Here's how it went down!

Pam and I have been calling Chad since Monday about 10 times a day to see if "it" came in the mail. We knew the call was issued as of Friday because you can find out online now. At least someone with authority can find out. That someone told Chad last Friday night it had been issued. So we all started dreaming....literally dreaming about where he would go. Chad dreamed he got his call and the letter started out, "Dude", you've been called to....etc. We knew that was bogus. Pam also had a dream he got called somewhere foreign. I dreamed he had an APO address and went somewhere deep in the jungles of Malaysia. That was out because there are no missions there. Anyway, our dreams were way off. After waiting until Friday morning, the call arrived in the mail. Chad got us on a conference call and opened the packet, after seeing how much postage it took (Lexie, once again I was right and you were wrong). So, we were all floored. It seems he will be following Casey to the cold climes. He is going to.......the Germany Hamburg Mission. He reports June 6th. That's right just a few weeks away. He doesn't turn 19 until June 30th. He will be on a bike most of the time and he's gonna have his work cut out for him. I read an online letter from his mission president that talked about the joy of serving and serving some more without much results. The mission averages about 1/2 baptism per missionary, but boy is there lot's of serving going on. We're excited for him. He looks rather German. He's gonna be about 500 miles from his cousin Lauren in Norway and 500 miles from his Uncle Steve in England and 800 miles from his cousin Casey in Sweden and many miles from us. Way to go, Chad. The adventure begins!!!!

Photos from fishing outing.

I've never been called an "Aquatic Hitchiker" before.

How could I not marry her?

How you ask? After seeing this photo I was hooked. She had me at tutu.

Canyon Lake on a Saturday Afternoon

It was 90 degrees on Saturday. It's also the start of spring break for Pam so she wanted to do something exciting. A trip to Paris was out of the question. Even a trip to Provo right now is out, so we did the next best thing.....a 40 minute ride to Canyon Lake. I thought I'd take our little fishing boat out for it's first 2007 excursion.

It seems everyone else in Phoenix thought the same thing. It was very crowded. Jet skis, boats, fisherman, trailers, snowbirds and tourists. The roads were crowded, the beaches full and the lake choppy due to the large amount of boats. The only thing there wasn't plenty of was fish. The fishing was good, but the catching no so good.

I really didn't expect to catch anyway. This trip was to see if Pam would enjoy sitting in the boat while I fished. I've posted some photos. Tell me what you think? Did she like it? What didn't she like?

I don't know why?

I thought I'd report on last weekend's Arnett cousins trip to Cibola. It was a huge succes, probably because I didn't come up with the idea. Spencer Arnett and his brother Chet were the instigators. At first it was just gonna be a few of us, then it blossomed into an outright reunion.

The plan was for me to show Spencer and Chet around the old ranch in Cibola. They wanted to see the actual plane crash site and what the farm possibly looked like. Once word got out, other cousins wanted to jump in. We had just over 60 Arnetts. That's alot of A.S.S. Fortunately, there were no Alpha male encounters.

So here is what happened.... since Chad was in town he went with us). We met at Spencer's house at around 9 am. Much to my surprize there were tons of people and women who were going. I knew camping would be "Spartan" to say the least, so I was worried about those that might have to "squat" on occasion. Anyway, about 5 or 6 of the grandaughters attended. Some were even in-laws. As rough as it was going to be, it seem's Spencer is the guru of campouts. He had a 60' trailer (for hauling mules, etc). This was quite the set-up. The back was for the mules, but the front was like a travel trailer. He cleaned out the back and stored all his food preparation gear in it.

His sons towed camping trailers...they really know how to rough it. In hindsight, I gues It wasn't so bad for the ladies. Anyway, we arrived in Cibola just about at noon. Chad and I were ahead of everybody else, so we stopped to fish a couple of canals along the way. To lighten the mood a little, we pretended to fish over Cibola road at the entrance of Bisop's ranch. All those that were following us got a kick out of that.

The Bishop Ranch is just north of the Arnett Brothers farm. Our hosts were Tom and Sharon Marriott. Tom is originally from Orem, Utah. They were incredibly generous and kind to us. They had a huge clearing prepared for us to camp in. They also had a large stack of mesquite wood ready for our campfire. They let Chad drive their Kubota's and he hauled all the firewood we needed, plus gave the kids rides around the area.

