My Film Review of Twilight

As someone I know was reading Twilight, I was asked, "exactly what is the church's stand on vampires"? I replied I don't think the church has ever given an exact stand on vampires. I know there has been a manifesto, a proclamation, a few declarations, many sections even additional sections added to sections, chapters and verses, even Joseph Smith translations of part of the Bible, but I don't believe there has ever been a stand taken on vampires. I could be wrong and would like to be corrected if someone knows. If so, I would like to know the church's official stand on vampires. Is it a moral issue? Is it a cultural issue? Are there missionaries in Transylvania or in whatever part of Oregon or Washington that Twilight takes place? Do the parents of the the female lead character (I don't even know her name) have a sign over their door that reads, "Return With Honor" or does it read, "Return With Honor and with Blood"? Do the parents of the vampire kid have a sign over their door that reads, "Remember Who You Are"? These are important questions of our time. If thousands upon thousands of females, including pregnant and uncomfortable ones -- not to mention some of the most intelligent women I know and respect, would brave the midnight hours and cold to see the movie, there must be an official church stand on vampires. For those vampires that give in to their carnal desires, is it considered "the shedding of innocent blood"? Since there are many mansions in the God's realm, are the vampires relegated to a haunted mansion? So many questions and too few answers. Maybe the next movie will answer them or maybe there will be a general conference talk on the subject. Please don't be offended by my callous joking, after all it's a matter of taste. My favorite movie of all time is "Support Your Local Sheriff", afterall, I'm basically just on my way to Australia. By the way, my favorite book any thing by Danielle Steele.

A story to top Candy's although it wasn't at church

I'm not sure how many of my blog followers have ever taken a Greyhound or Continental Trailways bus trip. No, not a charter bus on some tour or excursion, or a school bus, but a real trip where you pay money and ride the bus.
Many years ago, I needed to travel from Blythe, the home of our ancestors, to Tucson, Arizona to visit Cliff and Cathy. I had no way to get there, so I decided to travel by Greyhound Bus. It seemed simple enough, buy the ticket, get on the bus and go.
It started off exactly as I planned. I bought the ticket, got on the bus across the street from the Hub theater in Blythe, the home of our ancestors and we were on our way.
I didn't realize however, that bus routes are not direct. In fact, they are anything but direct. Our first stop was in Quartzsite, AZ where no one got on or off, but we stopped anyway for 10 or so minutes. We then proceeded to Tucson, or so I thought. But, no, we stopped in Aguila, Wendon, Salome, Wickenburg, Surprize, Phoenix, Mesa (Phoenix and Mesa were 45 minutes each), Chandler, Casa Grande, Red Rock, Marana and then Tucson. All told there were on average about 15 to 16 people at one time on the bus. Some got off, some got on.
Nothing really extraordinary about the trip other than it was the longest bus ride in the history of mankind. Oh, well maybe there was this one thing. During our stop in Phoenix, a middle-aged African-American woman boarded the bus. During the whole trip, I sat right behind the driver because I was young and inexperienced and figured that was the safest place to sit in case anything bad happened.
Anyway, this lady sat just a row or two behind me all by herself. There were several other people sitting close to the front also. It seems everyone else also thought being close to the driver was the safest place to be.
Just a few minutes after she boarded and we were on our way to the next stop in Mesa, she started screaming. They weren't loud long screams, just short bursts with an sporatic name yelled out. I turned around to see what was going on. I guess I wasn't an experienced bus traveler because everybody else on the bus didn't seem to notice or care. They just casually got up and moved further away from her and kept reading their magazines or whatever. The bus driver didn't even look in the mirror to check to see if the lady was being attacked or attacking anyone. At this point I was the closest person to this lady. I was anxiously awaiting our stop in Mesa hoping she would get off. She didn't. A few did get off but even more got on.
They were obviously seasoned bus travelers, because when she resumed her screaming they just got up and moved toward the back of the bus. No one said a word. No one asked her if she was okay. It just seemed like normal bus business to everyone on the bus. By the way, it wasn't a short bus. I know some of you would ask if I was riding on the short bus.
So, to make a long story short, which is already impossible, when we got to Casa Grande, a nice young African-American male got on the bus. He perused the bus patrons and saw that there was only one other person of color, actually that's not entirely true, several "busters", (I just coined that phrase), were hispanic. He decided that he would be cordial and sit next to the "lady". I wanted to warn him, but I didn't know if that was proper bus etiquette. The bus driver didn't seem to care one way or the other and neither did any of the people that were still on the bus and knew the situation, so I kept my mouth shut and leaned a little closer to the bus driver thinking it still the safest place on the bus.
It didn't take long for this nice young man to realize that his kindness was misplaced. The lady went beserk. She started screaming louder and longer and yelling many different names now. This time everyone turned to look. The poor guy sitting next to her didn't know what to do. He was just sitting there and she was going crazy. He started to panic and tried to help the lady. Wrong move. She became more frantic. She was a really good screamer. The bus driver finally looked in the mirror to check things out, then just kept on driving. Finally, the guy next to her figured it out. He got up and moved. Everyone else went back to reading their books and magazine. The bus driver just went to the next stop. I leaned even closer toward him and the guy that was sitting next to the crazy lady got off at the next stop. I'm positive it wasn't where he wanted to go, but he got off anyway. I would have too.
The lady went back to screaming in short bursts after that for the rest of the trip to Tucson. When we got to Tucson, we all got off. Cliff was there to pick me up. I sat really close to him on the way to his house.
So, I've thought about that trip several times over the years and here is what I've concluded. I don't think the lady was crazy at all. I think she was mad I got the front seat next to the bus driver and she was upset and scared knowing the safest place to sit was right behind the driver in case anything bad were to happen. So, she came up with this scheme to scream in sporadic bursts to make people think she was crazy and everyone would leave her alone. I bet she told her husband and five kids in Tucson that the trip went just fine.
By the way, I've never taken a bus trip since.

