A Whiteaker Blog

2011-04-24T12:49:00.016-04:00

Eagle Court of Honor for Liam Michael Whiteaker

2011-03-26T10:33:00.014-04:00

Friday 3/4 - Ann's Birthday and a trip to Shedd Aquarium

Dinner - Bucca De Peppo

Birthday girls - Ann and Dora

2011-03-26T10:00:00.016-04:00

The Wedding Weekend

Grandpa Weldon and Ella dancing to "Black Eyed Peas"

2010-12-22T18:20:00.006-05:00

2010-08-18T15:38:00.009-04:00

Holloway Reunion - 2010
White Salmon, WA - Hood River Gorge

In route from Seattle via Mt. Rainer

Nash Woods - just north of White Salmon, WA

The bluff overlooking the gorge 1.5 miles from Nash Woods

Our hosts - Stephen and Mary Beth with Mathilde (our guest - Jeremy's younger sister from France)

2010-06-27T21:45:00.001-04:00

From Ellen's memorial service...

2010-04-01T11:43:00.001-04:00

Another new arrival..

Ann - be careful or we will need to change your name to Elly Mae!

2010-03-24T14:50:00.001-04:00

My first attempt at building an electronic echo unit...

2010-03-15T13:34:00.009-04:00

2010-03-15T13:18:00.002-04:00

New arrivals...

2010-01-22T13:52:00.007-05:00

Zoom Room...
cat in case...

2010-01-07T14:33:00.002-05:00

Snow bound...

2010-01-06T17:31:00.004-05:00

New Year surprise...

Winter Cactus clipping from Aunt Genny Ruch. Gayle did your clipping do this?

2010-01-04T22:36:00.010-05:00

Bringing in the new year with the Jessees...

Leigh Anne, Dan, Ann and Mark
Dinner at "The Bell House" - Italian

Doug, Jack and Liam
Mark and Leigh Anne

Twister champs - Ann and Jack

We had a great time. "Avatar", "Blind Side" - Playmobile, Legos...too much XBOX!!
It was great to be with Donna and Gary O'Nan New Years Eve.
Too bad Dan and Gary had colds. Dan had to work too...

2009-12-17T20:48:00.004-05:00

Goodbye girl...

Holly left us this day...

Santa brought you 11 years ago...it's fitting that you would leave us during this Christmas season.

We will miss your tail wagging in the flowers...

2009-12-12T13:26:00.004-05:00

51 years ago...another proud Mother and a newly commissioned officer

2009-12-12T13:13:00.004-05:00

Pictures I forgot about from the BlackBerry...
Washington DC, Memorial Day '09
Truman High Marching Band Trip
waiting for the parade...
bento box lunch at "Teaism"...highly recommended

2009-12-07T22:08:00.002-05:00

Devin art...

2009-11-15T23:08:00.004-05:00

2009-11-15T19:51:00.002-05:00

Trip to visit Aunt Jenny and cousin Marianne in West Plains Missouri weekend of 11/14. Thanks Gayle and Barb for being such great travel companions...lots of laughs, a few tears and a flood of memories
Barb, Jenny and Gayle at cemetery
Cousin Danny
Uncle Avery
At Aunt Jenny's home - Barb, Gayle, Jenny and Marianne

2009-11-05T18:27:00.003-05:00

Thanks Gayle for giving me the news about Aunt Dortha in the Ledger

2009-11-01T22:08:00.006-05:00

Corey turns 21 - this is a late posting

Collection of Corey photos over the years

Favorite photo...Devin holding Liam upside down...you must zoom in on the photo

Proud Papa and birthday boy...

how can something so little end up so big?

2009-11-01T21:08:00.011-05:00

Gayle comes to Independence for the Halloween Parade

No visit is complete without a picture with Elvis...watch those hands!

Gayle and Ann enjoying the sun before the parade begins

After the parade...fried Ice Cream....yummm

and of course a picture of our Jack O Lanterns

Reddi Whip anyone? Where's Gayle?

Oh...and the Parade - Truman High Marching Band

2009-10-01T11:39:00.007-04:00

Geneva comes to our home
fondue with family
scrap booking just like Hillary
sharing our bounty

2009-08-24T14:44:00.005-04:00

the DVD...

