What's In This Blog

I created this blog for my journal. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this blog I keep many of the things I come across as a member of the church. I also share my experiences on the ACE Train and getting to work, my experiences in Manteca where we have lived for three years, and other things I think are noticeable.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Temple Trip Saturday

Saturday I did something I had never done, we drove up the hill after visiting the temple in Oakland.  We discovered a park, with an overlook of the temple.  The sun was in the wrong place for good pictures, but this would be a great place for pictures in the morning.

The Stevens Creek Ward was at the temple.  Caleb and I saw Stan Dye, and the Ures.  Also President Knudsen.  I saw Dennis Lange who went to Argentina with me for our missions, and is in the Los Gatos Ward now, and Brother Topham.

Aggie Game in Fresno

Although the Aggies lost to Fresno, it was worth the trip.  The drive was beautiful, Caleb and Annie went with me, and seeing Jalen Moore twice in a row come off the left side and jam the ball through the hoop was amazing.  Very nice indeed.  He tried the same thing the second half, and the Bulldog player just wiped him out.  I was surprised no flagrant foul was called.  Then a few moments later the same player elbows an Aggie in the head, and the ref just shakes his head.  The Aggies could have gotten over the top there but the official wouldn't buy it.
The Aggies hung tough, and a few miscues at the end deprived them of the opportunity to sneak away with a victory.
The crowd seemed sparse, but it was Saturday afternoon.  We didn't see any other Aggie shirts, but a lot of red.  Shane rector also had a very good game.  He brought good energy, and was able to make some slashing shots going to the basket.  I was expecting more from Chris Smith, but he did hit double figures scoring.
By far the best player on the court was Marvelle Harris for Fresno State.  He was very difficult to contain.  He was fast and had a nice shot, although the box says he missed 10 shots.  He was also 10 for 10 at the foul line.


The drive down was terrific.  The trees were in bloom and there were roadside flowers that were beautiful.  Annie said the orange flowers were California poppy.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Happy Birthday Miranda

Miranda has gone to Seattle to spend some time with her sister and the new baby.  Before she left, she realized she would be gone for her birthday, so we had Pazookis, one of Miranda's favorites, before she left.  Basically hot cookies with ice cream.  Annie and the missionaries were over.  We sang but did not have candles.  We really pigged out.



Turned out to be one of the most enjoyable evenings i can remember in a long time.  With the missionaries we started a spiritual discussion about prayers and scripture study, which spilled over to after the missionaries left.  I really enjoyed the conversation, and talking with the kids about the core of the gospel, and sometimes not so much core gospel principles but more conspiracy issues, like where did the ten tribes ago.  It was really fun.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Tony Earns His Wolf: Cub Scouts

Since they reworte the requirements Tony pretty much did his wolf twice.  He finally finished up the last requirements and was awarded his wolf.  Now he is in the Bear Den.  At Pack meeting we had the Blue and Gold Banquet with hamburgers and hot dogs and lots of beans.  It was very nice.  The boys did a skit of the Bears (Baers).








Thursday, February 18, 2016

ACE 59: ACE Rail Stands for Late Again

Since the first of the year I don't think the train has been on time but a half dozen times. Stuck in Manteca with truck on tracks stuck where the are working on the rails crossing Yosemite. It's not like it isn't barricaded.  I just keep thinking, had the train been on time we would have been on time before the idiot driver got stuck. Now hour and a half late, but who knows when I will get to work.
Stuck on the train an extra 2 1/2 hours

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Tony's First Pinewood Derby

Tony participated in his first Pinewood Derby.  He knew going in his car was a bit light, and not prone to win the even.  however he did win some of his races, but didn't finish in the top three.  They had some fun races at the end, and his care did well at first, usually finishing first.  However it seemed to tire because it didn't do as well later.  I don't know is the wheels were pushed off, or the lubrication ran out or what.  The mothers provided car oriented snacks.  Sheri took RPM's or raisins, peanuts and M&M's.
 
 




 
 









Saturday, February 13, 2016

Training at Campbell Community Center

I am intrigued byt he Campbell Community Center.  I attended a two-day training on facilitating reflection, and realized I am not very good at reflecting.  However I am also intrigued with this old high school turned community center with gym, pool, tennis center, track, skate park and theater, and like six or more private or charter schools.  I attend the EMQ training through West Valley College which also has a presence in the building.  I like to walk the track at lunch, but also to try out the assorted exercise equipment next to the track.



Friday, February 12, 2016

Tony's Ninth Birthday

 It is hard to believe that our Tones is already nine.  He had his birthday Monday and seems to be maturing nicely.  It is lovely to be his parent.  Amongst the presents were lots of Lego sets, and some clothes.
Nieces and nephews came to play
Jeremy, Kayla and Anthony and Charity and babies were here as well as Annie.

Sheri prepared missionary delight, Tony's favorite.  Missionary delight was introduced to my mother by a missionary, and thus the name.  It is Kraft macaroni and cheese with tomato soup and hamburger added.


Tony wanted to do  something fun for his birthday, so Sheri took he and his siblings to ride go-carts.  He got to ride with Caleb in the big cars, and then drive a small car by himself.   Looks like they had fun, I was at work.










Tony and Sheri lit the candles, but Camberly was excited.


Love that boy