Meet "The Beast"

Last month, Zach was driving home from work and a guy behind him had a "Medical Episode" as the police report describes. Fortunately, Zach was alright but, the result was Zach's jeep got totaled and he has been reduced to driving our Altima since then.

Well, no more.

Meet "The Beast"

"The Beast" is a 1999 Dodge 4 X 4 truck.

We'll let Zach fill you in on the details of the newest member of the family, but I can say that this vehicle fits Zach.

"Long Live The Beast"

Trekkin' to Tucson

OK. We have the drink, candy, sunflower seeds and ipod. We're ready.

We took a trip to Tucson this last weekend for family, spring baseball and lot's of other "Stuff".

On the way over to pick up Carleigh in Thatcher, we saw this sign on the road between Duncan and Safford. Great sign.

On Thursday night, Grandma Beth and Art hosted a great party for some "old" guy who turned 50. Got to see everyone (about 28 of us) and had tons of good food.

Friday morning was spent at the Botanical Park.
The lady in the background behind Garrick and sweet baby Jadyn, was dubbed the "Butterfly Nazi". Let me tell you, when it comes to protecting the harmless, defenseless, poor little fellas, they couldn't have a better protector! She intimidated everyone.


I think the butterfly Nazi missed a couple here behind the kids.

Friday afternoon Pat, Garrick, Uncle John Brewer and Ryan all got to go to the D'Backs game. D'Backs won 9-3. Lots of fun. Altho Garrick got busted for stepping on the dugout by Maryanne, she still took our picture:)

Saturday morning we did an Autism Walk down at University of Arizona campus. Grandma Keeter lead the way!

We then had a game on Saturday afternoon. Cubs vs. Rockies. Mom, Art, Garrick, Dan, Mo & Kali all saw the Rockies shut down the Cubs. There were more Cubs fans than Rockies and it was the Rockies home field! (P.S. - Cubs fans drink ALOT of beer!)

We took Carleigh back to college in Thatcher on our way home Sunday. It was a really fun weekend. Sure was good to see everyone. Kinda glad to be home so we can rest up. We packed alot into just a few days, but it was worth it!

Welcome to the CHEM-DRY family

It's a proud moment in a parents life when their offspring follow in their footsteps. (wipe away the tears).


Carleigh interviewed and was hired as a part-time CSR (Customer Service Representative) at Chem-Dry of Albuquerque and New Mexico.

She was hired because of her sweet disposition

and advanced education degrees

OK. Seriously now. We are really happy and grateful to have an outstanding person like Carleigh at our office. She will be a real asset, just like her Mom and older sisters have been. Now I really have to stop, cause the tears are starting. Love Ya Carleigh!

P.S. - Just in case you are wondering. She is only working this week while she is on spring break from EA, but she'll be back in May!

Superman to Senior in 2 seconds

Let me set the stage:

It is about 70 outside, sun shinning, I'm riding my bike on the beautiful Bosque trail by the Rio Grande river. I'm feeling good. I've got a good sweat going. "Could it get any better?" Yes. A couple riders pull onto the trail ahead of me.

The challenge has been issued. I must catch these riders.

I start pushing a little harder, legs pumping, I am a MACHINE! I gain on them and within 10 minutes I'm drafting the back rider. Another mile and the 2nd rider passes the first and takes the lead. I follow him and the other rider drops off the pace.

ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO.

I stay right on his back tire. I can tell I'm pushing him. Another mile or two and I decide to pass him. Dude, I'm Lance armstrong! We ride for about 3 miles and he is still with me, but I feel sympathy for the poor guy and I slow down and strike up a conversation with him. We talk about some very general stuff, "how far are you going, nice bike, great day". After a couple minutes, I find out we both rode the El Tour de Tucson last November. "This guy must be alright". Then I find out we rode almost the exact time. "OK, he is gaining stature on my Cool meter". He then throws out a veiled excuse of "I'm not riding too bad for a guy over 50". I tell him I am exactly one month short of my 50th birthday. Then it happens. His next comment is:

"Hey. You can participate in the New Mexico Senior Olympics as soon as you turn 50!"

BAM! Just shoot me now!

He says it like it is some achievement! I said,"Wow. That's cool." Inside I was saying, "..... well I can't really write them down here and keep my Temple Recommend...."

