HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT HAL HARRIS JONES IS NOW 79 EARTH YEARS OLD

Hal was given the middle name of Harris, as his mother was LaVon Harris, whose family came to Nephi with the Mormon Pioneers. Of the four boys born to Alma and LaVon Jones, Hal was probably the most handsome and all you have to do is look at that smile. As a kid, he didn't seem to like work like his brothers, as he was always laying on the Thermoid woven Hammock or under the big apple tree, and always chewing on a long straw. He was told he couldn't buy that Honda 50 from Kirk Sanders unless he found work. With his pair of Engineer Boots, he walked 30 yards and Steve Greenwood hired him as a tire recap expert, and he never seemed to take a breath since then. Of all us four boys and one girl, we thought he was the least of us that could pick up a foreign language, at least one that was East of Nortonville, anyway. Well, David O. McKay sent him a letter and told him to pack his bags, as he was heading to China. And in those days, they didn't have a Language Training Center but expected to spend the extra six months learning it in the field. When Hal got to learning it, a violent civil war broke out and all LDS Missionaries' where shipped to another Pacific Rim Country, and Hal learned a new language. He finally came back to Nephi, which was a very rural town, but it ain't no mo. Hal thought he could find some dry hay to take a well earned nap, but Hell No Hal. He and my other brothers got a call from an Uncle Sam, so Hal went back to a Hell Hole as a Medic in the upfront 9th Infantry Division. He survived, but little do most of our teachers and kids have NO real knowledge of what "Shell Shock" or PTSD is. And the older the Veteran, the kids have little respect for the soldier, or so it seems. So Dec. 7th isn't just a "Pearl Harbor" day, but Hal's 79th birthday. We headed to Vegas to watch the National Rodeo Finals. And I was willing to buy him a cake, but Hell No Hal chose Pie. I knew we shouldn't have sat behind that chute! Yup, he got a face full of .....well....lets call it a Cow Pie.

NEWLY DISCOVERED INFO. ON SECOND WIFE OF WM. FISHER TOLLEY

I have already reached by goal of writing a thousand chapters on the family history me and my family have gathered since 1852, but I figured one or two more wouldn't hurt, Wm. Fisher Tolley came  to Utah with the swarm of other Mormons that were directed here. As per  the authority  of Brigham Young, he was permitted to take on more wives if the first one permitted it. Sarah Warren did, so todays story is about wife #Two...Behold Sarah Gadd Tolley. We have not yet came across Page 3.

THIS IS HOW MORGAN COUNTY KEEPS LOCALS IN TOWN

Two days ago, I made an entry on Facebook how Morgan County is keeping their locals local, and do so by eliminating Property Taxes for Seniors. The readers ought to read the attached so see what they did. In many ways, some have sufficient dollars to pay it, but not those older folks who only have enough for food, gas. We thought this may help in volunteering. When I was on the Nephi City Counsel, I had thought of various ways to help citizens, but didn't get much support from who I worked with, so did myself. My heart and checkbook sunk when I received the ordered Tax increase notice. I also spoke to various people, all of which felt cheated. I called a Juab Leader who thought people should write a letter of concern to Juab Elected and Selected official's. I also encourage a mass gathering to attend tomorrow nights Committee meeting, who will Tax us right to one of our Assisted Living Centers. Selective people can be more critical or dangerous than what most people don't realize. Those folks may include Zoning; Road Supervisor; Law Enforcement; Employee Administrator and such. One of the people on this Bandwagon of good will was told that it was the County Commission Juab already has a similar to Morgan's, but another Selected Leader denied that. Many years ago, Nephi City built a new swimming pool, and both adults and kids put money in a large Thermometer that was in front of where Nephi City had their office. We now realize it is not the building, but nothing like the cost of running it. The same may be if  Person with a lot of money may build a new school; Chapel or a gym, don't forget the cost of maintaining it and when it all settles, the rich may use it for a Tax Deduction, but then skips town. Rather than all Juab residents  attend tomorrow, County would not be able to handle that many folks, but it would appear logical to give notice for a public meeting in the future, at least before next year. A riot mentality seldom will not help those in need. We don't need a Boston Tea party, but please attend Town, City and County Mtgs. My 46 years of working and fighting with Publicans has wore my body and brain out, so select a Leader of the Pack. My brain and body can't do it, and not sure what a "Publican" is but lets elect a good one! Older folks may have never had kids or grandkids in our schools, but they are getting a ton of money from us in many ways, and many folks they ought to get less. I just may agree to that since I used to be one!

