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20th June 2009

Photo

For Father’s Day I wanted to find a picture which really depicted what my Dad was all about. I must have gone through dozens of photos. Some young….some old (ahhh…I mean errr…more recent), I finally came upon this one. For as long as I can remember Dad has always been one of the hardest working men I have ever known. Even with all the hard work Dad always kept the family in the center of his life. Whether we were building a new home to move into or traveling cross country, he always found a way to include everyone. When he and Mom moved to southern Alabama and started building the home they would retire to, he always had help. There was always someone showing up. One of us kids, Dad’s brother, Mom’s brothers or sisters….someone was there to lend a hand. Not that Dad had to ask but we showed up because we were family. And if there was one thing Dad taught us….family helps out and sticks together. It’s the one lesson I always try to keep in my life. Through good times and bad…family will see you through ( and help with manual labor when needed). This picture is of Dad and Uncle Duane. Even though Uncle Duane lived hours away, he didn’t hesitate to show up and help Dad. As you can see….the Pullen boys were even having fun doing a little carpentry. That’s how it has always been with Dad. When you think you might have a long days of work ahead of you, Dad always had a way of making you smile and feel like you were working for a greater cause. So on this Father’s Day I want to thank my Dad not just for all the houses he built for us, but for the home he always made it. A safe, loving and happy place which filled my heart with the happiest of memories. Happy Fathers Day….we love you Dad!

For Father’s Day I wanted to find a picture which really depicted what my Dad was all about. I must have gone through dozens of photos. Some young….some old (ahhh…I mean errr…more recent), I finally came upon this one.

For as long as I can remember Dad has always been one of the hardest working men I have ever known. Even with all the hard work Dad always kept the family in the center of his life. Whether we were building a new home to move into or traveling cross country, he always found a way to include everyone.

When he and Mom moved to southern Alabama and started building the home they would retire to, he always had help. There was always someone showing up. One of us kids, Dad’s brother, Mom’s brothers or sisters….someone was there to lend a hand. Not that Dad had to ask but we showed up because we were family. And if there was one thing Dad taught us….family helps out and sticks together. It’s the one lesson I always try to keep in my life. Through good times and bad…family will see you through ( and help with manual labor when needed).

This picture is of Dad and Uncle Duane. Even though Uncle Duane lived hours away, he didn’t hesitate to show up and help Dad. As you can see….the Pullen boys were even having fun doing a little carpentry. That’s how it has always been with Dad. When you think you might have a long days of work ahead of you, Dad always had a way of making you smile and feel like you were working for a greater cause.

So on this Father’s Day I want to thank my Dad not just for all the houses he built for us, but for the home he always made it. A safe, loving and happy place which filled my heart with the happiest of memories.

Happy Fathers Day….we love you Dad!

15th June 2009

Photo

Friday afternoon I knocked off work and headed north of Bend to a little town called Terrebonne. There is a state park there….Smith Rock. Beautiful park, LOTS of trails. More than I wanted to take on. This is a favorite spot for the local rock climbers. The acoustics are so good around the rock walls (Rock Walls…that’s what they call them….I call them sheer cliffs of death) that you can hear them yelling commands at each other from a mile away. Beautiful scenery all around.

Friday afternoon I knocked off work and headed north of Bend to a little town called Terrebonne. There is a state park there….Smith Rock. Beautiful park, LOTS of trails. More than I wanted to take on. This is a favorite spot for the local rock climbers. The acoustics are so good around the rock walls (Rock Walls…that’s what they call them….I call them sheer cliffs of death) that you can hear them yelling commands at each other from a mile away. Beautiful scenery all around.

12th June 2009

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I took a break this afternoon and ventured out into the mountains west of Bend. It was cold, sleeting, raining and a few feet of snow was still on the ground in many of the places. But it still had a beauty all it’s own. Most importantly…it was quiet. No cars, no phones, no people trying to get your attention. Just the soft whisper of the wind blowing down the mountains and through the trees.

