Ben Casper's Blog: https://recoveringidiot.com/shop/

https://www.azfamily.com/2026/02/14/crash-kills-one-injuries-four-others-queen-creek/

I’ve had several close calls down here in AZ but nothing real serious since my cancer episode last year. Last night my wife was heading out to San Tan Valley to baby sit for our baby boy Michael. Normally, I would have stayed home but at the last minute I had the thought that I should go with her.

The only dangerous event in the early evening was when I pilfered Mike’s freezer and discovered some ice cream,  grabbed a banana and made a split. Michele put the 3 young un’s down and I grabbed winter’s nap while she watched the American dude blow the figure skating event.

Before I knew it, they got home and woke me up. We exchanged niceties and headed for Freeman Farms where we live.

We got on Riggs Road, which coincidently is my mother’s maiden name and headed west. Normally I run every yellow light I run into but for some reason, lost my macho and coasted to a stop at Ellsworth. The car beside us cruised on through the yellow and a couple seconds later, we heard a big collision and saw cars flying and sparks kicking up.

I knew it was a bad wreck so I called 911. After the light turned green, I drove ahead and pulled over and got out. I went up to the car which had the complete front, sides and back torn off, including the engine. It was a Vette, newer than mine but in a lot worse shape.

Just as I got out, another hot rod flew past doing 60 or 70. We yelled but he was long gone. Until he hit all the auto parts in the road. He might have even clipped the engine. Junk was flying every which-way and eventually he slowed and pulled over. He was probably a half-mile down the road. I’m sure he did some damage to his roadster.

I looked in the cab of the Vette and figured the guy was dead. I was correct. A guy ran up and checked for a pulse with no luck. Confirmation.

I think what happened was the Vette was steaming east toward us, probably 80 to 100 on a 45 mph road. When his light turned yellow, it went yellow at the same time as ours. I think he saw there was no way he was going to get stopped, hit the binders and lost control. His car bounced across the divider and hit the car that had been our neighbor a few seconds earlier at an ultra high speed. I would guess our neighbor was doing 50 or 60 to add to the carnage.

I walked up to check out the other car. It was in as bad of shape. The engine of the Vette and a hundred different parts were scattered all over the road. I would guess the engine had traveled 800 to 1,000 feet away from where it’s other half was located. I didn’t see anyone in the car, but didn’t get that close as  there were people helping there.

There was a family in the other car including two little kids. One of the adults was in bad shape.

We didn’t sleep much last night. A second or two later and we could have been in the middle of the mess. The adult died this morning.

2 dead, 3 injured in Queen Creek crash

https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/2-dead-3-injured-queen-creek-crash/75-371cb034-2588-4998-a24c-004683f3de45

My sweet Valentine who blesses my life always!!! She was just trying to put all the pieces together.

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At the beginning of this clip, you can see the Vette engine in front of the right front bumper of the fire engine. As it spans the scene, notice how far back the Vette is.

If we had tried to beat the light like the other guy did, we’d be in much worse shape right now.

We did a movie and dinner tonight for Valentine’s day. Tomorrow is our 47 anniversary.  Every week or so of our lives seems to have some climatic episode.

We’ve got 47 years under our belts which is more than most manage. I love you, Michele and am grateful for all you’ve given me!

It’s been awhile since I posted here but I’m back because a few have requested I post my cancer pics and I think facebook would boot me if I posted there.

ABC’s of Life-The Ultimate Plan

ABC’s of Life-The Ultimate Plan

Ben’s Treat-Us, (Treatise)

Take it or leave it. It is what it is. Book Two

Over 3500 sold to date…Recovering Idiot

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This is my first post since a couple of years ago. My last posts from two years ago are embarrassing me now. I was on an ill-fated crusade to sell books. However,  because of my no-tech savvy nature, I don’t know how to take them down. I was hot to sell my book and was trying all kinds of maneuvers to make it happen. I offered cash “scholarships for book reports, thinking thousands of people would buy the book and apply. I think I offered around $3500 in total. After several months of advertising and pushing, I had received one book report. The prizes started at a thousand bucks for first place and went down from there.

(The $3500 is an interesting number because now (two years later), I have sold 3500 copies. The average self-published book sells 50-100 before it runs out of steam. Beating all odds, this one is still moving moving nicely.)

I started to panic. I quit advertising the contest. I crossed my fingers and held my breath and prayed for the deadline to pass. At one point I was accosted by a great lady friend of mine and fan of the book. She asked me how many applications I had received for the contest. I said “Julie, you would not believe the number I’ve gotten.” This was not a lie because I couldn’t believe it myself. She said “In that case, I’m not going to push my kids to apply.” I breathed a large sigh of relief.

