July is always a nostalgic time of year for me filled with family memories. One of the things I am most grateful for is my Parents love of America and their patriotism, The Fourth of July is one of my most memorable family adventures.
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| Liberty Bell |
We were involved with the Arlington Texas parade for many years. One of the traditions was to make Cinnamon Rolls the night before and take to the parade to share with those around us. That tradition continues and we made them this year and took to the parade. Emily grew up with us working on floats and attending the parade in Texas and she is doing her Civic duty by participating as an Announcer at the Provo City Parade. She knows how to work the crowd and really enjoys being a part of this event. We are her support team and help set up and take down and whatever else she needs.
WE LOVE FIREWORKS! The largest Fireworks display West of the Mississippi is held in Idaho Falls Idaho. It is the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and has only gotten better over the past 30 years. We have been known to attend the parade in Texas in the morning, get on a flight and be at the fireworks in Idaho Falls in the evening. It is nice to live closer and to be able to drive three hours to Idaho Falls and see the Fireworks. It is a bonus to have family in Idaho Falls who open their home to us for the night.
Oh, the memories I have of fireworks as a young girl. My Dad loved fireworks. It was always extra special when he would go to Wyoming and get "the real" fireworks for us to shoot off. A memorable time was going to Colorado - high in the mountains - only accessible with 4 wheel drive Jeeps to my Dad's special friends, Duward and Esther Campbell. They farmed up in the mountains and Esther was the School Teacher in a little one room school for all of the Ranch kids. They had a compound with a few small houses and a large barn with horses, cows, cats, a dog and at night the coyotes. It was always an adventure visiting them. We would drive our station wagon as far as we could and Duward would pick us up in his Jeep and take us up to their home. It usually took two trips to get us all there. One year we went over the 4th of July. Yes, we brought a lot of Fireworks from Wyoming to celebrate. One launched and landed on the barn. Immediate fire started. Not only could we not loose the barn and their homestead, but we were in the middle of the forest and it could have started a major forest fire. There were about 15 of us and a bucket brigade was quickly started. Everyone down to the youngest child were carrying buckets of water and helping with the fire control. It was a real miracle that we saved the barn and just had some damage to the roof and NO Forest Fire! Fast forward Twenty years. My parents owned property in the Snake River Canyon where we at one time had a Beaver Ranch. It was a beautiful piece of land on a plateau that overlooked the Snake River. It was next to the Idaho Power Plant with a park and 3 homes of Idaho Power employees. I was now married and had a two year old and a 4 week old baby. We had a family reunion over the 4th of July just before Russ and I were moving to Arlington Texas to begin his career with American Airlines. What better way to celebrate the 4th than with Fireworks. There was a row of Large - about 40 ft. tall trees as you entered the property. My Dad loved those trees. We were having a great evening watching the fireworks as they went out over the river and the beauty of the Snake River Canyon - until the wind shifted and a large aerial landed in one of the trees at the entrance. It started a fire and once again we started a bucket brigade with water. The scary part was that the fire was blocking the only way out. The fire was quickly moving in our direction where we had our tents, trailers, motor homes and our children. The Volunteer Fire Dept. came and helped put the fire out. It cost my Dad $500 for them to come - in 1979 that was a lot of money and they lost the whole row of trees.
It is a good thing in the 1980's Melaleuca started the Freedom Celebration in Idaho Falls and we left the Fireworks to the professionals. It was fun to meet my parents in Idaho Falls for the fireworks when we would come from Texas. I thought of them a lot this year as I was sitting on the grass waiting for the show to start. Why do I like Fireworks? It is what it does to stir my soul and the memories with my family throughout my life.
