June 19, 2018

          Those heated afternoon winds are drying things out. That helps to dry out the hay lying in windrows waiting to be baled, but it zaps the green out of the unwatered areas of our village.

           The community gathered at the Ballpark Pavilion on a warm June evening for dinner and a program. The menu consisted of salads and deserts furnished in 'potluck style' to accompany a great Philly cheese steak on a bun, all chased down with homemade rootbeer.

          The group were then treated to hearing about the experiences of Eldon and Danita Wilcox and Sam and Sylvia Stanger in connection with their time spent in recent mission callings. The Wilcox couple served in the Philippines, Quezon City Mission, located fairly close to Manila. They learned about unusual foods, methods of travel, new customs, to name just a few things. They were able to visit the U.S. Cemetery near Manila and told how closely it compared to the cemetery in Arlington, VA.

           The Stangers labored in St. Cloud, FL on the Deseret Cattle and Citrus Ranch, that covers 458 square miles. It is a cattle/calf operation. They survived a hurricane and came out unscathed. There were frequent occasions for service and 'paying it forward.” They worked among the homeless, the aged and at a baby center besides the ranch and served with five other senior missionary couples.

          Bob and Claudia Erickson took a few days to visit children and grandchildren in Utah. Carla Nielsen and Danalee and Gene Abernethy joined the family of Laural and Jody Janke as they were involved in a baseball tournament in Alpine, UT. After a session of swimming at the Abernethy's following the games, the Ericksons and the Jankes drove to Richfield and enjoyed some time there at the Janke home. A bonus was a day spent in Bryce Canyon National Park viewing the artistry of Mother Nature.

          Rain seems to go with haying season. We have had a couple of storms go through that have done some damage. Farmers stay tuned to the weather channel, but it only gives marginal advice.

Wind can rearrange a straight windrow in short order, requiring a redo before being able to bale.

          The annual barn swallow invasion is upon us and the birds sail into every spot they think likely for a protected nest. They particularly like garages or porches up under the eaves. Their mess makes entryways much less inviting. They are hard to discourage and have one-tract minds. I have had to stuff something above my outside door light because it must offer the perfect spot to roost.

           Happy Summer Solstice, let it officially begin!