Home Sweet Home

       So in case you have not gotten the memo I took a mini trip to California to sight see and to help out a friend.  It was almost a week long, which is about five daze to long to be apart from my family.  I call it a trip -originally it was supposed to be a mini vacation, but I need a vacation after this vacation for sure.  Lots of pictures and thoughts about the trip and the Exploring coming very soon in MY newest blog page----Please check out the page, and share the links  at    http://exarizonagobensonbobcats.blogspot.com/

     I will say here that I saw more than enough rain on my trip for awhile.  It dumped on us almost the entire drive across the state.  Places like LA have not seen that much rain in a very long time.  And my train home was delayed by two hours from all of the rain.  The road just past the train station was completely flooded out in fact, on the night I left town.  Luckily it was after the train station, because I really did not feel like swimming with luggage.  This allowed for an annoying drive --but cooled the temperatures off very nicely.  On the train ride, the rain continued to follow me, and than Benson, Arizona---my new home town  saw rain through the night.  Very nice for the cool off, but when you live in the desert this soon creates mounds of mud.  

    Also in case you missed it  it is now March!  Somehow.  I realize last month was a very short month, but it sure does seem like this year is flying by.  At least in our house it is.  So this will be my first blog post for the new month.  Reader warning-- March is also the month we got married in, so for warned there will be many pictures of my wife and I  with some sappy stuff thrown in.  Being back also throws me quickly back into the real world.  Today rent is due and we are now officially three days late on changing over our truck licence plates.  Actually six months and three days late, but they expired at the end of last month.  Luckily all of the snow birds in town make it easy to keep plates from other states on your vehicle.  

Waiting at the train station for my trip to start. 

Our oldest is just visible to the right--he tries to escape all pictures. 

We had all just gotten Frosties so the kiddos are extra hyper.

My buddy Professor Getty 

At the moment he lives in Palm Springs, but is getting ready to move back to the 

Washington area.  Were there is definitely more water to Explore.

Today's coffee moment --actually pictures I took while Exploring Oroville California.

This shop was sadly closed--but I really liked there sign!

This place was in the old town of Oroville.

With the restored buildings. And was very kool!

Plus I have this whole side idea  of taking famous peoples mug shots/and people you know

sticking them on coffee mugs   and calling them mug shot mugs.

Guess I should have patented that before I shared.  

That said, I had to visit this coffee joint.  

This brings us to today's picture of the day!   

Much of our road trip was among trees.  From citrus to nuts.

During the six hour drive we came to a rest stop surrounded by nut trees. 

After sitting way to long we decided it was a very good idea to hop the fence and run to the end of the trees.  

It turned out to be a very long run--especially for two old folk.  I have other shots of this

that will soon appear in my blogs  but this one is my favorite.

The petals almost look like snow on the ground. 

At this point we were about half way through the amazingly long row of trees. 

At the end we found an open field with a deep drainage ditch flowing through it. 

As we slowly returned to the vehicle, the leg stretching was tiring, but felt great--we

heard a helicopter flying very low over the fields.
I can explain a lot of things/talk my way out of-- but after jumping a fence, and being in the middle of the field, I didn't even have a good reason for that if we got caught.  

Luckily they did not see us or decided we were just crazy overly white boys and not illegals and moved on!

Now on to some jokes!!

An actual truthful news story. 

They must have gotten pulled off the air. 

This also resembles my life story.

  I wonder what kind of grade this kid got?

Take A Picture

     **Another blog post first published in MY newest Exploring page.   Please check it out and share the links!    http://exarizonagobensonbobcats.blogspot.com     **

 

               Last week we all ventured to the Dragoon area once again, for some rock climbing fun.  Although we left the dogs behind this time around.  On this day we stopped at the rest area, just past the Dragoon exit and just before the exit to The Thing!  Both areas I have posted about before.  As I have mentioned before, this picture filled blog is all about Exploring Arizona and all it has to offer in fun and sights.  But our funding is very minimal at the moment, so many of the hikes focus around our new home town of Benson, Arizona.  This will change.  In the mean time I hope you enjoy each post.   This is a very new page, so please share the word and the links -so we can gain readers and comments from across this amazing state, and beyond.   Each comment -good, bad, or ugly, helps me make this a better sight for all!  

