The End?...

So today brings an end to - "NaBloPoMo" -. I am pretty proud of myself that I succeeded in making a post each and every day!! Some were a bit easier than others and some were more thought provoking and informative. None the less, the post a day month is over.

It has definitely rejuvenated my excitement about blogging. However, I will know be able to continue on my schedule with substantially "better" posts and not thinking about what to post on my drive to work or home.

Country Boy XGames....

Here's an oldie but a goodie....Late 90's. It is a miracle that any of us survived. We used to imagine, develop, and build ways of getting into trouble or hurt.

Dad & Mo...

A picture of the greatest Father ever and one of the best cattle dogs ever. During the summer time haying season, you catch a nap whenever and where ever you can.

My Christmas Tree Is Up...

I've never been a fan of Christmas, but "my" tree is up thanks to my Mom & Dad. One day while I was at work a few years ago, they came in and put up my tree. It never is taken down, just sits on the fireplace shelf all year.

Gymkhana

Keeping with my love of motor sports and hip hop music, I'll share with you the best of the Gymkhana series...Gymkhana 3. The first video is more of the musical advertisement while the second video exhibits Ken Block's driving ability. Unfortunately, Mr. Block chose a Ford for this latest installment....he used Subaru's in Gymkhana 1 & 2. I encourage you find them and view them on YouTube.

The Good Old Days...

In the not so distant past, everything was "easy". I didn't have to worry about so many things that seem to take up most of my time today. It seems like most of my time now is filled with worry about one thing or another and the worry seems to just compound. Going through old photos, I found this picture of days gone by when we would feed the cattle with a team of horses. I wish I could blink my eyes and return to these good times.

Happy Thanksgiving....

Wishing everyone the best this Thanksgiving and Holiday Season...

It runs in the family...

All of my brothers were law enforcement officials...two still are active. Makes me wonder where or how I strayed from the path of fighting crime.

The Old Dead Tree...

For many years, my Dad was an outfitter. One of my favorite places where we would go was the Greys River Range. At the end of the "Middle Ridge" there is this 'Old Dead Tree' that we all used as a meeting place or as a reference point. It has became the staple for many a hunting story and is quite a special place for my family.

Over the years as friends have past, their name has been immortalized on a sign that has been put up on the tree. Only a select few can really understand how important this place is.

Missing Summer in Heaven....

I'll admit it, I'm tired of the snow. I enjoy the cooler temperatures, but am tired of the slick roads and the shoveling of the driveway. I yearn for the days when once again fields of green and rainbows will fill Star Valley.

Winter Commute...

Garage Graffiti....

When I moved into my home, just over two years ago, I knew that I wanted "some" graffiti on my garage walls. Thanks to a very talented family friend, this is the result.

Some of my Favorites...

Pastrana is possibly the greatest extreme motocross athlete ever. Always the innovator.







Micheal Jordan....nuff said!!



Primetime + America's Team = Excitement

Lazy Post....

......

Was it worth it?

That's a question you hear a lot. "Was it worth it?"

Not certain what either "it" refers to, but generally we're saying, "was the destination worth the journey? Was the effort worth the reward?"

The thing about effort is that effort is its own reward if you allow it to be.

So the answer can always be "yes" if you let it.

What It Takes To Be #1 - - - Vince Lombardi

"Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.

"There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that's first place. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay, and I don't ever want to finish second again. There is a second place bowl game, but it is a game for losers played by losers. It is and always has been an American zeal to be first in anything we do, and to win, and to win, and to win.

"Every time a football player goes to play his trade he's got to play from the ground up - from the soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play. Some guys play with their heads. That's O.K. You've got to be smart to be number one in any business. But more importantly, you've got to play with your heart, with every fiber of your body. If you're lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he's never going to come off the field second.

"Running a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization - an army, a political party or a business. The principles are the same. The object is to win - to beat the other guy. Maybe that sounds hard or cruel. I don't think it is.

"It is a reality of life that men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the most competitive men. That's why they are there - to compete. To know the rules and objectives when they get in the game. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules - but to win.

"And in truth, I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something in good men that really yearns for discipline and the harsh reality of head to head combat.

"I don't say these things because I believe in the 'brute' nature of man or that men must be brutalized to be combative. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is that moment when he has to work his heart out in a good cause and he's exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."

.

The Destructive Beetles of Life...

“On the slope of Long’s Peak in Colorado lies the ruin of a gigantic tree. Naturalists tell us that it stood for some four hundred years. It was a seedling when Columbus landed at San Salvador and half grown when the Pilgrims settled at Plymouth. During the course of its long life it was struck by lightning fourteen times, and the innumerable avalanches and storms of four centuries thundered past it. It survived them all. In the end, however, an army of beetles attacked the tree and leveled it to the ground. The insects ate their way through the bark and gradually destroyed the inner strength of the tree by their tiny but incessant attacks. A forest giant which age had not withered, nor lightning blasted, nor storms subdued, fell at last before beetles so small that a man could crush them between his forefinger and his thumb.”