These and other new pictures are included in the updated slide show--->>>

This recording of Hallelujah, performed by Jeff Buckley, was the intro music at Jenn's memorial. I understand it was one of her favorites.

2009-08-16T00:19:00.009-04:00

Not only do they look like sisters but they sound like sisters...

Four generations in this one picture

Laura, Ann, Mark, Jordan, Liam, Corey and Mary Lynn went for a walk in the neighborhood. We picked blackberries along the way. Laura wanted to make a pie to send home with us. Instead, we froze the berries in a bag and packed them in our bags. This is a picture of our second pie. A touch of Bainbridge Island...we recommend serving with vanilla ice cream - yum

2009-08-06T21:24:00.014-04:00

In loving memory of Jenn...from a loving family

Peace be with you and all that you have touched....

Jennifer Caitin Spies, of Bainbridge Island, died on Aug. 5 at home after a long illness. She was 20.
She was born May 5, 1989, in Kansas City, Mo., to Kirk and Laura Spies and moved with her family to Bainbridge Island in 1999. She attended Bainbridge Island public schools and Seattle Central Community College. She enjoyed cooking, fashion, writing poetry, music including piano, board games, being with friends and chocolate. In addition to her parents, she is survived by brother Todd; sister Jordan of the family home; maternal grandmother Ellen McCarthy of Topeka, Kan.; and maternal step-grandmother Jo McCarthy of Shawnee, Kan. She also is survived by uncles Michael McCarthy of Eugene, Ore., Jerry McCarthy of Euless, Texas (Ralph), and Jamie McCarthy (Terry) and Mark McCarthy (Dean), both of Kansas City, Mark Spies (Bobbie) of Lee's Summit, Mo., Paul Spies (Debbie) of South Carolina, and Greg Spies (Kim) of Kansas; and aunts Mary Lynn McCarthy (Diana) of Kansas City, Mo., Jose Campion McCarthy of Eugene and Ann McCarthy Whiteaker (Mark) of Independence, Mo.; along with numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by maternal grandfather Edward McCarthy and paternal grandparents Elmer and Virginia Spies. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Bainbridge Commons, 370 Brien Dr.
The Spies family wishes to thank the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Center of Seattle; Menninger Clinic of Houston, Texas; and the pharmacists and staff at the Bainbridge Island Safeway.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council, www.artshum.org. Comments can be made on Spies Facebook page at http://profile.to/jenniferspies.

2009-08-03T19:10:00.002-04:00

Green Zebra heirloom from Anne's garden

2009-07-30T16:29:00.003-04:00

Snow in late July - a snow flake plant
We had ten blossoms from this dwarf yellow lily plant
The lily guard...

Our first Lotus of the season...

2009-07-30T11:37:00.002-04:00

News from Jeremy - our Paris AFS son...sounds like he is doing very well with his education...I love the way he writes. Please let us know if you would like to contact him.

Hi, Second results, second win!!! I have passed the test to get into the double degree in political Sciences of the University of Kent and the IEP de Lille. If my last test in August is a failure i will be going next year to Canterbury, England to study for a year before going to Lille fore a year and then doing the same thing for the two years after before studying wherever in the partner universities everywhere in the world, Youpiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If i manage my test in August i will have to choose between the best Political Sciences Institute in France (and Europe i think) or my double degree in two high class universities (in their own country, though).
My future is way better than i ever imagined it to become. It's quite good to feel to have a goal for the next five year. A goal that gets me in England, France and maybe Another country to study the things i am interested in.
Indeed it really feels good to be a graduate. High school is defenetiley out of my way and i start the last journey of my Quest ( i feel inspired today...) But yet the feeling is real, five more years to go and i'm done!
There isn't much news left, we're redoing the living room and a restroom. My parents are slowly fashioning the house in the way they want it to be.
I don't know when i'll be able to return to the USA. Next year i'll probably need a job so i might be able to save some and come to ol' good Independence.
Well i hope your doing as good as me.

