May 15, 2010
Update from Dad
From Mom and Dad: Still recovering at home but I'm up and around and feeling pretty good. Washed my hair Thursday and stopped the percocet pain medication Thursday night - just taking Tylenol now. Nausea is gone too. The summer-like weather has enabled short walks around the neighborhood, but it still seems pretty weird to tell neighbors I had brain surgery on Tuesday. Hair is growing back in already and the staples come out on Wednesday. Biggest problem is the itchy scalp - which is pretty minor - and I don't really mind. I am blessed to have family and friends who care and angels looking after me.
LifeLock May event
After 3 short weeks of Claire working at LifeLock, we were invited to their May event. Once a year in May, LifeLock puts up the entire company in a local hotel for the weekend. We had a formal dinner on Sat night after spending a day in the Sun at the water park. Tyler golfed Sunday morning for free as well! It was a great way to get to know other co-workers and definately felt welcome as a new employee!
May 12, 2010
Another good Update on Dad
From Mom and Dad: Going home today! Wayne's CAT scan this morning looks great. He gets to rest a lot the next month and do very little exercise. The turban bandage is off and now we see about 32 staples which will come out next week. Come on over with your pliers if you want to help.
Thank you everyone for your caring thoughts and prayers. He is on the road to recovery already.
Thank you everyone for your caring thoughts and prayers. He is on the road to recovery already.
May 11, 2010
More Updates on Dad
The surgeon came by for a check up and said everything looks great. He said that Wayne can start to slowly increase the incline on the bed, then work on standing up and moving around a little. There will be a CAT scan in the morning to confirm things look good, then he will be released once the doctor gives the all clear on the scans.
Recovery is coming along well, with a little Tylenol, Percoset and morphine to help ease the pain.
Quote from Wayne: "This is not what I expected, going into a physical complaining of naps and headaches!"
Quote from Wayne (to neurosurgeon): "I came into the hospital feeling fine, and you made my head hurt!"
Recovery is coming along well, with a little Tylenol, Percoset and morphine to help ease the pain.
Quote from Wayne: "This is not what I expected, going into a physical complaining of naps and headaches!"
Quote from Wayne (to neurosurgeon): "I came into the hospital feeling fine, and you made my head hurt!"
Dad Update
From Mom and Dad: Just had a quick 5 minutes debrief with the doctor, and the news is good.
Here is the quick run-down of what we heard and learned...
* The surgery went great
* Three holes: 1 right side, 2 left side
* He has staples over the incisions, and his head is wrapped
* There was no source of bleeding discovered (this was expected given the old blood), and there was no additional bleeding.
* The fluid that drained looked like motor oil — dark, old blood that the body could not/did not absorb. “Old bad blood”
* Rinsed the fluid out until clear, and now those spaces are filled with air.
* The aspirin that he was on should stop, to help increase clotting
* Wayne is currently in recovery, and he will be for about an hour. He is talking and able to move both sets of limbs. After the recovery (which is better than the possible ICU!), we will be buzzed and can go see him.
* He will have scans tomorrow, in one month, two months, and three months. It will take about three months for his brain to fill back in and back to normal... Again, more will be known later today and tomorrow.
* Related to “normal” -- the doc equated what he did and what Wayne experienced this morning as going through a windshield — lots of action on the brain. So, what I got from that is that the healing is (obviously) for the incision points, but also for the brain itself.
More later, once we can see Wayne!
What a strange, strange 24 hours...
(FWIW: the surgery started at 908 and ended at 947 — 39 minutes...)
Here is the quick run-down of what we heard and learned...
* The surgery went great
* Three holes: 1 right side, 2 left side
* He has staples over the incisions, and his head is wrapped
* There was no source of bleeding discovered (this was expected given the old blood), and there was no additional bleeding.
* The fluid that drained looked like motor oil — dark, old blood that the body could not/did not absorb. “Old bad blood”
* Rinsed the fluid out until clear, and now those spaces are filled with air.
* The aspirin that he was on should stop, to help increase clotting
* Wayne is currently in recovery, and he will be for about an hour. He is talking and able to move both sets of limbs. After the recovery (which is better than the possible ICU!), we will be buzzed and can go see him.
* He will have scans tomorrow, in one month, two months, and three months. It will take about three months for his brain to fill back in and back to normal... Again, more will be known later today and tomorrow.
* Related to “normal” -- the doc equated what he did and what Wayne experienced this morning as going through a windshield — lots of action on the brain. So, what I got from that is that the healing is (obviously) for the incision points, but also for the brain itself.
More later, once we can see Wayne!
What a strange, strange 24 hours...
(FWIW: the surgery started at 908 and ended at 947 — 39 minutes...)
May 10, 2010
Dads Cranial Surgery
Dear family and friends of Wayne:
Many of you may already know this by now, but Wayne is having cranial surgery tomorrow a.m. He has been experiencing headaches for about a month after a short bout with the flu. Also, his personality and behavior seemed to alter. He became weak and unable to exercise as usual, slept a lot (naps during the day, unusual for him), generally grumpy and much more quiet and almost disconnected/disinterested from life. Some friends thought he was depressed.
