Tribute to George W. Bush

WHAT AN AWESOME TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W BUSH! PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE STORY NO
MATTER WHAT YOUR PERCEPTION IS OF HIM. YOU WON'T REGRET IT...

Story by: Bruce Vincent

For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our former
President, here is an excellent piece -- worth every minute it takes t=
o=A0read it. This story is from Bruce Vincent of Libby , Montana who had
gone to the White House with others to receive an award from the President.

He writes:
I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award
ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House
press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes
I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the
dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends.

Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President
and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk.When the
President was told that we were from Libby , Montana , I reminded him that
Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts
about Governor Racicot.

I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office.
First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later
shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to
tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist
muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God."

I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that
inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can
only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly
penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all
of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy
of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our
vote.

I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment--
that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my
fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just
my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream. '

Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business
and,standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while
posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission
accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy,
informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group.=
He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It
is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the
President, and Mrs.Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect
'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with
hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the
Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of
the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around
Laura, he said that he thought the place may be hard on weak marriages but
that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he
was blessed with a strong one.

After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed
and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The
President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees,
shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand
I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was
already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned
fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his
handshake and said, "Thank you-- and God bless you and yours as well."

On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west
side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his
hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello
and give him your regards."

I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President,
I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a
man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you."

As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it."I told
him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell, Montana,
having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me
if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by
the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could
tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in
your eyes. This explains it."

From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his
seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?"He then jotted a note to
her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer.
When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I
told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and
that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery.

He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now.
Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that
remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave.
He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."

As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared
to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads
bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling
gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my
mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.

He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for
Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more.My body
shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's
blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away
from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his
shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I
could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and
his.

As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell
you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and
believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he
is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office.
George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the
President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting
accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet
perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true.I was there. He is real. He
has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned
in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart.
He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing
for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son,
husband-to-husband, Christian to Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what
I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.

NOTE: If you decide to forward this story... please do not add to it. Let
Mr. Vincent's encounter stand as he wrote it.

Are 2009-2010 Celtics better than Suns?

My friend thought that the Boston Celtics were a superior team to the Phoenix Suns last season. He said that he wished Nash could go to a good team. I had to do a little research to back-up my claim that they weren't.

I took offense at your comparison of Phoenix vs. Celtics. Phoenix played Boston twice last year and beat them handily in both games. On November 6, they beat Boston, 110-103 and on December 30, 116-98. That could implicate Phoenix as the superior team between the two. This can be verified on this link: http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketball/fantasy/nba/phoenix-suns/team/profile/10/24 

The Lakers made it to the finals over Phoenix based on a lucky shot by Ron Artest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thdemQiH3NU. 

Many people thought that Phoenix would have beaten the Celtics also in the finals. Here is an article with a poll taken that supports this premise.

I personally don’t think that the Suns, Celtics, or Lakers are superior teams. On a given day, any team will beat another team depending on circumstances…with luck being a big circumstance.

'So You Think You Can Dance' winner is Lauren Froderman

Last night I watched the finals of So You Think You Can Dance. I had watched the show off and on this year not knowing who the best dancers were. In viewing a few shows throughout the year, I thought that Kent Boyd was the best dance of the final three, so he was my favorite. Lauren Froderman won America's Favorite Dancer and Kent was runner-up.

Channel 10 news followed the show and announced that Lauren, a Phoenix resident, had won. Being the homeboy that I am, I switched to Lauren as my favorite.

'So You Think You Can Dance' winner is Lauren Froderman

Arizona Diamondbacks hit 4 consecutive home runs to tie MLB record in win over Milwaukee Brewers

On occasion, I turn on the TV during a baseball game and the D-Backs are ahead in the score. Then, all of a sudden the roof caves in and they lose. I blame it on myself.

