tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60015483872843802042024-03-05T20:21:06.461-07:00Two Feet ShortYou may wonder why I named my blog "Two Feet Short." The name has a double meaning - one because I am a double amputee, and, the second, as a result of the amputations, I am now two feet shorter in height. Many would look at this as a monumental setback, but, interestingly enough, the experience was a blessing in disguise. Read on....Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-71103017782888418562009-10-28T14:30:00.002-07:002009-10-28T14:50:05.708-07:00Math TutoringFor the last several years I have tutored math here at my local collage. I normal have two to three students that I help out each semester. This semester however is way different, at any one time I have from eight to twelve students. This year also brought some changes for me I am tutoring Chemistry and Business as well. I haven't taken either course mind you, but both deal heavily with math concepts thus I am called on to preform where other can't. As you can guess this has increased the size of my head. I have now let out all my hats to the largest size and there isn't room. My friends worry not for my wife is up to the challenge to keep me grounded. She is such a great companion and I love her so very much.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-53623792332928665442009-03-15T20:52:00.007-07:002009-03-19T20:18:35.752-07:00Update!Sorry I haven't blogged in a while - I have been somewhat busy. When last I wrote, I was in the hospital here in town (Show Low). I was diagnosed with osteo-militis (bone infection) I was shipped to University Medical Center in Tucson (sounds like UPS just came and picked me up, huh?). My orthopedic surgeon scheduled me for an I & D (incision and draining) to clean the infected tissue. He quickly discovered that it was more involved that what he had planned to do. So after a discussion with me and my wife, it was decided that the next day, I would go in to have a disarticulation (removal of the left leg at the pelvis.) I have been expecting this to happen for several years, so it was not a shock to me.<br /><br />I received two blessings before I went into the hospital, each one gave me promises about my upcoming surgeries. The first was by the 2nd counselor in our Bishopric and stated that the doctors would be inspired to do those things that would preserve my life. The second, by my dad, said that I would be calm. Never before have I felt as strongly as I do now that those blessings were directly fulfilled.<br /><br />When I had my disarticulation, the anesthesiologist would not let the surgery start until 4 units of blood were in the room ready to go. Two units were all ready, but he demanded four. This move proved to be a life-saving move. My hip was such a mess, that when he started to remove it, I started to bleed uncontrollably. There were seven doctors in the room, 5 of which were in a fellowship program to learn their specialty - 3 orthopedic and 2 anesthesiologist. I had each one of them busy and in an all-out sprint to save my life. One set of doctors were trying to stop the bleeding while the others were trying to keep me full. My wife said that at one point they had a scope in my heart and there was no blood for it to pump. My life was saved, the blood stopped and my one hour surgery lasted four and a half hours. They kept me out longer than that.<br /><br />When I awoke I was still intubated and couldn't breathe on my own. I remember when I awoke that I said to myself, "You are alright; you are awake." I was calm as I learned to breathe with the machine. Those that have had a breathing tube usually panic and try to pull it out - not so with me. I am grateful for the blessings of the priesthood. I wished that the story ended here or got better from here, but sadly it did not (at least right away.)<br /><br />I was able to come home from UMC but within two days, problems arose that forced a return to my doctor in Tucson. I never made it. Before I had traveled 5 miles from my home, I started to bleed and lost so much blood that I passed out right in front of the Fire Department. They got me ready for transport but couldn't until I stopped bleeding. That took over 30 minutes. Every time I moved the bleeding would start again. Me being the problem child I am, the hospital could not take care of me and made arragements to ship me again to UMC.