During an annual physical this morning which Cate went along to with him, the Dr. ordered an MRI which showed he has a sub-dural hematoma. There are significant pools of blood sitting between his brain and his skull (that’s the good news---not IN the brain, but BETWEEN the brain and the skull). The more disconcerting news is that the origin, usually head trauma, is unknown in his case. After MRI, cat scans, chest x-rays, blood tests, they decided to operate. Looking at the cat scans with the neurosurgeon and hearing how he will go about his work was reassuring. Tomorrow the neurosurgeon will bore 3 – 4 thumbnail size holes into the sides of his skull to drain the blood out. The holes should heal quickly with slight indentations that won’t show under Wayne’s nice head of hair. Or maybe the head will be shaved. We’ll see how funny he looks with big empty patches.
The surgery is at 8:20 and should last about 40 minutes. We will know more info in late morning and will send out another email tomorrow night. After looking at the cat scans and doing the neurological exams, the doctor was very impressed with how healthy Wayne seemed to be. They can tell the blood has been increasing in size for probably at least a month.
The risks are the usual ones for surgery – infection, bleeding, stroke, clots, spinal fluid leak. But we have good faith in the surgeon’s experience and that the angels looking after him the past month will continue to do so. He has been doing fine today, seemed almost better than the past month, and describes the experience best as being surreal.
Prayers are welcome!
Cate
Many of you may already know this by now, but Wayne is having cranial surgery tomorrow a.m. He has been experiencing headaches for about a month after a short bout with the flu. Also, his personality and behavior seemed to alter. He became weak and unable to exercise as usual, slept a lot (naps during the day, unusual for him), generally grumpy and much more quiet and almost disconnected/disinterested from life. Some friends thought he was depressed.
During an annual physical this morning which Cate went along to with him, the Dr. ordered an MRI which showed he has a sub-dural hematoma. There are significant pools of blood sitting between his brain and his skull (that’s the good news---not IN the brain, but BETWEEN the brain and the skull). The more disconcerting news is that the origin, usually head trauma, is unknown in his case. After MRI, cat scans, chest x-rays, blood tests, they decided to operate. Looking at the cat scans with the neurosurgeon and hearing how he will go about his work was reassuring. Tomorrow the neurosurgeon will bore 3 – 4 thumbnail size holes into the sides of his skull to drain the blood out. The holes should heal quickly with slight indentations that won’t show under Wayne’s nice head of hair. Or maybe the head will be shaved. We’ll see how funny he looks with big empty patches.
The surgery is at 8:20 and should last about 40 minutes. We will know more info in late morning and will send out another email tomorrow night. After looking at the cat scans and doing the neurological exams, the doctor was very impressed with how healthy Wayne seemed to be. They can tell the blood has been increasing in size for probably at least a month.
The risks are the usual ones for surgery – infection, bleeding, stroke, clots, spinal fluid leak. But we have good faith in the surgeon’s experience and that the angels looking after him the past month will continue to do so. He has been doing fine today, seemed almost better than the past month, and describes the experience best as being surreal.
Prayers are welcome!
Cate
Apr 29, 2010
2005 Suzuki V-Strom DL650
Tyler is at it again...
On Monday Tyler signed paperwork on a (new to us) 2005 Suzuki V-Strom. Tyler has been talking about buying a motorcycle for years, and has almost pulled the trigger a few times. When the local dealership took in this bike on trade he couldnt' resist any longer.
So people have expressed concern over how safe riding a motorcycle is. Of course, there is a concern, there is reason to have one. People are injured and even killed on motorcycles all the time. However, people also ride for their entire lives and never have an accident...these people are well educated and safe riders. This is the route Tyler is going to pursue!
Tyler is enrolling in a motorcycle safety course where he will learn critical decision making skills, bike control, and evasive maneuvering. Most people don't know that Tyler has actually spent a lot of time riding motorcycles both on road and off. Not to mention his many years at the handle bars of a mountain bike.
So please don't worry, safety is #1, and the proper riding gear was purchased when the bike was, included a new helmet, riding jacket and proper foot wear.
So, enjoy the pictures...and next time you're in town...I'll take you for a ride on the back of it!
The Ride Now power sports delivery truck!
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My new baby, sitting pretty on the trailer!
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Claire seeing how the back seat feels. As soon as I am ready, we will be taking this thing all over the state of Arizona!
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Getting ready for my first time around the block!
+004.jpg)
See! Look how cautious I am pulling out of the driveway! SAFETY FIRST!
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On Monday Tyler signed paperwork on a (new to us) 2005 Suzuki V-Strom. Tyler has been talking about buying a motorcycle for years, and has almost pulled the trigger a few times. When the local dealership took in this bike on trade he couldnt' resist any longer.
So people have expressed concern over how safe riding a motorcycle is. Of course, there is a concern, there is reason to have one. People are injured and even killed on motorcycles all the time. However, people also ride for their entire lives and never have an accident...these people are well educated and safe riders. This is the route Tyler is going to pursue!