26 years and counting!

Two days ago, my wife the ultimate facilitator of happiness, and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. It was an eventful day that began with an all you can eat breakfast at IHOP. Why is IHOP always busy? We went around 9 or 9:30am and it was still crowded. I ate as many pancakes as a man who has been married for 26 years could possibly eat. I was sick for the next 6 hours getting over my sugar high. We had planned to then have a romantic dinner at Texas Roadhouse (I know how romantic could Texas Roadhouse be?), but it's good food, especially the rolls. Anyway, we were both still extremely full from IHOP and decided to eat some lighter mexican food at our favorite restaurant Gecko Grill. While there Pam handed me a piece of paper with the following handwritten notes. It read, "Reasons I Love Jeff". Here's what she wrote.
1. So good with people
2. Best dad imaginable
3. Loves me
4. Listens to me
5. Knows how to fix things and can fix anything
6. Always tells good things about me to people
7. Doesn't care if I cook dinners
8. So easy going about house, food, clothes
9. Doesn't spend money
10. Wears whatever and doesn't care
11. Doesn't like to shop and spend money on clothes
12. Good hair
13. Still cute
14. Funny
15. Likes sports
16. Is a true 100% man's man
17. Likes to fish
18. Like boats
19. Works as hard as he can
20. He brings me stuff when I need it
21. Lets me read in bed with the light on
22. Went on a mission
23. Is so knowledgable about the gospel
24. Love his parent and family
25. Is true blue loyal to me
26. Never has given me any reason to ever be jealous

So, there is the list she handed me over chips and salsa. Needless to say, the pressure was on. I had nothing prepared for her. So, being a quick thinker I asked her for a piece of notebook paper and wrote the following; Reason I love Pam.
1. She's shy
2. Best mom ever to grace the face of the earth
3. Loves me and puts up with me
4. Lets me listen to my own voice
5. Expects me to know everything
6. Loyal to a fault
7. Buys me fruit and almonds
8. Doesn't spend money or if she does she returns things
9. Doesn't care what I wear
10. Worries about my hair
11. She's beautiful (this was a smart one)
12. Starting to act like me towards other people.....funny
13. 110% real woman now that she has an estrogen pellet shot into her hip
14. Puts her used QT drinks on the bedstead
15. Reads all the time with the light on in bed
16. Our son is on a mission because of her
17. Reads the Book of Mormon everyday, mostly at night with the light on
18. Loves my family even though we all have A.S.S.
19. Has only given me 2 times to ever be jealous and they were not her fault. People stop her and say she looks like Goldie Hawn or Barbara Mandrell.

So, if I do say so myself, I came up with my smart list very quickly and save my bacon. Oh, I shouldn't have mentioned bacon because it still makes me sick just to thing about the all you can eat breakfast we had at IHOP. For our anniversary presents we got new wedding bands. It appears that gold is out and fat silver or platinum wedding rings are in. Funny, but isn't gold at an all time high right now? I also bought her a real crutch to use for her ailing knee and a gel bicycle seat which she won't be able to use until her knee heals. She got me a new pair of brown shoes that she likes and knows I'll wear because I don't care what I look like.