The deadline passed.  I drew the solitary book report out of the hat and declared it the winner.

The winner was Bryant Hales, the valedictorian of Chiawana High School (over 3,000 students). Here’s his report:

Where was your book obtained? – My aunt Taneil Specht gave it to my mom in case she needed some laughs, I think Ben gave it to my aunt. (Thus my plan to sell lots of books had crashed and burned)

Your age – I am 17

Did you read the entire book? – Yes, twice, and many of the stories several times.

Did you have any help writing your report? – I wrote the report on my own, I proofread it to my parents for any grammatical or punctuation errors.

If you win the scholarship what will you use the money for? – I’ll put it toward college or my mission.

What was Ben’s closest call? – I think the most surprising and sudden call was the time when Ben, Scot McGary, and their dates were shot at by some drunk Hispanic men while enjoying a romantic moment on top of a gravel pile (Page 103). I certainly would have screamed like a little girl and probably have left my date behind.

Did you post a review of the book on Good Reads – Yes, it might be listed under Makala Hales though.

In one sentence describe the book – You get to experience the highs and lows of human intelligence… one more than the other. (If this sounds familiar it’s because Ben asked me for a sentence to post on his blog, so it’s not plagiarized.)

In one sentence what life-changing lesson did you learn – Life can be hard, there’s going to be times when you’re hurting, stressed, or just mad, but in just a few chapters you’ll be laughing again.

Book report (500 words or less)

Recovering Idiot

Recovering Idiot could be the result of combining A Series of Unfortunate Events and the I Survived books. Recovering Idiot is an autobiography that follows the life of Basin-City resident, Ben Casper, from childhood to the approximate time Recovering Idiot was published in 2015. Ben’s sense of humor prevails throughout the book as he shares stories from his life. From frozen hammers, to car wrecks, to pranks, to farm accidents, to run-ins with the law, to car wrecks, to touching moments, to inspiring stories, to broken bones, to “brilliant” business, to flying, to missing appendages, to car wrecks, and everything in between, Ben’s recounting of events remains witty and strangely touching.

Ben Casper moved to the area that would come to be known as Basin City when he was two years old. It is interesting to see the development of the sagebrush riddled desert to the lush green farming community it is today from Ben’s perspective. Even at the age of three, Ben proved to be excitement-prone when he started up the family tractor and attempted to visit the Casper’s neighbor Ken Benson.  Luckily, Mrs. Casper managed to stop him before any serious harm was done. Motorized excitement or “high speed memories” remain a theme for much of Recovering Idiot, often leading to severe injuries and semi-ignored opportunities for learning.

Another theme that appears consistently in Recovering Idiot is that of the importance of family. Throughout his childhood, Ben worked alongside his parents and siblings on a farm undertaking projects that would cause modern child labor law enforcers to faint. Despite Ben’s self-admitted rebellious nature, the love he feels for his family (most of the time) can clearly be seen and vice versa (maybe slightly less than most of the time). It is impressive to note the devotion shown by Ben to his parents, especially in later years when his father was diagnosed with MS, and Ben decided that sacrificing his pride was well worth a good relationship with his dad.

An additional entertaining aspect of Recovering Idiot is Ben’s recounting of a plethora of practical jokes he orchestrated, or of which he was the victim. In several instances Ben reacted promptly to an occasion which had the potential for a good laugh. A few of these include sneaking inside of a neighbor’s car while they had stepped away and releasing their parking brake, impersonating his brother and convincing a bank teller by phone that “his brother Ben” had died and then surprising her in person, and collaborating with his wife to convince a friend that he and his motorcycle resulted in their divorce.  Repeatedly, Ben seizes opportunities for mischief that prove his own innate sense of brilliance—at the slight expense of others.

Perhaps the greatest lesson that can be learned from Recovering Idiot is that of perseverance. Again and again, Ben faces obstacles and challenges that seem insurmountable. Again and again, he suffers defeat and discouragement. Despite it all, Ben never gives up. Whether it is a difficult relationship, a bad business deal, various injuries, or embarrassing situations, Ben never quits trying and perhaps that is why he is alive today. Countless times he sustains an injury or defeat that would likely cripple an average person, but Ben carries on despite great pain or discouragement. This attribute could be a result of his upbringing, his experiences, or even his “idiocy,” but if that is the case, then all people could do well by being a little more idiotic.