THREE STRIKE OUTS AND THEY ARE GONE. WELCOME BACK TRUMP

For nearly 50 years I have avoided listening to any news station, and I slipped last night, but got back up after 15 minutes of putting the sound on mute and watching the Presidential voting. Each station was proudly saying how much Harris was marching to Victory. I turned it off and did what many of the real Americans did. I prayed for Trump. Then this morning I called a friend and he told me the good news. Welcome back Donald Trump. Prayer does work and in this case, it was the saving of the true citizens of America. Yes, that is a personal observation, but in 50 years of studying Constitutional Law; 42 years working in Law Enforcement and 4 years as a City Council Member, I do solemnly swear I have seen and witnessed ample proof that we have shiploads of bad people in government positions; misinformed folks and just plain stupid voters. I have now completed over 1,000 chapters of history, and tried by best not to offend people, but in this case I don't mind doing it, as it is the truth. I can now rest from teaching History; Culture and being Kind to even those who fight against Freedom and our way of life. In Nephi, I only knew three Democrats, two of which are closet voters. But in the case of Nov. 5, 2024, voters changed or at least parted the sinful waters of the United States of America. Illegals will start the riots and all those who don't work or never been taught how too. Let us do what is right for all, especially Grandma Moses who cant survive with increase in Property Taxes. Beef up the Miltary; Build the Wall; No More Grants; No money to Enemies; Term Limits; Work for what you Want; Cut Taxes; Limit Government Control. The End for Me is near as I am in the twilight of 77 years on Earth. And it Will be for all if we don't change the Un-America ways we are dealing our cards! Get involved or lose it all.

IF YOU ARE A LEGAL AMERICAN; PLEASE VOTE PROPERLY

 I read where one American Presidential Candidate yelled at a person who said something that was a slur not only against HER opponent, but to Jesus, the Savior of the world. Vote according to what you feel is best, but remember you are voting or the future of America; your future and that of your family. Don't believe that which the news media want you to think, as well as GOOGLE and FACEBOOK who distort the lies. I haven't watched a news report in 50 years, and if I have a question I will do my own studies by talking to Veterans or going to Dallas or Vietnam to find out for myself. God is King and their needs to be a Leader who will drain the swamp in DC; Utah and right here in your small once rural area.

DALE ROSQUIST FUNERAL WAS LAST SATURDAY

 "Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away". Such was the case with 75 Year old Dale Rosquist of Levan, Utah. To most of us from Juab County, he always seemed to be around and always will be. Even at his funeral, it appeared he will always be with his family, friends and those he loved. Although the proceedings were held in the Levan LDS Church of which he was a member, he wasn't what one would call an every Sunday go to meetin attender. But it was made quite clear in the words of the songs; speakers and the feeling of the crowd that in attendance, he very much loved God; his family; Levan, and most certainty America. Like many of our war torn Veterans, Dale suffered immensely from the Cancer, and it took his wife the same way. He was the Juab High Class of 66, and was a proud Wasp, along with many others as my brother Gary B. Jones was, and a dear friend of my sister-Jaynette Jones, who spent time with him and his kids the last few months. I was so impressed with the funeral program, with the spiritual music of "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace" but showing the spirit of this Veteran of 2 tours of Duty in a God Awful Country of the Pacific Rim. The Closing Hymn was "America The Beautiful" played on a guitar and joined in slowly by the congregation, and one couldn't help but shed a tear. The Levan American Legion did a 21 gun salute and the US Navy doing the Flag Honors. WELL DONE DALE.

