Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
A SHORT HISTORY OF NEPHI AND THE UTE STAMPEDE
Today's history lesson is a brief overview on the Utah City of Nephi, named after an individual that the LDS folks believe was directed by God to this the western part of the world. We have submitted information about Nephi's Centennial Jubilee of 1951. If you are now or may be a future leader of our area, we would encourage all to seek out the book that I have used to explain the beginning of our County and Cities within Juab County. They didn't have hand held "Gigaphones" or "Retro Emulator's" to chat with each other and the many organizations you could join to play with the instruments' of the several marching bands or join the all female band called the "Dellu" or perhaps attend the Presbyterian Church located along Main Street on the west side at about half way between 2nd and 3th North. And since the rodeo of the Ute Stampede is around the corner, we thought about showing a page about it's beginning. I am not sure, but when it was named that, there was a big crowd of the "Ancient Ones", which we refer to as Indians, and they often came to Nephi to watch the Stampede. I don't remember Utes arriving, but several Navajos liked to be here for the good entertainment that is still here. When I was a kid, those Indians and the Cowboys would often camp out beneath the Cottonwood Trees that used to be lined up on the west side of the arena. They could wash up in the irrigation water nearby.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY TO EMMA OCKEY CARTER
I am not sure why, but today's blog entry is on a beautiful gal now and back a few days ago for her June 18th birthday. I guess she was trying to get my attention, as her funeral program fell in front of me and perhaps that was her way of reminding me, as we had birthdays on the same day, but a couple years apart. If you didn't know Emma, you missed a golden chance of meeting the beauty within her and her dry wit and honest words. When I interviewed her a few years ago, I reminded her she and I were "First Cousins", she instantly gave me a verbal reprimand! She said something like "all of us are cousins, and not first or thirty first", and she knows the truth, and one can always expect Emma to let you know the truth of things. Her very best friend was her sister Dora, and another close friend was a "Cousin" named "Marian Garrett Mickelson" and my guess is that both are having a "Heavenly" good time. I became acquainted with Emma and her sister Dora as they both took great care of their mother- Pearl Jones Ockey, who I loved visiting as she would take me down to the farm where she grew up and we would pick mushrooms and wow, she would cook them up while I pulled her weeds. and cut her lawn. I was about ten years old and wrote notes of how things were in "the good ole days".We now present the beauty of Emma Ockey Carter, and she married Jack Carter as when he came home from the war, he looked so handsome in a uniform, just like her Dad-Bill Ockey when he returned from W.W. One and gave his 30-40 Craig Rifle to Paul Ockey and now with granddaughter-Debbie. Bill was tired of killing and told my father that! And Deb has that now, and proud of her Veteran Family!
Monday, June 22, 2026
SARAH TAYLOR ROBINSON HAD HER FUNERAL EARLIER TODAY.
Sarah was just 50 years old, but she suffered from a deadly Cancer for some time and is finally released from that burden. God, being a perfect being, sent her to earth to brighten up people's experience here. For those that knew her, she was the ideal gal that would do that, as she had a smile and a personality that could be felt by all. I first met her when I was campaigning for Nephi City Council. After knocking on her door, she readily invited me in and wanted me to meet her kids and I could feel the positive energy within. She told me she was a police officer for Nephi City, and loved her work. I was elected and soon found out that some old habits are slow to stop. After 42 years of being a law enforcement officer, I had often carried a 32 auto in my bib overalls, and watching for any cop that may need backup, as I don't believe that most residents have little understanding of what the beat was really like, even in Nephi, which used to be a small rural town, but escalated too fast. I wanted to give back to the greatest place I grew up in. I chose working for the City, and doing it was next to a full time job. I used to help the DUP at their museum, being a janitor and cleaned up the old Territorial Jail that turned into the Juab County Jail. One of the fun times was having the 4th Grade students and Scout Troops come for a demonstration of how to grind up wheat to make flour, in the same manner of what our Pioneers used to do. Then we would go through the Jail. I had obtained two wooden Batons or nightsticks used at the Utah Territorial Prison where the Sugarhouse Park is now in Salt Lake. I hung those on the Jail wall and had a pair of old handcuffs that hung nearby. I guess I didn't hang them high enough, as a couple boys got a hold of them and decided to put them on the wrists of one of their friends. When they couldn't get them off, I was notified, and it took a specialized barrel key to open and I didn't have one. So we called the Nephi Police, and wait for Sarah Robinson to drive up with her bolt cutters. She laughed and said something to the effect "Jones, why have you put the cuffs on the best kid in school"! I found out later he was and remembered that "Kids will be Kids" much like I was and still am. I kept an eye on Sarah as well as other cops, even though they have good back up with the UHP and Sheriffs office, but knew what it was like when only one cop was on duty, and little time to wait for a back up. I had always sensed what a good human being Sarah was, and regardless of the situation, she kept an upper lip and found her down time by being with her family and one could sense their love for her. Although the words of "Remember Me" are on the back page of the program, I believe that all that knew Sarah will in fact remember what a special spirit she is to all, and I believe that she is very much alive in a spirit form, and will be your angel in disguise, and like her Father In Heaven, she and He will respond to your prayers and needs. She had a church full of good people, who all can rely on, so be happy as she is no longer having the hardship of Cancer. And to the Relief Society, thanks for the great Funeral Potatoes!
Saturday, June 20, 2026
"DON'T DARKEN MY DOOR"-A THREE ACT COMEDY FR0M MANY YEARS AGO
This is only test, as we lack enough cerebellum (a latin word which means "little brain") to figure out who the actors were that put on this play of long ago.We do know for sure, but this play probably occurred in the old Juab High School in the 1930's or 40's. We don't have the exact year, but Google maintains the author published the small program in a book-like container, and she became a wealthy lady writing in 1936 and it was a hit throughout America, often being acted as the Senior Play. One would have to write to the publishing company and pay a dime for each book for each of the actors, and nobody could make profit for putting on the play except for Ms. Anne Coulter Maretens. The Nephi Jones kids were very much aware that our mother was heavily involved with school, church and community activities of which plays and skits were her cup of tea. The writing the names of the character's appear to be that of Alma Jones, who would eventually get hitched to LaVon Harris, as soon as Alma returned from the US Army during the Era of W.W. Two.
The hand writing appears to be that of Alma Jones, as two of his kids recognize his signature. The second one appears to be Barbara Winters who married Ron Jones; them Glade Sanders; Ethel Lee; unknown; Ellen Garrett; Mrs. McPherson and the last name appears to be that of Mrs. Stuart, which could be Carol Stuart; wife of Russell Stuart or the one that married Kay Stuart. Have fun, and see if you; Grandkids, etc. others, and the winner gets one no-payday and have a choice of hand shearing a real Sheep.