Aren’t we all like that battling giant of the forest? Don’t we manage somehow to survive the storms, avalanches, and lightning strikes of life, only to let our hearts be eaten by the “beetles” of worry, fear, stress or jealousy?

Stress & worry can consume us and take over, making the body physically sick. Insomnia, severe stomach aches, migraines, high blood pressure, and panic attacks are only a few of the resulting conditions. For me, the little “beetle” breeds the phrase “What if…..” from the start of this, my over active imagination begins to build a scenario of doom.

What “insecticide” can we use to destroy the “beetles” of life? For each of us the formula will be different. Each of us have a different attacker waging war against us from the inside trying to destroy us. The single common denominators that we all have are the relationships of friends and family. The key is to never be too proud to ask for help. Nobody enjoys asking for help, because it is perceived as a sign of weakness and weakness has been looked down upon since the dawn of time. Phrases have been born…. “Survival of the fittest” - “Only the Strong Survive” - "The weak die out and the strong will survive, and will live on forever".

It takes strength to ask for help! In asking for help, we aren’t showing our weakness or inability; I would argue that we are trying to become stronger.

When sharing struggles, the load is divided and when sharing triumphs, the celebrations are amplified.

Don’t ever let the small things, of life, invade and destroy. Life is too precious and time flies by. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to get stronger. Enjoy each experience and treasure every relationship.

SNOW....

Snow is the worst "four letter word" ever! I can understand the excitement and even the beauty that snow brings for so many people. Those who like to ski, snowboard, and snowmobile wait anxiously for this time of year. The big white flakes are a blessing and are heaven sent.

For me, all I see when it snows is slower commute times, slicker commute, heaps of snow to push, shovel, and plow.

I wish I could conjure up that little boy inside me that loved to play in it!

Date Night....

For the past several years, I have taken my Mom on a date to see a play presented by the Off Square Theater Company, in Jackson. Tonight we went and saw Annie. The production was filled with purely local talent - - - - 95% of the cast were under 18. They did a marvelous job. I will have to admit, I do like Jay Z's version of "Hard Knock Life" better though.

I loved spending some time with my Mom. Miraculously, she didn't even seem concerned with my driving on the snowy and icy roads to and from Jackson. Not once did I see her grab for the "Oh Hell" handle or stomp on the floorboard looking for the brake pedal.

Thanks for a wonderful evening Mom...I LOVE YOU!!

11/11/11......

What's in a number? There is no question that today is a once in a century occurrence. Today will bring many planned events-weddings and special "11/11/11" parties. More people are likely to play the lottery today. I would also be curious to find out if there is an increase in gambling at any Blackjack table around the country...11 being a very favorable dealt hand in this table game. I have even got caught up in the celebration of this numerical day by blogging about it and changing the post time to 11:11 AM.

When all the hoopla and hype of 11/11/11 are over, every November 11th hereafter will still be a special day for me, for two very important reasons.

Veteran's Day is a day that we say "Thanks" to all the men and women who have served unselfishly in the ongoing fight for our Freedom. Many individuals paid the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives providing the security and way of life that each of us enjoy. Remember the families also; the sacrifices that spouses make, the Moms and Dads missing their sons and daughters, and the kids growing up while their Mom or Dad are away.

A special day to say THANK YOU - to these very courageous individuals.

Today is also important to me because a very special niece of mine was born on this day. She is quite an incredible young woman. Her creativity continues to amaze me. I have been very fortunate & blessed to watch her grow from a little girl to a wonderful Wife and Mother. These years included the benefits of getting my feet tickled for a "shining quarter", the tears that come with tumultuous teen trials, the fun & games of the Holidays, and the warmth of a hug!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MO!!! I hope you have a "one"-derful day. I LOVE YOU!!!

What is YOUR Greatest Fear...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ...Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking, so that other people won't feel insecure around you... As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others"

How many times have any of us been less than perfect at something, knowing full well that success would bring ridicule?

Tolstoy's Life Lessons

I recently finished reading Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy. I feel that he points out and outlines many of life's lessons and wanted to share them.

In Tolstoy's diary he wrote, " I became more & more astonished by the ignorance, and especially the cultural moral ignorance of our society....All our education should be directed to the accumulation of the cultural heritage of our ancestors, the best thinkers in the world"

Too often today we experience just the opposite. The media bombards us daily with heartbreak, misery and cynicism. Much of what we read is depressing, even rattling. I tire of hearing about wild-eyed terrorists, drug-addled celebrities, ethically challenged businessmen, and crooked politicians.

