25 Years Ago

Above, my dad and I in 1993.

The other day, it occurred to me that I will be at the same age as my dad next year when he passed away 25 year ago today.

He passed away from lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. He had it for about two years. 

That is why I decided to help the John Wayne Cancer Foundation with their Grit Series half marathons in Ridgway, Colorado. The first time I was there, I was talking with Patrick Wayne and mentioned that we both had the commonality of losing dads due to cancer.

In memory of my dad, I have also made donations to the Foundation. I have also done so in honor of Wellington "Bill" Wilson and Mike Hobbie, who also were casualties of cancer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation targets their efforts in cancer research and the training of oncologists. The JWCF funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients' outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness and support. 

Above, following my dad's funeral at Riverside National Cemetery.

It is hard to believe 25 years have passed. 

Remembering Those Who Have Fallen

 

Above, Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2020 In Review

Above, the year started for me with the Second Amendment Rally at the New Mexico State Capitol.

The general consensus with everybody (well, maybe there's some exceptions) is that 2020 was one crappy year. Despite some bright spots, that was my experience with the year.

COVID-19 and the government's (federal, state and local) response to it left much to be desired. The November 3 election was the most corrupted in history. Vote fraud was rampant, despite denials by the major media. 

Winter 2019-2020

The year started out normally. 

I got electric service installed to the GOCO Beast Barn in January. Now I can keep The Beast's batteries fully charged as well as the holding tank heaters on during cold weather.

Late in January, I attended the Second Amendment rally at the New Mexico State Capitol (the Roundhouse) in Santa Fe, New Mexico to protest the Democrat-controlled state government's infringements on the Second Amendment. I camped at a RV park in the city. Despite bitter cold, I had a good time. On the way home from Santa Fe, I stopped at Supercuts in Albuquerque for a haircut. That was the last haircut I was able to get until May, as it turned out.

Above, workers installing electrical power to the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Outside of our montly dinner at historian Martin Link's residence in Gallup, February was uneventful. It was just as well, the "fit hit the shan" the following month.

The coronavirus pandemic started in the U.S. and around the world in March. We were still able to meet for our daily coffee gatherings at Denny's at the Flying J, but social distancing rules were beginning to be put in place. Then in April, the governor shut down "non-essential" businesses, including restaurants. We then had our coffees at various group member residences. The dinner group gatherings at Martin Link's were cancelled for several months, starting in March. 

Spring

The planned Lost Dutchman Clampout in Ehrenberg, Arizona slated for April was cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions on group gatherings by the government. 

Above, the Jeep at the power boxes for the house and GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most of my $1,200 government stimulus check went towards my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1. I got it a new gasoline tank, master cylinder and brake work, fuel pump, new points, condenser and spark plugs. Since we had to practice social distancing, I spent many hours driving in Six Mile Canyon and enjoying the scenery.

Above, at Standin' On A Corner park in Winslow, Arizona. Photo by Russell Azbill.

My aunt Gloria, who was the last of my dad's siblings, passed away in early April. She had been in declining health for the past few years. I was glad I was able to go to see her in December for the last time.

In May, Russell Azbill and I went to Winslow, Arizona for haircuts. Barber shops were still closed in New Mexico, so we went to Winslow where they were still open. While in Winslow, we went to see the "Standin' On A Corner" park.

Summer

The only rodeo I was able to attend this year took place in Grants, New Mexico in early July (all other rodeos were cancelled). It was the Grants Wild West Days Rodeo. It was a fun event and I picked up an area rug for the living room from a vendor there.

Above, the Grants Wild West Days Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since we didn't have a clampout, several of us members had an "unofficial" camping gathering at Ashurst Lake in Arizona (near Flagstaff) over a July weekend. We had a good time, even when cattle wandered into our campground.

Bill Wilson, a friend since junior high school, came down with a rare blood disorder in 2019. Despite many treatments, his condition turned into full blown leukemia. After attempts to get it under control in late July, doctors told him and his wife Linda that they could do no more for him. He decided to cease treatments and wanted to go home to see family and friends during his final days. Mitch Geriminsky and I got plane tickets to go see him in Buhl, Idaho. But he died within hours after doctors ceased treatments on a fungal infection. We went to Buhl anyway and attended a celebration life gathering at his home.

Above, cousin Maria at my parents' grave. Photo by Arand Vaquer.

Since COVID-19 prevented funeral services for my aunt in April, they were held in July at the Riverside National Cemetery. I took Amtrak to my cousin's to attend. It was the first time I took an Amtrak train. While at Riverside National Cemetery, I visited my parents' grave.

