The Senior Struemplers

Becca's Disney Birthday

2009-10-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

It was that time of year again when the people from Texas migrate to Florida for the Festival of Becca.

With them came those they have been given charge over. It was best to keep them caged.

Of course no celebration would be complete without Mickey.
Papa and Grandma alway enjoy the younger crowd.
The boys are always good for some crazy fun.

Of course we had to have Donald...

And Pluto.Looks like Reagan found a friend with good taste in Disney outfits.I couldn't resist the photo-op with Minney.

Daytona Beach 4th of July 2009

2009-09-15T08:45:00.001-07:00

Honduras Trip

2009-09-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Black Widow

2009-07-15T11:58:00.001-07:00

I am playing a little catch-up with my blog but this past April we had out annual Pinewood Derby. Now I aqlways believe in going with a winner and so with the announcement of the race schedule I pulled in a ringer.
I knew of a car created by a very good team in engineers that was a guaranteed winner. The car came out of the Samamish, Washington area from the firm of "Struempler and Father", with a history of being a two-time winning team. The request was made and the car arrived, complete with its tungston weighting system. Needless to say, the number 88 car, The Black Widow, took first place in the "fully-legal" class of Pinewood Derby cars. It was outdone by a non-sanctioned rocket powered car.

Big thanks to Jakob and Chris for the loan of the car. It is now a winning car from coast to coast.

The Ring

2009-07-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, as I was allowing my brain to be numbed by some mindless comedy on TV the telephone range. The caller ID popped up on the screen and identified the caller as Willard Ellis, cousin in northeastern Colorado. I immediately imagined the worst in the form of a telephone call from my cousin, but was I ever wrong.

As I answered the call, Willard asked a couple of interesting questions and then rolled out a tale regarding a recent telephone call that he had received.

He asked me first, “Who is Marty?” He of course knew the name Martin Struempler, our grandfather, but also knew that he never went by Marty.

“Is that Delvin?” he inquired. He of course was referring to my older brother Delvin Martin Struempler. I told him that this was Delvin, and while all of us knew him only as Delvin as we were growing up, I also knew that when he joined the Air Force after high school that he started going by Marty.

Delvin was an old German family name that was shared by him and our father Elmer Delvin Struempler. I guess that after he graduated from high school and left home that he had had enough of the weird German name and started using his middle name. All of his Air Force contacts knew him as Marty.

Willard then began telling me about a telephone call that he had received regarding a woman trying to track down a member of Marty’s family in order to return a family ring. Forty years ago, while Delvin (Marty) was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska, he met and feel in love with a girl named Bonnie Rogers. They had dated off and on for several months, and at some point Delvin gave her a “promise” ring. He had told her that this ring was one that had been given to him by his mother, and had been given to her by her mother. Bonnie had for many years been trying to return the ring to the family since it was clearly a family heirloom.

This information all came as a surprise to me. I knew nothing of the girl friend, or the ring. Willard gave me contact number for Bonnie and so I placed the call. I had no idea what the story would turn out to be.

I called Bonnie and identified myself as Richard Struempler, Delvin or Marty’s younger brother. Bonnie then began the tale of her and Marty.

It is worth noting at this point that Delvin Martin Struempler was killed in a car wreck early on a Sunday morning, in August, 1969, 40 years ago.

Bonnie told me that she had met Marty while he was stationed there in the Air Force. She said that it was love at first sight. They dated for several months and then were apart for a short period, but had gotten back together. That was when he gave her the “promise” ring that had originally belonged to our grandmother.
She told me about the last night that they spent together, how they had gone out for the evening and ended up back at his apartment listening to music, lying in his arms. She described watching these light boxes that flashed in rhythm to the music.

“Oh my gosh!” I exclaimed at this information, “You mean the psychedelic lights that he had?” I had inherited his stereo equipment and included with the speakers where these two light boxes that attached to each speaker. The lights flashed on and off with the music. I knew for sure that she knew my brother.

She described by brother as a real gentleman; kind and considerate and thoughtful. As his brother, I never saw that side of him, but I guess believe that it was there, just never shared with his kid-brother.

Knowing that Marty had an early flight that next morning, Bonnie left and went home. Later that morning Bonnie called the apartment to check with Marty’s roommate to make sure he made his fight.

“He’s dead!” was the short message that she received from the roommate. “Call the Sheriff’s Department; he was killed this morning in a car accident.” That was August 1969.

After his death, she was unable to connect with any of Marty’s family, and since she was not related, the Air Force could not share any contact information. She told me then that she has always loved my brother and that even after forty years that the love was still there.

She then told me about the ring. He had given it to her as a “promise” ring, but knowing that it was a family heirloom always felt that it needed to be returned to the family. The problem she faced over the previous 40 years was trying to locate a member of the family. She kept it in a safety deposit box and never wore it.

She finally came across an obituary for Martin Struempler, my grandfather, and in it, the children were listed, plus a note that “He was preceded in death by a grandson, Delvin Martin Struempler.” She knew that this was the right connection. The obituary listed a son, Willard Ellis, my uncle, living in Holyoke, Colorado. She called Directory Assistance and found a listing for Willard Ellis and called that number. What she didn’t realize was the Willard she was looking for has passed away several years prior, but my cousin of the same name, still lived there. That was how the connection was made.