My speed dropped from about 22 mph to the 17-18 range, I suddenly felt my legs start to tighten up, my chest got tighter, (I'm gonna have a freakin' heart attack because of this guy!), I feel like 20 lbs heavier.

That's it! I am never talking to anyone, ever again while I am riding unless I know them beforehand!

Arizona Dreamin'

Lisa got back Saturday afternoon from a "Whirlwind" tour of Arizona. (Thanks to cheap SW Airlines tickets!)

She was like a politician on a whistle stop tour!

First, she was whisked away from the airport to Eegees Subs, (no trip to Tucson is complete without an Eegee's turkey sub w/ pepperoncini), where she got to see Grandma Beth and Grandma Ruth.

Uncle John and Aunt Jan were there too!

Of course, Kara was the chauffeur along with Rylee and Jadyn.


After a visit to Ruth's house, dinner at John & Jan's, it was off to Sierra Vista.


Rylee and Jadyn obviously don't get along together at all! Actually, Jadyn absolutely adores her older sister.

Shopping, swimming, Texas Roadhouse all filled the next day. Then it was back to Tucson for a trip to Kohl's, (The Mecca of bargains I'm told), and a quick trip to the Zoo.



Rylee riding Dumbo.

"Mmmmm. snacks."

Kayla communing with the polar bear

It was then back to Grandma Beth's for dinner and fun with Dan, Mo, Callina, John, Noelle, Ian, Andrew, Allison, Kara, Rylee and Jadyn

After a VERY short night of sleep, it was back to the airport and home to Albuquerque. Sleep was definitely on the agenda after Arizona. It was a busy, tiring, quick trip to Arizona, but it was GREAT!

It's really been that long?

Hard to believe that it was almost 30 years ago that we started the first Chem-Dry franchise in the state of New Mexico, but in April of this year, it will be 30 years!

What we never envisioned 30 years ago was being named Chem-Dry franchise of the Year for 2009.

Actually, you could see this award coming from way back in the history of our business. As proof, the following pictures are included:

Obviously, this is a future Chem-Dry of the Year! I have no idea who is in the suit. Look closely at the TV. Yes, those are knobs on it. No, it did not have a remote that went with it. Looks like something from the original "Leave it to Beaver" show.

Check out the high quality marketing material on the front of the table. Classy.

Enjoying the Good Life. We must know that there is a Major Award in our future. Can you guess what era this is by my hairstyle and aviator sunglasses. Hey, Mullets are making a comeback aren't they? The aviator sunglasses are already back. This is in Nassau on the 1st Chem-Cruise. Circa 1991. (Ouch. 18 years ago!)

I think I look a little like Mark Walhberg in the movie "Invincible". No. Well, I know I felt invincible in my stylin' Chem-Dry mini-truck.

In the Pits At the Indy 500

With a little help from his father, Caden has developed a strong love of anything that involves an internal combustion engine. Favorite movie - Cars, Favorite Toys - Motorcycles and Trucks, Favorite sound - Baaaaa Baaaaa, (No that's not a lamb with a stomach ache. That is the sound of a motorcycle.) Caden always wants to go sit on Uncle Zachs "bike" when he is over. He has to put on the helmet and gloves as part of sitting on the bike.

This picture is actually Zach, (if you couldn't tell), doing one of his "Stunts". I think this is what Caden envisions himself doing while he is sitting on the bike.

Anyway, Caden was over last week and was out in the backyard helping Grandma Lisa. She was cleaning out a flowerbed and Caden was in the sandbox playing. She noticed him over by the riding mower, but didn't think anything of it. When she went to check on him a little later, this is what she found.

Caden had decided that the mower needed some "additives" in the gasoline.

We have no idea how he was able to get the cap off, but he did. When Papa took the gas tank off to clean it out, there was about a cup full of sand in the tank. All I can say is, "Good Thing Grandma Found Him When She Did." Fortunately, there was very little gas in the tank and Caden got to have some "Male Bonding" time with Papa cleaning it out.

I'm sure C'Dawg will be an Ace Mechanic given a few more lessons and some more years under his belt, but right now, better keep a close watch on the little Hot Rod!