On August 10, I had my last haircut with Michelle at Supercuts in Albuquerque. She informed me that she was opening her own salon in a month or so. She asked me for my contact information and I expected to hear from her in October. But I never did. So I ended up going to a shop in Gallup in December.

Above, yours truly at the Durango train. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

In September, Mitch and I went up to Colorado to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango to Cascade Canyon and back. We also visited Ouray, Silverton and Ridgway. In Ridgway, we saw many locations for the 1969 John Wayne True Grit. We also toured Mesa Verde National Park. It was an enjoyable trip and we camped in Mitch's new Jayco travel trailer. Sierra also came along.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I at the True Grit Cafe in Ridgway, Colorado.

Autumn

In October, I went to Lake Havasu, Arizona for Mitch Geriminsky's birthday. I stayed at the Crazy Horse Campground at the lake. While in Lake Havasu City, I also attended a Trump parade and a gun show. I picked up some boxes of 9mm ammunition there. Good thing I did, since there's an ammo shortage. They were $20/box.

Above, at the Lake Havasu Trump Store.

I had Thanksgiving dinner at Greg & Marlo Lucier's. We had a good time. Also attending were Larry Lucier, Russell Azbill and Roger & Marlis Slape.

Above, at the assembly area for the Lake Havasu Trump parade.

At the end of November, I finally got a new sink and faucet installed in the guest bathroom and a new faucet in my bathroom. The faucet in the kitchen needs replacing, I will likely get that done in the next two weeks.

We had several snowstorms roll through Jamestown in November and December. Since we were again under coronavirus restrictions, nothing much has been going on except sticking close to home. 

Hopefully, 2021 will turn out to be a better year. 

Back In Riverside

Above, Maria and Fred at the Yard House. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday evening, my train back to New Mexico was scheduled to depart Riverside Station at 7:18.

My cousin Maria and her husband Fred drove me to Riverside to catch the train and to pay a visit to Aunt Gloria's grave at Riverside National Cemetery to leave a floral cross there from the funeral services.

We got there after a half-hour drive from Wildomar and we didn't have too much difficulty in locating the grave (made easier by the removal of sod from it).

We left the floral cross and took some photos while there.

Then, after that was done, we headed into downtown Riverside to find a place to have dinner. It was complicated by the lack of indoor dining at the city's restaurants, but we eventually did find one. It was at the Yard House restaurant.

After dinner, they dropped me off at the Riverside Station to catch the Amtrak train to Gallup.

Some photos:

Aunt Glo's Funeral In Riverside and Getting There

Above, the priest reading over the final rites at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After about a 13-hour train ride, I am back home from attending my Aunt Gloria's funeral service.

She passed away April 4, but due to COVID-19, there were no funeral services or burials at Riverside National Cemetery (this was likely the same at other national cemeteries). So, things were put on hold until last week.

We met up at the mortuary for the rosary and funeral services and then migrated over to Riverside National Cemetery for the interment. The temperature sign at the mortuary was a little bit inaccurate, but not by too much. It was very hot outside.

Above, the temperature sign at the mortuary. It was off, but not by much. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the ceremonies, my cousin Maria and I went over to my parents grave and placed flowers there.

Then, we all headed to Maria's in Wildomar for a gathering of family members and friends. All of my aunt's siblings families were represented.

My trip to Wildomar was goofed up a bit as I took the Amtrak train from Gallup, New Mexico with the intention of going to Fullerton, California and taking a bus from there to Riverside Station. This was a bizarre schedule as I would have had a four-hour layover in Fullerton before the bus ride. The bizarre part was that the train stopped at Riverside Station. I could have gotten off the train there, but I didn't want to make the wait longer before my cousin picked me up.

What happened was that at Fullerton Station, I got down to the lower level of my train car, but the doors didn't open. It seems that it depends upon what car a traveler is on if that car's doors are opened. I should have gone to a different car. But I had no idea of this. So, I ended up going to Union Station in Los Angeles to get a train back to Fullerton. It was about an hour and a half wait before the Fullerton train departs.

I got on the train and made sure I exited at Fullerton. My cousin's husband Fred was at the station when I arrived as, luckily, he had some business to do in Fullerton.

It was worth going to Union Station as I have never been inside of it before. It is a beautiful historical building. Thankfully, everything worked out just fine after all.

Some photos:

Above, the Gallup Station gate to the tracks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the arrival of the train at Gallup Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside the train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the train snack bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the main lobby of Union Station in Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, waiting for the Fullerton train to arrive. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the pond and waterfall at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the priest officiating at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Aunt Gloria's urn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, cousin Maria at my parents' grave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, your truly at my parents' grave. Photo by Maria Malone.