Tyler is enrolling in a motorcycle safety course where he will learn critical decision making skills, bike control, and evasive maneuvering. Most people don't know that Tyler has actually spent a lot of time riding motorcycles both on road and off. Not to mention his many years at the handle bars of a mountain bike.
So please don't worry, safety is #1, and the proper riding gear was purchased when the bike was, included a new helmet, riding jacket and proper foot wear.
So, enjoy the pictures...and next time you're in town...I'll take you for a ride on the back of it!
The Ride Now power sports delivery truck!
+001.jpg)
My new baby, sitting pretty on the trailer!
+002.jpg)
Claire seeing how the back seat feels. As soon as I am ready, we will be taking this thing all over the state of Arizona!
+003.jpg)
Getting ready for my first time around the block!
+004.jpg)
See! Look how cautious I am pulling out of the driveway! SAFETY FIRST!
+006.jpg)
Feb 21, 2010
Charity Dog Walk in Tempe
Today, Tyler and I (plus Tinker, Topo & Bentley) participated in the 2nd Annual Petsmart Charities PetWalk. This event helps fund the many PetSmart Charities programs focused on saving the lives of homeless pets.
Why Did We Walk??
Homeless pets desperately need our help! In Arizona, an estimated 120,000 companion animals enter shelters every year; despite the best efforts of shelter staff, only about half of those pets find homes. In Maricopa County alone, more than 98,000 dogs and cats entered shelters and more than 53,000 had to be put down last year.
The 2nd Annual PetSmart Charities® PetWalk brings people and pets together for a great cause: raising money to help homeless pets. It's a fun-filled way to spend the day with family and friends (two-legged AND four-legged). Best of all, it will help Arizona pets find the lifelong, loving homes they deserve!
Why Did We Walk??
Homeless pets desperately need our help! In Arizona, an estimated 120,000 companion animals enter shelters every year; despite the best efforts of shelter staff, only about half of those pets find homes. In Maricopa County alone, more than 98,000 dogs and cats entered shelters and more than 53,000 had to be put down last year.
The 2nd Annual PetSmart Charities® PetWalk brings people and pets together for a great cause: raising money to help homeless pets. It's a fun-filled way to spend the day with family and friends (two-legged AND four-legged). Best of all, it will help Arizona pets find the lifelong, loving homes they deserve!
Feb 15, 2010
The Plan for Tahoe Rim Trail Hike
Commitments made, vacations requested, next of kin notified...time to get down to logistics!
A few problems that are very apparent for Zach and I are; we don't live near each other, and neither of us live near Tahoe. Solution: books, maps, phone calls, internet, and Google Earth!
The main source of knowledge about the finer points of the TRT have been provided by a wonderful author named Tim Hauserman via his book "The Tahoe Rim Trail: A Complete Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians". His book provides detailed trial notes, water locations, forks in the trail, and even the names of prominent peaks that can been seen in the distance.
Zach and I each purchased a copy of Tim's book and we approached the schedules on our own, to see if we came up with anything different. Thankfully we were both on the same page. We agreed our starting point would be Tahoe City, and we would hike in a clockwise direction.
Here are the plans as they stand now.
Wednesday July 14, 2010 - Tyler and Topo drive from Phoenix to Sierra Madres (near LA)
Thursday July 15 - Tyler and Topo drive from Sierra Madre to Sacramento and pick up Zach. Then head to the cabin in Tahoe (Hillard Haven)
Friday July 16 - Start food caches, visit TRT Asso., visit dog boarder and then check into Hampton Inn
Saturday July 17 - Complete food caches, drink one last beer and lay in bed awake all night...
Section 1 - Tahoe City to Spooner Summit 46.5 miles
July 18 - Night one @ Watson Lake - 13 miles
July 19 - Night two @ Gray Lake - 16.5 miles
July 20 - Night three @ Marlette Peak - 17 miles
Food Cache at Spooner Summit
Section 2 - Spooner Summit to Echo Summit 52.4 miles
July 21 - Night four @ South Camp Peak - 19.2 miles
July 22 - Night five @ Star Lake - 15.8 miles
July 23 - Night six @ Round Lake - 17 miles
Food Cache at Echo Summit
Section 3 - Echo Summit to Barker Meadows - 40 miles
July 24 - Night seven @ Lake Aloha - 20 miles
July 25 - Night eight @ Lake Aloha - OFF DAY - 0 miles
July 26 - Night nine @ Middle Velma Lake - 11.5 miles
July 27 - Night ten @ Richardon Lake - 8.5 miles
Food Cache at Barker Meadows
Section 4 - Barker Meadows to Tahoe City - 23.2 miles
July 28 - Night eleven @ Barker Meadows - 6.5 miles
July 29 - Night twelve @ Ward Creek - 11.5 miles
July 30 - Complete hike to Tahoe City - 5.2 miles and drive to Hillard Haven (cabin)
July 31 - Drink beer and relax at the cabin...soak feet in hot water.
August 1 - Zach flies home, Tyler, Claire and Topo drive back to Phoenix.
