Verna and Bob's Weblog

Nostalgia

Kate and Jack’s 87th Anniversary

Happy 87th to my Mom and Dad on their Anniversary. They are with the Lord now, and I know they are getting the good wishes.

In the past (on social media), I posted the old black and white images of them, Mom on her wedding day, and Dad in his Naval Warrant Officer uniform. Lately, however, several of the Artificial Intelligence utilities on-line are able to restore and colorize the old photos.

They turned out pretty good, Mom in her youthful appearance and Dad, always proud in his uniform. Dad’s blue eyes may not have been that blue, but it looks like him, nonetheless.

So, we are sending them our happy anniversary wishes heaven-bound.

December 17, 2025 by Family Nostalgia

Toyz 4 Totz Annual
Wickenburg Car Run

Today, we attended the annual Cops Who Care Car Show and Toy Drive. The weather was great and the show was well attended by both cars and visitors. The toy table wasn’t doing too bad either — gonna be a lot of happy kids this Christmas.

Many of the attendees who brought the classics were also here last year, so pardon any redundant photos posted below.

When I was a kid in the late 1940s, my folks had one of these Ford Coupes modified with a bench seat for their three little boys to sit behind the driver/passenger seat.

Also, when I was a kid, there were a lot of these Studebakers on the road as I recall. This convertible is a member of the local Studebaker Club in the Hassayampa Valley.

We enjoyed the time spent at the Wickenburg Community Center today and look forward to attending again next year.

December 7, 2025 by Classics Nostalgia Photography

Retirement Anniversary #16

Sixteen years ago, I pulled the plug on being employed. At first, it doesn’t quite feel like it has been that long, but again, so much has happened in the last 16 years that, when you think about it, the time seems to fill in with life’s events.

We have looked into our retirement past and recall many more events than we can list here, but a few of the most memorable and significant things come to mind.

Here’s a brief synopsis of some of those milestones:

  • 2009 Retirement
  • 2010 Bought property in Arizona and started building our desert home
  • 2011 Moved physically into the Arizona home
  • 2012 Began retirement travels – viewed annular solar eclipse from Page AZ
  • 2013 Bob’s Mom relocates from California to nearby retirement home
  • 2014 First great grandson born in California. Acquired travel trailer to facilitate more travel plans to see family
  • 2015 Completed the RV Drive around the house with full trailer hookups
  • 2016 Many trips to various places of interest throughout the west
  • 2017 Travel to Wyoming and beyond to see the total eclipse with new class A RV
  • 2018 First great granddaughter born in California – trips of course
  • 2019 Second great grandson born in California – more trips
  • 2020 Second great granddaughter born in California – trips pending
  • 2021 A relatively uneventful year save for hernia surgery
  • 2022 Lost Beethoven, our red Min Pin – gained Tucker, a long-haired Chihuahua mix
  • 2023 Discovered a leak in the water line between bathroom and kitchen requiring a complete overhaul of bathroom and kitchen cabinets
  • 2024 Travel to Waco, TX to observe total eclipse of the sun. Visited other interesting places in the RV before and after the eclipse
  • 2025 Travel in the RV to visit birthplaces and residences of ancestors in the eastern and southern U.S.

So, as we continue our retirement, we will keep our heads on a swivel, given the multiple left-wing groups out to get their perceived enemies. And, then, there is the crime epidemic, thanks to president autopen, et al. We are fortunate that The Lord brought us to this tranquil place in the desert, generally away from all that malfeasance, but we never know when that might break down.

Y’all stay safe!

October 1, 2025 by Aerospace Nostalgia Retirement

27th Wedding Anniversary

While the 27th anniversary is a significant milestone, our actual 45 years together speak to a deep, enduring love. This photo of us posing with our wedding cake at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in Avalon, Catalina Island, California, captures a special moment that holds a lot of meaning for us. It’s a reminder of the joy and celebration that marked the beginning of our wedded journey together — and the many more years of love, laughter, and shared memories that have followed.

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. – Mark 10:9.

September 12, 2025 by Family Nostalgia

26th Wedding Anniversary

26 years ago today, God Almighty put us together forever in marriage. Neither of us have ever regretted joining our hearts in Christian love together. We’re looking forward to celebrating our 27th and on and on.

Click on the image to enlarge.

September 12, 2024 by Family Nostalgia Religion Retirement

Classic ’58 Chevy Convertible

We may have posted a classic Chevy like this one years ago on the Minstrel site when we saw it in Torrance back then. Today, however, this classic rolled up into the parking lot while we were collecting mail from the PO Box. A very nice gent allowed as how he would be OK with Damsel taking these photos of his treasure.

Images: 1958 Classic Chevrolet Impala Convertible with Continental Kit in mint condition – credit Verna – click on any image to view enlarged.

August 29, 2024 by Arizona Classics Nostalgia Photography

Avalon 1998

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