May 27, 2009
Bishop H. David Burton
50 East North Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-1300
Dear Bishop Burton,
Thanks for attending our stake conference. We benefited by your instruction, direction, warmth, love and blessings given us. Your impact for good on our stake was evidenced by the large attendance we had at all our meetings. I personally learned much from you by watching your example. I never have met a General Authority that knew so much about what was going on in the Church. Thanks for answering my questions and being so open in sharing your knowledge.
You were very gracious in meeting our proposed agenda so that so many saints and friends could have a chance to interact with you. The Hardy family was very appreciative of your visit and particularly your blessing to Brother Hardy. He is doing better. Three days after our visit to their home, Sister Hardy came by my home to express her appreciation and to show me the little booklet she had prepared which contained her account of the visit complete with developed pictures taken at the event. She wanted to save a report of this experience for her permanent family history. She commended on your thoughtfulness to son John after the miscarriage suffered by his wife and your attention to Devin, the Down’s Syndrome son. I am convinced a leader’s most effective time is visiting in member’s home.
I liked that you saved time to let members ask you questions. I thought the questions asked were substantial and meaningful. I was so proud of our Young Single Adult Ward showing up at 7:00 a.m. to meet and hear from you. Thanks for shaking their hands. They are a great example to me and are so service orientated and help others. I wish they were as faithful in home and visiting teaching.
Your Sabbath Day experience as a teenager was very moving when you addressed the youth. It brought back memories when our children were playing competitive soccer and I would drive them home on Saturday night from Denver when their teams would be playing the next day for the State Championship in their leagues. The Sabbath Day was very important in my family. During the Depression, my father was managing 22,000 head of sheep for the L.H. Redd Sheep Company in San Juan County. Charlie Redd threatened to fire my father because he refused to work on Sunday unless it was an emergency. My father refused and Charlie Redd backed down because he didn’t want to lose my father as a manager.
Thanks for addressing our recent converts and investigators. Last Saturday night I attended a baptism where a father was baptized which joined him in the gospel to his member wife and five member daughters. About 80% of the men who were presented to be made Elders came from families where they can now go to the temple together. June 5 is our annual stake temple day where we ask each temple recommend holder to take a day off work and join their ward for the ward’s special temple session in the Monticello Temple and many of these men will be sealed to their families then or at whatever temple they desire. I am enclosing a copy of the report on converts activity and the Aaronic Priesthood Exception List which I promised. We will put more emphasis in this area.
My father was bishop for sixteen years. I grew up being the “bishop’s son” and was proud of that title. I know the Lord loves his bishops and I thank the Lord that you were sent to our stake so I could feel of your special spirit and love. The highlight of the conference for me was the special blessing you left at the end of all our meetings for our stake presidency. I know that your blessing that our children and our posterity would be blessed because of service in the stake presidency will be fulfilled. God is good. He is in control. It’s great to serve in the Kingdom.
Your Brother in the gospel,
Pres. Kelly Summers
P. S. I returned Monday evening after completing the Bolder Boulder 10K Race the same day. My time was only one minute slower than last year. I ran with four of my daughters and my future son in law, Gabi Olivares. Mark Pulsipher was in our group and completed the race.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
NINTH BOLDER BOULDER
NINTH BOLDER BOULDER
MAY 25, 2009
Today I completed my 9th Bolder Boulder 10K Race on Memorial Day. It was 10 years ago that Clarissa and I went to Denver to watch our girls run in the Bolder Boulder. It looked so much fun that I decided I would run it with them the next year but was told by Carol and Connie who ran it that I should register as a walker. I told them I wanted to run so around the next Christmas I started to train at age 58 to run my first race. I immediately realized I wasn’t out of shape but had no shape at all and could only run from the house to mailbox before I was spent. But I persisted and found out by extending myself further everyday I soon got in shape and that the body is an amazing machine that can adapt quickly. Now , less than 10 years later I completed:
1 Nine Bolder Boulders
2 Ten 14,000 foot peaks.
3 Two Half Marathons
4 One Marathon
5 One Moab 5K Race
As I age, my time completing the Bolder Boulder get longer and I need more prayers to finish. G.J. 1st
Ward prayed for me this time and I had my presidency give me a blessing on Sunday. Dean White and I ran together-it was our least prepared race but a soon 68 year old and a soon 75 year older completed it in 1 hour and 50 minutes, one minute longer than last year. It was perfect running weather, cool and cloudy and we did well, never getting to the “zombie” stage where you run on guts only because you hurt so much and have no strength left.