Besides getting just one book report, the only snafu I had in the whole deal was I ended up 100 bucks short when I balanced the till. If anyone knows what happened to it, please let me know. I’m down to my last buck.

I went in and picked up my Cornona stimulus check at the bank yesterday. Just before I left for the bank, my brother Brent reminded me I better put a face mask on. I didn’t have one handy so he loaned me his. He even put it on for me. He was sure in a good mood when I left.

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So I got to the bank. First thing, the teller asked me if I was serious? I think because I had that blue-tinted mask on. I know it looks a little feminine but in this time of anxiety, I’m all about safety.

The bank was empty and the teller really hustled around to take care of me. Not only did she help me, but two other ladies jumped in and gave me my check. Then they started shoveling 50’s and 100’s at me like they were going out of style. The cash they gave me was more than the stimulus check! It’s a great bank! It’s a great stimulus program! After what I experienced today, I wouldn’t mind if this Cornonavirus thing stayed around for awhile.

I wanted to leave ASAP so I could maintain my social distancing and get home to count the dough. As I walked out the bank door, I heard somebody yelling at somebody else that they had their mask on upside down. I was glad I wasn’t them.

Once I headed home, I noticed a lot of sirens sounding and emergency vehicles flying by. This Cornona deal is a major problem for law enforcement and emergency personnel! They must have been having a big problem! I’d like to help them out but I’m no longer a reserve deputy or EMT.

Brent was still smiling when I gave him his mask back. He snapped that picture of me first.

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My baby brother Bryan gave me a great marketing idea yesterday. He posted a picture of my book with a Cornonavirus mask on. Then my sister Debbie suggested I give away a free Coronavirus mask with every book that gets ordered in the next week or two, until they’re gone. I’ve gone through a lot of masks since I’ve done a lot of work in Corn (which is short for Cornona) for the last 10 years. I’m amazed I’ve survived that pesky Wuhan bug. For the first few years, I hadn’t even heard about it. But first things first–

This is a once in a lifetime offer! You can order my book here… Order Ben’s Book and get a free mask! I can pretty much guarantee you’ll get a bunch of laughs out of the book and keep the germs down inside your very own mask. If you don’t know about the book, check it out on the menu on this blog.

There’s only one little problem. I’m getting low on the uptown, high-priced N95 masks. I called around and everyone is sold out. I’ve got just a few left (pictured). First come, first served. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Also, they’re a little small for people with heads that hold as many brains as me. If you’re head is big, plan on stretching those bands to their breaking point.

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I’ve also got a few dust masks, brand new (not pictured).

I’ve also got a few dust masks, slightly used (pictured).

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It’s better to use the mask. If you don’t, you’ll get Cornonavirus all over you like happened to me several times. I just can’t believe I never got sick.

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So here’s the deal…

First customers that order the book, if they specify, they’ll get my N95 masks until they’re gone. One per book.

Then we’ll give out the unused dust masks I have until they’re gone. One per book.

Then, I’ll give out the used dust masks I have until they’re gone. One per book.

Once all the masks run out, I’ll send you a make-your-own mask out of rubber bands and a paper towel. I’ve got a huge supply of these in-house. One per book.

Or, if you don’t want a make-your-own mask, specify in the “order notes” section. I’ll give you a little entree’ by writing some really nice things about you, endorse the book and forget the mask.  It’s your call!

Orders will be filled and shipped in order, as stated.

And unlike parts of this story, everything in the book actually happened.

Order Ben’s Book and get a free mask!

I arose this morning around 5:00 pm am. Sorry, I usually get up in the pm.

The day was looking grand as I puttered around. I complimented myself on the “likes” I had gotten on my latest post titled

That hardly ever happens but when it does, I know it’s a good post.

The day was looking good that is, until I took a quick look at my blog messages. I was instantly horrified. The last post I made referenced an encounter I had with a man who used to be somewhat large at our front door the other night. The message I got this morning said “I was never 400 lbs.” Here’s the nuts and bolts of the post that I made the other night and quickly deleted this morning after getting the correction…

Last night my wife mentioned a guy was going to be stopping by to borrow one of her musical instruments. I had met him several times in the past at musical sorties. He stands a good 5’10”. He weighed a good 400 pounds and was a good 5’10” side to side. I am not kidding. He’s a nice guy and really throws his weight around. When he’s not, he’s likely sitting down.