I took a break this afternoon and ventured out into the mountains west of Bend. It was cold, sleeting, raining and a few feet of snow was still on the ground in many of the places. But it still had a beauty all it’s own. Most importantly…it was quiet. No cars, no phones, no people trying to get your attention. Just the soft whisper of the wind blowing down the mountains and through the trees.

31st May 2009

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Happy Birthday Tyler!! On June 1st, just a short 21 years ago Nancy and I were blessed with a little boy we named Tyler. He came into this world kicking and screaming….and not much has changed since. Well…maybe not as much screaming. Even at a very young age we knew he was going to be a handful. At about 2 years old he would stand in his crib, shaking his bottle and yell “More Juice Bob!”. Since he had trouble pronouncing “Mom”, Nancy was given the name of ‘Bob” by Ty. Once out of the crib he was always running, swinging bats, clubs, swords…what ever he could grab while tearing around the house. Tyler has grown into a fine young man. Attending UT- Chattanooga, playing on the tennis team. But….as you can see not a lot has changed over the years. He gets ups every morning…goes running, then picks up a racquet and starts swinging at things. We love you Tyler….Have a Happy 21st Birthday! Love….. Bob and Dad

Happy Birthday Tyler!!

On June 1st, just a short 21 years ago Nancy and I were blessed with a little boy we named Tyler. He came into this world kicking and screaming….and not much has changed since. Well…maybe not as much screaming.

Even at a very young age we knew he was going to be a handful. At about 2 years old he would stand in his crib, shaking his bottle and yell “More Juice Bob!”. Since he had trouble pronouncing “Mom”, Nancy was given the name of ‘Bob” by Ty. Once out of the crib he was always running, swinging bats, clubs, swords…what ever he could grab while tearing around the house.

Tyler has grown into a fine young man. Attending UT- Chattanooga, playing on the tennis team. But….as you can see not a lot has changed over the years. He gets ups every morning…goes running, then picks up a racquet and starts swinging at things.

We love you Tyler….Have a Happy 21st Birthday!

Love….. Bob and Dad

26th May 2009

Photo

Magic Beans….. Nancy and I never had any luck with growing veggies in the clay in middle Tennessee. One day Nancy told me about these “Earth Boxes” she had read about. We decided to buy a couple, make a couple and give it a shot. Even though all the photos and testimonials about Earth Boxes were fantastic….you just never know until you try. So we planted our little seeds in April and HOLY COW…who knew. Now we are just aching to taste our fresh crop. We are already planning for next spring…more Earth Boxes….more Earth Boxes I say!!

Magic Beans…..
Nancy and I never had any luck with growing veggies in the clay in middle Tennessee. One day Nancy told me about these “Earth Boxes” she had read about. We decided to buy a couple, make a couple and give it a shot. Even though all the photos and testimonials about Earth Boxes were fantastic….you just never know until you try. So we planted our little seeds in April and HOLY COW…who knew. Now we are just aching to taste our fresh crop. We are already planning for next spring…more Earth Boxes….more Earth Boxes I say!!

25th May 2009

Photo

As I was taking this picture you couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss and appreciation for the sacrifice these brave men and women gave for our country, our way of life and our freedom. Each grave from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the simple white granite markers, holds a brave soul which should be distinctly recognized. I thought about writing more about my thoughts on Memorial Day, but in my readings found two short quotes which summed it all up for me. I just didn’t feel I could improve on what these two persons had to say. “As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died. Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on.” -Ali M., 3rd grader “We are descendants of a common creed — one nation, under God. Partners with a common purpose; to keep our nation free and strong; a force for peace and progress; a place where people who work hard and take responsibility have the chance to make the most of their own lives, build good, strong families, and live out their dreams in dignity and peace. May God bless the souls of our departed and always bless the country they gave everything to serve.” -President Bill Clinton As I was taking this picture you couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss and appreciation for the sacrifice these brave men and women gave for our country, our way of life and our freedom. Each grave from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the simple white granite markers, holds a brave soul which should be distinctly recognized.

I thought about writing more about my thoughts on Memorial Day, but in my readings found two short quotes which summed it all up for me. I just didn’t feel I could improve on what these two persons had to say.