A MOTHER'S IMPACT STAYS WITH A CHILD FOREVER

Don't panic! It is not the earthly day called "Mother's Day", but you may get extra credit by giving any mother a flower or gift of appreciation to acknowledge the love and devotion of that one person. And it doesn't have to be your own mother as their are many others who have no children or they are not in a position to offer a love note to their mother. But if you find the time or make the time, write a handwritten note of gratitude send it to her in the US mail, as a handwritten letter is keen. It can be brief, as long as it is honest. Often times, a mother type can be a grandmother; Aunt or even a church teacher. Your act of kindness may be a dollar that is sent or given to her without her knowledge. Most folks are better off that another in your neighborhood, so feel the inner spirit of love to give. As I write of this today, I was going through another box of family history and came across a letter that was written by what some folks may label me as "one of those no account" Jones boys. Well, I may have been, but I think the letter I wrote so many years ago was a sincere act of love and adoration for my own mother-LaVon Harris Jones. I was about 9 years old, and that was at a time she had temporarily given up her profession as an expert typist and teaching her "tough" boys that we each needed to learn to type even though we thought it was "only for girls". In her non argumentative manner, she taught us how we could all play men sports and type too! Somehow, she knew that even a train engineer; tire buster or Olympic swimmer, their would be a day when all people would have to learn to type. She was right as rain! And sure enough, when I got to high school, I felt this surge to sit by the cute girls in type class; made the Type Team, and still got the Atta-Boy playing Football. Well, sitting on the Bench mostly, until the last game of the year, playing  defensive end, as the Assistant Coach knew I could do that, and sure enough, Clark Greenhalgh was my "Mom" on the football field. I darted around the opponent's of BY High and sacked their Quarterback 3 times. Anyway, herein should be that letter I wrote, and sorry I  didn't spell my hometown korrectly! And school lunch couldn't be afforded.

ANCIENT LANUGAGE-CAN ANYBODY READ WHAT WE FOUND

I had the opportunity to work with Archeologists at Antelope Island; Bear River Massacre; Central America and Martins Cove. I felt honored to be asked to go to Cairo, but had to go back to work. I have spent my retirement years in writing about my exportations around the world and almost got a thousand entries. As I went through some old family artifact's, I came across this notebook and I can't decipher what language it is. Wondered if some of the readers can figure out if it is Reformed Egypt Hieroglyphics; Pig Latin; Bengali; or what? Perhaps, this is the secret book found in the hidden wall in the stairwell of the old North Ward when they tore it down and left the pile of lumber and wood for me and my father to gather and reuse. Who knows other than perhaps the Shadow Knows. I get the shivers going through the sketches made that was made. Perhaps on Halloween night?

Latest up date on this ancient hyropgylichs. We received the correct answer as to this reformed Eyptian. It is from the Tolley Twig, and that person is right on this Halloween night, and is entitled to receive free all of the thousand year old candies she can muster up and acquire.

THE WASP-100 YEAR OLD PUBLICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

We are not absolutely sure, but the Nephi Jones family believes "The Wasp" was typed by LaVon Harris  (Jones) but put together by "The Swarm", which were the Stingers and Assistant stingers and ink pushers of the class of 1928. In todays high school Nebonian and year books, people often made fun of fellow students or teachers, with no harm intended. Such is the case of the respected principal, George A. Sperry who they referred to as Jerge Jay Sperry and another respected agriculture teacher, Harry Beagley who was referred to as Hairy Beagley. Another case was respected coach T.O. Durham, and Raymond Phillips, who became one of Nephi's respected mailman, the father of Jack Phillips. It should also be noted that their was such a thing as boys and girls Glee Club; Boosters Club; Hot-N-Tot Club and in those days, as perhaps the 1964 Senior Ball was called the Senior Brawl. Have fun and check the name of what The Swarm is; and Sadie Howard became a Greenhalgh and Mable Wilson became a Nielsen, and James P. McCune not only wrote the high school school song, but became a respected 5th District Judge.

