Feelin’ Alright: With a Little Help From My Friends. Joe Cocker, you will be missed.

Posted on December 24, 2014 by timfruth

Hearing the news that Joe Cocker had passed on at the age of 70, really hit me. Joe was one of my all time favorite rockers who could take any song and make it his own. Joe Cocker was one of those singers that helped me through the good times and the bad times. There was many a night laying in bed with his songs coming through the headphones soothing my soul. I am thankful that his music lives on. Seems I’ve got to have a change of scene ‘Cause every night I have the strangest dreams Imprisoned by the way it could have been Left here on my own or so it seems I’ve got to leave before I start to scream Won’t someone lock the door and turn the key Feeling alright I’m not feeling too good myself Feeling alright I’m not feeling that good myself

So my evening run became an trek down memory lane as Joe Cocker was in my ears and I couldn’t keep back shedding a few tears listening to the now memories. His passing has taken a piece of my heart.

I grew up with Joe Cocker music, listening to his classic renditions of “The Letter”, “Feelin’ Alright”, “Delta Lady”, “Cry Me A River”, and so on. The man could sing and was as distinctive as he was iconic. Joe had the moves that seemed like he was having some sort of seizure. His face distorted, his body spasms, his arms reach in every direction and I loved it. Oh he would sweat as the fluids poured out of his body as he threw himself into the music. I finally got the chance to see Joe Cocker perform at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. Back in about 1988 or 89, I was just checking out the New Times while attending ASU taking some summer classes and noticed that Joe was coming in concert and tickets were going on sale at 10:00 a.m. on a Friday. I let Carolyn know that we were going. I walked over to Gammage and strolled up to the ticket window run by Dillard’s and two tickets and she printed them out and we were on the front row. Incredible luck or what have you but this is back in the day when you either bought them at the ticket window or you could do a phone in order. So Carolyn and I saw Mr. Cocker live and in person about three feet from our seats. Classic performance, that will always rate as one of my all time favorite shows. It was an awesome experience as he had made a comeback from the many demons that seemed to get his way during the late 70’s and early 80’s. He appeared at peace with himself and his music. I consider myself lucky that I actually got to see him live.

I remember watching clips of Cocker at Woodstock and his stage presence was unreal. He took songs from Dave Mason, The Box Tops, The Beatles, Elton John and made them into his own classics. His style was indescribable but he had that strong gravelly voice that made the blues come alive. He was the best interpretive singer that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.

If you have never heard him sing  Joe could do Greg Allman’s “Midnight Rider” and turn around and do a Dylan song and you would just be mesmerized by that voice. He was something special

Some of my all time favorites that weren’t necessarily big hits and in no particular order include:

Inner City Blues by Marvin Gaye. You can just feel the soulfulness, the passion in the grittiness of the voice. Marvin’s lyrics are brought alive by Joe’s interpretive singing.  Hang ups, let downs  Bad breaks, set backs  Natural fact is  Honey, that I can’t pay my taxes Oh, make me wanna holler  And throw up both my hands  Yea, it makes me wanna holler  And throw up both my hands Crime is increasing  Trigger happy policing  Panic is spreading  God knows where, where we’re heading  The song is something special.

Talking Back to the Night written by Steve Winwood. High above the heat of a summer New York street An out-of-work musician plays a solo saxophone He’s a preacher and a teacher And he stands up all alone

When The Night Comes written by Bryan Adams, et. al. I used to listen to this song by the hour. Great, great, version. Two spirits in the night That can leave before the morning light When there’s nothing left to lose And nothing left to fear So meet me on the edge of town Won’t keep you waiting I’ll be ‘round Then you and I We’ll just roll right out of here

Watching The River Flow by Bob Dylan People disagreeing on all just about everything, yeah Makes you stop and all wonder why Why only yesterday I saw somebody on the street Who just couldn’t help but cry Oh, this ol’ river keeps on rollin’, though No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow And as long as it does I’ll just sit here And watch the river flow 

Two Wrongs Sometimes in the dark of the night, two wrongs can make a right. A sinful song that somehow feels right. Joe makes an adulterous relationship song into something really classic.

The Letter with Leon Russell.  Give me a ticket for an aeroplane I ain’t got time to take no fast train Oh the lonely days are gone I’m coming home My baby she wrote me a letter 

Cry Me A River on the Mad Dogs And English tour. Crazy! Leon Russell knocking it out as well.
You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head, never shed a tear  Remember, I remember all that you said  Told me love was too plebeian  You were through with me
 (Cry me a river)
C’mon, love
(Cry me a river)
Want you to cry

With A Little Help From My Friends. Joe took the Beatles’ song and made it his own. At Woodstock he became a sensation and it is a great performance. What do I do when my love is away? (Does it worry you to be alone?) How do I feel by the end of the day? (Are you sad because you’re on your own?) No, I get by with a little help from my friends I get high with a little help from my friends Gonna try with a little help from my friends

At one of my high school proms, a group of us joined the cover band and did our own rendition of “With A Little Help From My Friends”. I’m not certain that we were quite as good but we tried. So his influence continued on.

Up Where We Belong Who could forget this duet with Jennifer Warnes from the movie Officer and a Gentlemen. This song brought Joe back on the comeback trail making him relevant again. A love song for my Carolyn. Hard to forget this one from so many years ago. A great love story that still has an emotional pull.