If there was to complain about something i'd say i don't have much news from you though, keep me inform, i feel like i'm standing further and further of Independence and all of you, i don't like that feeling.

Love

Jérémy Apert

2009-07-13T10:58:00.010-04:00

Scout Camp 2009

Honorary Warrior Twisted Thorn, Warrior Twisted Ember, Runner Twisted Flame

Our new Warrior with out new Sachems

Don and Bruno (from Brazil) at The Point

Mom enjoying a dance with her called Warrior

Lana and Ann at The Point

2009-06-04T11:21:00.002-04:00

Damage Controlman Third Class Petty Officer - Devin Whiteaker

2009-06-03T11:44:00.014-04:00

Spring flowers from Ann's garden

2009-06-03T10:59:00.011-04:00

Trip to DC with Truman High Marching Band Memorial Day 2009

Who is the big lug in the middle?

2009-06-03T10:53:00.004-04:00

Holly
Sego (Segovia) in the Christmas Tree

2009-04-13T14:07:00.002-04:00

This is called golfing...

2009-04-13T14:05:00.001-04:00

Anybody remember this guy?

2009-02-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

Check out the Zoom Room Band - follow the link------->>>>

2008-10-03T10:02:00.007-04:00

Pictures from Oahu...Devin is headed home with much needed R&R...
Understand that he and his buddy rented a Mustang convertable and headed for the north side of the island.
Since he provided no details about where on the island or the name of the beachs none are provided on this post...

2008-10-01T12:02:00.002-04:00

Funky Fun sox....!

If you would like a pair just let me know...warm and traction pads on both sides - I think we can also get in your color of choice...one size fits all

Oh...and yes I am in the hospital for the next 4 - 5 days. My recent travels to Europe, the long flights, has resulted in a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) - yes this is a blood clot...and I am ok and am in the right place - no pain - but of course I can be a pain to others.

Lots of friends and family - I am in good hands.

2008-09-15T12:54:00.014-04:00

Some pictures from my recent visit to Margraten, The Netherlands... 9/14/2008

This was a very moving experience. It was around 1960 when Mom, Dad, Steve, Richard and I first visited this American Battle Memorial and Cemetery. What a memorial to those who died in this monster of a war (over 400,000 American) about 12 million served.

...not a marker out of line

...trees perfectly pruned

...all blades of grass the exact same height

...sunny, slightly cool and so peaceful

Bill, the curator (I will get his last name), escorted me to Kenneth's grave.

He brought with him a pail of sand from the beaches of Normandy. The sand is used to wipe the lettering on the marker for contrast for photos. A concert was scheduled for this Sunday afternoon. Mostly the locals were attendance.

How lucky I am...

2008-08-25T15:31:00.003-04:00

Trek to Philmont is a family affair... Corey in 05' and now Liam in 08'

brothers say goodbye - Jeremy back to France....
the Crew in Independence
the Crew at Philmont just before we leave...

of course we followed all bear safety warnings (read carefully)

more pictures to come...

Liam and I with the Philmont crew hiked 12 miles and camped over night at the Bartle Scout Reservation in the Ozarks. It was chile...

2008-08-15T15:22:00.002-04:00

Where in the world is James Devin...

Thought I'd start a section about Devin's journey as a Sailor on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Any comments or questions are welcome.

Latest update 9/21/08 - Devin is headed home - recent emails are about plans for some R&R in Hawaii! Of course the ship is not moving fast enough - a little home "itus" has set in. He sounds real good. Ann has been teaching since the beginning of the year and had her kids some some hand made pictures and well wishes - Devin has shared with his shipmates and was very moved by the jesture. He will be home October 27 for about a week...can't wait to see him.

Latest update 8/23/08 - Devin gets leave approved for end of October - Yipee!!...everyone is excited.
Here is a picture of Devin doing something - he said something about a "steel" beach party - I think the different departments of the crew leads competition with different activities - this one seemed to have something to do with a fire house...

Latest update 5/18/08 - I asked Devin to tell me a story. What a moving story it is...
Mike Monsoor, a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq , giving his life to save his fellow Seals.
During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of two's, with the coffin moving up the center. As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin.