The theme of Tolstoy's book, Calendar of Wisdom: We are here for a short time. Knowledge is limitless. Therefore, the most critical knowledge is not a particular skill or discipline but rather wisdom about "How to Live"

A summary of Tolstoy's thoughts....

*There are only two ways to live: Either without thinking of death or with the thought that you approach death with every hour of your life.

*Don't compare yourself with others. Compare yourself with only perfection.

*It is not the place we occupy that is important, but the direction in which we move.

*When you want to escape from rage; do not walk, do not move, do not speak. Your rage cannot be justified by anything. The reason for your rage is always inside you.

*Speak only when your words are better than silence. For every time you regret that you did not say something, you will regret a hundred times that you did not keep your silence.

*You do not have the right to be unhappy with your life. If you are not satisfied, see this as a reason to be unsatisfied with yourself.

*The more strictly and mercilessly you judge yourself, the more just and kind you will be in the judgment of others.

*Strive for goodness without any expectations for rapid or noticeable success. For the further you progress, the higher your ideal of perfection will rise. Yet, it is the process itself, this striving, that justifies our lives.

I hope you find the wisdom and refreshing spirit that I did. I feel that it all boils down to the basics. Love Life!!! Live Life!!! The challenges that come our way are only opportunities for us to grow & become better. Life is about family, friends, and the experiences that we all have with each other. When things go wrong, it is our family and friends that we can always rely on.

My Vise....

Many of us struggle with some sort of "addiction". My addiction or vise is Mountain Dew. I didn't think that this drink could get an better, but when the Pepsi Corporation put the throwback drinks back into production, my addiction grew. There is something about the taste of Mountain Dew "brewed" with sugar vs high fructose corn syrup, that makes it even more palatable.

"Give me a Mountain, give me a Dew"

A Poem For My Dad...

I wrote this poem for my Dad 17 years ago.

DAD

I remember fishing when I was six years old;
the snow had just melted, the water still so cold
I sat upon your knee and watched you tie my hook;
the pictures now so very clear, like pages in a book
you pointed to a place in the river and said, "Cast it right in there"
you promised me that there were fish in that river;
and you always knew just where.

You have always amazed me, the things that you have done.
I just want to tell you,
that I'm proud to be your son
If I didn't thank you then,
I want to thank you now.
If it takes all my life, I'm going to pay you back somehow

It is a sad but natural thing,
Father and son drift apart.
Through all of these years,
Dad, I have loved you with all my heart.

I remember the Christmas when I was only eight
I woke you bright and early, when I knew you were up late;
assembling that race track in the middle of the floor
It really didn't matter what relatives walked through the door

We played with it all morning,
racing side by side;
Who won never mattered,
There was never such a tiling as pride.
It brings back a memory,
a gift I should have sent;
to let you know just how much it really meant.

We have discussed a lot of matters,
over sausage, eggs, and toast.
Advice and words of wisdom
are what I remember the most.
I can say that I'm a man now,
and you have raised me well.
One day I will have a son too,
and I can't wait to tell him that his grandpa
is the finest man that I ever knew.
If I had my choice, my son would be just like you

I'm thanking you now for the things that you have done;
I have to say that I'm very proud to be your son

College Football Gameday

Being an avid sports fan, I really look forward to the Fall of the year. I love college football. While most professional sports have become institutes filled with over compensated greedy individuals (owners & players alike), college athletics still has the feel of pure sport.

Editors Note: I know that collegiate athletics have been overshadowed by the recruiting tactics and alumni payments to players for years, but the percentage of hardworking clean cut athletes is much greater than those at any professional level. Many of the college athletes compete for the love of the sport…period. (This topic can actually be debated in a follow-up post)

Today provides a rare opportunity to watch the two top rated teams in the BCS (another three letter acronym that has brought much dispute) battle for supremacy during “primetime”; #1 LSU Tigers vs. #2 Alabama Crimson Tide. It is rare that the top two teams compete this “early” in the year before the championship game at the conclusion of the season in January. It is arguably the biggest college football game since the 1991 Miami / Florida State game. What makes it even more critical is that both teams are part of the SEC Western Division…meaning a loss today would likely end the championship title hunt for that team. I would bet that the winner of this game will go on and become the 2011 NCAA BCS National Champion.

I love the build up and hype before these types of games. The statisticians are working overtime pouring data into a computer that runs constant algorithms trying to predict the outcome. While in reality, one would only need to call up my bookie Vinny in Vegas and he’d have the odds perfected to the point!!

I have no ties to this game, so it will be easy for me to watch for the entertainment value only. It is much more difficult to watch a competition when I have any type of emotional or physical connection over one team from the other.