We had a group of about 15 running and walking. We stayed for a great Memorial Day program where one of Doolittle’s Raiders was honored and we had a fly over by the jets and the sky divers with a service flags followed by the American flag-it was very moving. And then, it started to rain while we were still in the stadium. We were all very wet when we got back to the cars but it still was a great day.
The most important part though was not the race even though I enjoyed my success and with the Lord’s help, beat Parkinson’s Disease for one more year. The most important thing to me was being with my family. I knew that the Waters would be there house hunting and I knew Connie would run because she stayed with us in G.J. and worked so hard around the house. I was really surprised to see Kim fixing the Sunday evening meal at Gabi’s apartment. She had just flown in from Oregon after winning the contest to be the first family member to be in all 50 states. It is so satisfying to run with Carol, Connie, Kim and Catherine-just like climbing a mountain with them. This also was Gabi’s second time running with our family. It was also great to see the grandchildren play. Kate and Aaron feel very blessed to have a contract on their house three days after it was listed.
It was a very fast 30 hours to drive over, eat, sleep, run and then drive back but was a very satisfying trip. I am been very blessed to be able to complete the race. I committed to Dean to run at least 10 times and then see what happens. Carol and Connie had special shirts announcing it was their 10th time. I wore a bright pink biking shirt designed by Eldon Nelson and given to me by his sister Kellene with a sign stating I was running in honor of Susan Nelson, cancer survivor. She is doing poorly.
God is good and I am blessed
K.K. Summers
MAY 25, 2009
Today I completed my 9th Bolder Boulder 10K Race on Memorial Day. It was 10 years ago that Clarissa and I went to Denver to watch our girls run in the Bolder Boulder. It looked so much fun that I decided I would run it with them the next year but was told by Carol and Connie who ran it that I should register as a walker. I told them I wanted to run so around the next Christmas I started to train at age 58 to run my first race. I immediately realized I wasn’t out of shape but had no shape at all and could only run from the house to mailbox before I was spent. But I persisted and found out by extending myself further everyday I soon got in shape and that the body is an amazing machine that can adapt quickly. Now , less than 10 years later I completed:
1 Nine Bolder Boulders
2 Ten 14,000 foot peaks.
3 Two Half Marathons
4 One Marathon
5 One Moab 5K Race
As I age, my time completing the Bolder Boulder get longer and I need more prayers to finish. G.J. 1st
Ward prayed for me this time and I had my presidency give me a blessing on Sunday. Dean White and I ran together-it was our least prepared race but a soon 68 year old and a soon 75 year older completed it in 1 hour and 50 minutes, one minute longer than last year. It was perfect running weather, cool and cloudy and we did well, never getting to the “zombie” stage where you run on guts only because you hurt so much and have no strength left.
We had a group of about 15 running and walking. We stayed for a great Memorial Day program where one of Doolittle’s Raiders was honored and we had a fly over by the jets and the sky divers with a service flags followed by the American flag-it was very moving. And then, it started to rain while we were still in the stadium. We were all very wet when we got back to the cars but it still was a great day.
The most important part though was not the race even though I enjoyed my success and with the Lord’s help, beat Parkinson’s Disease for one more year. The most important thing to me was being with my family. I knew that the Waters would be there house hunting and I knew Connie would run because she stayed with us in G.J. and worked so hard around the house. I was really surprised to see Kim fixing the Sunday evening meal at Gabi’s apartment. She had just flown in from Oregon after winning the contest to be the first family member to be in all 50 states. It is so satisfying to run with Carol, Connie, Kim and Catherine-just like climbing a mountain with them. This also was Gabi’s second time running with our family. It was also great to see the grandchildren play. Kate and Aaron feel very blessed to have a contract on their house three days after it was listed.
