Tom Hascall Cole

Marie MitchellSo glad to know you shower! What a comfort!

Ralph DurhamI have spent many an hour cleaning showers in my parents apartments so they would be clean for the next tenant. The soap and mineral deposits were horrible to remove. I remember the first one and thought it was frosted pebbled glass. No the frosting was the residue. Cleaned with scrubbing pad and alternating, with a rinse in between, phosphoric acid and comet cleanser. (No rinse could release free chlorine gas BTW.....)

Tom Hascall ColeMarie Mitchell And I have resolved to boil my sheets every fortnight without fail.

Tracy ClarkeYou could have a party in that CLEAN shower!

Carol NewtonI had forgotten about it, but ours did too!

Tom Hascall ColeWhenever it rained, the rocks poured down and my dad would get a dust pan, scoop them up, and hurl them back on the roof.

Carol NewtonLol! I remember that too and asking "how are those rocks going to help our house stay cool?" Evidently, it didn't work too well because we don't see them anymore!

Tom DitsworthYEP, we had white rocks on our original roof on Loma Vista. The white was nice for reflecting the summer sun, I think. But it was replaced with regular shingles - at least twice since then.

Tom Hascall ColeMy parents sold the house with the rocks. Later, I was saddened to see that someone had replaced them with tar paper shingle.

Stephen ColeThose rocks were a royal headache every time it rained. White gravel everywhere and having to scoop it up.

Jim ZelenskiTom - across the street we were sometimes blinded by your white roof -

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I apologize. I didn't know.

Jim ZelenskiOoops - I meant Tom Ditsworth!

Tom Hascall ColeI didn't think you lived that close. Were you down the street on Loma Vista?

Jim ZelenskiDirectly across from the Dits's

Tom Hascall ColeAh, you must have raised pigeons too.

Jim ZelenskiNo, just weeds, as pulling them always seemed to be my job....

Tom Hascall ColeHere's our house under construction in 1957.

Kurt AldersonMy god, your place must be museum of kitsch! I've lost most of my history but my mind is cluttered with it.

Jim ZelenskiDo you remember your draft number when they did a lottery?

Tom Hascall Cole232

Jim ZelenskiMine was 142, but was in college till June '72. The draft ended in '73 and few were being drafted by then; men 18-25 still have to register (as my grandson) today.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, college wouldn't have helped, would it? They took away my deferment after the first year which seemed logical to me. Why should I get special treatment? It wasn't like I was getting an agricultural deferment or going on a mission or something like that. :)

Tom DitsworthWhen I was at Yavapai dorm in Tucson (U of A), we had a pool going for the person who received the lowest draft lottery number. I remember the guy who won (with something like #3) was studying to be a pharmacist, and it turns out, wasn't ever going to be drafted due to his eye-sight (or something) - anyway, he had a medical "out".

Tom Hascall ColeOne guy in the dorm proudly posted a sign on his door NUMBER NINE Turn me on, Dead Man.

Tom Hascall ColeMine reads that I was classified 1-A. I'll bet nobody younger than we are knows what that means.

Jim ZelenskiHaha - yes, 1-A is pretty much burned into my memory!

JL TerrellNo surprise I got mine, 2/13 was the 13th pick that year. Wow I was picked in the first round and not to shabby the 13th pick.

Mike HudnallMe Jeff and Dits were class of '71 and that was the first year they weren't taking many kids because they were finally winding the war down. I remember Mark Gee in the class of '70 had to enroll in the Navy to avoid the army because he had a low draw. I was in the 200's so I was good to go. But being in high school from '67-'71 was a lot to handle - especially at Tempe High, the only political high school in Phoenix and probably the state at that time. In 1967 within minutes of first walking on campus our "group" all had to individually report to Mr. Osman because there was a hold on our books at the bookstore. Then we got the "political" lecture and he let us all know that they knew who we were and what we were up to with that long-hair antiwar hippie stuff. Thank god for Ralph Ellis overturning the dress code for the state! By 1971 the counterculture was dead - the Beatles had broken up, the war was almost over, the cultural battle had been won and had run its course. But it was a long long haul through high school. It was a time of fearless freedom but it had its costs for a lot of us. Off topic - hey Joe! Do you remember me from wrestling? Laughing with you at practice and at the matches was the only fun memory I have about that those 2 years I wrestled because I was such a bad wrestler. But its nice to see you're looking well man. -

Mike HudnallI'm sad to report that the Blue Meanies won.

John WilsonBurned mine.

Jim ZelenskiMike - some news to me. I didn't realize all that stuff about Osman and his lectures. Thanks for posting it. I guess I got radicalized in college. And after college. And as a young adult. And in middle age. And in maturity (what's that?). And in retirement....

Steve FrizzellI was proud of my #292

Tom Hascall ColeRelieved I should think and the envy of the neighborhood! :) A nice 60-point buffer over my measly 232.

Tom Hascall ColeI used to sign my name like John Lennon. Look at it! Ah, the Beatles!

Tom Hascall ColeBelieve me. Hud hasn’t told the half of it. I didn't get the benefit of Ralph Ellis's law suit, but I do remember him asking me to walk over to Livingston's Market so at least there would be two of us if he got jumped. I don’t know how that made him feel safer because if my “commie fag” friend got jumped, I fully intended to run like hell! I didn't especially like my years in Tempe High School. I don't have that many fond memories of it. Just mentioning it here with Joe in the conversation brings to mind one reason that I haven't thought of in years: Remember when the assistant wrestling coach broke your freaking nose, Joe? You told me then, "That was SOME crossface!"

Tom Hascall ColeJohn, didn't you read the part there about "any person who knowingly destroys...." I guess you could argue you were so mad that you didn't "know" what you were doing.

John WilsonTom, um, yeah, that's the ticket. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. Didn't "know"...

Tom Hascall ColeI remember being with a bunch of guys who started burning their draft cards cameras all around popping. I was too chicken. I thought I would get in trouble and get five years in jail. So I still have the card.

Mike HudnallThe in-take interrogation at high school was preceded by the freshman orientation at McKemy Junior High the spring before when Osman, who was visiting, stopped the whole program to point at Charley Dillon and boom: "We have a SPECIAL SEAT waiting for you Mr. Dillon!" Of course Charley was with us and he was pointing at our little Whimbush group, but Charley and Mike's older brother Richard was head of the SDS at ASU. So we were more than casually involved in the protests, but I believe that we all had FBI files before high school.

Mike HudnallI remember when Richard Dillon later got visited by the men in black suits. The joke was that Richard went up the stairs to his apartment with the FBI guys and when he came down he was a Republican.

Tom Hascall ColeI remember how pissed off my father was about that. He told me the exact words that slob used: "A special seat..."

Mike HudnallWhen Lynn Milner made me the editor of the school paper you could hear the screams from the administration out on the Apache trail. I tried to follow in the footsteps of Sam Ekiss and other fine editors. Remember Ray Taylor's Smackman comic strip in the Buffalo? Longest running gag of the year! Our paper was an award winning high school newspaper, but so glad I didn't continue in journalism - I'd be living on Glen Greenwald's floor in the Bolivian jungle!

Tom Hascall ColeI remember I told the head of the Geology Department about Richard Dillon’s interest in saving Tempe Butte. It worked out great because they never built there. I called Richard when Laura Bernstein's sister wrote her book on the murder in front of the Casa Loma. He said he had been with her that night with friends. I think he and Sid were suspects for a while. Fascinating story actually that my sister writes about in her book Alligators in the Baby Pool. A Tempe High School police groupie done it and kind of confessed when he saw the switchblade on the cop's desk. He thought it was the shiv he threw in the canal. "How did they FIND it?" he thought. Remember those black-handled switch blades? I remember one Rudy who took John Wood's away from him and he didn't try to get it back cause he thought he'd get stabbed. I went to Richard's talk on his book Arizona’s Amazing Towns. It’s quite a good book. The last time I saw Richard, he was in Peace Park a few years ago getting ready for a march of some kind. Here’s his obit: http://www.tomhascallcole.com/Richard%20Dillon.html

Tom Hascall ColeI remember SMACK MAN!

Mike HudnallI remember Richard re-engaged his community activism later in life as you point out above. Sweet guys, the Dillons. Especially my man Charley.

Mike HudnallGreat obituary Tom

Kurt AldersonI was invited but they let me go when I showed my college transcripts. Then I dropped out. Never got invited back and didn't ask to be. I still thank Pete Staddon and all the rest that took up their invites.

Mike Hudnall+1 Especially the combat Vets like my buds Billy Weldon and Phil Campo. Sad truth: there are now more living WWII veterans than living Vietnam War vets. That war shortened their lives; it shortened a lot of people's lives.

Tom Hascall ColeYou got drafted but they let you out?

Mike HudnallNo, they were combat vets who were good friends of mine. I would never have gone. But those guys did and they were/are good friends - one died already of war related health issues, the other is active with the Vet orgs, but he's messed up too. The VA scandal is a big disservice to these guys.

Tom Hascall ColeI meant Kurt. He said he was invited but they let him go.

Beth StevensonThanks for the memories, guys. For me, THS holds some of my life's best memories . . . and some of the worst. In addition to being an anti-war activist I was exploring the women's movement. A choice that created a lot of stress from criticism and ridicule. I remember a day when I got slammed into the lockers as I was walking down the hall - just for my views on women's rights. While I sometimes regretted my choice to graduate a semester early (missed my friends I had left behind) it was the right thing to do at the time. And I have not once been officially invited to a reunion. Go figure...

Wendy ColeWow....your cactus are nice and fat!1

Kurt AldersonIt looks like they have a drinking disorder.

John WilsonI don't think it's safe to sit there.

Tom Hascall ColeI want them skinny. I hear if they get too fat they might fall down though I have never ever seen such a thing except out in the desert when the catus is 400 years old or something. One of mine has FOURTEEN arms and they get their first arm at 75 years of age.

Steve Ramoshttp://threestarowl.com/botany/classic-saguaro-falls-on-car-postcard

Tracy ClarkeLove them!!! What a great outdoor seating area!

Tom Hascall ColeSteve Ramos will like this:

Tom Hascall ColeAlso, I remember this sad story. As I recall there was a passenger who said, "Everything was fine until we bumped into that damned cactus." Pilot of Sailplane Killed as Craft Plows Into Cactus July 17, 1986 United Press International A sailplane pilot was killed Wednesday when his aircraft plowed into a saguaro cactus that fell on him and apparently broke his neck, authorities said. Maricopa County Sheriff's Cpl. Jay Ellison said Seth M. Daniels, 35, of Carefree, Ariz., was trying to land the unpowered plane in high winds near Lake Pleasant when the left wing dipped and veered into the 20-foot high cactus.

Tawny OgdenRE: Girl with cactus: WOW OWWWW!

Tom Hascall ColeIt's a classic. Lots of cactus girls if you google.

Tracy ClarkeFantastic.

Sally Cole MooneyI used to have that post card, right?

Tom Hascall ColeYes the picture was on your wall in Tucson. You must read the sausage link. Jimmy Dean it! http://tomhascallcole.com/William%20Tull.html Well, here's another good one. I contacted the painter's daugher: http://tomhascallcole.com/William%20Tull.html

Sally Cole MooneyWow, what an amazing story. She's got that painting on her wall! And I had it in my house. And you got in back in high school. Such connections.

Tracy ClarkeYuck...

Tracy ClarkeWent fishing this morning, only caught emoras...but enjoyed several dolpin "shows" and entangled a shore bird along with another fisherman...

Tom Hascall ColeI went up to the top of the one with the antenna and then took this picture in 1992 I think.

Beth StevensonCute but they can be aggressive and scary. There was a family of them living behind the Maswik Lodge cafe' when I worked there. Very territorial - they hiss at you to scare you away. Freaky.

Sally Cole MooneyAnd, according to Wendy, they have little hands that can actually open doors.

Paul Morrishow common are raccoons in the desert?

Tom Hascall ColeI don't know. I've seen them at the Arboretum. By Tempe High School, there used to be raccoon tracks in the vacant lot when I was a kid. I know they will kill a small dog like a dachshund.

Tom DitsworthThere are racoons at Gilbert Riparian (water ranch) too. I've seen tracks, and just the other day, there was a dead baby racoon on trail/walkway.

Tom DitsworthI've wondered how they got there, but I suspect they have lived secretly (nocturnal mostly) in the neighborhoods, and just found the park.

Tracy ClarkeYikes!

Sally Cole Mooneyexcellent

Tom Hascall ColeHere's my food version of that stanza. WALLACE STEVENS I was of three minds, Like a tree In which there are three blackbirds. TOM COLE Three plump sausages lay sputtering in the pan Like the three fat fingers that the Duchess of Cornwall used To measure out her share of the king's whiskey For the complete rewritten poem for food writing class go here for ROAL (Roars of Appreciative Laughter) http://tomhascallcole.com/thirteenways.html

Sally Cole MooneyRemember that night when we were backpacking and couldn't sleep because the moon was like a spotlight overhead? You amused us with food poetry until we finally said "uncle" and went back to sleep.

Matthew AldersonI enjoyed your Thirteen Way of Looking at Food. I had to google "Monza", totally forgot that car ever existed, haven't seen one in forever. Number 10 is absolutely brilliant, I almost fell out of my chair.

Tom Hascall ColeIn 1999 I drove around Yucatan in one.

John WilsonDiversity... circa 1964

Paul MorrisI remember this show--very suspenseful.

Susan HendershotI loved this show and Anthony Andrews! I'm particularly glad to know I can still buy the DVD. Why didn't we ever talk about this before?

Tom Hascall ColePerhaps we did. Been a long time.

Susan HendershotYou're right! That past life is very blurry.

Tom Hascall ColeI got a letter today that had AIR MAIL scribbled on it. I haven't seen that in thirty years at least. I wondered who wrote it. It was FLEUR! She replied to my fan mail.

Tom Hascall ColePage two:

Marie MitchellWow! Another great piece of memorabilia! And you probably made her day in some small way. A plus and a plus!

Jenny Anna LindeAwesome! And I think you made her day. Cannot be easy having to take care of a husband with dementia.

Paul MorrisA gracious response.

Tawny OgdenIf you have Netflix, you might enjoy Monach of the Glen and The Grand, both with Susan Hampshire.