Friday, June 19, 2026
APACHE VS. APACHE-WHO WON? PERHAPS FUTURE HISTORY WILL INFORM
Today I chose to write somewhat of the Apache Indians(or Native Lamanites), then the second half of our reading is my attempt to indoctrinate the reader! That will be of the Apache Helicopter being used by our present and outstanding(my own term) professionalism and guts to protect America from the varmint's (another personal term), who now have a building in lower Nortonville, which is called the "National Guard" Readiness Center. According to Viet Nam Medic Hal Jones, he was a happy camper when they heard the Cobra's coming as they struck fear in the enemy, and the Hueys would machine gun their way in the jungle to pick up the wounded. Now back to the beginning. It seems that human beings of the earth have always been "Invaders" of other people's food, land and money. If we go back in time, our history books don't always tell the whole story, but the writings of those books differ somewhat, so that is why I like to go to the places of noted world history and come to my own conclusion. And if you count how many countries that America has invaded, you have to first determine who is calling it an invasion, as some of the "know it all" folks maintain Viet Nam was not a war, only a police action, but to the 58,000 thousand Americans that were killed in the septic jungles of Nam who knew it was a WAR. Those young guys were playing baseball one day and the next day they were hit with our own "Agent Orange" after a "Whoops, sorry guys, I didn't get the right ridge". Without looking it up, my first guess of who "Invaded" the most, I would vote for the Brits, and remember seeing a wide variety of Roman cement flower pots that were brought over to the British Isles, once the Romans did their duals with many of our old relative's. Although people from various countries maintain that Mexico have been Mexicans, it is quite different if you had the chance to talk with Geronimo, who wasn't like Chief Cochise, but a great warrior for the Apache Indian. The Paleface riding horses and pulling wagons with cannons; dynamite and food could not keep up with Geronimo and his 75 Clansmen's, holding the United States Army Cavalry at bay for a long time. If you look closely, South America; Central America and what we now call Mexico, were the people who Invaded those areas by the Spanish Conquistadors. They were being funded by the Romans. Father Meersman, who I had the pleasure of meeting when he was the Prison Chaplain at the Point of the Mountain, maintained the Catholic Church was only interested in having the Natives get to know Christ and join that church. But of all the gold that was found, it was split up with the Vatican and Spain. If you take a trek down to San Antonio, I found many "Missions" or Cathedral's that Catholics own and have weddings in, but it was built by the Mayans and other Ancient "slaves." I paid a guide to take me to a "Special Cathedral" where some of the female slaves were held if they became pregnant, but won't go into more detail at this juncture. Apache Chief Cochise wanted peace with the Pale Face, and Geronimo was a peaceful man.....until 1838! That is when Mexican troops invaded the Apache land and brutally assaulted, then killed his mother; wife and 3 children of Gokhlayeh, who then changed his name to Geronimo and raised havoc. He and his band of brothers ran into the area where the Troops were and slaughtered many Mexican troops. The Apache became infamous for striking fast and furious and took on 5,000 U.S. Troops, often laying under the dirt covered wagon trails, and after they past overhead, the Braves rose up and did their killing, one wagon at a time. The Apache Nation had Geronimo to lead his 75 warriors against the Two Infantry Generals. But Geronimo decided to surrender in 1886, as Washington D.C. promised they could go back to their own land, but a promise made isn't always carried through, as they hauled the Apache's off to Florida, but eventually he and his guerrilla bands were returned to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Residents of Nephi complained about the small planes & Helicopters flying over the homes on Nebo Heights. Now they fly loud and low and I lost the phone number to Geronimo, who died in 1909, who fell off a horse into a puddle of rain water; got pneumonia and died.
Friday, June 12, 2026
ANYBODY REMEMBER THE JOE AND ELLEN GARRETT FAMILY OF NEPHI, UTAH
- If you are a newbie to Juab County, you outta make an effort to learn about this family. If you are an Oldie Goldie, you will remember Joe & Ellen and their kids, and if you kick in your Medulla Oblongata, you will also remember the parents of Ellen of Moroni, then Nevada, but always knew great music and great horses. Joe's parents were Rob and Erma Garrett of "The Serv" in Nephi. With the help of brain scrambling with the old man I saw in the mirror, I wanted to put their names up, as it is fun to look at the computer and watch the Rural Utah Cowboys excel in the genuine sport of Rodeo, and our rodeo will be here quicker that Charles Lindbergh's flight to Paris! Joe was born on the Garrett Farm, in the old cabin that still remains. When Joe headed to Moroni as a young Stud, he caught the attention of Marian Anderson, and Joe -who always had a joke or a line for your smile, saw this Sanpete beauty, he stood like a paralyzed Buck staring in headlights. I am trying to remember the dancing facility, as my Dad used to hang out there, and it may have been called the Bungalow, but it is "brain fog" hour, so not sure. Anyway, they got hitched and moved into the farm cabin when Rob and Erma moved up to the motel type shacks behind the Serv. Ellen put her foot down(yes she knew how to control Joe when needed) and took their baby Marian and started walking the two miles up 7th North. Joe finally went and brought her back on the Tractor, and fixed up the Chicken Coop of Bishop A.E. Smith, and with stepped up improvements thereof, that is where they stayed until Joe was hit with a painful Cancer and passed away, with the small close knit town that Nephi used to be-it was a very sad time. It was Joe, his son Bob and other local guys that worked their hind off for the Ute Stampede with no tax dollars. Ellen didn't miss church, and if Joe went to Church or a wedding reception, he would put on his new pair of Bibs. Ellen held on til she made it to 100 years old, and she was ready to be beamed up, I found joy to visit her and fetch her last supper. She wanted a small cone of ice cream tipped upside down in a cup and I helped her with it. I could feel it was the last time, and I told her it wouldn't be long, and sure enough after her daughter-Marian and Bob visited, she said her final good byes. As she grew up with music, attending about every Concert, Opera and program in North Sanpete, Ellen's mother would indoctrinate her with music and Ellen became the Sunday School Organist for church at age 12 years old, then continued in the LDS North Ward, then the 3rd and 4th Wards. That first day she played in the Moroni Church may be remembered for ions of time. The old pump organ they had coughed and wheezed, emitting a few notes from the hymn book and from other places unknown! Ellen didn't stop, but kept it up and soon became a great organ and piano player at church; weddings and funerals. While she was doing all of that she also worked for J.C. Penny of Nephi; Thermoid and then at the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Office, which was in the offices above Parkin Motor(in their old place). With her help, it was citied as the best run AC office in Utah. Their daughter-Marian came along in 1935, but she was first called "apple blossom baby" but later legalized as Marian. She liked men in Uniforms, so when that Fountain Green Mikkelson Army guy returned from the upfront soldier of the Korean War, Gene wanted to attend every Ute Stampede, and at first, he was coming over to visit her and Joe said "Hey, the Ute Stampede is only once a year not evert dam weekend! Joe eased up when Gene and Marian got married and started to help Joe with farm work. They had a baby girl, but she soon died and I was too young to figure out that even us humans died. My parents tried to explain it, as I had a hard time with it. I thought it only happened to non humans! Joe was heavily involved with civic matters including the Ute Stampede and Nephi City Council, and his son Bob did both of that, but could sound out the truth a little louder than what Bob or I could, but somewhere along the line, we couldn't make good sense out of stupid nonsense. We will have the Spirits of Cotton Rosser and Joe Garrett to entertain us at the Ute Stampede. Yes, the 4 nights is for you and your Kin. Just don't ask for use of the elevator, as it doesn't have brakes and you may find yourself floating on the soft, puffy clouds above. But always be ready, and able to rise when your bell rings, and enjoy the great Steeds of Joe Garrett of yesteryear.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
LIKE IT OR DEAL WITH IT AS BEST YOU CAN-IT IS VOTE OR NO VOTE TIME.