Above, the flowers and headstone of my parents. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Aunt Gloria in July 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ten Years Ago

Today marks 10 years since my mom passed away unexpectedly at age 76.

In many respects, it seems like it was yesterday. While, in others, it does seem like 10 years has passed. I think of her everyday.

When my dad passed away in 1999, it was easier to deal with as he had cancer and that allowed for preparing one's self for the inevitable. But when a parent passes unexpectedly, one that is a life-changer (since she lived in the same apartment building as I), that comes as quite a shock. It took about three months for me to come "out of the fog".

Above, my parents' grave at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Seeing how both of my parents died in their 70s, that prompted me to retire four years ago, while my health was still good. It was a good thing that I did, after my own close call in Wells, Nevada two summers ago.

For the first time in a long while, I visited their grave at Riverside National Cemetery when I was in California last month. 

20 Years Ago...

Above, my dad and I at my North Hills, California apartment in 1993.

Today marks 20 years since my dad passed away in Hawthorne, California.

In many respects it seems recent, but in others (including the calendar) does make it feel 20 years. It was only ten years ago that my mom and I noted the tenth anniversary, not knowing that she would be gone a month later.

Above, following my dad's funeral services at Riverside National Cemetery.

20 years or not, he is still missed by family and friends.

National Cemetery Administration: A Scandal That Nobody's Talking About

Above, Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is something wrong with the national cemetery system.

It is under the National Cemetery Administration division of the Veterans Administration which is under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

I am sure you've heard of the scandal that involves the VA hospitals where veterans were made to wait resulting in the deaths of many. The Obama Administration promised to fix the problem, but we are about 2-3 years into this and the problems are just as bad now as they were then.

My Aunt Rose passed away on January 5, 2016. She was the widow of my Uncle Ralph, who was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. He is buried at Riverside National Cemetery. It would seem to be a non-issue to have my aunt buried with my uncle. Yet, she was only buried today (February 2, 2016), nearly a month after her death.

Having families wait for their loved ones to be buried almost a month after their death is not "being treated with dignity." Yet that term is throughout the National Cemetery Administration's website.

Something is dreadfully wrong with the National Cemetery Administration. They try to blame it on the high number of funerals. But that is a bunch of hogwash. There was always high numbers of funerals, My mom was buried 13 days after she passed away in 2010 at Riverside National Cemetery. Apparently, Obama's Administration didn't have enough time after taking office the year before to screw things up sooner.

Perhaps I should talk to Paul Bannai about this. He used to head up the national cemeteries under the Reagan Administration.

I hope the news media picks up on this. But, you know darn well they won't.

In Riverside Today

Above, Riverside National Cemetery with the snow-capped San
Gabriel Mountains in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems like each time our family goes to Riverside National Cemetery to lay to rest a family member, those occasions always seem to fall on a beautiful clear day with gorgeous views of the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains.

Again, we gathered at the cemetery in Riverside, California to lay to rest my Aunt Rose. It was cold and windy out, but the views of the mountains were spectacular.

The ceremony was brief and personal. Following the service, my aunt's urn was taken to my Uncle Ralph's grave to be buried with him.

Prior to the services for my aunt, I paid a visit to my parents' grave (photo above). I had not been there since the funeral of Denise Geriminsky in April 2010. 

My Aunt Rose Made Her Transition

Above, my Aunt Rose and I on February 24, 2015.

News that our family has been dreading to hear arrived today.

My aunt Rose Ledoux passed away around 12:20 this afternoon. She seemed to be rallying in recent weeks but took a turn for the worse this morning.

I am so glad that I stopped by to visit her at her home in Mission Viejo after buying The Beast. It had been a while since I've seen her and driving The Beast home from San Diego was the perfect opportunity to see her and give her a tour of the RV.

Above, my Aunts Gloria and Rose during their teen years.

Also, it warmed my heart a couple of weeks ago when my cousin showed her one of my samurai photos that I had taken in October in Japan and she had a big laugh over that.

She was loved by our entire family and will be missed greatly, but it is good to know that her suffering is over.

She will be buried with my Uncle Ralph at Riverside National Cemetery.

Fifth Anniversary

Today is the fifth anniversary of my mom's passing of total renal failure at Providence Tarzana Medical Center about 24 hours following emergency surgery.

It is unreal to think that five years have now passed. It seems like time passes faster after a family member passes away. It is already fifteen years since my dad passed away of lymphoma. I still miss them both.

I remember the night my mom died like it was yesterday. One blessing about the way she passed away: she didn't have to languish for years in a nursing home. She basically died on her feet, she would have wanted it that way.

She is also missed every day by family and friends.