Who knows what tomorrow brings
In a world few hearts survive?
All I know is the way I feel
When it’s real, I keep it alive

The road is long
There are mountains in our way
But we climb a step every day

Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry
On a mountain high

You Are So Beautiful a song by Billy Preston is so simple but yet Joe Cocker makes it a sweet love song. Just maybe the best ballad of all time. Most interesting to note is that Billy wrote it as a love song to God.  Joe’s original hit was quite simple not using all of Billy’s lyrics but Joe in concert would extend and use all of the lyrics. This version is quite interesting as an older Joe performs with Princess Di displayed in the background. Such an emotional journey, one that can invoke great memories and one that I still sing in my heart for my love.

Joe Cocker may have been the most maligned star of his time. Many panned him for his style but Joe was a hardworking rock star. His library of songs is extensive and I can’t possibly place all of the songs I loved in my blog. “Delta Lady”, “Midnight Rider”, “High Time We Went”, “The Jealous Kind”, “Unchain My Heart”, “Shelter Me”, and on and on.

It is hard to believe that Joe Cocker is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is shameful that he has not been included and his induction is long overdue. Somebody over there has snubbed this legend and it needs to happen soon.

In closing the only person who could do Joe Cocker, besides Joe Cocker was John Belushi. If you have never seen Belushi with Cocker on Saturday night live doing “Feelin’ Alright” you have missed Belushi at his best. This is from October 2, 1976 which who would have known that October 2 would have significant meaning for me later on in my life. (My future wife’s birthday) At the time I was sitting on a couch in Duncan, AZ on a Saturday night watching a performance I will never forget. Belushi is just uncanny as a Cocker impersonator. Just watch, amazing.http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=d68d6ae507eb

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Ragnarians at Last: Baby We Were Born to Run

Posted on November 15, 2014 by timfruth

IMG_1787I have finished my runs at the Ragnar and I am worn out. Several months ago when completing a run with my Nike Running App, I noticed that I hphoto copyad a strange number of miles completed. Was it a sign? Knowing that the number 666 has some devilish connotations I was momentarily disturbed. Could it be me? Yep, I am the beastly runner or you can refer to me as the “beast” when I run. (Sorry I digress.)

Carolyn has let me know that she has had four loops to run–two 8.4 mile loops, a 3.1 mile loop, and a 4.1 mile loop. Me, I’m just looking to get looped after my three runs and the last being the worst. We make our way back to the camp and get our stuff loaded up and ready for the exciting finish which is still some hours away. After that is all said and done, we head back to the main camp and we notice one of our runners standing outside of the ambulance–Lynn, and we see Lanie climbing in the ambulance. I’m thinking oh my, it must be Karen and so we go over and Lynn explains that Karen completed her 8.4 mile loop in the hot sun and is now on oxygen and iv’s. She has had an asthma attack and thank goodness she will be ok. Just another minor setback on our road to recovery.

Nicole and Cherise have to run before Lynn will finish up with a grueling 8.4 mile run in the hottest part of the day–2:00. We hang out for awhile under the mess tent and decide to sample some other craft beers and these are better than the stout from the night before. I’ve got my iPhone recharged from the charging station and I’m following the Sun Devils as they take on Notre Dame. I’m excited they are winning and winning big as halftime begins. I go back to my runs on the Nike Running App and a strange thing pops up on my app, it has calculated my total miles run using the app and out comes the number 1777. Weird, is it my lucky day or what? Will I get lucky? Should I play the lottery, will the Sun Devils win? Is it another sign? Strange but sort of ironic. Them 7’s have to mean something. No planning, it just happened that way.photo

Max, Nichole, and Cherise have left the scene since they have weddings to attend and will not be able to run across the finish line for the grand finale. We will finish with five now that Karen is back on her feet again. The time is a rolling and I’m getting anxious to get to our hotel and rest up but Caitlin has contacted me and she wants us to go hang out after the game. So I go get me another free Monster milkshake protein energy drink and guzzle it. I’m feeling charged up. Lynn lets us know she is on the final stretch and we go out to join her and the five of us cross the finish line in a flash. Ok, maybe more like a crawl but we are told that we are Ragnarians. I’m just feeling like a used up dish rag but we are done! We have finished in just less than 26 hours.

Our medals are given to us and it is picture taking time. photo copyThe official pictures have not been sent but we get a few on Lanie’s iPhone. We are ready to hit the road and we do with a vengeance. ASU here we come.

IMG_1795Radio is tuned, Carolyn is resting and the game becomes most interesting. I love listening in on the radio. It is fun as the Tim Healey and Jeff Van Raaphorst are calling the game and a 31 point lead has evaporated down to 3. I can hardly take it and driving is just becoming an irritant as we wind our way towards the stadium and the new Residence Inn http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxtd-residence-inn-tempe-downtown-university/ across from the stadium. Roads are closed but the Devils are on a rampage and the score three td’s in a matter of minutes and I’m trying to stay focused on driving but my joy level has increased rapidly after some very tense moments.

The game ends, ASU beats Notre Dame and Carolyn are in a holding pattern trying to get to our hotel. We end up battling the revelers as they poor out into the streets but we manage to get into the parking garage and we are home sweet home for the evening. (yeah right)

Caitlin is hurrying us up but we get our room on the highest floor (floor 11) in the SE corner and looks out on Sun Devil Stadium–sweet room. The Notre Dame faithful are everywhere and Carolyn buys a Red Bull so she can get out on the streets. Showered and dressed we head out to meet up with Caitlin and Bryan and their friends for a little post game celebrating. We meet up with Caitlin and Bryan and all these 20 something types and proceed to tear it up. We start at a hole in the wall type of tavern The C.S.A. SunBa http://www.casa-sunba.com and meet Bryan’s friend who does some Walter White impersonations and who also does a bit of Jessie from Breaking Bad and he was too funny–Nick Friend. Nicole and Siobhan who will be in the wedding are there and I meet my son for the evening–Joe.