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| Nora |
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| William |
I am feeling a little nostalgic and feel the need to express my thoughts. We have lived with 2 of our grandchildren the past two years and this week we had William and Nora with us from Wichita, Kansas. This past week has had me reflecting on my life and childhood. I grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho - a small community in Southern Idaho that was our World. My parents settled there after 10 years of marriage in 1954. My father fell in love with the area after traveling for a few years for an Insurance company as an Area Manager. An opportunity came to him to join an Insurance Agency in Twin Falls and the timing was right for them to leave Salt Lake City, Utah and start a new life in Idaho. He eventually purchased the Insurance Agency and added a Real Estate Business as well. They loved everything about the area and my Dad spent over 50 years selling, promoting and supporting business in Twin Falls. Our family vacations were always to the Sawtooth Mountains camping, BSA Scout Camp Bradly, or trips to Salt Lake City to visit Grandparents. I did not fly on an airplane until I was in high school. We never went to Disneyland - my first visit was when I married and moved to California for 3 months. I visited my sister in California when I was about 14 and our occasional trips to Colorado to visit the people mentioned above, The Campbells. We lived a good life and my parents provided a safe, loving home life. We snow skied in the Winter and water skied in the Summer. Our boat was called "Little Toot". It was a ski boat, fishing boat and took us to camp sites only accessible by water. By the time I was in Jr. High we lived outside of the city on an acreage and had horses and country living. We usually went out to eat only on our birthday and we ordered takeout from the Chinese restaurant on New Year's Eve. In 1963 my parents drove to Florida representing Idaho at the Lion's Club International Convention. My Sister Brooke and brother, Tad stayed with my grandparents for a month while they made the trip. I loved the time I spent with them. We got to participate in the Primary Children's parade on July 24th in Salt Lake City - I was a flower made out of tissue paper. We had so many adventures - I hope you remember the definition of an adventure from last month. We even had a few that ended up in the local newspaper as search and rescue stories, Father's Day Tributes, Scouting adventures, and many others. My Dad lived life to the fullest - No fear - at least to my young mind and my mother was always right by his side. We learned to work hard and play hard.
I have learned a few lessons the past few years as I have tried to share my love of nature and simple things with my family - especially my grandchildren. They are living in a whole different world and are not conditioned or prepared for my kind of adventures. Some of my Bucket List activities I have tried to share with them and I have decided it is probably not the best thing to do. They will remember them but it is not what they really want to do. They live in a Virtual Reality World and eating out. My childhood picnics just aren't the same for them. I am no longer the little girl from Twin Falls, Idaho but my childhood will always be a part of my life and who I am. I have traveled the world and visited 46 of the States in the USA - the other 4 are still on my list! Russ and I have had adventures I could only dream of as a young girl. I hope my grandchildren will be able to experience even a few of the things I have in my lifetime. Someday they might look back and see that grandma's life was more about the people and experiences she had that made her life so rich. As the grandchildren are getting older, we have had some great opportunities to travel with some of them and I hope we stay healthy for many more years so that we can travel and show them more adventures.
SUMMER FUN
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| Preslee and Logan's Birthday |
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| Logan on his new bike |
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| Will and Nora with Cosmo at BYU |
The Fun Continues:
In 1850 the brothers took samples of assayed ore to Brigham Young who advised them not to engage in mining at that time and concentrate more on food for the large numbers of pioneers entering the valley.
Following the discovery the silver and gold containing ore in the Fall of 1893, the West Mountain Mining District embracing the entire Oquirrh range was organized.
In 1868 fewer than one hundred people lived in Bingham Canyon. By 1880 the town bad grown to a population of 1,022. Large scale copper mining began in 1904. The city population was comprised of people from many nations: Greeks, Italians, Armenians, Mexicans, Japanese, Chinese, British, and Austrians.
The prosperity which built the town also hastened its death. The land where the town was located is now a part of the Kennecott Copper Open Pit Mine. The 1970 Census shows the thriving city of 15,000 had dwindled to 31 people.. In Nov. 1971 the town was disincorporated and after 123 years, Bingham Canyon was dead.
It is worth a visit if you have never been.
Checking off another site I have always wanted to see.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY FOR THE KIDS:
NICKEL CITY ARCADE
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| Nora at the Wheel |
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| Logan and Will at Mario Game |
Wow! One of the best ways to spend an hour and $10 each to play anything they want - for Nora that was any game that gave her the most tickets.
After all that energy released it warranted a stop at Macey's Deli for an Ice Cream Twist. Dole Whip, Chocolate and Vanilla.
William enjoyed a few of our morning bike rides. He got to ride my original E-bike that was just perfect size for him. We rode almost 9 miles. He is a real trooper.
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| Water Break |
AIRBORNE TRAMPOLINE PARK
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| Will rocking the tire swings |
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| Jousting match |
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| Williams favorite Nachos for Dinner |
The first landmark is called the Three Patriarchs. It is a set of three sandstone monoliths on the west side of Zion Canyon. They were named by a Methodist Minister Frederick Fisher and two local boys from Southern Utah in 1916 for the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Elevation: 6,988'
The Virgin River - the start of THE NARROWS hike. There are beautiful hikes off the road - some very difficult to access that have magnificent formations and views. Glad others have gone and taken pictures for all to see.
"Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit." Edward Abbey. The Zion Wilderness is a network of colorful canyons, forested mesas, and striking deserts. In 2009, over 124,000 acres of the Park was designated as wilderness. This will ensure that 84% of the park will continue to be a place where nature and its "community of life are untrammeled by man, a place where man himself is a visitor who does not remain."
The search for arable farmland drew Mormons up the Virgin River. They founded Virgin City, Grafton, then Rockville and Springdale in 1862. Farming was vital to these communities, so ingenious irrigation systems were developed by the pioneers. My Great Great Great Grandparents were called by Brigham Young to settle in Washington County and establish a settlement there. They were the first settlers in Springdale and then moved to Rockville. Their youngest son, Joseph S. Black was the first to ride his horse through the canyon and, after seeing the spectacular sights, galloped back to exclaim to his fellow Mormons how beautiful it was. He described the cliffs and scenery in such glowing terms that some scoffed at him, calling the canyon, "Joseph's Glory". I
"Wherefore, I will consecrate this land unto thy seed, and they who shall be numbered among thy seed, forever, for the land of their inheritance; for it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands . . ."
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| Preslee cooling off in the Virgin River |
2 Nephi 10:10
My sister, Brooke and her family planned to celebrate her 70th Birthday in Bear Lake, UT. She invited us to come and party with them. Bear Lake is a special place for us. Russ' parents are both from there. His mother was raised in Laketown, UT on the Southern end of Bear Lake and his father was raised in Paris, ID on the North end of the lake. For many years we had family reunions each summer with the Grimmett family. Russ still has cousins that live there and it is always nice to visit with them. We decided to make it a summer trip for Emily, Logan and Preslee. It was definitely a trip down memory lane.
About three years later, Isaac Behunin settled in Zion Canyon to raise livestock and tobacco. He is known to have named the region, "Little Zion," because he believed it was just as deserving of the religious title "Zion" as was Salt Lake City. Brigham Young put a stop to calling the area "Little Zion," evidently because of the corrupt men living there. He said, "No it's not Zion. Zion is a place where the pure in heart dwell."
I keep going places and then come home and learn about my family history. I knew we had a link to Zion Canyon, but did not realize how many of my family are buried in Rockville. I need to go back and visit the cemetery.
BEAR LAKE WEEKEND
First stop was Evanston, Wyoming for lunch and a visit to the City Park. I love the lily pond and the historic train station - more on that story.
I tried to rent an AirBnB but for our little group but it was not a good deal. The Bear Lake Motor Lodge was the only motel available - for a reason. It is the same Motel Russ' parents would stay in when we had Family reunions and everyone else camped and they stayed in the Motel. Lots of memories from those days 45 years ago. Current description of the Motel: We are just a little ole motor lodge located in a little ole resort town - Our little lodge is quaint and retro - we call it "Quantro". Let me tell about the positives first: Historical, great memories, Location, Location, Location, two bedroom with small kitchen and a bathroom. Family friendly with a large grassy area with playground, fire pit and grills. The Real Description 2023: Old - not little retro lodge. Same furniture from 45 years ago - not in retro or vintage condition. Microwave at least 40 years old. NO AIR CONDITIONING! Not even a window unit. Heavy smoke smell. We told the kids it was a step above tent camping because it did have a bathroom and the most important for the kids was WIFI - the only modern convenience. Because it is now owned by a new resort in town, the best part of the unit was the luxury towels in the bathroom - 5 Star quality with 3 bags of chips and a bottle of water - no kidding. All of these amenities were for $200 per night. Crazy to think 45 years ago it was the only and nicest place in town. The area
has changed so much with development everywhere. It is good for the local economy and the younger generation who like living there and need to make a living.
ZIPZ is one of the newer places and most popular in Garden City. Long lines all day long. It was across the street from our little Motel.
It is usually our first stop in Lake Town and this trip it was our first stop for Friday night dinner.
Saturday was Beach Day. Bear Lake is one of the most beautiful Blue lakes you will ever see. It is so good to see it almost full this year - not much beach. Last year you could walk out a few hundred feet to the water. We set up at a great spot and the kids played for several hours in the water. Water is Logan's Happy Place. It was 88* with a water temperature of 72*. It was a perfect day.
Russ and I were content to chill under the canopy and read our books. We did all of the hauling and set up of equipment and enjoyed the beauty of the day. I got a little too much sun and have been nursing a few sunburned spots.