The only thing that she asked for was a picture of Marty. They had never taken any pictures and so all she had were those in her memory. I quickly provided her with several photos including the last ones ever taken of Marty over the July 4th weekend in Amherst, Colorado, while I was visiting with him and our grandparents. Little did I realize at the time that while the intent of the visit was to see our grandfather who was in failing health, that this would be the last time I would see my brother, at least on this side of the veil.

I few days ago a package arrived in the mail. The ring was home.

I had very mixed feelings about this whole course of events. With the telephone call came a whole flood of memories back from 40 years. Things that while I would think about on occasion, were now very sharp and clear again. Melancholy is probably the best words to describe my feelings for several days. There was a feeling of comfort discovering that before my brother died, that he had found someone that he cared about very much and that shared that love for him. Somehow it made me feel a little better about his early passing, that he had found love in his life.

I will always be grateful to the persistence of the love that Bonnie had for him and her continuing efforts to connect with his family. I know of very few people in the world who would strive for 40 years to do the right thing. For the love that she had for my brother and for the character that she possesses to do the right thing, I will always be grateful.

A miracle was once defined as the right thing happening when it needs to happen, and this clearly falls into that category of being one of life’s miracles.

God bless you Bonnie.

The Flood of '09

2009-04-06T10:15:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday was supposed to be a spring day of yard work in the morning and enjoying General Conference on TV in the afternoon. Over the past three days we have had more than 15 inches of rain, but our house sits up on the side of a hill and it is probably a total of 30 foot drop to the lake that we face. The other good thing is that the drainage for the lake is on the other side, so it drains away from us into a large bottom land area. Flooding was not something we were concerned about. Maybe tornados (several warnings and watches over the past several days), but not flooding.

Unfortuantely other areas and homes in the county were not so fortunate. The first call came around 8:30 AM that a home of a church member was in danger of flooding. As we arrived a little after 9 AM, the water was about two inches below the door way, but rising. We began to empty out the house and sandbag the entrances, but the sandbagging was to no avail. By 3 PM that afternoon there was three inches of water in the house and it was still rising. By Sunday, the water was up to the window sills.

At least we were able to get the furniture and other possession out of the house for they were ruined. The flooding continued to creep into homes on the block, like dominos falling in slow motion and nothing really can be done but wait for the river to crest and start receeding.

Very sad to watch, as most did not have flood insurance because they were "NOT IN THE FLOOD PLAIN". Life-long residents of the area have said that while they have had some flooding, they have never seen anything like this.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to these less fortunate, and now we look for ways to help them rebuild.

So far we have not seen the Red Cross, FEMA, National Guard, etc., but then this isn't New Orleans. It has just been friends and neigbors helping friends and neighbors.

I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles

2009-03-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

What can be more fun than Webelos Scouts and "SUPER BUBBLES"?!!
Besides the necessary hot air, it is important to have the right mixture of bubble soap.

The "magic" formula is 20 parts distilled water (not tap water, it won't do as well), 4 parts Dawn or Joy liquid soap (don't get the fancy soap, just the plain dish soap), and the real secret ingrediant, 1 part glycerine.

It makes small sturdy bubbles or longer more fragile ones.

You can even make double bubbles! We tried adjusting the formula and it seemed that adding a little more glycerine helped. I've been told that instead of glycerine, you can use white Karo syrup, it is just a little messier when the bubble pops.

Building Bridges

2009-03-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday was my chance again to herd cats. It was Webelos night and tonights activity was to see if the Webelos could build a bridge using mini-marshmellows and toothpicks.

As you can see they got into it with great enthusiasm, especially when I told them that they did't have to use all of the marshmellows in construction. They found other uses for the marshmellows besides the obvious eating.

The completed project was able to span two stacks of books, and took only about 30 minutes to complete.

The final step was to share with the Cubs what they had learned about bridge building, including the part about being able to eat the building materials.

Battle of Olustee

2009-02-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

On February 20, 1864 more than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artilolery troops fought in a pine forest near Ocean Pond in Florida's largest Civil War (War of Northern Agression) battle. The battle ended at dusk when Union troops retreated in defeat and 2,807 men lay dead or wounded. Fourteen months laters the war ended with the surrender of the Confederate Army.

This past weekend we went to Olustee Florida for the 33rd Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee. It was like stepping back 145 years into the past (all the beards are real). Here are some of the scenes:

Union Soldiers
Union Lieutenant:

Union Cannon Casion:

Surgeon General of the Confederacy:

Southern Belles:

A Gentleman of Color:

Field Medicine:

Confederate Cannon Team:

Banjo Boy (and boy could he play!)

It was about history!!

Herding Cats

2009-02-12T12:00:00.001-08:00

I have a new job in the Church that is best described as trying to herd cats; that is trying to herd wet cats; that is trying to herd wet cats with their tails on fire. I am now the Webelos Den Leader. It has been 24 years since I was involved with Chris in Scouts, and for some reason someone thought this would be a good idea.

Doesn't everyone love a man in uniform?!!

Here are some of the "wet cats" I get to herd.

Our first challenge for the year was the Cubmobile race at the end of the month. No previously assembled car could be found, though everyone swore we had one, so we started from scratch. Over the next 3 weeks a new one was constructed.

I found it best to limit the boys to sanding and very controled painting.

A few coats of paint and we were ready for the races. I was hoping that the little one might get some inspiration from being parked next to Beautee.