Tom Hascall ColeOh, I'd be very interested to see those. I DO have Netflix and it's driving me to drink as I watch one show after another and sip beer the whole time.

Tawny OgdenDrink because it's hot, it's cold, the TV show is great, the TV show stinks etc. etc.!

Tawny OgdenThe first few seasons of Monarch of the Glen are better than some of the later seasons but Susan Hampshire is in most of them.

Beth StevensonTom, is there a support group for NetFlix addiction? :-D

Tom Hascall ColePerhaps. I am SO VERY SICK of Breaking Bad. It's the show that has no end.

Sally Cole MooneyBut when you get there, the ending is great.

Earla PorchHey Tom, watch "Prime suspect" atarring Helen merrill it was a geat show 13 episodes.I thought it was well done . Don't have a nightmare

Earla PorchI think I'm over my addiction. after watching 62 episodes of Breaking bad, I promised myself to not watch anything that has more than 15 episodes. It;s like being on the computer all day.

Marie MitchellSo artistic, so avant garde!

Tom Hascall ColeThe girl who took the picture was a WITCH.

Tawny OgdenWhich witch?

Tom Hascall ColeThere were three: Katherine, Debora, and Debri. They used to make pentagrams and say weird things and dress in long dresses and send me scary notes.

Tom Hascall ColeThey'd take pictures of me like that. Once one of them held a knife to my throat for the picture. We thought it was a joke until we saw the picture. She looked serious.

Tawny OgdenI know, I hung out with them. They were just acting. Bruce and Sid were part of that whole charade. We finally quit when someone threatened to burn us at the stake or at least I did.

Tawny OgdenI'm guessing Deborah took that picture. She became an art teacher.

Tom Hascall ColeIt was a lot of fun.

Tawny OgdenSilly kid stuff!

Tracy ClarkeLove it...

Jim ZelenskiReally great picture!

Tom Hascall ColeI never really realized that it was kind of good. Back then you just double exposed with your Brownie or whatever and hoped it would come out cool. I think I have a similar one now that I think of it--with me like this and hole-in-the-rock behind me.

Tom Hascall ColeThe witches and Bruce Wismer and I were SO into art. I didn't have much talent, but didn't know it then, however.

Tawny OgdenMr. Randall and Mr Cromer made it so. It was an awesome creative environment for high school kids that spilled out into our free time. They got us hooked on art.

Tom Hascall ColeThis was the same day in March 1969. It's Deborah.

Tawny OgdenGuadalupe cemetery?

John WilsonElfie selfie!

Tom Hascall ColeI can't remember. Probably. Near or in Tempe. It wasn't Twin Buttes.

Tom Hascall ColeI don't know if that was the style of dress back then or if she was wearing something witchy.

Jenny Anna LindeNeat!

Tom Hascall ColeSo I guess she did take the picture of me.

Tawny OgdenShe liked to draw faces in the trees she drew and she liked to take photos. Guadalupe cemetery was off of Priest Road between Southern and Baseline and east down a canal road to the cemetery.

Matthew AldersonYes I remember those three girls. They were pretty cool. One was Ralph's girlfriend I remember, she was a cute girl. They were a little scary, but I guess that's cool when you're an artist.

Tom Hascall ColeI have another picture of Deborah in a black dress. I'll have to look for it. I think she's making some kind of strange gesture.

Steve RamosDeborah still lives in town and is an amazingly talented artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koiu2d252Eg

Tom Hascall Cole220 paintings. Sure makes my dumb bird notebooks look lame.

Tawny OgdenThanks Steve, good to know!

Tom Hascall ColeCreating great art takes hard work.

Jenny Anna LindeReally nice. Quite a mystery!

Tracy ClarkeVery nice, make something of them...you could do a lot with all of your found treasures!

Sally Cole MooneyThey look expensive

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I don't know about that.

Tracy ClarkeWell, Sally is right,,,especially since they look so "good" regardless of how long (or not) they have been lying on your walking path...

Earla PorchHang them on the turquoise piece....

Marie MitchellBefore it was "Sitting Bear"; now it looks like someone sticking out their tongue in disgust! Turn it over the other way.

Paul Morrishang it on the wall.

Tom Hascall ColeI shall definitely hang it. It took me MONTHS to find it out on the rez after I had failed to collect it.

Tracy ClarkeWhat a rare breed that would keep looking down for months to refind a treasure...I do the same!

Tom Hascall ColeI think it looks like a Picasso interpretation of a shark.

Marie MitchellI would call it 'sitting bear'

Earla Porchlooks like pac man walking or getting kicked in the mouth.

Tom Hascall ColeOr the emblem on a Star Trek crewmember. Perhaps gold would be a good color. I could wear it as a broach!

Tom Hascall ColeI PAINTED IT TURQUOISE

Jim ZelenskiThey don't look like junk -

Marie MitchellThe turquoise is real. And why are there few pairs?

Tom Hascall ColeThere are two cameos, two with copper tops (one you can't see) two diamond turquoise ones. I should go back. I must have missed some of them and need to collect the missing ones.

Tom Hascall ColeJust found the other cameo in my pocket. It fetched loose.

Tom Hascall ColeThere's a pair of spirals there too.

Marie MitchellYou can get all dolled up without leaving home.

Tom Hascall ColeDon't let out any of my secrets.

Peter Sheltonlooks like tabs to me or are they prizes in Killer Cereal?

Tom Hascall ColeNo, here is a Rocky Point tab for comparative study. These earrings are not tabs.

Tom Hascall ColeAs you can see, I used to be a communist.

Tom Hascall ColeNo cheerios anywhere to be seen. No evidence that this is the work of a cereal killer.

Peter Sheltoncommie tabs!

Tracy ClarkeTo me they do (value), forget fossils for a minute, you are so creative you can make (and sell) these treasure finds into beautiful JEWELRY, rings, pendants and the like, and your first piece must be sent to me!

Sally Cole MooneyLook on the bright side: you've already got my XMas present ready.

Tom Hascall ColeI thought we didn't give Christmas presents.

Sally Cole Mooneyok, we'll call it a Solstice offering

Tom Hascall ColeI'm going to look for the missing ones so I can have pairs.

Tracy ClarkeThat is pretty odd, and after Sally, Wendy, Lacey and any other women, I expect a pair for Solstice.....

Laure Wegner KagenThose cameo earrings look like some I dropped on the sidewalk last time I was in Arizona. Please return them.

Tom Hascall ColeI have the other cameo and shall glue it in before shipping to you.

Laure Wegner KagenI would appreciate that. Now I can stop searching for my earrings on eBay. Let me know if you stumble upon a 1965 red Ford Mustang convertible. That's mine too. You don't have to glue it though.

Tom Hascall ColeI'll be looking for that Mustang. Keep and eye out for Ranger Doug's sunburst Gibson L5 guitar. It was stolen many many years ago and there's a nice reward. The serial number is 96514. He's looking for another lost L5 serial no. 81308586.

Sally Cole Mooneyseriously?

Tom Hascall ColeOh, yes. The sunburst was the one he played on Austin City limits and it was the only guitar he truly loved. Here's a picture of it:

Matthew AldersonPossibly a thief dumped them where you found them, as they wouldn't buy any dope and might be used as evidence. People don't normally unintentionally lose more than one earring at a time. So, you might make someone very happy if you can figure out how those earrings ended up where you found them and return to them what was stolen. I'm still looking for those Hohner harmonicas that got "lost" at one of our parties at my parents house so long ago, also a toy robot that disappeared when we lived in Tucson.

Tom Hascall ColeYeah maybe I'll go down to the clubhouse and ask around or call the cops. I don't even WEAR earrings. I think it's likely a thief is responsible. And keep and eye out for my COMIC BOOKS. My parents foolishly let some college student watch our house for the summer. He had a lot of parties and they stole a lot of stuff.

Laure Wegner KagenMight have been an alien with 21 ears.

Stephen ColeIt certainly DOES look good to eat.

Tom Hascall ColeYes, but that hardly qualifies as a proper guess.

Tom DitsworthIt has the colors of cave art in europe

Tom Hascall ColeColors yes. But it lacks a certain Neanderthal quality of perspective and composition and there isn't a single bison in it either. A GUESS.

Tom Hascall ColeNo, it is NOT a dead cat.

Stephen ColeIt is a bison.

Tom Hascall ColeAlthough there seems to be something similar to bison meat in it, it is NOT a bison.

Tom Ditsworthfossilized twinkies ?

Tom Ditsworthon a stick

Stephen ColeKentucky fried chicken in a matrix of gunite.

Tom Hascall ColeIt is not a fossilized twinkie either.

Stephen ColeIt is a twinkie.

Tom Hascall ColeI haven't heard the word gunite for ages. This is NOT gunite nor plasticine--Not to be confused with Pleistocene or Industrial plasticine.

Tom Hascall ColeLet's just say that it can clear your nostrils.

Tom Hascall ColeYou give up?

Stephen ColeEucalyptus tree roots.

Tom Ditsworthok a cereus guess now, it's a broken adobe block with pieces of palm tree remnants in it

Stephen ColeI had given up at the beginning.

Stephen ColeWasabe?

Tom Hascall ColeHere is a helper picture.

Stephen ColeOkay. Time to spill.

Stephen ColeSpill.

Tom Hascall ColeAnd HERE is the other picture. The puzzle solved:

Stephen ColeI SAID Eucalyptus tree roots.

Tom Hascall ColeTada!

Stephen ColeEucalyptus tree roots.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I didn't see your post toasty.

Tom Hascall ColeYou are indeed a savant.

Tom Hascall ColeBut remember you also INSISTED that it was a twinkie.

Stephen ColeThat's spelled savage.

Stephen ColeI did not insist.

Tom Hascall ColeDid too.

Stephen ColeYou'll THINK insist.

Tom Hascall ColeDitsworth bailed out of this some time ago.

Stephen ColeEucalyptus tree roots.

Tom Hascall ColeYou repeat yourself.

Stephen ColeEucalyptus tree roots.

Tom Hascall ColeGummy tree as Dad used to call them.

Tracy ClarkeSo haing grown up in the fine state of Vermont, do tell...?

Jim ZelenskiI'll be danged - I, too was on my morning walk,and came across the exact same thing, but correct me if I'm wrong, i thinks it's just cauliflower -

Earla Porchit is a very bad painting that someone disposed of....

Tom Hascall ColeFolks, view the "more comments" to see the startling answer to the riddle. No it is NOT a cauliflower.

Tracy ClarkeI watch too many "Bones" episodes, I thought it was a skeleton...

Jim ZelenskiI remember that western-themed furniture from the '60's

Tom Hascall ColeIt was in my parents' house. I don't know where it came from, but the embroidered horseshoes are a fine, fine yet hokey touch. Perfect for my MAN ROOM.

Tom Hascall ColeHere's another. Order form for brand spanking new sand monsters!

Tom Hascall ColeNEVER EVER THROW ANYTHING OUT!

Jenny Anna LindeYou certainly have not! Shows you had a lot of imagination even way back then!

Tom Hascall ColeMy problem was I couldn't wrangle them.

Diane GrantI remember so many nights as a kid, watching 'Maverick' with my Dad. He'll be missed.

Joanie Johnson HartmanI read his bio this morning. He was a good, honest man who was not at all full of himself. And . . . he was a liberal who gave mucho to the democratic party!! Gotta love him!

Tom Hascall ColeHis experience in Korea was amazing. He's all shot up and his rifle was blown away and the Chinese are storming right past him and a Korean national is with him. Since the Korean has a rifle and the American doesn't, they think he's a prisoner and leave him alone. Lots of good stuff to read about.

Marie MitchellMy mother always quoted Maverick's comment, "Well, it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick".

Joanie Johnson HartmanOMG - I didn't realize that quote came from him! My dad always said it too.

Tom Hascall ColeI also liked his character's living arrangements.

Tom Hascall ColeI finished the autobiography on December 3, 2012.

Jim ZelenskiOne of the all-time greats -

Tom Hascall ColeI like the Rockford shows that had "A Couple of Guys" in them.

Beth StevensonFeeling sad about this. He was indeed a good man.

Janet PooleI remember.

Tom Hascall ColeWe were having a faculty meeting and I split because how often does the president of the United States drive right in front of your window?

Gayle Johnson-BeckerMe too ! We all went running down! ( Irish hall)

Tom Hascall ColeSo weird. You work in the same building for many years and imagine that someone famous will come by, and then they do.

Twila GleasonI remember too. I was we are went running out.

Gary HendersonI've never noticed doves like this out here in AJ. Not that we don't have plenty of others...

Tom Hascall ColeWell, the Inkies are so common in Tempe. The one in the middle would be quite rare indeed in town. Ruddy Ground-doves are hard to find.

Jim ZelenskiNice pic!

Tom Hascall ColeOOPS! I found three more. I apologize. There are EIGHTY.

Jim ZelenskiWow!!!

Tom Hascall ColeI took some effort to put them back on the shelf and as I was stuffing them in, they shotgunned out and now half of them are out of order again! Doggone it.

Tom Hascall ColeAs ya'll may know, they are EACH labeled WILD BIRDS I HAVE KNOWN from Ernest Thompson Seton's book WILD ANIMALS I HAVE KNOWN. This has been true since the very first in 1971.

Larry WoodsonWhat a labor of love!

Tom Hascall ColeWith my database I can extract any finch from all the flocks of sparrows and finches I ever saw.

Tracy Clarkeimpressive work!

Jim ZelenskiGreat pic!

Tom Hascall ColeWilliam Redfield, who played Chief Broom, died at 49. Got sick. That is so depressing.

JL TerrellWow Jack what happen to did Nurse Rancet shrink you that much.

Tom Hascall ColeI always had patches on my pants.

Diane GrantThat is ADORABLE! My younger brother, Don, remembers spending the night at your house with your brother, Jeff.

Tracy ClarkeAs the eldest brothers, I guess you can't call me hand-me-downs...poor Jeff!

Tom Hascall ColeWe used to have slumber parties a lot. Brent Mullen ALWAYS went home in the middle of the night. My mom always said, "You guys can stay up until the witch hour for all I care!" That meant midnight.

Tom Hascall ColeTracy that's another cousin there in the middle. The girl.

