Manteca Datsun Rally

I noticed a car rally by J.C. Penney this last Saturday, and went to check it out.  I got a few pictures.  the theme seemed to be old Datsun's although there were other brands as well.  there were some sweet sports care, as well as some clever pick-ups.  My brother had a Datsun.  It was his first car.  I helped him make the down payment.  It was an orange color much like one of the vehicles at the rally.

Pack Meeting: Armed Services Day

Pack performed a services taking down flags last Saturday.  The Pack committee had put them up at about 4 in the morning.  We removed flags from a section of Yosemite.  This made it hard, as you can't park on parts of Yosemite, so we had to drive to a location and then bring the flags to the car.  They keep the flags in place with rubber bands.  You have to roll them tight, put on a rubber band, and then carry to a collection spot.
I helped put the flags in the truck, four at a time, 24 in a section.  It was pretty fun.  They have a nice fan in the truck, otherwise it would be very hot.

Manteca Mural: Unveiling the Vietnam War Mural

The mural was painted by Linda Schrader and Echo Westover, a mother and daughter team.  the individual scenes are fantastic, and each tells a different story.

A Tribute to the Armed Services - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Armed services day was last weekend.  the Manteca flags were out, and tony Sheri and I helped with taking them down.  The Mormon tabernacle sings the song of all branches of the service.

What Is the Book of Mormon?

This video includes links to learn more about the Book of Mormon.  If you have seen the musical "Book of Mormon" you have been given only the tip of the iceberg.  This book changes lives everyday, and it can change yours.  It is another testimony of Jesus Christ.  It is a true book, with true teachings.  If one is serious about being close to Jesus, study of the Book of Mormon is the best way.

Memorial Day Display, Del Osso

I took a picture of the display which can also be seen from the freeway.  I don't think I had very good light.

Peter and John Heal a Man Crippled Since Birth

I love this story.  I use to read this to people when we as missionaries would bless the homes of inactie members, in an effort to get them activated again.  "I have not gold nor silver, but what I have I give, rise and walk."  "No tengo plate ni oro, pero lo que tengo le doy, levatate y anda."

Jesus Christ Implores Peter To "Feed My Sheep"

I think Jesus is teaching Peter that there are more important things to be doing than gong fishing.  That his was a monumental task which would take much effort.

Memorial Day Display at Del Osso Park

The Memorial Day Display, which is usually at Woodward Park on Sunday before Memorial Day, has been set up along the freeway at Del Osso Farms for 30 days this year.  The display will be seen by many more than normal, but we will miss some of the activities at Woodward Park.  Some three million people will drive past the display of seven thousand crosses.

By way of activity in Manteca, there is a memorial day barbeque Monday at the Senior Center and a "Riding for the Troops" Saturday and Sunday.

Tony Checks Out Silva Park; Plays Percussion

Tony wanted to check out Silva Park while I was Pokemoning.  This is the south end of Manteca.

They Kicked Us Off the Train

I was riding ACE on Tuesday in the next train which followed the trains that struck and killed a teenager.  We were stopped at Tray Station, with no word of when we could proceed.  After about 40 minutes, it was announced that we had to vacate the train, and wait for the later train.  The staff then cam through the train making sure we all vacated the train.  The reason they gave, someone decided it was what we were going to do.  A few passengers, I guess they complained, were allowed to stay on.  A mother with a child was one.
This would have been OK I guess, except it was very cold in Tracy.  I checked the weather with the temperature about 60, and the wind blowing created a wind-chill factor of about 55.  I called the rail station to complain, telling them it was darn cold.  Again the answer was that someone decided it was what we should do.  I asked them to talk to whoever it was who decided, so the person left for a while, and then came back and said it was to avoid congestion.  None of this made sense, and while I was there struggling with the cold, and talking to ACE, our train left.  Then we were stuck with waiting for the last train.  I was shivering throughout.  And even after getting home, it took me some time to warm up.  Sheri noticed how cold I was to the touch.
We waiting for over 20 minutes.  While we waited someone kept talking on the microphone telling us the next train was coming.  I never wanted to commit a vandalism so much in my life.  I wanted to hit that microphone with a rock because the ACE company had no regard for us as passengers.  After waiting over 20 minutes, ACE Ten (the last train) finally arrived and we were allowed to board.
However we still waited.  We were waiting for the coroner to arrive, and release the scene so we would be allowed to go through.  In the end, the train we had been on was allowed to go through, and we were allowed to follow.  That train probably arrived home about ten minutes before us.  I finally made it to Lathrop Manteca Station at about 9:40, two hours and twenty minutes after my expected time.
I don't resent being late.  Sometimes things happen.  However I do resent being kicked of the train and being made to wait in the cold, with the wind blowing and no place for relief.  I must admit, I did not wear my jacket.  When I left work the weather was nice.  I will be better prepared.  However this was the first time I have been kicked off the train.

Heron Taking Flight: Beautiful

Sheri and I both think this is a heron, but we are not bird experts.  What I do know is it is beautiful.  I was taking a walk waiting for the train.  The bird was just standing in the Guadalupe River by the Santa Clara Street overpass.  While I was trying to get the phone ready to take pictures it started flying away.

Happy Mother's Day; Happy Birthday

Sheri had two celebrations a week apart this year.  Some years they are on the same day.  For her birthday Charity and Anthony and the girls came over.  For Mother's Day Jeremy came over with Kayla and the boys.   Miranda made Texas Sheet cake.  We put on no candles and did not sing.  However Sheri bought herself a new rug and two new chairs for the living room.

Ace Rail Struck and Killed a Sierra High School Student

Tuesday Ace Rail struck and killed a teenager
This scene just sickens me.  Can you imagine the father performing CPR.  It is unclear if this is the friend's father, or the victims's father, but either way it was tragic.  The train engineer probably could see this coming for some time, with nothing he could do. Trains do not stop quickly.  the article says the train continued for 100 yards before it could stop.   The child was a student at Sierra High School, where my son graduated a few years ago.  It appears to have happened close to victim's residence.  The way I understand the story, they were crossing the San Joaquin River on the train trestle.  Two friends, one made it across, and the other was struck about ten feet short of the end of trestle where he could have gotten off.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The next day I took some pictures of the site when I went past on Wednesday, and there was a spontaneous remembrance taking place.