I have been on vacation and miss them. Two of our old support truck drivers are now promoted to Lead Techs in maintenance. I am happy for both of them and hope they remember me as they climb the DOT ladder. This is an old video I made in 2008- not sure if I need to make one this year as things have not changed that much and we have yet to take a group photo of this years crew. Our new support truck driver who transferred from Vancouver is doing a great job! I am thankful for my job. I am blessed.
In mid Sept. of 1971- our family moved from Fife to Coulee Dam. I finished high school there. 1971 was also the year Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee high schools consolidated. Last Weekend, Coulee Dam had a 50 year reunion- classes 1938 to 1975 were invited- with about 500 registering. Janice was a 12 year veteran of that school- I was a 2 year. I added some photos of that reunion, to a old song sung by Peter, Paul and Mary- called This land Is Your Land. (Woody Guthrie and Mary have both passed on) That song came out in 1962 by them, but was written by Woody Guthrie who also wrote Big Grand Coulee Dam and Roll on Columbia back in the 40's. In fact, the government paid him to write Big Grand Coulee Dam. Well- I sure welcome any checks for this video- but I hope it brings back memories for you. I also thank those who attended, and allowed me to use their photos- it was a great weekend and I made some new friends.
Bert Smith posted this I could not say it better; (copy and pasted below)
Bert Smith Norman, OK
To our Classmates and the GCD Community:
The Coulee Dam All Class Reunion Committee and I would like to thank the Grand Coulee Dam area businesses and residents for hosting our “All Class Reunion” the weekend of August 5-7, 2016. Something very special and almost magical happened that weekend as 500 former classmates and teachers visited your small-Town high school gym, where many memories were made growing up as young children and teenagers. I saw many tears of joy, many hugs from the heart, and many unending smiles from our classmates as they greeted their fellow classmates, many not having been seen in 40, 50, and even 60 years or more. I saw classmates visiting the churches they were baptized in, married in, and had life celebrations in, rekindling old and lost, sometimes sad and sometimes joyful, memories. I saw classmates fondly remembering those that were unable to attend and those that have left us, some with tears, and some with joy, but always smiles. I saw classmates walking on the streets of your Town and by the homes they grew up in, wondering who lived in them now, and what they looked like inside. I saw classmates visiting Cole Park, the Mulberry tree, the old Columbia School, Spring Canyon, and the Sand Pile, reliving days when life was so simple and carefree. I saw classmates at Spring Canyon Cemetery respectfully remembering those family members and friends no longer with us. I saw classmates forgetting about life stresses and politics for 3 short days, just remembering and reliving their childhood and school days. But, most importantly, what I saw were classmates that were molded and educated in your small Town become highly successful citizens, fathers, mothers, grandparents, veterans, ministers, educators, and life role models for many. What a special place it was growing up.
So THANK YOU to the GCD area businesses, where over 40 businesses donated funds and gifts that helped make this reunion successful. A special thank you to the Grand Coulee Dam School District and Rich Black, Harvest Foods, the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union, the Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee Fire Departments, the Star Newspaper and Scott Hunter, La Presa, Pepper Jacks, Longhorn Barbeque, Safeway, Taylor Enterprises, Christman’s High Dam Tavern, the Coulee Dam Community Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hometown Hooligans (our awesome band), the National Park Service, and the rest of our business and classmate sponsors. A very heartfelt thank you to our reunion committee, especially Linda and Danny Zlateff (my diamonds of your community), Duane Casto, Lynn and Anne Wheeler, Jane and Dennis Lynch, Jody Lynch, and Joann Turner. Thanks to those that participated in reunion activities or helped set up and break down the venue: Tim Lynch, Ed Lynch, Dennis Lynch, Dale Rey, Mike Zowada, Glenna Whitelaw, Jay Rawley, Ed Powell, Stan St. Jeor, Sandy and Dave Everett, Richard Avey, Don McClure, Lori and Dave Maxwell, Ed and Cheryl Moore, Bard and Colleen Long, Karen Morley, Paul Dailey, Randy Bowman, Steve Knighten, Janice Brown Moss, Donnie and Jamie Stone, Connie Seekins Allen, Ray Gilman, Rick Luiten (our awesome photographer), others we may have missed, and to those that helped with finding classmates. Thank you to the many classmates that have posted pictures and video on Facebook for those to see that could not attend, and especially to Lynn Wheeler for streaming video live on Facebook, it was a huge hit. Lastly, thanks to all of our classmates that attended the reunion, without you, it would not have been successful. We will not let all of our hard work go to waste, we will be setting up a Coulee Dam High School Alumni Association in the near future, with an interactive website.
Thank You Grand Coulee Dam Area!!! Best Wishes and Go Beavers and Raiders Bert Smith: Reunion Co-organizer
Thank you for voting in primary- out of 19,816 registered voters in Douglas County, 1256 have voted in District 1 so far. I certainly have no regrets and I cannot say enough good about the candidates who will move on to the November Election. I have got to know them, and so many wonderful people in our community, since announcing I was running on May 24th. Pat Haley and Dan Sutton both have kept this positive and although I may have my favorite- I will not endorse one over the other- that is up to you in November and not fair of me to suggest otherwise. Both are outstanding candidates, good family men, have high moral standards and integrity, really care about our community, and have worked very hard to get to move on. They earned it and my hats off to both of them.
This was my first county race- there is some differences from city races or being appointed. I almost ran 16 years ago against Leslie Emeric and Ken Stanton but failed to file. I was surprised to receive over 28 emails wanting to spend my campaign money (that I still have not received)- all the way from 2 cent robo calls to billboards and pinwheels.(now that is the field we should be in to make money) Thank you Wenatchee World, KPQ and KOHO for your excellent and fair coverage. I do appreciate those who sat down to study the candidates as well as those who asked our thoughts on issues. Looking back I see many changes since May 24th just in presidential race alone and I am so thankful I have not had to deal with the negativity and threats seen in the news over other races.
