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

City Council April 16, From where I sit.

It’s dogs and street lights coming round the bend ... dogs and street lights, they are running neck and neck as they come down to the finish line. And ... it’s dogs and street lights, the winner. According to the Mayor, dogs and street lights are the number one issues that come up as problems in other small communities too. Whew, I would hate to be the odd one out in this race.

Are other small communities short on monies to cover all the expenses that come up every day? We were told that there is no money in the budget to pay for main street maintenance. We will miss the fine work of a former city employee who is now privately employed at her own yard care business. The mayor turned down an offer to take a bid from the former city worker to continue the care of main street. I guess that means regular volunteer efforts by the townspeople will be needed to take up the slack. How about some more garbage cans on main street, Mayor? Is there any money for that? How about regular garbage pick up of the few that are still there. Whoops, there goes another one to the city park.

The minutes of the last meeting were read, kind of ... while each council member hurriedly scanned them, and passed them.

Planning and Zoning passed a motion to approve the permit to build a new hardware store out by the High School. It was unanimous, with a round of applause from the crowd. I guess we all are looking forward to a place where you can find what you are looking for, the first time, and not have to wait until a week from Thursday to get it ... if you are lucky. Final arrangements are being put together to build the cement slab and steel building. It could be finished by the end of July, with another 2 months to stock and finish final preparations. Yahoo! Do I hear, a grand opening ceremony?

The Vagabond fine art gallery, business license was approved. It’s in a little shed on the corner of the property, be sure and leave the light on, so we can find you.

A business license was granted to a wholesale bakery on main street. Sniff .... Oh, heaven help us to stay on that diet!

A new home is being built to replace a tack - room dwelling. The horses are not a problem, we were told. Congratulations on climbing the highest mountain and not giving up.

Marathon update ... We have $6,700 in the account, this is run thru the city and is being turned into a nonprofit account so that it won’t have to be run through the city account. Should I run that by you again? An updated and impressive website is available for information and registration at http://www.escalantecanyonsmarathon.com

This course is going to be professionally certified at a cost of 1 to 2 thousand dollars. It first has to be run 3 times by bicycle with an odometer, to get an average of the mileage. Hell, I’ll ride the course for that much money. You can call anytime. I’ll even give you a fancy paper telling you so. Certification is good for 10 years. This is done to attract the more competitive runners. The Bryce Canyon half marathon is sharing equipment to make this event run smoothly. Manual timing or chips may be used depending on the number of runners. Be sure to bring your own dip ... for the chips. Volunteers are needed. This run will take place the second week of October.

A City staff member is being sent, all expenses paid, to a one day required, TAC conference. Bon Voyage.

Plans are progressing on new campground facilities at the airport. A prominent hill overlooking the area was proclaimed, “This is the place!” The Paul Bowmar project was approved by council.

Toilets and sinks were discussed for out buildings and garages. All agreed they are necessary, but what if that area becomes a rental. Who decides when it’s a rental? If it becomes a rental, worms will have to be dealt with.

Long story - short ... the city is in the business of selling water, so it was approved by the council to allow half baths in garages and out buildings. Worms notwithstanding.

USDA rural development would like to set up a roundtable discussion the first part of May on ways to help our community with ideas and funding. There are 1.9 million acres of monument here. We have dinosaurs that are being taken from here to other places. Wouldn’t it be nicer to display them here? Wouldn’t it be nicer to have our own visitor center and facility to study them here? Colleges who would send students to study for a semester here?  Do we want new ideas and money? Well, do we?

The playground equipment will be here in about a month. Our kids will now have a safe place to play. Volunteers are needed.

Little league has started, sort of. A new schedule is being worked up. 

“What about the marque?” What is being done? Is it moving forward? “I’ll say yes,” replied the Mayor.

An investigation is underway to discover a greasy culprit. The city is putting together a cost of what it has cost the city so far to take care of these problems. Some business is dumping grease into the sewer system and plugging up the works. Do you know who? If found, they will probably have to pay the bill.

Pot hole work continues with about one third of the work completed thus far. Thank you for the improvements. Wouldn’t it be nicer to have all our streets repaved? Sigh ... someday.

The land fill will be open by appointment each day from 1 to 2 p.m. You must call a city worker to schedule the drop off.

Visitors are making reservations for a gathering of the 50th anniversary of the Boy Scout tragedy in Carcass Wash.