    

              
        

 

This area is about 12 miles from us but offers some great Exploring and lots of rock jumping fun

to quickly wear out the kiddos. 

The rest area also offers lots of benches, bathrooms, and even vending machines if you do not wish to

join in on the fun.

Plus there is always lots of people watching here to enjoy. 

Rocks like the above line the parking area.

 

 

 

And are just begging to be climbed!

 

 

A very rare picture of both of our boys together-AND looking happy.

The oldest was trying to hide behind his brother.

After I looked at this picture more-- I believe they both look more "evil" than happy.

As if happily plotting to push the other one off the rocks first.
But maybe that is just the parent in my thinking to much.

 

 

 

    Just  down from many of the rocks is the rest areas workers residence.  And a few heavily fenced ponds.  This is also a water treatment area.   And yes the water above is green.  A very slime mutant sludge green.  Although it is still kind of pretty.  The entire area is fenced off, around both rest areas and you have to walk a bit to get around the fences to the cooler rock formations and the open desert. 

 

Staying hydrated and ready to Explore!

 

 

 

 

Like here!!

 

 

 

The larger formations form almost cave like areas.

That are full of fun echoes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   The writing on the wall says "love!"   As in most places we Explore---vandals have come and gone.  Some of the art work is actually pretty neat.   If this was painted darker it might make for a nifty post card.  Although in this area de-facing the rocks is illegal.   I am not sure how one enforces this, but with all of the art work, I would say the enforcer is not to strict or crafty.

 

As in every hike  in this area--- magnificent mountains surround us in the distant horizon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each formation in this whole area is completely different and breath taking in it's own way.

 

 

 

 

Just across the way was a much taller set of hills that was calling to us. 

On this portion also very rocky   but the further to the right you look, the

easier the climb appears.  Although it still spends a lot of time going up.

 

 

 

Reaching the top--is far easier said than done.

For one thing from our stop-- four lanes of I-10 highway and several fences stand in the way!

I was not into playing Frogger with big rigs on this day--so we quickly loaded into our truck

and set off for the very next exit, crossed over the highway, and

turned back toward Benson.  Pulling back off at the rest area on the other side.

 

 

 

I have a long list of places to Explore next

But were do you think we should Explore??

 

Were have you been on a hike lately?

Please share your thoughts and pictures. 

The best will make it in future blog posts---giving you credit of course.

 

Please share on this pages comment section or at the links just below!

 

All new picture filled -all local blog post in the works!

 

Please tell your friends.  :)

 

 

Until next time

 

As always

 

**HAPPY TRAILS!!**

 

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           **My second blog series has some of my best personal pictures and lots of                     Exploring!**                                      Please take a look around.

http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com/


             **Tell me what  you really think about all of my thoughts!**
             This page gets updated first.--Always   
Exploring with Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head

Several mini-rants, jokes, and a deep thought -thrown in to throw you off!

            Hello again!   One of these daze -you my fellow reader will learn and or sober up, and stop reading my random rambling! ;)  Today I write this just after waking the kiddos up for school.  So it is very early AND I am full of coffee!  So there will be lots of rambling to enjoy.  This has been a very great week so far!  So the grumbling will be kept to a minimum for a change.   I landed a few good jobs this week and have been busting through them.  One is a huge clean up job--were the property owners got a hold of us, sooo much stuff was left when the tenets moved out of state.  Much of it high end stuff, the draw back is we are getting paid in the good stuff.  It is all things I know will sell, but it's a matter on sitting on the items until they do sell.  And nicely/neatly storing the good and bad items at our home.   The cliff notes of all of this, if you live in the Benson, Arizona area--we have some amazing deals!   And I am beyond out of shape.  Good thing the kiddos are all in trouble at the moment, and have been recruited to help each day.   Halfway through the job, the home owners are impressed, and sending us to another item filled home next week.  So working for "free" has it's benefits.   Plus of course I love setting my own hours and such. 

