Ben: Through the Ages pt. 1

Friends,

You have long been accustomed to Ben and Thomas doing the lion's share of posting on this blog, but the times they are a changin'. Ben is preoccupied with his career and Thomas is up to his neck in Paramedic school. Jean's hands are pretty full as a matter of course so that leaves....me. As a public service (and because I couldn't come up with a better idea) please give your attention to this, the first installment of an in-depth look at the life and times of Benjamin F. Hector. These images are in no particular order, and any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely intentional, as these are real images of real people. Let us begin.

Yaaaayhh! Ben has his Bachelor's degree. This little piece of paper that he got in the mail proves it. He worked long and hard for it.

The Hector's are real big on going to the beach. Going to the mountains doesn't hold the same allure because, well,...we LIVE in the mountains. Only Ben could find a coconut on a beach that does not have palm trees.

Were you aware that Ben loves to read? This was taken when we lived in Patterson, which was ten years ago.

One can never dress too carefully while serving ice cream. Remember, head injuries last a lifetime!

From Ben's goatee period: May I please introduce you to Redbeard, the most vicious Pirate in all of Mountain Ranch.

Ben was put in charge of our last Reformation party. He did a good job. Please note the three-ring binder. You just can't manage a Reformation party without one.

The Merry-go-round in Disneyland. The enchanted expression is genuine.

Sorry Thomas; I had to drag you into this.

We are in an aviary at a zoo. If memory serves, we were in Fresno, but I'm not positive about that. This bird was very fond of Ben, and wouldn't leave him alone. Maybe it's the goatee.

I'm not sure what Ben's preoccupation with the use of protective clothing while preparing food is all about. I'll keep an eye on him...

Ben tried his hand at digging for dinosaurs at Creative Expedition's site in Colorado. It was difficult, dirty work, but he had a great time. You will have to ask him what kind of dinosaur he was working on.

There is a very cool place in San Francisco called the Exploratorium. This is just one of the many fun things you can do there.

If you are going to ride on an orange waterslide, it is best to sit on an orange innertube. That's what Ben always says.

This is Ben, circa 2001.

Ben really does love the beach. Invite yourself along, and he will find the time to take you there.

Ben served as a Poll Worker for a couple of years. He recognizes the value of our right to vote.

More books. I'm surprised that we don't have more pictures of Ben with a book in his hand.

They are one thin inch away from sinking that boat.

Ben does not have a friend named Wilson.

Ben takes the graveyard shift when driving the RV. That's why he is sleeping away the daylight.

That's me in the background. I still have that shirt. That's Ben in the foreground. He still has that face.

Well folks, there you have it!! If you have enjoyed this fascinating glimpse into Ben's world and would like to see more, you will have to put more pressure on me to do it again than Ben puts on me to NOT do it again. Keep your cards and letters coming!

be safe,
Hec @ 19