Prediction…LSU 27 - ‘Bama 24

Fast and Furious

Those that know me understand my love of speed & some have even experienced the "thrill". There is no question that I enjoy the adrenaline rush of driving fast, sometimes with very negative impacts to my wallet. While the days of receiving letters from my insurance company indicating my rates will go up or from the State of Wyoming Department of Transportation telling me that "one more violation will result in the suspension of my license" are over, I still enjoy speed. As stated in an earlier post, I doubt I will ever grow out of this….for better or worse I suppose.

The adrenaline rush is almost indescribable. One series of movies best describes my passion for speed and vehicle accessorizing…..The Fast and The Furious - - speed, street racing, NOS, in dash DVD, outrageous paint schemes, and lifestyle. No matter the plot of each individual movie, the main focus revolves around speed and precision driving.

I guess that’s just how I roll. ;-)

The Lizard Brain...

During my years of education, I focused my studies mainly on the biological sciences. Part of my study included learning about the amygdala or the lizard brain. The amygdala is an almond shaped mass located deep within the temporal lobe of the brain. Its’ main function is the processing of emotions such as fear, anger, and pleasure. The amygdala is particularly concerned with processing these emotions and formulating a plan of action to increase survival. The whole flight or fight response.

I’ve been reading a book by Seth Godin entitled, “Linchpin: Are You Indispensable”. A portion of the book explains that to be great, we need to overcome the power of the lizard brain. The lizard brain or resistance is the voice in the back of our head that tells us to slow down, back off, be careful, or worst of all…compromise.

The contradictions of human behavior are never ending. We say we want to meet more people, but stay home when invited to go out. We say we want to lose weight, but we eat too much. We say we want to be successful, but are fearful of rejection. Remember fear is simply an acronym for: false evidence appearing real.

As we get closer to an insight or as we get closer to the truth of what each one of us truly wants, the resistance amplifies and grows stronger. Why, because the lizard brain hates change and risk. We’ve all heard the cliché…great reward requires great risk. The lizard brain wants each of us to conform and blend in. Who decided what the boundaries of conformity are? Who decided that a 9-5 job was the norm? Fortunately, the boundaries are being broken and expanded daily.

I’m not promoting a revolt or an “occupy Wall Street” type demonstration; I am simply trying to explain that each of us has the power to be great…indispensable. For each of us, the risk is different. It may be speaking our mind in a meeting of our peers. It may be playing an impromptu musical number at a town talent show. Each of us has the opportunity to quiet the lizard brain…ignore it and let the art in each of us come out.

The "SCOWL"

It has been a long day and I'm going to post something everyday this month if it kills me. So I'm going to "cheat" and post something easy that I've stolen from my niece. I love this picture....no matter what, it ALWAYS brings a smile to my face!!! Thanks Mo!! Love you all!!!

NaBloPoMo

So thanks to a niece in Arizona, I found out that November is "National Blog Posting Month". What a better way to more than double my blog output than by blogging each day this month....well, I guess we will see how it goes. First blog down!!

Meet Vincent....

I have a phobia of any creature that has more than 4 legs or no legs. I feel that there is just something "unnatural" about a creature that can move so fast with no appendages or with several appendages moving in sync. So for pretty much my entire life, I have disliked snakes, spiders, centipedes, etc. Heck, even worms give me a sense of unrest.

For one reason or another, I have become quite fond of a particular pint-size predator that has taken residence in my garage door controller...meet Vincent

One morning, as I entered my garage, the motion sensor activated the interior lights and I saw Vincent just hanging there. He was only half the size he is in this picture, but never the less, his presence gave me an initial shot of adrenaline. Over the past several weeks, I have developed quite the routine of checking on Vincent when I come home....he usually scurries behind the control as I walk up the steps. Each morning, I make sure to check on him before I leave. I even take a quick look at his edible choices that have been entangled in his web during the night.

I have made peace with this one, but I doubt I will be harboring a boa named Bob anytime soon.

It's Not Always About Catching A Fish...

For years growing up, my Dad would take me fishing; pull me out of school to fish the Snake or pack in on horseback to fish Baileys Lake. Sometimes it was a walk through the pasture to fish on the banks of the Salt River right at dusk. Of course, there were always the highly anticipated fishing trips with my Uncle K floating the Salt River in Star Valley as well.
Over the years the stories, as most fish stories go, grow in intensity. There are several facts that remain and will never be disputed. I’ll explore three of my favorites.

1. We (Dad, Uncle K, and I) were almost responsible for the demise of Delbert Wright.
2. I came to the realization that a fishing pole is more important than my well being.
3. You can catch a fish with one hand holding the fishing pole while using the other hand to aid in relieving yourself…or go number #1 as it is commonly referred.