A few problems that are very apparent for Zach and I are; we don't live near each other, and neither of us live near Tahoe. Solution: books, maps, phone calls, internet, and Google Earth!
The main source of knowledge about the finer points of the TRT have been provided by a wonderful author named Tim Hauserman via his book "The Tahoe Rim Trail: A Complete Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians". His book provides detailed trial notes, water locations, forks in the trail, and even the names of prominent peaks that can been seen in the distance.
Zach and I each purchased a copy of Tim's book and we approached the schedules on our own, to see if we came up with anything different. Thankfully we were both on the same page. We agreed our starting point would be Tahoe City, and we would hike in a clockwise direction.
Here are the plans as they stand now.
Wednesday July 14, 2010 - Tyler and Topo drive from Phoenix to Sierra Madres (near LA)
Thursday July 15 - Tyler and Topo drive from Sierra Madre to Sacramento and pick up Zach. Then head to the cabin in Tahoe (Hillard Haven)
Friday July 16 - Start food caches, visit TRT Asso., visit dog boarder and then check into Hampton Inn
Saturday July 17 - Complete food caches, drink one last beer and lay in bed awake all night...
Section 1 - Tahoe City to Spooner Summit 46.5 miles
July 18 - Night one @ Watson Lake - 13 miles
July 19 - Night two @ Gray Lake - 16.5 miles
July 20 - Night three @ Marlette Peak - 17 miles
Food Cache at Spooner Summit
Section 2 - Spooner Summit to Echo Summit 52.4 miles
July 21 - Night four @ South Camp Peak - 19.2 miles
July 22 - Night five @ Star Lake - 15.8 miles
July 23 - Night six @ Round Lake - 17 miles
Food Cache at Echo Summit
Section 3 - Echo Summit to Barker Meadows - 40 miles
July 24 - Night seven @ Lake Aloha - 20 miles
July 25 - Night eight @ Lake Aloha - OFF DAY - 0 miles
July 26 - Night nine @ Middle Velma Lake - 11.5 miles
July 27 - Night ten @ Richardon Lake - 8.5 miles
Food Cache at Barker Meadows
Section 4 - Barker Meadows to Tahoe City - 23.2 miles
July 28 - Night eleven @ Barker Meadows - 6.5 miles
July 29 - Night twelve @ Ward Creek - 11.5 miles
July 30 - Complete hike to Tahoe City - 5.2 miles and drive to Hillard Haven (cabin)
July 31 - Drink beer and relax at the cabin...soak feet in hot water.
August 1 - Zach flies home, Tyler, Claire and Topo drive back to Phoenix.
Feb 8, 2010
Hillards were in town!
Cate and Wayne made it out here for a long weekend as well! We had 3 days between parents being in town but it was fun!
Friday we took Cate and Wayne into downtown Phoenix on the new light rail. Our destination was The Phoenix Art Museum which had an Ansel Adams exhibit. While on the light rail we noticed a street fair going on so we jumped off the at the next stop and browsed the street fair for a little while. After the Art Museum we went to the Old Spaghetti for an early birthday dinner for Claire.
Saturday the 4 of us made the 1.5 hour drive down to Tucson to visit the Biosphere. The Biosphere was simply amazing! We had a terrific tour guide and if you are ever in the area, make the trip to see this marvel!
When Cate and Wayne flew into Phoenix, they brought Ruby Joy down to visit some other family. On Sunday Ruby Joy came to our house to see the animals and then headed off the mall to see more animals! We also went out to the local R/C flying field to watch the maiden flight of Tyler's new R/C plane (it survived the first flight).
Monday, Tyler had to leave early for a business trip so Cate, Wayne and Claire spent the day doing some small projects around the house and relaxing.
Friday we took Cate and Wayne into downtown Phoenix on the new light rail. Our destination was The Phoenix Art Museum which had an Ansel Adams exhibit. While on the light rail we noticed a street fair going on so we jumped off the at the next stop and browsed the street fair for a little while. After the Art Museum we went to the Old Spaghetti for an early birthday dinner for Claire.
Saturday the 4 of us made the 1.5 hour drive down to Tucson to visit the Biosphere. The Biosphere was simply amazing! We had a terrific tour guide and if you are ever in the area, make the trip to see this marvel!
When Cate and Wayne flew into Phoenix, they brought Ruby Joy down to visit some other family. On Sunday Ruby Joy came to our house to see the animals and then headed off the mall to see more animals! We also went out to the local R/C flying field to watch the maiden flight of Tyler's new R/C plane (it survived the first flight).
Monday, Tyler had to leave early for a business trip so Cate, Wayne and Claire spent the day doing some small projects around the house and relaxing.
Feb 3, 2010
OH Matney's in Town
Greg and Jan came out to visit in conjunction with Greg's business trip. They weren't able to stay long, but it was terrific to have them over! Friday Jan and Claire went to see puppies at Claire's store and we all went out to dinner. Saturday we took a little backcountry Arizona road trip up scenic Highway 88 to Tortilla Flats for lunch. We stopped into the Ghost Town tourist attraction out that way and wandered around.
