Author Archives: Butch

2018 California Vacation – Part 5

Thursday, August 9 – Montrose, CO to Lamar, CO Today we just drove. We visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison last night which was our plan for today. We were so scared by the scenic drive and the overlooks so … Continue reading

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2018 California Vacation – Part 4

Sunday August 5 – El Cerrito to Ridgecrest, CA We took one last set of pictures of us and the boys. We left Wendy’s at about 11:00. It is always hard to say goodbye knowing it will probably be at … Continue reading

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2018 California Vacation – Part 3

Tuesday, July 31 – El Cerrito When we arrived last night, we had a wonderful reunion. We stayed up late talking and catching up so it was wonderful to sleep in and know that we didn’t have to pack up … Continue reading

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2018 California Vacation – Part 2

Friday, July 27 – Vernal, CO to Salt Lake City, UT Since our drive to Salt Lake City would be relatively short, we decided to take it easy and have a relaxed start to the day. When every day is … Continue reading

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2018 California Vacation – Part 1

Calfornia or Bust – 2018 Driving Vacation We usually travel to California by air but this year decided to plan an epic driving vacation to see all of the sights between Iowa and California that we could possibly pack in. … Continue reading

Posted in Autobiography, Family | 3 Comments

1956 – The Family Car Recess Problem

In about second grade we had recess a couple of times a day. When the weather was good, we went outside to play. I think that we went out and played even when the weather wasn’t good too. I don’t … Continue reading

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2002 – The Mystery of White House Farm.

I went to England in 2002 to visit my aunts, uncles, and cousins and to do as much genealogical research as time permitted. Before I left, my mother told me that my uncle, John Bellamy, had a small painting that … Continue reading

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1963 – Homemade Skateboard

Hard on the heels of the surfing craze of the 1960s, skateboards started showing up. I think there may have been commercially made boards, maybe in California. In Iowa you couldn’t get them. If you wanted a skateboard, you had … Continue reading

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Deer Update – Christmastide 2017

The other day we had 9 deer in the yard. They were actually running around. Normally they just mosey around slowly. As they passed I counted them and when they were done it came to 9. That is an all time … Continue reading

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Carol Lynne Thorpe

Seventy years ago today my big sister Carol Lynne Thorpe died. I never knew her. She died before I was even conceived. But I can’t help but wonder how the dynamic of our family would have been different with her … Continue reading

Posted in Autobiography, Genealogy | 2 Comments