So, there it is, a recap of our 26th wedding anniversary. I still remember the night of October 14th, 1982 when I was staying at Lance and Candy's house the day before our temple sealing. Pam had insisted that I write down my feelings about getting married. As I was doing so, a wise man walked into the room. His name happened to be Howard Arnett. He just sat down in a chair and didn't say a word. Finally, after some time had past, I asked him if he needed anything. He said no and just continued to sit next to me. I said, "Dad, did you want to talk or something." He said, "well I thought I might give you some advice". I then prepared myself for some incredible words of wisdom from the man I admired most. I expected a "sermon" of sorts about the intricacies of marriage, and the nuances of human interaction between a man and a woman who enter into the sacred bonds of holy matrimony. I gave him all my attention. I was a little nervous about the next day and needed some reassurance. In, Howard like fashion, he looked at me and then uttered these most profound words, "If you want a happy life, you better have a happy wife". We both chuckled and he got up and walked out of the room. 26 years later I have never forgotten that advice. What's even better is that my wife is truly the facilitator of my happiness.
I love you Pammie. How you made it this far with me I'll never know.

I've never been polled!

So, Pam says I never write in my blog anymore and that the last thing I wrote was about staring down a mass murderer. I told her I didn't have anything to say anymore, that is, until last night.
I don't watch tv anymore because I have sling box and can do it online and play Spider Solitaire or read your blogs at the same time. What a great country! But, last night was the vice-presidential debate. I admit I didn't watch much of it, because I was watching the Utah-OSU game and playing an incredibly difficult game of Spider Solitaire which took great concentration.
However, I did watch the media slice, dice and mulsify just how bad Sarah Palin did. Now, I must go on record as saying I still don't know who I'm gonna vote for. I am a registered Independent. I have been one for some 20 plus years. Pam says it just because I want to be different. I say it's because I am independent. All of this aside, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, XYZ, BIC, RIP, and all the others (except of course Brizszdzddxxaacaxxxxzxzxxz), pundited that Sarah Palin did okay, but that she is not qualified, not going to help McCain, not factually correct, speaks funny, ya da ya da ya da ya da. I've come to expect that. I don't watch or listen to Bill Maher, Michael Moore, Kieth Olberman (he's got some anger issues) or Rush Limbaugh for that matter. At least Rush knows he's in it for the money and it's just an act. But, I'm not a big fan of anybody bashing either party, probably because I'm not a member of either party. Letterman is starting to bug me. He's become way to anti McCain-Palin. Right now it's cool to make fun of those two. Heaven knows I like to make as much fun as the next guy, but it's too obvious. So, what was I saying, oh, here's the deal. On CNN they kept citing these polls that had just been taken with really enlightening questions like who looks more politician, and who do you trust, and who did better.
Well, it dawned on me that I've never been polled once in my life. I've stared down a mass murderer, I've been asked to take phone surveys, I've been asked to donate by the Salvation Army (good cause by the way), I've turned down the guys at the DMV that sit outside wanting me to sign up for some cause, etc. But, I've never been polled on anything political, racial, religious or come to think of it I've never even been asked to comment on what TV shows I watch or who is number one in college football.
Who are the people being polled? Where do they come from. Are they relatives of the newspeople? I've heard of the Harris poll, the Gallup poll (I've been to Gallup and I wouldn't want to poll many people there), the USA/CNN poll, the North pole and even the South Pole, but I've never been contacted by one of them. I did fall off a chin-up pole once. I was standing on the top of it trying to walk across it on the playground of Ruth Brown elementary school. My feet slipped and gravity took it's course and I hit the pole right between my legs, but that's another story. Okay, so maybe I have an aversion to polls, or poles, but don't you think at my age I should have at least been asked to be in some sort of poll. I never have been asked to be part of a focus group. I've never even taken the Pepsi challenge. I can't even give my opinion in church, especially the High Priest's Group. They cringe when I raise my hand. Pam, on many occasions, has forcefully put her hand on my hand and pressed down hard when I'm about to raise it in Sunday School. I get it. I'm opinionated, I have A.S.S., I'm an idiot, I like to hear my own voice, I write too long of blogs, etc. But, why I haven't I ever been polled?
Because of my lack of polling experience, I question the polls. Who are these people that tell us how we are thinking. I didn't think Biden did better than Palin and I like Biden. I would vote for Biden for President right now. I didn't think Palin did bad at all. I actually like her voice. It reminds me of the movie "Fargo". You know the pregnant small town police chief woman. I'd vote for her as president. Geez, she captured the murderer and figured out the crime. Sure she said "you betcha" a lot. Kind of cute I thought. Come to think of it I like her character really a lot because I've also stared down a mass murderer.
Okay, now you know why they won't call on me in High Priest's quorum, but I would like to take a poll on my blog. How many of you have been polled for anything political. I'm talking about a real poll, not if you would like to donate to a political party or if you would like to have information sent to you about car insurance. Please let me know. Anwser my poll. A simple yes or no would do, or you can write an epistle. Now is your chance to be a part of the process. If you live in a mansion or live in a van down by the river, take part in my poll. Have you ever been politically polled?

