Monthly Archives: May 2025
My nephew, Rob Masterson is dad with a sense of humor, tempered by his deep love for his family. He has a way with each of his children that is unique to them. His oldest child, Christina Hockenbrocht is married now and lives in Colorado, so he doesn’t see her as much as the younger kids, but they talk periodically, and she knows that he loves her very much. His second daughter, Raelynn Masterson calls her dad her “hero” and loves the fact that he always calls her Raelynn Dawn and not just Raelynn. She says that he is always looking out for her and always tries to keep her motivated. She loves riding in the car with him, because he talks about the funniest things. Raelynn has a job, but has never wanted to drive really, so Rob takes her and picks her up from work. She says, “On the way home, even on the worst days, he always gets me to smile. He loves his ‘Dad Joke Fuel’ cup that I got him and wears the silly shirts I buy him like his ‘Best Farter’ shirt.” That describes the Rob I have always known to a tee.
Raelynn works at a carwash these days, and with her prior back issues, Rob worries that it might be too much for her. He was also worried about the type of medicine they keep at home messing with Raelynn. So, he insisted she and her mom, Dustie Masterson buy some Ibuprofen to keep in Raelynn’s purse instead of taking Acetaminophen nearly every day. Sometimes the pain from her back just gets to be too much, and Rob tells her to relax and deal with whatever I was doing, later, and to take some ibuprofen and a nap, and come back to it. Like most people, Rob gets upset when someone cries, but it’s because he doesn’t know how to fix it and it 
frustrates him…because he’s the dad. He wants to help, he just doesn’t know how. Nevertheless, Raelynn says, “His hugs always make me feel better. On the worst days, when I’m in pain, when I’m just tired and can’t focus, his hugs always help. Dad hugs are magic.” She also said, “Just today he brought a Pepsi to me, all the way across town to where I work, because he loves me. I can call him from my workplace and tell him I need something, and 9 times out of 10, he’ll bring it to me or find another way for me to get it, even if he complains about his ‘Gosh Darned Kids.’ Dad’s one of the most loving people, even though he acts tough and scary. He loves all our animals and makes an effort to play with them. Even Moxxi, who he claims to hate. He’ll sit there and just pet and love on him until Moxxi’s tired of it. He’s the only one who can play with Moxxi, with his hands. Moxxi plays to rough for the rest of us, and he loves playing with Dad because Dad encourages him to be rough.”
Rob’s son, Matthew Masterson got his license right away, and he helps out with the transportation of the girls. He works too, so he can help out at home and also so he can buy things he wants and needs. That is a big help for Rob and Dustie. Rob’s daughter, Taylor Masterson says, “Dad has always told me to follow my intuition and has always let me make my own choices since I was old enough to do so safely. Dad said a few days ago that I would make a great manager if I really put my mind to it. He says that whatever path I take in life he’ll support it. Dad never lets things slow him down, even a broken bone no matter how much his family wants him to rest he still insists on driving us where we need to go. Dad and Mom have given me a kind of unrealistic view of love, the love they have is so unnaturally rare that it’s unfair to see sometimes, but at the same time it’s a 
relief to see after seeing so much heartbreak in the world. Dad is my role model, and I know that he’ll be there whenever I need him most!”
Rob and Dustie have been married 22 years now, and they are very happy together. Dustie makes Rob feel so blessed. She has given him three wonderful children. Their lives are complete. Every new year is a new adventure, and they both look forward to the next chapters of their lives. Today is Rob’s birthday. Happy birthday Rob! Have a great day! We love you!
My sister, Caryl Reed and her husband, Mike are living their dream life on a ranch west of Casper, Wyoming, which was the clear choice for their retirement years. Caryl was born in Casper, and our family has mostly lived here since right before Caryl was born. Caryl, however, has lived a number of places, so moving back here was a homecoming for her. They have been living here for a number of years now, and we have all been so blessed to have them near to the family. Like all of our family, this birthday will be a harder one, because of the passing of our sister, Alena Stevens, but we all consider ourselves blessed to have been near her and able to have sister get togethers over the years. Spending time with siblings is so important, and we five girls have always been close, so having Caryl back in Casper was an integral part of that continued closeness.
