Remarkable Men

Throughout my life I've been blessed to have strong male figures to exemplify and look up to.  I was raised with three brothers in a home where we learned to rely on one another for many things.  These bonds have continued into our adulthood and I cherish the few days a year we can be together.  The annual pheasant hunt is one of those special occasions we have carried on, come hell or high water.

With my own children growing up and moving away from home, finding their spouses and starting their own families; I find myself embracing a new group of fine young men that touch my heart and even teach me a thing or two about life and love.  I've been so caught up in the past 8 months, fulfilling my own ambitions that I've ignored some important dates.  I'm rectifying that tonight.

My son-in-law Bruce Chenuz celebrated a birthday on April 18th and I wanted to acknowledge how proud I am of the accomplishments he's fulfilled and the talents he's been blessed with.  Bruce never ceases to amaze me with his creativity and his ability to think outside the box.  As of Monday of this week, he is the father of two of my grandsons, Eli and Simon.  These little boys mean the world to us and we feel confident that Bruce will raise them to be fine men like himself.  Nothing makes me happier than to have pictures sent with their little family at the park or beach.  I'm able to read between the lines the love his family has for him and it makes me feel secure, knowing that Kelsey is well cared for and has a husband that will work hard to fulfill their family's needs.

Bruce and I are much different but we have much we can learn from one another.  I look forward to the years that will allow us to strengthen our relationship and love for one another.  He is a good man, raised of good parents.  What can I say more, other than we love you Bruce and are so glad that you are a part of our growing family!

BRUCE CHENUZ

Eli & Bruce at Halloween

 

Dennis & Bruce

Cold Logan Creek

Logan Zoo: Haley, Bruce and Cory

Bruce and Eli - Cooooold!

Their New Venture - Marble Slab - Boss!

Yes, Please!

Kelsey and Bruce Chenuz - Christmas 2012

DES WEST-CHOW

This coming week our daughter Haley will marry the man of her dreams, Desmond West-Chow (Haley is learning to embrace the hyphen, or so she tells us.)  Des will officially join our family in a week but he has already had a positive impact on our crew and I can't imagine life without him.  He is a kind and thoughtful man that I know loves my daughter and will take good care of her.

I look forward to learning more about Des in the years to come but he has a special place in our heart. He is one with a unique nature and desire to serve others and bring peace to friends, family and strangers.  I have no doubts that he will be a good father, husband and provider, however, I'll reserve judgement on 'Pheasant Hunter' until October.  I also missed his birthday this past few months - Happy Birthday March 21st, same date as our Anniversary.  Can't believe we marked 32 years.

March 21, 1981

He's hardly any fun.

Eli and Des

Haley and Des

Des and Ruby

These two just make me smile!

Beard Des and Less-Bearded Puppy, Ruby

Newly Engaged Couple

Our Lillian's 2nd Birthday

I find it hard to believe that our granddaughter, Lillian, turned two today.  It just seemed like a few short months ago that she was born, then walking and now running.  She is the most adorable little girl, reminds us so much of her mother when she was her age.  Talks up a storm, sings "Sherrie Baby" better than I and can jump just like a Gummy Bear.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of Lillian and that thought always brings a smile to my face.

I love that she always thinks that Holly and I should be together.  If I show up alone at church or their home, the first thing out of her mouth is, "Where's grandma?"  Holly tells me the same is true when she's without me.

As you'll see from a smattering of pictures I've included, she is loved by all and has won a very special place in our family.  We love her she warms every heart she touches.

Happy Birthday Lillian!

Dad and Daughter

Chenuz and the Kids

Sweet Smile at a very young age.

The Firefighter at play.

A Chick for Halloween.

Danielle & the little ladybug.

Haley and her niece.

A Cow for the Christmas pageant.

Uncle Des and Lillian, her favorite pastime.

Grandpa doing some babysitting.

Grandma Holly & Lillian

Tigger & Mom

Surrounded by Family in Utah

Thoughtful Reflection or just very tired.

Big Blues

Scoping Out Uncle Cory

Testing the new baby's bed.

Feeding her Cousin, Ethan

Happy with her princess figures.

Top 100 Crime Novels

This morning, With Cruel Intent rose to be included in the top 100 Crime Novels sold on Amazon.com.  The list is dynamic, changes every minute - we hope to maintain our presence as long as we can.  The recognition from several sites has been helpful and they are linked below:

Featured on several of their pages!

 These are both informative and reputable sites catering to eBook deals! 

Listed in their Bargain Section

I've been working quite aggressively lately to complete the first draft of my next novel, a post-apocalyptic tale set in the area where I grew up.  Initial reviews from family and friends has been very positive and I think readers will enjoy the change of pace from my previous works.  Thanks for your continued support.

Visit the page listing here.

Hawaiian Cruise Holiday

February 2013 we ventured to Honolulu to begin a 7-Day Cruise aboard Norwegian, our first time testing the water's, so to speak.  Our experience was not ideal due to an outbreak of the Norwalk Virus the week before we sailed, bringing the ship during our cruise into a quasi 'lock-down' state.  Service aboard the ship was mediocre at best, with all available staff trying to keep up with cleaning and trying to serve in the buffet.  We couldn't even salt and pepper our own food!  The experience on the ship was therefore not what we had hoped but we still had a great time with our friends, the Camps.  Much of our time was spent on shore, among the various islands; sightseeing, quading, eating and generally enjoying our time in the sunshine.
Below you can capture a bit of the fun we had:

Japanese Garden - Hilo

Sunset near Diamond Head

Nothing better than 2 weeks with this beauty!

Quad Trip on Kauai - Banditos

Kauai - Our Favorite Island

Diamond Head Lighthouse

Dennis & Holly 2013 - Hawaii

 Black Sand Beach

Pearl Harbor Gunners, Dennis & Val

Incredible Rainbow over Honolulu

I've always wanted to visit the memorial and museums of Pearl Harbor but I was not emotionally prepared for the deep sadness and reverence I would feel while there.  All these years later, I am in awe of the heroism and bravery of the men and women that fought, some living and many dying, on that historic day.  I couldn't help but think that a message was being sent our way when the rainbow above rested over the city of Honolulu for over two hours, the exact length of time that we were at the memorial.  Coincidence?  Maybe, but I was still so very touched by this beautiful event.

Oahu Impressive Northern Coast

Beautiful locations, good friends, a wife that I adore and no work for two weeks.  What could be better? Oh, maybe retirement so I can do this fun stuff full time!