Sunday Greg had to fly back to Ohio, and Jan stuck around for an extra night relaxing. Tyler even managed to score some new clothes of dear ol' Mom. :)
Sunday Greg had to fly back to Ohio, and Jan stuck around for an extra night relaxing. Tyler even managed to score some new clothes of dear ol' Mom. :)
Feb 1, 2010
Claire gets a promotion!
Claire is now the manager at Animal Kingdom! She is very exciting to start this new challenging career! First day as manager is 2/1~ Wish her a good first month!
Jan 23, 2010
Garage Extreme Makeover!
Tyler has been working had organizing the garage! As part of my Christmas gift he promied me I would be able to park my Mini Cooper in the garage and have it organized before Valentines Day! It looks amazing! Thanks Steve for garage envy and finally motivating us to get organized! Before picture on bottom and after picture on top.
Jan 22, 2010
Tinker gets fixed!
We took Tinker to the Vet this morning to get fixed! We found out when we picked her up that she had an infection in her uterus and lets just say we are lucky we found it when we did. They vet gave us another 2 weeks before we had her in the ER trying to figure out what was wrong. So my point of this post is get your dog fixed! The only reason she got this infection is because we let her have to many heat cycles. She just turned 3 so in my eyes we were VERY lucky. The infection was a very serious problem but it was solved by getting her spayed. So please, get your pets spayed or neutered!
Jan 8, 2010
Tyler gets his Wisdom teeth out!
Tyler is now 29 yrs old and finally getting his wisdom teeth out! They have been getting worse and worse every year and he finally agreed to getting them out.
Jan 6, 2010
Birds!
For Christmas we got a couple bird feeders and man are we popular! We are enjoying watching the birds right outside our door so we recently adding 2 more bird feeders across the yard! Each bird feeder has a different type of seed making our yard very interesting and diverse. My parents always had bird feeders which I loved to watch and now we have our own! Picture to come later!
Jan 1, 2010
Whose coming with me (Tyler)!
I have been thinking about hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail since I first heard of it, in mid 2008. The toughest part about attempting somthing like this is finding someone to join you. After posting on the local hiking club forum, reaching out to some friends and family I didn't have much more than a "well....let me see if I can get the time off work" from anyone. Then a phone call to Zach brought my dream to fruition in December 2009.
This was an excerpt from my posting on HikeArizona.com looking for someone to join me...
I would encourage any interested party to ask themselves a couple questions:
1. Can I hike 10-15 miles a day for 12-13 consecutive days?
2. (most important) Can I vanish from the state of Arizona for over 2 weeks without losing my job/wife/girlfriend etc...?
3. How will I feel down the road if I miss out on an amazing opportunity like this?!?!?!
Now, if you answered the questions favorably, start doing some homework and keep asking yourself the above questions. I can't do it alone.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 (give or take a couple miles depending on your source) loop that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe. The trail is fairly new in the realm of larger thru hiking trails. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association was established in 1981 to plan, construct and maintain the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 24-inch wide, 165 mile single track trail open to hiking, equestrians and mountian biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. Another huge draw to me, and a major factor in choosing this hike, is that for approximately 50 miles it shares the same piece of dirt as the Pacific Crest Trail.
This was an excerpt from my posting on HikeArizona.com looking for someone to join me...
I would encourage any interested party to ask themselves a couple questions:
1. Can I hike 10-15 miles a day for 12-13 consecutive days?
2. (most important) Can I vanish from the state of Arizona for over 2 weeks without losing my job/wife/girlfriend etc...?
3. How will I feel down the road if I miss out on an amazing opportunity like this?!?!?!
Now, if you answered the questions favorably, start doing some homework and keep asking yourself the above questions. I can't do it alone.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 (give or take a couple miles depending on your source) loop that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe. The trail is fairly new in the realm of larger thru hiking trails. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association was established in 1981 to plan, construct and maintain the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 24-inch wide, 165 mile single track trail open to hiking, equestrians and mountian biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. Another huge draw to me, and a major factor in choosing this hike, is that for approximately 50 miles it shares the same piece of dirt as the Pacific Crest Trail.
Dec 31, 2009
Happy New Year! 2010
We rang in the new year by going to Phoenix Zoo lights (a HUGE light display that encompasses the entire zoo) and Old Spaghetti Factory (our favorite date night restaurant)! At the Zoo lights we managed to wander into Sting Ray Bay on one of the rare public feeding nights. For $2.00 you got a little cup full of minnows and got to hand feed the sting rays. It's a WEIRD feeling! They don't have teeth, so they basically suck your entire hand into their mouth to get the piece of fish...pretty cool experience.
Dec 29, 2009
Christmas in Big Bear
We are very blessed to have just spent a week in Big Bear, CA like we do most weeks between Christmas and New Years. It is a nice break after the busy holiday retail season. We also met Hazel Lindgren for the first time! She seems like a great happy beautiful baby!
Dec 6, 2009
Bisbee Trip!