<br /><br />UMC would not take anyone and I was flown to Northwestern Hospital in Tucson. It took another week to find the problems and fix them. The average adult body has anywhere from 8 to 10 pints of blood. When all was said and done, from the two hospitals I received 45 pints of blood and countless pints of plasma. I think I hold the hospital record, and for everyone's sake I hope it is one that stands for a long time. Please donate blood - you never know who you might save. <a href="https://www.bloodhero.com/">https://www.bloodhero.com/</a>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-24984683630515122632009-01-17T18:30:00.003-07:002009-01-17T20:57:18.695-07:00Resort SummitOK, so after Christmas vacation I decided I need to have a vacation, thus my visit to my favorite resort. Most would not think that our local hospital would qualify as a resort but I DO. First of all I have an infection in my hip, that is the reason that I took my vacation of sorts. <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resort"><span>Webster Dictionary Defination: Resort </span></a><span class="sense_break"><span class="sense_label start">1 a</span><span class="sense_content"><strong>:</strong> one that affords aid or refuge <strong>:</strong> <span class="lookup">resource</span> <span class="vi"><went>resort></went></span></span> <span class="sense_label">b</span><span class="sense_content"><strong>:</strong> <span class="lookup">recourse</span> 1a <span class="vi"><have>resort to outside help></have></span></span><span class="sense_break"><span class="sense_label start">2 a</span><span class="sense_content"><strong>:</strong> frequent, habitual, or general visiting <span class="vi"><a>resort></a></span></span><a> <span class="sense_label">b</span><span class="sense_content"><strong>:</strong> persons who frequent a place <strong>:</strong> </span></a><span class="lookup">throng</span></span> <span class="sense_label">c </span><span><span class="sense_label subsense"> (1)</span></span><span class="sense_content"><strong>:</strong> a frequently visited place <strong>:</strong> <span class="lookup">haunt</span></span> <span><span class="sense_label subsense"> (2)</span></span><span class="sense_content"><strong>:</strong> a place providing recreation and entertainment especially to vacationers<br /><br />Now let me continue with my dissertation. Our local hospital recently made some major improvements. Last year they completed there patient tower. This 5 story tower was built with the patient in mind. They are large enough for someone in a wheelchair with all their equipment. There is plenty of room for large family visits. A couch that converts into a bed is plenty conformable for a care partner to stay the night. Holly won't spend a night with me, she tried once and had a horrible night sleep. Nurses were in ever hour and half to do something. I am used to this, having spent way to many moons in hospitals. Each room is also equiped with a 23" flat screen T.V., and my personal favorite Wi-Fi. Under neath the T.V. is a big white board that is used to communacate information to all concerened parties, the nurse, the patient, the doctor, and the families ect.<br /><br />So now that I have a Hotel Room with T.V. and Wi-Fi. Let's talk a little about the food. Most hospital's send the same thing to everyone at eight, twelve, and five. When I'm on vacation, I don't want to get up that early I may also want to eat later at night. Enter my favioret resort. They have room service, you heard me right ROOM SERVICE. Wake up and order what you want. Get hungry order again and hour later order again its that easy. At dinner time I order two dinners and latter at night bam! I have another meal, as Taco Bell puts it 4th meal. Order your food and within 45 min you have hot and freash food.<br /><br />Now for my third of three qualification of a resort. Somthing to look at. Nurses taking care of you getting you water, soda pop, crackers, scratching your back, and of course a sponge bath (he he). I really like my resort. My wife also like her vacation from taking care of me. Only problom is my best'es frind, life coach, cuteist, cuddly bug, and everything girl is not here with me. I will be home soon via Tucson Dear.<br /></span></span>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773337743597141523noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-86313339460636708252009-01-13T13:36:00.003-07:002009-03-12T21:47:50.868-07:00TOOLS EXPLAINED…DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room denting the freshly-painted vertical stabilizer which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.<br />WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench at the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, 'Oh filth and foul, foul and filth!!!!'<br />ELECTRIC HAND DRILL: Normally used for spinning pop rivets in their holes until you die of old age.<br />SKILL SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.<br />PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.<br />BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.<br />HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.<br />VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.<br />OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for lighting various flammable objects in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.<br />TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity.<br />HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Used for lowering an automobile to the ground after you have installed your new brake shoes, trapping the jack handle firmly under the bumper.<br />BAND SAW: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to cut good aluminum sheet into smaller pieces that more easily fit into the trash can after you cut on the inside of the line instead of the outside edge.