Race day came and we were ready to go.

While we looked really good, we learned that it is all in the wheels. We had lawn mower wheels, but the key is wheel chair wheels. The car below was last years winner. Note the wheels.
We'll be ready next year.

I have already discovered that you can take two Webelos Scouts, place them in a padded room with nothing in there but pillows; leave them alone for 5 minutes and when you return they will have found two sharp sticks and will be sword fighting with them.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2009-01-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving this year found us traveling to the Houston area to spend the holiday with Ski and Mimi and a ton of other relatives.

It was everything that Thanksgiving is supposed to be; great food, great relatives, great friends and a bounce house.

We were joined there by Rebecca and Clay and the kids. You know, you can do other things in a bounce house besides bounce.

It was a great time to catch up on what everyone was doing. Big thanks goes out to Ski and Mimi for being such wonderful hosts.

Christmas found us staying home this year. It was fun decorating the house and getting ready for Christams.

Geri did a great job decorating the inside too!

Even Ginger seemed to approved of the festivities.
Many great gifts were received and enjoyed. Thanks to all for everything!
Can't you just taste the turkey! It was yummy and only took 1:20 to cook.

Here's hoping that the New Year bring health, happiness, and peace to all that we know and love, and even those that we really don't care that much for.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

A Weekend in Mexico City

2008-11-13T12:39:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to make a quick trip to Mexico City. It turned out to be a much quicker trip than I had anticipated. At the last minute my business got canceled and so I flew back home on Monday. A weekend in Mexico City.

I decided that on Sunday, I wanted to go and visit the Pyramids of Teotihucan which are located about 30 miles north of Mexico City.

After about an hour and a half in the taxi, we finally arrived. Traffic in Mexico City is something else.

Teotihucan, also known as "The City of the Gods" was built by the ancient Aztec Indians starting about 1 BC and was occupied until about 700 AD when the civilization mysteriously dissappeared.

The three main features of the area are the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Road of the Dead. Here I am standing in front of the Pyramid of the Sun.

"Calle de los Muertos" or Road of the Dead, which is about 4 Km long.
The climb to the top is a very steep climb to say the least, and it is about 400 meters (12oo feet) to the top.
Here I am at the top. I climbed this the first time about 30 years ago. I believe that since that time they have actually made the Pyramid taller.

The Pyramid of the Moon sits at the North end of Calle de los Muertos

Inside of the residence of Quetzalpapallotl are wall paintings that are over 2000 years old and still have vibrant colors.

After a morning of climbing, it was time for lunch. This was mystery mixed BBQ, with rice and tortillas. It was really very good.

Of course, before dining I inspected the kitchen to make sure everything was up to the highest standards. You can't hardly beat log walls, dirt floor and a blue top ceiling for good food. Something that Rasing Cane mgiht want to consider.

Here is a brief video of what is involved in climbing the Pyramid of the Moon. Note the guy on the right, climbing with just his arms. I was amazed. He pulled up in a wheel chair, lifted himself out and began to pull himself up the Pyramid.

Be thankful for what you have, for sure.

Disney Days with Birthday Girl

2008-10-06T09:36:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we had the opportunity to go and visit the magical land south of us called Walt Disney World with three of our grandchildren and those people that they live with. It was a fun weekend with our good friend Mickey and the family.
Of course while we were there we did celebrate Rebecca's birthday with a surprise party at the Animal Kingdom.
OK, OK, it really wasn't a surprise party, it was just Mat the waiter bringing out a cupcake with a candle in it! But we did sing!
Streets of NYC were not too far away.
Sometimes you just get bugged on these trips.

Speaking of getting bugged, when we got home I went to water a small rose bush I am trying to resurrect and there was a little friend sitting in the middle of the plant; a plant that has been in the house for over a week.

Gone Fishin'

2008-09-29T08:07:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday was beautiful in South Georgia/North Florida so a good time to good fishin'! My good buddy Ben, his son Harrison, and a friend of Ben's, Larry and I headed to Steinhatchee, Florida to go fishing.
Ben has a friend with a wonderful boat, the "Paux Pas" and makes it available during the "light" fishing season. 26 feet in length with twin 150 hp motors. Great boat for the Gulf for fishing.

The boats has all of the latest navigational equipment and depth finders. Really a great boat!We headed out into the open Gulf at about 7:30 Satyurday morning for a day of fishing.
Of course I was well equiped with the great rod, reel and tackle box that I had received for Christmas a couple of years ago, and it was the perfect setup for the fishing that we were going to do. I felt like a pro.
While I landed the first catch of the day (black bass about 12 inches long), I was followed closely by Ben with a more significant catch.

For a good part of the fish that we hooked, the bait was almost as big as the fish. It was still fun bringing them in and then letting them go again.

If it was really about catching fish to eat, I would just go to the grocery store. It certainly would be a lot cheaper. It was a great day on the water with good friends. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah, a few more fish would have been nice.

