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Grandpa, can you take me to my basketball game?

Monday, May 3rd, 2010


My beautiful grandchildren, Cameron, 16, and Haylee, 11.

YUCAIPA, CA – How old are you grandpa, my grandson Cameron asked me today after I picked him up at school. How old do you think I am? I think 52, but I usually get it wrong. Actually, I’m 48 I said with a straight face. I know you’re not that young! Cam fired back with a laugh.

The joys of grandparenthood.

Cam is 16. Recently he had an accident and his treasured Chevy truck that he owned less than six months was totaled. He feels terrible about the accident. It was his fault. But fortunately no one was seriously hurt – just some bumps and bruises. Click to continue »

Posted in Bob's Memories, Family Stories and Photos, Yucaipa | 2 Responses »
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Winter Wonderland In Wells, Minnesota

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010


Photos By Pat and Wally Stenzel / Wells, MN

WELLS, MN – This morning I stepped outside dressed in jogging shorts and a t-shirt. I reached up and plucked a ripe, juicy Naval orange off my citrus tree that grows just outside my back door. I lifted my face to the sun’s morning rays feeling its soothing warmth gently bathing my tired skin.

The weather report calls for mid-60s to low 70s temperatures. Ah, what a beautiful Southern California day.

I went back inside and checked my email. Up popped a message from my sister, Pat Stenzel, and her husband Wally, who live in Wells, Minnesota.

Pat attached pictures showing her small southern Minnesota village buried under an avalanche of snow. Her street was piled high on each side with mounds of snow four feet high. Click to continue »

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My lucky shot

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

1964-Bob's DeerLR
The big buck taken from the West Woods near Wanamingo in 1964 with my brother John Otto.

WANAMINGO, MINN – When I was a young boy, I liked to hunt and I claimed my share of game – mostly squirrel, rabbit, and pheasant. But my biggest thrill came when I shot my one and only white tail deer. An eight-point buck, weighing over 200 pounds that I bagged in the West Woods near Wanamingo.

I was just 16 on that November Saturday in 1964. Click to continue »

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DNA test for Tassie

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

YUCAIPA, CA – I’ve read about a DNA test for dogs that can determine their pedigree. I’m thinking of ordering one for Tassie. But I’m afraid of the results.

A little Golden Retriever, definitely. Some Springer Spaniel, no doubt.

Beaver? Quite possibly. Woodchuck, maybe that too. Click to continue »

Posted in Animals and Pets, Family Stories and Photos, Humor | 5 Responses »
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Assembly Required

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

YUCAIPA, CA – I’m a sucker for yard sales. So as I drove down California Street last Saturday and saw the sign, “school yard sale today only,” at Yucaipa Elementary School, I pulled over.

Right away I spotted the large unopened Office Depot boxes leaning against the school wall. Five brand spanking new computer desks for $25 each. What a deal.

And my timing was right. The yard sale was winding down and the folks in charge didn’t want to reload the heavy boxes that weighed about 100 pounds each and cart them off to store in someone’s garage until the next sale.

“Make me an offer,” said the man Click to continue »

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My galloping fear

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

YUCAIPA, CA – Fear whispered in my ear. “If she gallops, you’re going to fall off.”

For months after I first crawled on top of Mary’s broad, white back, the ground seemed miles away. A long way for a little boy to fall. So whenever Mary grabbed the bridle bit between her clinched jaws and shook her head up and down, telling me, “let’s run,” I pulled back on the reins.

Afraid I would go tumbling off if I let her gallop. Trotting was fine. That I could handle.

I was about nine or 10 at the time, and we lived on the Marshall Ronnigen farm near Zumbrota in the mid 1950s where my dad worked as a hired hand. For me it was if I had floated blissfully into horse heaven. Click to continue »

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I pray the Lord my soul to take

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

YUCAIPA, CA – I remember back when I was a little boy, my mother pulling the covers up tight all around me and clasping my hands together in prayer like all good Catholic mothers did with their children at bedtime.

And then we would recite the bedtime prayer that she insisted I repeat over and over until the words were forever locked in my memory.

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray to the Lord my soul to keep…”

Looking back and seeing myself lying as an innocent little cherub in bed, I can’t imagine the Lord not wanting to keep my soul. But that was then.

He might not be so willing today. Click to continue »

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Our Birthday boy turns 16

Friday, July 31st, 2009


A look back in time and sharing memories of Cameron Gilmore and the people who love him.

YUCAIPA, CA – He’s tall, he’s handsome, he’s smart, he’s athletic, and he’s got a wonderful personality.

And he just happens to be my grandson. And today is his birthday. So happy birthday Cameron Gilmore from your dear old granddad!

But beware fathers of teenage daughters as Cameron celebrates his 16th birthday. A time in a young man’s life when his thoughts are centered on three things: Girls, driving a car, and more girls.

And least you not take heed, read the first sentence above about tall, handsome, smart…

Of course it’s time for me to shop for a present for the birthday boy. But then I got to thinking after I came across this poem that makes a lot of good (and economical) sense – at least to me.

Happy Birthday Cameron
You’ve got a great life
You look wonderful and your health is good too
So how could a measly present from me compete with that?

But most of all…

“A world of wishes grandson, meant especially for you,
May all the nicest things be yours today
And all year through
Happy Birthday buddy!”

From Grandpa Bob
And Grandma Nan

And here’s a special birthday tune from Sheriff John’s Birthday Cake song.

>Click Here To Hear Birthday Song

Posted in Family Stories and Photos, Humor | 3 Responses »

Pat, welcome to Club 60

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

YUCAIPA, CA – My son-in-law’s mother Pat officially joined Club 60 yesterday with a birthday party. The joyous occasion was filled with tender hugs and touching birthday cards, and a bon voyage from the youngsters in the family wishing Pat well as she hobbles off to the old folks home.

They showered her with gifts such as senior diapers, a gift card for a hearing aid, and a walking cane. And they gathered around as Pat blew out dozens upon dozens of candles on her birthday cake. It was all part of the ritual that advances one into the youngest of the old folks clubs – Club 60.

Click to continue »

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When the muse speaks, I listen

Friday, July 24th, 2009

YUCAIPA, CA – I rolled over to peek at the clock on my bed stand. 4 a.m. Not the most ideal time he has awakened me from a sound sleep. But I’ve learned that when he speaks, I should listen.

He’s my muse. I picture him as this friendly, diminutive little fellow about four inches tall, wearing wire-rimmed glasses, with a receding hairline. And he has a bit of a paunch. I’ve named him Fred. When Fred appears, he hops up on my right shoulder and whispers in my ear.

“I’ve got this great idea. Let’s write about this…”

Click to continue »

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