<br />TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.<br />PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids or for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads.<br />STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws.<br />PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50-cent part.<br />HOSE CUTTER: A tool used to make hoses too short.<br />HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit.<br />UTILITY KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on contents such as leather seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while in use.<br />DAMMIT TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling 'DAMMIT' at the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.<br /><br />Sorry but I could not take any thing out of this post nor add to it. Feel free to use it at your blog.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-90062676949214844792009-01-08T15:55:00.001-07:002009-01-09T23:51:20.835-07:00Christmas TraditionsWhat fun it is when you learn that you started a tradition in a family's life. Many years ago we traveled to visit our good friends. While there we suggested to see the movie "Monsters Inc". This was also the year that we started a tradition of our very own. We chose names and started to make a gift for that person. I remember what I got. My wife made me a wallet and I made her a doll; she collect's dolls. We have done that each year since. This year, we decided that we would make all our family members a gift. That was quite a project, let me tell you. Each gift was to be well thought out. If we need to buy supplies, than it needed to be of practical use. Otherwise, if we had the supplies on hand, the sky was the limit. Though my wife picked out everything for her present, (a man just doesn't go out and get the supplies without council) I assembled it. She picked out the material, pattern, and all the accessories to go with the dress that was made by my youngest son and I. Not a bad job, if I do say so myself. Well, enough of that. When our friends came out to visit us after Christmas, they informed us that we needed to go see a movie. Apparently, each year after that first movie, it has been a tradition for them to go view a flicker show. Nice to know we started something good.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-81765690763756713662009-01-03T21:17:00.001-07:002009-01-07T12:51:21.566-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1316382.The_Wednesday_Letters?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_review" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Wednesday Letters" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1182706575m/1316382.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1316382.The_Wednesday_Letters?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_review">The Wednesday Letters</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/294901.Jason_F_Wright">Jason F. Wright</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41791372?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_review"><h3>My review</h3></a><br />rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />Opps I did it again. I am not becoming a book worm, I am not becoming a book worm, I am... if I say it enough I might belive it. This is the second book that I have read from cover-to-cover in one setting Wow!!! Thanks Debbie I was up till like 4:30 in the morning. This book will make you want to get up and do something<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1599998?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_review">View all my reviews.</a>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-9483016955394560342008-12-06T16:23:00.007-07:002008-12-08T18:13:36.672-07:00Brithday TAGI have Been Tag from my Friend <a href="http://middleageddad.blogspot.com/">John</a><br />A) Go to Wikipedia<br /><br />B) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.<br /> June 11<br /><br />C) List five events that happened on your birthday:<br /><ol><li><span class="mw-redirect">1184 BC</span> - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned, according to the calculations of Eratosthenes.</li><li>1788 - Russian explorer Gerasim Izmailov reaches Alaska.</li><li>1962 - Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin become the only prisoners to successfully escape from the prison on Alcatraz Island.</li><li>2001 - Timothy McVeigh is executed for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing.</li><li>2002 - Antonio Meucci is acknowledged as the first inventor of the telephone by the United States Congress.</li></ol>D) The Birth of 1917 - Joseph B. Wirthlin, LDS apostle<br /><br />E) One holiday or observance (if any): Kamehameha Day, official state holiday of Hawaii, United States, in honor of its first monarch, celebrated with floral parades, hula competition, and festivals<br /><br />F) Tag 5 other bloggers to complete... <a href="http://crazyandhappyhome.blogspot.com/">Debbie</a>, <a href="http://thementallyretardedgenuis.blogspot.com/">Stephen</a>, <a href="http://www.mattesonadventures.blogspot.com/">Sandy</a>, Lea, <a href="http://rktenney.blogspot.com/">Kim</a>.