Being hungry, Slices is in order so in we go. http://www.slicespizzajoint.com/index.php Several pieces later we head to el Hefe and of course there is a huge line to get to the place as that is the thing to do. Joe proceeds to hop over the barrier when security is not looking and the rest of us just stand in line. One of the bouncers comes up and motions for our group to to step out of line and we are escorted to a side entrance and into the el Hefe. Why, I guess because we must have looked pretty or we looked pretty hip. http://elhefetempe.com We have a ball and Nicole’s Joe and I play off this father/son thing and the crowd believes it. I should point out that Joe is about 8 inches taller than me and a very stout guy but we play it out. Carolyn and I become are the oldest anywhere in site but we are accepted and have a blast. Some 20 something guy buys Carolyn a drink which saves us money. Yes! Score one for us.

We started this journey exhausted but we are running on Red Bull, Monster, and adrenaline. After Joe gets tossed for picking some guy up and hoisting him into the bar over the barrier, (I tried to intervene as his adopted father–it didn’t work) we head to The Handlebar http://handlebaraz.com and hang out for awhile. We are wearing out but still hungry so we go get a sandwich from Corleone’s http://corleones.net/mill-ave.html and back to the hotel for needed sleep. It is 10:30 and the adventure must come to an end.

I think Caitlin and Bryan and their friends enjoyed having Carolyn and I around. We proved that we could hang in there on such little sleep. Us old AARP types just didn’t act our age so strike one up for us. It was a great ending to a Ragnar weekend! We have to end with Bruce Springsteen, so Carolyn here goes:

Someday girl I don’t know when 
We’re gonna get to that place 
Where we really wanna go 
And we’ll walk in the sun 
But till then tramps like us 
Baby we were born to run 
Oh honey, tramps like us
Baby we were born to run 
Come on with me, tramps like us
Baby we were born to run

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Running on Empty: Life at the Ragnar Part II

Posted on November 12, 2014 by timfruth

The trail run is on. I have forgotten to mention that we are the Beauties and the Beasts team and each team has its own interesting name.

As the 4th runner on the team in the rotation, my first run is 3.1 miles and I have several hours to kill. So I do what I do best and that is look for more freebies to stash for my stockpile of energy drinks. Around 5:00 pm or so, I am off and out on the trail. This trail is the shortest but it is not easy. You go up single track hills and down single track hills and have a run through a wash. The trails are marked but somehow I am led astray. There are about four of us who are close together on the run as we come down a decline and head to a wash, the lead runner runs up the bank and on to a trail and we all follow. And we are now off course and half to backtrack once he realizes his mistake. With less then a mile to go, all three loops connect on a very difficult final half mile run to the exchange area. But I manage to make in a 9:54 pace for 3.11 miles. (Lanie has taken pictures of the typical trails)

IMG_1799IMG_1800I have completed my first loop and have handed off to Karen and I am ready for nightlife action in Camp Ragnar. So I go and check out the craft beer wagon. They have a choice of four craft beers on draft from places I have never heard of so I figure I should the stout and it was not so good. Karen finishes up and off goes Carolyn on her agreed upon 8.4 mile run. I go back and hangout at our campsite, much on a few of the many food items that Carolyn has brought and wait for the pasta feed.

We finally go to eat around 8:00 or so and we are turned away because we don’t have the mandatory tickets. I am not pleased and my temper rises to the top like somehow they would think that we drove all the way to McDowell Mountain just to eat pasta and a slab of bread. Ragnar staff had failed to supply us our food tickets but Lynn manages to obtain tickets for the team and finally we eat the pasta. While eating we are notified that Max has completed his run and is now at the first aid station after taking a tumble down a hill into a cactus and has a twisted ankle. Another setback for the Beauties and the Beasts team. Well Max says that he thinks he might be able to run but we will have to wait and see.

We head back to the camp for some rest but it is not much rest since the camp area is a beehive of activity with a buzzing sound of humans everywhere. My next run is scheduled to start around the estimated time of 12:15 a.m. or so and the moon has come up and it is beautiful but the temperature has plummeted.

I now head out on an adventure that I have no idea what it will bring. Immediately I become disoriented as leave the camp area and thinking that I have made a wrong turn I backtrack and walk around trying to determine where I’m going only to find out that I was on the right track all along. Off in the distance I can see some bobbing headlamps and I restart my journey. I run up this long climb and pass the only ones I see in front of me as most have already begun walking. I carry on and find myself all alone with nothing a head but an uneven trail. Eventually three elite runners pass me like I’m standing still (maybe I was standing still) and I am soon back to darkness. I have already caught myself from twisting my right ankle on three separate occasions as I stepped on to rocks that slid under my feet. I manage to get to the 4.9 mile water station and I fill up my bottle and continue on. What a beautiful run as the moon is up but I try to stay focused on my steps and my endurance. I haven’t run this far in 9 months and I am rapidly growing weary. A swift girl runs by me and tells me to keep up the good work and I can only laugh. Maybe it was a dream but that person is gone and I run through a mile long wash which wears me down but somehow I manage to finish in 11:31 mile pace and in at 2:00 a.m.