However last night, it was the opposite. I turned on the TV and Adam LaRoche was batting with the D-Back behind 2-0. He hit a home-run, making it 2-1. Then Miguel Montero joined in with a blast, tieing the score. Mark Reynolds and Stephen Drew followed with go ahead homeruns.

I couldn't believe it. The last place Diamondbacks hit four consecutive homeruns, tieing an MLB record. This has only happened six other times in the history of Major League Baseball. I didn't bring the team bad luck this time.

Read more: Arizona Diamondbacks hit 4 consecutive home runs to tie MLB record in win over Milwaukee Brewers

Urine Test -- This guy has a point

This was written by a construction worker in Fort McMurray . Read on . . .

I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes, and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to earn that pay check, I work on a rig site for a Fort McMurray construction project. At any time I am required to pass a random urine test, with which I have no problem. HOWEVER, what I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Understand - I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sit on their ass, drink beer and smoke dope. Could you imagine how much money this country would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? If you agree, please pass this along, or simply delete if you don't. Hope you will pass it along though, because something has to change in this country.

Construction Worker

Washing Dishes in the Dishwasher

Washing dishes is one of the most dreaded kitchen chores, which means that many people tend to rush through it. "Doing the dishes" haphazardly can result in a poor cleaning job. Thoroughly cleaning all dishes is important for both sanitary and aesthetic reasons.

Below are some steps from WikiHow on using dishwashers to get the best results:

1. Scrape off as much of the food as possible into the disposal, rather than get your dishwasher clogged with it. Definitely remove things like bones, corncobs, seeds, and peelings, etc.
2. Pre-rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Dry food will not wash away.
3. Avoid letting food dry on the dishes. Use warm, soapy water and a scrub brush when necessary to remove stuck on food.
4. Proteins such as eggs and cheese; cooked- or baked-on foods; and starches that have dried onto the dish often require extra attention. Fill these items with warm, soapy water and let them soak before placing them in the dishwasher.
5. Learn as you use your dishwasher what generally comes off and what does not. Proteins such as eggs and cheese; cooked- or baked-on foods; and starches that have dried onto the dish often require extra attention. Fill these items with warm, soapy water and let them soak before placing them in the dishwasher.
6. The dishwasher detergent can make as much difference as to how much pre-rinsing you have to do as the dishwasher, and it's the easier thing to replace. Read reviews or simply try other brands when you run out to find one that works best for you.
7. Insert the plates into the slots in the bottom section of the dishwasher. Face them toward the center and, if they lean at all, lean them inwards and downwards. Try to keep all surfaces separated and accessible to the stream of water from the sprayers.
8. Place the cups, glasses, and bowls in the top section of the dishwasher. Stack the bowls neatly on an incline, so that the washing solution can reach inside the bowl and so that they will drain.
9. Place Tupperware and other plastic items on the top rack. Because the heating element in most dishwashers is on the bottom, placing plastic items in the bottom rack could cause them to melt or warp.
10. Place the various pots and pans open-side down in the bottom section of the dishwasher.
11. Place utensils with handles down in the utensil baskets in the bottom section of the dishwasher.
12. Lay larger serving utensils horizontally across the top section of the dishwasher. Arrange serving spoons with the bowl facing down so that water does not collect in them.
13. Don't wash good cooking knives in the dishwasher. Sharp knives are often dulled by the washing cycle by rubbing against other items. Wash good knives by hand, especially if they have wooden handles.
14. Mix up different kinds of utensils in the utensil baskets to prevent several of the same item from nesting in one another and blocking the water.
15. Place cutting boards on the very outside of the bottom section of the dishwasher if they will not fit in the slots designated for plates.
16. Fill the soap container on the bottom section of the dishwasher with powdered dishwasher detergent. Fill to the designated line.
17. Filling the second soap container (often an open one) may not be necessary. The dishwasher manufacturer and detergent companies usually recommend it, but if your results are satisfactory without it, save yourself the extra detergent. Or, fill the second cup only if the dishes are very dirty. Try it both ways.
18. If your dishwasher has a feature for a rinse agent such as "Jet-Dry" or vinegar, fill with rinse agent to designated line. This will help to reduce water spots, especially if you have hard water. The rinse aid may not need refilling every time you run the dishwasher, but do top it off every couple of weeks to a month, or according to the instruction manual.
19. Make sure breakables do not touch, since the dishes can vibrate during the washing cycles.
20. Check before each run that spinning arms can spin freely and that there is nothing obstructing tubes or sprayers. Also, make sure that the detergent cups can open fully.
21. Run the garbage disposal before running your dishwasher. Dishwashers often drain into the same pipe as the sink, so it's important that the pipe be clear. If you don't have a garbage disposal, use a strainer in the sink drain to stop crumbs and debris from accumulating in the pipe.
22. Run hot water into your sink until the water coming out of the tap is hot. Dishwashers can heat up the water somewhat, but they usually work best when the water starts hot. If water is scarce, run the water into a container and use it to water plants.
23. Close the door to the dishwasher and start the dishwasher, using the instructions for your particular dishwasher. Generally, you must select a cycle and fully close and latch the door.