Wendy ColeTom is that Emily?

Earla Porchis that Jeff on the far left? nice pic ~

Tom Hascall ColeThat's Jeff and me to the right of him and Steve on the far right.

Tom Hascall ColeYes, I think that is Emily.

Tracy ClarkeWonderful sight, where are your sisters. I think that's what Emiy is thinking!

Tom Hascall ColeAnd Ranger Doug's and Woody's signatures got moused off.

Tom Hascall ColeStill, it's worth 25 cents on Ebay at least.

Sue HarrisRanger Doug, my rhythm guitar hero!

Tom Hascall ColeI like his "Ranger Doug Rides the Rhythm Range" instructional video.

Sue HarrisOoooooh, I gotta get that!

Tom Hascall ColeHere's the key to it all! Comes with the VCR. Hope it's DVD now. I wrote Lorelei! diddling with these chords.

Tom Hascall ColeI think the second to last chord isn't the one he meant.

Tom Hascall ColeHe has the chord progression in two shapes that he uses in nearly every song.

Jim ZelenskiVery cool -

Tom Hascall ColeHere are the last two chords the way he meant to put them. You play the minor seventh and then the minor sixth. The voicing of both are great and when you go from one to the other it's real purdy. Totally moveable so for his Dm7 and Dm6 you play the fifth string on the fifth fret of course. He strums them one after another in a song and says, "See? There's a place for it!"

Tom Hascall ColeAlso, look at his G augmented. Why doesn't he show how he catches the G on the sixth string with the first finger? The G aug leads to the beginning of a song in C. 5aug and then 1aug (for any western song in any key). He does it all the time and he uses the sixth string.

Tom Hascall ColeAnd he did leave out this to my surprise. With it, the thing is complete! As you can see, I'm writing a guitar book with all of my secrets!

Sally Cole MooneyI remember one hilarious feminist article about the problem of women not having enough time in the coop.

Tom Hascall ColeYes, the woman wrote something like: "Oh yeah. We're supposed to be preparing all the snacks and drinks inside during one of these meetings? Well when are WE going to get the chance to actually go out like the guys and ENJOY THE BIRDS???

Tom Hascall ColeShe was mad!

Tom Hascall ColeI love this cover. She's enjoying the birds so.

Stephen ColePerhaps I have a few copies in an old box somewhere.

Stephen ColeShe raised muffs and was a hellava fancier as I recall.

Tom Hascall ColeI need the one with your article!

Tom Hascall ColeAh,

Jim ZelenskiBeautiful!

Tracy ClarkeAren't you having wonderful experiences in your new home!!!

Tom Hascall ColeYes, I am.

Tracy ClarkeIt just seems like it's been a fantastic decision from the get-go, and no more drums! I wonder how the people who bought your house are enjoying their neighbor!!!!

Tom Hascall ColeI often wonder whether it's a problem over there. I declared the drummer on the documents describing the house, so they were informed up front. Last night, I played my gig and then they told me that a group of high school teachers and staff were coming a hundred strong from their graduation. I waited an hour and hoped to get tons of tip money. Unfortunately, a neighbor called complaining that the saloon wasn't allowed to have live music after nine. I had to quit and no one person had put a nickel in my tip jar.

Jim ZelenskiHahaha -

Tracy ClarkeBrown eyed girl is my song, would love to hear you sing it!

Sally Cole MooneyNew Orleans musicians HATE French Quarter gigs because people always request When the Saints Come Marching In and Brown-Eyed Girl!

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I can understand the Saints because you want to say you had the New Orleans experience. But Brown-eyed Girl?

Sally Cole MooneyIt's just become a cliche.

Tracy ClarkeDoesn't make much snese, does it?

Tracy Clarkesense...

Tom Hascall ColeI steer clear of the 60s and 70s songbook mostly except for the odd Beatle tune. It's great but really worn out. I avoid that slight marijuana flavor by doing other tunes. My latest is Mr. Blue!

Kurt AldersonI have forgiven Merle after learning that song was a satire of his arrest for smoking pot in Muskogee. He and Neil Young were fishing buddies and often sang together on outings. Sing Long May You Run next chance you get.

Diane GrantWow, front row seat. Glad you didn't get stuck.

Sally Cole Mooneyyikes

Tracy ClarkeGood timing...

Ralph DurhamIf I lived near by I'd help. Even set up a disco ball.

Preston H LongWhere is this?

Marcy A. MarxerLove it!

Tom Hascall ColeThis is on the Apache Trail on the way to Tortilla Flat.

Tom Hascall ColeOh, and I'll bring ice cold beer too. Look at the picture on the sign.

Preston H LongGreat burgers at the Flats.

Tom Hascall ColeBut the kids will want to sit at the bar on account of the saddle chairs.

Paulette ChartierLooks like an ideal reunion site :)

Kurt AldersonKovac's Brosted Chicken joint, yes? It used to be the last or first marker of civilization to and from the Supes and/or Canyon Lake. Must date from the '60's. Play some polka for them.

Holly Lynn SchinellerWhen did you take this picture?

Tom Hascall ColeNovember 8, 2009

Tom Hascall ColeI'm still trying to get my Merle Travis polka stuff ready for prime time. I need someone in the know to help me get the sound system right and give me strength lessons. I shall record that polka as it has grown to about ten minutes in length.

Marie MitchellUsed to polka on weekends in the boonies in western Ks. Sometimes, the only entertainment for miles!

Tom Hascall ColePerhaps you remember my first, fledgling attempts at polka composition. The song has evolved into a Yankovic anthem of considerable length and I'm anxious to record the new version one day. http://tomhascallcole.com/parkandswappolka.html

Preston H LongMy favorite as a young guy.

Tom Hascall ColeI have an awful lot of great mags like that. Mostly Astounding, If, Amazing, Thrilling Wonder Stories, and even a Planet Stories.

Peter SheltonLook at her parachute! They don't make women like this anymore, damn it!

Preston H LongCool mom!

Tom Hascall Colehttp://www.amazon.com/Women-Pilots-World-War-II/dp/0874804930/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399862323&sr=1-2&keywords=women+pilots+of+world+war+ii

Tom Hascall ColeHer book made a fortune.

Chepita Chejajajaja vivito y coleando, muy bueno!!!!

Tom Hascall ColeYa que mi querida mascota se me ha muerto, el pobrecito crustáceo ya no está vivito ni coleando, pero van a eclocionar más Monos Marinos con suerte.

Tom Hascall Cole¡Pobrecito Chispito!

Stephen ColeEs una lástima que Chispito perdió su vida tan joven. Tenía su vida entera delante de él.

Tom Hascall ColePero no hay un mal que por bien no venga... suspiro...

Stephen ColeEse sentimiento trillado no hará mucho bien para Chispito.

Tom Hascall ColeAsí escribo. Cosas trilladas.

Tom Hascall ColeNo quieren eclosionar.

Marie MitchellCongrats! I see you are NOT watching the 'missing plane' channel.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I have watched a little of it. I'm now watching Judge Judy, which is on the Benghazi channel (Fox).

Kurt AldersonDo not watch 'news'. It will mess you up!

Tom Hascall ColeI watch the airplane channel. They say BREAKING NEWS! Then they say they haven't found the plane yet.

Marie MitchellGet your news from The Daily Show and Cobert

Peter Sheltongold shure mike covers?

Wendy ColeNo...don't borrow trouble...it will be fine!

Preston H LongNo. have 5 in my backyard and for 23 years standing strong.

Stephen ColeThe elm tree bends, but never breaks.

Tom Hascall ColeOne could do worse than be a bender of elms.

Tom Hascall ColeI don't borrow trouble; I AM trouble. (Nils Crane said something like this and it was very funny.)

George LindbloomNever seen one snap

Tom Hascall ColeGood to hear. They're all over here in Fun Lakes and I haven't seen one on the ground either.

Marie MitchellA palm is like a huge bundle of fibers; it bends but does not snap. I think it has just a main root with numerous rather shallow small roots shooting out.

Tom Hascall ColeI am comforted. I derive strenth from these words.

Tom Hascall ColeStrenth!

Wendy ColeStrength.

Tom Hascall ColeIt's pronounced STRENTH!

Marie MitchellAnd which one are you?

Tom Hascall ColeYou can't recognize me? Far left.

Marie MitchellThat's what I thought, but you two are identical.

Marie MitchellDid your dad play the piano?

Tom Hascall ColeOh, my god could he play!

Tom Hascall ColeRagtime. Sometimes I used to say, "That song is playing YOU!"

Laure Wegner KagenSally and I composed "A, you're awful; B you're a big fat boob ... (etc.,)" on that very piano circa 1960. A classic tune.

Stephen ColeHow about that favorite "Buttergut"?

Tom Hascall ColeButtergut, buttergut. Stinky icky creepy sloppy buttergut. When he lets his bad breath out, you're surely gonna have to hold your nose.

Wendy ColeHaha...MaryJane and I composed a song about how much we loved John Rundle on that piano.....so pathetic.

Sally Cole MooneyDamn, I can't remember the words to A you're awful, though I can sing Buttergut from beginning to end. How 'bout those squaw dresses Wendy and I are wearing?

Marie MitchellStylish!

Tom Hascall ColeRemember Bill Wood in 1979 or so took a similar picture of us to match this one but his camera was broken and it came out blurry? You may have it in the albums you have, Sally.

Tom Hascall ColeFunny, by the way; I post toastied this a while ago and suddenly it's all the rage again.

Laure Wegner KagenSteve and Tom, I'm amazed you remember "Butterguts". My favorite line in "A You're Awful" is Sally's brilliant "D You're a dog-faced dope". And I certainly remember the John Rundle song. I don't think it was pathetic. Childish, but hey! we were kids when it was okay for children to be childish.

Sally Cole MooneyHow could I have totally forgotten D? Laure, you need to post the whole alphabet.

Ralph Durhampatent it.

Matthew AldersonNicely done, Tom. BTW, "godsend" is a real word, doesn't require you to be a believer to use it. It is just a word, for Pete's sake. I wish I could just learn to hit piano keys correctly but I'm all thumbs as they say, and my talent is very little.

Tom Hascall ColeActually, I use the G word in the way you describe all the time, for God's sake :). I was just being playful -- not being some kind of a doctrinaire atheist. I even say God darn it! :)

Jenny Anna LindeThe look like they might fall off....yeah!

Sally Cole MooneyI got up and took a look at it--blurry and less red than it looks in your photo, but cool.

Tracy ClarkeDespite your opinion of your camera, I think that photo is incredible, especially because we had a horrendous storm last night so viewing was not an option!

Jim ZelenskiGreat shot!

Tom Hascall ColeCould that be Mars to the right? I heard it was out there.

Tom Hascall ColeI always thought that students from the class of 1969 were going to be the first to land on the moon. A year of training and then the moon! The training would take place after graduation because before that you had to be in school and wouldn't have the time. I didn't realize NASA might want an experienced pilot of some kind AND an adult. How naive I was.

Jim ZelenskiI prefer watching it from my deck -

Tom Hascall ColeHe was a real fighter too. Took me all down the shoreline and a guy walking his dog brought me my net so I could land him. After we diddled with the fish, I threw him back in and he bubbled off in search of friendlier company.

Susan HendershotGreat memories of your house in Mexico!

Tom Hascall ColeThere were two of them and I have a movie. That was on the Reservation. Later nearer my house there was another. He was VERY yellow.

Sally Cole MooneyI saw a cardinal at Sabino Canyon. I never see cardinals here. It looked out of place in the desert.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I've only recorded two trips there, and I saw one cardinal: Pyrrhuloxia,1/13/2011,Sabino Canyon,He was next to the cardinal which was a male and people thought he was the female cardinal. This was in a tree next to the headquarters with the gift shop and all. Northern Cardinal,1/13/2011,Sabino Canyon,Next to the pyrruloxia. A BIG MALE.

Perry AlbertsonI see them frequently.

Tom Hascall ColePerry, I forgot. You were SUCH a bird watcher more than forty years ago (Holy Cow). I remember I fed the pigeons at Old Main, and you said, "You fed them? That's why I haven't seen them in a week!" You were unhappy that you hadn't seen the pigeons.

Jenny Anna LindeWe have a cardinal nesting in our yard and ....a pair of bluebirds is checking out a nesting box. Hope, hope...

Tom Hascall ColeI was wearing that hat when I shook Bill Clinton's hand and got to use the words "Mr. President." My shirt is in Ireland because I hung it up in the closet of a hotel and left it there and some Irish guy is dressed in a nice western c'boy shirt and likely walking around saying, "Howdy, howdy, howdy, I'm a cowboy. That Boston Lager looks good, but it's just too early for me to go have one.

Angela Rodriguez MooneyThat is a great picture!

Tom Hascall ColeSteve has two tags on him, one for him and one for me!

Tom Hascall ColeI miss my shirt.

Wendy ColeTom can you fix that? I thought I did.

Tom Hascall ColeI can't seem to get rid of my name on Steve.

Jalan WoodwardIs the guy next to Sally her twin?

Stephen ColeNo. That is Jeff.

Jalan WoodwardThey look so alike in this photo! How many Cole siblings are there?

Tom Hascall Colefive

Tom Hascall ColeThat's the whole kit and caboodle.

Sally Cole MooneyNo, that's Jeff, the youngest. Steve and Tom are twins.

Marie MitchellImpressive!

Tom Hascall ColeEach has a date etched on it.

Tom Hascall ColeAlso, any time that I was at the beach house and birds were recorded, there is a record: TOM COLE (When you visit a page, hit the BACK button on your browser to return here. There's not a button on the pages to come back here. Sorry.) I WENT A FEW TIMES... 4/18/1975 9/18/1975 10/16/1975 4/9/1976 5/14/1976 9/4/1976 11/25/1976 6/23/1977 12/29/1978 5/24/1979 11/21/1979 5/27/1980 12/30/1980 2/13/1981 3/8/1981 6/12/1981 11/25/1981 12/29/1981 5/27/1982 8/6/1982 11/24/1982 12/31/1982 1/18/1983 2/18/1983 3/13/1983 8/2/1983 11/23/1983 12/29/1983 3/12/1984 6/6/1984 7/22/1984 11/10/1984 11/22/1984 12/31/1984 11/28/1985 12/31/1985 3/9/1986 4/5/1986 6/8/1986 7/4/1986 11/24/1987 5/26/1988 6/7/1988 11/22/1988 11/24/1989 11/22/1990 11/27/1991 3/17/1992 11/26/1992 5/27/1993 11/25/1993 12/27/1994 11/23/1995 1/1/1998 8/3/1998 12/31/1998 12/28/2000 11/1/2002 5/24/2003 1/17/2009 3/16/2009 10/10/2011

Jim ZelenskiNice collection! I've always liked the hand-painted things from Mexico -

Jenny Anna LindeWhere does your collection live the rest of the year?