I was a young boy spending the summer here with my grandparents when I heard the sirens. One after another, passing through town. On June 13, 1963, seven Boy Scouts and six adults were killed when the 2 1/2 ton cattle truck’s brakes failed and the truck overturned. Heavy equipment and gear trapped those who were riding on top of the load. Families and survivors will be here to mourn and remember. A monument was placed at the scene in 1993 to remind us of this event. Most of the Boys were part of the Provo Utah Explorer post. One survivor’s prayer under the truck was, ‘why? why? why?’ No one involved in the accident has forgotten it. 

Let us not underestimate the unforgiving, uncompromising, beautiful, serene, healing, and desolate desert that we live in.

City Council April 2 "from where I sit."

City council April 2 ... “from where I sit”

Ho hum and yawn. No sacred cows, barking dogs, stinky farm animals, gift horses or Trojan horses last night.

City council was simple and fast.

It is going be a stretch and reach to tell a story, but here goes.

A proposal to keep the dump open 24/7 was knocked down by city council because of liability issues. Some of us can’t be trusted not to get hurt while we are salvaging and exploring the landfill. It used to be a first come basis for getting the good stuff. A lot of us had keys and when we were bored we would take a drive and see if there were any good items we could haul back to clutter up our yard. Seems there are some midnight dumpers who are too lazy or inconsiderate to dump their yard rubbish in the landfill. The side of the road is beginning to reflect a Sanford and Son kind of clutter. The paint ballers are using couches to protect them from getting splattered in their games. The hill side is beginning to look like couch Henge, standing tall and telling us when the seasons change. It is now paint ball season, in case you want to know. A suggestion was made to get a dummy cop and cop car to discourage illegal dumping, the problem is, we all know where the local cops live and besides that you can’t hardly sneeze without someone noticing where you are or aren’t.

One local citizen got a knock on the door by our civil servant who was checking up to make sure the occupant hadn’t died. Seems the car hadn’t moved in a few days and neighbors were wondering if they should call the Sheriff or county coroner. So they did ... call the Sheriff. We can’t even hide behind closed doors without having someone knock and disturbing our seclusion. So here is a hint, if you are going to sequester yourself for longer than a couple of days, go out and move your car to a new position so the neighbors don’t think you died.

Help was offered to help set up an animal shelter.

The minutes were moved and seconded, kind of like my morning BM. 

We have another beer license approval with the Gas station by the High School being newly opened and now “beerable.” Is beer considered a drug? Hmmm, how far is the high school from the beer counter?

We can all look forward to a deck party sometime this spring with the approval of my neighbors deck permit. I have been watching the placement of little flags and strings set out in rectangular patterns this winter. Now I get to see the real thing. Congratulations to moving from the drawing board to the construction phase. Should I get out my party hat or just wait for the invitation to arrive?

Does he or doesn’t he? That was the question of the night. When you enclose your carport do you have to get a building permit? Well, here goes ... If you just do the sides, then you probably don’t have too. If you have it attached to your house then new building codes may be applicable. If you want to put a garage door, then you will probably want a door opener and that takes power, and that rhymes with ... I can’t think of a word. Anyway, that means an electrical inspection and that means, pay the man. So ... if this home owner does need a permit the council passed a resolution, just in case.

We are loosing our main street maintenance to a better cause. The one person who has been making a difference by caring for the plants and trees and weeds and kids crossing and garbage cans and city park bathroom maintenance is starting up her own yard care business. After months of frustration with city officials she is taking a new course. Good luck and thank you for a job well done. Now ... who gets toilet duty and garbage pickup. Can you see one or any of our other city workers doing as nice a job? Time will tell.

The Escalante High School has offered to do a once a year clean up for the city with 40 to 50 eager students. Can you think of a project that they could do to make a difference? Call the city and let them know.

$500 was donated to the fire department by a former resident who was a benefactor of the EMT’s help.

Run to the top of Zion, beginning at Torrey and ending at ... well, the top of Zion, will be coming through the City on June 12. Want to make some fundraiser money or donate some time? Call the city.

The July 24th celebration will be held on the 20th this year. Now there is contradiction and confusion for anyone outside of Utah. Who celebrates the 24th on the 20th? We do! Oh, by the way ... The theme, I think, is ... “The ties that bind us.” O, I could go on and on about that subject. Ties, ever wondered why men and even some women wear ties? They remind me of a hanging party when I see those drab striped and speckled nooses hanging around their necks. I’m not sure that is what they meant but you can probably work that out for yourself.

The Mayor praised the city council members for their help and support, the meager few dollars they get are not nearly enough for all the work they do.

The airport is trying to get a fuel tank approved for the planes. It only takes $7500 dollars. Got any to spare? Wouldn’t you like this to be a hub of activity for plane tourists?

