Post # 435

               Today after lots of coffee, finds me on a mini road trip.  After coffee of course--unless I stop for coffee on the way!  A fine gentleman down the road saw our postings about the book club--and is donating ten boxes worth of books.   This is beyond great, but he had no way to get them to us.   I am always up for new Exploring and am going to try and get a nice hike in before grabbing the books.  Of course there will be pictures--and all of this should end up in my next Exploring blog page, unless it is beyond boring. 

 

         I do not think people realize the size of these bookcases -that were also donated to us for the project.  They are beyond huge--and it was not fun bringing them back from Sierra Vista at all.  There is also a small-ish magazine rack that we are using for music books.   I am very sure that pieces of it, did not make it all the way to our house.  In face several pieces jumped out of the truck on the very large speed bump coming into the boarder patrol check station, while leaving SV.   I was waiting for them to make me jump out and grab the parts.   But the workers were to busy staring at the huge cases, waiting for them to fall out, as I was.  

 

 

 

Have I mentioned lately how addicting coffee really is?

Or just how good it is!

 

 

 

 

Today's picture of the day comes from the heart of Benson, Arizona.

This classic motel has been around for a long time. 

And has seen this town through some changes!

It also offers some great photos. 

I have posted about this place before -and how fun it is to Explore. 

 

 

Polo??!

 

 

I do not enjoy being hugged by anyone -partically

Even someone I really love.

My wife's family is REALLY into hugs. 

Probably more so when they realized how much I hate them.

The hugs-that is -not necessarily the family members.

And I do believe a 19 minute hug would push me over the edge into

the "dark side" as in Darth Vader evil.

But if it is any comfort the dark side has cookies!

 

 

                 We buy and sell things all of the time to help make ends meet with our bills.   Yes--  we do pay all of the bills, on occasion.   I recall times when I would put all of the bills in a hat, draw out two--and they were the lucky two companies that got paid that month!   But at the moment we are very blessed, and even have some extra cash laying around the house.   Funny how right after getting the leach on society relatives to move away from us, we had cash for us again.   Anyways I have recently found some great buy and sell pages on Facebook.  And at the moment they are a better resource than Craig's List.  Less crap-more selling. 

    That said--while attempting to help another couple pay there bills, we got scammed on one of the local sights.  Annoying--but we can take care of those issues.   More annoying was how the local sights administration dealt with my complaints.   This sight, it seems has 800 rules--but few of them have anything to do with getting scammed.  They condemn swearing and drama and bad mouthing kittens, and 797 other petty things--so much so that you can quickly find yourself banned from the sight.  But they really can not do anything if you get cheated.   Shouldn't that be the top priority and rules for a sight that is just about buying and selling things??  I certainly thought so, and argued the point so much--that I am no longer a member of the buy/sell group.   Having 888 rules, just to have rules seems pointless and very government like to me.   Any time one did something, close to breaking a rule, that set of rules was sent to your message box, and posted online  for all to see.  This of course presented a challenge for me, break more idiotic rules--faster.   But I believe accepting challenges was breaking a rule also.   Thinking for yourself, was also breaking a rule.   Just like with big government!    I am in many other buy/sell type groups, and none of them run there pages anything like this one.   But Sierra Vista people defiantly have there own way of doing things it seems.   Not that there is anything wrong with that --usually.  ;)   I think I will send the above to the administration.   I have there e-mail after some great chats-were I was mostly wrong.  I am sure, even banned from the group, there is some rule about doing this also!

               

 

 

            I am going to keep today's post short, because I need to get on the road.   I hope today finds you all adventure and good fortune!    And as always   HAPPY TRAILS!!

 



 

B Is For Random

     Today's picture of the day---comes from in front of one of Benson, Arizona's cemetery's.  Another area to Explore, with the rolling hills of the open desert just behind.  Again the clouds help make this picture.  I have a fascination with tree, cloud, and old building pictures at the moment.   We almost rented a house very close to the cemetery.  So close that beyond the alley in back of the house, was the end of the cemetery.  Although it would allow for a lot of privacy, I also think it would be kind of creepy!   This picture will make it in my next Exploring Arizona blog post---I am working on a post about super urban exploring.  But it is taking longer than it should, because the pictures I wish to use, are on two separate computers.  One my wife uses during the day for her work.  And while she is off on the weekends, I am off with the kiddos Exploring and getting more pictures.  

