Sometimes the Beauty is very close to the Beast. One just has to recognize them.

In the first photo, we have the beasts of the streets of Nephi, Utah which are re-defining the curbs, sidewalk and roads to beautify the downtown area. First comes the beasts, then the Beauty, but in today's scenario we have a photo of each, and they are 67 paces away from each other. The photo of the work machines of re-construction was taken from the Oct. 5, 2016 edition of The Times News newspaper. The second photo was taken by myself during a short stroll from the construction site, in the serene beauty of Salt Creek as it majestically runs through town to quench the thirst of man and beast. Perhaps in life, we need to keep an eye forward to the ever present beauty around us-it just takes some time sometimes!

What is the population of Leamington, Utah! Well it depends on when you visit there.

Give or take a dozen or so, the population of Leamington, Utah is 300 people, but during Leaminardo Day, it swells to about 3,000. At least one day a year, it is the time to return home and visit. Even if you are not from there, such as I, it is a good place for people to chat as if you were. Such was the case for me when I decided to visit on Labor Day. I took the slow way, turning off 1-15, going through downtown Holden, then Oak City and on to Leamington. As a youth, I recall watching my sister ride her horse during the barrel racing of their excellent rodeo, and filling up on all the food one could ask for. While driving around Oak City, I marveled how Americana this part of Millard County remains. They still have dirt roads; irrigation ditches and people who wave at you even though they weren't really sure who you are. I had to drive around the blocks a few times and found three constant things which may define who we are or should be. I saw American Flags that were respectfully flown; young people on horses, and several lawn signs promoting Ed Phillips who is running for Millard County Commissioner. Since I have known Ed for about four decades, I couldn't help but write a blog entry. Ed is one of those guys who is devoted to all Millard County citizens and although I don't know his opponent, or even what Ed stands for, whatever it is, it would be for the common good of all and my guess is there is no mug slinging with whoever he runs against.

This Postcard is a little over a hundred years old, and photo is thought to be the same.

This postcard was sent to Mrs. W.F. Tolley of Nephi, Utah. That would be Sarah Warren Tolley, first wife of Wm. Fisher Tolley. It was sent from Gridley, California in June, 1916, where one of her sons settled and became an excellent and well known builder. The postcard sender is from grandchildren Lola and Lucille. I am not real certain who the photo is of, but sometime ago, I wrote on the back that it may be "Miran Tolley", but not sure where I got that information. Most of the Juab County Tolley family came from England and were Mormon pioneers, but this woman carries a Catholic type Cross, so not sure. We think it is 1860 to 1880 vintage.

As proper Americans, we should vote, but do we really have to watch tonights Preidential verbal fist-a-cuff!

Although many Americans may be tired of politics, it seems that as citizens, we should listen to at least one debate before we vote. Indications are that America is as divided and polarized as they have ever been, along with Utah's who have "non-support" for Trump or Clinton. We, therefore submit a resolution as to whom to vote for, and have their photos, and some insight. It is true, we borrowed the photos from the local paper-The Times News- of Oct. 30, 1969. An additional fact is some of the candidates have now passed away, but even those that have died may at least keep us out of further debt and total destruction. The choice is yours, but each of these people may be a better choice for all America.

Good Cop-Bad Cop; When to Shoot and When Not to Shoot. Only the soldier and cop knows.

When you place a finger on the trigger to fire a projectile at another human being, that decision can be life changing. After the initial shock and awe with the hair on your neck standing straight up; your training kicks in and a decision is made. That calculated risk is based on training, not by the general public and certainly not by a bunch of protestors who react with no basis other than to be a part of another problem. In Nephi, Utah, the local paper is The Times News, and like them, I pay respect to America's cops and troops. Four of the photos are from The Times News; one from Utah Peace Officer Association and one from Viet Nam. In the one, Utah Governor Matheson is signing the Utah Peace Officer Year Declaration of 1983. Another is Nephi City Police receiving trauma kits from local businesses and the Utah Highway Patrol one is self explanatory. Local folks may recognize the Juab County Sheriff and his late father photo from 1969. Check the solider with the credentials. If you were near the Cu Chi Tunnels in Viet Nam, do you automatically take the shot, or first figure out if he is one of our allies! Only good training makes sense, not necessarily what you read or see in the media who just may want to exploit things to sell more of what they are pedaling. Just a professional thought in a personal way.

The local paper in Utah's Juab County tells of the good government workers here...Yup, it is true.

Since 1851, Nephi City and Juab County has produced a lot of good employees, or it's good people that made the local governments look great. Regardless, the local paper-The Times News, has frequently noted these people, and we also pay respect to all of them over the decades. I never knew any of local public servants that became rich by their work. Their richness was in their service to us. As noted by a scan of the actual check, Abraham Orme was the Nephi City Treasurer back in 1895, who signed a check written to Evan Harris, who could have been paid for services rendered at his Blacksmith shop; blocks of ice or his grain thrasher, but more than likely it was to have been bringing tree logs out of Salt Creek canyon to help in the construction of pioneer homes and business' in Juab County. The untold story about the City Treasurer was the hardship he endured while serving others. In 1868, he lost four of his five kids, due to Dysentery and Scarlatina. Dr. Miner and Peter Sutton-the Supt. of Water Works put everybody on Quarantine. Although we continue to go through a drought in modern days, local officials make sure we have good water to drink.

This is a World War II love letter between two people from a small Utah farming community.

During World War II, the cost to send a letter was three cents, and to some people-the attached communication may seem to be just a simple letter between two people from a small Utah farming community. To others, it is a love letter worth a million bucks! It shows that although they had known each other for several years, they developed a pal relationship which bloomed to love and devotion to their earthly end. At the time of their marriage, Alma Jones was forty, and LaVon Harris was 33. Although it is not yet Christmas time, we believe sufficient time has passed that our Mother and Father would give consent to showing their love letter to the world, and perhaps, just perhaps, it will make today's winter type coldness more rich and warming for all.