Yesterday, I had a delightful discussion with a candidate for re-election as a Juab County Commissioner. It was after my brother Hal and I returned from fishing in American Fork Canyon, so it was a good break. And that Canyon is still beautiful, but had as many stupidos speeding up and down there, it was almost like trying to drive up Track Street for a slow "Bish Belliston" drive! If you are new to Nephi or Juab County-for Hell Sakes, get to the DUP Museum and get to know your new area, or just go back to where you came from. No, I am not a part of the "Welcome Here Committee" and when I was called upon years ago and asked if their was in fact plenty of water in Juab County, I told them "Never has been" as they had been told by "selected" local leaders their was plenty of water here! Anyway, I told yesterday's visitor he had my vote, as he is one of the few of any politicians in D.C. or right here in Ute Stampede County, Utah that are worth anyone's vote. I told of how most of the Politician's I have dealt or worked with over 46 years are giant liars who are NOT interested in local citizens, but only themselves as they are in love/lust with money and hiring friends or family, but I re-informed this present Commissioner I truly admired him when I was on the Nephi City Council, as I thought their was only one other Council Member that was honest, and regardless of how I said "Out Loud" that we have Liars among us. After a little pushing on my part, I soon realized I shouldn't have taken over as a "Tricky Interrogator", like what I used to do for 42 years, I immediately sensed that Marty was as I expected-one honest man with respect for those Pioneer Forefathers buried at both of our cemeteries'. He told me how he went against the grain and voted "NO" on a matter, and "Voted to Table" on another. I quickly told him if a politician is going to vote Yes on everything, they are not doing any good as a politician. He knew that and after I said I would vote for him, even if he didn't take some fish home. He asked if I would still vote for him and I said "Dam Rights, because I could feel your honesty and integrity". He passed my test well enough, that whoever reads this.....I give my total support for Marty. When I was on the Nephi Council back then, three other Council Members- seldom voted along with me, as they often had what appeared as gross "Conflict of Interest" and on one occasion the City Attorney agreed with me, as it involved himself representing Nephi City and Juab School District, as that was during the time the School and the City were joining forces to build the "Hive", which now has become a sore spot for the residents nearby, as Hive visitors have been parking where they shouldn't and moving cars and trash barrels repeatedly. I informed the folks that spoke to me to have all of them go before the City Council as it was their job to take parking into consideration, then if that doesn't work, make a joint lawsuit against the City and the School! Often times, Council folks and Commissioner's rely on whatever the Manager/Administrator tells them, but often times those people-unlike what President Teddy Roosevelt did - he went out and talked, worked with and saw what other people did. He was one tough character, being shot once in the chest on the campaign, and although bleeding, that "Bull Moose" continued his speech.
MARTY IN THE MIDDLE
Monday, June 1, 2026
IT IS NOW JUNE 1, 2026, WHICH IS NOW THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!
ACCORDING TO THE NORTONVILLE, UTAH FARM GAZETTE, TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER IN UTAH. SO IF YOUR APPLES, PEARS AND CHERRIES FROZE, NEVER FEAR, AS WE HAVE PLANTED SOME NORWEGIAN WATER PLANTS THAT CAN GIVE YOU A POCKETFULL OF FLAVOR. IN A WAY, WE DON'T LIKE TO SEE MAY PASS US BY, AS IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WE OUGHT TO DO MORE DEDICATION TO ALL WHO SERVED IN ANY CAPACITY IN OUR MILITARY. SO IF YOU THINK AS I DO(WHICH IS DANGEROUS), I HAVE THREE FRIENDS WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO YOUR LIST OF HERO'S. WE ARE NOT SURE WHOSE HOME IS BEHIND THEM, SO DIG DEEP IN YOUR PAST AND LET THE WORLD KNOW. THE PHOTO WAS BORROWED FROM THE FAMILY OF KEN ZABRISKIE. KEN'S WIFE WAS RUTH ZABRISKIE, DAUGHTER OF UNCLE HY TOLLEY, WHO WAS THE SON OF GUN AND ALSO THE SON OF WM. FISHER TOLLEY. IF MY BRAIN WILL WORK FOR A FEW SECONDS, ELDEN WAS ONE OF THE NEPHI COAL VENDORS LIVING DOWN BY THE DANGEOUS BRIDGE BY THE FOOD BANK, AND WHERE THE EVAN HARRIS FAMILY LIVED, AND YES NEPHI CITY HAS BEEN WARNED AND WARNED THAT IF ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT OCCURS THERE, THE CITY "COULD AND WOULD" BE HELD LIABLE. WE ARE NOT REALLY SURE THE WHO AND THE WHERE ABOUTS OF JAY OLDROYD, BUT THAT COULD BE RELATED TO GOLDEN OLDROYD, WHO WAS FROM FT GREEN, AND TRIED TO TEACH SCHOOL TO SOME OF THE WILD KIDS IN GRADE SCHOOL AT THE CENTRAL SCHOOL. HE AND HIS NEW WIFE ALSO RAN THE MOTEL THAT IS NOW HIDDEN FROM VIEW, BUT SOMEHOW HAS FOLKS THAT CAMP OUT THERE. TRACY BOOTH WOULD TELL US THAT ELDON SPENT A LITTLE TIME IN FRANCE DURING WORLD WAR TWO AND FELL IN LOVE WITH A "UNE BELLE FILLE" AND BROUGHT HER HOME TO NEPHI, OR SO WE HEARD. JAY AND KEN APPEAR TO BE IN ARMY TYPE CLOTHING. SO FILL IN THE BLANKS IF YOU ALL KNOW, AND NEVER, EVER FORGET OUR VETERANS, EVEN THOSE GALS THAT WENT TO WORK BUILDING THE ARMS AND AIRPLANES. SELDOM DO WE GIVE CREDIT TO THE THOUSANDS OF WOMEN THAT DID THE WORK, AND FROM WHAT GARY B. JONES TOLD US YEARS AGO. " YOU WON'T FIND ANY GUY THAT CAN KILL AND CLEAN A TURKEY BETTER THAN RUTH TOLLEY ZABRISKIE" AND THE ONLY SON OF KEN ZABRISKIE SINGS FOR THE HAPPY CAMPERS AT THE LAUREL GROVES ASSISTED LIVING IN NEPHI.