 

Yet another attempt to wear out our youngest and our youngest dog.

Attempt is the key word.

If I had as much energy as our son, I could have three full time jobs!

 

 

      

          



   There are a lot of old windmills in this area.   At all different levels of needing repair.   Just down the road from our house is this one.  Again no real point to these sentences---I just thought the pictures were snazzy.   You are welcome!

     And last a picture I did not take.   Also one that is defiantly not so easy on the eyes.  Please take this time to note that once you see something, you can not un-see it!  ;)   Fair warning.  

                                                    When you have the answer---please get back with me. 

           Thanks to my friends and family I will never run out of blog material! ;)   That said--if you are one of my few true friends---I will never slam you on this page.  Never again--never with your real name listed!  The same goes for my wife---mostly because I greatly enjoy sleeping on the bed.  But if you are one of the many that has wronged us ---it is on like Donkey Kong!   The DURP list has been growing in leaps and bounds this month.   And nearing the top of it right now is my mother in law.   I have been trying to keep the stories down to a minimum on the topic---because I have been told that they are making us sound crazy.  But you are what you associate with!  We had some huge issues with in-laws with lack of respect lately  and after to many conversations with the local police, these people are banned from our property.  To make this stick--we have Butch the new pit bull, who really needs a new chew toy.   Everything has been much calmer until the last week or so.   The relatives saw our truck at Safeway --and came inside to confront us.   Even though they used to live with us, they asked were to send the kiddos Christmas presents.   It quickly went south-- and most of the shoppers were circled around us--in awe just like they were watching a poorly written soap opera.   Wait---that's every soap opera.  We can not afford restraining orders at the moment---so in a way we just have to put up with the "fun."   Since that day....
   *Speaking of cops--the mother in law recently accused me because someone allegedly--put her van online for sale. She than informed m...e it was a federal offence and the cops would be by soon to allegedly arrest me.
*A 30+ pack of beer per day will eventually effect even the best minds. Her actions over the last year have filled many a blog page. And given her full DURP status. Best line of the week came last night---she called saying she did nothing wrong, she wants nothing to do with me or April, but she wants to talk to the kids---long message. After I explained--in text-- how we have a restraining order against her-and it wasn't happening--she asked for our lawyers phone number----My answer? It's 911

     This is the 3rd time she has said she has done nothing wrong.   And in her mind she truly has done nothing wrong.  But whole family's do not request restraining orders on people that truly do not do anything wrong.   Although the month or so of peace we did receive was amazing.   I always have our cell phone, and none of the relatives enjoy talking to me--so we get few phone calls.  I find the above amusing -and maybe you will also.   At best you will feel very sorry for us, and donate the cash needed to get the restraining orders ---That would be a perfect Christmas present.   Also on the list---the Coffee Drive road sign pictured in yesterdays blog post.  

 

 

 

And people wonder why I have been on so many hikes lately.

 

 

 

 

    

                                  Lastly for this fine day---PLEASE check out this very fine web sight.
                                By a very enterprising young gentlemen.  It is an amazing sight and I give it three thumbs up!!

                                                                        http://webmasterbrony.weebly.com


                                                                               Check it out----do it now! 
======================================================================================

                                                                 MY blog rundown
Some of my better pictures end up here: http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com/
My newest page all about Arizona and what it has to offer everyone! http://exarizonagobensonbobcats.blogspot.com/
My longest running blog series. Full of random rambling, Exploring, jokes, rants, and of course coffee love! http://wyomingjack.blogspot.com/

 

 *

 

Please also do not forget to check out MY Facebook page!

Perfect for commenting directly to me.

Most of my thoughts, jokes, and pictures end up on this page before they become a blog

Please check it out and click on "like"

Exploring with Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head

 

 

Also we are starting a take a book leave a book program from our car port.

We have had amazing support  

but if you live in the Benson area or

just like to read please check out our Facebook page.

It has all of our current books and our address so you can check them out !

https://www.facebook.com/booktradein?fref=ts

 

Getting 10 more boxes of donated books tomorrow!

 

 

We All Scream For Pie!

                                                                                         Amen!


