Merry Christmas 2020

 

I Love Christmas and always look forward to hear from friends of their year- and this year will be enlightening. We have had lots of changes, but so many blessings and good memories as well. This is our 15th Christmas video and 25th Christmas letter. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and next year is even better for you. Normally we send this out the day after my birthday as tradition, but this year CNN reported Christmas may not happen this year- how wrong they are again- We celebrate Christ's birth all year long, and our Tree, lights, and even our Christmas letter is out,  so we can celebrate Thanksgiving and now wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We

Wish you

A Merry Christmas

Our  favorite time of year

A season of hope & good cheer

Counting our blessings from this year

Waiting to hear from friends far and near,

Jan had shoulder cup surgery early this year,

Dennis after 35 years with state finally did retire

Covid hit in March, and changed our plans for year

We Camped by Winthrop in our tent early this summer

We Visited Bodie State Park, Lake Tahoe with Jans sister

Stehekin Trip and Several fun boating trips from Crescent Bar

We Hiked Saddle Rock, Silver Falls, Horselake and Lake Clara,

Crater Lake Hike, Logging Museum, Collier State Park before fire

Jan climbed Steamboat Rock, and we had our daily walks together

Dennis has facebook,  painting,  videos,  hot tub, and still a blogger

Janice is busy with quilting, Spinning, Knitting, or Painting a Picture

Hello from Mouse our cat, and Barney & Squeaky our green Conure

God Bless You, Have a Merry 2020 Christmas & Happy New Year

Dennis & Janice Hendricks

dennishendricks.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas 2020 - YouTube

Remember When

I first met Janice in my Jr. year of high school when we moved to Coulee Dam. We were married in 1974 and blessed with 3 wonderful children and 6 wonderful grandkids. Time has gone too fast. I feel so blessed and have so many good memories. Not knowing how many more years we have, I added a few photos to the Allen Jackson song "Remember When". Thanks to all those who have helped make our marriage so special and memorable.

Remember When - YouTube

I've Been Everywhere- Crater Lake & Collier State Park

Hank Snow and Johnny Cash were some of the artists who recorded "I've been Everywhere". I added some photos of our trip to Oregon last week where we hiked Crater Crater Lake, camped at Collier Memorial State Park and visited a logging museum. Most of you have been more places than we have- but I hope this video brings back memories of places you have been. This is only song I could find that was about Crater Lake- listen for it.

I've Been Every Where - YouTube

My Anchor Holds- Tribute to Larry Weston

Larry Weston was a special friend. He was my boss, he was my facebook friend, and I looked up to him as a hero and example. This week he passed on to Heaven- I know he was ready and I will see him again. I made this video of some old photos I had of him and a song that he posted 11 weeks ago as one of his favorite songs. This is in honor of Larry Weston- see you on the other side Larry.

I was wanting to post his obituary here and will when I find it.

I also would like to share several posts I received honoring him as well as some from facebook; (I left names off as I did not ask permission to share them on my blog)

truly sorry to hear it. I first worked with Larry when I was a temp and he was the winter Tech 3 at Leavenworth. Later, when he was the Lead on the striping crew, before his promotion to Wenatchee Supv. Truly and honorable man and I regarded him highly.

Love you Larry and we already miss you. Please give God a hug for us.

My heart goes out to all of Larry Weston family. He was such a riot when he worked at the WSDOT in Wenatchee. Great GREAT guy! He's the lucky on❤

My Anchor Holds - YouTube

This Old House- Bodie State Historic Park

 

On June 9th, 2020 we visited Bodie State Historic Park in California. I added some photos to the song written by Stewart Hamblin in 1954 and sung here by Jimmy Dean. Bodie was a gold rush ghost town and what remains is about 5% of the buildings from the towns heyday of 1877-1881. It became a state park in 1962 and is  preserved in a state of arrested decay. Bodies peak population  probably ranged from 7 to 8,000. I think the song written by Stewart Hamblin reminds me how short our life is down here and our impact can live on but I am getting ready to meet the saints...

Wednesday we hiked to several waterfalls on Lake Tahoe. 

Got 1600 steps in that day, almost sunburned, and lots of fun.

Thursday headed home and ate at our 

first sit down restaurant in 4 months.

Thursday night in Bend, Oregon with Chic Fil A carryout.

Friday a slight detour to visit my sister and Home Friday night.