1. Delbert Wright was a wonderful and gentle old man. He was very bull-legged and Uncle K had made a bench that fit across the boat as to allow Delbert to sit and fish the river, while we floated down. Delbert loved to fish and knew pretty much everything that there was to know. Often times he would point at a place in the river, nudge me and say “Watch this…I’m pulling one out of that hole.” Every time, his cast was true, the bait floated calmly into the hole and bingo…Delbert would reel in a keeper. One fine sunny summer day, Dad, Uncle K, Delbert, and myself set out for a 3 hour tour…much like Gilligan. I’m sure there was hay to bale or haul, but it could wait, we had more important duties to attend to. As we were floating down the river, it split. (This is where the story might be different depending on who tells it.) As I recall, Dad was rowing and set out to go down one side, of the river. Midway across, Uncle K directs Dad to the other side, because that was where the best fishing was. Dad was giving it all he had to get us across the river and to the other channel. Unfortunately, the river swept us right up into a big Willow tree that was the dividing point in the river. We started taking on the entire Salt River in the boat. Through the chaos and mania….all was saved. Afterwards, Delbert simply said, “Ralph, let’s not try that again.”

2. It didn’t matter what the weather was doing, my Uncle K was always up for a fishing trip. One early June day, the weather was overcast, cold, and a slight drizzle was falling. We couldn’t hay; Mother Nature was doing the irrigating, so we might as well go fishing. Dad, Uncle K, and I loaded up and decided we would float from the Narrows to the Thayne Bridge. The sky was really dark and it was quite cold for an early summer day, so I had an older wool jacket on. The river was still high and there were several areas where the banks had fallen off into the river. Just past the 2nd bridge, near Salt River Heights, we encountered pretty fast water. Uncle K was rowing and Dad & I were doing the best we could to a) Stand upright and b) cast into the holes that were so rapidly passing us by. In an instant, the boat came to a standstill. I proved Newton correct again, because my body stayed in motion all the way out of the drift boat and into the raging river. Instantly I forgot about everything and mentally entered survival mode. Here I was, fully dressed with a wool coat on, in raging water and what do I hear when I finally surface…? My Dad and Uncle K “yelling” at me directing me to where my pole is floating. Forget the pole and come and get me I thought. In order to survive, I had to make haste and head towards the pole, because that is which way my Dad, Uncle K, and the BOAT were going!!

3. Several times during a floating trip down the river, we would need to row towards shore for one reason or another. It may be because someone caught a snag and broke their line. It may be because someone had caught a fish and needed to re-bait before continuing on. One such instance had us docked in near the bank. I decided to try and catch a fish while everyone else was preoccupied. I walked out of the boat and cast my line, allowing it to drift down river. I had the fishing pole in one hand and needed to dispense of the Shasta Ginger Ale that I had consumed an hour prior. So there I was…couldn’t have picked my nose for a million dollars. Without fail, a fish took my bait and I was able to set the hook one handed, but that was it. I decided that I needed to land this fish. Only problem was, that the Ginger Ale wasn’t finished exiting my body. I figured gravity could help me take care of the remainder of the fluid, so with both hands, I triumphantly reeled in my best catch of the day. Solution to the earlier problem…walk out into deeper water and cleanse all evidence of mishap!!


Looking back, at every adventure, it was never really about who would catch the biggest fish or even catching a fish at all. Each experience was a precious moment in time that I can relive each and every day. The company that I kept during my fishing adventures, my Dad, my Uncle K, brothers, cousins, and friends alike. The beauty of the land that we were surrounded by and the talks we had in the truck or by the fire can never be taken from me. Those are the things that I remember the most.

I MAY GROW OLDER, but I REFUSE TO GROW UP...

With the impending date of my birth approaching, I am sorely reminded that it is the “black birthday”, the beginning of the over-the-hill gang; the, “I’m 18 with 22 years experience club”…etc.

There is a difference between growing up and growing old. Try as so many might make (force) me…I will NEVER grow old! I still like my music loud, my vehicles fast, and my experiences plenty…these do not indicate that I haven’t grown-up. I have grown up, I think. Gone are the days of toilet papering neighbors houses. What would Officer Eugene Mallory (rest his soul) think today if he was to roll up in his patrol vehicle only to find the middle-aged Haderlie coating the neighbors trees with toilet paper? I remember when people would tell me that, “It is time you start acting your age.” What does my age look like? Am I supposed to “slow down”? Going back to the laws of physics, once we stop moving then the problems begin. Movement equals energy, energy equals progress and/or development and growth. It is impossible to grow without doing something. Sometimes the things that I do may appear to be immature leading some individuals to say, “You’re too old for that.” When the water fight begins…you’ll find me in the middle of the battle. When there is a prank to play….count me in.

These so-called childish games are so much more fun today….because I have grown up and have the tactical advantage of experience on my side. Grow up yes! Grow old never!