“As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died. Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on.”
-Ali M., 3rd grader

“We are descendants of a common creed — one nation, under God. Partners with a common purpose; to keep our nation free and strong; a force for peace and progress; a place where people who work hard and take responsibility have the chance to make the most of their own lives, build good, strong families, and live out their dreams in dignity and peace.

May God bless the souls of our departed and always bless the country they gave everything to serve.”
-President Bill Clinton

19th May 2009

Photo

Tilt-Shift-Shoot I love trying new things with my camera. Lately I have been experimenting with a photography technique called tilt:shift focus. It uses a very specific focus technique. Only a very specific portion of the photo is in focus while the rest of the frame is out of focus. With the right subject matter and technique it gives the appearance you are taking a picture of a model. As you can tell I love photography…..all the more reason I am so excited that I just signed a 12 month contract with National Geographic. I love the photography captured by National Geographic and the organization is the epitome of any aspiring photographer. I wasn’t sure I wanted to sign on for that length of time….but I thought what the heck. But what’s so exciting about the whole deal is that I am getting 12 months of the magazine for only $15.00. That’s easily 75% off the cover price. Now that’s something to get excited about !?!?

Tilt-Shift-Shoot
I love trying new things with my camera. Lately I have been experimenting with a photography technique called tilt:shift focus. It uses a very specific focus technique. Only a very specific portion of the photo is in focus while the rest of the frame is out of focus. With the right subject matter and technique it gives the appearance you are taking a picture of a model.

As you can tell I love photography…..all the more reason I am so excited that I just signed a 12 month contract with National Geographic. I love the photography captured by National Geographic and the organization is the epitome of any aspiring photographer. I wasn’t sure I wanted to sign on for that length of time….but I thought what the heck. But what’s so exciting about the whole deal is that I am getting 12 months of the magazine for only $15.00. That’s easily 75% off the cover price. Now that’s something to get excited about !?!?

17th May 2009

Photo

This past week we celebrated National Police Week where we honor the officers who have given their lives for the public they protect. This week I especially want to remember a fallen friend, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the loss of a good friend and fine Alaska State Trooper. On May 19th, 1984, Trooper Troy Duncan was killed while trying to capture a serial killer who had mercilessly murdered seven men, women and children in central Alaska. I found it hard to believe anything or anyone could have taken Troy down that day. He truly was one of those persons bigger than life. I met Troy in August of 1981 when we both attended the Alaska State Trooper Academy in Sitka, Alaska. On the first day we arrived, I introduced myself to this big lug of a guy and in just a few moments he was a friend for life. Troy was just that type of a man. Troy was a former Marine (Not ‘Ex” Marine as he repeatedly reminded me) and a bonified Texan. If he wasn’t giving you a big Texas yeee-haw, he was shouting the standard Marine call….hoooo-rah! More than once on our daily O dark thirty romps through the rain soaked trails of the Sitka forests, I found my way back to the academy following the Marine Corps barks of Troy. It was on one of those runs Troy gained my full respect and admiration. We were being visited at the academy by a certain Captain. Let’s just call him Capt. Gilmore for the sake of the story. Well…this certain Capt. thought he would get up and run with the recruits one morning….you know…show these young bucks how it’s ‘really’ done. About half way through the run this Captain pulled to the side of the trail and started to heave up his breakfast. Unfortunately for Capt. G, he was being followed closely by Troy. Troy was in the zone that morning. He was running….eyes straight ahead, back arched, legs kicking high. Troy was leading his squad with a hooo-rah and a one, two , three, four. Troy was so into his run he never saw the Captain doubled over on the side of the trail. Troy ran smack into the Captain knocking him head first into his freshly delivered breakfast. Troy didn’t miss a step. He gave another hoo-rah and just picked up the pace. To this day I don’t know why Troy didn’t stop. Whether not wanting to break his stride or risk the wrath of the sullied Capt. But that was classic Troy…..full speed ahead. And that’s how it was that May day back in 1984. Troy volunteering and loading up into a chopper attempting to bring in a suspect held up in a tactically dangerous location. A precarious situation which Troy never gave a second thought about his duty to perform. Later, when I was talking with friends who had been with Troy that day, Troy had been overheard saying he felt he was where he was meant to be. He finished his tour of duty that day with friends, doing what he was meant and wanted to do. So, on this 25th anniversary of Trooper Troy Duncan giving it his all, I want to thank him for his friendship, his service and send him a big hoo-rah!!