Tom Hascall ColeIt's in a BOX in my storeroom.

Jenny Anna LindeI have the feeling there are many more interesting boxes in your storeroom!

Jenny Anna LindeEhhhh, if it doesn't work, what is the point of owning it? Or am I being too practical?

Tom Hascall ColeIn Egypt they have King Tut's chariot. Does it work? No. Should they throw it out? Also, no. It's the same with my super smokin' 70s vintage retro colossal Relco TX60 metal detector!

Jenny Anna LindeIf you say so, it must be so, but truthfully, I saw King Tut's chariot in Cairo and was awed. Don't quite feel the same way about a metal detector that doesn't work, but I know...everything is relative!

Tom Hascall ColeI threw out my TX60 like a fool. I had to be made whole again! Now I am! May the sky gods bless Ebay and the entire digital age.

Tom Hascall ColeBy the way, you are so lucky to have seen Tut's chariot. I hear that they have a sign by his tomb that says, "Toot and come in!"

Jenny Anna LindeIt must have been in Egyptian because I didn't see that. :)

Tom Hascall ColeThis is the King Tut book I bought when I lived in Mexico City. I loved it although someone reviewed it and called it a "racy little book."

Monique Skinner DockLove the coucb

Tom Hascall ColeThe couch cost me....$288 dollars brand new! What a deal!

Wendy ColeYeah, Tom....great couch!

Charles Wayman MitchellHow about that housewarming party now that you're settled in.

Tom Hascall ColeHere's the original:

Wendy ColeTom, surely you didn't hide everything?? Very sneaky!!

Tom Hascall ColeEverything but my "My Buddy" tackle box that had bad Karma and THIS my old back pack that I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with a couple of times and I wish I still had it and I kick myself.

Tom Hascall ColeI took pictures of all my fossils and then at the last minute I took ALL of them to my new house and it is most excellent.

Tom Hascall ColeI outbid EVERYONE on the TX60. Actually I was the only one who wanted it. I want to thank my facebook fans for not bidding on it. I know it was a real temptation. Soon my TX60 will be shipped to me. I paid using PayPal your digital key to overspending.

Tom Hascall ColeOh, Wendy Cole I have the WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA too!

Jenny Anna LindeI like her spirit!

Wendy ColeAre those old drawings of Dad's?

Tom Hascall ColeNo, Steve is the author of this. This is the "Fun Box" that we always used to fill with baseballs, games, cards, and other things that would ensure we'd be entertained in Mexico.

Tom Hascall ColeIt has been archived on the Art Page of my website that is quickly becoming a site of considerable size and interest. http://tomhascallcole.com/art.html

Tom Hascall ColeIf you want Dad's childhood art: go to www.tomhascallcole.com and click on Gerald-Ainsworth Cole's Journals

Tracy ClarkeNow did you belive as our dear Mole did in Uri Gellar, who believed plants had feelings? Mole introduced me to his book when I was 17, and I've never been able to pluck a plant without guilt since.

Tracy ClarkeI missed the "e" in the first believe...

Kurt AldersonI was surprised to see a Crested Caracara at Otay Lake, just east of San Diego yesterday. Pretty Far East and north of their range, according to Stokes. I used to see them around Austin, TX.

Tom Hascall ColeI've seen them in Mexico and in southern Arizona just south of Tucson. Good bird. They like to sit on top of 35-foot-tall saguaros.

Kurt AldersonTexans call them Mexican Eagles. Reportedly, they displace ravens. San Diego is covered with ravens, both Common and Chihuahua versions. A few are cool. Hundreds are Hitchcock-spooky.

Tracy Clarkebeautiful

John DamasoEzra Pound!

Peter SheltonGad. Like yesterday. I guess the big fence came later. What ever happened to Pussy next door?

Sally Cole Mooneyeerie

Tom Hascall ColePete, you misunderstand. This is the pigeon coop we built in Chandler 30 years ago or so. See the tin against the wall to the right? THAT's the original coop roof from Sierra Vista in Tempe. To view the original coop, go here and wait a second for the first photo to load (It's too big a file.) http://tomhascallcole.com/pigeonphotos.html

Tom Hascall ColeI gave Jan Bradbury the tin roof and the boards a couple of months ago. He has them. The boards still have carvings from 1958. This one was done I think by Brent Mullen. The balloon on the left used to have the words "Hey, Boo Boo" in it as I remember from fifty plus plus years ago.

Tom Hascall ColeHere's the original coop under construction. This is Steve in the picture. I was building a little boat that day and didn't help out.

Peter SheltonAh!

Joanie Johnson HartmanSo cool - I just love the desert.

MaiLe KellerSo cute!!!!

Marie MitchellWe had a family of roadrunners in our neighborhood once upon a time; they moved. Still see the occasional coyote.

Sally Cole Mooneynever seen one in a tree!

Tracy ClarkeIncredible!!!

Tracy ClarkeThey don't mind you catching the fish? Are there other "kinds" of fish in the pond? Around here catfish isn't very good eating...

Tom Hascall ColeI don't eat these nasty fish and you're required to throw them back anyway so they can reproduce and people can continue to catch them. I went spincasting for bass out there today, but I think all the bass are dead and gone. No bluebills even follow your lure. There aren't any of them either. Carp, cats, and some other junk.

Tom Hascall ColeWhat is life now that BLUEGILLS are gone???

Matthew AldersonI have eaten catfish that I caught in the Verde River. They are fine to eat. Not as good as crappie or bluegills maybe but OK. The flatheads require live bait, they won't hit stink bait like channels. Minnows work or crayfish or even hellgrammites if you can stand to handle them (they bite). I once had a pair of red Converse all-stars. They made me feel self conscious, but I always sucked at cool, just not I guess. My current tennies are black so I can remain in the background where I belong.

Tom Hascall ColeI doubt there are any flatheads here. They're over at some dam I went to years ago somewhere in Arizona and they say they live way down deep.

Tom Hascall ColeI once read an article in Field and Stream that told about how this millionaire who could buy beach front with sail fishing etc. had a pond out back and would angle for bluegills with a fly rod.

Gary HendersonReally like it in some perhaps perverted way!

Tom Hascall ColeHey, if that were a painting people would be discussing it over glasses of French wine.

Tom Hascall ColePicture it with Picasso signed at the bottom.

Tracy ClarkeWe generally have a lot more hair to cut!

Jim ZelenskiI'm thinkin' how much wealthier we'd be if we just didn't bother....

Tom Hascall ColeI haven't cut my hair for years.

Tom Hascall ColeWhat will you read about in the book? Here are just 57 things: You will read about.... ITEM: Read my vivid memory of the time I had amnesia. ITEM: Read about how a captain-to-be was drummed out of the Mexican army when he blew off his hand with a giant firecracker. ITEM: Read as I savage Prentice Hall/Regents for discontinuing my book. ITEM: Read and watch me lay waste to tall country crooners and their ridiculous hats as well. ITEM: Read of smashed dreams and a sunken Swedish freighter. ITEM: Read of how a devout Baptist was accidentally sent to Catholic heaven for four hundred years! ITEM: Read how my parents followed a trail of blood and found me at the end of it! ITEM: Read about how my dentist was afraid that he and I would be shot down together over Taiwan. ITEM: Read how a cowboy bass player had classmates who liked to hunt while he only wanted to write poems about the animals. ITEM: Read about how the same bass player started the “Paul is Dead” rumor in 1969. ITEM: Read how my third grade teacher destroyed a classmate for outing me as an atheist. ITEM: Read and learn that a frog pond isn't really a frog pond when it's a palm frond. ITEM: Read about the whale and the popsicle sticks. ITEM: Read about the hallucinogenic properties of heavily hopped India ale. ITEM: Read about the demise of the green sunfish in Arizona. ITEM: Read of how a girl sold a song to Bing Crosby when traveling in the family car. ITEM: Read of how my brother discovered the legendary Samuel Eddy Crappie Hole. ITEM: Read how Sonny Bono and I both got fired with the same telephone technique. ITEM: Read how I broke my carburator cable while flying a Cessna 150 over Texas. ITEM: Read how to have a “Hemingway conversation” by using expressions like, “"You're a worthless rummy, aren't you?" "You're a miserable rotter." “Christ on a crutch, you bastard!” and "You say the most bloody awful things!" ITEM: Read of the overwhelming fear publishers had that allowed me to sell them my books in the 1990s. ITEM: Read about mysterious eels lying on the sand. ITEM: Read about how the ukulele is the most underrated instrument. ITEM: Read how I wrote down the introduction to Hoagie Carmichael’s “Stardust” in every key at the same time. ITEM: Read a comparison and see examples of my father’s penmanship at age eleven and mine! ITEM: Read about fairy shrimp swimming in the rain-filled hoof prints of steers. ITEM: Read about Gammarus desperatus a new species of amphipod found in Roswell New Mexico. ITEM: Read about how Ranger Doug toured as a singer for nine months after losing his voice to a mysterious malady. ITEM: Read about how I twisted myself into a pretzel in kindergarten. ITEM: Read the shocking tale of how I lost an earthworm down a drain in kindergarten. ITEM: Read how I was to shoulder a tremendous responsibility in kindergarten! ITEM: Read the perfectly logical reason why I sent 17 letters to fictional people with names like Colin Haunchsquat and Rose Fish who lived on streets with names like Brisketslapper Avenue, East Spaghetti, Chillipunch Street, and Ferris Wheel Avenue. ITEM: Read about how I sang “Prairie Lullaby” to Grammy winner Woody Paul because he couldn’t remember the words to his own song. ITEM: Read how I played my song “Lorelei!” to John Denver’s guitarist who liked it so much that he invited me on stage to sing it with him! ITEM: Read how I made Grammy award winner Joey Miskulin puff up in joyful pride with a single well-placed compliment. ITEM: Read about how an alien from outer space put an end to bullfighting. ITEM: Read of the Yaqui church in the desert that I found and found again forty years later burned to the ground. ITEM: Read about a man who was always embarrassed because his crazy parents named him Jesus! ITEM: Read about how I got in hot water by buying a stuffed iguana in Mexico when I was twelve. ITEM: Read how a drawling West Virginia fiddler wrote "Inertial, Viscous, and Finite-Beta Effects in a Resistive, Time Dependent Tokamak Discharge." to get his Ph.D in plasma physics from M.I.T. ITEM: Read how God screws up big time and says, “No, no! It is I....I who should apologize!” ITEM: Read of how a mysterious cassette tape of Herb Jeffries magically appeared in my guest bedroom and transformed my life. ITEM: Read how I almost won a class prize but was disqualified for playing with my milk carton. ITEM: Read about a student who thought that somehow her teacher had married the entire parent teacher association. ITEM: Read about the lyrics I made up in third grade for a song in class that weren’t used and how I was finally able to share them with a classmate 54 years later. ITEM: Read of how our business failed because we couldn't get ant lions to mate. ITEM: Read my scathing ruination of a big, fat, obnoxious, sanctimonious western singer. ITEM: Read of the remorse I felt after I had stepped on and killed forty cockroaches on a Mexican dock in 1963. ITEM: Read about a treasure hidden in the desert. ITEM: Read about an ancient 24-foot dug-out canoe that fetched loose off some lonely beach in Baja and drifted across the Sea of Cortez and onto the beach in front of our house. ITEM: Read about my friend who disappeared one day never to be seen again. ITEM: Read about my six-foot-six imposter from Alberta, Canada. ITEM: Read of how snapping shrimp drove me out of the water in Guaymas, Mexico. ITEM: Read about the 90-year-old park ranger who liked to sing and who had a “treasured” friendship with my dad. ITEM: Read about how I told a dental surgeon that he had bad Karma. ITEM: Read about the blue-eyed man who was too black to be white and too white to be black and had to darken his skin with makeup to be the lead singer of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. ITEM: Read of how a schizophrenic French girl wrote an absolutely perfect description of the very same recurring dream that I have.

Sally Cole MooneyGet going on the English edition!

Tom Hascall ColeDoing the Dune Parody and the Guitar book, but I'll get to it.

Tom Hascall ColeI looked on Wikipedia and the guy that wrote the 1984 parody used the NOAM CHOMSKI company for the CHOAM company exactly as I did. I guess I have to change it. I hope to heck he didn't use Gum Jabber for Gom Jabbar. That would ruin me.

Paulette ChartierI'm intrigued. It sounds amazing :)

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I'm working on a guitar book but I suddenly started a parody of Frank Herbert's class SF novel DUNE, and I can't find time for ANYTHING else. It's so much fun. After I started I found that the National Lampoon had done one 30 years ago, but I say it's time for another. I looked on Wikipedia and to my horror found that the author had spoofed the name CHOAM an interstellar company controlling the spice by writing NOAM CHOMSKI instead. Well, I had done the same thing, so now I've got to change the name. Here's a very early mock-up of a possible cover. I've only got three chapters done.

Tom Hascall ColeI'm changing the name to the GLOAMIN' LOCH LOMEN company.

Matthew AldersonYou know, I have long ago totally forgotten how to calculate a square root using paper and pencil. Never was a math whiz.

Tom Hascall ColeI never could at all. And I'm weak on my multiplication tables now and can't subtract big numbers as I forget when to turn the zero into a nine. My old archaeology professor was in an accident and had to have brain surgery. My father saw him walking in the woods afterwards and asked him how he was. He said fine and my dad then asked, "What's the square root of 49?" He replied, "6.992."

Matthew AldersonI am laughing right now

Tom Hascall ColeThe disks would have the system software on them along with MacWrite and McPaint. You had room on the disk for about 10 pages of written work and then you'd save on a separate floppy which had more room as it didn't have to have the system and software on it.