It was a very fast 30 hours to drive over, eat, sleep, run and then drive back but was a very satisfying trip. I am been very blessed to be able to complete the race. I committed to Dean to run at least 10 times and then see what happens. Carol and Connie had special shirts announcing it was their 10th time. I wore a bright pink biking shirt designed by Eldon Nelson and given to me by his sister Kellene with a sign stating I was running in honor of Susan Nelson, cancer survivor. She is doing poorly.
God is good and I am blessed
K.K. Summers
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
TWENTY YEARS LATER
May 6, 2009
TWENTY YEARS LATER
When I was a bishop of the G. J. 8th Ward, a lady came to consult with me about the church’s position on abortion. She had grown up in the ward but now was married and was out of the ward. She was pregnant and her non- member husband was putting pressure on her to have an abortion because she had been tested and the baby she was carrying would be born a hemophiliac. I clearly remember the interview and this woman’s struggle to do the right thing. She had the baby. She and her husband eventually were divorce and she remarried and had more children.
A few months ago I was talking to this same woman who now lives in our stake about the great interview I had with her son about going on his mission. He was so excited, so positive and so likeable-fun to be around. She said, “He is the one-he was the child I was carrying when I came to see you when I was getting pressure to have an abortion.”
I interviewed him very carefully about his medical condition. He gave himself three injections per week to control his condition. It cost more than a thousand dollars per week for his medication but it was covered by his mother’s insurance until he was 23. His stepfather’s insurance provided secondary coverage. He was unlimited in his activities although he didn’t play football for obvious reasons. I knew the missionary department may have lots of questions and with his condition he might not be allowed to serve so I made sure his missionary application was very complete with the medical insurance coverage that was available in the United States and that he had a medical recommendation from his local doctor as well as a recommendation from the hemophilia center in Denver endorsing that he could serve as a missionary. I was sure he would be restricted to the United States where he had medical insurance coverage and access to his medication. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not receive a call from the missionary department asking for clarification or more evaluation but he received his call to serve as a Spanish speaking missionary in the United States.
Yesterday, I set him apart as a full time missionary for the church. It was an emotional experience of me and his mother. I referred in the blessing to Hannah who promised the Lord if she could have a son she would give him to the Lord and this sister was like Hannah and was now giving her son to the Lord. The mother mentioned in her testimony when she was struggling knowing she was carrying a baby with a medical condition that could cause her child severe problems throughout his life that the Savior’s peace and blessing came over her and promised her that everything would be okay. Six months after her son’s birth she received an unsolicited call asking her if she would like her son to participate in a study for a new drug that had not yet being approved by the FDA that had the hope of controlling hemophilia. She signed up and her son began receiving the experimental drug which was successful and later approved by the FDA which allowed her son to live a normal life.
God knows. God is in control
K. K. Summers
May 6, 2009
TWENTY YEARS LATER
When I was a bishop of the G. J. 8th Ward, a lady came to consult with me about the church’s position on abortion. She had grown up in the ward but now was married and was out of the ward. She was pregnant and her non- member husband was putting pressure on her to have an abortion because she had been tested and the baby she was carrying would be born a hemophiliac. I clearly remember the interview and this woman’s struggle to do the right thing. She had the baby. She and her husband eventually were divorce and she remarried and had more children.
A few months ago I was talking to this same woman who now lives in our stake about the great interview I had with her son about going on his mission. He was so excited, so positive and so likeable-fun to be around. She said, “He is the one-he was the child I was carrying when I came to see you when I was getting pressure to have an abortion.”