Caryl and Mike like to travel, and they have taken a number of great trips over the years, including Japan, when their son Allen Beach was stationed there; Oregon to visit Allen and his wife, Gaby; and Hawaii in 2023, where they spent a wonderful two weeks; and a number of other places over the years. While travel is great, 
their main location love is their home. They love the ranch atmosphere. Their house sits off the road a way, so they don’t hear traffic noises, and they are able to just enjoy the sounds of nature. They grow hay to sell, and that keeps them busy. Of course, Mike does most of the maintenance work and watering, and they hire the harvest, but they have really enjoyed watching the crops grow and have enjoyed the smell of the cut harvest.
Caryl and Mike have been married almost 23 years now, and they are just perfect for each other. They love doing the same things and have the same goals for their home and lives. Daughter, Andrea Beach and her son Chris Spicer have rented from them for a few years now, living in the apartment they built over the garage and recreation room. While it has been nice to have then pop in when they get home from work, the distance hasn’t really been ideal for them with their jobs, so this summer they plan to move into town. I know that will be a little bit hard on Caryl, because she has liked having her daughter so close, but at least they aren’t moving far away. Caryl, Andrea, and Chris take a week each summer and go to the Black Hills. They love seeing the sights, and that will continue, so that will be nice.
Caryl and Mike love being close to all of us sisters too, and to have a great church to attend. Most of the family attends the same church, and of course we take up about four rows of seats. Caryl and Mike didn’t really have a church when they were living in Rawlins, Wyoming. It’s a small town and there weren’t many churches, so they just caught the services our church put on Facebook and looked forward to the day they could attend regularly…and now they can. Today is Caryl’s birthday. Happy birthday Caryl!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
This is likely to be the hardest birthday my brother-in-law, Mike Stevens will ever have. It has only been 25 days since his wife, Alena Stevens went home to be with the Lord. It has been a deeply sad 25 days for all of us, but even more so for Mike, because Alena was the love of his life, his other half, his life partner, and he never wanted their time together to be so short. The were married almost 41 years, and they had built a wonderful life together, and now, he must go on without her. This will be a long transition for Mike, and I just feel so bad for him. It’s such an empty feeling for him. I’m thankful that he has their children, Michelle Miller, Garrett Stevens, and Lacey Killinger to comfort him too. The kids have been staying closely in touch and letting him know that they are there for him. Mike is a good grandpa, and he loves spending time with the kids, Elliott and Maya Stevens, as well as Brooklyn and Jaxon Killinger whenever he can too. 
Over recent years, Mike has been helping brothers-in-law, Mike Reed and Chris Hadlock with various projects they have been doing, so they have become good friends. That is such a blessing, because they are always working on something, and Mike can help them with those projects, and that helps too. Mike Reed has been rebuilding and flipping cars, and Mike Stevens has been helping him with those too. It’s almost become a lucrative new business venture for them. They have become good friends. That friendship has been a source of strength for Mike Stevens through these hard days since Alena’s passing.
Mike has always loved golfing, hunting, and working on cars, and I know that these things will help him to stay busy as time goes on. He is very dedicated to the Lord and attends church every Sunday too. That will also be a source of comfort for him in the days ahead. I know that Mike is going to be ok, but right now, his feelings are very raw, as they are with all of the family. There is just no way to lose your other half, and not feel very 
incomplete for the rest of your life. I know that while Mike will never get over Alena’s passing, he will pick himself up with the help of the family and get on with it, because that is truly all you can do. Today is Mike’s birthday, and while it’s a hard one, I hope there will be some moments of happiness too. Happy birthday Mike. You are in our prayers for peace and comfort. We love you very much.
My grandniece, Katy Herr is a powerhouse athlete…on top of being a wife and mother. She works out every day and runs relay races with a team of people. Now I don’t mean around a track. These are like relay marathon races…cross country. She is a bundle of energy, and that is great for her husband and son, because she has no trouble keeping up with them and all their activities. She and her son, Max Herr are best pals, even though he is just a boy of almost 5 years. The reality is that I can’t believe he is almost five. That seems impossible. Max inspires Katy during her workouts. He is one of her biggest cheerleaders, with her husband, Dylan Herr being another. While her workouts keep Katy very busy, they also keep her strong and energetic.
Katy’s husband is owner and manager of Red Wing Shoes in Casper, Wyoming and several locations in Colorado, 
and they are also very active in fund raising for numerous charities. They are very community oriented and work hard to make our community a better place to live. Katy is also, a super supportive friend to anyone who is privileged to call her friend, and the ones who need her most are so blessed to know that she will always step up and be there in their time of need. Katy has a very giving heart, and she is very generous. Her friends are so very blessed to be her friends.