The slaps were audible from across the cemetery; by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero.
This should be front-page news instead of the crap we see everyday.

Since the media wont make this news, I choose to make it news by forwarding it onto you guys. I am damn proud of our military. If you are proud too, please pass this on. If not then rest assured that these fine men and women of our military will continue to serve and protect.

Last update 5/4/08... in the Persian Gulf - weather horible - a little likefloating in a puddle of oil in a dust storm! but he also sound good and safe.

Last update 5/1/08...got a package from Devin - how exciting!...containing the busted iPod ONLY! Needless to say, Mom was disappointed to not get a hand written note!

We are watching the PBS series "Carrier"...well Dad is...Mom does at times with much trepidation...the latest episode has the right of passage called the "Crossing the Line Ceremony"...meaning - crossing the equator and the latest "Penny Press" (follow the link at the right of this page to the Abe) the Abe did the same thing on 4/24...Devin is now a "Shellback".

The "Carrier" series has been very moving...my good friend's son is training to fly F18's which would imply that he is headed to carrier duty as well...so we compare many notes about our son's experiences.

The following is a clip from the family newsletter that comes to us every month...
"After several weeks of flight operations and steaming to the west the ABRAHAM LINCOLN and several other ships from the Carrier Strike Group arrived for a much-deserved four-day port visit in Singapore. During that visit more than 200 Sailors volunteered their time to accomplish nine Community Relations (COMREL) projects. Additionally, more than 250 Sailors participated in a Home Hospitality Program sponsored by the American Association of Singapore. This organization is made up of Americans residing in Singapore, which open their homes to visiting Sailors for a home cooked meal or take Sailors to sight seeing in Singapore. Most notable, the LINCOLN enjoyed an incident free liberty port. Needless to say, I am very proud of the accomplishments and the conduct of the crew during our port visit.
LINCOLN next headed south toward the country of Jakarta for an air power demonstration for dignitaries from a number of allied countries in the area. The CVW-2 pilots put on an impressive demonstration that was enjoyed by our special guests and by the crew. Once again, the one thing that these dignitaries commented on the most was the hard work and professionalism demonstrated by the Sailors onboard LINCOLN.
After that we turned north and on the 24 of April, as the mighty ABRAHAM LINCOLN crossed the equator, 2200 Pollywogs where cleansed and accepted into the “Raging Main” as Shellbacks by Neptunus Rex in LINCOLN’s "Crossing the line Ceremony". This is a fun and innocent right of passage that men and women of the sea have done for hundreds of years. This is how it goes. Those Sailors that have crossed the line (equator) before and have been "cleansed" are known as Shellbacks. Those who have not are known as "Pollywogs". Before entering the "Raging Main", the domain of King Neptune, they must first be "cleansed" of their Pollywog slime so they can be accepted as a Shellback by King Neptune and his royal court. The role of King Neptune is played by the most senior Shellback onboard, which was AOCM Clayton, who became a Shellback in 1980. The event starts the evening before with the arrival of Davy Jones (King Neptune’s First Mate) and the Ghosts of Shellback’s Past that preside as judges over a
Pollywog Talent Show. Superior performance in the talent show means favorable consideration by King Neptune and his royal court. YN3 Mathews, a Sailor from Deck Department, won the talent show. His performance earned favorable consideration for all the Sailors in his department. The next morning starts early with breakfast for Pollywogs made by the Royal Chef. The rest of the Shellbacks from the crew dress in character as pirates of the “raging main” and they are charged with performing the “cleansing” ritual. Once a Pollywog has been “cleansed” they are brought before King Neptune and his royal court for acceptance into the “raging main” as a Trusty Shellback. As hot as it has been no one seemed to mind getting wet and a good time was had by all. I even had some new Shellbacks say “it was so much fun they wish they could do it once or twice a month”.

For now we continue steaming north on our way to the Persian Gulf and the mission at hand. Stay tuned for next month’s issue to find out “Where in the World is the ABRAHAM LINCOLN?”"

Last update...4/2/08.....iPod busted.....crossed international date line...somewhere in the south pacific!