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-71077774208440746852008-11-13T19:54:00.003-07:002008-11-13T20:00:29.518-07:00Good Book<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3268926.The_Christmas_Sweater?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_review" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img style="width: 147px; height: 209px;" alt="The Christmas Sweater" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oAgX7ePyL._SL160_.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3268926.The_Christmas_Sweater?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_review">The Christmas Sweater</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/188932.Glenn_Beck">Glenn Beck</a><br /><br />The Christmas Sweater is an amazing book it is full of emotions. I was amazed at how Brother Beck was able to capture what I have tried to for years. Thanks Gleen I am not a reader. However when I pick up a book and read it cover to cover in one sitting that is saying something for that book. BTW it has only happened onceKarl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-40458284933303239282008-10-31T12:31:00.005-07:002008-10-31T13:00:14.925-07:00CommunismThis was sent to me from my wife's Aunt and Uncle chilling. Part of a Talk from Ezra Taft Benson. We are so close to that their now. <a href="http://us.f13.yahoofs.com/bc/46407a15m33dbe896/bc/My+Documents/Ezra+Taft+Benson.mp3?bfKa2CJB72aT.9as">Click here to hear it</a>.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-77250193907089004632008-10-11T19:15:00.003-07:002008-10-11T19:33:28.067-07:00Blessings from the LordWe have been told several times that we need to have a cash reserve at home. Well let me tell you my experience. This summer we were able to put aside a few hundred dollars. We knew that we would need it at some point. Two weeks ago we ran into a problem with my van, our rear axle broke. We were not sure what to do. We looked around and found a guy that Reg knew and he had a complete axle rear end (etc.) for my van. When he told us what the price was it just happened to be the exact amount that we had saved. Bingo the Lord loves me for some reason. On top of that in just two weeks we have been able to replace the amount and more.<br /><br />P.S. I have a note to self when taking out the drive line it is a good idea to block the wheels. This was a funny thing. Stephen was taking off the drive line. He disconnected the bolts and pounded of the drive line. Then the van started to roll backwards. Down the hill into the trees. Thus the note to self.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-85757304943409751312008-08-09T12:48:00.001-07:002008-08-09T13:39:11.866-07:00I saw this on my friend Debbie's blog and decided to do the same. It's a lot of fun to go back down memory lane :) Here are the instructions.<br /><br />1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!<br /><br />2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. (you can still leave a comment on my blog without starting a post on yours)Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-40667312663107616012008-06-15T19:33:00.003-07:002008-06-15T20:04:30.137-07:00Happy Father's DayWhat a day I had today. My father came up to visit and to help ordained my youngest son to the office of a teacher. Thus I was able to plan his father's day gift. Before I reveal what he received let me digress some 32 years. As a young boy I was very curious about things. I love to dig and play all the time. One day while my dad was building our house. I got a hold of his pocket knife. What a thrill. I was playing very nice with it, taking care not to abuse it in any way. My dad always used that knife. However it wasn't too long before the boy in me came out and I needed to dig a hole. So off I went under the furthest tree and started to dig a hole in the hard ground. Things were going only ok till I got the bright idea that if I used my dad's knife I would be able to dig my hole faster. The hole was going good and getting deep, the ground was getting harder so I got a hammer and was hammering on the knife. Well you guessed it the blade broke. Now being a resourcefully child I was I knew I needed to fix it. So out came the biggest slot head screw driver I could find. I started to pound the screw driver to break apart the knife so I could replace the blade. That is when my father found me you guess it he needed his knife. I don't remember what happened after that. So after 32 years I finally re payed my father for this fathers day I got him the same knife that I had broken some 30 years early. It was a buck whittlers special. Happy Fathers Day Dad.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-2614026459736182692008-06-11T07:20:00.005-07:002008-06-11T07:59:21.155-07:00"Birthday Gift."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJdPnwCaPYz9E_8QQ-jsbhNv6QSbH6mMtWF_LopHSIwAl7L9oDnlxUX9-Fem6xspZFI3LUMwnzG1UZNfIFDDwYY3fVivoeL79jx0-i0Jwzz1W0riOjUx1Ody7ccRAALV-gbEvId6M210/s1600-h/New+Image.