Got woken up with warm cinnamon rolls in bed and then we headed out on a fun road trip with my hubby to Bisbee! Tyler researched and found an old mine tour so we gassed up the mini and went for a road trip. The mine tour was amazing! We got dressed up in yellow jackets, hard hats and head lamps and rode an old mining cart into the mine. Our tour guide was an actual old miner from this mine.
BISBEE - a name to stir the interest of mining men everywhere - has been one of the greatest copper camps the world has ever known. In almost 100 years of continuous production before the Bisbee mines closed in 1975, the local mines produced metals valued at $6.1 billion (at 1975 price) one of the largest production valuations of all the mining districts in the world. This staggering amount of wealth came from the estimated production of 8,032,352,000 lbs of copper, 2,871,786 ounces of gold, 77,162,986 ounces of silver, 304,627,600 lbs of lead and 371,945,900 lbs of zinc!
Today’s Queen Mine Tour takes visitors deep into the old workings of the famous Queen Mine where great tonnages of extremely rich copper ore was mined in the early days, catching the attention of the mining industry around the world as one of the greatest treasure troves of copper ever discovered.
Taking the Queen Mine Tour is to step back through the pages of history. A melting pot of immigrant miners from the mining districts of Europe labored beneath the Mule Mountains to feed the insatiable demand for copper and electricity. The electrical age changed the World from a predominantly rural society to the industrial age, bringing with it the highest standard of living the world has ever known.
BISBEE - a name to stir the interest of mining men everywhere - has been one of the greatest copper camps the world has ever known. In almost 100 years of continuous production before the Bisbee mines closed in 1975, the local mines produced metals valued at $6.1 billion (at 1975 price) one of the largest production valuations of all the mining districts in the world. This staggering amount of wealth came from the estimated production of 8,032,352,000 lbs of copper, 2,871,786 ounces of gold, 77,162,986 ounces of silver, 304,627,600 lbs of lead and 371,945,900 lbs of zinc!
Today’s Queen Mine Tour takes visitors deep into the old workings of the famous Queen Mine where great tonnages of extremely rich copper ore was mined in the early days, catching the attention of the mining industry around the world as one of the greatest treasure troves of copper ever discovered.
Taking the Queen Mine Tour is to step back through the pages of history. A melting pot of immigrant miners from the mining districts of Europe labored beneath the Mule Mountains to feed the insatiable demand for copper and electricity. The electrical age changed the World from a predominantly rural society to the industrial age, bringing with it the highest standard of living the world has ever known.
Nov 23, 2009
Gotta love Craiglist!
Silver Dapple Craft Room (aka our Guest Room) is newly reorganized! I found this great find on Craiglist and couldnt pass it up for only $25! This exact set up new from Ikea is over $300! I scored on this one!
Nov 21, 2009
B.B. King tonight in concert!
Thank you to Steve and Christy we got the chance to see BB King in concert! What an amazing show!
Nov 8, 2009
Holiday Gift Show
Reminder!! this SUNDAY (11/8/09) my holiday gift party from 12-6pm. Come by and say HI ! Food and Drinks plus jewelry, hand scrubs, mary kay and Cake Pops - who could ask for more! We would love your support even if its just a visit!
Oct 16, 2009
CLU 5 yr Homecoming
It is Claires 5 year Anniversary for Cal Lu! Most of the family is coming into town. It is also Cates 30th Anniv and Rachels 10th! What a family legacy we have! Unfortunatley we only had about 15 people show up for my class reunion but I saw many other classmates at the football game. It was great family time and fun to see old college friends.
Oct 8, 2009
The 4Runner
Posted by Tyler: (Claire doesn't want any part of this)
I figure the 4Runner and I are both getting up there in age, there won't be many more years before I have to load a car seat into my beloved off road vehicle. So, while the time is still there, and the bank account is calculating diaper purchases, it was time to make the 4Runner what it has always strived to be...ready for anything.
I had a set of Rock Sliders added to the 4Runner about 2 years ago. These are 2"x2" square tubes that were welded onto the frame under the doors. These are in place in case you slowly drive over a rock (or other obstacle) that is taller than the space between the ground and the bottom of the doors. If you don't have rock sliders, and you miscalculate the height of something, you can cause MAJOR damage to the rocker panels (the small area under the doors). The rock sliders were just there so I could go a few more places...and I have used them on more than one occasion.
Over the last two months, I continued with the "trail armor" by custom fabricating front and rear bumpers...with the help of my buddy Jared. We started with the front bumper, removed it, and then started fabricating! We started with a 20' stick of square tube, a 20' stick of round tube, and a sheet of metal....the bumpers in the photo are what we created.
The back bumper followed immediatly, including a new swing out spare tire carrier. I also had to make some more room for larger tires, so I added a 3" Daystar lift kit to the 4Runner. This made just enough room for 33" mud terrain tires. Actually it didn't make enough room in the front, I had to add 1.25" Billet Aluminum wheel spacers so the new tires wouldn't rub the a-arms.
With all that fabrication, painting, grinding, welding and stressing done...the lift was installed and then the new tires where installed.
This is where we are now. A 4Runner to beat all 4Runners.....a MAN'S TRUCK! :)
BEFORE!