Oh by the way, I'm starting a new blog at Pam's request called "Hot Dawg in Hamburg". Instead of sending you the emails from Chad we are going to post them on this new blog with photos, etc. That way if you really want to read about him you can, if you don't you are going to hell anyway and you don't have to read the blog.

Did I mention that I stared down a mass murderer?

The reality of Justice

Today I was called for Jury Duty. I've been called before having to report to the Mesa Courthouse, but I've never been assigned to appear in Phoenix. I had to report to the Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix at 8 a.m.
I was really dreading this. In fact, I asked for a postponement and was granted a 3-month extension until today. In hindsight, I wish I had appeared earlier and here is why.
There were approximately 500 prospective jurors who had to appear at the same time. We all had to go through the security lines and wand waves and then turn in our juror summons and then recieve some paperwork to fill out. We waited for about 1 1/2 hours in a large waiting room, listening to instructions, etc. From the time we began our security screenings and sitting in the waiting room it was now around 11 a.m. Then one of the clerks announced over the loudspeaker that 120 of us would be randomly selected to go up to the 4th floor. She then began to read aloud names and assign numbers beginning with 121. At the time I was not sure why she began with 121, but I later discovered why.
It appears that I am quite a random person because I was selected and assigned number 199. After we were given a 8x11" piece of paper with our number on it, we were told to follow two court officials upstairs and then line up according to our number. While in the elevator I turned the paper over and read that we, as prospective jurors, would be participating in a trial anticipated to last 9 months. 9 months!
I had no idea what was going on until I saw a handmade sign with the name on the front door of the courtroom that said, "Dale Housner".
For those of you that don't live in Arizona that name won't mean much to you, but it does to us. He is accused of killing eight people in the Phoenix/Glendale/Mesa area and shooting 33 others in addtions to killing 3o or more animals during a 14 month shooting spree. It was during the same time as the Baseline Killer rampage. He and his fellow defendant are known as the Serial Shooters. FYI, one of the victims was an LDS girl in Mesa. He shot and killed her with a 410 shotgun while driving by her one night. You can read more about the shootings by Googling Dale Housner or searching the AZ Republic.
We were told to go into the courtroom where the judge had all of the counts against Housner read to us. We were given a 6 page copy of the counts. It took 30 minutes to read the charges ranging from attempted murder to murder to consiparacy to cruelty to animals, etc.
As luck or randomness would have it I sat not more than 7 feet behind Housner and his attorneys with only a rail between us. It was surreal. I didn't want to make eye contact as he frequently turned around. He was often taking notes and then would look around the room. I'm not sure that I felt real fear, but instead uneasyness and trepidation. This guy killed 8 people in cold blood. He didn't look "Mansonesque", just creepy. I've tried to think of another word to describe him but I can't. Creepy sounds so "high schoolish", but he wasn't necessarily evil looking or grungy or even unkempt. He was creepy.
The judge began by telling us no one wants to be on a jury--especially one that will be in session for 9 months. So, he gave us his best patriotic speech. He talked about soldiers serving in Iraq and freedom and about doing our part and serving on a jury to maintain our freedoms, etc. Truthfully, I've heard better speeches from Larry and Dana on keeping America strong -- and they were more convincing.
Nevertheless, this guy is a cold blooded mass murderer and if you have to be on a jury there is no better case to decide.
The judge told us that he would call us by our juror number and ask if we could serve. If we could not he would ask us why not and perhaps ask a few more questions. So, the process began.
During this process, both the prosecution and defense kept detailed notes. So did Hausner. In fact, as each juror stood he look directly at them, but more on that later.
The first juror was polled and he said he could serve. So did the second and third jurors. I thought, "wow, this is a piece of cake, they will get all they need before they get to me". Then the excuses began. I'm sorry your honor, I can't serve because blah, blah, blah.
He questioned each excuse then excused those that said no. The reasons for not serving were good. He even recommended to some that they not serve. Women who were pregnant couldn't serve. Neither could men or women with small children and no caregivers. Small business owners were excused. Office managers -- excused. Students-- excused. Those that had ties to law enforcement -- excused. Those that had familiarity with the victims of the crime scenes were eliminated. Those with health concerns, those with travel plans that couldn't be changed were excused. Yet, about every 5 or so jurors could serve the full 9 months. Some said they could not be impartial due to the heinousness of the crimes and media coverage. One poor mother was sobbing as she told the judge her son was a victim of a drive by shooting. One man said he new the LDS girl who was killed. Again, each time Hausner looked at each prospective juror.
I suppose the best reasons for not serving were these; several people did not believe in the death penalty (this is a death penalty case), one young 19-year old said he had a short attention span and really couldn't pay attention. The judge questioned him extensively and determined that he really couldn't. He was right. The kid explained he works at Quisno's and gets help from his co-workers to get the orders right. That was the best excuse. Several couldn't speak English well enough. The judge caught a few in some exaggerations. A few people said they had young children to attend to, which was fine, except they couldn't readily remember their ages. That was interesting. He excused them anyway.
But, the reason for not serving which really doesn't make sense to me is one that was used often and accepted by the judge, was animal cruelty. Now, I own a dog. I've had several. I grew up around horses and cattle. I've seen sheep. I'm not a big fan, but I've never wanted to be cruel to them. I loved cats as a kid, but I'm not so big on them now. Overall, I would say I'm as much an animal proponent as most people. But, doesn't it seen odd that when a mass murderer kills eight people and maims 33 others, that people cruelty might be a better explanation. Yes, he killed 30 plus animals, but he killed eight human beings. I really don't get it. What's more, all the people that said they couldn't serve because of the animal cruelty issue were excused. No questions asked. I can understand the death penalty issue. I don't understand that a person could not be impartial because of animal cruelty. Does that mean they could be impartial if it was only human cruelty?
Anyway, here's what happened to me. I'm glad I was 199. It gave me time to think about justice, my values, my priorities, etc. As I listened to those that opposed the death penalty, I had a struggle of conscience. I know I have liberal leanings. Certainly, this guy deserves what he gets, but could I as a juror be responsible for putting him to death. I know it's not that simple and it wouldn't be on my head so to speak. Yet, it would. It might be different if he was holding a gun pointed toward me or my family and I had to shoot back, but I really struggled with being responsible for someone's death. I've never had to come to terms with that. I didn't like how it made me feel. Does it "make it better" if he dies? Does it "make it better" if I help to make him die? I asked myself if I could be impartial anyway. Maybe I could tell the judge I also had a short attention span due to A.S.S. and get away with it.
The guy two spots in front of me was some sort of a court official. The judge knew him and said he shouldn't serve. The lady right in front of me had been reading the Ensign. She was a teacher and the judge excused her. I never spoke to her or the guy behind me. I was really in turmoil. Part of me really wanted to be on this jury. I truly wanted to find out what I would do during the trial.
So, my time came. The judge asked me if I could serve. I answered I could not. He asked why. I said that I was self-employed and I also taught music lessons and that after nine months I would have nothing to go back to -- which is entirely true, yet I felt guilty. Did I mention we were sworn in? He excused me. The guy behind me was having hip relacement surgery. His reason sounded much better than mine. I fel ashamed I said no. Not because I really couldn't serve, but because I would miss out on the trial. I would miss out on wondering how I would vote on "killing someone". I would miss out on whether I could be impartial. What if he really didn't do any of this? He plead not guilty on all charges. When I stood to address the judge, Dale Hausner turned and looked at me. I didn't mean to look back, but I did. Maybe it was because I had seen his picture on the news, etc, but it was as if I recognized him. What's worse, it was as if he recognized me. It seemed like he stared at me forever, and he did, until the guy behind me stood up.