Gin, The Dancing Dog

Dogs are great...especially Gin, the dancing dog.

Go to this website and check her out.

“Phun, Phun, Phun” -- Philadelphia to Phoenix

The NFC #6 seed, Philadelphia Eagles, comes to the Valley of the Sun to battle the NFC #4 seed, Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals were a higher seed than the Eagles because they ended up the weak Western Division champions. Philadelphia actually had a better regular season record.

The Eagles dropped the NFC #1 seed, New York Giants, by the score of 23 to 11, and the Cardinals plummeted the #2 seed, Carolina Panthers, 33 to 13. The two unheralded teams will meet in the NFC Championship game next Sunday. Go Cardinals!

The experts predictions must be classified as “failed predictions.” Some experts even broadcast that Arizona should not be in the playoffs and some said that they were the worst team ever to play in the playoffs. What does that say about the teams they beat, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers? Too bad experts! Get a real job.

From the Arizona Republic, Bob Young's Heat Index reported these negative statements against the Cardinals:

1. Fox Analyst, Daryl Johnston's commented at halftime of the Arizona-Carolina game when the Cardinals were up 27-7 that the Cardinals could have a horrible second half.
2. NBC Analyst, Cris Collinsworth at halftime of the Arizona-Carolina game called the Cardinals the worst playoff team in history.

Other questionable remarks included:

• Deion Sanders claimed that he would give up Super Bowl tickets if the Cards made it. Yeah right!

Many Cardinal fans are guilty of calling the Cardinals weak or other such negatives. But the 2008-2009 Cardinals appear to be real.

The University of Phoenix Stadium will stage a massive party next Sunday. Cardinal fans in Arizona have waited 20 years for a team they could cheer for. There will be “Phun” in Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. That prediction will not “phail.”

As far as predicting a winner, I will leave that up to the "experts." As some people have said, "The Cardinals are as likely to go to the Super Bowl as a black man is being elected President of the U.S."

Update: HOORAY! The cardinals are going to the Super Bowl to play the Pittsburg Steelers.

Updated 1/21/2009

My Favorite Gospel Music

This song, I've Just Seen Jesus, by Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris sends chills up and down my spine when I hear it.

One of my favorites songs is Amazing Grace. This song has been performed by many musicians and vocalists and one of my favorites, Elvis Presley, sings in the video below.

Another favorite is He Touched Me as sung by the Gaither Vocal Band.

My favorite Christmas song of late is Mary Did You Know, written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, who sings it in the video below.

Sweet Hour of Prayer has always been one of my favorite hymns, but when I heard this recording by Vance Perry singing all four parts, I had to list it as one of my favorites.

Updated 1/12/09

Light Rail is Here

The light rail has come to Arizona in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Bob and I rode the train on Saturday, December 27, from Tempe's Veterans Way and College Station to the Phoenix McDowell and Central Station. There we joined Alex for lunch at Cheuvront's.