ONE MORE STATISCAL POINT IF YOU ARE IN THE MOOD. I DON'T KNOW WHERE ALL THE COMPUTER HITS COME FROM, BUT AS OF TODAY, WE BROKE OUR OWN MONTHLY RECORD FOR THOSE FOLKS THAT OPENED A BLOG. AS OF YESTERDAY, WE HAD 26,326 THAT OPENED A HISTORY BLOG AND SINCE WE STARTED TEN YEARS AGO, WE NOW HAVE 363,723. NOT SURE HOW LONG IT WILL LAST, AS THE COMPUTER "LORDS" KEEP THREATING TO SHUT ME DOWN IF I DIDN'T ADD SOME ADS, BUT AIN'T GOIN DO IT. I CAME INTO THIS WORLD NAKED AND PENNILESS AND INTEND ON LEAVING THE SAME WAY!
Thursday, May 21, 2026
THROUGHOUT HISTORY, A VARIETY OF NAMES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH "TOILETS"
I choose not to go back to the time of the Garden of Eden, but will show a real life toilet used by myself in Great Britain a few decades ago. Nowadays, the Brits call the ones on the streets as (PC's) which stood for Public Convenience's, and they were along the streets in large cities such as London. They went straight down on the other side of where the underground trains traveled.When I was a kid in Nephi, we went up to ride the calves at Joe & Ross Garrett, but weren't allowed to use the indoor plumbing if President David O. Mckay was coming down, as it was standard procedure he stayed with the Stake President who was Ross Garrett. So, the inside restroom was spotless as their were four gals in the family, and Blake and us roughnecks had to use the outside "two holers" and couldn't use expensive toilet paper, but "Unworthy" newspapers! We still hung around the home of Ross Garrett, as to us young kids David O. McKay was the President of the LDS Church, and we had always been taught as youngster's that he was the only man on earth that was gifted with the power to directly communicate with God Himself. After a few years of walking the straight line, I began to falter, and finally arrived at this point in my stumbling, that unless I Repent with sincere effort, I just may join a never ending life of burning like the tumbleweeds we used to burn during agriculture burns, but that is another story. Back to the outdoor PC. Like my grandfather(Wm. Jones) who served on an LDS mission in the British Isles, I had his journal, and seemed to follow his footsteps, and I was now perplexed on how in the world I could flush this toilet type contraption. Before I came up with some of my own thoughts, I wondered how my brother-Medic Hal Jones survived such things on the front lines in Viet Nam, taking the place of Blair Wilkey of Nephi, who was killed a few days before. Those guys had to "improvise" and I tried to figure out the same. The TP they used was waxed paper, much like what my mother fixed our school lunches with. I was always a great believer in prayer, but thought their was more important issues to pray for. That same brother is undergoing heart surgery in the morning, so I am going to finish this story, so I can get in a more respectful place to pray for "Doc Hal" instead of this true, but unholy predicament. If you or a family member was in the 9th Infantry, if bullets from Sniper enemy didn't get them, a Pumjoi stick may. They were set up by the enemy and once a GI tripped the string, a stick covered with dog or human excrement would spring up and take them down. Medics like Hal could detect them and the foot soldier would follow his medical advice more than a Lt., as they didn't learn Viet Gong Guerrilla warfare in Officers School. At the "One Holer" I finally found a chain which I pulled and down the pipe ran rain water and opened the trap door. That was not like home, but better than going to a Viet Nam Outhouse, where there was one hole like an "Outhouse" where one would lean up against the wall; bend the knees and let it fly. I stood at the doorway for females to protect the privacy and then gave the person a squirt of disinfecting cleanser. The guy who invented the pictured toilet is "Sir John Crapper" and thus we get the nicknames. Okay, now go flush!
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
WE ARE ABOUT HALF WAY BETWEEN MOTHERS AND FATHERS DAY.
THE FIVE NEPHI JONES KIDS ARE HALF WAY BETWEEN FATHER AND MOTHERS DAY, SO WE THOUGHT WE WOULD CELEBRATE THE WEDDNIG DAY OF TWO GREAT PARENTS WHO TAUGHT FIVE RENEGADES THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING WORK FUN; LOVING AND RESPECTING EACH OTHER; RESPECT; PRAYING AND HELPING OTHERS, INCLUDING STRANGERS; OLDER AND LONELY PEOPLE AND I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET BOTH PARENTS SAYING HOW CRITICAL IT WAS TO ALWAYS VOTE FOR THE BEST PERSON RUNING FOR ANY POLICTICAL OFFICE AND AS FAR AS I KNOW WE DID, INCLUDING THE DIFFICULTY I HAD BEING IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY, WHICH REQUIRED A LOT OF HEADACHES TO DO, BUT DID AS OUR GOOD FOLKS ASKED. NOW THAT ALL OF US "CHILDREN" ARE OVER SEVENTY AND HAVE KIDS AND THREE OF THOSE KIDS HAVE A TRUCK LOAD OF GRANDCHIDREN AND GREAT GRANDKIDS, WE CAN TELL OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS WE DID THE BEST WE COULD AND THEY ARE NOW ON THEIR OWN, BUT PROUD OF WHAT WE TRIED TO DO. THIS IS AN OLD VALENTINE CARD THAT HAS THE SAME MEANING AS WHEN IT WAS PREPARED AND WRITTEN BY KENT JONES IN 1956 AND ADDRESSED ON THE BACK TO "FATHER AND MOTHER" FROM KENT JONES BUT THE REAL LOVE WAS FELT BY WESTON, HAL, KENT, GARY AND JAYNETTE BACK THEN AS WELL AS EVEN MORE TODAY.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