Still at port before deployment mucking it up with the Sonics Cheerleaders and mascot Squash

Devin? Where did you get that cheesey grin?

John Avery, the guy next to Devin, is the one who gave us a great tour of the Abe when Liam, Corey and I visited the ship.

2008-08-11T09:01:00.010-04:00

Leigh Anne, Dan, Doug and Jack come to visit..

Back row: Doug, Ann, Leigh Anne, Mark...Front: Corey, Dan, Jack, Liam

Leigh Anne and Jack

Sunset at Powell Gardens

Leigh Anne and Mary Lynn

Doug & Jack..dry ice in the pool

Jack, Liam and Doug..Powell Gardens

Doug and Jack

2008-05-12T21:50:00.008-04:00

Kentucky meets Missouri...Welcome Alex and Tyler of Interstates...The Main Street Cafe...

My photo skills just don't do sometimes...

The Main Street Cafe is not on Main St. and is not a cafe...

but is a very cool venue...

It was great seeing and hearing you Alex...you and Tyler are very talented

2008-02-17T13:35:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Dortha!

lovely cake for a lovely lady...

a little Molly pixy dust to help the celebration

many friends and family...

near and far...

2008-02-11T20:37:00.001-05:00

Ann goes to Seattle...
Jordan Jenn, Ann and Dev...

Jenn at Pike's Place Market....

at the movies...must have been a movie about ham

Seattle way to eat ice cream...

in Oregon...Michael, Vivian, Nick, Ruby, Mia, Ann and Jenn

2008-01-14T16:05:00.000-05:00

Snowball Fight!!

I couldn't resist putting this to the blog. If you haven't seen this yet enjoy...

Should have some pictures from Christmas, Paris and Seattle soon....

2008-01-14T15:59:00.000-05:00

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

2007-11-08T22:17:00.000-05:00

$2,623!
Thanks to you - all my friends, neighbors and family I not only reached my goal to sell $2,500 but I exceeded it by $123!!! Thank you - Thank you - Thank you.

Because of you, I have earned enough money from this fund raiser to pay for Scout Camp next summer and the cost of going on our Troop High Adventure trek to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. But the most exciting part is I qualify for the college scholarship offered this year by Trails End, the popcorn company.

I was also very pleased to see that $425 of sales went to the Military donation program. Now those who serve in the Military will get popcorn because of you and me. This is very special since my brother Devin is currently serving in the Navy.

Again thanks to everyone!
Liam

2007-10-24T15:27:00.000-04:00

Trip to Liege, Belgium, via Brussels, and visit with the Apert family in Paris...

Liege (lee age) is a town in Belgium that represents an area that is almost exclusive to French culture and language. It is about an hour drive east of Brussels.

River Meuse outside our hotel, Liege

my client Magotteaux (mag ah tow)...offices in Vaux-sous-Chevremont, just outside of Liege

Margraten, The Netherlands (Holland), is about a 40 minute drive from Liege. Margraten has the only American Battle Cemetery in Holland. Kenneth Ruch, killed in action during World War II and cousin to my mother Faye is buried here. I was not able to visit his grave this time but may have an opportunity later this year.

Paris!

Jeremy

my "little while friend" Camille

I had the great fortune of traveling to Paris and to be the guest of the
Apert family.....Darryl (my colleague) and I had a great day - wonderful food and fellowship...what a beautiful family...Merci Beaucoup!

Here comes Scooby Doo!

10/24 - Update on Devin! The USS Abraham Lincoln is docked in San Diego. The fires are of course the big news and concern at this time.

2007-10-11T16:58:00.000-04:00

More from the Lincoln...

Touch and Go...yes we were very close!
Heck of a touch and a real loud get up and go!!

Canadian chopper..

Cheesy message huh...get over it!

2007-10-09T11:50:00.001-04:00

Our trek to the pacific northwest! The family cruise on the USS Abraham Lincoln

with Laurie and Kirk - Bainbridge Island, WA...
Thanks for the food and a place to stay.
Sorry we missed Jenn and Jordan
It was great seeing you!

