Saturday, April 20, 2013

Dear Dad


Dear Dad, It’s time I wrote you a letter and let you know how things have gone this last year.
I’ve made a few improvements on the old place since you were here. I was able to repair the water damage on the foundation by the back bedroom and it got a little out of hand. I decided to fix the stucco on the front porch. The old place was looking a little drab so I decided to paint the trim but before I could paint the trim I had to fix that part on the top of the sleeping porch roof. Once I got that done I thought that it would look better with a stucco finish to match the rest of the house, so guess what? I did just that. As I went around the rest of the house I fixed the cracks and holes and got it ready for the final color coat. I thought about the color for several months before I finally chose the winner. I went out on the desert and saw a desert rose rock. I used that for reference to pick the color. I won’t tell you what one neighbor thinks of the color but the rest of the town likes it. I had 4 artists using our old home as inspiration for their paintings during the art festival. I think you would like it and know that Grandma would love it. Come by and sit a spell on the porch and we’ll watch the cars go by.
Remember that light that shines in the sleeping porch at night? Well, it’s still there. I went to the city council and tried to have it removed, you thought that I had asked to have Posey Lake moved to Boulder. I had 6 weeks of drama from some of the folks here in town. There is an under current of hurt feelings and favoritism that resides here in your home town of Escalante. It’s no wonder that you wanted to raise your family in Provo.
I added on to the new fence that I started last year. I took it out to the end of the old board fence. I have had a number of people come by and compliment me on the improvement.
Speaking of board fences, I found some old fencing boards that match the old fence around the yard. I have been able to build gates and repair some of the worn out boards. I guess after nearly 100 years that old fence still looks pretty good.
I planted some new fruit trees last year to replace some of the older ones. Several didn’t make it through the winter with the cold spell we had. Burr, it was a cold winter this year. I am glad the weather is finally starting to warm up. 
I have the garden ready for planting. Mostly, the same variety of vegetables. I did start some of your June Pink tomatoes inside this year, they are almost ready to plant. 
I am glad that you aren’t here to see what is happening in the world with Monsanto poisoning our food supply, the government sponsoring terrorist attacks, world leaders starting new wars to make money, and the jets in the sky are spraying chemicals to alter the weather. This is not the world that you knew. I didn’t want to stress you with all the details, but I have been watching these things change for a number of years. 
You are in a better place now anyway. How is everyone? How is your garden growing? I try to imagine what you look like now. What kind of clothes you are wearing. What you do for hobby or work? 
Mom is still doing well, she is slowing down a bit but still painting and keeping busy with the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. You’ll have to ask her how many, I can’t keep track. She uses the internet to keep up with all the events in their lives.
I have 19 grandkids thanks to Pearlene’s kids. It’s been kind of hard for me to travel back to Arizona to visit. I sure miss her. Have you seen her? How does she look? I feel her often but I would sure love to see her again.
You two left in the same year, that wasn’t very fair to me. I was looking forward to really getting to know you as an adult. Pearlene was in so much pain when she left, but it was still so hard.
I haven’t found anyone to share my life with. I would like too, but Pearlene spoiled me rotten.
        Were you surprised when Richard showed up? We knew he was struggling, but he sure left fast. He was the only sibling that ever asked me why I left the church. I will miss him too. Say hi to him. We talked a few times last fall but I haven’t heard from him lately.
The reservoir is full and the irrigation water will be turned on next week. That’s good because the lawn sure does need it. Did I ever tell you that I placed a large crystal in the rebuilt reservoir? I blessed the waters and the dam that together they would make this valley blossom.
That’s all the news I can think of for now. Be sure and keep in touch. I can’t believe it’s been three years on April 24th since you left.
I love you, Gary