IT'S TWO MONTHS AWAY, BUT TIME TO PREPARE FOR UTE STAMPEDE
WHEN THE JONES KIDS OF NEPHI-THE ONLY THING THAT WAS CONSTANT ON OUR MINDS WAS THE JULY EVENT OF THE GREATEST RODEO IN AMERICA. WE KNEW THEY HAD BIG TIME RODEO'S AT THE COW PALACE IN SAN FRANCISCO AND AT YANKEE STADIUM, BUT NOT AS GOOD AS IN RURAL NEPHI, UTAH. EVERY MORNING, I HAVE MY COFFEE AND KEEP TRACK OF THE GREAT WRIGHT BOYS OF BEAVER COUNTY, AS THEY ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO JUAB COUNTY TO CLAIM THEM. YEARS AGO, IT WAS THE THREE FULLMER BROTHERS OF WEST JORDAN, WITH GENE FULLMER BEING THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD IN MIDDLE WEIGHT, AND I BECAME GREAT FRIENDS WITH HIM AND DROVE HIM TO OGDEN TO SPEAK AT A LAW ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE. GENE PUT ON SOME WEIGHT AND HIS NOSE WAS AS FLAT AS A WALL, BUT STILL WAS TOUGH AS NAILS TILL HE DEPARTED WHEN HIT DEADLY WITH DEMENTIA. NOW WE GET TO FOLLOW SEVERAL UTAH COWBOYS WHO ARE NOW KICKIING THE BUTTS OF THE TEXAS BOYS. THE RODEO SEASON IS SLOW RIGHT NOW, AS THEY ARE AT THE RANCH IN MILFORD HELPING THEIR SISTERS WITH THE RANCH WORK AS THE GALS KNOW HOW TO BRAND AND DOCTOR THE CATTLE BETTER THAN THE BOYS. RIGHT NOW STETSON WRIGHT IS THE ALL ROUND CHAMPION IN LEAD AND FIRST PLACE AS THE SADDLE BRONC, BUT BROTHER RUSTY WRIGHT IS IN SECOND IN THE WORLD AND THEY ARE BOTH TOUGH, BUT HELP EACH OTHER AS WELL AS THE OTHER WRIGHT BOYS OF RYDER, STATLER; SPENCER; JESSE,JAKE AND THEIR TEACHER CODY AND . THEIR ARE MANY OTHER UTAH BOYS FIGHTING TO STAY IN THE TOP FIFTEEN THAT GO ON TO VEGAS FOR THE FINALS, WITH JOSH FROST TAKING FIRST PLACE IN BULL RIDING IN TEXAS. AND NOW ADAYS, THE VEGAS STRIP FANS GOT USED TO THE JONES BOYS WEARING THEIR COWBOY HATS AND LIKE IT! WHEN THE BLACKHAWK ENCAMPMENT SLOWED DOWN IN 1951, THAT WAS WHEN DR. P. L JONES WAS THE MAYOR AND HE GRAPPED OTHER GUYS TO PUT THE UTE STANPEDE TOGETHER, BUT WE DON'T GET MANY OF THE AMERICAN NATIVES TO JOIN US AS THEY ARE DECLINING. FIRST RODEO COMMITTE WERE COPS OF E.C. SHERWOOD; JACK BROUGH, THEN RAY JACKSON; A JUDGE AND A DOCTOR, SO THEY KNEW HOW TO MAKE PEOPLE "VOLUNTEER". FLORENCE CHAPMAN WAS THE QUEEN OF BOTH THE BLACKHAWK ENCAMPMENT AND THE UTE STAMPEDE AND DR. J.C. SORENSON BROUGHT IN THE STOCK UNTIL OUR GREAT HERO-COTTON ROSSER TOOK OVER AND WE STILL LOVE HIM AND ANNOUNCER CHUCK PARKINSON. THEY NOW GET TO RIDE "SPIRITUAL STEEDS". BUT FOR NOW LONG LIVE ALL THE GREAT COWBOYS OF UTAH AND IT IS NOW A FOUR DAY EVENT. I FLUNKED MATH AT JUAB HIGH, BUT IF YOU ADD UP WHAT THE WRIGHT BROTHERS HAVE EARNED SO FAR THIS SEASON, THEY HAVE GOT ABOUT A HALF MILLION DOLLARS SO FAR, AND IT AINT EVEN SUMMER TIME, BUT THEIR GREAT WIVES CAN HOLD THEIR MONEY TO PUT UP HAY FOR THE CATTLE. FIRST PHOTO IS OF COTTON ROSSER THEN SOME OF THE RIGHT WRIGHTS. OTHER UTAH COWBOYS ARE MASON CLEMENTS; HAYES WEIGHT; DEAN THOMPS0N (injured);COOPER BENNETT; COOPER JAMES; TYLER BINGHAM; CASH ROBB AND SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE WRIGHTS TEACHERS-CODY AND BILL WRIGHT AND THEIR MEDICAL DIRECTOR-EVELYN (MOM TOO)-AND SHAREE, MOM OF RUSTY, RYDER, STETSON AND STATLER, WHO JUST MAY GET SO CONFUSED, SHE JUST MAY SAY "HEY YOU" LIKE MY FOLKS DID WITH FOUR SONS ABOUT 10 MONTHS APART! THEN CAME JAYNETTE, WHO COULD OUTRIDE A HORSE OR HARLEY ANY DAY BETTER THAN HER BROTHERS,
WAS IT PROPER TO SLAVE TRADE ON BLACKBOY HILL AT WHITE LADIES STREET
I LIVED IN ENGLAND FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THEN WENT ON TO THE LAND OF WALES TO DO RESEARCH ON MY MOTHER'S HARRIS KIN WHICH CAME TO AMERICA TO JOIN THE MORMON CHURCH IN 1855. AS I WALKED AROUND, I DECIDED TO PUT SOME MONEY IN ONE OF THE LARGEST BANKS IN THE BRITISH ISLES. IT WAS CALLED MIDLAND BANK AND I DEPOSITED 5 DOLLARS AND THREE CENTS, THEN WHEN I DEPARTED, I THOUGHT I WOULD WITHDRAW THE MONEY, AND TAKE MY TEN DOLLARS OF "SHILLINGS", BUT KEPT THE ACCOUNT BOOK WITH ME. I ASKED SOMEONE WHY THE BANK WAS LOCATED ON "BLACK BOY HILL" AND I WAS DIRECTED DOWN TO WHITE LADIES STREET FOR ALL MY QUESTONS. A POLICE TYPE GUARD WAS POSTED THERE AND I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT THE HUNDREDS OF PRISONER TYPE CELLS WERE FOR. IT WAS A QUESTION THAT HE DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR, BUT FINALLY GAVE IN. THERE WAS A WATER WAY NEAR BY AND HE INFORMED ME THAT IS WHERE THEY BROUGHT ALL THE BLACK SLAVES FROM AFRICA TO BE SOLD IN AMERICA AS (FREE) SLAVES! THERE WERE HUNDERDS OF CELLS FOR MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN, BUT HADN'T BEEN USED FOR A HUNDRED YEARS, IT WAS A PITIFUL SIGHT, AND IT WAS CALLED WHITE LADIES STREET, BECAUSE THE BUYERS WERE WOMEN WEARING ALL WHITE AND THE SLAVES WERE KEPT BY THE BUYER AND IN MOST CASES SHE WOULD USUALLY SPLIT THE FAMILY UP IF SHE OR HUSBAND DIDN'T APPROVE OF THEM. ABE LINCOLN FREED THE SLAVES, BUT IT TOOK A HUNDRED MORE YEARS BEFORE THE MIDLAND BANK WENT BROKE, WHO HELPED THE SLAVE OWNERS. I QUICKLY ASSUMED THAT ALL HISTORY BOOKS (LIKE MOST POLICIANS) NEGLECT TO TELL THE TRUTH; THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!