 

A PROMISE MADE IS A PROMISE KEPT

About four years ago, I was helping the DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers) conduct tours for the public at the old Juab County Jail, which was also used as a holding place for those heading to the Territorial Prison where the Sugar House park is in Salt Lake City. In addition, I found fun in opening the log cabin at Nephi's Pioneer Park each Saturday or when their was a group of people nearby. I found delight in that, as it was Alice P. McCune, the DUP President in the 1930's, who directed my grandfather to cut the logs to build the cabin, which was completed in remembrance of the Mormon Pioneers that first came to Nephi. If you knew her, as I did picking weeds at her home, nobody could turn down Alice P.! Evan Harris had two sawmills above Nephi, so he and his boys and brothers brought them down, and people of the area gathered to build the log cabin in the 1930's and the DUP has kept it in prime condition. Growing up in Nephi and being a member of the Nephi City Council I had a great interest in the upkeep of it. I told the new Park Manager if he would be willing to use his machines and manpower to transport the Bell that was near the cabin and take it back to the new Nephi Town Park created by Nephi City, and build a holding facility to give information about it. For that good cause, I told him I would bring it up in City Council for a vote, and it was approved. I shook hands with Gerratt Bethers, the Park Manager and "A PROMSE WAS MADE, AND IT IS NOW KEPT". In addition to Gerratt, we acknowledge Nephi City workers including the expertise of Clark Wood and former DUP President, Peggy Johnson. All folks in the Intermountain area are invited to Nephi for the Monument Dedication. Come One Come All. And remember, the DUP is non-profit and they could use your donation...please!

                                                                                        

WE HAVE PICTORIAL PROOF OF TWO OF THE THREE NEPHITES

 Although many followers of Jesus do not believe Christ gave continued life on earth to John the Beloved til the Savior returns, but many do. And many Mormons or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints believe that after the crucifixon of Christ on the Cross in the Middle East, he was resurrected and proceeded to come to the land that eventually became the America's. Christ visited the people that was here as recorded in the Book of Mormon. Although this writer is a sinner of the rules of the LDS, I am a firm believer in that the Book of Mormon is a written history like the New Testament of the Bible. After teaching and preaching to the people of the Americas and prior to his departure back to God, he felt very proud of his twelve disciples or Apostles here and three of those followers chose to remain on earth like John the Beloved and could Tare with no physical harm coming to them. As such, there have been many books and writings of sightings of the "Three Nephites" reporting the good and noble deeds they are doing until Jesus the Christ returns. If one could establish the facts, their just may be more people to offer their  "sightings" of Big Foot or "Sasquatch". Once again, this writer believes that John the Beloved and The Three Nephites or helping with good deeds on earth, but today we write of the sightings of "The Two Nephites"'. Elder Howarth is in the white shirt, and on a LDS Mission in Alaska. The taller guy is Gary B Jones of Nephi. They are distant cousins as their great-great grandfather is Edward Jones who was an arriving Mormon Pioneer to Nephi in 1852. Elder Horwath's grandparents are Mark and Patty Jones of Nephi. In Alaska, Gary is know as G.B. Jones, who was an Army Ranger during the Viet Nam Era; raced the thousand mile Sled dog race known as the Iditarod; returned LDS Missionary, and a well know author, with his most recent book entitled "Whisper's of the Trail', a copy of which he presented to Elder Howarth.