              I have been busy-ish promoting my newest blog series and have been slacking with new posts for this highly entertaining page.  At least I find it entertaining, and isn't that all that really matters, in the long run?  MANY times at work, I look around and notice I am the only one laughing.  I believe this to be true for my blog page also!  You may or may not find this information more strange, now knowing that I work for myself right now, and do not have any co-workers.  But for the most part I am guessing many of you -out there in reader land, or sleepy land, depending on how many of my blogs you have read before, find me about as amusing as my wife does.   Cliff notes: Not very!  The daily funny comes from my amazingly funny looks.   But the joke is on her, because --she is the one that married me, after all.  ;)

 

 

 

              I keep promising a picture glossary of sorts of all of my Exploring posts --and it really is in the works.  But I quickly found it is much more work than I thought it would be.  And the actual work part of it being in the works is greatly stalled by --well by almost anything shiny.  Plus I have some great hikes and Exploring lined up -for new posts!   Including a sneak away family trip to Tucson.   I also have many new ideas for all of my blogs---ideas that will make your head spin, even if you don't have four cups of coffee in your belly. 

 

 

 

And now ONLY because so many of you have asked for it....

 

 

This is the oldest picture of me I could find.

 

 

                                                        With that last picture--some quick sex ed for you all.
                                               Plus you can take comfort in the fact that this nasty tasting but amazingly long
                                                lasting snack is back on shelves!

                                                                       My new weeksend plans!
                                                                                   Cheers!!

 

 

I have shown this picture before.

It is an actual shot of mine- during one of the times I

lived in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Although I have no pie----now....

Our lives just keep getting better and betterer at the moment.

And this month has been extra amazing.

BUT it took a looooooooong time and perhaps a lot of pie to get to this point.

It also took dropping a lot of negative people from our lives.

For many of our friends, who's lives are on a down  hill slide---it will all get better.

Have some pie.

I refrain here from saying "things can only go up -from the place your at!"

Because I heard this great phrase--that is not helpful, true, or great for like five years straight.

And you know what, somehow things just kept getting worse.

And before I could enjoy any pie, someone would throw it in my face out of spite. 

Plus the said pie, was a mud pie.  :(

If nothing else, maybe all of this has inspired you to get up

and bake ME a pie  ;)

 

 

 

                                                            Do you think he signed the picture??????

 

I really wish this picture included the actual cop.

Not only would I overly enjoy seeing if the officer

looked as I can imagine --but I would love to see his uniform!

 

If you still are not agitated and or confused  PLEASE visit MY

Facebook page

Everything goes to this page before any of my blogs.

Full of jokes, Exploring pictures, direct links to all of my blogs, and lots of coffee love!!

At Exploring with Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head

Another Day Another Anger---Errrr Dollar!

                                                                           Both!

                                                **"Whatever you are, be a good one!"**

   In case you are new to my blogs, and have not yet gotten the memo--I enjoy coffee.  A lot!  Maybe to much.  But with exploring, a job, and three kids--the consumption almost lets me keep up.  Keeps me upright for sure.  So it is no surprise that at 9 AM I am at my second coffee house of the day.  The surprising part, is that I received no coffee at the first stop.  After getting the kiddos off to school, I ventured right down the road to one of my favorite coffee shops.  I will not mention the places name, because today I am not really liking the place.  I will say that we live in Fairhaven, so the coffee shops are very limited.  I ordered my morning brew, and than groggily tired to hand the beverage maker my debit card.  Amazingly they only take cash and checks--but no debit.  Amazing because few cashiers still know how to handle actual cash.  And very few places still take checks.  Something we just use for mailing out bill payments.  Because I find checks to be the most evil form of payment known to man.  With all of the security checks on a check and such I think this form of payment is even far worse than the bottle of pennies!  Although I have started to notice that NO one knows how to use there own debit and or credit cards.  They fumble in the line for so long.   I blame most of this on the consumer.  Who seems to be getting dumberer ever day, the gentle man in front of me in line last week, told the cashier that his pin number was taped to the top of his card -in case the cashier needed it to finish the transaction.  Or in case anyone needed the pin number if the card ever got stolin.  Like by me, after gaining this new info.  Some of the blame I place on the businesses.  Many places seem to re-set there credit machines each week adding new buttons to push.  To were it now takes 22 buttons to buy one bag of Cheesy Poofs.  The machine even asking you if you want to leave a tip for your cashier.  No--I want my fatty snack food.   Many workers actually deserve a tip.  They work for your tip money.  The cashier that glares and than smirks down at you while you push all of these buttons, basically getting a nice break -does not deserve a tip, or any of my chips.  
    Anyways, I had no cash on me or dreaded checks and had to move on down the road.  So I now find myself enjoying the view and brew at Tony's coffee.   In the heart of Fairhaven.  I have written bad reviews of the place in the past, mainly because the store did not have it's own wi-fi.  They have fixed this---allowing me to write this amazingly bland blog post from the coffee shop.  Wahoo for the future were you can use wi-fi and pay with a debit card! 