The Marriotts took me on a personal tour. We went to the old Bob and Zetta place and saw the old Post Office and cattle pens. They also drove me around to see the old Woods place, etc.

After most everyone arrived, including Tom and Don Arnett, from Nebraska and Missourri respectively, we set up camp and then took a tour of Arnett Brother Ranch, or also know as Cibola Land and Cattle Company.

Our first stop was the old corral, pump and shack. The bus is gone and so are most of the old International pickups, but the shack is still standing along with the loading shoot of the corral. There was an old flat bed trailer that had some of the stuff from the bus and some cousins got some old parts of bridles and halters. They were really excited. Most of our conversation at this stop had to do with how the ranch was started and how it was lost. The bottom line being water was available and the death of Fred and Marvin ended it.

We then went to where the old Bulldozer was. This is the implement Howard used to build the now famous Arnett canal. The people at the Cibola Wildlife Refuge still marvel at how he was able to build that canal with the water running upstream.

After some photos around the Bulldozer, we then went to the canal. It is still in use, although the current now runs south to Cibola lake. The BLM has hooked it into existing canals to the north and water feeds it from there. Aside from an appreciation for the engineering marvel, the cousins weren't really all that interested in the canal. I was because little do they know that most of our recreation on the farm was centered around this canal. I looked for the diving board on the other side of the canal, but couldn't find it. Anyway, it's amazing how you can have fun when there's nothing else to do.

Next we crossed over the bridge, the one that cuts our farm in half, and went to the fish and game place. This is now an island. It is still being farmed, but for wildlife use. We saw at least 100 deer in a field as we drove to the old airstip.

At the airstrip, we stopped and held kind of a devotional. Everyone, gave their thoughts and memories of the event. It seems all the facts aren't clear as we all had heard different things. Cliff and HB would know more than any, but we still tried to piece everything together. Alot of tears were shed. This event changed alot of lives and created hardship on everyone. What really impressed me the most was the emotion showed by the grandaughters and grandsons who never knew their grandfathers. They were really moved to actually be there. I suppose it's kind of the song " I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked". I don't mean to equate this experience with what the Saviour went through, but being there brought everything home to me and to them.

After the airstrip we went back to campground and prepared for dinner. I must say I was unprepared for how good it was. This Spencer fellow, and his sons, really know what they are doing. He put a covered tarp area about 60x20'. He had tables and chairs set up. It was like a ...well I can't explain what is what like. It was uptown in downtown Cibola. He had several propane grills going along with charcoal grills. Anyway, we ate like we were at the Marriott. We had steak, chicken, fish, fried potatoes and fresh garden salad. The food alone was worth the trip for me.

That night we sat around the campfire just talking. It was a very cold night and the fire was much needed.

After a few hours we all went to sleep. Sleep wasn't all that abundant for some of us as it was extremely cold.

Chad and I slept in the boat. Were figured we were just two sleeping bags short. We both needed one more than we had. Chad got up about 3 in the morning and sat at the fire with cousin Tom. Tom had been there since about 2 am. I really wanted to join them, but I couldn't muster the courage to get out of my one sleeping bag.

The next morning, those that had arrived late went back to tour the ranch again. For breakfast we had scrambled eggs with chile, hash browns, toast and orange juice. I know it seems odd I'd talk about the food so much, but it really was good.

Some of us went fishing at different spots. I was worried because it was so cold and I was right. I don't think anybody caught anything except meeeeeeeeee. If kind of felt bad for all the rest, but not really. After all, that's why they call if fishing and not catching. That's one of Howard's old sayings.

Around noon everyone packed up and headed out. I spent about an hour with Marriott's talking about the past and the future. Tom is going to do some branding in about a month or so. I offered my services and I know Cliff would like to go over and help too.

They really are trying to create a type of living museum on their place. They want stories and photos of Bob and Zetta, etc. I told them we would have some old home movies up on the website soon for them to watch.

HB is taking care of that. Incidentally, HB, I appreciate the site and seeing those old Howard Arnett reunion movies. I didn't realize to skinny I once was and what a great beard I grew.