I TRYED TO CONVINCE TRACY BOOTH TO BE A NEPHI COUNCIL MEMBER

While doing a little written jargon with former Nephite Tracy Booth, we commented on some of the good people around about. We both conceded that one of the best families in Utah are the Wright Family of Milford and Beaver. To many of us, rodeo folks are about the only true sports hero's we have left, other than our Veterans. Tracy compared his father in law-Elwood Jenkins to Grandpa Bill Wright. He and his wife Evelyn are the parents of  13 kids, with the sons being in the Saddle Bronc competition while the daughters help Bill run their ranches. They have experienced injuries' as well as tragedy. But their faith in each other and their affirmation of their Mormon faith continues to bind them together. As I was once on the Nephi City Council, and experienced some discontent, as some of those I sat with seemed to  do away with the rural vision of Nephi, and raise prices of property and bring train loads of people and to build and build and build with no room to have gardens. One leader maintained that Nephi had plenty of water, but  it appeared he had no real knowledge of the State or Nephi, as we are and always have been dang dry. And talking to Juab County, the Assessor felt it was their duty to raise Property Taxes now to fit the slew of people that want to live here but compute to higher wages up north. I felt like our area was on a spiral downhill. It was not just the elected officials, but "selected" people by those who appeared to just want more money for themselves or to be hired by the people and business that were brought in as that have already been done by those who were booted out.. As I was often the only one that wanted to preserve our history, culture and friendly town, I felt the burden of the older folks were being taxed to death and we were encouraged to be less open about the raises to them. Tracy and others wanted me to run for Mayor and I wanted him to run for Bishop of an LDS Ward. If I ran for Mayor, there would be little chance I could persuade the voting Council Members who seemed bound and determined for growth and to get more money, but for themselves, not the people that move in and drive like a bat out of hell and permit the heavy loaded trucks to ruin the roads and cause accidents;, by hitting the railroad tracks at high speeds. But since I like to be of service to others, I will tell Tracy Booth that I will run for a Bishop for an LDS Ward, if he will run for Nephi Mayor and lead Nephi out of the apparent dismiss of our Ruralville. But I ran in to a road block by talking to a local Stake President. It may take a while, as I like to commit sins and it just may take a year or two to repent of my wicked ways. But dang it, I like to sin. And the second road block, I guess I have to get married. I tried that once and it lasted 16 years and shy about another go at it. But perhaps I can find a weekend wife, as I  watched  a TV series recently and well, I was love stricken, and having done several Hollywood movies, most of which were as Extra, I put in a call to my former Agent. He said something like "Fat Chance" but he used some foul language I can't repeat here. I am in love with Kelly Reilly, who  plays the role of Beth Dutton but dang she is already hitched. Now what ? I need a Bitchy but Sweet wife, but one that can bring hell and fire to members who are acting up, if I am to be the Bishop

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MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE PROPER USE OF A BATHROOM IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY

During my hikes in the country of North Wales, which is in the British Isles, I spent a month doing research on my mothers forefathers, being the Harris Family. That was during 1967 but spent time there on two other occasions. Much of my search of family history lead to the Church of England (C of  E), which were in the various Parish's. The C of E broke off from the Catholic Religion during the reign of King Henry the Eighth when the Pope refused to grant him a divorce during the 1500's. Perhaps.......only perhaps, divorces are now easy to come by as Kings no long chop the heads of wives off. And maybe, just maybe, the other wives prayed to have King Henry the Eighth die from Syphilis or so the legend is. One thing for sure, VD is nothing to Clap about. Now back to Harris research. Other times, I spent much time walking through the cemeteries, as many of them are in the Parish grounds. If one goes to many parts of Germany and visits their pubs, it is permittable to pretend the urinals are against the wall outside which may be called a Kneip, Bar or Tavern. In other European countries, there is often only one open restroom and used openly by men and women. If one travels to the countries in the Pacific Rim such as Viet Nam, a man or woman wanting to use a regular toilet is normally out of luck. They do have an open door policy with a large hole in a corner where you brace yourself against the wall and do your business. Learn to bring your own paper and hand wipes. The first time a gal needs to go, a gentleman may stand to protect their privacy when other folks that walked in to the corners. Same thing applies to Central and South America, and many of us, both men and women bathed in nearby waters, as they do in Mexico. Once doing the restroom routine in Mexico, some loose an interest in eating Mexican food. In England, the TP is thin like pages from Look and Life, which we used on the farm in two holers. And it is okay to call them PC;s as that stands for Public Convenience. Or call them Johns or Crappers, as it was there where John Crapper invented the water above the toilet and you  pull the chain to let more water on the roof in. And no more visits to Paris for me. Sewage glows in to Sein River. NOW  ONE LAST WARNING. IF YOU TRAVEL TO THE BEATIFUL ISLANDS OF JERSEY, SARK OR GUERNSEY IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS, ALWAYS ASK TO GO IN A REGULAR PRIVATE RESTROOM. IF YOU DON'T HAVE WATER IN THE BOWL DON'T PULL THE CHAIN. THE ISLANDS ARE FULL OF NAZI BUNKERS AND HAVE AWFUL PUNISHMENTS BY HANGING YOU ON A WALL THAT WAS A FORTRESS AGAINST BOTH NAPOLEON AND HITLER.   