Jim ZelenskiAmazing how much computing capacity has exploded over the past couple of decades -

Jenny Anna LindeConfession: I loved MacWrite and still miss it. Not too many bells and whistles, but I found it perfect for writing. Now all that work is lost somewhere in the great beyond...

Tom Hascall ColeI use Pages by Apple.

Paulette ChartierYou remind me of the folks on the American Pickers TV show.

Tom Hascall ColeJust so I don't remind you of the Duck Dynasty guys.

Carl W FrankeMy fathers father had geese in the yard to eat. When he was 13 and it was mating season, they attacked him. So he got a bat and returned the gesture. Then his dad came home and did the same. 'Murica

Sue HarrisAntlerless elk. With attitudes.

Jim ZelenskiOh, I forgot to tell you - Sun Lakes was built upon ancient geese grazing grounds.

Wendy ColeAnd not really so tall....compared to elk, that is!

Tom Hascall ColeIt's a honey, isn't it?

Charles Wayman MitchellTom. If you have the clipboard you've had since you were ten, it almost sounds like you have the potential to become a hoarder.

Tom Hascall ColeI have my milk teeth. I have the tip of the garden hose we brought from Kentucky to Arizona in 1958. I have the first fishing lure I ever caught a fish on AND I have the jaws of the poor fish. I have a sample of my blood when I was ten pressed onto a piece of paper. I have a firecracker I bought in Mexico in 1963. I have Mica my sister Wendy collected in Alaska in 1956. Looks like moscovite. I proudly saved my first wood shaving done on the electric jigsaw in wood shop in 7th grade. I have a 1960 vintage chunk of drywall from Jan Bradbury's pigeon coop. I have the last remaining insect pin from 1960. I have the books I read in junior high. I'm not even close to through, but you can already see many of these things here: http://tomhascallcole.com/doodads.html Here's a photo of one item. I've got so much more to archive!

Tom Hascall ColeHere's a good one. No, they didn't wind up drafting me! I did NOT serve. :)

Sally Cole MooneyThere's a thin line between a saver and a hoarder. I, for one, am glad Tom saves things--like my mom's diary from the 1955 Alaska trip!

Tom Hascall ColeHey, I've got to get that out on line. Here's all I have now of her diaries: http://www.tomhascallcole.com/moms-mexican-journal-1963-and-1940s-essays-pilot-log-books-etc.html

Peter SheltonI have leg bands from the Tempe pigeon club

Tom Hascall ColePete, you'd like this page then. You may recognize some of the birds. http://tomhascallcole.com/pigeonphotos.html

Tom Hascall ColeNaturally, I've only just begun. I have a lot of pigeons to enter.

Peter SheltonUsed to deliver Sunday paper to several people in the teepee village on Apache Blvd.

Kurt AldersonOne of my friends loved there about '71. There uses to be several of these teepee motels. Last one I saw was in Winslow.

John BerrethIn your element...

Monique Skinner DockGreat place..

James SwannCheer Tommy Boy!!!!!

Marie MitchellIf I am not mistaken, I think there is an avian preserve on the other side of the cliff.

Sally Cole MooneyEvery since Katrina I've had a soft spot for trailers.

MaiLe KellerI love how the quails walks haha

Tom Hascall ColeThey are such inquiring animals that they have question marks on their heads.

Monique Skinner DockEWwww Andrew:)

Margaret Nahmiaspernices!!!!

Tom Hascall Cole¡Codornices!

Gary HendersonWhat a stunningly beautiful couple!!

Tom Hascall ColeYou know that bell-shaped honey stuckle seed treat is STILL out there and the birds are STILL nibbling on it. CB Thrashers, G. Quails, H. Sparrows, H. Finches, and M. Doves.

Marcy A. MarxerWhat is it?

Tom Hascall ColeIt's an Echinoderm as is a starfish. They are also known as "sea lilies" although they are animals. The ancient species had stems and a "flowering" head. Modern species I hear are mostly free-swimming though I don't know much about them. You mostly find the stems which often have a star-shaped core.

Stephen Colecrinoid?

Tom Hascall ColeYes, a crinoid. YOu blind today?

Stephen ColeI thought it might be a cookie.

Tom Hascall ColeIt is not a cookie!

Monique Skinner Dockbeautiful.

Ralph DurhamYou'll have to go old school and use your camera like a view camera. http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1848/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1848-130653.jpg

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I don't need the hood. Just a view finder will work. :)

Ralph DurhamI think I've seen little flip out things to give the view finder (flat panel display) some shade. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/441827-REG/Delkin_Devices_DU3_0_M_BLK_eFilm_Point_Shoot.html

Ralph DurhamI bought a Nikon because it has a eyepiece and a movable screen.

Tom Hascall ColeHey, that's not bad. $8.95

Ralph DurhamHope you can find one that works for your camera. Don't forget the $10 shipping... A local camera store might have something also.

Wendy ColeMy Nikon Cool Pix 500 has a view finder and a screen...you use which ever one you want. And a zoom. I love it.

Ralph DurhamYou,hopefully are using a tripod. Will give you better pictures at those magnifications. Heavier is better, but you can add weight to a lighter one when photographing. Make a loop to hold your pack or water bottle/s from the bottom center.

Tracy ClarkeWhere were you? Great photo!

Tom Hascall ColeOh, this is right here in Fun Lakes.

Tracy ClarkeSpectacular!

Tom Hascall ColeHere's the story for my friends from Mexico and elsewhere. It's a little corny -- even the title, THOSE GOLDEN DAYS OF SUN: 25: Aquellos días dorados de sol Tengo en casa una foto borrosa de mí. Estoy parado frente a mi escuela primaria y sostengo al pecho y al cuello un montón de hojas de papel. Recuerdo el momento como si hubiera pasado ayer. Era el último día de clase y mi maestra me había entregado todo el trabajo escrito que yo había hecho durante el año y yo posaba con él. El rollo de película quedó no revelado en un cajón por años y décadas. Por fin, un día yo revelé la película. La foto estaba un poquito sobreexpuesta al margen debido a la luz que por los años se había colado por el cajón, pero no me sorprendió lo que yo vi en la foto; era como si hubiera sido ayer. Al mismo tiempo al ver la foto siempre tengo la sensación de estar mirando por una misteriosa ventana por la cual se puede ver el pasado. El verano iba a ser como los que habían pasado y los que iban a pasar porque habría campamento de verano y el lago y la piscina municipal y béisbol y pesca y me consta que soy como Ud. mi estimado lector; jamás olvidaré aquellos días dorados de sol.

Stephen ColeLas puestas del sol resplandecientes de antaño.

Tom Hascall ColeThe Shining Sunsets of Yesteryear. Even better! You know, my song "Those Golden Days of Sun." It has an intro longer than the rest of the song.

Stephen ColeResplendent sunsets

Tom Hascall ColeResplendent is good too.

Tom Hascall ColeLook! We grew up with PALM TREES.

Gary HendersonA treasure of a find indeed!!

Jim ZelenskiThe WWII Museum estimates that there are approx. 1 million surviving WWII vets at this time, but that they are dying at a rate of approx. 500 per day. http://www.nationalww2museum.org/honor/wwii-veterans-statistics.html

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I must write an essay about OUR generation and how it was to us. ALL of us were from military families as all of our parents were in WWII unless our name was Sinatra or Wayne, ha ha.

Jim ZelenskiYes, same here, as my Dad and 2 uncles served in WWII (plus one who was called back for Korea).

Tom Hascall ColeMy dad had a nightmare that he told me about often. He said he dreamed that he would be called back to fight in Korea. He HATED being in the army.

Linda Mays TunnellWe lost my father in law the last of December....He would have been 90 years old in January. My dad and he both served in Europe.

Tom Hascall ColeLinda, my friend Jan Kegelman gave me a few essays that her father had written about serving in the Pacific. Only a few pages but very worthwhile. I always put in writing any stories that my dad and mom gave me about WWII. I hope you can archive online or elsewhere any information about what your father-in-law experienced in the war.

Jim ZelenskiOver the years had conversations with quite a few WWII veterans. They ranged from fierce patriotism to complete silence to long-lasted grief, to gratitude that despite the loss of 60 mllion lives both military and civilian (yes, that's correct), the Allies prevailed. And like your Dad, Tom, many hated being in war. The country that lost the most citizens was Russia (Soviet Union), which paid a steep price.

Tom Hascall ColeOh, the Russians just got creamed!

Tom Hascall ColeMy dad always said that the war was an amazingly great thing except that all of your friends got killed.

Sally Cole MooneyIt should be in the national history museum.

Jenny Anna Lindeimpressive library!

Tom Hascall ColeWell, heck. Here's another picture. I've got half of Twain, Jack London, Burroughs, Andre Norton, Nearly all of Eric Frank Russell. I've got ancient editions of Astounding, most of the Bantam War series. Half the penquin 60s classics, and more. Tom boasts.

Tom Hascall ColeNote the vast collection of Mexican comic books and the fine science section with half of Steven Jay Gould, Asimov, Darwin, Loren Eiseley, Leaky. All your favorites. I've got most all the Tarzan books and plenty in hardback and hardback Max Schulman. A zillion autobios. A big beatles section and guidebooks as well as a section of pure, rarefied CRACKPOT titles including The Secret of the Saucers and My Passport Says Clairvoyant!

Tom Hascall ColeI want to make a complete count but there are more than 1500 books there.

Tom Hascall ColeRanger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim, and Joey Miskulin signed it!

Matthew AldersonIs that Dolan Ellis?

Tom Hascall ColeOh, no. That's ranger Doug, my musical hero. I so completely copy his swing guitar style -- or try. I saw him playing in the 80s and loved it and in about 1992 I said, "I've GOT to play like him." He plays a big L-5 Gibson with F-holes and no pickups; he mikes it. They did the music for Toy Story. Here's a live version of his "How the Cowboy Learned to Yodel." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Kx2sRe5l8

Sue Harrisoh, yeah, Tom, one of my guitar heroes as well. MAN, what a great rhythm guitarist. Chords, chords. mmmmm oooooh.

Tom Hascall Cole@Sue Harris I got a lot out of his instructional video "Ranger Doug Rides the Rhythm Range" and even more from Marcy Marxer's Swing Guitar CDs from Homespun tapes. She did a series of 90 swing lessons for another company, but this one did the trick for me.

Sue Harrisoh yes, Marcy Marxer! Another mighty fine rhythm player! I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert (with Cathy Fink) a while back. Thanks for the tip!

Tom Hascall ColeAnd Sue, dig this clip of Devon Dawson if you like Ranger Doug's style. I've never seen her miss a beat. She does an excellent job of re-writing the lyrics to "Zoot Suit," but it's not her song; it's an old classic. At first I was SO impressed that she wrote it, but she didn't write it after all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3Cd9XgTCl0

Sue HarrisYeah! (gaaaah, doesn't it annoy you no end when people assume a song is "original" just because they haven't heard it before...)

Tom Hascall ColeI took to playing this song with the original lyrics, but dropped it. I have to put it back on my list.

Sue HarrisYeah, it's a good one!

Tom Hascall ColeIf she had written that for real I would have fallen on the ground before her in pious devotion. Devon Dawson has not chosen the best musical partner if you happen to look at some of her videos. She's the one with the talent -- not him. And she mixes in a lot of religion when it would be better to have it all about the music instead.

Sue HarrisNo kidding!! (about the songwriting) Well, she's young yet. She'll probably figure it out.

Tom Hascall ColeHere's an add from the magazine. Typical of the time, and the readers would write to the editor saying, "Please! No more truss ads!"

Tom Hascall ColeKind of run down. No American products of any kind in those days. Nothing. Like everyone else, I threw my garbage in the street and guys with twig brooms came by and cleaned it off the street.

Jesus Eduardo PeñaWell, There is maybe a parallel universe!!!

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I was reading Stephen Hawking's book and I realize how little I know. I know zero about the possibility of parallel universes and the like.

Tom Hascall ColeI remember when you first saw this table, you said, "I approve!"

Tom Hascall ColeHouse is empty. Sold. I turned over the keys. Money goes into my account tomorrow or the next. Then I pay this new house off completely and have tons left over!

Paulette ChartierNice windows to sit and look out!

Tracy ClarkeNice table! What great news about your house, the mortgage being paid off and money in the bank, you must feel like a king!!!!

Jim ZelenskiThe skull a nice touch -

Jesus Eduardo PeñaGreat View!!!

Tawny OgdenWay to go!

Tom Hascall ColeKing Tom!

Tawny OgdenYour Highness - Don't spend it all in one place, squirrel it away until you really need it.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, its not really a ton of bread, but I do come out ahead.

Tawny OgdenSwimming pool at your disposal without all the work! WOOHOO

Tom Hascall ColeThere are three. One is a four-minute jog from my front door. Heated.

Tawny OgdenYou really are Old King Cole. Who would of thought?

James SwannI LOVE IT TOMMY!!!'

Tom Hascall ColeAs far as squirreling things away; have you ever seen a hearse with a U-Haul trailer hitched behind it? I'm spending my bread while the spending is good!

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I stole the hearse metaphor from you, Marie!

Tom Ditsworthand a little in the armpit keeps those cat fisherman groupies away.

Tom Hascall ColeYes, you need to do that because when it's learned that you're going catfish fishing, you become a babe magnet. But it doesn't always work; some of them love the smell. I like the phrase "This unfished bar is always good for a cat." in my essay "Lure Lore" from The Sands of Pima Arroyo. Here's the excerpt: In Saguaro Lake, I was once snorkeling ten feet deep exploring a very rocky, slanting bottom for lures. I followed a line to a large and handsome red and white brass spoon. After I freed it, I swam a little farther out and found that the rocks disappeared giving way to a flat underwater bar of sand and gravel. No one on shore had even thought of bottom fishing. It seemed that with all those rocks, the bait would simply fall between the cracks out of sight. When I got out of the water, I made a rig with a split shot, egg sinker, and treble hook and baited it with Catfish Charlie stink bait. Then, I tossed it out over the rocks to my underwater sand bar. In only a couple of minutes a nice channel cat tapped at my line. I hooked him and brought him in. Whenever I go back to this area, I find that this unfished bar is always good for a cat.

Tom Hascall ColeHere's the rig. A swivel clip in place of the split shot is even better!