Devin meets us at the dock - we ride together to the Abe

it was cold, windy and wet but very cool...this ship is huge!

home sweet home!

entering home port...a view of Everett, WA from the hangar of the Abe

2007-09-16T11:25:00.000-04:00

James Devin meets James Marshal (Hendrix)...a bit fuzzy

Update: Mark, Corey and Liam will be traveling to Everett to take a ride on the USS Abe Lincoln, 10/6

2007-09-12T19:41:00.001-04:00

A big weekend...Katie and Devin are home!

Pie on nose...Corey, you are suppose to eat it...
Happy Birthday Katie!
Ol buds , Don our Scout Master, say hello and goodbye...
what a crew...anybody notice how tall the kid on the right is getting?
it was a fun night...much happiness...
Goodbye Katie..you can't keep the hat!
Proud Mom

As we said our goodbyes and started to take pictures a man noticed, got out of his chair and offered to take a picture of all three of us.

Or, was that really what he wanted?

After he took the picture, he shook Devin's hand and said thank you...

We continue to be very proud of our Sailor son...we miss you already

2007-09-09T10:48:00.001-04:00

Pictures from the yard...

2007-08-17T15:02:00.001-04:00

Cousins - Kristi, Katie and Devin

2007-08-09T12:57:00.000-04:00

"Sweetness" Devin and Ella

As many of you know, Devin is in the Navy and wrapping up his advanced training at Great Lakes Naval Station.

His next assignment will be on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, stationed at Everett Naval Station just north of Seattle, Washington.

Mom and Dad are very happy for and proud of our sailor son.

All are welcome to post a message or warm wish to Devin on this blog as we prepare to send him off on this great opportunity to serve our country.

2007-08-01T17:48:00.001-04:00

Corey in Montreuil during his trip to Paris

with Mathilde and Camille (Jeremy's sisters) last April

2007-07-31T14:11:00.000-04:00

Pictures from the past...more of Ann...less of Mark
The McCarthy clan Topeka
Ann's baby picture
High School and Senior play "Barefoot in the Park"
Senior year uniform - blue jeans and a work shirt
Sophomore year in college...

2007-07-30T12:22:00.001-04:00

Devin, Corey, Ann, Mark and Liam - Easter 06' -

Junior Black Belt of the First Degree - 06'

2007-07-30T12:11:00.000-04:00

Mark, Aunt Dortha and Ann - Albany, MO 7/2/07

Ann's sunflowers

Being from the sunflower state...

2007-07-04T22:17:00.000-04:00

Graduation...2007

Jeremy, Mark, Ann & Corey

Jeremy, Uncle Mark, Dean and Corey

with Diana and Aunt Mary Lynn
with Grandma Jo...

and of course with Liam...

and some past photos...

2007-06-29T13:44:00.000-04:00

Bon Voyage Jeremy :( bcnul8tr!

our last supper - steaks on the grill...very quite
lots of coffee -Corey, it wasn't that early
one last pose for the camera...
lots of hugs - even from the ol' man..
but just a few of the many friends

2007-06-04T13:39:00.000-04:00

Devin - Navy Pass in Review Graduation

He is in there somewhere...
Ok now its Dad's time to get teary eyed..
Devin, I bet you never forget this guy!
Devin with Uncle Weldon and Aunt Neva

T he "bean" in Millinium Park and Jeno's Pizza, downtown Chicago
Thank you Jason, Kristi, Ella and Miles for having us at your house...Ann is also in the picture if you look closer

Some magic tricks - Grand-Uncle Mark and Ella

Photo winner of the day!

2007-05-29T12:15:00.002-04:00

Phil Montgomery

Memorial day 07'...

Some of you may know that Phil was our friend and fellow musician, drums, in The Rock Foundation and Deep Creek.

2007-05-07T15:51:00.000-04:00

Prom Night!

Corey learns suspenders....

Jeremy learns comb...

some final adjustments...

almost there...

wall-la!...ready to go!

everyone should dress up...

the flowers the couples...

2007-05-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

John, John, Faye, Mandy, Kristi and Laurie
Katie and Kristi 06'
Kristi and Katie 84ish?

