Ice Hockey
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A Spectator of One

My two oldest sons got the Ice hockey bug when they were teenagers, after watching the movie “The Mighty Ducks”.  For over a quarter century they have played in numerous states throughout the US and have even traveled to Europe.  One son…
Extended Hand
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Our Mothers Were Our Best Friends

Brett was a member of my dad’s scout troop for several years.  He was born with his right arm shriveled with just a few fingers, and his right leg was shorter than his left.  He loved to run, but it was mostly a hop and a drag, and his mother…
Toyota Land Cruiser

The Other Woman

Aka. The 72 Toyota Land Cruiser Shortly after WWII my father purchased a surplus Army Jeep.  He then built a plywood box over the passenger and driver section and painted it green. After that, he put silver colored asphalt paint on the top…
Woodworking

Woodworking

My grandfather was a carpenter/farmer.  He had run his thumbs through the jointer so many times that his thumbnails were the shape of sharpened pencils. My love for woodworking began early in my life.  Woodshop was a favorite class…
Power Poles Image

Power From The Power Poles

My Grandfather Amasa Oliver Netzley was 68 years old when I was born; some would say this is retirement age.  I was 22 years old when he sold his Almond orchard farm and moved into a house in the city.  He, however, promptly planted…
Playing Piano

A Tale of Two Pianos

As I transitioned from childhood to adolescence, and throughout my teenage years, my family had very little in the way of extra money.  Fortunately, I never went to bed hungry, but my clothing was well worn out before I received replacements. …
Birds Image

Birds of a Feather, Flock Together

In the mid 1950’s my maternal grandparents bought 22 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains which included a portion of Soquel Creek.  They built a split-level one bedroom, one bath home on the steep slope facing the Creek.  I can’t even…
Touching Hands Image

An Eye For An Eye

My parents were married in the downtown Methodist church and during my formative years we would attend this church with it's magnificent stained-glass ceiling.  Dr. Moon was a most memorable pastor there. Since I was hard of hearing,…
Kid Eating Chop Image

The Chime Motor

My Mother always tried out new recipes to serve the family.  Swedish pancakes, Ebelskiver, Springerle, Pilaf and countless breads to name just a few things she made.  Why she even pasteurized milk and made butter.  Because of the multicultural…
Schwinn Image

The Schwinn That Never Quit

Over the years I’ve had a number of bicycles, my favorite being a Luison Bobett in a beautiful metallic green color.  My father bought the ten speed bicycle for my birthday, but unfortunately, I did not have it for very long as someone…