Tom Hascall ColeSo nice to know that I no longer need to be "WEARY" of chiropractic procedures.

Stephen ColeI love how they say "adjustment".

Tom Hascall ColeIt's a "breakthrough" in QUACK BALONEY!

Tom Hascall ColeIt's ridiculous what you see in this world.

Jim ZelenskiQuite a few antiquarian books were in the belongings that Judy inherited (there were maybe 5 generations of stuff there); we tried to keep what we either liked, of thought were of some value. But even the many books left for the estate sale company to market were sold to prof. book collectors. [not that your books would necessarily be called "antiquarian..." :-) ]

Tom Hascall ColeSome are, but Deathworld I hope not... as it is not too old and is still living and breathing... sort of..

Tom Hascall ColeHarry Harrison croaked. Doggone it. I wrote him a letter hoping he'd make another novel in the Death World series. His reply to me must have gotten lost in the mail.

Tracy ClarkeThat should be spectacular! Will you be allowed to take photos?

Jim ZelenskiWow - what an edifice -

Tom Hascall ColeNo photos I hear.

Jenny Anna LindeThe Moroni angle! I love it. Indeed, Mormons have their own angle on things..:)

Jim ZelenskiMacaroni does come with an angle -

Tom Hascall ColePerhaps I have told you that we sold our old station wagon to a guy that had "ANGLE BABY!" tattooed on his arm. I used to call my old blue Ford Falcon "The Blue Angle." Good name for a rock band too: The Blue Angles!

Kurt AldersonTake a look at the La Jolla temple. One of the most beautiful buildings I've seen. Mitt agrees wholeheartedly

Tom Hascall ColeAnd if Mitt thought disagreeing would win him an election, he would quit agreeing immediately. Forgive the politics, but it's true.

Jim ZelenskiWow - the LaJolla Temple is almost surreal -

Tom Hascall ColeHoly cow. I just saw it online and it makes the Gilbert temple look like a pup tent.

Tom Hascall ColeHere's a replica of another fairly good temple. After a long time, people moved on to other gods and Athena, who was once as important to everyone as any god of today, began to lose favor and finally died and we are left with a nice piece of architecture.

Jim ZelenskiMay years ago at a second-hand store (maybe in Laramie?) I got a cast plaster replica of the Parthenon. Have managed to keep it intact (in fact I now keep it in a glass case). My own little piece of classicism.

Tom Hascall ColeI have many such keepsakes which other people look upon as junk. I thought of the dead gods essay of Mencken that I enjoyed reading and put on my personal web page. I think I've post toastied it before. http://tomhascallcole.com/Mencken%20Graveyard%20of%20Gods.html

Wendy Colesad

Tom Hascall ColeSad? It's GLORIOUS. It has reached its potential. There are zillions of old uprights that play nice and can be given to charity. OUR piano HAS GIVEN ITS LAST MEASURE OF OF DEVOTION. And it has been preserved forever on silicon. Farewell fine instrument!

Tom Hascall ColeI will not say, do not weep, for not all tears are an evil.

Margaret NahmiasWhere is that, because I have books I like donate but the bookstore at my library is full.

Al Tomasu R amazing

Tom Hascall ColeYou can donate books to Changing Hands bookstore and if you have ones they can sell, they'll give you a credit. The rest go to charity so you get them off your hands and in a good place.

Jenny Anna LindeI expect many more stories whilst you are moving from here to there. I bet you have a treasure trove!

Tom Hascall ColePS. You can't see it, but the coyote's pallate is painted bright red!

Tom Hascall ColeFunny; palate has one L? Why?

Tracy ClarkeOf course the one you done yourself!

Jesus Eduardo PeñaYour home is looking great!!!

Sally Cole MooneyYou've got the Zen-like simplicity down.

Matthew AldersonIt is pretty cool, Tom. You are a natural. At my house we cover the piano with family photos, so boring. Where does one acquire an iguana? Is it real?

Tom Hascall ColeAh, I have written the story of the iguana and I bought it in Mexico in 1963. My mom was mad because I paid too much. I defended myself: I said it would look pretty on the piano. Finally, she relented and said she thought it would look good on the piano -- AND THERE IT HAS SAT FOR FIFTY YEARS. The old piano is being thrown out and the iguana continues the tradition on my new piano.

Tom Hascall ColeIt's a stuffed iguana.

Tom Hascall ColeI love my old stuff! People say not to bring all your junk to your new place and clutter it up. However, when I bring my old stuff, it looks like home!

Tom Hascall ColeI even just brought over our old World Book Encyclopedia. I remember when my mom and dad and I were cleaning out the old family hacienda for the last time and my dad went next door to see if he could give the encyclopedia to the neighbor. I said, "No!" I've kept the volumes ever since and will persist in keeping them!

Tracy ClarkeNow who to pass the treasures along to?!

Sally Cole Mooneyhope you dusted them before bringing them into your new house!

Tom Hascall ColeI had kept them perfectly dusted for many many years thank you very kindly. Actually, Steve and I spent a lot of time today cleaning out my old house. It's almost ready for the new owner. I'm washing walls and cleaning behind the fridge. The Hybrid Room is still beautiful and I'm leaving beautiful rugs and outdoor carpet. Just about done. Oh, by my new house is colossal!

Tracy ClarkeAre you really leaving behind beautiful rugs?

Tom Hascall ColeJust one. No room here at fun lakes. I bought it at Home Depot. I ordered it and there was a mistake and I got this hideous Persian thing instead of the Southwest rug I wanted. I told them that I wanted to return it for the correct rug because I didn't own an OPIUM PARLOR. They said, "You're funny!"

Wendy ColeOh Tom that looks great.....woowoo!

Tom Hascall ColeYou can hardly see that it's hanging from a wire the same color as the wall! I didn't want to poke a hole in my aluminum siding.

Tom Hascall ColeI will get that screen fixed. I know you hated it. I just may tear it out. I don't need it. No mosquitoes here.

Sally Cole MooneyYou really don't need to paint now.

Tom Hascall ColeParts of the place are beat up a little outside but it's fine otherwise. No paint!

Jim ZelenskiWhat many would give for such a view!

Tom Hascall ColeIt's amazing what the right realtor can do.

Kurt AldersonThere's no doubt about this, Tom. There appears to be a message from the ET's on the saguaro, as well. Could it be...?

Tom Hascall ColeEven without the help of extraterrestrials!

JL TerrellI think you right!

Stephen ColeI sharpened it up a little. Now you have compelling proof.

Stephen ColeI always suspected that realtor. That his eyes were on the ends of stalks was what first gave me pause. And when he started waving around his tentacles and sneezing those Tarzulian squid lice pupae out of his breathing funnel, I was even more suspicious.

Stephen ColeBlack and white makes the photo look more like the ones Adamski thrilled us with.

Tom Hascall ColeYou're making it look too much like a dome lamp. Here's Adamski's saucer (a chicken incubator they say) and one of the Mars probes for comparative study. I can't remember which probe this was. Funny; I was always a little uncomfortable around that realtor as I thought he regarded me with contempt because I didn't have claviform antennas or ooze any nice slime.

Jenny Anna Lindepretty convincing UFO :)

Jim ZelenskiLove the new look(s)!

Stephen ColeDon't forget that Adamski inspired the Galacto Guys saucer.

Tom Hascall ColeHey, I WROTE the last cartoon.

Paulette ChartierAre you having fun decorating your new home?

Tom Hascall ColeYes, I am having fun. I have set aside a few of my favorite doodads as I don't yet know where they should go.

Tom Hascall ColeAnd for those who are closely following my post toasties with such considerable interest, here's the fish at the site.

Sally Cole Mooneythat's as good as you see in museums

Wendy ColeI love this Tom!

Tom Hascall ColeI have just oodles of keen stuff like this!

Tracy ClarkeWell then share!!!!

Tom Hascall ColeOne of my favorite birds. Here's my study on the 2007 shrike decimation I discovered: http://www.tomhascallcole.com/shrike.html

Sally Cole MooneyI liked it when you described this bird as a mockingbird (I think that was it) with a bad 'tude.

Tom Hascall ColeI did write that.

Wendy ColeOh no...don't tell me you are having noise issues?

Marie MitchellI think surely it was the pipes

Twila GleasonIt's spelled Rez... Lol!

Tracy ClarkeI echo Wendy!

Tom Hascall ColeOnce or twice a year they make noise. They say it's okay. After all, once or twice a year I rob banks.

Tom Hascall ColeRez. Okay

Sally Cole MooneyYou have to allow neighbors to have an annual or semi-annual blow-out. It's the weekly parties that drive you nuts.

Tom Hascall ColeI'm going to plant a small saguaro in that pot or a barrel. Something simple.

Sally Cole Mooneybut it will develop an inferiority complex!

Ralph DurhamBarrel might be best. Remember that saguaros get freaking heavy. I had the pleasure of moving a 6 foot tall one once, wrap them in carpet first...

Wendy ColeOh no...........were you there to catch it before it did too much damage?

Tom Hascall ColeI used a dog towel. I had a guy fix it. Now I have laundered clothes.

Tracy ClarkeAnd a soaking wet rug? Smelly...at least you were home I hope?

Charles Wayman MitchellYou said 'new', right. Was the drain line hooked up properly?

Tom Hascall ColeWell, you may see something wrong in the connection above.

Tom Hascall Coleor lack of connection

Stephen ColeI will come by for a Shirley Temple or shooter.

Charles Wayman MitchellVery nice, Tom.

Marie MitchellFrom what I can see, I would fit on any of those stools.

Wendy ColeLove it..............xoxoxo

Tom Ditsworthneed more parafin-alia on the walls, work in progress ?

Scott WagyDid you move? Man it has been too long. We need to get together!

Matthew AldersonI have always thought that shuffle board was a fun game. My body is so stiff anymore that I can't even throw a Frisbee. But shuffle board, now that's possible.

Sally Cole Mooneyexcellent use of space

Tracy ClarkeYeah, did you move?

Tom Hascall ColeMatt, I only saw it played once years ago with Billy Richardson's parents who went to a country club. I was fascinated. With my messed up arms I can't throw coyote food over the fence very well. I tried today and fed the coyotes at E&C Roads. Still, I am strong if the arms are down so I can play a mean guitar and the doc says the injuries won't move down and mess me up.

Matthew AldersonI hope you're kidding about feeding coyotes...they can become aggressive, and they are very smart and athletic. Don't feed them, please. Let them hunt.

Tom Hascall ColeEvery bag of Value Time Dog Food I give them makes it less likely they will jump a fence and eat a dachshund!

Paulette ChartierFunny

Tracy ClarkeFunny and I like it, too

Tom Hascall ColeIt, however, is not a Christmas card at all.

Tracy ClarkeI caught that...

Joanie Johnson HartmanThe epitome of political correctness - it's funny and I like it too.

Tom Hascall ColeOh, my god what a view.

Twila GleasonBeautiful view.

Tom Hascall ColeDon't miss out on the amazing sight captured on film out the window: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200167635834207&set=a.1214718428690.25267.1850725403&type=1&theater&notif_t=photo_comment

Mark Marconias!!! Fore !!!

Tom Ditsworthgolf course ?

Stephen ColeThis is TOM COLE SPEAKING: It is a golf course. You know how much I love playing golf. Har. I never have to mow. Happy little golfers come by knocking a little ball around. They're hardly any trouble at all. The front is the park leading to the bass ponds.

Stephen ColeThis is TOM COLE SPEAKING: Bigger than my house. No drummer boy. Tidy homes. No weeds. Swimming pools. And, my favorite, shuffleboard! Har. Total quiet. No fences to corral barking dogs. I have an Arizona room. I have a storeroom. I have 2 beds and 2 baths. Granite countertops throughout. All new interior and appliances. Old outside. It's a prefab. The model is Granada. I've got a Granada.

Tom Ditsworthwhen's the move in ?

Tom Ditsworthbtw - my son Russell and his wife just moved too - it's a eppie-demic.

Tom Hascall Cole32 years of noise, talentless, amateurish drumming, college parties, noisy city folk from Peru, renters with roaring dogs and criminal backgrounds. I'm tired of living in that cave. It's a garage with a nice apartment slapped behind it. "Oh, Tom," they say, "Get new bookshelves and you'll be so happy." I'm sick of trying to make a silk purse out of this sow's ear. No joy in that. The dream is gone. I'm starting a bright new destiny and I've finally got a big living room! And the man cave is built in! The roof doesn't even leak. (Knock on wood.) Four bass ponds in my front yard instead of noisy neighbors. Golf course behind instead of noisy neighbors. Absentee Canadians on the left, on the right Wayne (whose worst offense is sitting outside reading a book) and his wife LORELEI (How auspicious is that?) I said, "Wayne, I'm pleased to meet you and I have one question: Do you play drums?" Wayne insisted that he did NOT play drums. Anyone causes me trouble and the little Mussolinis on the HOA board slap him with a lien. And I also put a whole lot of money in my pocket from the sale of my old home. Oh, sure I can't pee in the back yard anymore or go in the clubhouse without a collared shirt and there are a lot of dull yet annoying Midwesterners around who always look sour enough to pickle their own hams and way way WAY too many American flags and churches to worship bronze-aged Middle Eastern religions and fishing for carp is verboten and I have to get approval from the board if I want to install a flower pot or buy new socks. Yet little price all that is to pay for the protection from 34-year-old bikers moving in and parents buying their worthless, uncooked 20-year-old his very own house and put a full miked drum kit ten feet from my TV. Christ. I think I'm going to LIKE living in this mini Third Reich. Let the drummers move in. Hell, I'll be volunteering at the community gas chamber.

Tom Hascall ColeI move into my Granada as soon as they put some plywood under one section of floor, coax the AC to start running and fire up the gas furnace. You know these prefabs are a pain. If they are older than 1976, you have to pay cash for them (Mine's 1973 or 1972. No one remembers exactly.) Cash. No one will lend you the bread. And you can't get them insured for very much. I finally got someone to insure the structure for 78K. And if it burns down, the HOA won't let you drag a new prefab onto Sun Lakes. It's gotta be brand new and never lived in. But I have found that 78K will make me whole again if such a thing happens. I can get a slightly smaller but new one for 43900 and plant it at sun lakes for 15K. Heck, there's about 19K to spare, so I could get a bigger one probably.