I have spent the first 40 years of my life equipping myself with the knowledge that I need to make a living. I hope that I have the wisdom to make the next 40 years of my life great. I will never stop learning, never stop trying, nor will I ever stop caring about & loving those who are special to me.

I will let my 40th birthday welcome me into the beautiful "middle age." This age does not have the casual immaturity of youth, nor does it have the constant dependency of old age. I will enjoy my 40th birthday in quiet reflection on the four decades of a beautiful life. It is time for me to enjoy the little moments rather than focus on bigger events.

Forty will be my eighteen…unfortunately rheumatism and slower metabolism won’t see it that way.

Mother Nature ALWAYS Wins....

The Snake River slide of 2011!! Beginning Saturday last week 5.14.2011, the mountain of mud, rock, trees, and bushes started to come down. It started simple enough only covering half of the road and has progressed to what is seen here. The mountain of debris just kept coming and coming. The slide is the result of a very wet Spring. I have been commuting through the Snake River Canyon for over 15 years and have never seen the amounts of water that has been coming off of the mountain....water was actually "sweating" from the rock wall located to the left of the slide. The slide has caused the closure of US 26 / 89...forcing traffic to travel North to Swan Valley, ID - through Pine Creek Pass to Victor, ID and up & over Teton Pass (10% grade) to commute to Jackson. It adds only 40 miles to my commute each day, but because of the two passes and traffic, it can add 75 minutes to my commute time. I regressed on one morning commute and had the thought, "I wonder how fast I can make this drive...." not wise, but I've never been one to back down from my on mind's challenges. After making a great start and only being on two wheels a couple of times the wet road and the morning's 28 degree temperature provided a huge variable. Fortunate for me, the hour was early enough that there was no traffic and somehow traction was regained. The remainder of the trip was driven at a more reasonable speed.

In reality the slide is not a big deal...nobody was hurt, no homes were lost and it WILL be fixed. It is just a unfortunate inconvenience. WYDOT is doing a great job in assessing and communicating with everyone. Everyone wants a timeline to as to when the road will reopen, which I feel is unfair. I don't think all the professionals...geologists or excavators can give a definite day....Mother Nature will have her say.

Haderlie Ranch's brand immortalized....

The landscaping of my yard is almost complete. I am putting the finishing touches on my "Rock Garden" This is at the entry way to my home and features our family's brand. Heritage has always been important to me and seeing this brand fills my head with so many thoughts of past experiences. This brand is put on all of our livestock...horses and cattle alike. The horses are branded with a method using a gel type substance that gradually eats the hair and skin to leave a permanent mark. The cattle (calves) are branded with an electric hot iron that glows red and burns the skin...making the scar actually raise above the skin level once healed. The smell is unmistakable. (Burnt hair & flesh)

Maybe some of you have seen the brands put on the arms of fraternity brothers...the burn will heal and puff up the area that was effected.

The hours spent branding cattle have always been some of the best times of my life. Without fail, we always had more family and friends than we had jobs to do.

True AMERICAN Heroes....

In a World filled with TMZ and many of us curiously awaiting Charlie Sheen's new revelation of how exactly he is winning, I argue that many more deserving individuals go unnoticed. The television and tabloids are filled with "celebrity" scandal, athletes outrageous actions and constant "news worthy" stories of the rich and famous. I'm no different. I have gotten caught up in the hoopla, but after reading a book this past week, NEVER again.


Everyone needs to read, LONE SURVIVOR, by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson.



This is a riveting eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and the heroics of several Navy Seals. For me, it brought so many things into perspective. What is a hero? What is important? What does true friendship 'look' like? It also shows how much good there still is in this World, even in a country that hates America.

Military men and women leave the comforts of their home and take the fight to the enemy on their "turf" everyday to give you and I the freedoms we enjoy. Their spouses and families sacrifice everything, unlike the headline grabbing entertainers of today, these selfless individuals don't do it for the publicity. They fight and do their job for the love of their country. While the professional athlete is "holding out" and doing everything in his power to get more money, for playing a game, special individuals like Marcus, Murph, Axe, and Danny Boy, Kristensen, Shane, James, Senior, Jeff, Jacques, Taylor, and Mac are dealing with life and death activities everyday!!! Without the thought of praise!!

After reading this book, I found myself asking....what is truly important in my life. FFF!!! (Family & Friends -First!!)

Take the time....read the book! I promise it will evoke emotion, provide insight to the rigorous training that these special individuals go through, the sacrifices they make and not for the glory or recognition....for love and honor!!! True American Heroes!!

A Gratifying Comparison....