I am back in camp and there are bonfire type pits throwing out some heat and they have items for smores so I fix and eat three humongous helpings. Satisfied I head to the campsite to lay my weary body down in a sleeping bag. While laying there a hear this guy from another group lament his sad story about running and he states, “I can’t run 8.4 miles when I’m sober let alone drunk.” I can only smile. The worst is yet to come. Max wakes up and tells Carolyn he is unable to run as he has lots of pain, so Carolyn goes and runs another 8.4 miles in the darkness. Me I lay out and listen to the sounds of the evening–coyotes howling from far away and the constant sound of porta potty doors being slammed every few seconds. I have never heard anything like it. It is not musical it is awful. But I must have slept some as I am told that I snored on and off for a few hours. During my dreams I can hear the rock group Kansas singing “Carry On My Wayward Son”:

Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think, I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I’m dreaming
I can hear them say

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more

Kansas – Carry On My Wayward Son Lyrics | MetroLyrics Between Lynn and Carolyn it has been decided that Lynn will run a total of two more 8.4 loops to go alIMG_1801ong with her 3.1 run and Carolyn will do the 4.1+ mile loop to go with her two 8.4 mile loops. Lanie is going to run another 4.2 instead of her scheduled 3.1. Nicole and Cherise are going to tough it out. These poor girls have to be thinking what in the world did they get themselves into. Me I have my 4.1 to go and I am not looking forward to it. Lanie gets to see the sunrise and takes some nice pics while on her loop.IMG_1798

The sun is up and I head out in the mid morning hour and I manage to run the absolute toughest trail I have ever run. It has some severe inclines and I just breakdown and walk up as I can’t run up them. I am exhausted and  I have to admit I walk. Even with the walk I complete the loop in an approximate 11:33 pace. I hand off to Karen and out she goes as photographed by Lanie. She heads out and Carolyn and I head back to pack up in preparation for the end.IMG_1797

Just writing about this journey has worn me out so the conclusion must wait.

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Running On Empty: Life at the Ragnar Part I

Posted on November 12, 2014 by timfruth

Jackson Browne’s old song really nailed my weekend run at the 2014 Ragnar Trail Run at McDowell Mountain.

Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I’m running behind

Months ago I was wrangled into running the 2014 Ragnar Trail Run at McDowell Mountain. http://www.ragnartrail.com/locations/mcdowell-mountain-az The run consists of a team of 8 runners each running three loops of 4.1, 3.1, and 8.4 miles over a two-day span for close to 120+ miles. Doesn’t that sound like fun and to do this you have to pay something like $150 for the privilege. Really? Clearly I was delusional when I agreed to do this.

As we get close to the run our original team of eight has suddenly declined to five members with less then a month to go as three go by the wayside. Not my worry but it becomes Carolyn’s worry. Surely my friend Mike will join us on the sojourn since he just loves trail running. His initial yes quickly turns to a no way due to his lack of running. I understand why he decides not to after all I haven’t come close to running 8.4 miles since I ran a half marathon in March. (should be noted my only run of that distance in my lifetime) To complicate things for me I have been struggling with running since I peaked at the 10th annual Pats Run with a best ever average mile time for me. (about 7:39 pace but since then, I can barely break a 10 minute mile pace as I have completely lost my groove–yup Tim has lost his groove)

Carolyn somehow convinces Nichole from the Winterholler’s Scottsdale office that she can do this and don’t worry about the 8.4 mile loop–she’ll pick it up for her. Now Nichole is on a roll. She in turn convinces her boyfriend Max to do this and Nichole rounds out the team with a running friend who lives in Tucson. Max and this other girl are runners so we are feeling like hey this might be ok. We still have Lynn Waters, her sister Karen Donnelly, and Lynn’s daughter Elaine “Lanie” Olszewski and they are ready to run.

But it is short lived. Race day comes and after Carolyn’s meticulous week preparation (food, sleeping bags, chairs, water, outfits, headlamps, air mattress) we hit the road with our two car parade–one car for us and one for Jordyn since she has to get to the Nascar for work. Carolyn gets the dreaded text–a runner has bailed due to an unseen crisis. This runner just happens to be the runner from Tucson. Carolyn talks with Nicole and Nicole now convinces Cherise from the Scottsdale office to fill in. We’re almost good since Lynn will pick up her 8.4 mile loop. I have never met Nicole and Max but Cherise and I have a personal connection, she has cleaned my teeth. That poor girl really had to work the last time she had seen me. I can only hope she doesn’t remember my lack of flossing.

Lynn and Lanie have found us a camping spot in tent city and it is conveniently located next to about 40 porta potties. Lord knows we need easy access to toilets especially at my age. I have never seen anything like it. There are tents and more tents and more tents everywhere. It is very similar in design to the pictures of tent cities that are erected after disasters have struck major cities. Very overwhelming. There is another area that includes merchandise tents, mess hall, and vendors handing out free samples plus others hawking their goods. I do wish I had taken some pics of the camping areas. It was simply unbelievable.

We get unpacked, everybody arrives, and I do what I do best–I collect free samples from Monster Energy Drink and Peace Tea. Carolyn is embarrassed; and me I’m just stocking up for the unknown and trying to lower the cost of my entry fee by acquiring anything free. That’s life.map-mcdowell

The trail map is now ready to be run. The order of the run is green, red, yellow. Our order of runners has been established, both Carolyn and Lynn are picking up two 8.4 mile loops and we are ready to send Lynn out at the 2:00 start time we are given.   Off Lynn goes into the 86 degree bright sunshiny weather–aka hot.