The photo below was taken of the San Gabriel Mountains on the day of her funeral at Riverside National Cemetery by my cousin Julie.

Weekend Reflections

Memorial Day was a good laid-back day.  We spent almost half of it sleeping.  I had some sleep to catch up on, as I worked the graveyard shift in my "parachute" job Thursday night/Friday morning in Burbank and immediately had to go to Bakersfield from there for a mandatory settlement conference on a subrogation claim.

I was thinking about going to Riverside National Cemetery but was too tired to go and didn't feel like fighting traffic (or pay $4.30/gallon of gas).

However, we did treat ourselves to steak and crab legs for dinner (with ice cream for dessert).  Following dinner, we watched two rental movies: Dinner For Schmucks and Office Space.  Those were entertaining comedies.
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It is frustrating for someone who is willing, able and eager to work, but is having a hard time getting work.

Tony Isabella is a comic book writer and columnist who created Black Lightning for DC Comics.  He's a little older than me.  We're poles apart politically, but he's a real cool guy.  He currently has a write-up on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan in the Comics Buyers' Guide (CBG).  He's also a Godzilla fan.

His writing career has hit the doldrums of late.  It is hard enough to get work past 50, and it is even harder to get writing gigs in comics at that age.  The comic book companies seem to think that 20-to-30-year olds are what the comics writing market seems to require.  I really have to doubt this as older writers have more life experiences to tap into for great writing.

Anyway, Tony could use some writing gigs.  I like helping out friends and he's one of them.  Today, he posted at his blog:

A couple friends/readers seem to think I won’t accept work-for-hire
jobs.  That’s simply not the case.  I’m open to almost anything as
long as its work I think I can do well...that pays a decent wage or
has other benefits to make up for low pay...that doesn’t violate my
moral code.  I do believe I can do my best work when the editor’s
hand is the lightest.

 If you are in need of a writer for a comic book (or whatever), kindly give Tony Isabella a shot!  You can reach him through his blog at http://tonyisabella.blogspot.com/.
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This has been a great weekend for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.  On Sunday, it was reviewed by Gianni Simone in The Japan Times.  Thanks to Simone and The Japan Times!

Year Almost Half Over Already?!

Above, the TA truckstop at the Grapevine.  I'll be stopping there Friday.

It seems like only yesterday that it was New Year's and now we're fast approaching Memorial Day weekend.  Time flies when you're having fun (or being busy as hell).  So far, no plans as yet.  I may go out to Riverside National Cemetery to put flowers on my parents' grave.  

Thus far, it has been a good year in sales of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.  Sales are up over at ComiXpress.com and the current pre-vacation season sale (through me) has brought in many orders.  A thank-you to all.

Claims work is picking up again.  I have to be in Bakersfield this coming Friday morning for a settlement conference.

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I saw an article at FoxNews.com about extra fees some airlines are planning to charge people for aisle or window seats (or to just sit with family members or traveling companions).  This is getting ridiculous.  The traveling public is already getting gouged in baggage and fuel fees already.  Frankly, I wouldn't fly with an airline who would charge extra for an aisle (my preference) or window seat.   I don't like being boxed in.

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I read the transcript of Sean Hannity's interview with Gen. Colin Powell.  Very disappointing.  Hannity just tossed softballs and didn't really go after Powell over his 2008 endorsement of Barack Obama as he should have.

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The New York Times is reporting that Obama is using video from the bin Laden raid in new campaign ad.  Shameless!

Memorial Day 2011

"We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free." - President Ronald Reagan, Omaha Beach, June 6, 1984.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Although most use the holiday for going to the beach, camping or backyard bar-b-ques, it is a day set aside to remember and thank those who served our nation and paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy those freedoms our Founding Fathers envisioned.

To my knowledge, nobody in my family (at least since World War I) died in combat.



My maternal grandfather, Merle Charleston served in the United States Navy as a Seabee (the name comes from Construction Battalion or C.B.) during World War II. His trade was as an electrician.

He spent most of World War II at Dutch Harbor in Alaska's Aleutian Islands. They received some bombing attacks from the Japanese during his tenure.

He passed away on Lincoln's Birthday on February 12, 1966 and is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at Point Loma in San Diego.




My dad, Armand Vaquer, was a Military Police officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Originally, he as in the the National Guard in Los Angeles. But when the war broke out, his division was called up for service in South Korea. At first, he was sent to Sendai, Japan and had some duty time at nearby Matsushima Bay (that accounts for my fondness for Sendai and Matsushima Bay, which I visited in 2006).

He passed away December 15, 1999 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetry in Riverside, California.


A salute to them and all the other great Americans who served in our armed forces.