I interviewed him very carefully about his medical condition. He gave himself three injections per week to control his condition. It cost more than a thousand dollars per week for his medication but it was covered by his mother’s insurance until he was 23. His stepfather’s insurance provided secondary coverage. He was unlimited in his activities although he didn’t play football for obvious reasons. I knew the missionary department may have lots of questions and with his condition he might not be allowed to serve so I made sure his missionary application was very complete with the medical insurance coverage that was available in the United States and that he had a medical recommendation from his local doctor as well as a recommendation from the hemophilia center in Denver endorsing that he could serve as a missionary. I was sure he would be restricted to the United States where he had medical insurance coverage and access to his medication. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not receive a call from the missionary department asking for clarification or more evaluation but he received his call to serve as a Spanish speaking missionary in the United States.
Yesterday, I set him apart as a full time missionary for the church. It was an emotional experience of me and his mother. I referred in the blessing to Hannah who promised the Lord if she could have a son she would give him to the Lord and this sister was like Hannah and was now giving her son to the Lord. The mother mentioned in her testimony when she was struggling knowing she was carrying a baby with a medical condition that could cause her child severe problems throughout his life that the Savior’s peace and blessing came over her and promised her that everything would be okay. Six months after her son’s birth she received an unsolicited call asking her if she would like her son to participate in a study for a new drug that had not yet being approved by the FDA that had the hope of controlling hemophilia. She signed up and her son began receiving the experimental drug which was successful and later approved by the FDA which allowed her son to live a normal life.
God knows. God is in control
K. K. Summers
May 6, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
ZONE CONFERENCE APRIL 17,2009
April 24, 2009
RE: ZONE CONFERENCE-APRIL 17, 2009
Dear President and Sister Christison,
Thanks so much for allowing me to attend zone conference at the Grand Junction Stake Center last week. What a great day. I spirit continued to reside with me that evening as I returned home and I thanked my Heavenly Father for the experiences I had at zone conference. Let me summarize some highlights:
1. I love your conferences because I am taught the gospel and I feel the spirit testify to me of the truthfulness of what is taught. President Christison’s teaching on the atonement and the testimony of Elder McConkie was very moving. I had met Elder McConkie when our stake was divided and the Montrose Stake was created and I went to BYU with his son Joseph.
2. Sister Christison’s teachings about the sacrament taught me new principles and added to my appreciation for the Savior. It has permanently changed what I think about when I take the sacrament. I would appreciate if Sister Christison would share with me the sheet containing the comparison of the two prayers when you come to our stake conference together with any reference material.
3. I was touched by the two testimonies given by the missionaries during the breakout sessions on how the atonement had touched their lives.
4. It’s tough to say goodbye to missionaries who have served in my stake so faithfully. Elder Cooper shared with me his desire that his mother join the church and we have added what request in our prayers. He is returning home to the same stake where my son lives so I am going to contact him next time I go to California.
5. Elder and Sister Dean are the first missionary couple to ever serve in our stake . We will miss them-three ward bishops have really relied on them. We will take any couple you want to send.
6. Elder Hansen continues to serve with honor and dedication. Elder Garland will always be special to me. It hurts me to see him struggle because of his brother’s action and his father’s heart problems. In the district meeting when goals were being discussed he set the example and taught other missionaries they don’t work up to the Standards of Excellence but they had the power to meet most of the standards now by just doing it because it is within their power to do so. I am going to visit him in Texas when I visit my daughter who is in graduate school in Austin.
7. I am amazed at the growth I see in missionaries from zone conference to the next zone conference. I marvel at the abilities of those missionaries whose native language is not English. I appreciate you sending such good missionaries to our stake.
8. Thanks for letting the three prospective missionaries from my stake attend. They all gave me good reports and enjoyed the day. Bro. King’s call came yesterday to Dallas, Texas, Spanish speaking-maybe he will see Elder Garland there.
We pray for each of you at our stake meetings. Thanks for visiting us on this side of the mountain. I look forward to meeting with you again in Littleton in May with Elders Funk and Brimhall.