Seven Things

2008-09-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

7 THINGS I PLAN TO DO BEFORE I DIE
1. Publish a book about my life events
2. Serve a fulltime mission overseas
3. Learn to speak Spanish
4. Visit Egypt (and other places)
5. Celebrate my 100th birthday
6. Retire as CEO
7. Celebrate our 75th aniversary
7 THINGS I CANNOT DO
1. Play the piano
2. Enjoy eating okra (I have traied many times)
3. Be height/weight proportional (175 pounds... no way)
4. Be sad for extended periods of time (life is too short)
5. Travel into space
6. Play any music by ear
7. Run a marathon (why would I ever want to do that?!)
7 THINGS THAT ATTRACT ME TO THE OPPOSITE SEX
1. Smiles and laughter
2. Surprises
3. Special meals or foods that I really enjoy.
4. Sharing travel adventures with someone who will go anywhere I drag her around the world.
5. Taking care of me when I am sick or hurt.
6. Hearing my old tired stories and laughing at them like they are brand new.
7. Going to see scary movies with me.
7 THINGS I SAY MOST OFTEN
1. I hear that!
2. You've got to be kidding me?
3. No I am not lost!
4. So what do YOU want for dinner?
5. It costs how much!!??
6. What do the kids want now?
7. What about that makes you think I would think that is a good idea? (said mostly to myself)
7 CELEBRITY ADMIRATION'S .. the ones I like to LOOK at!!!
1. Babs - Barbra Steisand
2. Meryl Strepp
3. Angelena Jolene
4. Charleze Therin (sp??)
5. Billy Bob Thorton
6. Bridgette Bardo (my first cinema love)
7. Tom Selleck
7 FAVORITE FOODS How do you choose just seven...
1. Milk Chocolate
2. Sushi
3. BBQ beef ribs
4. Green chili
5. Ribeye steak (medium rare)
6. German chocolate cake
7. Smoked oyster/onion/cheese sandwich

Labor Day in Charleston

2008-09-05T09:51:00.001-07:00

This past weekend (Labor Day) found us on our way to Newberry, SC where VSU faced Newberry College in football. It was hot (96 with 90% humidity), but the victory made it worth the trip. Newberry was ranked 20th in the nation and of course we were last year's NCAA Champs. Since we were in the area we thought this would be a good opportunity to visit Charleston, SC. What a great city that is. So much history and really cool buildings.
This is the famous pineapple fountain in Old Charleston. The pineapple is an international symbol of hospitality, and it sure was true in Charleston.
Very interesting little alleyway that lead to several homes and a nice short cut.
We actually did some cultural things like visit an art museum. I was impressed by this sculpture. I had heard that the true test of a sculpturer was their ability to portray a woman behind a veil. This was a great example.

This is the entrance to the Charleston Slave Market. It was called this because it was where slaves sold goods that they had produced. Despite the name, the selling of slaves was prohibited in this market, despite the fact that Charleston was the major port for bringing in slaves from Africa.

Today it is a huge flea market (if you are interested in large fleas). Charleston had many, many very cool homes. They have restrictions now that no structure over 75 years old may be torn down, if it is possible to renovate.
The photo below brings up the old sailing question (for those who don't sail), "Can two sailboats sail in the opposite direction in the same wind?" I believe this photo clearly answers this question.

Here is the old versus the new. The question is, which one is old and which one is new? The carrier is the USS Yorktown a WWII era carrier on display in Charleston Harbor.

Charleston is know as the "Holy City" due to the number of churches. The one below is the First Espicople Church, which includes in its membership two signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The beaches were nice but the surf a little rough due to TS Hanna and very deep water.Our last day included a stop at Fort Sumter, the site of the first shots fired in the Civil War (Great War of Northern Agression). It was garrisoned by Union soldiers and was fired upon for 36 hours before they finally surrendered. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. Charleston Harbor at the start of the Civil War would have more than 100 sailing ships in port at any given time. Today it is the 4th busiest port in the US.

A good time was had by all. Great sea food!!

So, Do You Want to Live Forever?!

2008-08-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Gas for trip to Florida and back -- $55.00

DeLand Skydiving Adventure -- $170.00

Look on my face as I jump out of the airplane at 11,500 feet -- PRICELESS!!

What else can I say, I checked this off of my "Bucket List"!
It was totally awesome to say the least.
We jumped out in tandom at 11,500 feet and then freefell to 5,000 feet, and glided in from there.
The instructor actually let me steer the parachute and the landing was amazingly gentle, just slidding in on pea-gravel.

The 4th At Daytona

2008-07-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July found us headed back to Daytona Beach for the Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona. One of the advantages of being a Porsche owner is tickets each year to this road race with the GT Class and Daytona Prototype racecars. Racetime found us sitting right behind the Pit Box for the 58 and 59 cars, the Brumos Porsche racing team.
Mom met a new friend at the races. Everyone tells me that I should be worried. Whats Dr. McDreamy got that I don't besides, youth, money and a race car. He actually drives for the Mazda GT racing team.
I guess we all have our fantasy dreams at Daytona.

I would have thought that an hour before the race they would be finished making adjustments to the race car.

It is really hard to beat the 4th of July at the beach. 92 degree air and 72 degree water! Wonderful!!
No trip to Daytona is complete without a trip to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (170 feet to the light = 17 stories tall).
Here looking up at you!
Here's looking down. Did I mention that it was 170 feet to the top. That's something just under a mile I believe.
Night time on the beach, waiting for the fireworks to start.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
No trip to the ocean is complete without a fishing trip, even if you don't catch any fish.