Friday, May 15, 2026
WE LISTED STUDENTS GRADUATING FROM JUAB SEMINARY OF 1931
Years ago, those who completed Nephi/Juab High School in 1928 had the option of attending more Seminary classes during the 1931 school year. That new school was built more than a hundred years ago, and the builder who taught my father-Alma Jones about plaster and brick building made the guarantee the building would last a Century, and we are way past that now. The School Board voted to tear that building down as it was too old and not big enough for the Junior and High School kids,so they disregarded common sense and built a new one at the top of 7th North, with the local folks thought it was stupid because of the expense and most students walked to school. But the school folks said they were loaded with money and could afford it, and just (increase the taxes, like they do now)! As my mother was the only Secretary to the Superintendent and school Board, she later told us kids it was " a stretched fib" but that was during an era we didn't call Cancer by that name, but only the "C word" and Mom didn't want to call it a blatant lie! Our mother graduated in 1928 with James H.McCune writing the words to the School song and gave permission to change the word "Nephi" to Juab High School. Any of the students that had already graduated from High School had the option of continuing Seminary classes if they wished and many did. The Seminary Building was located in a two story brick building located left of the UCCC building and South of the Nephi Western Credit Union. Students of Nephi High School would take high school classes, then dash across Highway 91 for Seminary. A few years ago I became friends with Supt. Robbins and liked and respected him. I loved history as he did, and his major was History. I told him in 1965, we only had 2 buses with 100 kids in our class, and asked why he had more than 20 with only double the students. When he responded with having a lot of the " special kids" I told him in my time, each of us students took turns helping each of those students, and we respected them and cared deeply for them. Oh well, such is Politics. Now the reason I am typing this. With my sisters help, we have tried to put the names of the 1931 Seminary graduates and all came up with a Declaration with their signature as to who had kept the promise to get married in an LDS Temple with a simple yes or no. Don't call any of the No's Heathens as their are trainloads of great couples that didn't make it there, one reason is folks like LaVon Harris didn't marry Alma Jones til he got back from the World War Two Era. So there!! We hope you can read some of the names and smile as you just may know them.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
THIS IS IRIS HEMENWAY, ONCE OF DETROIT, THEN FLED THE RIOTS FOR UTAH
Iris was a single mother of three girls, which she raised right, as a great mother. Because of my Brain Fog, which was a result-not because of the Chinese Virus, but due to the "One shot Vaccine". As a Nephi City Official, we were forced or "pushed into taking the Vaccine "to protect the citizens. That big push was made by the "Health" official of the Six County Government" that controlled funding from the Federal Government for the smaller government officials in south Central Utah. As I sat through that meeting of long ago, I got the impression from the Health official that us local folks didn't have enough sense to judge for ourselves, but to take the word of a lone Health official in DC, and not those of us who grew up with "good horse sense". Nevertheless, our Nephi City Attorney later informed us that if we didn't go along with that directive, which included the Utah Government, and other Political Elected and Selected Leaders, we could all be held liable for not following "healthy" advice. I had one of those internal "Guardian Angel" inclinations not to take the shot, as it was pure poison invented to kill us all in these the last days, so I held off. It could have been a push from those beyond who often veered me away from evil, as I remember one family lady said the best way to get rid of a cold or flu was to open a bedroom window or my father who always say "go outside and feed the horse" and the stroll up and back from the barn must have gave me the fresh air I needed as my cold or gut ache seemed to magically disappear. I held off getting the Vaccine until I was asked to go to the local Hospital to pick up a friend who just got over the "Chinese Flu". I was told that the Hospital staff had security at the door to forbid entry without showing that I had the Vaccine. I then listened to others who said the shot was invented by a Doctor from America, who went to China to have it made there, then convince free world leaders to take it to help with the downfall of America. Well, I decided to drive up North and take my chances, at a big box store, then returned and got the friend out of the back door, but I was surrounded by two tough nurses, and two Security guys I respected. I got my friend out and went home to work outside and pull weeds. My internal thoughts were right, I tripped over the hose and fell three times on the cement drive way. Each time I fell, I lost a lot blood and had a severe headache. I knew it was a Subdural Hematoma, and to get inside and stay awake when the sun came up and called my near by sister and she wondered what all the blood was from and I gave her a medical description. The ambulance came and off we went to my second home in an emergency room. Although I was partially dead, I could hear the phone call, and the U of U. told the E.R. Doc to ask what Vaccine Shot I had taken. When I heard the brain Doc say that, he said get your helicopter ready as that sounds like we are getting Victim #5. But 2 Doctors worked on me, as well as a most Excellent Nurse who knew what I was going through, and helped guide the Doc's to drain the brain blood. That is the long story or foundation for the gal in the photo. Before the above story, I had worked as a Law Enforcement Officer in Utah, then in the Criminal Justice System, and asked to be a Correspondence Constituent for the Governor's Office. I wasn't overly trained in legal rules but was a Constitutional Wanna-be and that got be hired through and worked with four different Utah Governors, with only one who liked me. The others thought I was being too honest in my letters back to other Governors or Legal-Bengal's. They thought I had "too much" good horse sense but the elected folks signed the letters. With one of the Governors many appointed people, and he had appointed a woman who was the daughter of Iris Hemenway, as noted above. Iris was 20 years older than me and a short, white haired woman who was full of vim, vigor and vitality, and a gal who had worked as the Warden of the Woman's Prison at the Draper, Utah State Prison, who had enormous love in her heart, but prisoners would move when she cracked a whip and gave an order. We became friends and secretly asked for advice, and I freely gave. With clearance from bosses, I asked her I if she would take on a new role as the Drug Court Judge for the 2nd District Court, and she readily accepted as long as I stayed as her Boss, which was granted. She was perfect for the position and treated those convicts as human beings, but after she would give them a break, and they violated the condition, they were chained up and sent up the creek without a paddle. We became close friends and when I turned 60 and she was 80, we learned to play piano duets together while her granddaughter (Lily) got a headache listening. The daughters of Iris loaned me the piano until Lily picks it up. She lovingly calls me Grandpa, and I have lost her phone # and those of Jennifer and Jean. If you know their whereabouts, please send them a note before I too join Iris Hemenway, whose Hero is George Patton. Photo is of me and Iris at Governors Ball.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
THE MARRIAGE OF a G. I. AND A GAL FROM JAPAN CHOSE TO LIVE IN NEPHI, UTAH
Today we tell a true story of love binding forever. I have traveled many countries, liken unto each of my siblings, and although my travels have been to the Pacific Rim of China; Viet Nam and Cambodia (until shots were fired", but never been to the Empire of the Myriad Islands, the Land-of-the-Dragon Fly, Japan. I hear tell that Japan has a wealth of sunshine, of flower-blooms, of bird songs, and a land of beauty in their people, trees, sea breezes, butterflies, exotic birds, moonlight and starlight and hundreds of years of dynasties filled with verses to fall in love of the written and seen beauties. But we will start at the beginning of the togetherness of Carl Calderwood and Sekiyo Saito Calderwood who once upon a time lived and loved in Nephi, Utah nearly fifty years ago, and we recently found the notes of their life written by my mother-LaVon Harris Jones, who made it a point to welcome new people in town. They lived in a half-home, which was common when we feared a bomb hitting us from Russia. That was at 175 West 5th North, and as I recall their was another one like that up the street where Steve Jenkins lived-a friend of my brother and where I passed the Daily Herald as a kid. When my mother met with the Calderwood family they had a daughter-Julie who was educated and loved fishing, gardening and raising Chrysanthemum's-the flower of Japan. Carl Calderwood was born in 1926, in Provo, Utah, while Sekiyo was born in 1932 in Miyageken, Japan. Carl attended Provo High, then joined the U.S. Coast Guard; World War Two, then trained in Alamea, California aboard the USS Pascao. During the Korean War, he was in the U.S. Navy, putting aircraft carriers in commission while in Tacoma, Washington. He was then transferred to the Merchant Marine on U.S.N.S General Patrick in Oakland, California on his way to Wake Island, then Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines, then back to the USA. Indications are, he was under fire in all too many frightening experiences, as most Veterans have been for the past several wars. However, Carl's heart found a different comfort when he found with Sekiyo in Yokosuka, and although it was love at first sight, the Japanese custom of getting hitched is different than Americans getting hitched quick. Before they could make plans, Carl was transferred back to a war we called Viet Nam, on the U.S. N. S. Gordon. Carl and Sekiyo met up after many letters, and they knew it was a forever match and not a weekend frolic.(writers term, not my mother). The parents of Sekiyo were dead, so she had to get permission for their marriage from her older brothers. The oldest brother said yes; the second brother said "No, he is our enemy". Now it is the third brother's turn and asked her if she is sure she is making the right decision and she exclaimed "Hi, Hi", which means Yes, Yes! Since Carl had fifteen minutes before his ship was leaving, they ran to the American Consul in Tokyo and were married on July 3rd, and then again at the LDS Ward offices in Japan. Carl got back to Provo until his wife obtained Japan's strict rules of departing and they soon became a couple and daughter Julee was born on April 14, 1969, at St. Marks Hospital and little Julee felt she was in heaven, as she had Chad Winn as her 5th grade teacher and double proud Chad was also their LDS Bishop and great neighbors. In talking to Chad, he said the basement only house was built by Bill Russell when he lived to the east of that dwelling. Wherever they are now, my guess is their happiness blossoms like pink petals in Japan.