Your brother in the gospel,
Kelly Summers
RE: ZONE CONFERENCE-APRIL 17, 2009
Dear President and Sister Christison,
Thanks so much for allowing me to attend zone conference at the Grand Junction Stake Center last week. What a great day. I spirit continued to reside with me that evening as I returned home and I thanked my Heavenly Father for the experiences I had at zone conference. Let me summarize some highlights:
1. I love your conferences because I am taught the gospel and I feel the spirit testify to me of the truthfulness of what is taught. President Christison’s teaching on the atonement and the testimony of Elder McConkie was very moving. I had met Elder McConkie when our stake was divided and the Montrose Stake was created and I went to BYU with his son Joseph.
2. Sister Christison’s teachings about the sacrament taught me new principles and added to my appreciation for the Savior. It has permanently changed what I think about when I take the sacrament. I would appreciate if Sister Christison would share with me the sheet containing the comparison of the two prayers when you come to our stake conference together with any reference material.
3. I was touched by the two testimonies given by the missionaries during the breakout sessions on how the atonement had touched their lives.
4. It’s tough to say goodbye to missionaries who have served in my stake so faithfully. Elder Cooper shared with me his desire that his mother join the church and we have added what request in our prayers. He is returning home to the same stake where my son lives so I am going to contact him next time I go to California.
5. Elder and Sister Dean are the first missionary couple to ever serve in our stake . We will miss them-three ward bishops have really relied on them. We will take any couple you want to send.
6. Elder Hansen continues to serve with honor and dedication. Elder Garland will always be special to me. It hurts me to see him struggle because of his brother’s action and his father’s heart problems. In the district meeting when goals were being discussed he set the example and taught other missionaries they don’t work up to the Standards of Excellence but they had the power to meet most of the standards now by just doing it because it is within their power to do so. I am going to visit him in Texas when I visit my daughter who is in graduate school in Austin.
7. I am amazed at the growth I see in missionaries from zone conference to the next zone conference. I marvel at the abilities of those missionaries whose native language is not English. I appreciate you sending such good missionaries to our stake.
8. Thanks for letting the three prospective missionaries from my stake attend. They all gave me good reports and enjoyed the day. Bro. King’s call came yesterday to Dallas, Texas, Spanish speaking-maybe he will see Elder Garland there.
We pray for each of you at our stake meetings. Thanks for visiting us on this side of the mountain. I look forward to meeting with you again in Littleton in May with Elders Funk and Brimhall.
Your brother in the gospel,
Kelly Summers
Thursday, April 23, 2009
BOLDER BOULDER-HERE I COME!
April 23, 2009
BOLDER BOULDER, HERE I COME!
One of my goals this year is to complete my 9th Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day. I did some training in the winter and spring with Dean White and Arvin Leany but nothing really serious. I have enough time to prepare after my two week trip to Illinois but I knew I would have to work hard if I was to be ready by race time.
I arrived home Saturday evening on April 11th, I don’t run on Sunday and then I had to fast for the next two days for my 13th colonoscopy which took place on Wednesday. The fasting went very well as did the colonoscopy because I cleaned out good for the first time in three years and the doctor found no polyps. He told me I could wait for five more years to have another examination because I had gone at least four years with no polyps but I told him I would see him in two years-I don’t intend to die of colon cancer when it is so preventable with a regular colonoscopy. I did walk two miles during the week and also four miles the end of the week.
This week I had my appointment with Dr. Burnbaum. We agreed to increase my sinemet medication from two pills per day to three. I shake a little more and shuffle more. My right toes also cramp more often. He had offered the increase three months ago but I turned it down because sometimes there are increased adverse reactions when the dosage is increased. I am not worried about the gambling or sex addict reactions but I am concerned with sleepy or dizziness as possible effects. After my doctor ‘s appointment, I walked four miles, then 5.2 miles so today I decided to walk the full 10k route, being 6.2 miles. I did it without hurting and without the extra pill-I will start that tomorrow. I now have to work on getting stronger and reduce my time by run-shuffling a little. But I do know I can do it. I have climbed ten 14,000 foot peaks, so I want to do at least 10 Bolder Boulders.