Each of us, want to leave our mark in this World. When it comes to determining how big of a dent we leave, society compares the present to the past. It seems that for comparison’s sake, the past is only 20 years ago or so. For example, in the sporting world, a current basketball player is compared against Micheal Jordan and not so much against Oscar Robertson. Today’s golfers will be measured against Tiger Woods (golfing ability only) instead of Arnold Palmer. Entertainers are always compared against their peers. Who is the next _____________? Fill in the Blank

For me, I have always wanted to leave a mark the size of Australia. I have wanted to be a positive driving force in everyone’s life that I came in contact with. Two of my favorite quotes:

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

AND

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

With the introduction over, I can get to the point of this post. I ran into a family friend the other day and she said that she couldn’t believe how much I reminded her of my Dad. For the next few nanoseconds a T-Graph immediately appeared in my mind. My name on one side and my Dad’s name on the other separated by line in between. I started the quick, yet detailed, comparison process. I couldn’t think of how I could remind anyone of my Dad, there is just too many years between us. He is cowboy boots and straw hats. I am Nike and a backwards baseball cap. He is John Wayne and Marty Robbins. I am Paul Walker and T.I. He is Roy Rogers, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza. I am Vin Diesel, CSI, and The Big Bang Theory. His horse has a heartbeat while mine runs on high octane fuel. The list goes on and on….I hope you see the point, I couldn’t quickly come up with how I could be compared to my Dad. We concluded our conversation and went our separate ways.

Over the past few days, I have had some time to think about that experience. I was thrilled inside to think that someone sees something in me that compares with my Dad. I quickly turned my thought process from the superficial traits and focused on the true quality traits that make us who we are. It isn’t the style of hat we wear, but it is the thoughts, words and most importantly actions that come from the head that is under the hat.

My Dad is my hero. He is a great man. He is possibly the 2nd greatest person that I have ever known, my Mother being the greatest.

I started a new graph. Why is my Dad great? He is the most honest, hardest working, compassionate, soft-hearted, gentle spoken, humorous / joking, and service minded person I have ever known. Granted, when I was in high school, he was my worst enemy and I figured he didn’t know beans about anything. I couldn’t have been blinded more than by my own ignorance…I blame the hormones! Girls and Calculus will do that to you. It took me several years…tough years, to realize what he was trying to teach me with every opportunity he had. Everything was a learning experience. He taught me hard work and the rewards it brings. He showed me the value of service and the importance of being honest in everything you do. He showed me and helped me appreciate all the good that there is. He warned & cautioned me and explained the consequences of certain actions. Unfortunately for me, some I had to learn & experience on my own. Yet, through it all…there was my Dad to pick me up and help me become stronger each time.

I was instantly humbled by the thought that someone could see some of my Dad’s greatest traits in me. If I can become half the man my Dad is I will be doing pretty well.

I hope I have enough time left in this World to weave part of me into others and leave each person feeling full & blessed. It should be easy…my Dad has given me the blueprint!!

Party Rock Anthem...

I love music, ALL music. I can and do listen to something from all the different genres, some in moderation and others in excess. Today, my Sirius / XM Radio presets range from Top 40 to Country to Octane (Metal). Music has the power to evoke so much emotion. For me, certain songs always evoke a memory of an experience. I’ll hear a song, that I may not have heard in years, and remember everything about what I was doing when I “loved” that song. I am brutal when it comes to listening to a song that I really like. I will put the iPod on repeat and listen to the same song for an entire 90 minute commute.

This song, Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO, has one of the most contagious and albeit quirky rhythms, that I have heard in a long time. You can’t help yourself but feel good and want to dance. So as the song says, “EVERYBODY JUST HAVE A GOOD TIME”!!

The Mountain West Basketball Tournament....

As I sit in the SLC International airport, I think about the TOP TEN reasons to attend the MWC tournament….



10. Reh-bels, Reh-bels…

9. In and Out Burger, fries and shake

8. Hoping Cosmo and the Utah Hawk are mysteriously gunned down

7. Woof-woof-woof

6. Final time to cheer F### Y** BYU

5. Watch Jimmer in person drop 40

4. Enjoy two top 10 teams

3. Maybe watch the Wyo girls on Friday

2. When is the last time I didn’t enjoy the tournament in Vegas? It is VEGAS!!

1. And now, please welcome to the court, the Rebel Girls !!!


Okay...Okay, I most likely won't participate in the BYU cheer, but I had to add it. I will never forget when BYU and Wyoming played football in 1988 in Laramie. ESPN brought in lights to televise the game...the crowd was chanting that phrase so loud, it could be heard of the television!! Not proud...but it was an experience.

What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas...it ends up on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.

GO POKES!!!

The Lighter Side of Commuting...

