It has been a long time since I put the electronic equivalent of pen to paper. The first problem seems to be that nothing is happening in my life. Or more precisely stated, nothing is happening that lends itself to photo documentation. The second problem is that cameras don't take kindly to being shaken, and shaking things is becoming one of my specialties. Did I mention that I have a major aversion to blurry pictures? Barbara and I spent an enjoyable Thanksgiving with Fred and Laura at their new home in Morinci. Also present were Karren and Jim. The occasion yielded a scrumptious repast, animated and enjoyable conversation, but no photos.

Fred went to the airport in Kearny with me a couple of times, where we worked on the engine in my ultralight. After a bit of trial and error, Fred discovered a blocked port in the carburetor. It was a fairly small opening but we finally dislodged the blockage by passing a bristle from a wire brush through it. This apparently cured the problem as, after reassembly, the engine ran reliably. A video of a taxi run is available here: (Click your browsers' back arrow twice to return.)

Loren McRae had a surplus of tomatoes this year, and Barbara, volunteered to help him pick them. He then graciously insisted that we take more than we could possibly use. So, we made salsa (1.5 gallons). Most of it ended up in the freezer. I think I'll get another container out right now...

Daddy used to buy shoddy tools from junk catalogues he received in the mail. He was especially fond of anything that would do a half dozen different jobs (none of them well). While, it is a scary thought, it appears that I may be turning into him. On the internet, I have encountered these multi-bladed scissors, that are designed to expedite the dicing of vegetables. They look ridiculous, but work surprisingly well, if you are serious about making salsa.

Dave Elliott came to visit us again, this time bringing his wife, Betty Ann, who had a particularly interested in doing the "tourist" things in this area. We spent a pleasurable day at the Sonora Desert Museum. Going with a person who doesn't share my aversion to waiting in crowded lines, I got to see a few things that would have normally escaped my attention, including people handling venomous reptiles and birds of prey flying within a foot of my head...

We also "did" Tombstone, including the reenactment of the infamous gunfight at the OK Corral. Tombstone is proud of its history, and much of it was on display at the various museums.

We also took the "Good Enough Mine" tour. There were three different tours available including one that required technical climbing, including the use of ropes, etc. We took the "old ladies" tour that only required us to negotiate 62 stairs.

On the way home, we stopped at Nathen's house where three of his five children demonstrated their expertise on the piano. Under the tutelage of their mother, they are becoming quite proficient.

Dave Elliott paid us a second visit, this time unaccompanied by his wife. During the planning stages of that visit, I forgot my commitment to attend the baptism of Brie Herring.

So, I just loaded Dave into my car and brought him with me. Dave has become a de facto member of my family, but given that he and BettyAnn are contemplating a mission starting next June, his attendance at our functions may slacken a bit. I think he still wants to do the Thunder River hike with us this coming May.

The photos in my camera suggest that I visited the home of AL2 and AL3. My brain has a vague memory of making candy (penuche and caramel) there, but I cannot remember the reeason for the trip...

Then again, where is it written that a man requires a reason to visit his grandkids?

Apparently this is the season for funerals. I attended one for Sherry Martin last Friday and one for Neil Hatch (the son of my fathers' brother Dell) Saturday. I have been asked to be a pall bearer at the funeral of LeGrande Turley this coming Friday, and to read the life story of Duane Cox (brother of Brian Cox) at his funeral the first Saturday in February. Is the grim reaper running a special or what...?

These are my cousins (plus an aunt and uncle) who attended Neils' funeral. It seem a bit ironic that this number of relatives would attend your funeral, but only a fraction would attend your birthday party. Oh, the foibles of being human...

Can you guess the identity of this distinguished gentleman? This is my brother, Mark, bereft of his shaggy mane. Cancer can kill you, but the cure might be a fate worse than death...

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