THE WORD OF WISDOM-IS IT A MORMON DEGREE OR SCIENTIFIC PROOF

 In 1833, Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith is said to have received a Divine Revelation about the evils of consuming strong drinks; coffee; tea; chewing and smoking tobacco. There are some writings to say that the revelation came a day after the wife of Joseph Smith complained about cleaning up the School of Prophets, where Latter day leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ gathered to discuss the organization of the restored Church. I guess if it was me to have to clean up such a place, it would be no different than a cowboy bar of yesteryear cleaning up a Spittoon. Then another story reported that in his own writing, Joseph admitted consuming wine at a wedding and at various occasions for ten years after the Word of Wisdom decree. Then again, Porter Rockwell was a trusted bodyguard to both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and Porter  had a continual hankering for Aunt Emma's Medicinal compound. In fact, after Brigham Young was leaving the Santa Clara home he had, his wagon driver was Porter Rockwell, who had been tipping the bottle quite heavy the night before, and Brother Brigham said something similar to "Porter, it doesn't look good for you to be drunk after me giving a speech to members about the Word of Wisdom." At the time, their was a Church owned Wine making place in St. George and ran the place as the wine was used for their religious meeting and the building is still there. In Nephi, Utah, their was another place where the Vine Bluff Cemetery now exists. When they started to bury people there, the name was modified to call it Vine Bluff Cemetery. Now adays LDS Saints are preached to take the Word of Wisdom seriously. Perhaps they did, especially in 1930, when a brilliant Scientist; Scholar and Author by the name of John Widtsoe came along and wrote a pamphlet, then a book inspiring LDS Leader's to insist on making the Word Of Wisdom a very truthful and divine word. It wasn't long before world leaders took heed to the sensibility to the pamphlet below. In addition, Widtsoe became President of the AC college(Utah State): the University of Utah, then an Apostle for the LDS church. SO BELEIVE IT OR NOT-YOUR HEALTH DEPENDS ON IT and perhaps, just perhaps, so does God.

    

                            