The Eyes of Texas

2008-07-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

This past June was a very special month with a great chance to go to Texas and see the whole brood called the Struempler Family. This all began in 2000 when all three of our children decided to have baby girls born within 5 weeks of each other. Three little angels. In the natural progression of things they all three reached that age of accountability this year and made the decision to be baptiszed. It was long ago decided that we would get together for this occassion and has families moved from location to location, we settle on Plano, Texas for the gathering.My daughter Rebecca prepared for each of the girls a special towel to use to dry off with after the baptism (theoretically), which had their name and birthday on it and a special note. A very sweet rememberance of this very special day.Here are the girls getting ready to enter the font with their fathers. Audrey also had a cousin that was eight and she joined us for this special day.Proud fathers, and proud grandparents.

The proud parents

Samantha Timothy

Addison Dover

Audrey Struempler The Original Struemplers

After the baptisms it was a week of fun activities enjoying each other.

Monday was a trip to the American Girl Doll store for the girls and to the Fun Zone for the guys. (Big thanks to Clay for the passes)
Reagan ready to go.

Matching PJs were the rage! Girls and Dolls.

Drag racing kings.

Broderick looking like the big winner at the games.

Then it was off to the beach (Lake Lewisville) for boating and jet skiing and just good fun. Beach bums!

Getting a little too much sun?

A special thanks to Rebecca and Clay for hosting everyone for this very special ocassion, despite the turmoil in there own house. The good news is, with all the people staying at her house we couldn't tear it up anymore than it already way. Big thanks for all you did and everything everyone else did to make this a very special trip for all involved.

Playing Fetch In the South

2008-06-10T05:38:00.000-07:00

In the Deep South, it gets really hot here. The other day, it was so hot that I saw a dog chasing a cat, and both of them were walking.

On of the things that Ginger loves to do is play fetch. Like most dogs she will do it until she drops.

Here is how Ginger has modified the game to allow for the heat.

Daytona Beach Getaway

2008-05-29T11:28:00.001-07:00

This past Memorial Day weekend we took off to see what Central Florida had to offer; more specifically, Daytona Beach.

Out first stop of the Kennedy Space Center. Behind where we are standing is the space shuttle Discovery in the background. We are about 1 mile from the launch site. If the shuttle were to lauch at this time, the noise vibrations would be so strong that it would stop our hearts from beating. Anything closer than 3 miles is in the "kill zone". Here is the shuttle "Discovery" set to launch on Friday, May 30th, at 5:30 PM. You really can't see the shuttle because it is on the other side of the lauch rocket (orange) and the two solid fuel boosters (white).
This where the shuttle, lauch rocket and boosters are all put together. To give you an idea of size, the stars on the flag are 6 foot across from tip to tip of each star. REALLY BIG BUILDING!
This is the crawler that transports the shuttle from the assembly building to the launch site.

Here I am going through my astronaut training for the Mars trip.
Here is Mom's new boy friend. She just loves a man in uniform. (Is it really a man???)
Here is a video of the lauch of an atlas rocket used in the earlier space program to go to the moon. It is still the most powerful rocket ever made.

Our hotel, while a bit older, was right on Daytona Beach. They actually let you drive on the beach here.We also took a tour of the Daytona Speedway. While there I got the chance to ride in a NASCAR racecare and take three laps around the 2.5 mile track at 165 mph. VERY VERY COOL! Who can tell who drives the number 88 car?

No, they wouldn't let me take my Porsche on the track.

Very scenic lighthouse that may become the next "Geri" painting.

How can you come the ocean and not have sea food at a great place called "Down the Hatch"?A good time was had by all.

Graduation Day

2008-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday marked the culmination of a journey that began many, many years ago. This was a journey that had always been in view, but took a back seat to other priorities like raising three wonderful children and taking care of a husband.

On Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 Geri received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies from Valdosta State University.

She was joined on this very special day by Rebecca and Cynthia. This was a day that is probably only outweighted by the birth of our children in ranking of special days in the life of Geri.

Not only did she complete the course of study in 4 years, she also graduated Magna Cum Loude. I just graduated "LOUD"!

This was a very proud day for the Struempler family who can now boast of two complete generations which are college graduates.It is rumored that following graduation, like many new graduates, she is planning on back-packing across Europe, staying at hostels, but only if they offer a senior citizen discount.

This is her graduation class.

For those who didn't get to attend her she is "walking". (I apologize for the shaking camera, but that happens with all of the screaming.)

Snake in the Pool

2008-04-28T09:35:00.001-07:00

I was warned when I bought my house that when I checked the swimming pool skimmer filter that should watch out for snakes. I hadn't seen one until Sunday.

Can anyone tell what kind of snake this is? I will post the answer later. I will not accept "dead snake" as an answer.

Genius Boxes At Work

2008-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Every years during Laboratory Technologist Week we have what is know as "Genius Box" competition. Any team that wants to participate are given an identical copy paper box with a variety of materials that are used in the laboratory on a day to day basis. The only other thing that they can add outside of these materials is glue, paint, and/or glitter.

This picture is the items that each team is given

The creativity is always amazing. Here is one entry. The face is made from parafin (one of items provided) and they molded the face of one of the techs in the department.

This is the inside of the casino seen above.

This is the first prize winner "Crab Shack" from our lab in Savannah.As I said, the creativity is amazing. This slot machine actually rotates if you pull down on the handle.

Swamps and 'gators are always a popular theme.

Remember that all of these projects were made from the same building materials.