Here is photos added to another song called This Old House by Jimmy Dean- Hope you have time to click on the arrow and view our day to a different song. 

This Old House Bodie State Historic Park - YouTube

Happy 7th Birthday Billy

7 years ago today Billy was born- our youngest grandchild. In talking to him, you would have think he turned 7 already- But what a joy and privilege to know him. I added some photos from one  year ago to today to show how tall he has grown and how fast time goes. Sadly because of the virus fears- he cannot have a party or finish his first grade at school. It will be a drive by party, so since you or I cannot give him a hug- lets shout out together, 1,2,3,-"Happy Birthday Billy"

Happy 7th Birthday Billy - YouTube

Corona Virus USA

History is being made right now in our country with the corona virus and lives are being changed. Hopefully this will be over by end of month, but I felt we needed to have some humor as well as save some of the memes that brought a smile to our faces. I added a few to a song written and sang by Pati Gradi- please excuse some of the language but try to find the humor. I think this is my 4th or 5th video about covid-19.

First Day after Quarentine

Corona Virus USA - YouTube

Quarentineville

History is being made with the Covid19 Virus. This is my second video about the virus with the last one having over 7500 views In 2 weeks on Youtube. This time I added the top Memes from Facebook that describe this event, to a song parody by Robert Lund that uses humor to help record this history in the Making. Feel free to share this video, after you Wash your Hands and Had a good laugh with this song called "Quarentineville". As one presidential candidate said, "People will die who have never died before because of this virus."

Quarentineville - YouTube

Because He Lives

It was 12 years ago today we experienced a house fire. It was around 1;15pm, I was in rear bedroom playing games (Chutes and Ladders) and giving the grandkids a quiet time. Jan, Darcie and Caitlyn had gone shopping in Cashmere. There was a knock on the door- a couple teens asked “Mr., Did you know your house is on fire?” I am grateful for those teens- I got my two grandkids out- yelled for someone to call 911 and waited for firemen. Actually, I did try to save the computer, but quickly gave up as smoke and noise rose. I do regret not closing more doors as I exited. I tried to reach the fire with a hose, but it was too short and fire too hot. This reminds me of what is important in life, and also reminds me of the many good people who helped us and we met. Pemco Insurance and France and Company were so good to us- six months to the day we moved back in same house. My daughter and her husband let us stay in their camper which was not only close to the house, but allowed us to visit with grandkids which helped all of us. Our family at Wenatchee First Assembly of God bent over backwards to help, my co-workers were so understanding, and our faith in God gave us strength we needed. I certainly do not know what tomorrow holds for you or I. God has never failed me. 0ur pastor reminded us that Immanuel means, "God with us." If you are having a tough time, do not give up! Don't be Afraid! Luke 1:37 is underlined in my Bible and reads, "God Can Do Everything."

These Four students took time to stop and tell me our house was on fire.

A few of the many cards from friends we received.

So much help and encouragement!

Darcie let us stay in her camper for six months- what a blessing!

We had a memorial service for our bird "Tica" 

who died in the fire.

The Cat was ok and had gone downstairs under the bed.

Because He Lives (fire) by the Gaithers - YouTube

Covid-19 Funny Song

Steve Stewart recently wrote/sang/published the song Corona Ville. I added some photos to make one smile even more and take your mind away from fear and negativity everyone is forced to watch. I hope it brings a smile to your face and this finds you healthy and with just washed hands. This is just a hobby of mine and not meant to make fun of anyone- but bring a smile to your face and make you young again. Any resemblance to the truth is purely by accident and unintentional. This is an remake with several photos that may have offended facebook removed- either copyrighted or of democrats. 

Funny Corona Ville Song - YouTube

Wanted Man

Two weeks ago we were notified our 15 day cruise would be cancelled the following Saturday.(March 7th) They say vacations are full of surprises- I could never imagine all the surprises since that announcement that have happened- I am hoping they will be over by this Sunday, the day our cruise was to end. (22nd) Ironically I would not have had internet those 15 days- but staying home I was put in facebook Jail several times- and someone made me a shirt about that and several asked why I was in facebook Jail? I decided to make a video of an 1969 Johnny Cash song called "Wanted Man". Many photos are posts I may have posted- some, facebook may have removed without me knowing it? This song will have to replace our vacation Video for this year.