This is where it all starts...
Half way through the front.
The front done.
The back done.
Lifted and DONE!
I figure the 4Runner and I are both getting up there in age, there won't be many more years before I have to load a car seat into my beloved off road vehicle. So, while the time is still there, and the bank account is calculating diaper purchases, it was time to make the 4Runner what it has always strived to be...ready for anything.
I had a set of Rock Sliders added to the 4Runner about 2 years ago. These are 2"x2" square tubes that were welded onto the frame under the doors. These are in place in case you slowly drive over a rock (or other obstacle) that is taller than the space between the ground and the bottom of the doors. If you don't have rock sliders, and you miscalculate the height of something, you can cause MAJOR damage to the rocker panels (the small area under the doors). The rock sliders were just there so I could go a few more places...and I have used them on more than one occasion.
Over the last two months, I continued with the "trail armor" by custom fabricating front and rear bumpers...with the help of my buddy Jared. We started with the front bumper, removed it, and then started fabricating! We started with a 20' stick of square tube, a 20' stick of round tube, and a sheet of metal....the bumpers in the photo are what we created.
The back bumper followed immediatly, including a new swing out spare tire carrier. I also had to make some more room for larger tires, so I added a 3" Daystar lift kit to the 4Runner. This made just enough room for 33" mud terrain tires. Actually it didn't make enough room in the front, I had to add 1.25" Billet Aluminum wheel spacers so the new tires wouldn't rub the a-arms.
With all that fabrication, painting, grinding, welding and stressing done...the lift was installed and then the new tires where installed.
This is where we are now. A 4Runner to beat all 4Runners.....a MAN'S TRUCK! :)
BEFORE!
This is where it all starts...
Half way through the front.
The front done.
The back done.
Lifted and DONE!
Aug 28, 2009
Dynamic MINI Collective
Claire, the MINI and myself have now joined the Phoenix area club called...The Dynamic MINI Collective. This is a group of MINI Cooper enthusiasts that span the state of Arizona. On Wen. night I went to my first group event which was a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the release of the original Mini. Unfortunately due some emergencies at work, Claire wasn't able to make this event.
The history of where our great little car came from is a lengthy story, so to sum it up quickly, the first Mini (lower case letters back then) rolled off the lot in August of 1959 as the Austin Mini Seven, Austin Mini Minor and Austin Mini Minor DL. It changed shapes and names a few times over the next several decades but always carried the Mini name in it's title. Production stopped world wide in 2000, and then in 2002 BMW took the little British car out of retirement and brought it to the USA with a slight twist to the name, and the MINI Cooper was reborn.
Our MINI, nick named C-Diddy (for our English Bulldog, Cooper) was born in 2003. It's not fast, but it's fun and sporty and turns heads everywhere we drive it.
We are hoping to get out with the club on their group drives, weekend getaways and monthly ice cream socials and other dinner events. Here is a photo taken at the 50th anniversary dinner. There was a total of about 20 MINIs at this event...it was some sight to see all those cars lined up!
The history of where our great little car came from is a lengthy story, so to sum it up quickly, the first Mini (lower case letters back then) rolled off the lot in August of 1959 as the Austin Mini Seven, Austin Mini Minor and Austin Mini Minor DL. It changed shapes and names a few times over the next several decades but always carried the Mini name in it's title. Production stopped world wide in 2000, and then in 2002 BMW took the little British car out of retirement and brought it to the USA with a slight twist to the name, and the MINI Cooper was reborn.
Our MINI, nick named C-Diddy (for our English Bulldog, Cooper) was born in 2003. It's not fast, but it's fun and sporty and turns heads everywhere we drive it.
We are hoping to get out with the club on their group drives, weekend getaways and monthly ice cream socials and other dinner events. Here is a photo taken at the 50th anniversary dinner. There was a total of about 20 MINIs at this event...it was some sight to see all those cars lined up!
Aug 25, 2009
Jul 20, 2009
Going old school
Every month or six weeks, I am out at the grocery store and I wander into the shaving aisle. I bend down to grab a package of Mach3 Razor cartridges and gasp...$17....what a waste of money!!! Then it gets worse, the fact that I travel frequently means that my mach 3 handle needs replacement every 4 months or so. So I figure I am about $200 into shaving annually. Did I mention I hate shaving? I hate shaving.
Ok, time for solutions. I started poking around the internet to see if someone had made a razor that is more affordable, maybe something not available at the grocery store.
I found the answer, brace yourself. Straight razor shaving. The kind your grandfather's grandfather shaved with...old school.
I found a forum (there is a forum for everything by the way), called StraightRazorPlace.com. I learned a lot, and was directed to www.straightrazordesign.com, the owners also founded the forum. I started shopping, and after a slight investment (about the same as my annual shaving bill) I now own a Dovo Straight Razor, Illinois Leasther Strop, shaving soap, shaving cream, badger hair shaving brush, a shaving mug and a "how to" shave DVD.