Lake Park Antique Tractor Pull

2008-04-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing says "good time" like the semi-annual antique tractor pull and anvil launch in Lake Park, Georgia. All of the tractors have to be 1957 or older.

These are amazing to watch.
Some could use a little bit more paint.
Of course with the tractor pull you have to be concerned about safety, so our Lake Park Volunteer Fire Department was standing by in their antique fire truck.
Sometimes it wasn't just about tractors, but just engines in general. This one was set up to mix something an boil eggs at the same time. The mixer is the square opening on the left next to the belt drive. The square opening on the right next to the smoke stack was for the cooling water and boiling eggs.
You just can't beat a 1947 Case tractor with custom flames.
The first motor home, a 1953 Dodge.
You can't have a tractor pull (and anvil launch) without some entertainment, and what is better than an accordian.

This was my favorite steam engine. Did really run anything, but the potential was certainly there.

By the way, the anvil launch, where they shot an anvil 300 feet up in the air was canceled due to bad weather and mechanical difficulties. Hey! Even NASA has a canceled launch once in a while.

Great South Georgia Weekend

2008-03-31T08:15:00.001-07:00

Nothing says a a great time in South Georgia than football and race cars!

This past weekend we had a double dose of good time.

It started off with the Spring Scrimage for Valdosta State University, between the Black Team and the White Team. It was a beautiful day and was only better because VSU won.

Following the football game, we headed to Cecil, Georgia to the South Georgia Motor Sports Park for the Hooters 250.

To our surprise, when we arrived, there was a second event going on and that was drag racing.

There were an amazing variety of vehicles racing, from a jeep, to top-fuel racers. If you brought it, you could race it.

There was even a scaled-down version for 10-12 year olds.

Sounded like they were using lawn-mower engines.

Can you believe it? There was even a Pinto. (The only thing Pinto was the body).
Here's a ca. 1958 Corvette and a Roadster.
They even let you drag Mom's car.Here is the dragstrip version of the Zamboni!

We then headed over to the 0.5 mile track for the Hooters Series racing. I think Mom found a new friend. (17 years old). I was required to cheer for him. He came in 3rd.
I found some friends too. (It was the Hooters 250!)
Here are a couple of videos to give you some of the action, a top fuel dragster, funny cars, and the start of the race.

The Operation Was a Success

2008-03-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

I would like to express the my personal thanks and the thanks of our family for all of the support that we have received during this most difficult past two weeks. Your cards and letters and flowers were greatly appreciated.

For those who didn't send anything, you truly don't appreciate what a close family member Beautee is.

For those of you who might not be aware of the near tragedy that struck our family, on Wednesday, March 19th, while on my way to work that morning Ms. Beautee suffered what could have been a fatal heart attack.

She began having trouble breathing, and was belching white smoke at an alarming rate. I knew from my years of training that this was not good and imemdiately called the doctor (Brumos Porche, Jacksonville, FL). He recommended that I call an ambulance and have Ms. Beautee trasported immediately. Lifeflight helicopters were not available, so I opted for ground trasportation.

As the ambulance left (tow truck), I had a very bad feeling about the prognosis.

Later that afternoon I received a call from Dr. Craig, Chief of Medicine at Brumos Porsche Hospital and he confirmed my worst fears. Beautee had suffered a massive heart attack! The only thing that would save her at this point was a heart transplant. Fortunately there was a donor available.

To make along story short, the operation was successful and Beautee was released from the hospital on Friday, after 10 days in intensive care.

One should never take the life of a vehicle for granted because you never know when, even in the prime of their life, they may be struck down.

I would like to thank those skilled care givers at Brumos Porsche for the job they did in restoring life back to Beautee, and for Porsche and Brumos for the warrantee.

South Georgia Bluegrass Festival

2008-03-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we attended our first Bluegrass festival in South Georgia.

It was different to say the least. Some of the groups were really "blue" and others more mainstream. A couple of the groups were actually Grammy winner. Here is a little sample of what we saw for 6 hours. The whole thing lasted two and a half days.

A little something for everyone. Life in South Georgia. The fun just never stops!

In Case You Missed It

2008-02-21T10:11:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it last night, February 20th at 10:00 PM EST there was a full lunar eclipse. We won't have another one until 2010. The moon acutally turns red. It was very cool. Here are a few shots I took through my telescope.

Birthday Trip to Walt's Place

2008-02-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

I realize that I have been very tardy in getting this posted, but... get over it, I'm old. (I think that is me on the left with Mom.)

The weekend of January 18th was filled with a great trip to The Magic Kingdom to celebrate Mom's birthday. I won't say how old she was but here is a picture of what happened when they brought out her birthday cake.

We were joined by three of our wonderful grandchildren and those two people that they live with. It was a great weekend, with good fun had by all. It was nice having expert tour guides in the form of Rebecca and Clay. I have never seen anyone work the FastPass and Waiting with an Infant system as these two do. We never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride.
We got to have a great lunch with our good friend Pooh and some of his friends.
The great part about spending time in the Magic Kingdom is that it is truly is the land where dreams really do come true. Here I am with some of my new friends.

What can I say, Broderick, Addison and Reagan really ROCK!!

I think that Mom may have found a new fried too!
And not to be out done...
It was great fun for the weekend. The weather cooperated for the most part and I think it will be a birthday that Mom will not soon forget.