Thank You Maureen Johnson who made this shirt- I had over 42 likes on facebook and over 16 comments in just one day. The song is a Johnny Cash song from 1969- a song he seldom sang in his later years. I do hope the song takes your mind away from fear and worry and these two weeks will soon be history.

Wanted Man - YouTube

"The moon belongs to everyone, the best things in life are free"

Recently I was challenged to make a video to the song "The Moon belongs to Everyone, The Best Things In Life Are Free". The 1925 song took on new life during the depression. I chose the Ink Spots version that was in 1946 I believe. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed making it. I also hope you will remember, "The Best Things in Life Are Free.

Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?
Great food, horrible atmosphere.

Two blondes are walking and one asks, “which is closer, the moon or Florida?” The other responds, “duh......can you see Florida?

What did Neil Armstrong say when no one laughed at his moon jokes?
I guess you had to be there.

The reason that no one has returned to the moon for so long is that every time someone tries to book a hotel there, it's full...

The Best Things In Life Are Free - YouTube

American Trilogy- New Orleans

I am reminded of what a beautiful place we live, every time I take a  Vacation! Seven years ago today we arrived home from a cruise. We flew into New Orleans and had 2 hours  before we could board the ship and a 2 hour tour after the cruise of New Orleans, to visit that city. There is a lot of history and beauty there- and of coarse the tour guide was proud of his city, but I still prefer North Central Washington! I have always said I liked most about striping was the beautiful country we saw.  In 1972 Elvis sang a song called American Trilogy. I added some photos of that New Orleans trip.  We are blessed and I hope you include North Central Washington in your vacation plans this summer.

"An American Trilogy" is a song arranged by country songwriter Mickey Newbury and made popular by Elvis Presley, who began including the song as part of his regular concert routine in the 1970s, thereby making the song a showstopper. It is a medley of three 19th century songs—"Dixie", a blackface minstrel song that became the unofficial anthem of the Confederacy since the Civil War; "All My Trials", originally a Bahamian lullaby, but closely related to African American spirituals, and well-known through folk music revivalists; and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", the marching song of the Union Army during the Civil War. Over 465 versions of "An American Trilogy" have been recorded by different artists.

Just found out that someone has accidentally given away all my Elvis records. I’m all shook up.

I lost my pet mouse Elvis the other night. He was caught in a trap

Tried to book tickets for an Elvis tribute night over the phone. Had to press one for the money, two for the show…

american triology - YouTube

Leavenworth Chicken Dance

Twenty Six and half years ago I started work for WSDOT in Wenatchee. It really was a blessing; as we had just bought a house, our oldest daughter would be a  senior in High School, and Jan had just started her job- so transferring to Kent would have changed our lives greatly. Prior to that I worked for WUTC and was actually RIF'd,(reduction in force)  and had commuted to Kent for one month.  DOT has been good to me and I have worked with some great friends. My first winter was spent on Stevens pass working nights plowing snow and was required to stay at camp for our scheduled work week. I love the variety of work we perform and our goal of keeping the roads open for you.

In 2004 I transferred to the Striping Crew full time in the summers, and continued to work in maintenance in the winters. I worked on striping crew until 2 years ago when I transferred back to maintenance. I made this video in 2016 when I worked that winter in Leavenworth. One of the blessings is the beautiful country we would work in every day and the variety in our region. 

Today is my last scheduled day for work. I look forward to what God has for me in this next chapter of my life. 

I realize I posted my retirement video a couple weeks ago and this video was from a few years ago- tonight I sit looking back- I am retired. I am a blessed Man. Thank you to all with your advice and best wishes. Thank you to those who bought us lunch, desserts, and treats.  Thank you to those who put up with me- both the traveling public and co-workers. Thanks to the support staff at work who make us look good- the mechanics, our big bosses and office staff. I think the two greatest things we now have are the tommy gates on pickups to pickup deer and the overhead signs on pickups to inform and direct traffic- well the new robo flaggers are pretty neat too- we just started using them last year.  I remember going from 3 foot warning signs to 4 foot and I remember having just one or no warning vehicle behind us to now 3 or 4 at times- not sure if that is good or bad. I remember flagging for so many accidents- far too many were fatalities and caused by drinking or drugs. The saddest was 3 including a 5 years old boy buried by a rock slide on 97A and then several weeks later on that same highway a two vehicle accident where 10 or 11 people would die from a head on just few miles  north on that same highway. I am thankful for the help we get from wsp and other police and fire districts. I am thankful for the emphasis on safety at all times even though we have seen some dumb things by motorists. I am also thankful for good health and a good marriage and a God who has directed my steps and has a plan for the next part of my life. Perhaps the best advice I received was to enjoy life before you are too old and cannot- I am doing that right now.....