Saturday evening we spent with my Sister and her family. They stayed in a beautiful home at the top of the hill in Garden City. We had a great dinner, played card games, and then had a great time Celebrating her 70 years. Her children planned a really enjoyable, fun evening to celebrate her and it was extra special to have the Sisters together as well. My Sisters are my best friends and we had so much fun sharing memories of birthdays and things we did growing up. Oh, the stories that we shared - memories!
LINDON TEMPLE UPDATE.
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| Dinner at Some Beaches |
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| Preslee chilling in the kayak |
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| Pam, Brooke and Linda (In order of age) |
Sunday we attended Church in Laketown, UT with cousins who live there and their families. What an experience. Several years ago the Church built a large warehouse type building to hold Church for all of the visitors over the summer months. They hold 3 sessions with 1,000 people per session. My Sisters attended those meetings in Garden City. We were invited to come to Laketown and be with the Cousins. We thought it would be smaller and that all of the Visitors would attend the Visitor Building. We went a little early and were surprised when we arrived that the Chapel, Gym and other rooms were already full. We found a few seats in the Gym and watched the services on a large screen. There were over 1,000 people in attendance that day! We stayed for the next hour and it was much smaller with just the local people. It was a really nice experience and so nice for Russ to be with Craig and Dixon and catch up on their lives. So many memories of the old Rock Church that we used to attend when we visited that is still there, but used as a classroom and they built a new Chapel, Gym and 2 stories of classrooms.
As an added surprise, Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was in attendance on Sunday. He owns a farm in the area and comes every July. He was the concluding speaker for the service and what a blessing it was to hear his testimony and thoughts. It is always a special day to hear an Apostle speak and to be in his presence.
We went and visited with Cousins, Craig and Jane Floyd. They were so good with Logan and Preslee and Craig shared several stories that Logan really enjoyed. Grandpa and Grandma Weston lived across the street from the Floyd family home. It is still there and occupied. Craig shared the story of how they met and their marriage. Albert lived and farmed in Lake Town. In went to Salt Lake City and was introduced to Elda Dixon from Illinois.
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| Weston Home In Laketown |
ELDA ARRIVES IN LAKETOWN:
At an early morning hour a few days following the wedding Elda found herself on the train by Albert's side headed for Laketown. All her earthly belongings were packed in the big trunk that had accompanied her from Illinois. There was, also, in the baggage compartment a practically new black iron kitchen range. Albert had purchased the stove. They rode the train over its main eastern route to Evanston, Wyoming, where they disembarked early in the morning. Laketown is located fifty miles north and west of Evanston in the Bear Lake Valley. Before leaving home Albert had made arrangements with the school teacher who taught in Laketown and would be going home in May, to drive his team to Evanston and leave it at the Evanston Livery Stable on the day before Albert would arrive with his bride. They loaded the trunk and stove on the wagon and began their journey. Elda was getting her first look at rural Utah and found it shocking. She was accustomed to the white farm houses, red barns and neat fences found in Illinois. Here were houses of log, native stone or siding which needed a coat of paint.
They stopped in Randolph at the furniture store to purchase a few items. They bought a round, pedestal dining room table which could be extended to seat a dozen people, with 6 matching chairs with matching buffet. They also purchased a large oak rocking chair.
Craig was sitting in that rocking chair as he was telling the story. His sister has the dining table in her Ranch house. They had quite an adventure as they finished their 20 mile journey over the pass in the dark of night. After battling snow over the pass, having to unload the furniture and trunk by the light of the moon for the horses to get through the drift of snow; and then drag the furniture through to the wagon it was 2 AM when Elda caught her first glimpse of Bear Lake in the valley below.
So the Evanston Train Station that I have been fascinated with has family ties and a fun story to remember. Logan was so interested in the stories and questions they involved him in. When we got in the car to go home he said, "That was a really cool visit". He told Craig, "I don't agree with everything you have said, but I like your stories." Craig shared some Spiritual experiences as well and Logan struggles with that a little.
So I checked off several Bucket List adventures in July. I will continue to do activities with my family and grandchildren - so fun to be a part of their lives. As for Bucket List items I think I will keep those for Russ and I - we get a lot more out of those experiences than they do. The joys of aging.
The South Spire framework was hoisted into place this week. We rode our bikes over to watch it be put in place. It is so fun watching the progress - it is starting to look like a Temple.
First bouquet of flowers from our garden. It was fun to make a few bouquets and share them with neighbors.
We close out July with gratitude for living right where we are and in this land of America. We are grateful for our family and for the memories we continue to make. We are off to Wichita, Kansas for the next two weeks. Family - the adventures continue.
Happy Trails,
Linda