Lori DoemlandCongrats!!!

Marie MitchellI'm ready for the housewarming whenever it occurs!

Tom Hascall ColeWell, you're going to be on my guest list.

Jim ZelenskiTom, my folks lived there the last couple decades of their lives, and liked it. Sounds like you're going in with eyes wide open -the pros and cons. Want quiet, you'll get quiet. You'll also get rules and plenty of enforcers (all your neighbors). Used to be the place was miles from anything but that's changed with creeping development from the north and east. I used to like hiking around the reservation, something that reminded me of the AZ I grew up in -

Zynnia Karminamuchas felicidades por tu nueva casa donde vivira el nuevo Tom Hascall Cole!

Tom Hascall ColeAgradecidísimo, Cinia.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, Jim. I don't expect my neighbors to be complaining about me, but I have heard there are some little Hitlers lurking about at the place.

Lori DoemlandWhat are your cross streets?

Tom Hascall ColeMy cross streets are Riggs and Dobson more or less.

Tom Hascall ColeAnother portrait of the artist as an old man:

Marie MitchellI know you know riders in the sky, but how about lavender blue , blue tail fly, and Holly Jolly Christmas?

Jenny Anna LindeLooking good, Tom! Did you have to buy all new duds with all the weight loss?

Tom Hascall ColeJust put some new holes in my belt.

Tom Hascall ColeI look almost life-like. I like blue-tailed fly a lot. I must check out Lavender blue and Holly Jolly.

Tom Hascall ColeI'm moving and I've thrown out most of my clothes anyway. I have some T-shirts and stuff. Don't want the new house cluttered.

Marie MitchellForget holly jolly Christmas; its annoying

Tom Hascall ColeI have a folder full of xmas songs I did for a gig two years in a row. I got paid 300 dollars for 45 minutes. I feel bad about it as I was filling in for the popular Carlos Santos, but it was really too much bread. Well, they paid happily. I've got the folder ready if needed again.

Zynnia Karminawow!!! felicidades!!! tu luces muy bien!!!

Tom Hascall Cole¿Quién es ese chico tan delgado?

Tom Hascall Cole¿Quién podría ser ese panzón a la izquierda?

Zynnia Karminajajjajaja yo no lo conozco

Tom Hascall ColeEl recuerdo de ese tipo se ha desvanecido casi totalmente.

Zynnia Karminajajajja si al otro tienes que presentarlo, tenemos que verte con tu nueva figura

Jesus Eduardo PeñaFelicidades Tom, ahora esre un ejemplo para muchos que queremos bajar de peso!!!

Tracy ClarkeDare I say you are as gorgeous as your dad?

Evan CaverninhaB.I. is the man...and so are you!!

Tom Hascall ColeI'm bi?

Tom Hascall ColeHe estado cenando con Steve y espero que no me engorde comiendo como como.

Evan CaverninhaNot to my knowledge. Regardless, Burl Ives is THE MAN, and so are you!

Tom Hascall ColeOh B as in Burl, I as in Ives. I got it.

Stephen Cole¿Como como? Como como como.

Tom Hascall Cole¡Gracias a todos por los piropos!

Marie MitchellMaybe another day, okay?

Tom Hascall ColeI remember writing "Because of the circumscribed nature of the corpus, I am forced to play host to a rather large morphophonemic component." Oh, I was conducting the written conversation on a very high level.

Jenny Anna LindeSome of it even makes sense...:)

Jim ZelenskiI'll agree to try to read yours if you agree to read my (now equally unintelligible) econ. master's thesis.

Stephen ColeIt is as clear as a mountain pool.

Tom Ditsworthof mud

Tom Ditsworthwe were smarter a few years ago

Tom Ditsworth?

Tom Ditsworthnow we're wise

Tom Ditsworthguys

Tom Hascall ColeWe are smarter than EVER! Did you know that I was moving to Sun Lakes?

Tom Ditsworthno, really physically moving ????

Tom Ditsworthselling da house ?

Tom Hascall ColeI'm selling my house and moving to Sun Lakes where I can get a bigger house that is awesome for peanuts and have thousands left over and no drummer boy next door ever.

Tom Ditsworthwell congrats are in order .... exciting !!!

Tom Ditsworthwe need to set up a hiking outing when you have time ...

Jenny Anna Lindecongrats on the new house! Ehhh, where is Sun Lakes?

Tom Hascall ColeSun Lakes is eleven miles south of where I live now. The end of civilization except for some res behind there are just abandoned fields and desert.

Tom Ditsworthso, what do u need for your new house? i am good for a house warming gift !

Sally Cole MooneyHe needs to get rid of stuff for a Zen-like simplicity in the new pad!

Stephen ColeI understand it perfectly. It's especially good because of all of the brackets. Add a few more brackets and it'll be perfect.

Stephen Cole"Because of the circumscribed nature of the corpus delicti, I was forced to play host to a rather large woodchuck accused of woodland malfeasance."

Tom Hascall ColeI HATE it when an animal like a woodchuck has taken to such small practices!

Carol NewtonGood for you!

Ralph DurhamWay to go Dude!

Sally Cole MooneySound of one hand backslapping.

Tom Hascall ColeGo to the supermarket. For each five pounds you lose pick up one of those 5-lb trays of blubbery chicken breasts or thighs. I now heft five of them and there is more blubber there than in Wee Willie the Whale and I can barely lift it.

Gayle Johnson-Beckerwoo hoo!

Marie MitchellGreat! What say I buy you a beer!

Tracy ClarkeCongrats! What's your goal number of pounds? Why do men have such willpower?

Jenny Anna LindeHeartfelt congrats!

Tom Ditsworthweigh to go

Jim Zelenski"That's my hat - What a hat!"

Tom Hascall ColeI wish I could remember the song. But look at their mouths. Just look at them.

Tracy ClarkeWhat a fun birthday party! They all seem happy. Do you think Sonny might remember although he was young? That looks like on of those time that details stick!

James SwannAwesome Tommy!

Jenny Anna Lindevestiges of conscience, indeed!

Tom Hascall ColeI am not the author of this one, however.

Sally Cole MooneySteve wrote it?

Tom Hascall ColeI'm sure he did but perhaps he doesn't want people to know.

Jeff ColeYou done a bad thing reminding us of that Lance kid.

Gayle Johnson-BeckerJealous

Ralph DurhamI always saw those advertised but never believed in tehm enough to buy

Tracy ClarkeWhy am I not surprised? You are too cute, my cousin...

Tom Hascall ColeRalph: They're pretty good. You have to have a bright light to hold your hand near but through the glasses it really does look as though you could see the bones. They do other things; at night car lights and traffic lights look amazing.

Tracy ClarkeAnd their names are?

Stephen ColeThey look very much like people-- for SHRIMP.

Tom Hascall ColeI never knew that crustaceans had teeth like that and big blue or brown eyes, but I guess they do!

Chepita Chetu español es perfecto!!!!

Tom Hascall ColeGet a load of this.

Tom Hascall Cole@Chepita Che A propósito, María José, te voy a enviar una edición revisada de Las Misteriosas noches de antaño cuando yo termine todo. Incluso he escrito una versión bilingüe y ¿Sabes una cosa? ¡En los agradecimientos de ambos yo he deletreado tu nombre debidamente! :) Te enviaré las dos. Además estoy en vías de redactar otra autobiografia en español que se llama Recuerdo de amnesia. (Suena un poquito raro, pero tengo un recuerdo vivo del día en el que yo tenía amnesia.) Hasta ahora tengo 105 páginas. Voy a incluir muchas fotos y espero que no se asemeje a un álbum de recortes. Una de las historias se llama "La ballena y los palos de paleta." Te invito a adivinar de qué se trata. Buena suerte. Te regalaré una copia del libro nuevo también ya que me ayudaste tanto con el castellano. Aquí está el índice: Índice 1. La anguila tendida en la arena 1 2. Meseta Kykotsmovi 2 3. Recuerdo de amnesia 3 4. Los canales 7 5. Un paseo 14 6. Lúpulo 20 7. Cesna 11452 25 8. El regalo 31 9. El guardabosques 33 10. El tesoro escondido en el desierto 37 11. Carta a Buddy Rovit 42 12. Dos casas editoriales 50 13. Camarones de hadas 61 14. México 1963 66 15. Lo que el agua se llevó 80 16. Hace muchos años 81 17. ¡Qué alivio! 82 18. El malentendido 83 19. La Señora Rogers 85 20. La mordida 88 21. La ballena y los palos de paleta 89 22. El hombre debajo del arbusto 91 23: Los jinetes 94

Margaret NahmiasPuedes enviarme un ejemplo de Las Misteriosas noches de antaño Tom Hascall Cole?

Tom Hascall ColeHace poco encontré una palabra mal deletreada: chispan en lugar de chispean. Así se va... He corregido otras... El libro: Se puede leerlo gratis aquí http://tomhascallcole.com/misteriosasnoches.html Puedes compralo aquí https://www.createspace.com/3621200 o http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=las%20misteriosas%20noches%20de%20anta%C3%B1o

Margaret Nahmiashazme cuando termines el outro libro.

Tom Hascall Colecomo no

Chepita Cheyo te admiro mucho, eres un hombre super inteligente y se que este nuevo reto sera algo muy importante en tu vida, será acaso que las ballenas comen paletas? jajaja, me llama mucho la atención La mordida, aqui en Nicaragua tiene su significado y se basa en la Policia Nacional jajaja pero bueno creo que esa situacion existe en muchos paises, me encantaria tenerlo en mi coleccion, nosotros siempre hablamos de ti y ponemos como ejemplo tu esfuerzo y empeño con nuestros estudiantes de Español, espero con ansias tu nuevo libro y recuerda Nicaragua te sigue esperando!!

Tom Hascall ColeNo, las ballenas no comen los palos de paleta -- y la mordida no es un soborno sino una verdadera mordida; ¡Un perro me mordió!

Tom Hascall Cole¡Todo el mundo sabe muy bien que a las ballenas no les gustan paletas!

Tracy ClarkeYou're right, and it's beautiful. I still have the fossils you gave me...

Jim ZelenskiLike this a lot!

Sally Cole MooneyThat's one dead cow.

Jim ZelenskiWhoa - does that bring back memories!

Ralph DurhamNot all of them good....

Jim ZelenskiI think the young lady was after my time -

Tom Hascall ColeHer name was Perky.

Tom Hascall ColeOr Jodie of the Pink Berets.

Tom Hascall ColeJodi

Jim ZelenskiLove it: "The chickens never new what hit them....and Mother and I often remark about it over tea."

Tom Hascall ColeI think I wrote it because of the Zanzibar references. I'll post the others. One a day; two many good things too fast will only spoil everyone.

Marie Mitchell"Mother and i favored heavy artillery". Priceless. Curious...was this stage before or after the stand-up comedy routines?

Tracy ClarkePriceless...

Sally Cole MooneyI like the contrast between the macho mother shouting "Feed me!" and the later refined version of her having tea with her son!

Sally Cole MooneyThis is now called "Flash Fiction."

Tom Hascall ColeWriting good fiction is hard work. :)

Paulette ChartierGood for you!

Tom Hascall ColeI meant THROUGH not THOUGHT. But I can't edit this for some reason.

Audrey Stuk O'BrienThe spiritual side of losing weight. I think it goes something like, "God, grant me the wisdom and the strength to back away from the dessert table." Kudos on your accomplishment, Tom.

Davy Mooneycongrats, uncle tom!

Tracy ClarkeGreat going!

Margaret Nahmiashahahah Spiritual side it more like an emotional side If you watch Extreme Weight Loss you can see a lot of the people that Chris Powell works with had emtional reasons for their weight gain.

Twila GleasonI do weight watchers online, so much better.

Matthew AldersonGo Tom.

Sally Cole MooneyMaybe I'll have breakfast at Frank's tomorrow in honor of your weight loss.

Margaret Nahmiasmy mom lost 67on WW.

Jenny Anna LindeCongrats!

Tom Hascall ColeI meant to say a a hermetically sealed tube full of tarantula hawks and BITING MIDGES!

Tracy ClarkeI can't believe you have 20-30 to go, but good on you for losing that 20!!!!

Tom Hascall ColeShe has tons of essays and stuff.

Jim ZelenskiNice piece of history -

Tracy ClarkeDid you draw that critter as your dad would say?

Tom Hascall ColeNo, my dad drew it. He drew a lot of them like that.

Tracy ClarkeBrilliant

Tracy ClarkeWon't let me see translation, so will you give it to me?

Tom Hascall ColeIf you mean Gammarus desperatus, it's just the Latin name, Gammarus being the genus for this type of amphipod and the species name is "desperatus" Latin for "hopeless" which my dad chose to name the animal because it lived in a single pond that could dry up and thus its future was hopeless as it would likely become extinct.

Tom Hascall ColeMy Dad never mixed Latin and Greek to name new species. That's a no-no!

Tracy Clarkethanks...

Tom Ditsworthtoo many legs for me

Tom Hascall Colefodoe for you.

Jenny Anna LindeYeah, yeah...the Monkees!

Tom Hascall ColeThe Beatles were yeah, yeah; the Monkees were Hey, hey..

Jenny Anna LindeNever mind....you guys LOOK like the Monkees!

Marie MitchellSo what WERE you making effort at..if not German?

Jim ZelenskiReminds me of my 7th (?) grade report card: all A's except for my D in "conduct and deportment"

Tom Hascall ColeI remember reading a similar note given to Aunt Mimi from John Lennon's teacher. The problem? It was written right on the paper: INSOLENCE.

Tom Hascall ColeMatt Alderson and I were in the class. Steve later taught with Herr Crook I think.

Tom Hascall ColeAnd I like Herr Crook's handwriting.

Tom Hascall ColeI remember my parents told me that Herr Crook told them, "He seems to be terribly preoccupied with alcoholic beverages." My parents said they laughed and replied, "Well he would be at that age."