Free parking was provided in a parking structure across from Sun Devil Stadium. The Veterans Way and College Station is Tempe's main stop. Activities included fireworks, festival booths, Fifth farmers market, green-scene booths, archaeology displays and live music throughout the day, including Tempe's own Roger Klyne & the Peacemakers.

While waiting for the train, we saw hikers climbing "A" Mountain. At the top of the mountain, we could see a huge Manora and the star of Bethlehem with the three wisemen.

Two war protesters held up a banner that said, "YOU CAN'T WIN AN OCCUPATION." Another cardboard sign below the banner said, "4215 Dead."

We had to wait for a second train because the first train was packed like sardines. After waiting 25 minutes, the train arrives. We became sardines packing our bodies into any available open space. An hour and 13 stations later while taking deep breaths and holding in our stomaches, we arrived at our destination. Alex drove us back from Cheauvront's to the garage to pick up Bob's car and drive home.

2008 Christmas in Phoenix

Click the picture for a larger view.


Thanks to Loleen and the Meadows Family for a beautiful gift for Christmas. We served the French Roast Coffee on Christmas Day.








Christmas dinner was prepared by Bob Jones and Chuck Plake. Guests included Rachel Thornton, Bryan Sallee and Alex Ontiveros. Pictured to the left is Rachel, Bob and Bryan.







Prime Rib Roast, cooked by Bob Jones on Christmas Day. Click here to find the recipe of Bob's Perfect Prime Rib.








'Twas a rainy day in the Valley of the Sun.









Decorations provided by Bob Jones. Click here for Bob's decorations.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

In January of this year, at a meeting of the Engineers Club of Sun City, Arizona. A.P.S. (the local power company) gave a presentation in which they explained their plans to build such a plant south of Phoenix below Gila Bend. They were very upbeat about it's possibilities. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Take a look at this video and pay particular attention to the very last statement made by the spokesman.

http://www.valcent.net/i/misc/Vertigro/index.html

Bob's Christmas Decorations 2008

Bob Jones decorates magnificently. He works in a methodical fashion and loses track of time. Several neighbors in the his condominium complex marveled at his abilities likening it to Macy's display windows.









He placed two nativity scenes under the trees on the patio.









He made excellent use of poinsettias.









He decorated the walls and managed to save one tree for inside the house.









And Sophia watched...

Kerr, Porter must go

The old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” applies to the Suns current dilemma. Steve Kerr tried to fix the Suns, rather than fine tune them. Kerr brought Terry Porter in to fix the defense, but too much emphasis on change of an elite team created a lackluster, average team. Shaq and Porter won’t fix a fan-drawing playoff team that had a 65% winning percentage and that peeled off 15 and 17 consecutive wins. An NBA team only needs a defense that allows the other team to score one point less that the offense. Mike D’Antoni’s offense was better than the defense of all but a couple of NBA teams. And the team was much more fun to watch. Put the blame where it belongs. Get rid of Kerr and bring back D’Antoni as general manager and head coach.

The Law of The Garbage Truck

I get so many emails that have a lot of nothing to say, but his one gave me something to think about.

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.

We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy; and I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, The Law of the Garbage Truck.

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They runaround full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...... 'Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.'

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it.

~Author Unknown~

Thanks to Chris, I now know who the author is of this great work. It is David J. Pollay. More of his work can be found at http://www.davidjpollay.typepad.com.

Cool. We passed. We ran. We won!

Arizona State dominated Stanford in passing and almost all other facets of the game. ASU led not only in passing, but rushing and defense. The defense stopped Stanford's running game. Overall, the Sun Devils played super.

The crowd was big with 59,441 fans and the largest student section I have seen in some time. ASU (2-0, 1-0 Pac-10) has allowed Stanford only 23 points in the last three years, having scored 120 points against Stanford. Their next opponent is UNLV (1-1), who lost to Utah 42-21.

