The Blue Star Memorial

Mike came home everyday and talked about his work on The Blue Star Memorial. He was so proud to be constructing something that honored the men and women who have served our Country in the Armed Forces. It was also a way to show tribute to all the veterans that live right in our community. He got involved in the project through the Ahwatukee Board of Management who donated the land for the memorial. His work even got him on the front page of the Ahwatukee Republic.
The dedication ceremony included the Color Guard.

The Mayor of Phoenix

Mike and Mikey

Mike put in one last paver before the dedication ceremony for Pat Tillman, The NFL Arizona Cardinal player who gave up a lucrative career to serve his country.

Mikey worked on the shiny black tile. It looked so great I told him he can now think of the shower as a memorial to cleanliness and re-tile it for me.

The dedication ceremony was a community event and reminded everyone of the sacrifices others have made for us. I also kept thinking that everywhere in this city is something that my mason man has made with his big ol' hands. I know this is one of those projects that will remain for the future generations of my own family to see.

Just For Kicks

What a difference a year makes. Last year there were some tears and indecision on the field. Not this year. Austin goes after that ball like it was stolen from him.



He's a great little soccer player and can only get better from here.

Meet the Girls

There has been a lot of fussin’ and cluckin’ at the ranch. These little gals with attitudes came from a gated community with a home owner’s association. Of course the association said NO to chickens so we were asked if we would like to adopt the girls. I don’t know what’s the big deal with having chickens. They are the best pest control you can have around a house. They will eat every bug in site. But you know how gated communities and associations can be. Next thing you know they will be telling people that they can’t fly the American flag in their yard. No wait, they’ve already done that.

The gated community gave these gals a little attitude so they haven’t earned the term “ladies” yet. We had one old hen left in the coop. Once these little biddies moved in they started pushing her around and pecking her. I see now why they call it the pecking order. It was bullying, plain and simple. She just would not stick up for herself. It took almost two weeks for everyone to start getting along. Now that they are we get about 5 eggs a day and boy are they good and golden. Makes for a nice country breakfast at the Joneses.