You might be scratching your head right now...especially if you have ever seen a straight razor. YIKES! To say they are sharp, is an understatment! To test the sharpness of a shaving razor, and to make sure it is "shave ready" you simply pluck a hair off your head, and while holding it in one hand you raise the razor, blade up into the hair, it will cut clean through without moving the hair.
Ok, back to the blog! I have now been shaving with my straight razor for about 2 months, I have expanded my soap and cream selection and picked up another razor just to see the differences. I have also watched many youtube videos, talked to some other locals and have become VERY comfortable with this form of shaving. I have had a few "nicks", but nothing to bad.
Here's the real kicker....I LOVE TO SHAVE NOW! I love it, I wish I could shave 3 times a day!
Here is the system.
Preshave- like an old school barber, sharpen your straight razor with a leather strop...it's theraputic.
1. Take a nice soft towel, soak it in piping hot water and then hold it on your beard until it starts to cool (it's heavenly).
2. Repeat step one a few times...
3. Place a small amout of shave cream in a shaving mug (which has been soaking in hot water so it's warm).
4. Now take your badger hair shaving brush and get it wet under hot water then shake it dry. Now whip that cream and shave soap into a nice fluffy warm lather!
5. Apply generously to your face.
6. Now, very carefully, with very little pressure shave with the grain of you hair.
7. Splash some nice aftershave or better yet some vanilla flavored shave milk...and enjoy the baby butt smoothness!
For more information on how to be more manly, save some money, and actually enjoy the morning shave ritual visit.
www.straightrazorplace.com
You'll thank me!
Ok, time for solutions. I started poking around the internet to see if someone had made a razor that is more affordable, maybe something not available at the grocery store.
I found the answer, brace yourself. Straight razor shaving. The kind your grandfather's grandfather shaved with...old school.
I found a forum (there is a forum for everything by the way), called StraightRazorPlace.com. I learned a lot, and was directed to www.straightrazordesign.com, the owners also founded the forum. I started shopping, and after a slight investment (about the same as my annual shaving bill) I now own a Dovo Straight Razor, Illinois Leasther Strop, shaving soap, shaving cream, badger hair shaving brush, a shaving mug and a "how to" shave DVD.
You might be scratching your head right now...especially if you have ever seen a straight razor. YIKES! To say they are sharp, is an understatment! To test the sharpness of a shaving razor, and to make sure it is "shave ready" you simply pluck a hair off your head, and while holding it in one hand you raise the razor, blade up into the hair, it will cut clean through without moving the hair.
Ok, back to the blog! I have now been shaving with my straight razor for about 2 months, I have expanded my soap and cream selection and picked up another razor just to see the differences. I have also watched many youtube videos, talked to some other locals and have become VERY comfortable with this form of shaving. I have had a few "nicks", but nothing to bad.
Here's the real kicker....I LOVE TO SHAVE NOW! I love it, I wish I could shave 3 times a day!
Here is the system.
Preshave- like an old school barber, sharpen your straight razor with a leather strop...it's theraputic.
1. Take a nice soft towel, soak it in piping hot water and then hold it on your beard until it starts to cool (it's heavenly).
2. Repeat step one a few times...
3. Place a small amout of shave cream in a shaving mug (which has been soaking in hot water so it's warm).
4. Now take your badger hair shaving brush and get it wet under hot water then shake it dry. Now whip that cream and shave soap into a nice fluffy warm lather!
5. Apply generously to your face.
6. Now, very carefully, with very little pressure shave with the grain of you hair.
7. Splash some nice aftershave or better yet some vanilla flavored shave milk...and enjoy the baby butt smoothness!
For more information on how to be more manly, save some money, and actually enjoy the morning shave ritual visit.
www.straightrazorplace.com
You'll thank me!
Necklace Sale
FREE SHIPPING (in US only) when you BUY any NECKLACE until July 31, 2009!
Visit www.SilverDappleJewelry for more ...
Visit www.SilverDappleJewelry for more ...
| Etsy Buy Handmade SilverDapple |
Jul 9, 2009
Holden Village and WA trip
Claire's side of the family had a small reunion this year at Holden Village, an amazing old mining town that is now a Lutheran Retreat Center. We spent a few days in Sammamish and then went into Holden (the only way to Holden is via boat or on foot). Tyler and a group of other family members decided they wanted to opt for the "on foot" route to Holden but unfortunately due to snow lingering in the surrounding mountains, that was not an option. Instead, they spend 3 days hiking around in the mountains near Stehekin, WA (the last stop on the Chelan Ferry route, and also only accessed by boat or on foot). After the three days of hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail both north and south of Stehekin, the hikers took the boat back to Holden Village to spend some time with the entire family. Unfortunately we had to leave a little earlier then the rest of the family but still had a terrific time, albeit, short. One of the highlights of the trip was on the bus ride from Holden, back down the dirt road to the ferry terminal, which normally wouldn't be a highlight! A few miles from Holden, standing in the middle of the road was the bear that Tyler was complaining about not seeing...trip complete!
For more information on Holden Village, please visit:
www.HoldenVillage.org
For more information on Holden Village, please visit:
www.HoldenVillage.org
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