Some friends bought this dinner for us to celebrate our first dinner retired. We had the Martenelli's saved for this special occasion. Thank You!

Winter shift changeover this weekend for all except for me- Hopefully we can arrange another get together with friends, family,  and co-workers in April when we are back from a short vacation.

This is my final checkout at work-(click on arrow)

 and saying goodbye to Dave Bersbauch on 2-28-20

I hope you can hear the feelings in my response.

Leavenworth Chicken Dance - YouTube

Happy Retirement Dennis

Happy Retirement- This month came too fast but I am looking forward to my next chapter in my Life. This is actually my 36th video I made about my work- but it brought back so many memories- many who have retired and sadly a few who have passed on.  I started with Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Sept. 3rd, 1985. It involved moving to Pasco and working port of entries on 4 different rotating shifts. In 1987 I was promoted to Snohomish but transferred to Wenatchee (for Okanagon position) on Dec. 25th, 1987. My office was the old forest service building at 2/Easy Street as well as an office in WSP Okanagon office once a week.  In 1993 due to funding cuts- I could move to Kent or be laid off- I commuted for one month and started at Wenatchee Maintenance on Oct. 4th, 1993 with my first winter on nights on Stevens Pass. I would fill in for stripers as needed and in 2003 I transferred to Striping and continued to work winter maintenance. In 2017 I transferred back to maintenance full time and this month I retire. I have worked with some tremendous people, seen some beautiful country, and so many good memories. I am a blessed man. These 34.5 years have gone by much faster than this one song- I hope the photos bring memories for you- I wish I had more time to include more of my friends and issues we dealt with. If you did not work with me- thank you for your patience and understanding on the highways. It is a team effort and I want to thank each one who made my time so much fun and such a success in my eyes. God Bless You.

Started 9/3/85 in Pasco- 
would drive to port of Entry(s) with these cars. 

Below was featured in "The Regulator"- The WUTC Newsletter
1986 in Review by MCLE Inspector 
Dennis Hendricks, WUTC, D-6, Pasco, Wa.
 Tis the night before Christmas-Just 3 hours to go
As I sit alone at Plymouth scale "Five-0"
 The sign flashes "park, bring your papers in"
It is quiet and I remember what a good year it has been
We Lost four to promotion, transfer or leave
That was Kevin, Tom, John and Steve. 
Joes' training and leadership is the best we all agree,
To Dave, Bob, Ed and Jim we give the name rookie 
The raises, the picnic, vacations were great,
The haz mate, first aid and tariff classes we appreciate
The day Joe and Ron decided at smoking there were through
The year Joes' car, computer, and copiers were new 
The log book lies and excuses we hear,
All make up a funny, exciting and memorable year
So working graveyard isn't quite as bad
When I stop to remember what a great year we had

My last day with WUTC was 10/3/93 and started next day with WSDOT with no break in service. My last day with WSDOT was 2-28-20

1993 on Stevens Pass with Randy Darlington who has retired. 

This was dress up night for dinner. Back then we were required to stay at Byrne camp for our shifts

We were on call for emergencies such as accidents, fires, road closures. This one was a Friday morning where 3 died on 97A, including a 5 year old boy, when the mountain slid- the loader is loading my truck front view. Later on this same highway, 2 miles from here,  on a sunday night, I would flag where 10 people would die in a head on crash caused by drinking

Above group photo taken a few years ago in Wenatchee- maybe a fourth are still working with WSDOT? I think I am in front row

 Photo taken in 04?- we had six on crew back then. Spent 14 summers with mostly this same crew

We had a reporter ride with us years ago, in fact we were not told it as a reporter riding with boss, so we were kinda loose with our answers- but you can see- we had FUN. I doubt if our boss approved of all our quotes. 

This was taken April of 2018 at the last retirement party I attended with most still living or still working for wsdot.

Here is a video I took 2 years ago- we stopped to help an accident and since a fight started- filming actually helped stop the situation I feel. You can hear me in the background as Phil calls this in to Wenatchee Radio

Happily Retired Now - YouTube