Bishop Burton, Presiding Bishop of the church will be our conference visitor. It is going to be interesting-two youth talks are assigned and one talk each assigned for my counselors-that is it. Everything else will be determined when he arrives. I wonder what my talk will be. We will enjoy having him in our home. He gets back from South American at midnight on Friday and must be here the next day at 1:00 p.m.-he is driving.
K. K. Summers
BOLDER BOULDER, HERE I COME!
One of my goals this year is to complete my 9th Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day. I did some training in the winter and spring with Dean White and Arvin Leany but nothing really serious. I have enough time to prepare after my two week trip to Illinois but I knew I would have to work hard if I was to be ready by race time.
I arrived home Saturday evening on April 11th, I don’t run on Sunday and then I had to fast for the next two days for my 13th colonoscopy which took place on Wednesday. The fasting went very well as did the colonoscopy because I cleaned out good for the first time in three years and the doctor found no polyps. He told me I could wait for five more years to have another examination because I had gone at least four years with no polyps but I told him I would see him in two years-I don’t intend to die of colon cancer when it is so preventable with a regular colonoscopy. I did walk two miles during the week and also four miles the end of the week.
This week I had my appointment with Dr. Burnbaum. We agreed to increase my sinemet medication from two pills per day to three. I shake a little more and shuffle more. My right toes also cramp more often. He had offered the increase three months ago but I turned it down because sometimes there are increased adverse reactions when the dosage is increased. I am not worried about the gambling or sex addict reactions but I am concerned with sleepy or dizziness as possible effects. After my doctor ‘s appointment, I walked four miles, then 5.2 miles so today I decided to walk the full 10k route, being 6.2 miles. I did it without hurting and without the extra pill-I will start that tomorrow. I now have to work on getting stronger and reduce my time by run-shuffling a little. But I do know I can do it. I have climbed ten 14,000 foot peaks, so I want to do at least 10 Bolder Boulders.
Bishop Burton, Presiding Bishop of the church will be our conference visitor. It is going to be interesting-two youth talks are assigned and one talk each assigned for my counselors-that is it. Everything else will be determined when he arrives. I wonder what my talk will be. We will enjoy having him in our home. He gets back from South American at midnight on Friday and must be here the next day at 1:00 p.m.-he is driving.
K. K. Summers
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
TOO MANY FUNERALS
TOO MANY FUNERALS
4-22-09
The last couple of months there have been just too many funerals:
1. Sister Marie Santy-2nd Ward-been very sick and old for over a year.
2. Sister Eleanor Palmer-Fruita 4th Ward-natural causes. I visited her in the hospital with Elder Richards and his wife, a General Authority. I spoke about that visit at the funeral.
3. Justin Nye-8th Ward -same age as Kenny-Cancer. Left two very young kids. Too young to die. Kenny and Kyle Dunn drove from California for the funeral. Many of his friends his age traveled for the service-we went out to eat afterwards. They were a very close group. Justin Perry, Allison Hall , Jared Haddock, Kip Thygerson and Darin Case were also there.
4. Adam White-age 34, Fruita 2nd. Died in his sleep-too young to die.
5. Bob Barrett-5th Ward. Cancer and lots of other things-we prayed for three months he would die but he died when the Lord was ready to receive him. Visited him many times including a visit with Elder Snow.
6. Ray Saddoris-lots of problems, former 8th ward member now living in Fruita 4th.
7. Paul Sonda-many issues, 8th Ward-a very good friend-spoke at the funeral. The Spirit told me when I was stake president that I would speak at his funeral.
8. Clint Sampson-pneumonia and Alzheimer ‘s – 8th Ward.
9. Dorothy O”Dwyer, 2nd ward. Wife of our first bishop in G. J.-she treated me like a son and I affectionately called her “Mom.” Natural causes. Spoke at the funeral.