IN SEARCH OF MORMON PIONEER EVAN HARRIS SAWMILL

A group of one of the Sawmills that was operated by Evan Harris of Nephi, Utah occurred a couple weeks ago by 13 Kin of Mormon Pioneer Evan Harris was conducted on Evans Ridge and Sawmill Canyon, both named after Evan Harris of Nephi, Utah. As a kid, my father drove his truck down to where one of the Sawmill's was, and it was fun to research the area. Most of the implement's he used has now been stolen by hikers or hunters who used the road by truck and mules who then pawned it for sale or melted it down for love of cash more than history. When the Forest Service was established in 1905, most folks didn't seem to appreciate the excessive taxes they created or the unmanaged control of the Americas of  open land. Often times, passing people, like the Federal Government, had little or no knowledge of the strong winds who ordered "Let it burn" policy in their Washington DC chairs, having no apparent knowledge like the local people, then it was reported that  Hollywood "Tree Huggers" had more cents that sense and forced the Feds to block many of the open roads and trails throughout Utah and Juab County. Years ago, Juab County ask me to help fight the Feds to testify in Federal Court to keep the forest roads open. I foresaw what the outcome would be as the County was defeated and my maps and testimony were destroyed so it couldn't be appealed. The "let it burn" is said to have killed many deer and animals; cattle; trees; hiking trailer and cabins that had been built before the Forest Service was born as well as the BLM. In  addition to the implements burned or stolen in Sawmill Canyon, Evan Harris lived and operated a Sawmill on private land below where the Ockeys had their RV park That sawmill and the historic home of the Harris has now been destroyed by fire, again we heard by local firefighters say it was another "let it burn" order from the DC Federals. That RV park has how been closed due to reported excessive control by Nephi City; State of Utah and the Federal Government over water; power lines over the beautiful area and land. In order to give perspective of all and to give thanks to the Evan Harris original family of Nephi for providing a book of the Mormon Pioneers of Nephi log homes which include bringing the logs down for the log cabin at the Nephi Pioneer Park as asked by Alice P. McCune, President of DUP and she paid tribute to him at his 1934 Funeral. As a part of my duty as a law enforcement officer, I am afraid to admit I was a party to appending the  "sawmill gang"  who illegally cut telephone poles near Moab.  All were "tree huggers".  I am a tree lover but hate those that do so with no respect.                                             

Top row: Kent, Clint, Bonnie, Hal, Jaynette, Rob, Jack, Jarett, Wyatt, Weston

                                                      Bottom Row: Hailey, Kami, Brooke 

                                                                   

                                Hal Jones in old tree stand for deer hunters or eye out for Forest cops.                                                                 Jarett Snyder finding Spike to hold Sawmill Up

                                                                              

                                                                          
                                 

            
 

THIS IS A 1984 PHOTO OF THREE GREAT FRIENDS OF KENT JONES

Often times, our life's on earth are just a challenge to all of us. I see it as only a test to gain the strength to get back to our real home from whence we were once sent here. During his last years on earth. I would often take 90 plus year old Ron Jones for a ride. He was a true American Cowboy and had the wisdom of such. When asked of the hardships he went through, he acknowledged them, saying that everyone has their own special challenges, and our jobs were like his western philosophy to "just hang on for eight  seconds" and it will be over. I believe that to be true and tired to teach my two sons that. And the rest of us may not ever really know the burdens each of us carry, but we need to be able to help them carry the share of their load, with out breaking our own backs. After I married, and drank of the pure water of Nephi canyon, a magical and mystical thing happened. Two toe headed kids were born and it fulfilled my purpose in life. At the time I thought it was just going to last eighteen years and all the work would be over. Well, no quite. I had enjoyed the times we spent together in sports, hiking, farming and riding horses together. As kids hit the teenage age, they pick up new friends and it seemed like I didn't have the control on them like I did before. In the photo, there should be three guys on the porch of  the Nephi Jones Family house that has been graduating kids to Adults since 1885. That photo was taken my me in 1984 after the man in the middle-Alma Jones called the night before, to see if I could help plaster the wall leading down to the homes fruit room. So I grabbed Justin and Troy and we came down to work. I am glad we did and it was the last photo I was able to take of my Dad and two sons together. Alma died two months later and it broke my heart. Then seven years ago tonight at 1030 PM, Justin took his own life, after going through deep depression. And that has been a very depressing situation for his younger brother Troy, and liken unto Troy we are trying everything we can to help him as much as we can, but there are times, at least sometimes,  we spend untold amounts of money trying to help somebody and it is not quite enough. But regardless- I feel love, friendship and everlasting devotion to those three, and many more, and to God who sends Guardian Angels to help each and every one of us.