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJdPnwCaPYz9E_8QQ-jsbhNv6QSbH6mMtWF_LopHSIwAl7L9oDnlxUX9-Fem6xspZFI3LUMwnzG1UZNfIFDDwYY3fVivoeL79jx0-i0Jwzz1W0riOjUx1Ody7ccRAALV-gbEvId6M210/s200/New+Image.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210637953728969170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><--------- What a bummer I had to cook my own breakfast in bed.</span><br />Wow I just thought I would write and tell every one "Birthday Gift" got you. TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY. Many years ago (not going to tell how many) I was born. As tradition runs in my wife's family you say "Birthday Gift" at birthdays or "Christmas Gift" at Christmas ect. Well at five this morning my wife woke me up and said "Birthday Gift" can't wait till the kids get up so I can get someone. OOO I forgot to also say "Shasta" that's my brothers version. So Royer "Shasta". It has been a fun thing for as long as I have been a part of her family. So remember to say "Birthday Gift" or "Shasta" to everyone you know because though Vince Lombardi is not quite as famous as me we still share the same Birthday. Happy Birthday Vince.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-22595579895647398552008-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:002008-05-11T00:00:01.977-07:00My Dear Mother!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwu3Mjy-HW4YJiqWR9ccEWzt4BZG2LQ07u-GajhqszSl1f8jlLAfa4xUISf9RhQJRVGYgIWp3t1UogHBYdzqBZJvn9c9Akp8O8373aTp3WAKm-t2Dnr5hnzfy_G6hAJi3yWWVIGuqAgw/s1600-h/0064FamC.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwu3Mjy-HW4YJiqWR9ccEWzt4BZG2LQ07u-GajhqszSl1f8jlLAfa4xUISf9RhQJRVGYgIWp3t1UogHBYdzqBZJvn9c9Akp8O8373aTp3WAKm-t2Dnr5hnzfy_G6hAJi3yWWVIGuqAgw/s320/0064FamC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198930266949720210" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Mom,<br />I wanted to write you a letter this mother's day and let you know what you mean to me. I know it has been way to long since we have been able to talk. I know that we will have a face-to-face talk soon. I miss being able to come home and sit on you lap and have you stroke my hair and tell me everything will be ok. You have shaped my life with yours. Your life was an example of the way all should live. Never did I hear a cross word from you lips. You were so much like your Dear Mother. I have drawn much strength from you and the way you lived you life. Tho things were not as you had wished you bore your hardships with a smile and thankfulness for what you had. I will wear a White Rose this Mother's Day in honor of you. Thank you for your life and mine<br /><br />Your Son.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-25348565255519453012008-05-10T18:51:00.000-07:002008-05-10T19:25:02.536-07:00What Color Is Your Rose This Mother's Day<p class="MsoNormal">In 1986, my dear mother passed away at the end of our school’s spring break, a few months prior to Mother’s Day. That Mother's Day was one of sadness and fond remembrances of our dear mother. When our family arrived at the church, we were greeted by one of our dear Ward Mothers who commenced to pin a white rose on our right lapel and on my sisters’ dresses. She explained that she was wearing a red rose in honor of her mother, and that we needed to wear a white one in honor of ours. She explained that on Mother's Day you wear a white rose if your mother is no longer living and a red one if she is. My dad also received a white rose for his mother, who had passed away just 3 months before my own mother had. The first year that my wife and I spent Mother's Day together, we both wore a white rose. What a way to honor you mother - to wear a rose for her on Mother's Day. Which rose would you wear to honor your mother? Take my poll at the left and let us know.<span style=""> </span></p>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-34908732530456251352008-05-03T19:03:00.000-07:002008-05-03T20:07:08.581-07:00When is Mother's Day?This morning I got early; not some thing I do often, but my son needed some help and got me up. My wife, after a late night of working, stayed in bed. First I got my son's computer going so he could talk to someone. I then figured I would make my wife some breakfast-in-bed, something that she gives me all too often. I mixed up some eggs, milk, tomatoes, chili, cheese, and seasonings, and made her an omelet. So I give my kids the omelet and drink and let them take it in, singing her praises, plus getting the much needed praise from their mother. I was surprised when my youngest son said, "Is it mother's day?" That's when it hit me - I need to do that more often.