Monterrey Mexico January 2008

2008-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

This past week found me in the beautiful city of Monterrey Mexico, doing an inspection of a medical laboratory. The weather was great!

Monterrey has done something very interesting. Near the center of the city was an old iron smelter where they processed iron ore into steel. With changes in technology the plant became outmoded and stood empty for many years.

The city took the old iron mill and turned it into a park and it is amazing.

They actually created a river that flows from the park to Barrior Antigua (Old Town) and have boats carry visitors along this river. The river is lined on both sides with fountains and various types of art.

More on this fountain (sort of) at the bottom of the blog.

This is a hill side with 5201 statues representing those who have immigrated from Mexico to other countries (primarily the US) and those that have died in the process.

The hotel that I stay at is adjacent to the park.

For security the park is patrolled by police on one these. Very cool.

There is also a small Ward just a 15 minute walk through the park. Everything was in Spanish, but it still worked.

The smoke stacks from the iron mill have become a symbol of Monterrey very much like the Alamo in San Antonio, Golden Gate Bridge in SF. You can actually take a tour that shows how the old foundry worked.

A boat full of nuns. I know that there is a joke in here somewhere.

In the park there are some nice play areas for the kidsThe following is a video on one of the weird fountains.

Monterrey, Mexico; a great city, with great food and great people!

I Got Tagged

2007-12-31T21:38:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Tag!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Bags... no tape or sharp cutting implments involved, Safety first, I always say.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real ... Go out find one, drag it into the house and create major fire hazard. Buy a pre-lite one and in 10 minutes you are good to go. Time is very important at this point in my life. See above re: safety.

3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as my wife makes me.

4. When do you take the tree down? See above,

5. Do you like egg nog? Not since I had to give up the rum!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Microscope, and it has been a curse ever since.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Duh... I'm married!

8. Easiest person to buy for? Me, I know just what I want every time.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail (on Geri's list)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Plastic (toy) guitar when I was 19 (I'm still pissed about it!)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.(2nd is Christmas Bloody Eve)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As early as June in some cases.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not yet, but considering the yes answers I've seen, it may become a practice in the future.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Turkey and all that other stuff.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored on the tree and only what Geri makes me do on the outside.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Feliz Navidad (only the Jose Feleciano version)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel since no one comes to see us. :-(

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Duh! I'm not that old. Check again next year.

20. Angel on the tree top noor a star? The only TRUE topping for a tree is a STAR.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Our gifts at home before we hit the road and whatever pittance we get when we arrive at our kids :-(

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Paying the credit card bill in January.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Less is more!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Isn't this really the same as #15. Again, check again next year with this one too.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Peace and harmony throughout the world (really).

Ski, you just got tagged!!

Sleepless in Seattle

2007-12-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

The Senior Struempler's headed to Seattle this Christmas to celebrate Christmas with Gabrielle, Jakob, and Audrey, and those people they live with, Chris and Laura.
The visit started with a surprise for us from all of the kids. In additon to Christmas, Geri and I celeberated our 40th anniversary. The kids arranged for us to stay at the Westin Hotel in downtown (30th floor) and front row (actually 2nd row) center aisle tickets to see the Seattle production of the Nutcracker. They also presented us with a "new" wedding album. Very wonderful evening.
On Christmas Eve day we headed to the mountains for a day of skiing. The weather cooperated and a good time was had by all.
After a great day of skiing it was time for Christmas. No doubt about who would be the first one's up the next morning.
Basically, I think Santa out did himself this year.
And of course, there is always room for the weird gift that Papa asked for.
It's called a Horner Trumpet Call harmonica. Very cool to say the least.

After Christmas came serious sight-seeing, thanks to our very experienced tour guide Laura.

You can't possibley go wrong when there is chocolate involved, and giant hamburgers with huge mugs of rootbeer.Of course, no trip to the Emerald City is complete without a trip to the Pike Street Fish Market!
It was a great trip and a wonderful way to spend our anniversary and Christmas and enjoy the love of all our children and their spouses and our grandchildren, who all came together to make this a very special week for Geri and I.

Here's wishing a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all!

Prize Winning Cake

2007-11-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, November 11, 2007 we had the first annual Cypress Lakes Homeowners Association Fall Festival. As part of the afternoon festivities, they had a cake contest and Geri's famed German Chocholate Cake took second place (should have taken first, but we didn't have the political pull).

HERE IS WHAT YOU MISSED.

You'll have to contact Geri directly for the receipe.

Disney World Trip

2007-11-12T09:25:00.001-08:00

My daughter recently gave me a ration for having spent a weekend with our grandchildren (who we love) and those people they live with (who we tolerate) at Disney World and not having adding anything to my blog after a week. Then I check her blog and find out that she has already posted all of my good pictures.

New Everest ride in the animal park. Verey cool!!

Street of NYC... sort of...

A little duplication here.

A great time was had by all.

TAGGED by my Daughter

2007-10-04T11:28:00.001-07:00

I got tagged by my daughter (Rebecca) and I think that this is what I am supposed to do, i.e., answer the same questions she answered.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was living in Riverton, UT enjoying 4 wheeling at Moab during the summer and skiing during the winter. Began a medical treatment that helped me appreciate what was really important in life.