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Crosstown Traffic: A Friday Night Halloween Road Trip

Posted on November 5, 2014 by timfruth

Nothing like being on the road, traveling, another edition of Friday Night Football. It is a “spooktacular” type of day being Halloween and working high school football. This time I get to take Carolyn on the road since the game is in Flagstaff and at the NAU Dome. Dan and Maria Waring are coming to town so the evening promises to be fun. A crosstown rivalry football game between Flagstaff High School and Coconino High School where bragging rights are at stake makes for an exciting evening. Neither team had a great record and both have struggled but you can throw all of that away since these teams will bring it. http://azdailysun.com/sports/football/chs-fhs-football-face-off-for-city-championship/article_beb50c35-1f2f-5b6e-a99a-0fcddbcad060.html

Carolyn dumps me off at the less then outstanding motel, the Aspen Inn Suites, which ironically is where I lived for an entire year while attending NAU. It hasn’t improved since I had last stayed there so many years ago. Saying that it is tired would be kind but it is clean which is saying something. Carolyn takes off on her three hour run and I mentally prepare for football–I take a nap. Nick Waring, Dan and Maria’s son, who is finishing up some accounting work at NAU, picks me up and off we go to the game. (We went right by the free social hour–that’s some serious willpower.)

Great, great and fun game. The game brought out the best of both teams and it was classic. Huge crowd, indoors at the dome–warm! The game was tight throughout with Coconino winning 22-13. I will not bore you with details but it was one of those games you just nail. I worked the Coconino sideline and had some great interaction with the coaching staff. Our crew included the injured tough guy–Shane Walker, long-time Payson friend–Norm Tucker, Nick Waring. and Mark Rova. We were for the most part on top of our game. For more coverage http://azdailysun.com/sports/football/coconino-football-takes-city-championship-over-flagstaff/article_c0eeb093-9df6-5bd5-92a9-040fdef03b93.html

Late starting game meant late starting night on the town. So the Warings and the Fruths start out at Majerle’s Sports Grill since they serve some late night eats. Food was good and they have a very nice selection of craft brews but they sure know how to play the menu game. Their own menu inside the restaurant says that women get 2 for 1 drinks after 10 on Fridays. Of course they didn’t honor that since they said that was old and they don’t do that any more. Their website states that they have reverse happy hour on Friday’s after 10:00 pm but that didn’t work either. No wonder the crowd was small. Of course for entertainment, they blasted music videos that were just totally degrading to females. I was beyond shocked. Did I mention small crowd, could that be a reason why? Oh well, you deal with it and go on. http://www.majerles.com/flagstaff/

We get up and head out for a walkabout downtown. It was nuts! What a crazy fun atmosphere. The entire downtown was packed with the Halloween revelers. Almost everybody in costume–except for us and they probably thought we were in costume. So we go to the Green Room. It was packed with everybody in costume (except us). The energy was incredible. Good craft beer selection friendly place. Costumes were phenomenal and fun to view. http://flagstaffgreenroom.com Should say we were obviously the oldest ones there.

Back out on the streets we go and every place seemed to have lines to get in. I haven’t experienced anything like that in what seems like forever. A police officer gives us some suggestions for a more low key environment to relax and he was very nice young officer. Great customer service skills. Not like that everywhere. We end up at the Flagstaff Brewing Company. Very cool small brewery with a great guest tap the Pumpkin Stout. It was awesome. Anyhow we sat outside and enjoyed the nice cool weather. http://www.flagbrew.com

After a stop again at Majerle’s we still had no success at acquiring their advertised deals so on to the luxury suites we head for a good night of sleep. After all we were closing in on 2:00 a.m. Can’t say I have done that in recent memory.

Flagstaff really is a fun town at night. They run buses for students to get back to the campus safely and don’t charge. Very progressive and students use them as we could see they were packed. Just another positive for a town that redefined their downtown into a very cool place to be.

The morning hour comes way to soon and we wander down to the “hot” breakfast at our hotel and that was almost comical but the scrambled eggs were good.

Carolyn and I go for a short run at Buffalo Park Buffalo Parkwhich is part of the urban trail system for runners, walkers, and bicyclists that Flagstaff is known for. I got to try out my new trail shoes on the compressed dirt trail. Many people out enjoying the system. Flagstaff has an awesome urban trail system that I can only dream about in Payson. Flagstaff-Urban-Trails-and-Bikeways-Map.mediumthumb

Of course no trip would be complete without some bargain shopping at a variety of stores. That didn’t produce any excitement but eating at Five Guys did. Onward we go headed for home and some ASU football. Now that was a perfect ending to a fantastic couple of days.

Next up Ragnar Trail Run and some serious night time adventures. Stay tuned, you never know what might happen on the trail.

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“I’m Your Huckleberry”: Good times on the Huckaby

Posted on October 29, 2014 by timfruth

Two of my favorite scenes from the movie Tombstone involve Doc Holiday stating (to those who sought to have conflict with him) “I’m your huckleberry.” What does that have to do with a Huckaby? Well that saying was an old saying used as a response to a challenging situation. So when Carolyn and Jordyn decided we were all going to go for a Sunday hike in the Sedona area, I was being called out for a challenge, so I just simply said, hey I’m your huckleberry.” In other words I’m the man you’re looking for. (Ok maybe a stretch but I’m sticking with it.)

Their response was “great idea, we’ve never hiked the Huckaby.” So there you have it, after a night of pool with Mike and Claude, I was nothing but agreeable and the trek on the Huckaby was planned.

Off to Sedona we go with a stop in Camp Verde for some Starbucks (I just have to use my free drink I’ve earned) and a breakfast burrito at Gabriela’s Taco Shop. http://gabrielastacoshop.com Those are some goods eats and lo and behold we run into others from Payson going in for a burrito. The short stop turned into a longer stop but we were fueled and ready to go. (Those burritos always add some fuel to my fire.)