Friday, April 24, 2026
I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, BUT I THINK IT'S TIME TO BRAKE FOR A BREAK
It is time to brake for a break. Regards of age, read and weep or giggle. Humor is always needed.
1. I started with nothing......and still have most of it.
2. When did my wild oats turn to prunes and Bran?
3. I finally got my head together, but my body is falling apart.
4. Funny, I used to think I was funny and now I don't remember being absent minded.
5. All reports are in. Life is now officially unfair. Do the best you can.
6. If all is not lost, where is it? A lost sock is a good glove in the snow.
7. It is a heck of alot easier to get old that it is to get wiser!
8. If at first you don't succeed, try not to look too astonished.
9. The first rule of holes: If you are in one, stop digging!
10.I tried to get a life once, but they were out of stock.
11. I went to Snow College to be a Stand-Up Comedian. Now I am a Lay-Down Comedian.
12. It was all so different before everything changed.
13. Some days you are the dog; some days you are the fire hydrant
14. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
15. A day without sunshine is like a day in Seattle.
16. Kids in the back seat cause accidents. Accident's in the back seat cause kids.
17. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees.
18. Never knock on Deaths door, Ring the doorbell and run. He hates that.
19. Please lead me into Temptation. I can find the way myself.
20. When you are holding the good cards, why does everyone want to play chess?
21. If you drive I-15 in Utah, their are only two type of drivers...the fast and the dead.
22. As a kid, all my toys were unbreakable. Now they are useful to break other toys.
23. At Juab High, I could roll down the cement stairs. Now I wonder why I have brain damage.
24. If you are living on the edge, make sure you're wearing a seatbelt.
25. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
26. Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one dies.

Monday, April 20, 2026
ONE OF UTAH'S GREAT LEADER HAS PASSED AWAY-CARY PETERSON
I think the first time I became acquainted with Cary Peterson was when I had signed up for a Juab High School Class in "Chorus". I think everybody in the School Halls knew I was like Barney Fife as I couldn't "sing a lick". But my father was in the local church choir and my mother loved music, so all of her kids attempted to play the Clarinet, and at least us four boys tried, but utterly failed. When Cary introduced himself-one of "us" no accounts asked if he sang and by dang he sure did, and some of us thought he was better than Robert Goulet, who became a Hollywood singer in the early 1960's, and famous. I never did learn to sing, but my brother-Gary was in school plays where Cary would sing. My mother-LaVon Jones was the Secretary for three different District Superintendent's, and she was the only one till she retired, so teachers and Principals relied on her to help them with typing; correspondence and answering the phone. After school, Cary and his father-in-law Fred Painter joined forces to work the farm and cattle. Although most cowboys find their work hard. Cary found it to be hard but really fun. He spent his younger days growing up in Cedar Fort, which was like my father growing up in Nortonville. Both of those places found the work hard, but fun to ride the horses they caught out west. At the funeral today, as I often do, I don't hear as well, but like to watch the body movement and reactions to the speakers. When the Great Grandkids of Cary & RaNee sang "Peace in Christ" I could see and feel the emotions of those young kids. One older boy was about 14 and carried his cowboy hat in his hands, but he put it up to his face to cover his tears. The others then started to let their tears of love stream down their cheeks. Judging from them alone was enough to convince this "doubting Thomas" their was a lot of respect and love for both of their great grandparents. And Cary was undoubtedly close to all his family and they learned that work, play and love all go together for a great blend. One of the speakers spoke of Cary forbidding-while he was in the State Legislature to ask "for a backroom deal". He wanted everything in the open, and I can attest to that. When I was a law enforcement officer working for the State, I was asked or "ordered" to write a Legislative Bill, then take in to the House of Representatives. That made me nervous as I knew the new House Whip and I thought our Department Chief was setting me up for failure. When I corned her and handed her the folder, she responded with "I know what that filthy thing is and then threw it in my face." We were standing near two of the Utah State Troopers who were assigned to watch those folks who wanted the backroom deals. I knew the one Trooper, who said "Jones, do you want me to arrest her for you"? I said no, their is not a Prosecutor or Judge in the State that would take my word over three law enforcement officers. They giggled and said we will pick up the papers for you and put a bandaid on your head. Only God moves in a mysterious way, but I gathered my wits and returned the next day. This time I went with my binder to Cary Peterson, who was serving as the Majority Leader of the Senate. He recognized me and shook my hand and I was about to tell my situation. He instantly responded by saying something like "How is your parents and family"? Then about my work and so forth. He finally told me he heard all about the incident the day before. He said he read my proposal and then asked a simple question, just like the farmers of yesteryear would do. I said if we made this a State Law it could very well cut down on the vicious repeat offenders we keep arresting. He then said "Give me your word on it". I did and he said he would call me. Two days later, Cary called and said it was passed and he took it to the Governor, and it was made a law. I asked him once if he was ever in the Marines, and he said only ROTC. I said he walked like a Marine and kept groomed like a Class A Mode. And he has that Christlike love for all people. Cary also taught Math, and I squeaked by, but I watched him walk sharp and look sharp as ever as he returned from doing Temple work. To all that loved him, just know he is alive and well as is RaNee and they are dancing on those Clouds of our next sphere.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
IN THE 1950'S, MOST PARENTS DIDN'T GIVE AN ALLOWANCE-WE HAD TO EARN IT.