I will leave posts up my blog- its been fun and I hope I have challenged others on issues that still need changed- my most popular post was about roundabouts with 231 hits. My most popular song on YouTube.com was Take A Chance on Me with 88 hits. I have spent 685.00 for this campaign- only two others in District 1 have spent more than that. I think I have had more signs up than both Trump and Clinton do in District 1. This is my 11lth Blog made for Douglas County Commissioner label. Thank you to those who encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring and believed in me. A moment of thanks to those who inspired me; but who have passed on. Thanks for putting up with my posts- I know many of you are tired of politics. I hope you will continue to hold those in office accountable and even more will Vote in the November Election. I still feel like a winner- sometimes one can do more without a title, and some of the important things I want to be remembered for at my funeral do not require the most votes.
ok- final vote(8-16-16) posted below- 37% voter turnout and I came in 3rd. I will be voting in election and I may not be qualified to give out advice to those running locally- but "please stay on the issues that you will or will not do" and do not throw knives at your opponent. And do not always believe what you read in the paper- call directly if you have a question- don't always rely on facebook, paper or the opponent. Be Sure and VOTE- and thanks for keeping this a clean race and on the issues.
I regret I am unable to attend Arnie Becks Funeral Tomorrow- I also regret that I did not make time to visit with him while I could- But I do believe I will see him on the other side. Arnie was a Christian. I first met Arnie when we moved to Sawyer, North Dakota on the Hedahl Farm. His parents and he were our neighbors. He would find jobs for me to do- probably to keep me out of his hair- I would tag along in summers whether it be standing next to him on the combine, pulling weeds by hand, riding skids while they stacked bales, mowing the lawn, counting cattle, or just riding into town. I was able to watch his life. He accepted me and made me feel important. He challenged me. I learned to drive pickup from him, and he let me drive tractors, I saw how he took care of his cars and equipment, (he kept them looking new and shiney)- I just finished 5th grade when we moved away to Tacoma, Wa- but for several summers he let me come back and work on the farm. As we aged, I loved to stop and visit him- sadly it has been 8 or 9 years since I made it back there. We never know what an impact we can make on our neighbors lives- I hope he knew what he and his parents had on mine. It is hard getting old- not the aches and pains, but the tears in loosing loved ones who influenced our life. My mother taught us the importance of choosing good friends- perhaps he chose me- I don't know, but he was like a father to me and I look forward to seeing him on the other side. Thanks Arnie for all you did for this kid.
This is where Arnie will be buried tomorrow- next to his folks I am sure. I would help his dad mow this cemetery. This was me on perhaps my last visit to North Dakota.
I started 1st grade in Sawyer- this was me by my parents cars on the Hedahl Farm, which I mowed too. We called her Grandma Hedahl because of how special she was to us, as well. My parents did not have a tv, so I would watch tv at her house or at Becks.
This is from my photo album.(I actually carried it in my wallet photos as you can see be creases) I actually knew Arnie before he was married. Top Right is his family from Christmas a few years ago- we always would share Christmas letters. Bottom right is the farm as I knew it- later this house would be moved and they built a new on in its place. The farm was known for its red roofs and white buildings.
This was the photo from his obituary- Its going to be interesting in Heaven what our loved ones will look like- I know we will recognize them- just not sure what age. I was telling my SS class that once- that we would recognize our loved ones, and implying maybe babies could be grown up? One 4th or 5th grade kid raised his hand and asked "what about the ones who had sex changes"-- he stumped me on that one, and I told him to ask Pastor Jerry as I did not have an answer. (and I quit teaching a few years later)
Arnold Beck
Arnold David Beck, 84, Minot and longtime Sawyer area farmer and rancher died on Thursday in a Minot hospital.
Arnold was born on August 14, 1931 on the family farm near Sawyer to David and Louisa (Heizelman) Beck. He was raised on the farm and attended school in Sawyer. As a young adult he assisted his father with the operation of the family farm which was in Sawyer Township of Ward County 6.5 miles southwest of Sawyer.
Arnold assumed ownership of the farm/ranch in 1965 and resided 3.5 miles southwest of Sawyer on Beck’s Polled Hereford Farm. He raised small grains and Registered Polled Hereford Cattle since 1958. Also, he was employed by Don Bessette Motors driving cars throughout the U.S. He retired in 1991 and moved to Minot.
Arnold was a member, usher and volunteer of First Assembly of God and member and director for six years of the ND Polled Hereford Association. He was a former member of the ND Stockmen’s Association, NRA, and former member and trustee of the Mennonite Brethren Church - Sawyer. He especially enjoyed collecting cars, toys and wildlife items; watching basketball and playing basketball with his sons as well as trapping for 50+ years, bowling for 20+ years, ice fishing and hunting. Arnold always had two new Chevy cars (one to drive and one to polish). Also, he was avid collector of John Deere and Chevy die casts and guns.
Arnold is survived by his sons: Bruce Beck of Mandan and Bryce (Terri) Beck and Bryant (Megan) Beck all of Minot; grandchildren: Sydney, Skylar, Skotti, Shawnteya and Alexia Beck and Kesha Haugan (Blake Prado); great grandchild: Jetleigh Prado; sister: Luella Barke of Minot and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arnold was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law: Howard Barke.
Celebration of the Life of Arnold Beck: Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in First Assembly of God - Minot.
Graveside Service: Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Mennonite Brethren Cemetery - rural Sawyer.
Visitation: Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to First Assembly of God or the Bible Fellowship Church for the Mennonite Brethren Cemetery - rural Sawyer.