After Clint Sampson’s death, I met Bro. Maurice Jones in the 12th Ward. We hugged and he gave me a kiss on the cheek, told me loved me and said, “I guess I’m next.” I hope not-he gives so much love to the single’s ward.
4-22-09
The last couple of months there have been just too many funerals:
1. Sister Marie Santy-2nd Ward-been very sick and old for over a year.
2. Sister Eleanor Palmer-Fruita 4th Ward-natural causes. I visited her in the hospital with Elder Richards and his wife, a General Authority. I spoke about that visit at the funeral.
3. Justin Nye-8th Ward -same age as Kenny-Cancer. Left two very young kids. Too young to die. Kenny and Kyle Dunn drove from California for the funeral. Many of his friends his age traveled for the service-we went out to eat afterwards. They were a very close group. Justin Perry, Allison Hall , Jared Haddock, Kip Thygerson and Darin Case were also there.
4. Adam White-age 34, Fruita 2nd. Died in his sleep-too young to die.
5. Bob Barrett-5th Ward. Cancer and lots of other things-we prayed for three months he would die but he died when the Lord was ready to receive him. Visited him many times including a visit with Elder Snow.
6. Ray Saddoris-lots of problems, former 8th ward member now living in Fruita 4th.
7. Paul Sonda-many issues, 8th Ward-a very good friend-spoke at the funeral. The Spirit told me when I was stake president that I would speak at his funeral.
8. Clint Sampson-pneumonia and Alzheimer ‘s – 8th Ward.
9. Dorothy O”Dwyer, 2nd ward. Wife of our first bishop in G. J.-she treated me like a son and I affectionately called her “Mom.” Natural causes. Spoke at the funeral.
After Clint Sampson’s death, I met Bro. Maurice Jones in the 12th Ward. We hugged and he gave me a kiss on the cheek, told me loved me and said, “I guess I’m next.” I hope not-he gives so much love to the single’s ward.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Spring Break with Mom and Dad
Here are just a few of the highlights from our road trip across the northern Midwest.
We stopped in Wisconsin for some cheese. It was windy and cold.
We stopped in Mitchell, South Dakota to see the world famous corn palace.
We watched the pigeons eat the world famous corn palace.
We stopped at Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota and ate. Dad was not happy that they charged $2 for cheese, lettuce and tomatoes on their hamburgers. We were not impressed despite all the road signs.
We stopped at Mount Rushmore and contemplated why Teddy Roosevelt was included on the mountain. He did start the National Parks Program but I'm still doubtful that he belongs in that crowd.
We stopped by Crazy Horse for a quick pic. It's still unfinished despite the $27 a car entrance fee. I suppose we didn't help by taking our photo from the road rather than paying the fee.
The most impressive site was Devil's Tower in Wyoming. We all agreed it was our favorite. As soon as we saw it, Dad started singing the song for the aliens. I joined in but we didn't see any. Devil's Tower was also the first National Monument thanks to Teddy Roosevelt. I still don't think that warrants his image on Mount Rushmore.
On the way back to Denver, we stopped to see the wagon rutts cut into the rock by those traveling on the Oregon trail including some of our pioneer ancestors. Dad had a moment and thanked each ancestor by name for sacrificing so much to make the journey west. I have to admit that I even had a moment. It really is amazing what they endured.
Overall, it was a great road trip and I loved spending time with Mom and Dad. I'm grateful they let me part of their trip and were so accommodating so I could pick up those Midwest states I was missing. We drove 4 extra hours just so I could be in North Dakota. I now have 49 states. Oregon, here I come!
We stopped in Wisconsin for some cheese. It was windy and cold.
We stopped in Mitchell, South Dakota to see the world famous corn palace.
We watched the pigeons eat the world famous corn palace.
We stopped at Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota and ate. Dad was not happy that they charged $2 for cheese, lettuce and tomatoes on their hamburgers. We were not impressed despite all the road signs.