Post Script: About 30 people from my group will go on to the next step filling out a 22 page questionaire and being "voire dired" as Uncle Vinny would say. They are expecting to have 3,000 prospective jurors come through the doors to pick 120 who will be willing to serve then go from there. I will not be one of them. Is it possible to be glad and sad? In other news, I will be available for our next family reunion.

That's it, I've had it!

I've met John McCain. I don't like him (although he has always liked pretty women around him...hence his VP choice). Obama is younger than me for heaven's sake and has "run" absolutely nothing. John Edwards -- well I won't go there. "Billary" got beat and Mitt Romney is a flip flopper (I mean how can you change your mind on abortion), he's too stiff and acts like he is always on stage. So, I've decided to run. Please go here to help from the bottom up. I'm the perfect A.S.S. candidate. http://www.inews3.com/play.php?first=Jeff&last=Arnett

She's home

So after 5 long weeks, Pam arrived early this morning at 1:30am. I stayed up for her, which was no problem, because I haven't been able to sleep at night anyway. Five weeks, what was she thinking? I woke up this morning with someone next to me. At first, I was startled and got a little scared, but then I realized I have a wife and her name is Pam. She is really tan and really tired. It seems as though the job wasn't as easy as she thought. Although, she want's me and Chad to go with her next year and work there. I said we'll have to wait and see. Since my soulmate left, I decided to grow a soulpatch to compensate. She took one look.....I'm shaving it tomorrow. She also bought me several Hawaiian shirts. I'm going to wear one to church with a tie.