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-76033045531584083022008-04-25T14:37:00.000-07:002008-04-25T15:40:16.238-07:00School Dazze<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">What a thrill for me to register my son in his first collage classes. Even though he is in high school still his school will pay for him to go to college. We went and got him tested for English and Math, he placed right where I had expected him to place. This year he will take three classes Math 109, Computer Information Systems 100, and Spanish 101. However, the thrill doesn't end there I have been taking classes for the last two years the collage also, and he and I are taking the Spanish class together HOW COOL IS THAT!! I hope that soon I will decide what to do when I grow up. As for him he is really decided which area to study. He started out wanted to be a Vet; our little collage doesn't have a Vet program. I suggested he enroll in the Nursing program which would give him a solid background and a job while he was following his dream. However, he now thinks that being a MD and a VET would be cool. I can just see his office now human patients’ on one side of the office and animal on the other side. I think that he will soon figure out which way he wants to go for now he is focused on becoming a nurse.<span style=""> </span>He has been working on an on-line High School and if he wants to he could have his AA in two years and a BS by the time his heads out on his mission. Plus when he is 18 he can get his RN and be a nurse and a missionary. I am so excited.<span style=""> </span>He is a good boy and I love him very much.</p>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-34615719662759119692008-01-21T09:23:00.002-07:002008-01-21T09:43:05.272-07:00Moo Cow MoveIt has taken me for ever to get this posting thing worked out. Ok I need to get better. This last week I took a little trip of 900 miles. I love to drive. So when Reg asked me to go get some cows for him I said sure no problem I love to. So off I went but first thing's first. I needed a trailer to hall them cows with. No problem my Dad in Southern Arizona has one and it only 300 miles there to get it so off my son and I went. We had a blast with our cups for soda and snacks we were off. Driving was fun Steve and I just talked and talked then he slept and slept. We spent the night with my Dad then early the next morning we left and kidnapped him to come with us. Then drove from Southern Arizona on the East side to Northern Arizona on the West side to pick up the cows. We got two Milk cows and 3 calves. There was no room for the calves in the trailer with out them getting hurt so inside the van with us they came. We put a tarp down to catch all the extrusions. The headed home. We got all home ok with no problems. But that is where that ended. Getting the calves to they new little home. You would think that a 200 pound man with several children to help would be able to get them calves in to their pin. However two hours latter we were getting the last ones in. However we did more training little kids then corelling little calves. All in all things went well and I got to drive :). Happy Day :)Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-85834858438708797792007-11-11T21:59:00.000-07:002007-11-12T22:53:47.831-07:00OmaWe had a sad, but also wonderful experience this Saturday, the 10th of November. We celebrated the life of a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and a Great-Great-Grandmother, all in the same woman. Out of her 8 children, she has 66 grandchildren, 117+ great-grandchildren (some are on the way), and five great-great-grandchildren. Friday night, with a rehearsal of less than 2 hours, the family combined to have a small but complete orchestra, womens choir, and combined family choir. The music that came from these groups was heavenly. Her life was built on living the gospel of Jesus Christ, and her home was filled with music. This feat could only have been done with the talent that flowed from her to all of her posterity. Her family will continue to grow, and all will possess the light that flowed from her to all that knew her for generations to come. Other tributes are found here<br /><a href="http://dkmill.blogspot.com/2007/11/grandma-jocie.html">Dallen & Krissi (Grandchildren)</a><p></p><a href="http://www.wmicentral.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19004652&BRD=2264&PAG=461&dept_id=505963&rfi=6">White Mountain Independent (Local Newspaper)</a>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-6684046929615823002007-11-04T21:47:00.000-07:002007-11-04T22:06:09.468-07:00Scouting<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91lkD5GfehHZEtTV4Ym-i0t9cOlnjc5oqRSEXOtMzlO2r2wYMjXcxLm8SkfF3BbmHifANLaBlWkYOjcnqDDW_Kn0s3Aky_uyRP5FtlS5t32B4NJnSQxF_4P56yCB-sbdfujMk48K-eMA/s1600-h/Scouting0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91lkD5GfehHZEtTV4Ym-i0t9cOlnjc5oqRSEXOtMzlO2r2wYMjXcxLm8SkfF3BbmHifANLaBlWkYOjcnqDDW_Kn0s3Aky_uyRP5FtlS5t32B4NJnSQxF_4P56yCB-sbdfujMk48K-eMA/s320/Scouting0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129214831296135186" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't posted in a while but lately I was thinking about my scouting experiences and remembered being put in as an Asst. Scoutmaster. I thought how will I be able to accomplish such a thing there are camping trips, hikes, and service projects how could I best serve my boys. I had a lot to think of but I love the scouting program and jumped right in with all 4 wheels. Here I am with some of my scouts at that first trip most are Eagle's now and I am proud that I had a small part in their accomplishments. All of those boys with whom took my first camping trip in a chair with have gone on to bigger and better things some are married, some are serving missions, and some are preparing for their turn as Scoutmaster. I no longer am a Asst. SM I serve the scouting organization in other ways now but i will never forget my boys and our first camping trip.