An hour later I had totally forgotten the reminder. A knock sounded and I went to answer it. I might mention my wife and I are old codgers now. Because I’ve had pneumonia 8 or 10 times in the past, I’m figuring if I get the Kung Flu, I’m toast. So we are trying to be careful about getting too close to anyone who might be packing the martial arts virus.

I opened the door and a guy in his forties was on the other side. He was probably 185 lbs and smiling as he took a step into our virus-free abode. My dander went up instantly. I didn’t recognize him as anyone other than a stranger who was trying to infect me by marching forward and instantaneously closing the distance between us.

I yelled “Hold it right there!” I put my hands up to show him he was not welcome.

He kept coming! I couldn’t believe that this dangerous stranger was proceeding into my up-to-then sanitary home. My anti-Kung Flu stance took over my entire body and I immediately sprang into action.

I took two steps back.

His friendly smile started evaporating. He said “But I’m here to pick up the…” Then I realized who he was. It was not the quarter-ton dude that I had met in years past. It was a trim and nice-looking guy who I began looking at with a bit more trust. At least I knew who I was dealing with now.

About then my wife appeared after hearing all my frenzied yelling at her visitor. She recognized him but instantly commented “Wow! You are a little skinnier than the last time I saw you.”

He then explained how surgery was his last gasp at losing weight and staying alive. I quit worrying so much about the flu he might be carrying and started reminiscing about the song Staying Alive my band and I used to play back in the ’70’s. It was a great dance tune… Staying Alive

I handed him the instrument, complimented him on his trim physique and bid adieu. I closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief, standard procedure whenever I have had a close call with the Grim Reaper. I then went in and washed my hands for 20 seconds, just in case.

When I made the blog the other day, I googled “Fat guy trying to get through a door” and this is the picture I got…

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The google pic looks a lot like my front door friend used to look. I thought about posting the picture but then realized that since they looked somewhat similar, I better not. Here is an actual picture of my Kung Flu friend from yesteryear…

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Back to the present. Here is the dialogue that I and the 400 pounder up-until-now “unknown” blog reader had this morning…(My comments are in the blue. Blue rhymes with doo-doo, stew and stupid. I was in all those items.)

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It was a pretty crazy run of emotions this morning. I’m glad Joe is a forgiving and level-headed guy. Here is a recent picture of Joe…

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His grandpa Arlo was a wonderful guy and one of my propane customers in his golden years. I see Joe’s dad and uncles in the temple often. A great family.

Thanks, Joe for being a nice guy!

And to tell the truth, I look a lot more like the old Joe than the new Joe does.

Last night my wife mentioned a guy was going to be stopping by to borrow one of her musical instruments. I had met him several times in the past at musical sorties. He stands a good 5’10”. He weighed a good 400 pounds and was a good 5’10” side to side. I am not kidding. He’s a nice guy and really throws his weight around. When he’s not, he’s likely sitting down.

An hour later I had totally forgotten the reminder. A knock sounded and I went to answer it. I might mention my wife and I are old codgers now. Because I’ve had pneumonia 8 or 10 times in the past, I’m figuring if I get the Kung Flu, I’m toast. So we are trying to be careful about getting too close to anyone who might be packing the martial arts virus.

I opened the door and a guy in his forties was on the other side. He was probably 185 lbs and smiling as he took a step into our virus-free abode. My dander went up instantly. I didn’t recognize him as anyone other than a stranger who was trying to infect me by marching forward and instantaneously closing the distance between us.

I yelled “Hold it right there!” I put my hands up to show him he was not welcome.

He kept coming! I couldn’t believe that this dangerous stranger was proceeding into my up-to-then sanitary home. My anti-Kung Flu stance took over my entire body and I immediately sprang into action.

I took two steps back.

His friendly smile started evaporating. He said “But I’m here to pick up the…” Then I realized who he was. It was not the quarter-ton dude that I had met in years past. It was a trim and nice-looking guy who I began looking at with a bit more trust. At least I knew who I was dealing with now.

About then my wife appeared after hearing all my frenzied yelling at her visitor. She recognized him but instantly commented “Wow! You are a little skinnier than the last time I saw you.”

He then explained how surgery was his last gasp at losing weight and staying alive. I quit worrying so much about the flu he might be carrying and started reminiscing about the song Staying Alive my band and I used to play back in the ’70’s. It was a great dance tune… Staying Alive

I handed him the instrument, complimented him on his trim physique and bid adieu. I closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief, standard procedure whenever I have had a close call with the Grim Reaper. I then went in and washed my hands for 20 seconds, just in case.