Katy loves to bake. Every so often, she bakes up and sells cake pops. They look delicious, and while they really don’t need the money, Katy has found the perfect side-hustle for a stay-at-home mom. Her baked goods show 
her amazing creative ability. While baking and such is great, Katy’s real focus is raising her son, and not having the need to send him to daycare. It is something she is quite grateful for. Katy and Max have wonderful times. They play and goof off, and she is teaching him the things he will need to know when he starts school. I don’t know how Katy will feel when Max goes to school full-time. Of course, she will be fine, because her main goal is t help her son become the best he can be, and she is doing a great job of it. They are very close, and they always will be. Having the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom has been a huge blessing for Katy, and for that, she is grateful. Today is Katy’s birthday. Happy birthday Katy!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
Anyone who has spent much time in Los Angeles through the years can tell you that it didn’t take long for the smog to get bad. All it took was for the morning commute to get started, and very quickly the two million automobiles on the roads would do their dirty work of turning the sky into a “flat canvas of smog haze” as Helena Maria Viramontes, author of Their Dogs Came with Them would say.
For years everyone thought that air pollution was seen as thought to be an inevitable part of industrialization. If we wanted progress, cars, factories, and refineries, then we would just have to deal with the air pollution that came with it. In 1943, Los Angeles, which we all know as LA, was hit with some of the worst air pollution in history. The first big “smog scare” sent residents running from what they assumed was a Japanese gas attack. Soon, what was once a clear, beautiful city, with wonderful coastal air, became a tear-inducing haze. No one knew what was causing it. Some even thought that it might be an anomaly of geography. That wasn’t it, of course. The real cause of the problem, while actually attached to the industrial revolution, was directly caused by the fact that the number of cars in LA had doubled from one to two million in a relatively short time.
At the time, scientists were just beginning to understand the impact of industry and development on the 
environment, so the smog was initially misattributed to chemical plants and backyard trash fires. These days, we would have laughed at the idea of “backyard trash burning” being the cause of the massive amount of smog in LA, but they just didn’t know. Then, in 1948, a Caltech biochemist named Arie Haagen-Smit finally made the connection with car exhaust. Even after his discovery, Haagen-Smit had to fight the oil-industry backed researchers who attempted to disprove his ideas. I’m sure the oil industry could see dollar signs flying out the window.
The reality is that while we all want the economic engine that produces smog, no one wants to live with the consequences of that engine. Finally, after much research, the study resulted in an understanding of the correlation between pollution and income levels. Now, more than fifty years since Angelenos began demanding better protection from bad air, the heaviest levels of pollution still seem to concentrate in low-income communities. Eventually change began, but it was slow progress. Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1963. Still progress was slow. It took a little more than a decade before national laws began to require catalytic converters for new automobiles. Eventually, the new laws helped roll back the LA haze. Unfortunately, the legislation came too late for the millions of people who had grown up under that dangerous smog. By 1987, an estimated 27 percent of Angelenos were living with “severely damaged” lungs. Across California, almost 10,000 
people continue to die each year from sickness resulting from air-pollution. We don’t always think of air pollution as being so deadly. Today, ozone levels in LA are 40% of what they were in 1970, and that’s with double the cars. But on a bad day the air in LA is still pretty rough, which is most likely what brought LA its nickname…Smell-A.
On May 11, 2025, our family lost another sweet member. My uncle, Jim Richards went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Uncle Jim was born on October 19, 1937, in Bassett, Nebraska, to John and Mayme (Murer) Richards. Uncle Jim joined our family on June 3, 1961, when he married my aunt, Dixie (Byer) Richards. Together they had three children, Jeannie Liegman, Jim Richards (who passed away on February 16, 2021), and Raylynn Williams. Their union was also blessed with six grandchildren, Jacob Liegman, Gabriel Williams, Gideon Williams, Noah Williams, Jonah Williams (who lives in Heaven), and Mayme Williams. The family is very close, and they all consider themselves to be greatly blessed. Uncle Jim was truly the rock of this family, and everyone came to him for wisdom, advise, strength.