      We also broke down and went to court to get an official restraining order issued on The Devil  AKA my mother in law.   We had been threatening for months, but kind of thought the whole thing would just blow over.   The Devil would not let things drop-and I do not believe ever will.   Please feel free to read past blog posts about all of this fun, and to learn why we call her The Devil.   Most of my friends that try to tell me how evil all mother in laws are, now just stare at me with open mouths and shiver a little, every time I tell them the next thing she has pulled.  Cliff notes, she really is evil, and will probably out live everyone reading this.   Anyways she is still free to push the limits with us, but many of her past actions will now lead her to jail time.  She is also free to protest in court--which would be beyond entertaining for soooo many reasons.  The largest being, that her random rambling is hate and booze fed, and it would quickly unravel her entire case.   But I really doubt she can find a lawyer that will accept food stamps and beer as payment.  She was served on Tuesday--and you don't know how bad I wish we could have been across the street when the sheriffs arrived.   I can say-that it is now Thursday and the huge crap storm we were expecting, is either going to by-pass us or is still greatly brewing.

      And now a couple of mini-rants from this morning.  Two of these I have touched on in the past.  I hate to admit, after reading over them again, they are almost deep.  Almost is the key word.   If you have any thoughts on this rambling, or anything else that passes for reading in my blogs, please comment directly to this page, or go to MY Facebook page.  The link is just below.   I must warn you that I had much coffee before typing any of these.  And that I have years of experience of arguing from my 8 years of working at Wally World.  And unless I am arguing with my wife, I will keep going, even if I am beyond losing the battle.   I also like a good conversation, although I have had few lately.   I posted all of these on FB  and am waiting for the beyond deep replies.   So am hoping that you in reader land, will reply   because I know it will be a far betterer conversation.  

      **OK--I get the fact that Big Brother Government is pushing for one unified type of global currency--BUT how is that ever going to work? I ALWAYS get behind the people at the cash register that have no clue how to use there own debit/credit card. They than attempt to write a check that is exactly 47 cents short--and than dig out the change. There isn't much easier than a debit card-accept actual cash-but heck no one understands the express check out lanes either.--Just sayin' Maybe I just need more coffee! Any thoughts on this?**


        **One more local question /mini-rant
Is it just me or do way to many local residents not use there blinkers? Ever!
We moved here in June, so it's not just a snow bird factor.
Is most of Benson cars running out of blinker fluid?
I know much of the town knows were you are driving & at what time you go there, but us newbies have no clue and enjoy a good warning about your upcoming turns. I drive a ton in SV and Tucson and don't see this issue much-just other driving hazards. Please just think about using blinkers as you navigate beautiful Benson.**

     And lastly someone was complaining about being tired of having religion crammed down there throat.   And than a local church leader responded--a lot.   Here were my thoughts...


    **Going to church makes you as much a Christian as standing in your garage makes you a car. In our travels we have meet some amazingly evil regular church goers. Along with the amazing ones. Everyone needs a time to question there faith I fought for years with mine, until our family found an amazing church in Washington state. We have not ventured to church much since moving here. But we still practice and live our beliefs daily. And our daughter explores a new type of church every few weeks or so in the area. With the enormous amount of bad we have had towards our family in the last few months, mainly from our own family. We just had to get a restraining order on the kids own grandma, etc etc---without my faith--first I would not have the will power to not fully attack these people -these "family members" that leached off us and than ripped us off and worse. But I would not be able to step back, breathe and see that there are truly good people out there. And a ton of these such people live in the Benson are for sure!  
    But many religions and people do try to force there thoughts on others. Instead of letting there good deeds transform others. I don't want someones beliefs forced on me, any more than I enjoy the networks and media telling me how acceptable being gay is. To each there own, but I don't want such things bombarded on me daily.**

                                                          That's my cue to "Shut it!"

One of the MANY reasons.

Stealing is bad

  
                                                                Need more random rambling?
                                                                 MY blog page rundown

  My newest blog page---full of local Arizona Exploring and pictures.   Please check it out and share the links for more wonderful readers!

http://exarizonagobensonbobcats.blogspot.com/



 ** Check out were this all started and were I have been with my first blog series**     Full of random rambling, Exploring, pictures, deep quotes, and lots of coffee love!  
                 http://wyomingjack.blogspot.com/


           **My second blog series has some of my best personal pictures and lots of                     Exploring!**     
                                Please take a look around.

http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com/


             **Tell me what  you really think about all of my thoughts!**
             This page gets updated first.      MY Facebook page loves haters!!!!
Exploring with Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head

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! 
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                                                                 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!