Kick Back Kids Remembering Past Summers

As kids we roamed the fields of our grandparents farms. But when it came to doing our own chores, we complained like a wining horse. We lived on a small farm of seven acres. Our family had chickens to feed, horses, pigs, cows to milk, fields of hay to bale. Mom always had a big sprawling daily producing garden. It was our job to pick the cukes, beans, squash, tomatoes and such. This time of year we had to help bottle the extra produce. Like any child we would rather be playing. I loved roller skating, riding my Schwinn bike and wasting time watching TV.

Dad made a big A-frame swing set that had tire seats. We loved to swing in. We also had a rusty metal kiddie push-peddle car to drive around. When I spied this car show model, it reminded me of those days when time stood still.

My grandkids have had the bright plastic red and yellow car I bought a few years ago at the DI. It is a kid magnet, as the little ones climb in, out and over it. Their time stands still now and ours races down the track like that old horse. We are still wining.

Classic Crane Car

I saw this water bag at a car show. It's to guarantee a gasket doesn't blow, Heated radiator or some such, You know. When I was a kid, we had one too, just so.

Ours wasn't as new as this one, because it was filled and reused over and over. It hung on the grill of the car catching all the bugs and dirt as we tripped from state to state. We were mostly sitting on the side of the road, broke down, waiting for a Good Samaritan to help us out. This week was my parents anniversary. This reminded me of them when I saw it and wanted to share. Thanks, Mom and Dad for taking us with you everywhere.

Flying on the Ferris Wheel

We rode the big Ferris Wheel at Scheels. We're not afraid of heights. It cost two bills. As a kid with my mom, it held many thrills. Check one more bucket list item it fills.

Every year when the family went to Lagoon, we would always ride the Ferris Wheel. That's because there were a dozen free rides on our company amusement park pass, and this was one of them. I often felt it was my mom's favorite ride. As she was always begging us to ride with her. When the giant Ferris Wheel was built, it was considered one of the scary rides. Ha, ha! Today it pales in comparison to the ones people attempt.

When Scheel's, the new sports store opened a few years ago, it had a giant Ferris Wheel in the center of the store, kids lined up to ride it. I secretly wanted to do it, too. I waited for a few years until the demand dropped. Last week with nothing to do, we visited there and took the leap onto the giant swing. It was super fun and felt like old times.

DUP Did It All - Historical Marker

I belong to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. These, our ancestors have been here for years. From 1847 to 1867 they came here in tears. Let's give these great DUP women ten cheers!!!

On a trip to East Carbon, Utah, I saw this beehive looking historical marker. We stopped to take a close-up look. How fun to discover it was a Daughters of Utah Pioneers monument. There are hundreds through out the Inter-state Region, built years ago by enterprising women to honor their ancestors. These must have taken years to design, build and pay for.

As a girl when we went on road trips, my parents always wanted to stop and see the historical markers. We often grew tired of it, but know the work these recent ancestors did was remarkable. Now seldom does anyone even notice them. In fact, many have been defaced and damaged. Thanks to these great folks for keeping the memory of our forefathers alive.

Gentleman Biker

He's a gentleman biker off to work. Leaving the car for his wife, a nice perk! Whether he's a chemist, accountant or clerk, He'll take the bike, so she doesn't go berserk!!

My brother, Jim, rode his bike to work for years to accommodate his wife. Sometimes only one car is the option, but they make ways to get around that. One time while I was driving in a nearby city, I saw a guy on a bike. It was my awesome brother! A fellow here a work rides to the Trax or the Front Runner, then from the closest station to work. He keeps his bike in the office right next to the plant and name plate. Way to go men!! You **rock!!

Dad's Birthday 91

Dad would be 91 today. He left us years ago in such array! Couldn't wait another day We love him still, come what may.

Yep, every year in August I think of my dad, on or around his birthday. He was only sixty three. It had just been six months since he retired. Mom didn't have much time to enjoy him at home. He was always working on the farm or at Kennecott. She waited forty one years after they were married to be with him, and twenty three more alone.

They are together now and don't have to be apart any more. Love you Dad & Mom.

Pretending to Be Pioneers in the Days of '47 Parade

We were in the Days of '47 parade, Representing our ancestors and how they made, The desert blossom as a rose. They weren't afraid, To leave their homelands, come to Utah and then they stayed!

I'm a direct decendant of the pioneers that came here. Some were in the first company on July 23rd, others came in 1857 and the last relations arrived from England in 1911. I love, honor and appreciate all of them. Most were in wagon trains or rode on trains. I don't know if any pushed handcarts. Doesn't matter, we are proud them all. What a delight to sit down with them and hear their amazing stories of courage, sickness, heart ache and rejoicing.

We walked two miles waving and representing the ten hand cart companies. Ours was the Ellsworth cart. The Sons of Utah Pioneers have done this for many years. With Allan being the president of our Jordan Temple chapter, we wanted to do it. How often do you get a chance to be in one of the largest parades in the nation? A bucket list check is completed. There was plenty of shade and we were at the very front of the parade.

We were tired after it was over and my arms hurt during the night from all that waving. But was a blast to see thousands of people honoring the holiday by coming to see the parade. Thanks to You beloved ancestors for making the Desert Blossom as the Rose!