Keegan Herring and Shaun DeWitty entered the game for the first time this year, but Carpenter overshadowed them. Carpenter threw for 345 yards and was sacked only twice, four sacks less than the Stanford game last year.

The play of the game came with 52 seconds left in the first half. Stanford's Travis Golia kicked off out of bounds after the Cardinal scored a field goal to close within 3 points. The Sun Devils had already used their three time outs. The out-of-bounds kick off gave the Devils the ball on the forty and stopped the clock. The Sun Devils went for a touchdown rather that settling for a Thomas Weber field goal. The big play happened after the Cardinal were penalized for roughing Carpenter. Carpenter rolled right and found Kerry Taylor. Taylor outran cornerback Wopamo Osaisai, Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week, for a 45-yard touchdown and a 20-10 lead.

ASU dominated this game. Carpenter is going great now. It seems as though he is on a mission and if he keeps going, he will be a first round pick. After next week's game with UNLV, ASU dives into probably one of the hardest schedules in all of college football: four ranked teams in a row, not to mention #1 and #2 in the mix.

Stanford is going to be a big game for many other PAC-10 teams this year. This was a great win for the Devils.

Game Photos

2008 Diamondbacks

This year, I bought one of the D-Backs 10th anniversary packages. For $110, a person can buy ten tickets. My son and daughter also bought me one of the packages. The two packages allowed me to see ten games.

I took my grandson, Rob and his wife, Mel, to see one of the games, but for the remainder of the games, Alex went with me. Almost all of the games I chose, the D-backs were having a promotion. We were given T-shirts, duffle bags, bobbleheads of Bob Melvin, Eric Byrnes and Dan Haren, and an Eric Byrnes baseball cap--complete with blonde curls.

Although the tickets were reasonable, parking is $10 and the beers are $8.00 each. The rest of the drinks and food from the concessions were not cheap either. Being a cheapskate, I usually bought two bottles of water and a package of peanuts for $5.00 from a stand by the parking garage. Once in a great while Alex and I would buy a beer. I can't complain though. With the birthday gift tickets and the promotional items, I did alright with my expenses.

During the first seven games, the D-Backs were in first place. But as of yesterday, September 6, the Dodgers moved into first place by 1/2 game.

Not only are the games exciting, but the whole atmosphere is like a carnival with games for kids, tables in areas to visit and have a drink with a fellow sports fan. The organist is located in one of the areas and is approachable. He will sign autographs. And there is always something to arouse your interest. The rally backs throw out souvenirs in between innings; there are races and games on the scoreboard; and there are quizzes to clean out the cob webs in the brain and an opportunity to guess the night's attendance.

I truly enjoyed and am continuing to enjoy by birthday gift from my children, Ken and Jennifer. Thanks kids. I love you.

Congratulations to Gold Medal Winner Henry Cejudo

Writer Montini called it, "The feel good story of the Beijing Olympics." Henry Cejudo won the gold medal for the 55-kilogram (121-pound) division in wrestling. Cejudo, a Mexican-American is a citizen but his mother is not. After taking the gold, the former Maryvale High School athlete told the Republic's Norm Frauenheim, "This is cool, coming out of a Mexican-American background. It just feels so good. Not many Americans get to do something like this. I feel like I'm living the American dream."

What will happen to his mother? Who knows? Thanks to the media, Cejudo's mother is outed for having entered the country illegal before Henry was born. His father, who wasn't much in the picture during much of Henry's life died some time back in Mexico.

The Arizona Republic reports, "'Cejudo said he would have never won Olympic gold without some tough love from his brother, Angel, a four-time state champion at Maryvale. When I was growing up, I got a couple of knuckle sandwiches from him,' Cejudo said."

For all Americans, I can say that he represented us well. To see him run around the ring with the American flag with a jubilant smile on his face shows that he is a real American.

Why not allow his mother become a citizen?