This past week we celebrated National Police Week where we honor the officers who have given their lives for the public they protect. This week I especially want to remember a fallen friend, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the loss of a good friend and fine Alaska State Trooper.

On May 19th, 1984, Trooper Troy Duncan was killed while trying to capture a serial killer who had mercilessly murdered seven men, women and children in central Alaska. I found it hard to believe anything or anyone could have taken Troy down that day. He truly was one of those persons bigger than life.

I met Troy in August of 1981 when we both attended the Alaska State Trooper Academy in Sitka, Alaska. On the first day we arrived, I introduced myself to this big lug of a guy and in just a few moments he was a friend for life. Troy was just that type of a man.

Troy was a former Marine (Not ‘Ex” Marine as he repeatedly reminded me) and a bonified Texan. If he wasn’t giving you a big Texas yeee-haw, he was shouting the standard Marine call….hoooo-rah! More than once on our daily O dark thirty romps through the rain soaked trails of the Sitka forests, I found my way back to the academy following the Marine Corps barks of Troy.

It was on one of those runs Troy gained my full respect and admiration. We were being visited at the academy by a certain Captain. Let’s just call him Capt. Gilmore for the sake of the story. Well…this certain Capt. thought he would get up and run with the recruits one morning….you know…show these young bucks how it’s ‘really’ done. About half way through the run this Captain pulled to the side of the trail and started to heave up his breakfast. Unfortunately for Capt. G, he was being followed closely by Troy. Troy was in the zone that morning. He was running….eyes straight ahead, back arched, legs kicking high. Troy was leading his squad with a hooo-rah and a one, two , three, four. Troy was so into his run he never saw the Captain doubled over on the side of the trail. Troy ran smack into the Captain knocking him head first into his freshly delivered breakfast. Troy didn’t miss a step. He gave another hoo-rah and just picked up the pace. To this day I don’t know why Troy didn’t stop. Whether not wanting to break his stride or risk the wrath of the sullied Capt. But that was classic Troy…..full speed ahead.

And that’s how it was that May day back in 1984. Troy volunteering and loading up into a chopper attempting to bring in a suspect held up in a tactically dangerous location. A precarious situation which Troy never gave a second thought about his duty to perform. Later, when I was talking with friends who had been with Troy that day, Troy had been overheard saying he felt he was where he was meant to be. He finished his tour of duty that day with friends, doing what he was meant and wanted to do.

So, on this 25th anniversary of Trooper Troy Duncan giving it his all, I want to thank him for his friendship, his service and send him a big hoo-rah!!

11th May 2009

Photo

D’ooh…dang stamps went up again today. I guess that means we will be getting better service…faster delivery, eh???

D’ooh…dang stamps went up again today. I guess that means we will be getting better service…faster delivery, eh???

10th May 2009

Photo

Mom’s first Mother’s Day. Notice Dad is tending to his relaxing bride while he peels grapes for her.

Mom’s first Mother’s Day. Notice Dad is tending to his relaxing bride while he peels grapes for her.

10th May 2009

Text

To My Mother

by: Wendell Berry

I was your rebellious son,
do you remember? Sometimes
I wonder if you do remember,
so complete has your forgiveness been.

So complete has your forgiveness been
I wonder sometimes if it did not
precede my wrong, and I erred,
safe found, within your love,

prepared ahead of me, the way home,
or my bed at night, so that almost
I should forgive you, who perhaps
foresaw the worst that I might do,

and forgave before I could act,
causing me to smile now, looking back,
to see how paltry was my worst,
compared to your forgiveness of it

already given. And this, then,
is the vision of that Heaven of which
we have heard, where those who love
each other have forgiven each other,

where, for that, the leaves are green,
the light a music in the air,
and all is unentangled,
and all is undismayed.