Back on the road we head through Oak Creek Village past the Gap Outlet store (I love stopping there but we didn’t) and head up Schnebly Road to the Schnebly Hill Trailhead which contains paved parking and the needed restroom facility. Easy access and what a beautiful day for a hike.

I must admit I like watching some Green Bay Packer football and the Packers were playing Miami and I would’t mind watching but I’m hiking today. (Smartphone in tow should come in handy) to get started, what do we do, of course some pics  and we find some halfway friendly looking stranger to take our photo. Yes that is my pumpkin shirt for a fall experience.IMG_1746

The Huckaby Trail is really far from challenging but it is a nice, short, beautiful hike. It takes you on the east side of Uptown Sedona, down to the creek and some very nice views of Midgley Bridge. The hike to the creek is only about two miles and the trail crosses the creek if you are willing to cross by jumping around on some boulders or simply plunging into the water and wading across.IMG_1749

From there the trail heads over towards the bridge and is about a half mile from the creek. We did not risk getting wet. We just stopped and enjoyed the views and of course took some photos. Talk about relaxing and a nice place to just hangout for awhile this was it. IMG_1760Midgley Bridge is quite spectacular to look at and to think it had its 75th anniversary this year. Quite a feat back in the day.

We started heading back and we would stop and look out over Uptown and watch traffic crawl down 89a into Sedona. QuitIMG_1750e a site to see.

Being Packer fans, Jordyn and I follow the game on the iPhone and it isn’t going so good. In fact the Packers are loosing and my former student, Marcus Dho sends me a text “If you still want me to like the Packers, they need to win. Seriously.”

Carolyn is quite irritated at us since we are on our phones when we should be focusing on the hike but since I am suffering from that malady ADD, I can multitask and still take it all in. We are on the move and so are the Packers. After all we have Aaron Rogers at the helm so there is hope. As we walk along we are breathlessly listening and with four seconds left Rogers completes a pass to Quarless for the win and Jordyn and I whoop it up out on  the trail. Nobody around (thankfully) and we are jumping up and down. We are loving it, Carolyn–not so much. Thanks to technology we can still be fans and loving the great outdoors. BTW my response to Marcus, “ha ha”. Now we attempt to get back in the good graces of Carolyn and phones are back in the pockets. My reasoning is hey I can be out doors but still feel like I’m doing the Sunday football stuff. I think it is a great compromise but maybe not.

We have made the decision that upon completion of the hike, we are heading to Cottonwood. But first, Jordyn and I stop in Safeway to bargain hunt as they are remodeling and we score big time. We find coffee and organic soy milk for less then half off. Once again Carolyn just tolerates our erratic behaviors. We manage to do this in less then 20 minutes and our journey continues.

We roll into Old Town Cottonwood, a place that has become a family favorite, and park the car and get out and walk. The Tavern Grill http://www.thetavernhotel.com/#/grille beckons since they have happy hour pricing from 3 to 6 each and every day on some good food and a nice selection of craft beers at reasonable prices. We go for the wings, stuffed quesadilla, and some sliders. Just wish they were 60 miles closer to home. On the way out we stop by the R.I.O.T aka Rendezvous in Old Town. Great place. It was an old gas station that was converted into a local watering hole. We get the mini nachos with added avocados and they hit the spot. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RendezvousInOldTown If you like craft beers, check out their menu. Tremendous selection from all over.

Another grand weekend adventure comes to an end as we head back to Payson. Always feel  a bit down knowing that Payson has yet to figure this stuff out but that is a story for another day. And by the way, I did make the girls stop at the Cottonwood Safeway on the way home. This time it was a strikeout.

Posted in Community, Green Bay Packers, Hiking, National Football League, Road Trip, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hardest Job In The World: My Motherly Thoughts

Posted on October 14, 2014 by timfruth

Anybody who knows me knows that I am a fiscal conservative.  (aka “Frugal Fruth”, “Tightwad Tim)  I was struck by a comment I read the other day on Facebook. (Evidently she was asked to take this down by somebody since it no longer appears on FaceBook.)

“This is my granddaughter and her family. She is expecting her second child and has gotten caught up in the Obamacare mess. She can’t get insurance that is affordable. Her husband, Andy, is a hardworking plumber and she has the hardest job in the world, a stay-at-home mom. They are barely making ends meet but still “make a little too much money” for any help. They hate having to ask for help. They really try hard to do it on their own but with the new baby, they just can’t quite do it. Can you help?”

More on this funding request can be found at the following website: http://www.gofundme.com/dqroms On the website of www.gofundme.com you can register to have your friends pay for almost anything including honeymoons.  There are some real legit needs posted on the website including those for people who have been hit hard from cancer and have had tremendous medical bills. If you have watched “Breaking Bad” this is similar to what Walt Jr. tries to do for his dad.

I’m sure many believe that they have the “hardest job in the world” including the President. Being a good mother could be the most important job in the world. (A topic unto itself)   But to simply say that the stay-at-home mother has the hardest job in the world seemed a tad bit too much. How about the mothers who have to work external to the home and somehow have to find the time and the energy to be a great mother? Is that any less hard of a job?

This is in no way meant to disrespect those who have and are able to stay at home with their kids. More power to those families. I think it is great that they have been able to make that choice. (We couldn’t but we did try for awhile). We have friends who have had either the husband or wife staying at home because they had the income and the will to do so. It meant some personal sacrifices for them and they did what they had to do to make it work. Not a thing wrong with that. It is a valid choice and one that I admire. What they didn’t do was ask others to support that lifestyle. They did it on their own and I admire them for that. We would have if we could have.

