"Hami hami haam-dall-la-la caveholic wha-gen-say!"

Say what?  It was an Arabic phrase Grandpa often used after his return from Saudi Arabia.   Written phonetically, I have no idea as to it's true translation or spelling but my general understanding was that the "hami hami" part meant "Hurry up!".  As for the remainder of the phrase I always assumed it contained an expletive or two.  We may never know but I do know that it is a part of my everyday vocabulary and for the rest of my life, whenever I say it, I'll always remember the great man made it a part of my life.

Dad being funny....

Once a farmer, always a farmer. Dad in Pasadena.

...and some times, not trying to be funny, (like this picture)....but just was!

"You are my hero"

During the toughest times in my life you and Grandma were always there. Even today you still show me the way. Thank You!!! You are my Hero...... Thank you for loving me the way you both have...

HAPPY FALL EVERYONE!

Just a THANK YOU to everyone who is helping create the memories here!

Anything With Wheels

In one of the earliest pictures I have of Grandpa and I, it shows just how he took interest in things that interested his loved ones. For me, it was anything with wheels. At this age in my life it was my bike. In the years that followed, I distinctly recall an adventurous trip with him from Colorado to California crossing the Continental divide. With Grandpa confidentially behind the wheel, I felt safe and secured as he navigated us through the Rocky Mountains on dirt roads with shear drop-offs. Later, I was fortunate enough to accompany him and Uncle Danny in Grandpa's semi-truck on a trip from Arkansas to California. I know it was trips like this that today, inspire my adventurous spirit and genuine interest in the back-roads of our beautiful country.

Who Do I Look Like..Thomas Edison???

To be completly honest with you no my Great Grandpa didn't look nothing like Thomas Edison and he strongly disliked the thought of all the lights being on in the house. However though Mr. Edison was know for inventing the first long-lasting light bulb. To me this is how they apper to be the same, I mean with Grandpa putting a long-lasting light in my life. I really do look up to my grandpa and I know he is looking down on us. So don't forget to always turn out the lights cause I know he is still watching!!

Gold Dollar Coins

You know them new gold dollar coins that Grandpa had collected? He loved to give them to us when we done something to help him. I always looked forward to tearing his breathing medicine apart for him. He loved to reward me with five golden dollar coins. I have several now and i will keep them forever. I loved to help him. I miss my Grandpa very much. I wish i had more time with him.

Porch Swings

I'll always remember the great porch swings Grandpa made for each of his children and grand children that purchased a home. Josh and I couldn't wait to purchase our first home so we could proudly display Grandpa's skilled craftmanship and enjoy many relaxing hours on the swing. Alas by the time we finally finished college and bought our first home, Grandpa had already retired from the swing making business. I still wish we had one of those beautiful swings so we could pass it down to Maya and then her children.

Grandpa was a wonderful man who touched many hearts. We will always miss him dearly.

Grandpa's Workshop Buddy......

I remember the scary feeling i had moving to Arkansas after my life was always paced so fast in the city. I didn't think i would ever make it in Arkansas, But you showed my that their was life here and a happy one at that. You and I become such great friends. I had never been as close to anyone as i was you. You brought me happiness i could have only dreamed about. You showed me what family was all about and accepted me like a daughter. We always shared great times down in your workshop.Those will always be times in my life that i will cherish.You are the best Grandpa anyone could ever ask for.... Thank You.....

IN THE NAVY, WELL YOU CAN SAIL THE SEVEN SEAS, IN THE NAVY.......

Just thought I'd share this great photo of Dad. When I turned it over onto the scanner, I found the note, (second picture) telling how old he was and where it was taken, written by him. We are all familiar with the second picture, but I really like the portrait. Dad talked about how his folks helped him lie about his age, so he could join the Navy. No wonder Dad always liked The Village People's song, "In The Navy"

Vacations in Yosemite......

One of Dad's FAVORITE places on earth was Yosemite. We all have such fond memories of packing the car and Prowler trailer, getting on the road and heading off to Yosemite. There was Mom and Dad's favorite spot, by the old wooden bridge, which felt like home the minute we pulled into it. I remember the time (or two) that someone was in the space, and Dad would go over, and strike up a conversation and ask when they were leaving. Dad was a smart one, and soon we were packed up again, just to move a few spots.....but as we all know, it was worth it. Days were spent swimming and rafting down the river, for the older kids, and the grown up and babies would hang around camp, and do whatever. 

Those really were the days, and it's a tradition that still goes on today. There was a twenty year break in there. I remember going once in the 80's, maybe once in the 90's. But even though you don't get to Yosemite, your heart still goes there. Thank goodness we are back to going to Yosemite every year...(Thanks to Chris!)

It would be so nice if the entire family could get together in late June of next year, 2009. We would all spent the week together, camping, eating, swimming, playing games, taking trams, visiting the stores, telling stories and remembering Dad/Grandpa...and celebrating him & his favorite place on earth.

                         Dad on the "old wooden bridge".