Uncle Jim’s dad, John Richards passed away in 1945, when Uncle Jim was just a young boy of seven…one month shy of eight years old. Losing his dad, changed Uncle Jim’s life in so many ways, but probably the most significant way was that he effectively gave up his childhood and became the man of the house. Of course, he had older siblings, but Uncle Jim took the support of the family very seriously. He just knew what was needed, and he did it. His whole family looked to him for guidance many times. That shows that he possessed wisdom beyond his young years. Uncle Jim helped his family many times over the years, even after he was married to Aunt Dixie. Several of his family members lived with them over the years. They knew that when times were 
tough, Uncle Jim and Aunt Dixie would be there for them.
Uncle Jim also loved the family he married into very much too, showing them the same kind of love that he showed his own family. When he and Aunt Dixie were married, there was a situation that took everyone by surprise a little bit. When my sister, Alena (Spencer) Stevens was born to my parents, Allen and Collene (Aunt Dixie’s sister) Spencer on June 2, 1961, it meant that my mom would not be able to attend her little sister’s wedding. My mom loved weddings, and her sister, and she was very disappointed, so after the wedding ceremony and before the reception, Uncle Jim and Aunt Dixie, dressed in their wedding clothes, came to the hospital to see the baby, and to show his new sister-in-law how they looked. It was such a sweet and precious moment, and my mom was so happy. Uncle Jim and my sister, Alena can reminisce in Heaven now, because my sister went to Heaven on April 23, 2025, less than a month ahead of Uncle Jim. I can imagine the reunion in Heaven with all those who have gone before. And Uncle Jim can see his son Jimmy Ray again, as well as get to know his grandson, little Jonah Williams too. Reconnecting with all of his family will be one of the treasures of Heaven for him.
Uncle Jim was the last of his parents’ children left living. He was blessed with a long life. The Bible tells us in the fourth commandment to “honor your father and mother, that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” Uncle Jim lived long upon this earth. He was good to his parents and to his in-laws. When my 
grandpa (his father-in-law), George Byer was ill, and Grandma Hattie Byer needed help, Uncle Jim and Aunt Dixie and their kids closed up their home and moved in with Grandma and Grandpa for the time they were needed until Grandpa passed away. That was such a blessing to Grandma, who really needed their help. Uncle Jim’s mother Mayme Richards lived with them too as she grew older and needed more help. Uncle Jim was all about family and that included his extended family too. Kindness and compassion simply flowed from Uncle Jim’s heart, and I know that even people who barely knew him felt the exact same way. Uncle Jim will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. We love you, Uncle Jim, and we look forward to seeing you again when we are all reunited in Heaven.
In 1832, a conflict broke out, between the United States and Native Americans led by Black Hawk, a Sauk leader. The brief conflict was known as The Black Hawk War. The war erupted soon after Black Hawk and a group of Sauks, Meskwakis, and Kickapoos, who were known as the British Band, crossed the Mississippi River, into the state of Illinois, from Iowa Indian Territory in April 1832. Black Hawk’s motives for the conflict were vague, but he was apparently hoping to avoid bloodshed while secretly resettling on the former tribal land that had been surrendered to the United States in the 1804 Treaty of Saint Louis. Of course. the treaty had been disputed by the Native Americans since its inception.
While it really wasn’t accurate, the US officials were convinced that the British Band was hostile. So, they mobilized a frontier militia and opened fire on a delegation from the Native Americans on May 14, 1832. That caused Black Hawk to return fire, successfully attacking the militia at the Battle of Stillman’s Run. Then, he led his band to a secure location in what is now southern Wisconsin, where they were pursued by US forces. Meanwhile, there were raids by other Native Americans tribes against forts and settlements that had been left 
largely unprotected with the absence of US troops. Some Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi warriors with grievances against European Americans also took part in these additional raids, although most of the tribal members tried to avoid the conflict. The Menominee and Dakota tribes were already at odds with the Sauks and Meskwakis, and they chose to support the US troops.
General Henry Atkinson, commanding officer of the US troops, tracked the British Band looking for the best place to engage in battle. Colonel Henry Dodge caught up with the British Band on July 21st. His troops defeated them at the Battle of Wisconsin Heights. By this time, Black Hawk’s band had been weakened by hunger, death, and desertion, so many of the native survivors retreated towards the Mississippi, just trying to stay alive. US soldiers attacked the remnants of the British Band again on August 2nd, at the Battle of Bad Axe, killing many or capturing most of those who were still alive. Black Hawk and some other leaders escaped, but later surrendered and were imprisoned for a year.
