This Memorial Day we have a lot to remember. Sgt. Anthony Schober, who went to school at Douglas High, was killed in Iraq in a tragic incident that has left three of his comrades missing in action and believed captive. While his family and friends grieve, his company is scouring the countryside, trying to find the captured soldiers. Pvt. Alejandro "Alex" Varela, of Fernley, was also killed in Iraq last week, making it a dreadful week for our soldiers and their families. We read, too, of the deaths of two prominent Carsonites, former fire chief Les Groth, and former director of Carson-Tahoe Hospital volunteers, Jean Bawden, both wonderful people. Our deepest sympathies go out to all their friends and families. All four will be deeply missed. And on this Memorial Day, take time out from the Indy 500 and the three-day weekend to remember all those who were near and dear to you. May they rest in peace. And take the time for those who are here to tell them you love them. Sometimes you don't get another chance.
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Hooray for the WNCC Wildcats! This weekend they will be playing in the Junior College national championships in Grand Junction, Colorado. Great baseball from our local team. And they're not the only ones making sports news. The Carson and Dayton high school teams have been doing well in spring sports, too. Way to go Senators and Dust Devils.
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Positive Energy will be whooping it up at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall on Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. with a terrific recital/revival. $10 adults; $5 ages 5-12 and 65+; 5 and under, free. Call 884-3633 for details. If you like to see cute kids tumbling, this is your cup of tea.
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Former sheriff Pete Rasner (via Joan Paul) came up with a new twist on this one. "An elderly couple, aged 108 and 102, were getting a divorce. 'Why did you wait so long?' a reporter asked. 'We waited 'til all the children died,' he replied." OK ...
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That sweet suthin' lady, Caroline Culpepper, said, "How can you make a trailer look Victorian?" (she'd read where Dennis Hof has "upgraded" his brothel to look Victorian on the outside and to reflect the Victorian look on the inside). Her friend, Magnolia Ogilthorpe Lee, wants to know how she knew they were trailers in the first place.
Hmmmm?
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"When Dan found out he was going to inherit a fortune from his dying father, he decided to go out to a singles bar and celebrate. While there, he spotted the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen and asked her to come home with him. He explained that in a week or two, his father would die, and he'd inherit 20 million dollars. Impressed, the woman went home with him and, three days later, became his stepmother. Women are so much smarter than men." (Shades of Anna Nicole ... thanks, Dianne).
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Carolyn would like to thank Jarid Shipley and Chad Lundquist for the great Mother's Day article on her family. Her mother, Ma Tate, was beside herself with joy and feels she's a celebrity now that people mention it. The only problem was that her daughter and granddaughter were identified as Suzie and Lexi Tate, when they are really Suzie and Lexi Lequerica. Other than that, it was terrific.
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It was nice to see a group of cars and a big Carson Masonry truck stopped on Edmonds Drive the other day with lights flashing, to let two geese and their six little goslings cross the road. Pretty darned cute.
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We had the DISpleasure to see the out-of-state picketers in front of Senator Reid's office the other day with signs of "treason" and "traitor." If these supporters of "George W. Bush's private war" feel so strongly, we suggest they go to Iraq and take over in the field for our soldiers so that they can come home or go to Afghanistan where we belong ... then we'll see how they like our involvement in that country.
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The free Kit Carson Trail - Wild West Tour will be this Saturday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Meet at the Nevada State Museum for a walking tour to see and meet Carson's historic characters along the way. It's always lots of fun, and the price is right. Call 687-7410 for details. The steam trains will also be running this weekend at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
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We were invited to the Nevada Highway Patrol's training facility last week to see how troopers are taught to pull cars over. We did learn the right way, and the wrong way (we had seen a "stop" that looked dangerous to us and had written about it ... turns out it wasn't the "approved" way), BUT, in an emergency, a trooper has the right to do anything he or she has to do to keep people safe. Thanks to P. K., Nina, Chris, Eddie, and Martin. Also to Jim (a former NYPD officer) who brought us water (it was warm out there).
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Nina Bailey sent us some cute jokes: "A drunk man staggers out of a bar and sees a firetruck racing past, siren wailing and lights flashing. Immediately, he starts chasing the engine, running as fast as he can, until he collapses and yells, 'If that's the way you want it, you can keep your stupid ice cream.'"
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Maizie had a fine time Friday night when Judge John Ray, and his wonderful wife, Geniel, treated her to dinner at Thurman's Ranch House. John and M used to be members of the "breakfast club" that met at the OH every weekday morning for many years with Gene Butler, Vern Manke, Ken Cavallero, Sheriff Hal Dunn, Ed Glick, Larry Callahan, and Guy Shipler. Grand memories, and thanks so much to John and Geniel. It's always nice to see them.
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Happy Birthday to Tyler Jesse this week. May you get lots of presents!
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Nina also sent us these: "To err is human. To blame it on someone else shows management potential." "Yes, this is my truck. No, I will not help you move." "Therapy is expensive. Popping bubble wrap is cheap." And finally, "I don't want buns of steel. I want buns of cinnamon." How true.
Have a safe weekend.
• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.