  At my last job I heard all about how my co-workers would survive a zombie attack.  ALL about.  Two quick thoughts on all that I heard.   1.)Most Americans, including myself are beyond week and would not last a week.  Lets face it, getting out of bed is the most exercise many of us face in a day.  And we get a tummy ache from eating at Burger King.  Do you really think you can survive any kind of attack?  The only advantage is that obesity and laziness is spreading past America, so the zombies or attacking nation might also be addicted to Cheesy Poofs, cheese cake, and diet 44  oz sodas! And B.)  Zombies only like fresh -full brains, so most of the people I know are safe!

  
    Valentines Day is right around the corner.  I have to work as a server.  And really think it would be fun to buy a bunch of discount rings.  And secretly slip them on couples tables --and than step back and watch the show!  But since my job resume is not up to date and my job description mainly has my name followed by a blank page--I will again refrain from sharing my ideas with management.    

Because I am working--my wife and I are not going to do much on the actual "holiday."  Yes, I have discussed this with my wife, while we were both awake.  And we are going to run away for a day soon after, and just enjoy each other.  And I must say, I can't wait!   Not only because we are sapply still madly in love and like hanging out -90% of the time, anyway.  But also because Nana is watching the kids! 

    I am sure I have shared this story before, but I am in the typing mood, and think it is a fitting story.  For more great advice, on things not to try, unless you wish to be single, please check out my old blog posts.  My beautiful wife was born in April and suffered through years of April fools cracks.  I did not know this the year we first meet.  And decided to pull a prank for April fools, very soon after we had first fell for each other.  
    She was positive I was going to dump her from the start.  And after lots of discussion, we decided that if this ever happened, I had to do the break up face to face.  No phone calls or text message break ups.  
    For whatever reason I decided it would be a great idea to e mail her a fake break up.  And sat down to cook up what I still personally think was a great letter.   "Dearest Purdy Lady,  ...Blah blah blah.... I know we agreed to never do it this way, but things are not working out....blah blah blah...sorry for the e mail version.....   just friends....   "  Scroll down a little bit and the famed words "April Fools!!" appeared.  
    This went on for a few paragraphs.  And than with out much pre-thought I clicked on "send."   Long story -short, she did not find this as amazing as she did ever time I pictured this in my head.  Most damningly because she did not scroll down to the end.  And thought it was a real, very harsh break up.  She instantly deleted my name from any and all contact lists and would not answer her phone for anything.  It finally took me calling her grandma, explaining the joke, and than having her explain things to my wife.  Many apologies and years later she does not find the humor in any of this.  I am a married man now, and have no opinion on the subject either way.  But feel free to comment on here your thoughts on all of this.   Funny or beyond mean?   Or like many of my jokes, a morbid mixture of the two.  