Needless to say, I am extremely glad she is home and so is Duffy. I'm posting some photos of the mystery person I woke up to this morning and a couple of Duffy when he first saw Pam again. He put his paws on her and wouldn't let her move. Seriously, he wouldn't move an inch. He just kept his paws on her. She tried to get up and he would have none of it. I let him in this morning also and he did the same thing to her in bed. He wouldn't let her move. I'm going to try that same thing next year when she wants to go to Hawaii again.

In other news, our Arnett family geneologist, Wayne, discovered that we do not have an ancestor from Germany. It seems that the acronym G.BT. was mistaken for GER. She's from Ireland. It still doesn't explain the behavior of some of you.

Syd and Cameron have become quite the buddies. Not sure how much I like it. They gang up on me and call me "Unkie" to make fun of me. I do admit, though, that Syd is fast becoming my favorite niece. She does my dishes and get's me Dr. Pepper from QT. What more could an "Unkie" ask for?

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New photos of family members

HB and Penee, Syd and Lex and Canyon Rosie are down from Utah to visit Miley. We had a taco night with Cliff's family and some other friends. I received a CD with photos of Howard and Ethel from Candy which I'll be using later to compile our Cibola/Blythe history DVD. Also Penee brought some photos for Chea of Cliff's family that she has taken over the years. I'm supposed to give them to Chea, and I will eventually, but I decided to post them here and get a "scoop" on everyone else. Besides, my wife is in one of them, and man is she "hot".

A German ancestor

I know most of you are not as interested in Germany as much as I am, but you might want to know that in adddition to having A.S.S., you also have an ancestor from Germany. Our Arnett (Arnet, Arnot, Arnott, Arnette) roots have not been "rooted" out yet, but we do have some Gale family history that takes us to Germany. It seems as though, Henry Gale's wife (Sarah Gale), whom he married in or around Sydney, Australia is a daughter of one Elizabeth Mc Audra who was born in Shoudey, Germany. She married Tom Wills and they moved to Sydney. So there you have it. We are part German. Come to think of it, several of you look German and several of you act German. Here is the actual geneology information on Elizabeth. I've tried to find Shoudey, Germany, but it seems it presently doesn't exist. What if it was in Elder Arnett's mission? Huh...........

Elizabeth Mc Audra, ABT 1798 - Shoudey, Germany
Individual Note: Spelling varies in Gale Book from McAudry (p. 17) to McAudra (p. 7).Merle O'Shannasy spelled it McAndrew.

Birthday news from Germany

Today is Elder Chad Arnett's birthday. Pam sent him a package that we hope he gets on time. Also she sent a cake mix to the sisters in his district, hoping they would bake him a cake today. Good thing it's his P-day today. The good news about him turning 20 in Germany is that he'll be home for his 21st birthday. (Blogger's note: He entered the MTC about a month before he was 19). The photos are of him and another Elder sitting on top of a German U-boat propeller, the other one is him Dancing to Saturday Night Fever ( I guess) and the bottom one of him and a member young man celebrating (too soon, I might add) the German success in the Euro Cup.

A Horse is a Horse, of course

Thanks to James Payne by way of Keith Mortensen I was emailed this screened photo of Grandpa Howard on top of Masher. This horse was the real deal. Howard was offered a lot of money many times for Masher. This quarter horse was the best cutting horse he ever had. I believe Masher was the out of a line of horses that all came from Babe, the original quarter horse Grandpa groomed in Cibola. Uncle Cliff will know for sure. So, for any of you that are interested, see if you can name all of Grandpa's horses from the line of BABE.

It's a dog's life!

So Pam is finally home and she has been swimming a lot. She does some work for the MARC center in Mesa and helps with a teenager in our neigborhood. He and his brother have been coming over to swim and play with Duffy. While Pam was laying on the raft the other day, Duffy decided that it looked fun, so he jumped in and swam to her and wanted on. Now he has decided the raft is his. Pam, thought it would make a great photograph to put the hat on him. He seemed to like it. Too bad he can't have chocolate bon bons.