Over the past thirteen years, I have commuted back and forth from Star Valley to Jackson for work. In that time span, I have seen almost everything imaginable; from nearly impassable weather & road conditions to the beauty of Western Wyoming. I have seen horrific accidents and on occasion, I have been lucky enough to encounter a thoughtful motorist that needs to express their appreciation for my driving ability by saluting and showing me that I am number one. This evening’s commute has possibly provided me with one of the most memorable moments yet.

I need to regress for a moment and preface the remainder with a few thoughts. I have been born and raised in the Valley and was fortunate enough to grow up on a ranch. In that time frame, I have transported many different types of animals in vehicles, trailers, four wheelers, etc. I have hauled cattle and horses. Everyone has dog in their vehicle. I have brought baby chicks & ducks home in my vehicle. I have hauled swine to slaughter and sheep to market. I took my cat on a Sunday drive. I have even been a passenger when transporting ‘domestic’ elk to a holding pen. This being said, I couldn’t imagine being surprised by any type of animal in a vehicle.

Back on track….This evening’s commute started like any other; seatbelt securely fastened, both hands on the wheel (10 & 2…thank you Mr. Lamb), eyes on the road scanning for eminent danger, and the possibly distracting music at a low accommodating level. I cautiously approached a fellow commuter, who was going well below the posted 55 MPH speed limit. As I was patiently waiting for an appropriate time to perform a legal and safe pass, something in the rear of the vehicle caught my eye. In the rear hatch of this Subaru was a little white bunny rabbit. I had never thought about commuting with a pet bunny rabbit, but why not. Was the bunny real? Upon further analysis and observation, I could clearly see that the rabbit was in fact real and there was more than one…three to be exact. After a few “Ahh” moments, as in Ahh that bunny is cute, I crossed off the experience in my “Bucket List” data bank. The opportunity to pass the slower commuter was made available. As I began to pass, the moment that will be forever branded in my brain, transpired. What type of music was this driver listening to? One of the bunnies began to move in an unexpected manner. He almost looked like he was dancing. Was it the Macarena? The Electric Slide? The Cotton-Eyed Joe? OMG!! Mr. Bugs, a regular lothario, & his partner weren’t really “dancing.” I guess that could be argued also. The music artist Shalamar sang the tune “Dancing in the Sheets”…thank you Footloose Soundtrack. The Bunnies were doing the Lambada, the Forbidden Dance.


Yes folks, I saw two bunnies, doing what bunnies do, but at 55 MPH & in the back of a Subaru. I laughed out loud. It may very well be one of the “you had to be there” moments, I only hope you find enjoyment in this lighter side of commuting experience.

The Canal's of Life...

I wish I was writing of my adventures to far off lands to visit the wonders of a "canal" system. The Panama Canal or even the beauty of the Royal Canal in Ireland would be more glorious than the events of today: a root canal.

As I had the time to ponder how I got myself to this point in my dental history, I find it very ironic that I work in a business that encourages "maintenance" and my lack of maintenance has led me to an expensive and painful end. Maintaining a vehicle will help insure its' longevity and will definitely aid in avoiding costly internal repairs. The dentist is most definitely one of the places I never want to go. I brush twice daily and rinse...figuring that is enough. Since my dentist retired three years ago, I haven't taken the time or made the effort to find a new dentist...until I HAD to. About six months ago I broke a tooth. No big deal, I thought, I'll just chew on the other side of my mouth. This solution worked great, until I broke a tooth on the other side of my mouth. Oh well, I will just have to be careful and avoid hard foods and nuts. I'll be fine. (Yeah right). This only lasted for about three weeks before the pain of chewing yogurt even hurt.

I had the initial "consult" and found out the unbelievable news that I would have to have two root canals, one on each tooth that I had broke. Today was the day...for two hours, the dentist drilled, scraped, and mined out the roots of my broken teeth. With the taste of bleach in my mouth and the smell of burning gum...the procedure was over and I was left with a completely numb mouth---both sides.

I think the hardest part of the entire day was the four hours afterward of not being able to speak clearly. With grunts and head gestures --- hand waving and even the occasional drool coming from my mouth, I had the hardest time communicating. Those of you that know me know how I love to talk. ;-)

Two dental visits down and two to go...the most painful part is over, at least until the bills come in.

Love that has passed the test of time....

This posting is a bit late, but I wanted to add it. My parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary was on February 14, 2011. Congratulations to them both!!

Everything begins from scratch...

For several years, I've read blogs created by family and friends. I enjoyed being able to be part of their lives if even through electronic diary type entries. I would see pictures of family and watch them grow. I would read about experiences from triumphant victories to the sadness of heartbreaking events. I would live vicariously through the stories and pictures. I'm not sure as to what my main purpose is to creating this blog, my only hope is that through constant & consistent posting, those who read and/or follow will gain something; a smile or some laughter. So welcome to HADERLIE'S HAPPENINGS...