      Speaking of love, a local home under construction received a ton of negative publicity and made it on the evening news.   Why you ask?   Ask dam it!   Because they got tired of people messing with there construction sight and put a sign in the front yard warning traspassers to stay out and that this warning was inforced with a guns.  "Bad" enough in a state like Washington, full of weenies and zombie fighters.  But these people just happened to live across from the Fairhaven Middle School.  Causing a huge conflict.  
   I am completely in support of this sign.  We have a middle schooler, almost two of them at home, and I would hate to have a few hundred of them cutting through my yard.  The sign was probably put up, after many problems, and I bet those would be vandals now think twice before venturing into the lawn.  If this sign was across from an elementary school, than yes --- I might agree that it was a very poor choice---but middle schoolers are old enough to dechper their own luck.  And if they can not read the sign, than this should be the big news issue, not the sign.  I believe some thing new is taking the towns focus.  Like the locos are protesting street signs, because they bring in more evil, possibly gun toting, out-of-towners.  But I was ready to stand near the lawn, with a support sign.  I say near the sign, because I am not standing on there lawn, I can not out run guns.   A support sign saying something like "I support these folks, and if you touch my sign, I will shoot you!"  I believe, like my writing today, that is a run on sentence.  But my coffee has not fully kicked in yet.  
      I grew up in Wyoming were all of the best trails and exploring is private property.  And each is marked with similar signs.  The only difference is, everyone in Wyoming has a gun cabinet full of guns, and they have known how to use there guns since they were knee high to a grasshopper.  So you really do have to think twice before jumping that barbed wire fence.  
    Some of my better pictures and exploring comes from private land.  But I always think twice before venturing around a restricted sign.  Or cover it over with my jacket.  If you can't see it, it is not there!


     

    In the mean time, please visit my new-ish Facebook page    
   

Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head's Blogs Exploring Bellingham & Whatcom county

    Full of jokes, coffee love, exploring, and direct links to both of my blogs!   Sure to offend all or your $ back.   Please check it out!!!!  Also another great place to tell me what you think of my blog posts.   Please share---All comments help me improve with every post.  And if nothing else give me something to laugh at.  

      

Have an awesome day!!

Exploring Aberdeen/Greys Harbor II

 

    **This was first published in my newest blog series.  Please check out all the picture filled posts at

http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com  **

     This page is all about Bellingham and Whatcom county.  What to do see and be here.  And I have many ideas for this page.  I really do, I just been busy with a little day called Christmas and all. ;)  This page is also all about exploring.   And the trail took us out of Bellingham --across the state actually to Aberdeen.   This trip gained us a new travel trailer, that is in our family's yard for storage, but will save us a lot in motel rooms this summer.  Of course all of our roaming this summer will make it in picture filled blogs.  As long as my work gives me time off.  So today I wish to share a few pictures and thoughts.  

      I usually warn people to make a U-Turn when they see the above sign.  But we do have some great friends and or family members that always make the trip worth while.  All of the water and such make for some great picture opportunities.   Since my wife grew up in this area, I will refrain from bad mouthing the area --for now.  The town does have one of the best motto's around though. 

  I can though bad mouth this motel!  In our travels we have stayed in some very bad places.  This is possibly the worse place we have ever stayed.  Nothing worked right, but we still payed full rent.  Including the bath tub that took six hours to drain.  They were closed down for awhile, to meet safety standards, and you can see some improvements going on now. 

     Just after the "welcome" sign, you pass this rock wall of sorts.   I have been exploring at the top, and can say it is worth the difficulty to climb.  You are greeted by water views just across the road.

   Just into town, take some time to explore this great park.  The bridge in the background is a draw bridge, the entire area has such bridges.  So don't be surprised if you have to wait for awhile.  

    

                                          Some fall color still hanging on for dear life.

Right past the park is a Starbucks.  

I took time to write one of my posts for my other blog at this coffee shop. 

If you call the random rambling writing.  

Let me know what you think--  www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

The above sign is not over the Starbucks, and is actually a false sign.  

The shop is now closed.  

                               Behind the Wal Mart store is another good area to explore.  

                                              Abandoned pumpkin I found along the way. 

                                                                          O shaped trees.
   

Just before the sun came out for a little bit. 

They do not call it Grays Harbor for nothing. 

                                       Across some more bridges to Hoquium.   

   Both towns obviously benefit from the water.  But they also take logging seriously too.  A huge loggers rodeo greets visitors each year.  We have been to the parade and rodeo I am happy to report. 

                                                  Same blue boat, different types of draw bridges.  

   Behind the industrial area is a look out you can climb up and stare at the water.  

   Beyond is Ocean Shores and plenty of other great port towns.  I do not really like Ocean Shores.    It is one of those towns that could be a great tourist trap, but is far from being one yet.   You can also easily jump onto highway 101 from this area.  

  Lots of updates and new features in the works.   My next post will be all about weekend Christmas activities in wonderful Fairhaven.