Things that really tick me off!!!!!

Cell phones that don't work. Cell phones that work crappy. Cell phones that drop calls. Cell phones that I don't know how to work. People who know how to text message. People who text message. People who text message all the time. People who text message me expecting a reply back. People who have cell phones only for emergencies and have different numbers that they use on trips. People who don't bring their chargers on trips. People who call me on while on trips with numbers that are only good on those trips. People who I try to call on the numbers they give me while on their trips, but I can't call because those numbers don't work after their trips. People who don't answer their cell phones while at the movies. Note: If you have a cell phone, answer it at all times. You're not supposed to answer your home phone ever. That's why you have a home phone to throw bill collectors and solicitors off and sometimes ward members.

There are a lot more things that tick me off, but these are the ones that are presently most annoying. In other words, Eloise, call you Uncle.

Here are some photos of Elder Arnett at his 1 year burning celebration.

Not changing it!

In light of recent posts and comments from some members of the Arnett blogging community, I hereby declare that my middle name is Lee and I am not changing it. I recommend it highly to each and every member of the family if they ever want to change their middle name. Goodnight and Good Luck!

Better photographers than me

I'm posting some photos of our recent gathering at my house. Unfortunately, none of the photos are mine. I found a Sony digital camera with a Carl Zeiss lens on it at a thrift store for $20. I was going to sell it, but Cameron was interested. So I sold it as is to him for $20. Big mistake. His camera takes great photos. Here are some of them. Also, I've included a photo that was published on the cover of the latest edition of Phoenix magazine taken by your cousin Mitch Arnett (Wayne's son). It's of Havasupi Falls. He also takes better photos than me. That makes three, Chea, Cameron and Mitch. I think I'll stick to music.

NTSB report Sept. 17, 1964 Photo of Plane type

NTSB Identification: Unknown14 CFR Part 91 General Aviation Event occurred Thursday, September 17, 1964 in CIBOLA, AZAircraft: BEECHCRAFT K35, registration: N348B
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FILE DATE LOCATION AIRCRAFT DATA INJURIES FLIGHT PILOT DATA F S M/N PURPOSE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-0750 64/9/17 CIBOLA ARIZ BEECHCRAFT K35 CR- 0 1 0 NONCOMMERCIAL PRIVATE, AGE 47, 355 TIME - 1245 N348B PX- 2 1 0 BUSINESS TOTAL HOURS, 96 IN TYPE, DAMAGE-SUBSTANTIAL OT- 0 0 0 NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. NAME OF AIRPORT - ARNETT STRIP TYPE OF ACCIDENT PHASE OF OPERATION STALL: MUSH TAKEOFF: INITIAL CLIMB PROBABLE CAUSE(S) PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED FACTOR(S) PILOT IN COMMAND - PREMATURE LIFT-OFF FIRE AFTER IMPACT

Graduation Speeches and Moon over Cibola

Today marked an incredible milestone in my life. Actually, this past week was one of the most eventful filled times I can remember. If I can be permitted to review the events -- wait it's my blog and if you don't like it go somewhere else. If it doesn't turn out good, I might go somewhere else, too.

Backtracking from today on back, here's what happened. My wife "the facilitator of happiness'', gave the faculty speech today at the Desert Ridge Junior High Promotion Ceremony. She has been as nervous about this as anything she has ever done. Many of you know, she really can't pray in public, let alone speak in public, due to her soft heart and tendency to become emotional. There have been many times during family prayer she would speak so softly that Chad and I couldn't hear her. We would inch closer and closer while she whispered and cried softer and softer. At length, both Chad and I would have our ears right next to her mouth waiting to hear an Amen. We have become used to it and have had some fun with it over the years. But, she is terrified to speak in public, yet she married a man with A.S.S. and has a son with it also. Remember, this is also a woman who cries at Supermarket Grand Openings.

Needless, to say, giving the speech was tramatic for her. Her sister, Donna, and I went to hear it and we both concur it was incredible. She was animated, charming, disarming and the speech was perfect. No longer will I worry about her shyness. It was as if she found some deep, dark A.S.S. to draw upon.

That's my Pammie!