So, that's about it. The photos show the Bishop's ranch, our camping spot, the Bulldozer, the canal and the 2 lb. bass I caught.

Getting closer!

Chad is home for a few days. While he is here, he's getting his missionary physical done. He can put his papers in March 30, so we're trying to pace ourselves accordingly. Pam has put up a "where is he going" chart on our wall. Everyone that visits is supposed to write where they think he'll go.

He and a few of his friends when snowboarding at Snowbowl in Flagstaff yesterday. They still aren't home because they got snowed in.

It appears my little trip to Cibola to show where the old farm was has turned into a full fledged reunion. People are flying in from Nebraska and Missouri to participate. I hope they won't be dissapointed as there is really not a whole lot to see.

I appreciate all the old stories I got from everyone.....none. I figured as much. So, I'm gonna just make a bunch up like the time Howard wrestled with a bear and HB lost a foot race to Potter. Oh wait, that one is true.

Anyway, back to Chad, we have to send in a photo with his missionary papers. I'm posted a few for you (my loyal readers) to choose from. Number 1 is the Castro look if he goes to Cuba. Number 2 is I don't care where I go. Numbers 3 & 4 are generic how do I become an assistant looks and number 5 is I can hang in the ghetto if I get sent to Detroit look.

I need some help!

Next weekend, the 23-24th of February, I'm taking several of the Arnett cousins to Cibola to campout and view the old hacienda. It appears that several of the sons and grandchildren of both Marvin and Fred are coming to see where the the plane crash happened, etc. I have worked out a deal with the Cibola National Wildlife refuge to hook us up with a guide to take us back into the places we need to be. They are also writing a history of the Cibola area and need photos and information. It's part of the trade off.

I also spoke with Sharon Marriott, formerly of Orem, and Louie Bishop's granddaughter, she is going to allow us to stay and camp on their place. She also asked for any photos we have showing her family, land, etc. It appears that she really would like to see something on the old Skip's camp and Bob and Zetta Bishop.

So anyway, here's what I need and I really am appealing for help. I need any stories, photos, history, home movies, etc., that I can make copies of and get to the refuge people and to the Marriotts. Hb's story of the shooting of the rat on the wall written up would be great. Any other stories would also be appreciated. Stories aout Fiddler, Machata, Potter, the Beaver Bros, etc. I know the old fogies don't read this, but the younger ones do. Could you please use your influence to help me. It's important to me and to others that we do this.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I really want some sort of marker or plaque with Howard's name on it to show what he did. This refuge has thousands of people go there every year to hunt and bird watch. They do it on land that was cleared, farmed and homesteaded by your father and grandfather. He put his life into it. It just seems to me he deserves some recognition for what he did.

I'm not asking for anything other than photos, etc. I'll do the rest.

The Land of Our Fathers!

Thanks to Keith and Robert Mortensen for their memories and Howardism's. It's gonna take some time, but I'm going to put them together with photos and illustrations from Ryan and Ray (he doesn't know it, yet). I must admit to becoming emotional after reading some of their memories. I've got some fishing stories to tell in the compilation. I remember traveling to Blythe from Mesa on weekends to do my laundry (when I was still single) and we'd wake up and go fishing...me, mother and Howard. Howard loved to fish, but Ethel was obsessed with it. We fished for anything that would bite. Anyway, here's quick story about Howard's fishing prowess. After Mom died and he was living with us at the Islands in Gilbert, he told me to go to the Famer's co-op and buy a big bag of chicken scratch. I told him we didn't own chickens and that the Homeowners Association wasn't going to allow any. He said, don't worry, buy it anyway. He also said to find an old coffee can somewhere. After I bought the scratch and got the can, he told me to thow a can of the scratch into the lake by our house every morning before I went to work and then throw another can in as I came home. He wanted the scratch thrown in the same spot everytime. After about a week, he was ready to fish. He was training the fish he said.

Sure enough, he would take a bucket to the lake with his pole and a chair. It was about 300 yards from our house. Pam would carry Chadrey down to him and he would fish and babysit Chad...mostly making sure he didn't fall in. Howard would sit in the shade in his lounge chair and watch Chad crawl everywhere and reel 'em in. Pam would come back in a couple of hours to get Chad. Everday day we had fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner for months. I should say Howard had fish. We got tired of eating them.