2. What was I doing 5 years ago?

I had just returned from living for the past three years in Tokyo, Japan and was in the process of buying a house in the Dallas area. Little did I realize that in a little over a year I would be relocating again to South Georgia. Very stressful time as I was uncertain as to how my job with the Japanese company would go though I knew inside that the end of that relationship was near. With that said it marked the end of a great adventure living in Tokyo with many wonderful experiences and friends for a lifetime. All and all, not what I expected, but nevertheless a great experience that I am glad I had. No regrets.

3. What was I doing a year ago?

Getting well entrenched in my new position as Director of Operations, and adjusting to Mom's school schedule at Valdosta State University. Staying busy between this job and periodic trips to Mexico and Japan for consulting work. Staying busy but enjoying life.

4. What was I doing yesterday?

Gave a deposition in a case involving a employee who got his arms caught in some industrial equipment resulting in a traumatic amputation of both arms. Very sad. He also tested positive for cocaine in his post-accident drug screen and as such may lose all of his workman's comp benefits. While his cocaine use may have had nothing to do with his accident, it still may have devastating consequences that he never anticipated. You can make choices, but you can't control the consequences. Went to the movies after work (D-Wars - mindless entertainment).

5 places I would rather be:

SCUBA diving anywhere.

Any tropical island laying on the beach

On a sailboat headed anywhere

Skiing in New Zealand

Playing golf in Hawaii

5 snacks that I love:

Smoked oysters sandwich with cheese and onions

Hot buttered popcorn

Anything with goma (sesame seed) dressing on it.

Chocolate covered strawberry Blizzard from DQ

Cadberry Eggs at Easter

What would I do with 100 million dollars...

Quit my job

Buy a brand new Porsche 911 Turbocarrerra Cabriolette

But a 47 yawl (sailboat) and sail the Carribean

Travel

Go on a mission

5 Favorite TV Shows

Two and a Half Men

Kid Nation

Lost (Love-Hate relationship)

Desperate Housewives

Boston Legal

5 Favorite Movies

Casablanca

What Dreams May Come

Defending Your Life

Bridges of Madison County

Lawrence of Arabia

Sports Memorabilia

2007-09-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

When my Dad passed away a couple of years ago, one of the things that I inherited was an old autographed baseball. I knew that it was signed by members of the Brooklyn Dodgers (this was before they moved to Los Angeles). Other than that, how this ball came into my Dad's posession is unknown to me, I just know that he had it for some time. I have done some research and was able to identify 25 of the signatures on the ball including some noteables such as Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges, Preacher Roe, and the manager Leo Durocher. The signatures are from the 1948 Brooklyn Dodgers. That year they were 84-70, finishing 3rd in the National League. They were playing at Ebbets Filed in Brooklyn and were affectionately known as the Brooklyn Bums.

A sports auction house has indicated "An excellent ball that we would love to auction... and in terms of value, I would say somewhere between $800-$1,000 or more.

Can You Say Security in Mexico City?

2007-09-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

They had just a little security present for the celebration.

This really is a policeman, complete with horse and sombrero.

Mexico City 2007

2007-09-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

September 15 was Declaration of Independence for Mexico and September 16 was Mexican Independence Day. Here are a variety of pictures from the celebration at the central plaza. See if there is anyone you recognize.

Viva Mexico!!

By the way, are these really lawn chairs?

Let's all go to the snack bar!

I have no idea what this is about??

My Great-Great-Grandad that was in the war

2007-09-11T13:32:00.001-07:00

Some time ago, two of my grandchildren saw a picture of me in my Navy uniform and when asked if they knew who it was, my grandson, with a certain level of enthusiam (as I was told) stated that it was "my great-great grandfather that was in the war". Just to keep the myth alive here is a collage of pictures from my military days.

Labor Day in Atlanta - Second Try

2007-09-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well here I go again with our Labor Day posting. Tried twice already but keep loosing it.

Mom and I went to Atlanta for Laboratory Day, to Stone Mountain on Saturday and Sunday and then to a Braves ball game on Monday.

Here is mom with her new boy friend.

This is the world's largest biased relief schulpture (whatever that means) of Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson, President Jeffereson Davis, and Gen. Robert E. Lee, heros from the Great War of Northern Agression.

Here is the elusive "gum" tree we spotted on the way down from the top of Stone Mount.

Great old car, a Tucker

Monday was a great day at Turner Field watching the Braves beat the Phillies.

Here is Mom with her new "tat:.

2007-09-11T09:23:00.001-07:00

More Pictures of Mexico

2007-08-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Geri's Trip To Mexico

2007-08-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

This past June and July Geri took part in the VSU Study Abroad Program and spent 5 weeks in Guadalajara Mexico taking Spanish classes at the U of Guadalajara. Here are a few picture of her adventure.

Geri on the top of the Temple of the Sun outside of Mexico City.

Here is Geri's home in Guadalajara and her host Mom.

Here is where Geri went to school

Geri and her friend the "hemadore", the person who harvests the blue agave plants to make Tequila. This is actually in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.

Here is Geri and her other boyfriend in Mexico.

The Temple in Guadalajara

Geri and One of the cities that she visited.

Just Some Background Stuff

2007-08-07T08:53:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture and Geri and me at the Grand Ole Opry last December.

Here is a picture of the favorite person in the house.

Here is a picture of the favorite thing in the house.

Here is a picture of the house (new paint job)

Getting Started with a Blog

2007-08-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at starting my own blog. Just remember that I have been drug kicking and screaming into the 21st Century with its technology.