Backtracking further to earlier in the week, we ventured the 112 degree heat back to the homeland of Blythe and Cibola. It was perfect weather for the trip. It would be easy to tell the kids about the heat, but they got to experience it firsthand. Here are some plans on what to do with the photos and stories told. No, Heidi, I'm not yelling. Lacy has set up a new blog where we will post some photos and life history excerpts, etc. It will tell the story for our next generation Arnett's of our Cibola experience. In addition, there will be a DVD movie made through a collaboration of several individuals with interviews, snippets of the trip we took and an actual script. It won't be of Baby Boomerang quality, but it will be an appropriate multi-media history of the Howard and Ethel Arnett family. It will be called, " A hat and a rose". That's all I can say for now. This will be for our family only, not to leave others out, but some of the jokes and humor may be esoteric in nature. I have asked for the help of Chea, Lacy, Ryan, Cameron (I'm asking now), Jessica, Candy and Kensie (I'm asking now). It will include an all original musical score based on our experiences then and now and feature some familiar voices. Each family member will be included (somewhat like the James Gale book, but better) and there will be recent photos of entire families. It really should be done and needs to be done. We have the resources and skills necessary to do this, so we will.

So, now I backtrack once again to Cameron's ordination. It was a great experience not only for him, but for us all. I know Cameron appreciates all who could attend. I know this sounds corny and maybe even irreverent, but I found myself looking around to see if just maybe I was in tune enough to see some grandparents there. I didn't and I wasn't, but I felt as though I should look. It was that kind of spirit that was there. Cameron, I know you don't read these blogs, but you have come along way and set a good example for others in our family. Way to go, Sobrino.

So, backtracking even further, all of this was looked over upon by a full moon. Thanks DevHoyo for showing me how to turn off my flash.

Eating Crow, Looking up at Snakes!

It appears as though I owe an apology to my nieces, Dana Joy and Lacy Lee (that's right Lee) named after me. I hereby declare to the world that I was wrong and am humbled by their recently running and completing the Ogden Marathon. I, Jeffrey Lee Arnett, born in New Mexico and raised in Blythe, California do hereby admit that they are women of valor. I didn't think they could do it. I didn't think they should do it. I didn't know why anyone would want to do it, but they did it and I with pride now give them full credit for their accomplishment and own up to my stupidity. I feel so low that I have to look up to see the belly of a rattlesnake. They are my heros, winners in life and winners in my heart.

Two college scholarships!

It appears as though I won't be the only college scholarshipped athlete in the family anymore. The attached letter says it all.

Cibola update!

Okay here's the deal. Cameron is going to be ordained on the evening of the 19th at my house. All are invited, however, if you can't make that event take it up with Cameron. I suggest his immediate family make it, like his mom, dad, etc. Cousin Wendy and Colby have graciously offered the use of their house for those coming from out of town. Bedding will be scarce so you might want to bring a sleeping bag, etc. It will be hot here so maybe just a sheet...jk. I learned that term from someone text messaging me. Anyway, my pool is available to all that need it except on Sundays. A bath, however, is acceptable on Sundays. Tuesday, the 20th of May, we are planning to convoy via I-10 to Blythe where we will then head to the home of Malcom and Dondra which is by the old Union Feed Yards. They have graciously offered their home for us to meet at, eat some lunch that we will have bought on Lovekin Ave. and then consume. We will then have a short instructional meeting to detail our trip to Cibola. It's only about a 20 minute drive from there, but we will be stopping along the way for photo opportunities like the Colorado River Feed Yards, the bridge, Baseline road, the Cibola Natl. Wildlife Refuge bldg. to view a map of our old place, the Bishop's place, and then the corral and shack, the bulldozer, Williams old place, the canal, the newer bridge, the fish and game place, the runway and crash site and if possible the old river. Of course, will be also be seeing our old house on 7th street. Chea will be taking professional pictures, but all are encouraged to take photos, etc. She has asked that we be at the site later for some better evening light opportunities.

Now, for those of you that would like to leave earlier on the 20th to see other things in Blythe, etc. I will provide a map to Malcolm's house to meet. I know HB and Larry and Kathleen will want to see some other things. Remember, Aunt Kathleen has as many or more memories than the rest of us do in Blythe and Dana should remember some things also. She was so cute and loved to be tickled in Blythe. Kathy, let me know if you would like to go into your old house. I can call the family that lives there and see about it. I might want to go earlier myself to do some fishing, but only if someone would like me to be their fishing guide. Let me know.

Candy, please post of send my any photos you have of Cibola. I know you sent my one with mom being pregnant by the canal. I am putting together a booklet with photos and descriptions to show our history in Cibola.

The most important pieces to this puzzle will be to hear the stories told by Cliff, HB, Larry me and Candy. They will all differ and will all be self-centered, because we all have ASS. But, if we can we will piece together a history of our life in Cibola. It will be hot, very hot for those of you from Utah. Come prepared with air conditioning in your cars and water. It should be fun, if not fun, it will be hot for sure. But, that is really the essence of what Cibola is all about.