Other Articles: Cejudo's medal golden for Maryvale; Maryvale basks in Cejudo's golden glow; AZ notes: Gold win nets Cejudo $65K; A Valley wrestler, an American dream, a Beijing gold.

My Tribute to Mommaw

Mommaw, her sister, Ruby, and their husbands together with several other Saints of God founded Gospel Mission, which later became Life Tabernacle. Rev. Joe K. Ballard was the pastor until my dad, Charles F. Plake, became pastor in the late 1950s.

On April 1, 1959, Mommaw became my step mother. My dad "eloped" with Elmeta Plake to be married in Prescott, Arizona. It is my understanding that the two of them asked Loleen, my sister, and Linda, Mommaw's daughter who that day became my step-sister, as witnesses so that people didn't think that it was an April fool's joke.

Mommaw had the memory of an elephant and would argue with anyone who challenged her memory. My Dad always said that Mommaw would argue with a sign post. I brought this to her attention on a couple of occasions. She agreed with a smile confirming my comments.

She was an easy person to get along with. Mommaw, Bob Jones and I traveled on Amtrak to San Antonio to attend Becky Courade-DeFossett's wedding and a CFPlakeFamily Reunion. It was Mommaw's first and last train trip. We arrived in San Antonio five hours late--not bad for Amtrak. But the return trip took 48 hours, which I believe is an Amtrak record.

We did not complete the trip by train. Amtrak flew us from El Paso to Tucson to retrieve our car. You would think that an 86 year old lady would be uncomfortable. If she was, we didn't know it. Mommaw did not complain the whole trip. In fact, she comforted Bob and me. She kept quoting her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Mommaw had a long life, but she wanted to outlive her sister Ruby, who lived almost 99 years. Mommaw lived for ninety wonderful years.



Much kudos to Rachel for organizing a party that celebrated her life on her 90th birthday, September 23. And thanks to the members of Life Tabernacle who attended the celebration. Mommaw appreciated it too. She talked about it each time that I visited her afterwards. At the gathering, I proposed a toast to Mommaw's long life and concluded by saying, "And may she live another ninety years."

Mommaw responded by saying, "That's a long time."







Below is one of Mommaw's favorite songs that my Dad sang, entitled, Time Has Made a Change in Me by Harkins Freye.

1. Time has made a change since my childhood days;
Many of my friends have gone away,
Some I never more in this life will see
Time has made a change in me.

Chorus:
Time has made a change in the old home place;
Time has made a change in each smiling face,
And I know my friends can plainly see
Time has made a change in me.

2. In my childhood days, I was well and strong
I could climb the hillside all day long,
I am not today what I used to be
Time has made a change in me.

3. When I reach my home in that land somewhere,
With my friends who wait to meet me over there,
Free from pain and care I'll forever be,
Time has made a change in me.

Mommaw, I love you and will always have an album of your memories impressed in my mind.

A tour of ASU Sports Facilities

Recently, Jim invited me along with his employee, Gabe, to the Tempe Diplomats’ tour of the Sun Devil Sports Facilities.

The tour started in the Wells Fargo Arena Wells, the home for Sun Devil men's and women's basketball as well as volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling, is one of the nation's finest collegiate arenas. Constructed in the spring of 1974 at the cost of $8 million, the 14,198-seat facility also plays host to graduation ceremonies and a variety of concerts and shows.

We were then led to the Ed and Nadine Carson Student Athletic Center. On the first floor is the Hall of Fame and trophy cases of all the trophies won by the Sun Devil sports teams. On another floor is the center is the state-of-the-art 16,000-sq. foot weight room at the Lawrence Strength and Conditioning Center.

In the football locker room is a view of Sparky, the symbol of Sun Devil athletics.

The tour ended with a buffet at Karsten Golf Course Club House. The Karsten Golf Course is home to the ASU Golf Program, which turns out winning teams year after year. Many touring professionals have honed their skills on the fairways and greens of this classic Pete Dye, Scottish links course.