Also, I am posting aerial photos of "the land of our father". These show the ranch and the canal that Howard dug down to the river and the amount of acreage he cleared from brush. It's amazing if you think about it how much he put into that place. Also, if you look in the first photo, some of you can recognize where Uncle Marvin and Fred were killed in the plane crash. Alot has changed over the years but it's still recognizable.

I was talking with Chet and Spencer Arnett the other day and they want me to take them over to actually see the place where their father died. They've never been there. I told them I would, but in true Howard fashion, only if I could spend some time fishing there.

I'm going anyway!!!!!

I'm going to Lake Powell in June, no matter what. It might be lonely, it might be hot, it might just be me, but I'm going. The photos show why!!!!

Questions of the day?

Got a phone message from Keith Mortensen. Is he being friendly--catching up on old times, or does anyone know if someone is sick or died in his family that I should be aware of? Russians reading this, please respond before I track down his phone number and call him back. Maybe, he has some Howardism's to share. He and Robert were the recipients of several real zingers if I recall.

Next question: Is there a temple anywhere close to Ireland? Just asking...not for any particular reason, but just wondering. Are they beautiful temples that offer the same ordinances as the other ones, or are they temple-lite versions without sealing ceremonies?

Does anyone know for a fact if a prospective missionary has to have his wisdom teeth out before he can send in his paperwork to be called, or does he just have to have the appointment to have it done? This is important to Chad as this will determine when his papers can go in. If he only has to have the appointment, his paperwork via online will go in on March 30 and he could recieve his call by April 7th. If he has to actually have them out, he'll have to wait until school is out to have them done here in AZ. and then his paperwork couldn't go in until the end of April.

What's the latest on Reid? Someone post an update? When does Megs get back? It'll be fun.

Were taking a poll on where Chad will get sent on his mission. I, as his father already know, so I must recuse myself, but the rest of you can put your two cents in. To make an educated guess, you need to have some facts at your disposal. First of all, he was 4 year seminary graduate, which means he could go to Brazil which requires that to obtain a ministerial certificate. He also was a high school graduate which allows him to go in the first place. He took one year of German in High School thinking he could drive a Mercedes on his mission, if called there. He knows zero Spanish but is fluent in text messaging if they ever open up that mission. He enjoys the water and being around water so he could be sent to a place where they drink water. His father left alot of work to still be done on his mission and since we have relatives that have never heard the gospel in that mission field, maybe he could do some mop up action for his Father Lacy says that he needs to go stateside because it takes stronger missionaries with stronger testimonies to teach in their own culture and environment. I wanted to debate her on that point, but she probably is right. So there you have it. Background info. for the possibilities of where Chad might be called. Let the voting begin. I vote Monteal, Quebec...seems to have been great for Megs.

Everyone says I'm mean!

I posted photos of my dogs. They are real dogs. They sleep outside, eat outside and poop outside. Look how well behaved they are. Junior has really been coming on strong in the good behavior department (see post below as to why). Also, I've posted a Christmas pic of my family..Pam, Chad and Cam. They are also well behaved even though they don't have to eat, sleep or poop outside.

Okay, so I've been off my mind altering meds for awhile now and it appears that I'm mean, or depressed, or both. Everyone tells me I'm not my usual self. I admit to being a bit short with people. But, I come by it naturally because I am short, 5'9" to be exact. To those of you whom I've offended, I apologize. To those that don't care, I say way to be. This new year I've got some things I'm waiting for. Here they are:
Us or the U.S. to get out of Iraq. Divide it up into 3 countries and be done with it. Let the bloodletting begin. Heresy, you say, well Saddam's dead and nothing has changed nor will it. We should've never fought an offensive war in the first place. Remember, I voted for Al Gore.

I'm also waiting for, The Second Coming...I've been reading "Prophecy: Key to the Future" and old Mormon banned book from the 50's. When Israel elects a President named David get ready, that's all I can say without giving away the ending.

'm also waiting for some sheet music from C.S. Arnett -- some medley or Abide with me stuff.

I'm always waiting for H.B. to want to talk when I call him. He's either on the poddy or really busy and has to go. By the way, he sometimes seems depressed and no one says a word about it. Why can't I get away with it?