I know mothers like, my mother, Geri, who had to work and still be a mother. My wife, Carolyn, my sister, Kathryn, (also a single mother) my mother-in-law, Carol, my boss Kathy, my previous boss’s wife Sylvia, my wife’s co-workers and friends who are mothers (Ashlee, Michelle, Cindy, Janet, Deborah, Mary, and so on as I could add hundreds of names of people I personally know) somehow had to be great mothers, great wives, (you see I snuck that one in) and at the same time help provide for the family by working in a career. Even the local Payson doctor that delivers babies is back to work after having her own daughter three short months ago. That seems pretty hard to me.

I know my kids are grateful for what a great mother they have had and they have never, ever complained about Carolyn not staying at home with them.  My point being is we did what we had to do. That is a hard and difficult job.

So all you mothers who work your butt off doing what you do whether you stay at home or have to leave home to work and yet find the time to be great mothers, you have my admiration, my thoughts and my prayers.

 

Posted in Motherhood, Payson Tea Party, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

BJ Little: A brother in arms

Posted on September 20, 2014 by timfruth

How do I begin? First and foremost I have loved and respected BJ Little as a friend and officiating partner for close to 20 years now. We first met in the early 1990’s and I have watcheJudge Littled him grow from a very young man into a husband, a father, a coach, an official, and now into a justice of the peace. The AZ Republic ran a story in their sports page about his election. http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/08/30/winslow-football-coach-little-now-public-servant/14846433/

I must say that I take great pride in calling BJ a friend. I take great pride in his accomplishments and great pride in seeing what he has grown to be. I will say we had no particular reason to be friends but somehow we connected almost immediately when we first met when BJ was beginning to explore high school basketball officiating.

Ted Pettet and I were long-time partners in refereeing high school basketball and we took great pride in mentoring and working with BJ and his partner Arlin Rogers. They would spend large amounts of time with us as we discussed ways of officiating and how to appear confident, in control, and call a good game. Ted and I sort of passed the torch on to BJ and Arlin as Ted moved and I continued on without a full time partner.

BJ, Ted, and I became a go to three-man officiating team back when the AIA actually had three-521973_10151580931656551_1726076005_nman crews for playoffs. We worked a tremendous amount of games together and we studied and studied, drew up a variety of situations and I honestly believe there was no one better then our three-man crew in the region.

Prior to those times, BJ and I would work many a tournament game together and we would get to hook up for some very high energy full throttle games. When BJ first started out, he was quite rough around the edges when it came to having those find fault with our performance. I don’t think he would mind me saying that since he soon learned to control his emotions and became the top official in the region. We had a blast and I always would say to anybody that if somebody came after us, I wanted to be working with BJ because we would win that fight. We have had so many great experiences together as a team on the road and I hope that I get more opportunities to work with BJ this coming November and December.

Outside of basketball I have watched his children grow, have celebrated his accomplishments and we have shared many a humbling experience. We have had down times where jobs were iffy and not certain what any of us were going to be doing. I have seen with my own eyes, BJ come through the fire and develop into a young man that I look up to. And also by fire, I mean BJ literally came through a fire when he served as a volunteer fire fighter and was severely injured while fighting the fire that burnt a building to the ground in Winslow and turned into the “Standing On the Corner” park.

Recently I have worked several of his football games since he is the head coach of Winslow, and BJ is passionate and loves his kids. He works hard, prepares even when he must know that his talent is not necessarily as good as other teams. He always gives 100% and practices and teaches great sportsmanship. He does all this while having a strong faith in God. He is an excellent role model who has an inner strength that comes from his faith in God and his devotion to family. BJ is a quiet man one who does not seek out the limelight and who always appears to be deep in thought. He is the deepest of thinkers and I know that he, like me, has struggles but rises up and slays the doubts. I look forward to more adventures on the road once basketball season comes around. We will go out with a bang as he winds down to start his new career.

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When BJ told me that he was running for the soon to be vacated position of Justice of the Peace in Winslow I just knew that he would be elected and become a great JP. He has had great experience from his days of being a probation officer, counselor, coach, and official. He has a caring attitude and will serve the folks of Winslow well. His statement on running shows the man he is: http://www.azjournal.com/2014/08/01/boyce-bj-little-is-seeking-election-as-precinct-2-justice-of-the-peace/

BJ and I are as different as some may be. BJ is black, I’m white. BJ is a registered Democrat, I’m a registered republican (Washington, DC take note). BJ is U of A, I’m ASU.  BJ is a stud athlete, me not so much. (ok not at all) BJ is muscular, I’m scrawny. BJ could hit the rim, me the bottom of the net. BJ doesn’t drink, I drink. BJ is from Arizona, I’m an Ohio guy. BJ is young, I am old. BJ is married to Terri, I once dated a girl named Teri. (I suppose that is more alike then not alike) He has son named Timothy, I am named Timothy. (hmm) Enough.

What brings us together are our core values of faith, family, and caring attitudes that bridges all. We both have wonderful, supportive wives, and we both have two wonderful children. We are brothers (I know we don’t quite look alike) who genuinely care about each other and I am truly blessed to call him friend. So BJ, congrats on your soon to be Justice of the Peace position. You will always be fondly remembered by me and my family. Best wishes on doing great things for your community.

Posted in Community, High School Basketball, High School Football, Politics, Referee, Spiritual, Uncategorized, Winslow | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chalk This One Up as a Mistake

Posted on September 19, 2014 by timfruth

Recently, the Payson town council was prepared to vote on a new ordinance that would ban chalk from parks. http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2014/sep/13/chalky-desperado-crackdown/

The ordinance would further not allow using charcoal in grills at the park. It would prohibit climbing fences, buildings and other structures. Even drones and unmanned vehicles and aircraft would be prevented from the park per the proposed ordinance. In advance of the passage of the ordinance the town removed all charcoal/wood grilles for barbecuing from the parks. It is disappointing that visitors can no longer use charcoal at the park. That seems a stretch and unnecessary. During high fire season you can simply not allow open fires and the rest of the year you allow it. Another unfriendly message to visitors of Payson.