Matthew AldersonI enjoyed German but I remember very little of it. Now my brother Kurt, could actually read and understand German, I think he took it all four years at Tempe High. Both my brothers were pretty smart unlike me.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, weren't you and I in the same class? And I somehow remember Kurt in one of the German classes. Don't you remember how we recorded a German version of "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite ... Frau Henderson will be there late of Herr Crook's funky fair... Over men and horses hoops and garters lastly through a hog's head of real BRATWURST! We wrote a dialog. "Mein vater hat vier wine un bier getrunken und hat in kücke gefält und schreicht!" Yes my German is still nonexistent, but that's how I recall it.

Jenny Anna LindeTom, I love this! Too funny. What I especially appreciated was the fact that your teacher's name was CROOK!!!!

Tom Hascall ColeHe was a good guy, Herr Crook. Very good German teacher.

Matthew AldersonYes, now that you mention it, I do remember singing that song. It was fun. I think I spent most of the class ogling Kathy Baker and Cathy Mann.

Tom Hascall ColeWas it you and I or Kurt and I who dressed up in lederhosen and danced around in the cafeteria one night? Herr Crook said we were good sports. There was a dance and at one point a couple of couples collided and it was kind of a downer. The next Day Herr Crook said, "It would have been better if someone had shouted 'Ach du lieber!'"

Matthew AldersonProbably me, can't remember. Sounds familiar, like something I'd do. I did like Mr Crook, it was a fun class. Strangely the only really clear memory I have of that year was drawing a sketch of Merri Jo Impson in the sidebar of my Geometry textbook. It was a damn good sketch, I was so proud of it.

Tom Hascall ColeI think Kurt brought a big empty bottle of Bacardi to class. We had talked a lot about bier und vine and he thought he'd take it to another level and see if he could get a rise out of Crook. "Was trinken Sie?" asked Herr Crook to which Kurt replied smiling (and lying), "Oh, it's for an art project."

Matthew AldersonI remember the Bacardi. John Wood had taken Kurt along to Rocky Point and Kurt brought that bottle back with him. It was full, and we drank some of it at the Hidden Canyon in South Mtn Park. Bill Ross helped us with this worthy undertaking. I think I got sick.

Matthew AldersonTom, Kurt says he remembers the lederhosen. So it was him. He said they fit too tight and he had to be careful how he moved. Oomp Pah Pah, or something like that.

Tom Hascall ColeI remember that Pam what's-her-name saying to Herr Crook, "Tom could probably get in them." She was referring to an even smaller pair that skinny old me could squeeze into. It was rough.

Tracy ClarkeShame on you Tom, the son of a scholar, lack of application and effort!

Jim ZelenskiDon't have a caption, but the sign prompted me to look up "broasted": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broasting

Tom Hascall ColeOh, it's BROASTED. Even better! Here's the caption: SOME POSSIBLE TITLES FOR THIS PICTURE. ANYONE HAVE A BETTER ONE? Taken on the Apache Trail November 8, 2009 I don't reckon them days'll ever come again. The best laid plans may fail. All Things Must Pass Forty Years Have Passed Since I First Danced with Liza Jane. They don't broil chicken like they used to do.

Steve FrizzellI recon folks just wasn't ready for "Broasted Chicken"

Randy WeberKovacs Korner...the Replacement's album cover!

Al TomasI'd stop for the beer

Sally Cole MooneyDon't mean to broast, but our chicken is the best.

Jenny Anna LindeBeer, chicks and music. Need I say more?

Tom Hascall ColeYou know I should fire up a grill with chicken there, lay out a six pack of cold beer, play my guitar and take a picture! This is only 35 minutes from my house.

Wendy ColeInvite me...I want to be there! I'll bring the Cutthroat!!

Tom Hascall ColeAnytime you want.

Tracy ClarkeAnd see how many people gather!

Sally Cole MooneyWatch out Pete Shelton. You've got competition.

Tom Hascall ColeOrdinary objects become works of art at the hands of a genius.

Jim ZelenskiSo, life is art after all....

Tawny OgdenDadaism, you and Marcel Duchamp.

Tawny Ogdenhttp://arthistory.about.com/cs/arthistory10one/a/dada.htm

Tom Hascall ColeYes, it is dada! I'll be using it during Wednesday night's performance.

Tom Hascall ColeMr. Randall and Mr. Cromer taught us all about it.

Sally Cole MooneyI don't know, given that toilet brush this might be Caca rather than Dada.

Tracy ClarkeI'm with you, Sally!

Stephen Colehttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1046&bih=678&q=dada&oq=dada&gs_l=img.3..0l10.2123.2550.0.2983.4.4.0.0.0.0.123.418.2j2.4.0....0...1ac.1.25.img..0.4.418.Hn0tnkrnWQA#fp=67386d9dac1aaf71&hl=en&q=fur+lined+coffe+cup&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgrc=3DZZZtOq83akjM%3A%3Bh_5QCU9G0-dKVM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-QCUFwO9_Q2s%252FTWmk73CX1iI%252FAAAAAAAACJ4%252FyFzJhQuTEOc%252Fs800%252FMeret-Oppenheim-fur-lined-tea-cup.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.artfullyawear.com%252F2011_02_01_archive.html%3B800%3B611

Tawny OgdenCacaism a whole new movement.

Tom Hascall ColeCacaism was spearheaded by the musical group the Shit Kittens, which I formed in the 80s.

Tawny OgdenHA HAhttp://cacaism.weebly.com/info.html

Tracy ClarkeReally?

Sally Cole MooneyWhat's with the weather obsession?

Tom Hascall ColeI think it's funny that the kid brought cigars to school and got in trouble.

Tom DitsworthIs that a saguaro on Nov 16 ? Destined for AZ

Sally Cole MooneyI don't understand what Howard did to that silver dollar. ?? croocing ??

Tom Hascall Colesquooshing? There's another journal "Westward Ho!" My Dad went to HS in Tucson at one point. I learned this when I was in my late thirties.

Tawny OgdenNov 16, 26 - Goose looking at egg under saguaro? Is that a cow head-on with a tank? Funny! Bread truck?

Tom Hascall ColeEr... this is WITH beer.

Tracy ClarkeWow! What's your goal?

Charles Wayman MitchellKeep up the shoulder therapy!

Tom Hascall ColeGoal: skinny. Shoulder: no therapy. Beer and aspirin the best treatment.

Tom Hascall ColeTheir name used to be weight WALKERS because they had a diet consisting entirely of Johnny Walker Black Label.

Tracy ClarkeAre you really doing weight watchers?

Tom Hascall ColeYes, I am.

Erik-Heather FullerWhat happened to the old beer, fruit and tuna diet?

Tom Hascall ColeHeather! You remember my year 2000 essay after all these years. I miss you. There's plenty of beer in this diet. Never fear!

Erik-Heather FullerWhew! You had me worried there for a minute! Erik and I are trying to make it to a Wed. night performance at Whole Foods, so keep us on the list and we'll get there one of these days.

Tom Hascall ColeThe guy who used to hire me there quit but the new guys says I'm on Wednesday two weeksfrom now. I'll keep you on the list.

Carol NewtonRemember that! (the beach and the alligators!) :)

Jim ZelenskiWhen you shovel in the winter, doesn't the blade scratch up the paint?

Tom Hascall ColeYou pretty funny.

Tracy ClarkeGuess you need to hire a painter, but don't you just love the Goodwill?

Tom Hascall ColeExcept when you buy an electronic device and bring it back saying it doesn't work; you'll find the item back on the shelf for sale the next day.

Margaret NahmiasJim What snow? Do you know where he live hahahahah

Jim ZelenskiMargaret - yes; my sad attempt at humor. However, maybe occasionally he has to shovel something else....

Margaret NahmiasLike my neighbor said you can't shovel sunshine kkkk yeah I know probably dog poop.

Margaret NahmiasI thought you were one of those out of state people who don't anything about Arizona much less the climate

Jim ZelenskiLive out of state now, but grew up in Tempe -

Tom Hascall ColeWe were in speech class together.

Margaret NahmiasI figured you grew up together.

Jim ZelenskiOMG - yes, Bill Graham! What a character -

Tom Hascall Cole"Character" is not the word I, personally, would choose. I hesitate to say more. His real name was Judson. Billy Graham was his alias.

Twila GleasonWow!!!

Sally Cole Mooneywhat big ears they have

Tom Hascall ColeThe better to hear you.

Margaret Nahmiasthat was the big bad wolf

Marie MitchellWhat choo lookin at?

Ralph DurhamThey look pretty healthy.

Tom Hascall ColeThere used to be one in there with a hurt foot. And also a female I remember had an injured and oozing eye.

Ralph DurhamAnimals in the wild don't last too long if they are injured. They don't live the Disney life...

Tom Hascall ColeThat's why coyotes don't eat egrets. If the egret pokes them in the eye, it's curtains.

Steven PhilbrickI may have to stop by there with my 500mm lens; are these guys permanent residents?

Tom Hascall ColeThey're always there but often hidden.

Tracy ClarkeAnd ready to pounce, hungry?

Tracy ClarkeCat wins!

Tom Hascall ColeThis cat, which Sonny named "Stripes," used to come in the doggy door and noodles and he would eat dog food out of the same bowl. That's how good a dog Noodles was.

Tom Hascall ColeLook at my perennial patches. We wuz poor, but we had love; that's the one thing my daddy made sure of...

Sally Cole MooneyIs that in the alley?

Tom Hascall ColeWell it's a little earthy for the alley. Perhaps it is.

Steve FrizzellTom Hascall Cole.... Were the Cochrans who owned the farm in the background related to any of the Cochran kids we went to school with?

Tom Hascall ColeYou know, I rather don't think so. I remember Josie Cochran. She had a speech impediment and lived there on the farm. We met her in about 1958 when Mr. Cochran was giving my parents some cacti to plant. I always thought she was a total recluse living there, but one day when I was in my thirties, I was at one of Rick Fjelds' parties when my brother dragged me over and said, "Tom, do you know who this is? It's JOSIE!"

Jim ZelenskiThe year my Dad moved to Tempe (the rest of the fam. followed a couple of months later, in '59).

Sally Cole Mooneydig that coat!

Jim ZelenskiSo, is it true that if one keeps shoveling the horses____ one eventually finds a pony?

Twila GleasonAre you allowed to swim?

Tom Hascall ColeNo, not allowed. But we have always swum there.

Tracy ClarkeSounds like a special day1

Perry AlbertsonI admire you.

Sally Cole MooneyScary

Jenny Anna LindeThanks, Tom, it's 88 here and I was feeling warm, but then I remembered living in Phx. Pfffft.

Matthew AldersonWell I did get on my motorcycle today, but I didn't go far. Up to Anthem and New River and over to Cave Creek and then back to the air conditioned gym in Glendale where I rode an exercise bike for 30 minutes and then walked on the indoor track 1/2 mile. Mighty hot day, my thermometer on the patio got up to 120.

Tom Hascall Cole120!!

Matthew AldersonHonest. Of course I can't vouch for the accuracy of the thing. But I have another mercury type that usually agrees with it.

Matthew AldersonJust now I looked at the old mercury thermometer on the patio and it reads 112 or 113. The digital one is reading 114. It's 6:33 pm

Jim ZelenskiI wuz sad to see them go -

Tom Hascall ColeOnly they're not available here yet! You know those jalapeño cheese hot dogs at Circle K? How come they don't sell those in the supermarket. The other hot dogs stink!

Tom Hascall ColeYou know, these look a little light in color; I hope they haven't diddled with the recipe. AND THEY DON'T SELL THEM IN ARIZONA.

Jim ZelenskiThey're probably not the healthiest things in the world, but they remind me of childhood and Saturday special treats.

Tom Hascall ColeWell, I don't buy hotdogs very often. I'll just eat them all at once. The same with ice cream. I never buy it. I'll eat the whole half gallon at once.

Tracy ClarkeI'm the same wya (with ice cream.) Why don't you start a campaign to get them into the state of Florida? Maybe you could be their sales rep!!! And get free dogs for life!!!

Tom Hascall ColeWell, didn't that little person (a woman) land a nice career being "Little Oscar?"

Tom Hascall ColeSiblings must tell me where this was.

Tracy ClarkeWe were lucky to get new Easter dresses, shoes and baskets each year, very exciting. I and my sisters got new gloves, hats and purses, too, tah dah!!!!

Wendy ColeIn 5th grade we had to draw a picture of our Easter outfits...I was too honest to lie, so drew me in jeans and a t shirt because we had gone camping at Mammoth Cave....Grrrrrrrrrrrrr...how hard that was, to be the outsider heathen.

Tom Hascall ColeEvery Monday, the teacher would ask each of us what we did in Sunday school. Since my parents were atheists, one day I got sick of it and raised my hand. "Yes, Tommy! What did you do in Sunday school?" I said, "My dad says he's gonna build me a little cart!!"

Tom Hascall ColeI was baiting Sally, actually as she told me about the Easter dress problem at school. I'm sure they asked the Jewish girls to describe their Easter dresses

Wendy ColeThis is taken in the back yard of the Louisville house. I can see the little porch Dad was hammering on when the hammer head flew off and landed on my head when I was playing in the sand box right below.

Tom Hascall ColeI don't remember the white clapboard.

Sally Cole MooneyEverytime I see a picture of my child-self I wonder who in hell did my hair!

Wendy ColeHahah...benign neglect...no one did our hair!! xoxo

Tracy ClarkeMe thinks our mothers did our hair back in the day...

Tom Hascall Cole1967

Tom Hascall ColeTaking care of the Nazis.

Tom Hascall ColeMexico

Tom Hascall ColeYou know, cans keep beer fresher longer than bottles. The seal is better. For another thing there's no light. NEVER buy a beer in a green or clear bottle. It will be spoiled in hours by light and more often than not will taste like a skunk. Some people think it's SUPPOSED to taste like skunk. It isn't. Skunk is bad! It's like sled dog livers. Many sled dogs have so much vitamin A in them from eating fish that their livers are toxic. Sled dog livers are poisonous. Don't eat them!

Jim ZelenskiLearn sumpin' ever day -

Joanie Johnson HartmanIs 2:30 the new 5:00??

Tom Hascall ColeI read some detective novels a couple of years ago. The detective always drinks with some woman in the plot. One said, "Never drink before three." I thought I would change that. But I really didn't drink the Boston Lager until around four. I want to start a band sponsored by Sam Adams. It could be called THE BOSTON LAGER RHYTHMS!