Health news and views!

Pam has torn cartilage in her right knee. It's torn on both sides of the knee so she really can't compensate for one side or the other. She has decided to put off any cartilage removal until Chadrey is on his mission. Incidentally, I've had torn cartilage in my right knee for over 30 years. It still locks on my once in a while. For those of you without knowledge of my football prowess, my knee was torn up in the first home game of PVC against the ASU JV team which was comprised of Bob Breunig and Mike ????. Geez, I can't remember his name, he is an all-pro cornerback who played in the Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders and New Enland Patriots. Maybe I have torn cartilage in my brain. Anyway, I was the starting slot receiver against Mike Haynes and on the first play from scrimmage I went to block him and my knee blew. Subsequently, I decided a mission was less dangerous. So, I gave up my PVC scholarship (which by the way, I am the only college scholarshipped athlete in the family) and took up Australian rules football in the land down under.

Oh, and I'm supposed to get my sleeping machine soon. I will be assimilated shortly.

Tales from Christmas 2006...

Some notes and oddservations on Christmas this year. Cameron joined us for Sunday and Monday. We enjoyed him immensely. It's interesting how priorities change. While Chad was excited getting new snow board boots and bindings, Cameron was like a kid in a candy store when he got new underwear and socks. He was genuinely thrilled and even more so when he found the receipts for them. These were greatly appreciated by him and later by us as we saw his happiness. My main gift received for Christmas was a "cold". Cameron spent some time at Cliff's on Christmas day.

I caught the same one I got rid of two weeks ago. At the Epperson family Christmas eve program each of us told about our most memorable Christmas. Much to Pam's consternation, I told of the following:

When I was 27 years old, I was single, alone and living in Heber City, Utah. This was pre-Jordanelle, pre-growth and expansion. Anyway, I was alone for Christmas as I had to get the Wasatch Wave out on Christmas day.

I remember thinking how bad off I was. I was feeling sorry for myself because I wasn't married, had no prospects, had no Christmas, had no food, had no money, had no...okay it wasn't that bad, but when you are feeling sorry for yourself anything counts. (Incidentally, I think people who have no feelings like feeling sorry for themself because it is at least, a feeling).

So, back to the story. After putting the paper to "bed", I went to bed myself. Soon, in my slumber, I literally had visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. I suddenly awoke realizing that there were bright lights coming from out my window. I got up and saw that the house across the street was completely engulfed in flames.

Being the newspaper editor that I was, and sadly not necessarily the good samaritan, I went out to assess and report on the damage. Fire engines were coming, it was way below freezing with 3 feet of snow on the ground and there to the side of the house was a father, mother and two chidren about 3 and 6 years old. Their entire Christmas was detroyed along with their home.

Somehow, I didn't feel as sorry for myself.

Anyway, back to this year's Christmas story. After dropping off Cameron in south Phoenix and picking up Lex at the airport, we drove Lex to her car in a very posh area on Camelback. While driving there, Pam said she wished so much she had the "wherewithall"(is that a word or a saying?), to help strangers.

No so coincindentally, at the parking lot of Lex's salon a young lady approached us to see if we could help an older lady put gas in her car. It didn't matter that she was wearing Prada and driving a BMW and slightly full of Christmas cheer, Chad, Lex, Pam and I got to fulfill Pam's Cristmas wish.

After, borrowing a knife from the corner coffee shop, (I'll be waiting for the comments) we succeeded in helping a stranger. There you have it, a Christmas wish come true.

Howardisms illustrated by Ryan...

Okay, Lance and Ryan have started something. I hereby stake claim to the official Howardism blog. Here and now. I need all your Howard quotes. Ryan as so graciously offered to illustrate them. I want either a quote or an episode (short). I will compile them and distribute them to you all. Here are a couple of my quotes from Howard....When asked how do you ride a horse, he said just keep you cheeks over the middle of the saddle. And, when asked how are you doing...he said just barely. Of course this was pre-parkinsons. Okay, it's your turn. Someone needs to come up with the most famous ones. We all know them, but they need to be contributed. But, not by me. If you have any personal ones they need to be shared for posterity. Start now.