<br /></div>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-30692133039099370562007-10-06T22:53:00.000-07:002007-10-06T23:54:57.034-07:00Aint No Mountain High EnoughThat’s what I would like to think! The truth is, is that I have my limits; a sore spot for me. I enjoyed having my freedom before the chair. I was just remembering a trip while convalescing at the rehab center in Scottsdale. As part of the therapy, they took a few of us wheelers to teach us how to live life in a chair. We went to the Phoenix Zoo. That was a bad place for me and a real eye opening experience. If you have ever been there, walking around it can be quite fun, (until you look at it through the eyes – or aching shoulder muscles - of a wheeler.) Seventy-two miles of hills that are at a 30% uphill grade, that’s the good part. The bad part it’s uphill both ways. I have found a way to overcome this problem, however, his name is Chad. He provided much need propulsion this last time we went, and what a difference it was! I was able to enjoy the view more because I didn’t have to worry about the next hill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TBtlHzePcCc1izRLlgXkVy5eQQn4b4Ammu1RMq4_fuassb08Dox0cNvQxQHPRIGWoxGpHUBA90C5vE1Q2VTaQGNp02Xg0WJLYrZkqugTqaioyB-SvS85acDdiZZ4KgGerbrPsxva-Xk/s1600-h/0824071705a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TBtlHzePcCc1izRLlgXkVy5eQQn4b4Ammu1RMq4_fuassb08Dox0cNvQxQHPRIGWoxGpHUBA90C5vE1Q2VTaQGNp02Xg0WJLYrZkqugTqaioyB-SvS85acDdiZZ4KgGerbrPsxva-Xk/s320/0824071705a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118484488401971170" border="0" /></a>Some nearby hills I have found another way to get around. Here I am being lifted up in to a trailer to help my father-in-law fix a computer problem. It was quite an easy fix. I just had to restart his computer equipment. The very same ones he had restarted a dozen times - I guess he didn’t hold his mouth just right like I did. My father-in-law works for the local community college here. He teaches a heavy equipment class. I have been taking some classes there (not in heavy equipment, obviously.) When I went and registered and looked at the campus, I thought, no problem – the terrain is flat - I can do this. Then most of my classes ended up being at a different location, where I saw my zoo nightmare of so many years earlier. It didn’t matter where my classes were; I had to go uphill to get to either them or my van. Never could I park in the handicap parking on the same level as my class - grrr. However, the lessons I learned at the zoo years earlier have helped me cope with this minor setback. Now when life tells me I can’t, I say, “Maybe your right, but it won’t stop me from living my life.”Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-49173096917186181262007-09-28T23:25:00.000-07:002007-10-07T00:37:51.997-07:00Football game<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Tonight I went to the homecoming football game of our local high school. My son has enjoyed watching our team win. We are 6-0; we played a team that was undefeated until tonight. However, this was the closest game that we have had so far. What has happened this year? Or have I just been out of the loop? I have been looking at the scores from all over AZ, and from 5A all the way to 1A, the games have been mostly blowouts. You either annihilate the other team, or go home with your tail between your legs. I did enjoy the game as much as I could. The school has 6 or so wheelchair places, which means it’s nice to have your own spot. However, you have to deal with several problems. The main problem that I had was that right at eye level was a bar going across the bleachers holding a fence up. It needs to be there for safety reasons, but it sure is a pain, the only way to follow where the ball was to watch where the helmets congregated. The other unfortunate thing about the seating was the fact that the wheelchair seating is right by a major thoroughfare. Waiting for the people to move out of my way was irritating.<span style=""> </span>The 1<sup>st</sup> Quarter of the game was just a wall of people moving in or out of the stands.<span style=""> </span>I figured the 3<sup>rd</sup> Quarter would be the same, but to my relief it was the best quarter.<span style=""> </span>I talked to the financial manger at the game who’s a friend of mine, and told him to fix the height of the fence.<span style=""> </span>He suggested I get a low rider kit for my chair to lift me up.<span style=""> </span>Like that will happen. He said, “It will happen faster than us fixing that fence”.<span style=""> </span>We both had a laugh.<span style=""> </span>Sad thing is, he’s right.