Nowadays, I don't think kids have to work for their bikes; Mopeds; talk-walkies or even their clothes. As soon as we were about ten, the five Jones kids had to go earn it just like our folks did. One of the ways us boys started was taking turns passing newspaper's and although we couldn't afford a bike, we would each take turns with one. We couldn't afford gloves when we had a lot of snow, but we found that socks on our hands worked well. When our mother went back to work, she would make a sack lunch in the morning for each of us and that was Jim Dandy. At about 12 or so is when we started to haul hay for Joe and Ross Garrett, except for Gary who was allergy to hay as a kid, and Jaynette started to clean house and iron shirts for Doc. P.L. Jones. Gary worked gathering eggs for the Gadd family. Then we were "full grown" at 14, Hal and I would walk down to Rulon Brackens place and drive his truck down in the fields to change the water when their were just ditches, so we would take turns working while the other brother slept for two hours then kept trading off. Rulon's son was a grade school teacher and I had him in 5th and 6th grade and liked him. One day, another neighbor-Earl Bean told me if I could drive a tractor, he would pay me 50 cents to cut his hay. He lived on 7th North and the southeast corner of 100 East before the other homes grew up to the south. I walked down to Rulon's and asked if I borrow his tractor. He said sure and gassed it up for me. After I cut the hay for Earl, he gave me that wide smile he had and said that I had to gather it up and take it to the sheep my brother was finding. Rulon had the tractor gased up and both seemed to feel they got the best deal. And Weston was happy we got "Free Hay" for the mustang Joe Garrett gave him. I forgot about how gracious Earl Bean was until his obit fell in front of me. And now I will find his tombstone and honor him for his Purple Heart service. My Aunt Elfie Jones lived down track street below the tracks and my Dad would take me down there to dig weeds. I hated it back then, but now if I can get my old body to bend, I like working in the dirt. And those days when we all had gardens or hay for animals, we used to pick fruits for Sheriff Ray Jackson and that was on Shares.
THE END.
Friday, April 10, 2026
REGARDLESS OF WHO WE ARE 0R WHERE-CHANGES CAN BE GOOD OR CUMBERSOME
When we are born then die; changes in schools; homes or challenges-we will always have change! Such is the case of changes in Catholic Popes or King Henry the 8th, declaring folks from the British Isles need to follow his starting the C of E or the Church of England. Such is the case with the Church of Jesus Christ, as they have so changed from being called "Mormons" as they stand firm as they worship after the Church of Jesus Christ from the days when Christ roamed Israel, with his newly appointed Apostles and Seventies. Back then, the appointed Apostles didn't fully understand why they were not following the Mosaic Laws. Christ eventually taught them the new law that He was being sent to deliver them from His Father-God. So those guys had to brace themselves for that and really did a whack on them went the Savior gently but boldly saying something to the effect learn quick, as I will soon go to my Death, which He did for all Mankind, at least conditionally, for this Sinner! Along with that, I found a 2003 clipping from the LDS Church News, showing the Leaders back then, and new leaders. It doesn't seem that long ago, my brother and I were delivery drivers for ZCMI, which was then owned by the LDS Church. We had a delivery to Dallin Harris Oaks, who was down the line of potential Leaders of that Church. When he opened the door, we got the Curio in place, then I made a stupid comment like "We are brothers trying to make a living and both attended Universities' and I said to Oaks "Hey, I recognize your name on my University Diploma and here we are without a future, as we had unimportant jobs." I then got a verbal spanking and gave us a great lecture of how important "all" jobs were. I was not about to tell him we both had "Real" jobs and it was - like the Savior kicking my butt and I knew he was being considered for the U.S. Supreme Court. Here are the Photos.
AS I AM A GRAND NEPHEW TO "UNCLE HY TOLLEY" THESE ARE SOME SAYINGS USED IN MY WORK SUIT.
The following things may cause you to giggle, but some folks will cry. These are side notes I made working 42 years as a law enforcement officer and an Administrative Law Judge. Regardless of our chosen work and being a parent, I have found that all humans on earth need a "release valve" before any of us "Go Postal" and anybody CAN if we don't let the steam; gas or air out in a fun or harmonious way. I often felt that one of the best ways is to do Volunteer work for someone in need. It is good for all concernedAt Thanksgiving time, I often would head to nature to be in tune with God's plentiful majesties! On one occasion I went fishing at a remote area, and as I crossing the road, I encountered a Utah Highway Officer. He drove up besides me and asked how the fishing was, and without thinking, I did an "Uncle Hy" Tolley response by saying "I am not sure" as I was in the middle of eating a can of Spam". He laughed and said he was just getting away from the "Crazies" that was speeding on I-15 to get to Grandmas for Turkey Thanksgiving. We both then laughed and I offered him a slice of Spam, and that made his day and it was a big slice. He was Grateful and we both went back to our fun Thanksgiving! In the words of one of my Heros-Paul Harvey-"Now the rest of the story."
1. It would appear that she ardently attempted to join the Suicide Club, but her membership was repeatedly denied.
2. He is short and puggy, with a slow gait, but that appeared that to be just his thought process.
3. He has a long and livid love affair with alcohol.
4. The law maintains you can't make mice nice! Is that how you see it?
5. He is no stranger to Violence.
6. He has experienced many misadventures with drugs including the ones that cause brain damage.
7. If she maintains sobriety, it may be the next wonder of the world.
8. Whenever the defendant is turned loose, he will be broke and thirsty, and that is a hazard.
9. It appears you are a Vegetarian, so are you allowed to eat animal crackers?
10. If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?
Monday, March 30, 2026
TWO GREAT COFFEE SHOPS IN NEPHI, UTAH
If you were traveling through Utah during the 1950's or 60's, the drive through Nephi was considered the four-way place to stop for gas, food or lodging on Hi-way 91. It was a small rural town, and many of the tourists liked to walk to Pioneer Park to watch the local kids play baseball. In those days, the younger kids often walked up and down the street and if you had a car, it was the safe place to "Drag Main", but now a days, the kids have hand held thing a ma jigs and appear to be allergic to work or school lessons! The Center of Juab County is not as peaceful like by-gone days, as herds of people with more money than sense are driving up the price of homes and pushing the farmers out of the water we used to have, but folks have not yet become like the "Swamp" of DC! The good thing is we have the water the crop owners had to give up when they sold their land, so we have pure water to blend in with the Coffee we still serve. No, we don't have Ray's Cafe or the Snak Shack, but two great Coffee Shops at the "Haven Coffee House" at 65 S. Main or the new "Beans & Brew" at 1508 S. Main. And in Nephi it is easy to find an address as you just have to know which way North, South, East, and West is and start in the middle. Our local leaders refused to be like California where you can get lost without trying! The Haven Coffee Shop has an outside deck where you can gaze at the Salt Creek running(but we didn't have enough snowpack this year) and a good place to do computer work down stairs or go upstairs for a good get to know others while you sip on your expresso! It is professionally ran with a personal crew. The newly opened Beans and Brew has any coffee you need and great sandwiches. They are close to the South Freeway off and on, and we met a family on their way back to California. And their is hotels near by and down main their is Lisa's cafe and that just happens to be a great place for home cookin food for this writer who doesn't know a pot from a pan and ruined my Micro-wave when I tried to put wood in to fire it up!