2007-04-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

Devin joins the Navy...

swearing in....

Devin and Mom after swearing in - Ann is going to thump me for posting this picture (we were both teary eyed)

Goodbye dinner at Lu Lu's - Devin and Megan
(Thai food - very spicy!)

French and American boys like Thai food too...

Band of brothers after dinner..

2007-03-20T11:21:00.000-04:00

Uncle Avery - Thanksgiving at the Guess' home....

2007-03-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

Greg's Jazz Bass (JB) - very nice...
(compare this photo to a similar pose in the Deep Creek section of this blog)

Tom at Guitar Source did the refurbish - good job Tom

is this the road to Escondido?

serial # 348834 with the big "F"... confirmed vintage 72' JB

...and of course his Eric Johnson (EJ) Stratocaster...Nick playing...

"Tuning is for cowboys..." says Buster

TURN IT UP Senor Yes! (what is that under the couch?)

2007-02-28T15:15:00.000-05:00

Jeremy's Birthday!

15, 16, 17 and one for good luck!

2007-02-28T14:54:00.000-05:00

Trip to Seattle....

Corey, Laurie (Ann''s Sister), Jenn and Jordan (Laurie's daughters)->

2007-02-28T11:38:00.000-05:00

62' Strat history....
Purchased late 70 or early 71 at Lawrence music store - $125 - $150

not a 62' case - black case with
this type of insignia indicates 64-67
finish is none (linseed oil)...sunburst was
original color, then black, then white,
then bare wood... :(
bridge stamps "Fender Pat. Pend."
consistent with 62'

original neck was dark wood fret
with smaller head. This is the head of a 71
solid maple neck.
neck purchased at Leavenworth
music store located on 4th St. It was required(?)
that original neck be traded with purchase
of new...the hardware is original and consistent with 62'...

neck mfg date stamp...22 May 71 B is standard size...note: day 2 is different font than other stamp font

neck plate serial number is consistent with 62'

metal back plate to pick guard is consistent with 62' -note Mell's name - I assume Mell worked at Fender

electronics too are consistent with 62'

2007-02-20T12:34:00.000-05:00

Final Tour IV

2007-02-09T15:07:00.000-05:00

Very old pics...

1961 in lederhosen with Grandma

around 1954 with Dad at Uncle Bert's

the mumps 1959ish

on the drop tank of a T-33 1959

2007-02-05T22:43:00.002-05:00

Deep Creek

Greg - follow this link....dig the beats!?

South Dakota
21st B-day...bottle of Chavis in hip pocket...a bit foggy this day...and so was the weather...
backdrop - Mt Rushmore

2007-02-05T22:39:00.000-05:00

Flight

2007-02-05T22:22:00.003-05:00

NCO Club - Ft. Leavenworth

First gig..Leavenworth Junior High...

Senior Class ' 68 Graduation Party - Guards Club

Misc...

2007-02-05T22:22:00.001-05:00

2007-02-05T15:44:00.005-05:00

Nick Yes

Jack, Greg, Nick (Yes), Mark and Phil

Nick and Mark

2007-02-02T12:36:00.000-05:00

Where was this taken...Guards club?

Christmas Time

2007-01-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas....
and all through the house...

...not a creature was stirring....including Holly..

...then all hell broke loose! and the hunt for the pickle began....

...3 years in a row - congrats Corey!

Christmas at Grandma Jo's...

Enchanted Forest - Red River, NM

2007-01-14T12:55:00.000-05:00

Mark and Ann - Cross country skiing - "Let it snow!"

Corey and Jeremy

2007-01-13T20:04:00.000-05:00

Corey and Jeremy - brothers clowning around

This is a real dodge ball team...!

Holiday in Questa

2007-01-13T16:08:00.000-05:00

Largest hand dug well in the world on the way to Questa...

Greensburg, Kansas

At the cabin in Questa...

2006-12-15T12:29:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from our high adventure trek - Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, July 2005

Next trek will be July, 2008...can't wait - Liam and Dad

One of many vistas…

The crew…Mt Philips

in the clouds on The Tooth of Time

56 miles - 50 lb packs...

Bears...(mini)