The Black Hawk War gave young Captain Abraham Lincoln his brief military service. Other future famous 
participants included Winfield Scott, Zachary Taylor, and Jefferson Davis. The war gave momentum to the US policy of Indian removal, in which Native American tribes were pressured to sell their lands and move west of the Mississippi River and stay there. These were dark times in American history, and I think it is sad that we couldn’t just let the Native Americans share the land with us, but then, I don’t suppose the refusal to share was completely the fault of the White Man either.
My niece, Andrea Beach has always been an excellent cook-chef. The culinary arts have always been of interest to her, and she had held a number of positions as chef, with one of her favorite parts being baking. Many people have been blessed to eat the wonderful food she creates…myself included. While she was working at Rocky Mountain Assisted Living and at Elkhorn Rehabilitation Hospital, she was instrumental in creating foods that not only tasted great, but that were healthy and addressed the specific needs of the elderly and those in the various stages of rehabilitation for various illnesses and injuries. Andrea liked her culinary jobs, but after a long time in that industry, she decided that it was time for a change. That was when she took a job at Wyoming Machinery in the oil lab. While this is a complete change of careers for her, she really likes it. In some ways, a chef could be very qualified to work in a lab. Both are precision occupations. If you don’t follow the recipe or in the case of the lab, he procedures, the dish, or in this case test will not come out right. Andrea is very detail oriented, and that makes her a natural. The other nice thing about the new job is, of course, all 
the benefits. I am very happy for Andrea on her new job.
Over the past few years, Andrea has been working on her own health too. She has been working out and going hiking with her cousin, Jenny Spethman and their families. Like many of us, Andrea loves hiking. Getting out into nature and reaching the goal distance set is always rewarding. The other great part is that Andrea looks great. All her hard work has really paid off, and the health benefits will be hers for years to come. Of course, there is the added benefit of a close friendship with her cousin. Both of these girls have loved the close friendship they now have. They say that cousins are your first friends, and in this and many cases, your longest lasting friends.
Andrea and her son, Chris Spicer have been living in her mom and stepdad’s rental on their ranch, following their move from Rawlins, Wyoming to the Casper area. Now that they are settled, they are planning to make the move into town, which will be a much better fit for them. It is a long drive to work for them every day, and 
the move will save gas and time each day. In addition to the planned move, they have a pretty busy summer planned. They take an annual trip with her mom, Caryl Reed to the Black Hills each year, and this year, Andrea and Chris are going to take a trip to Seattle for a concert with some friends. They will also stay with her dad, Warren Beach and his wife, Diane for a couple days while they are there. All in all, it sounds like Andrea is going to be a very busy girl this summer, and beyond. Today is Andrea’s birthday. Happy birthday Andrea!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My uncle, Larry Byer was a Korean War veteran. When North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, Uncle Larry knew that the next few years would quickly become some of the hardest years of his life. He went into the Army as a private. He came from a very close-knit family, and they always preferred to live in the same town, Casper, Wyoming. He had one younger brother, and seven sisters, so he was the only one to serve in the Korean War. It was a hard time for the whole family, but especially for his mom, Grandma Hattie Byer, who hated to go to bed before all of her children were home. Uncle Larry survived the Korean War, of course, and came home to marry his sweetheart, Jeanette Morton. Together they had two children, Larry Byer and Tina Grosvenor. They were also blessed with six grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren.
Uncle Larry worked for Texaco Refinery, and when they closed the Casper refinery, he was not quite old enough to retire, so he and Aunt Jeanette moved to Louisiana for work, he and Aunt Jeanette brought his mom down for a visit and showed her a wonderful time. It is improbable that Grandma would have traveled to Louisiana if Uncle Larry had not lived there, making the trip and extra benefit for her, but the cost was that her son would live far away for several years. I know that Grandma was ok with it, because it was important for his retirement, but I also know she hated it for herself too.
Nevertheless, after a few years, Uncle Larry and Aunt Jeanette moved back to the Casper area, actually to 
Glenrock. Unfortunately, by then, Grandma was gone to Heaven. Still, they came home and spent their retirement years her, and we were all glad to have them back. Uncle Larry left us on December 22, 2011, following a heart attack while in the hospital. We were so saddened to have him go, but I’m sure that he was happy to see the family that had gone before him. Today would have been Uncle Larry’s 91st birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven, Uncle Larry. We love and miss you very much.