We stopped at Mount Rushmore and contemplated why Teddy Roosevelt was included on the mountain. He did start the National Parks Program but I'm still doubtful that he belongs in that crowd.
We stopped by Crazy Horse for a quick pic. It's still unfinished despite the $27 a car entrance fee. I suppose we didn't help by taking our photo from the road rather than paying the fee.
The most impressive site was Devil's Tower in Wyoming. We all agreed it was our favorite. As soon as we saw it, Dad started singing the song for the aliens. I joined in but we didn't see any. Devil's Tower was also the first National Monument thanks to Teddy Roosevelt. I still don't think that warrants his image on Mount Rushmore.
On the way back to Denver, we stopped to see the wagon rutts cut into the rock by those traveling on the Oregon trail including some of our pioneer ancestors. Dad had a moment and thanked each ancestor by name for sacrificing so much to make the journey west. I have to admit that I even had a moment. It really is amazing what they endured.
Overall, it was a great road trip and I loved spending time with Mom and Dad. I'm grateful they let me part of their trip and were so accommodating so I could pick up those Midwest states I was missing. We drove 4 extra hours just so I could be in North Dakota. I now have 49 states. Oregon, here I come!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
VISIT TO NAUVOO AND MCCANDLESS FAMILY
March 14,2009
PLANNING FOR NAUVOO TRIIP
One of my goals this year is to return to my mission, the Northern States Mission. After 48 years, I think it is time. My problem will be to find anybody I know. The McCandless family who I taught in the northern suburbs of Chicago now live in the Nauvoo area are people I have kept in touch with. The two previous posts concern a letter about a Sunday School class Sister McCandless taught last year and her account of our relationship. She sent them to me this week regardless of the date of her letter. The McCandlesses are probably the only people that I can locate.
Our plans are:
March 30, 2009 Monday-Drive from G. J. to Wichita in one big day.
Tuesday-Stay with the Waters and celebrate a granddaughter’s birthday.
Wednesday-drive from Wichita to Nauvoo and have supper with the McCandless
Family.
Thursday-tour the historic sites in Nauvoo with the McCandlesses as guides, attend a temple session with them and take them to dinner at the Nauvoo House.
Friday-drive to Chicago visiting Galesburg, Peoria, Chicago Heights and the State of Michigan.
Saturday-pick Kim up at the airport at 6:30 a.m. and tour Chicago including the places I lived.
We will travel across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wyoming and will arrive in Denver on April 10th so Kim can fly out the next day. We want to visit Devil’s Tower, the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse sculpture plus anything else that pleases us. I may never want to drive on another vacation but I’m looking forward to this one.
K. K. Summers
PLANNING FOR NAUVOO TRIIP
One of my goals this year is to return to my mission, the Northern States Mission. After 48 years, I think it is time. My problem will be to find anybody I know. The McCandless family who I taught in the northern suburbs of Chicago now live in the Nauvoo area are people I have kept in touch with. The two previous posts concern a letter about a Sunday School class Sister McCandless taught last year and her account of our relationship. She sent them to me this week regardless of the date of her letter. The McCandlesses are probably the only people that I can locate.
Our plans are:
March 30, 2009 Monday-Drive from G. J. to Wichita in one big day.
Tuesday-Stay with the Waters and celebrate a granddaughter’s birthday.
Wednesday-drive from Wichita to Nauvoo and have supper with the McCandless
Family.
Thursday-tour the historic sites in Nauvoo with the McCandlesses as guides, attend a temple session with them and take them to dinner at the Nauvoo House.
Friday-drive to Chicago visiting Galesburg, Peoria, Chicago Heights and the State of Michigan.
Saturday-pick Kim up at the airport at 6:30 a.m. and tour Chicago including the places I lived.
We will travel across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wyoming and will arrive in Denver on April 10th so Kim can fly out the next day. We want to visit Devil’s Tower, the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse sculpture plus anything else that pleases us. I may never want to drive on another vacation but I’m looking forward to this one.
K. K. Summers
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