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>My sons did enjoy every time our team did something good. My youngest son would either cheer at a good play, then ask what happened, or cheer when he saw what he saw was a good play. Mostly, it was the other team that he saw being successful, but it was lots of fun for me to tease him. Tonight is the first school dance that my son has attended. This is his first year of high school, and he loves to show his spirit. I am here going through my own coming-of-age ritual, waiting up for him and wondering how it is going for him. He is growing up so much. I hope things go good for him tonight.</p> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Check out my sponsor to the left.</span>Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-78207555757685803832007-09-25T21:32:00.000-07:002007-09-29T01:35:53.285-07:00What’s In a Name?As a kid my father would always volunteer us kids to for service to others. “My son would be gad to do that” he would say. How did he know what I was glad of and what I wasn’t. My dad is a good man, trusted and respected in the small community where I grew up. He was and is the epitome of service. <br /><br />When someone was moving in or out of town, there was my dad and the Collett brothers to help. Barn raisings was never done with out the Collett’s in the lead. Personal social agendas were put on hold just to help the lady down the street paint her house or mow her lawn. <br /><br />I learned much from him, and now that I am a father, it my turn. What my father taught me about service is expected to be passed on to my children. It’s my turn now to say, “My sons will be glad to help,” for service is nothing other than love. Christ himself said, “Love thy neighbor as thy self.” If we don’t love them who will? <br /><br />Soon my kids will say, “How does my dad know I will be glad to help?” This is a legacy that should be passed on from generation to generation. What more could my father ask of me than to teach my kids to serve as he taught us?<br />Service has a way of repaying itself 100 fold. As a most respected member in his community respect are reflected on my kids. They can go any where in town and get what they need or want – thy just say “I’m a Collett, - my grandpa is Bob.”<br /><br />What’s in a name? What do you think of when I say George Washington? Bill Clinton? George Bush? Jeffery Dormer? Jack the Riper? The Name of Bob Collett is spoken with respect. This I believe that your name is your legacy.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001548387284380204.post-29910941962537324302007-09-18T09:30:00.000-07:002007-09-24T22:24:28.539-07:00Traveling in a WheelchairThis summer, we have traveled across this great country of ours and I have learned a few things. Ohio is a long drive, I can’t wait till I get a chance to gawk at downtown St. Louis again, and working legs make travel easier.<br /><br /> We have some good friends that live in Ohio. Our Family spent the last year planning and saving for this trip. We looked at several different options for travel: We could fly - now there's an option - from Phoenix to Columbus is $2300 for the four of us, which was just slightly more than we had to spend on the whole trip. Not only that, but I have never been on a plane since I became paralyzed. I had been on a plane some years earlier and the aisles are small - how would a bigger wheelchair fit? So we decided to drive the 1800 miles (one way). <br /><br /> Now my friend had made the trip from there to here in two legs. They stopped in Oklahoma City for the night, which is about half way. We have always had a great rivalry, which has been fun on both sides. I had to beat his record and drive it straight through. We left here on a Saturday afternoon and pulled in at their house around 11 pm on Sunday night. Now I don't want to make it sound like I always get the best of him. Just the opposite - he is much better than me in many things (a real idol for me). However, I have got in some good licks from time to time. We became friends because of the women we have chosen to share our lives with, they having been life-long friends. <br /><br /> St. Louis was the first place that we stopped to do any site seeing. We saw the arch from the freeway and took a detour. What a place the arch was awesome; while the family walked around the arch I took a drive around downtown that was so cool. Looking at the architecture of the oldest city I have ever been in was an awing experience.<br /><br /> Back to my subject of wheelchair travel, we have been to many hotels that claim to be wheelchair accessible, which could be true, ADA guidelines state what the door size needs to be and how to make the bathroom accommodating. I doubt any of the policy makers ever spent a day in a wheelchair in their life. The guidelines do not share the information that is needed for wheelers. Things like how much furniture and where to place it never come in to play and are never thought of. Why would they, most people don’t think of these things till they are face-to-face with a problem. However, I have never been to a hotel or restaurant that didn't do all they could do to accommodate us.Karl Colletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06454328153462983065noreply@blogger.com2