So after attending a family group meeting for Cameron at the Salvation Army on Wednesday, I went to the sleep center for my big "slumber party". I had to show up at 9 pm for induction. After filling out the paperwork, they proceeded to hook my up to about 100 wires all over my body. The lady told me that she'd let me sleep for two hours, and if I showed signs of not breathing while snoring, she'd come in and hook me up to the "borg machine".

They let me watch TV to get sleepy, but there was no ESPN. What a disapointment. Anyway, lights out at 10:30 and then my typical tossing, turning, thinking and 15 minutes of sleep.

Two hours later she came in and hooked me up. What a machine! When you open your mouth air comes pouring out. Anyway, I'll be getting mine this week. The lady also told me that I scream in my sleep. It appears I yelled, "It's none of your business", and "get out of here".

Pam says I've yelled worse. Much worse. I just know that when Chad has to take care of me and I'm senile, I'm gonna cuss like a sailor. That's my worst fear about senility. So, just to prepare you all.....oh, damn.

Which reminds me of the time back in Blythe when I had a sand buggy. Candy came home from Provo and I gave her a ride. I turned off the road and did some dicing and my, oh my, guess what came out of CS's mouth. Hint..."it" happens.

On a more serious note, I'll be going to a meeting for Cameron again tonight. I've never really experienced anything like these meetings before. I talked to Kathleen and HB about it and for anyone who reads this who has been affected by our loved ones addictions, I never really understood what you have endured. To Larry and family, HB and family and Cliff and family, I can only say I'm so sorry for your heartache and pain. And, to those who suffer the addiction, my prayers are that you can overcome them.

Lex gone, Chad coming home, I'm not sleeping

News update: Lex has moved into her new home. We loaded her brand new Ikea bed into my truck and put it in her beautiful blue bedroom. Derek put it together for her. She's got him wrapped around her little finger. Her house is really better than expected... a nicer neigborhood than I thought and nicer house too. She still has no idea who are her roommates, though. They could be serial killers.

I did have to use the bathroom and broke it in for Arnett use. I used up all their toilet paper. Hope they don't mind. I also noticed they have huge spa in the backyard. Makes you wonder, huh. Okay maybe not.

So Lex is gone, now Chad is coming home this weekend to attend winter formal at Highland High School with some girl who asked him and paid for his ticket home. Guess who that could be?

Also, tomorrow, I will be spending the night at the Banner Health Sleep Center to determine why I don't sleep at night. They think I stop breathing while I snore. I know Howard used to do that, maybe it's hereditary. Come to think of it maybe that's why Candy can't sleep either.

Lex got a new haircut! She's moving out!! So sad!!!

Here's kind of what Lexi's hair looks like...both the style and coloring. This will have to do until I get something different.

Lex got a new haircut! She

Missing photos!

Some photos!

Holiday Happenings!

Cameron was with us for Thanksgiving along with Lexi, Chad, and Lexi's friend Derek (Zoolander) Johnson. We started off the week with a Taco night for Pam's niece Lauren and her husband Christian. They're in from Norway. It was an unusually fine vintage of taco's and salsa. Then we went to the Danny and Francie's sealing and reception. It also was an unusually fine vintage of temple going and wedding finery. Then we had Jantzen join us Thanksiving night and weekend. We all festiva'd together, including fishing, crawdadding and making fun of each other in true Arnett fashion.

It appears that Lexi is somewhat competitive as she had to catch the first crawdad and was quite amazing in doing so. Jantzen caught the most and the had the most weight by volume also. It was a good thing he had some jerky left over from his travels or we would have been baitless for the crawdads.

Fishing wise, it was a bust, as the small pond we were gonna fish was nearly empty and we couldn't fish where the golfers were playing, although Lexi really didn't care. She can be rather pushy when she want's something or when she "thinks" she is right.

By the way, does anyone know if missionaries must have parts in there hair?

Chad, it seems, doesn't live in Arizona anymore. He lives in Utah and can come and go as he pleases at our house because he doesn't live there. Uh huh, right.

Cameron will be coming over for the weekends as soon as I attend a couple of classes with him. That will be fun for Lexi, because it seems they are both avid movie goers. I'll post some photos later. For some reason they haven't been posting lately.