Happy Mother’s Day Mom!!

I Love You

Mickey (your first born and most beloved :)

8th May 2009

Photo

Hustle and Bustle at SEA Just sitting in Seattle Airport this morning with a 3 hour lay over…trying to find something to do. I always have some type of camera with me. So I pull out the ol’ trusty pocket Canon, set it on the floor near this beautiful amber screen and take pictures of people and shoes as they hustle by. I caught this guy in his Converse ‘Chucks’ just at the right moment.

Hustle and Bustle at SEA

Just sitting in Seattle Airport this morning with a 3 hour lay over…trying to find something to do. I always have some type of camera with me. So I pull out the ol’ trusty pocket Canon, set it on the floor near this beautiful amber screen and take pictures of people and shoes as they hustle by. I caught this guy in his Converse ‘Chucks’ just at the right moment.

7th May 2009

Photo

Last Chance Fatty MacButter Pants Well it’s official…I have to get back on my diet. This morning I was checking my email, deleting the junk and spam when I saw this ad from Lands End. I don’t know whether I should be upset for the implication of “Plus sized pants” or financially gleeful for the free shipping?? With all that extra material in those plus sized pants, I am sure I could make a killing on the postage??? Why, I could use that extra savings to buy another dozen or two of glazed donuts…MMmmmmm…doooonuts! I guess I should have seen it coming when strangers walked up to me on the street and ask where the “good” restaurants were in town. And then there is the occasional friend or family member that gently asks….’you gaining weight???” But to get this little friendly message from a national clothier is a little more than I can tolerate. So it’s back to rabbit food and exercise. Or maybe I can try that beer and donut diet I was reading about..hmmmm.

Last Chance Fatty MacButter Pants

Well it’s official…I have to get back on my diet. This morning I was checking my email, deleting the junk and spam when I saw this ad from Lands End. I don’t know whether I should be upset for the implication of “Plus sized pants” or financially gleeful for the free shipping?? With all that extra material in those plus sized pants, I am sure I could make a killing on the postage??? Why, I could use that extra savings to buy another dozen or two of glazed donuts…MMmmmmm…doooonuts!

I guess I should have seen it coming when strangers walked up to me on the street and ask where the “good” restaurants were in town. And then there is the occasional friend or family member that gently asks….’you gaining weight???” But to get this little friendly message from a national clothier is a little more than I can tolerate. So it’s back to rabbit food and exercise. Or maybe I can try that beer and donut diet I was reading about..hmmmm.

2nd May 2009

Photo

Hidden Squirrel..crouching varmit. Don’t mind me mister man…nothing going on out here…just a weed…no squirrels out here by the bird feeder…just weeds enjoying the morning rain….

Hidden Squirrel..crouching varmit.

Don’t mind me mister man…nothing going on out here…just a weed…no squirrels out here by the bird feeder…just weeds enjoying the morning rain….

30th April 2009

Photo

Spring is in full tilt and it’s great to see all the neighborhood kids playing outside. It’s great motivation to get out and enjoy the warm weather as you watch the little ones run till they drop from exhaustion. And since it’s spring… the Pied Piper of the neighborhood has appeared. Yes…we are talking about the ICE CREAM TRUCK!!! The legal crack for kids….and maybe an adult or two!! I loved this shot…I could just hear the little guy saying….”HEY..how ‘bout showing some love for little Bro!’. Little Sister was having nothing to do with it! All is fair in love and ice cream???

Spring is in full tilt and it’s great to see all the neighborhood kids playing outside. It’s great motivation to get out and enjoy the warm weather as you watch the little ones run till they drop from exhaustion. And since it’s spring… the Pied Piper of the neighborhood has appeared. Yes…we are talking about the ICE CREAM TRUCK!!! The legal crack for kids….and maybe an adult or two!!

I loved this shot…I could just hear the little guy saying….”HEY..how ‘bout showing some love for little Bro!’. Little Sister was having nothing to do with it! All is fair in love and ice cream???