A drunk driver crashed into my house last night. He crashed into several neighbors vehicles as well. I guess the fellow is an illegal immigrant... no license, no insurance, stolen license plates, and the car which he claimed to own was not registered in his name.

He first hit that green car, pushed it up over the curb, and then continued on, turning just in time to miss my garage and hit the corner of my porch, after which he continued through two neighbors yards, then he crashed into another car about two blocks away.
After that he ran and hid, but we were outside with some neighbors, and they saw him, and chased him down and showed the police where he was hiding. It was a pretty exciting night.


Luckily, he hit the most solid portion of my home, the porch. He only damaged some stone, a little siding and cement, and destroyed my handrail.

CNG Article

A Broken Man

Had some visits with some doctors about a progressively sore wrist this week. My wrist and thumb always hurt. I can't shoot three's or do push-ups, and it is very sore after shoveling or lifting.

I injured it way back when we lived in Manti, and the pain has slowly gotten worse. And guess what? I have a broken wrist. It has been broken now for about 9 years. As the surgeon said, "there are eight bones in your wrist; well, you have nine." I don't know whether that means I am a tough guy or a dumb guy.

It has been so long the surgeon thinks the resulting arthritis has destroyed my cartilage. Thus, there is no point in repairing the bone, as I will still have bone on bone in there. He thinks my best option is probably to remove some of the bones and then let the other ones "settle in." It reduces my movement but should get rid of the pain and stop further deterioration. I'll think about it.

Thanks for letting me share.

Take A tour Without a Top Secret Clearance!

Here are two links to the "Today Show" on MSNBC's website. Al Roker is doing a series called "Access Granted" in which he and the cameras have been given special permission to enter and film what would be normally highly secure and sensitive areas. In these links he travels to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and interviews Airmen who work directly in the Nuclear Deterrence mission in defending the United States 24/7 365 Days a year. The second link is what I actually do, although Al didn't interview me or come to Minot. The mission and capsules are pretty much the same. This is the first time the Air Force has ever allowed live cameras in a Nuclear Launch Control Center.
Now, if you would like your very own personalized tour, just head our way and I will gladly accomodate you. But seeing how that won't really happen and is only wishful on our part because we miss all of you, enjoy the links.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/#24479883
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/#24479883

Edit post by DVB: I think I found it. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/#24482119

Cherish Grandparents

Today, Grandma and Grandpa Benge began their long trek back home to Utah. They had arrived almost two weeks ago to help out and meet the new little addition. They spent their time serving us. Grandpa did an assortment of construction and landscaping projects, as well as teasing the boys. It made Grandpa laugh when Jeffrey knew when he was pulling his leg. Grandma did cleaning, cooking, and nurtured her grandkids and daughter. Not to mention reading "the little mouse and the red ripe strawberry" to Dallin at least 150 times. It was a wonderful visit and they were a great help to us.

But as we all stood on the lawn waving goodbye, wondering when and where we will see them again, it really struck us just how much we love them. We realized in that moment, or were reminded again, what a blessing a Grandparent really is. Their's is unique role that really can't be filled by anyone else. And Grandma and Grandpa Benge take great Joy in that role. Why else travel to North Dakota? And when we miss our Grandparents and wish they were closer, we really cherish them most. We just pray for them in their special mission to all their grandchildren, that they will have strength and many more wonderful years ahead.