Thoughts on Memorial Day

As we celebrate Memorial Day and honor all those men and women who have defended threats to our American way of life, my thoughts turned to my Dad. He fought in the Korean war. He left college after one semester because he felt he was going to get drafted anyway. He was just a young kid fresh out of High School and a few months later he was in Korea. How about going from a kid with no cares to having to watch out for somebody trying to kill you? Makes you grow up fast!

I'm not sure how the heck they got my Dad to smile like this in a picture. I don't think I have even seen a picture where he was smiling this big except his wedding photo. Did they tell jokes? Did they threaten them? I don't know, but it is a great picture.

I think this is outside the barracks where he went through basic training.

This is Dad next to his "Willys Jeep" on a road near his outfit in Korea. He was stationed in what was called the "Punch Bowl". It was right on the front. From his position, he could see the communist (enemy) territory. He loved driving any kind of vehicle and told me that whenever they asked for volunteers to drive anything he would tell them he knew how to drive it. Then he would figure out how to drive whatever it was "on the fly". He was pretty good at it from his farm upbringing.

Home Sweet Home

How would you like to live in this? If you look closely, you will notice it had about 4' - 5' of sandbags on the roof. The sandbags were in case a mortar shell made a direct hit on their bunker, they would have a better chance of survival.

This is Dad and Pete Bush, his Squad leader at this station. From things he wrote on the back of pictures, I think he thought well of Pete. Dad received the Bronze Star for taking command of his platoon when his commander was killed during an attack. I don't know if Pete was the one killed or not. His station was on a side of a mountain facing a valley and the mountain on the other side was enemy territory. Dad's job was sighting-in the artillery that shot from behind his mountain and over him into enemy territory. The enemy knew what Dad's platoon did and was always sniping at them, firing mortars and generally making life dangerous.

Talk about a "Tough Hombre". Carbine in hand, grenade on the belt.

I know Dad was proud of his service in Korea. He answered the call to serve his country. I would like to think I would do the same if I was needed in the same way, but until it actually happens you really never know how you would react. Dad never said this, but he was a real life hero - taking command of his squad under the conditions he did and serving in a dangerous position on the front lines of the war. Men like my Dad sacrificed so we can enjoy the life we do, in comfort, in safety, with the freedoms we have. I would like to honor our service men and women this Memorial Day and every day that I live in freedom. I am very grateful for all of them, especially Delmer E. Wallace.

Thanks Dad

4 New Additions to the Family

Yes.

Quads have been delivered here in The Duke City!

To be more specific, in the Plum tree in our courtyard. The following picture is from May 10. We noticed a Robin had made a nest in the tree just outside the front door in the courtyard. The first inclination was,"We need to take that down. We don't want birds pooping all over the sidewalk." We then got the ladder out and checked it and found these 4 bright blue robin eggs in the bottom of the nest.

So, I guess we are keeping the nest a while longer eh?

And one REALLY TICKED OFF momma bird. You can see her yellow beak sticking up above the nest after we left.
OK. Fast forward to May 25 and we checked the nest again today. This is what we found.

Looks like Mom might need to add on to the old house. It seems to be getting a little crowded in there. We'll keep you updated on the progress of our newest family members.

It sure is fun watching their progress. Reminds me of our house about 15 years ago! Full of little ones, always wanting to eat and never sitting still.

It wouldn't be spring around the Wallace house if we didn't have the humming bird feeders out. I could sit for an hour, (if I had an hour to spare), just watching them fight over who gets to eat at which feeder. They are hilarious! There is usually one that will sit in the tree just watching the feeders and waiting so he can "ATTACK" when another hummer comes. You can hear them bumping each other and zipping around when they are posturing for position. At other times, they will get along and there will be 2 or 3 feeding at one time. Love it!

And in the begining there was......

Spring is a busy time for Lisa. All the usual stuff inside the house, teenager activities and school, Hannah getting her drivers permit, (OH NO!!!!) and just keeping up with her busy schedule. Well, then there is growing things. Not just children, but every kind of flower imaginable.

Growing things.

It starts in March and goes through October, sometimes November.

The backyard flower beds are just starting to come to life.

The "Snowball" bush is already in full splendor.

And her pride and joy, the front courtyard is just now starting to come to life. For most people, this would be "Fantastic". For Lisa, this is just the begining. In about a month, this same courtyard will be absolutely exploding with color. It looks like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. Everyone who comes to the house comments on how nice it looks and it does. It really makes our house special.

Thanks for working so hard to make our house look so nice. This is just a small part of what you do to make our house a home.

Happy Mothers Day!

You're the BEST.

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!