This stuff must have come from a recommendation from town staff. It is a typical overreaction to a perceived problem and the next thing you know, another law in the books. I can sort of equate outlawing chalk to outlawing guns. I remember the old saying, “if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns.” Sort of like if you outlaw chalk, only “outlaws” will have chalk.

UnknownEvidently chalk has been used in the park to draw the infamous gigantic “phallic” symbols. And with those drawings usually come some lewd comments. I’m not sure how outlawing chalk would prevent that. I would believe that if someone was caught drawing inappropriate symbols and writing lewd comments, that current laws would suffice. One cannot legislate for every potential and conceivable wrongdoing. It appears the council has tabled this to a later date and hopefully they use common sense and not try to write an ordinance for every potential issue. Just enforce current laws and it will be fine.

The unintended consequences from this ordinance would be huge so instead of tabling it, how about putting in the paper shredder.

Posted in Payson, Politics, Town Council, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Payson High School Banners Boost Spirits? Inclusive or Noninclusive?

Posted on September 18, 2014 by timfruth

(It was unintended on my part to make this into a “race” issue. I have edited out any references to race. My focal point is inclusion of all students in spirit related activities.)

As a previous teacher and administrator of Payson High School, a parent of two PHS graduates, the sibling of four PHS graduates, and a resident and taxpayer I have read with great interest about happenings in and around Payson High School.

Recently a local dentist wrote a guest editorial about a “new” spirit at Payson High School and tied it into voting for an override. http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2014/sep/09/vote-can-change-so-much-school-override/  In describing the crowd at the first home football game he writes: “I have never in my 19 years of residence in Payson seen anything like it and I pity the next team the Longhorns meet at home and I can’t wait to see it.”

First of all is it quite possible that he missed many of these types of events in his 19 years of residency because he didn’t attend football games?  During his 19 years, PHS won two state football championships (1998 and 2008) and I can guarantee you that the fever at football games was no less then what he describes. The 2008 Championship game is arguably the most exciting 3A Championship Game of all time and attendance was incredible. During the 2008 football season, football gate receipts were at an all time high and helped provide funding for many of the other teams. I did get a laugh on this comment, “I pity the next team the Longhorns meet at home”. Really?

There is nothing wrong with the enthusiasm to pass an override. One can offer up support without the hyperbole.

As I transition, the dentist’s letter proclaims extracurricular’s are in trouble without an override and how money is tight. Read on. There might be more trouble on the horizon.

Next up the Payson Roundup proclaims: “Banners Boost Spirits”. The article includes the picture below of some football player.

http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2014/sep/12/banners-boost-spirits/

BannersSeriously? I just shake my head and wonder. First and foremost, there is nothing wrong with promoting school spirit and using nice banners to help build spirit and belonging but somebody messed up. “…..the idea for the banners came from other high schools, such as Show Low, that have banners leading up to their school.” What? I was in Show Low last Friday officiating and I saw banners but I did not see a single banner with a gigantic photo of any athlete. I saw the Show Low High School banners and they appeared to be promoting Show Low High School Cougars.

“Spark the Future”. The only things I could find on sparking the future is a website to end homelessness for teenagers. http://spark-thefuture.com And in the state of Washington they have a whole program on “sparking the future” that is designed for students who are the first in their family to attend college. I’m uncertain what the PHS saying means.

If Payson High School wants to promote inclusion in the student body and a sense of belonging plus build an inclusive environment for learning, they would place banners promoting Payson High School and its programs.

A divide occurs as students become jealous, envious, and feel excluded because they are left out. It is a natural feeling and could have and should have been avoided. When a district is promoting a tax override because they do not have necessary funds to support extracurricular activities, but have the “teams” pay for glossy banners that can’t be cheap, then there is clearly a disconnect between the district and voters.

In referencing the alienated students, a high school student, Cody Rislund wrote a stirring letter to the editor. I don’t know Cody but he clearly is articulate and is passionate about the noninclusive banners. I did find a picture of him in the Payson Roundup and he appears to be quite active in school. So search the Roundup and read about his talents. http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2014/apr/15/footloose-trifecta-talent/

Cody nailed how other students may feel so just maybe school spirit has suffered due to a noninclusive attitude that has left other students and athletes on the sidelines.

Cody’s comments include: “First off, the town and school are passing this off as support for our school. The only thing this supports are the teams and a select few players at that. What happened to the other players on the team? Are they simply not a part of the success of these teams?” He is spot on.

http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2014/sep/16/banners-shortchange-too-many-students/

He argues that a Longhorn should have been the focus of these expensive glossy banners and I concur. That would have gone a long way to build an inclusive, supportive, highly spirited campus.

This is Cody’s conclusion: “I don’t understand why the supporters didn’t just make a simple banner with our Longhorn on it. The football, volleyball and cheer teams aren’t the only things that make this school amazing. It takes every single member of every single team and every single club and every single organization to successfully call our school, Payson High School.” I could not agree more. That is an inclusive attitude.

What a brave young man to express his opinion. I sure hope he doesn’t get retribution because of his views. Thanks Cody, you have “sparked” my interest by standing up for what you believe.

Posted in Education, Football, High School Football, Payson, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 22 Comments