Just in case you were wondering, we do have a real live cop here in town, a real nice guy. But watch out, he will write you a ticket if you are speeding too fast down main street. A new UDOT speed sign has been installed at the West end of town to remind you that the speed is 30 miles an hour through town. Does that also apply to 4 wheelers? They zoom down my street in a flash, and nearly every one has to rev his engine to let me know how great it sounds. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing all the Harley’s that love Highway 12. They too, love to impress with their finely tuned pipes. Sigh ... one of the drawbacks of living in such a beautiful place.

One last question, will you get a ticket for speeding if you are only over the speed limit by 1 mile an hour? How about 2 or 3 or 4 or 5? How about the color of the car? Will that make a difference? I’ll have to ask what the standard leeway is, just in case. I know when I go north and get on the interstate, if the posted speed is 60, they go 70. If the posted speed is 75, they go 85. Is it worth a ticket to find out? Not for me.

Ready or Not

Ready or not ... here we come!

To deny who you are, what you are, and why you are, is a crime against humanity. 
You can’t deny yourself forever ...Inside each of us is the ability to completely change humanity in any way that we can imagine. 
Do you know why you are here at this moment?
Can you feel the power of the universe inside you this very moment? 
With one thought you can experience your wildest dreams, see unimaginable sights, travel to any place or time that you desire. 
Where will you go? 
Who will you converse with? 
What furthest reach of the universe will you experience? 
It is time to remember who and what and why we are here. 
All your lifetimes blending into one very real and accessible data base. All of those moments have brought you to this place and time. 
You are ready.
I am ready. 
Is the world ready? 
Ready or not ... here we come!

It hit the fan ...

City council ... “From where I sit.”

First things first, a big thank you for the cookies and drinks at city council. A little sweetness to get us all in a good mood is a good thing.

It seems that there are a few too many parked cars and trailers and piles of horse shit on the city right of way. You offenders who park your RV’s and motor homes better watch out too. The city officials are on the lookout and will be handing out citations to violators. While you are at it, line up those rusty and abandoned cars on your property and clean up those piles of trash. 

A point of interest was made to those who use their sewer clean out for a dump station. It is against the law. The chemicals in the holding tanks are killing the good bacteria in the settling ponds. If you don’t want to be brought to justice for murdering the good bacteria, you better stop now or Ryan might have to forward your mail to the pokey ... and that’s what it’s all about.

That brings me to another point. Who would like to start a great business venture? How about a dumping station for all those tourists who will be coming through here this summer? The state park dump station is out of order, don’t you just hate it when you really have to go and   find an out of order sign on the door? We would sure hate to have a whole bunch of bacteria killers on the loose.

Have you noticed strange men poking about in your neighborhood? They are doing a study on storm water issues. They will be here for 6 or 8 weeks snooping around the ground and gathering data. Remember last year when we got 3 1/2 inches of rain in one fast thunder storm. I do.  The North side of town is particularly prone to flooding. I have been contemplating a boat launch area on the side of my street. I wonder if the city council would approve my request? If you see a boat parked next to my fence, you’ll know I got the permit. This storm water issue is an on going study that will help the city to determine the best course of action to keep lagoons from appearing whenever there is a rain storm. This should only take a year or two or more.

I finally got a ruling on that pesky light. It is helpful for those who park on that part of the street at night. I am still looking for solutions to direct the light to where it is needed most. Any good suggestions?

The horse, dog, and now chicken shit has finally hit the legal fan and will be processed through legal channels.  We were reminded that we do live in a rural community and that animal smells are a normal part of life, unless they break existing city codes of reasonable farm activity.

The fire department reported that they have had thousands of dollars donated to them by private citizens. The city still has money set aside to help, but still lacks the funds to upgrade all equipment. Many thanks to those who have given generously.

That reminds me of one of my pet projects. I desperately need to get to Hawaii. Donations would be appreciated. I will take lots of pictures.

Our saw mill is owned by the USDA. Mayor Taylor indicated that the city is attempting to have it donated back to the town. Wouldn’t that be great! Maybe we can take some of that burned timber on the mountain and put it to good use. It’s either that or a fire.

The truck scale at the saw mill is now owned by the city. If you need to weigh something really, really big, you can call Vicky at the city offices.

A death sentence has been handed down for the Yucca cactus that are on main street. Risk from the sharp end of the cactus is to blame. If you want to rescue a Yucca and give it a good home, let the city know. A letter of reference, income and a check for a green thumb may be required.

The city is trying to get UDOT to donate the land at the city yard, or at least get one of those 99 year leases secured.

The little league dugouts are moving forward. The block has been donated, the mortar is ready and when the weather cooperates, the work will begin. If you are ready to dig in and help, contact the city.

It seems the city had a really big amount of bills to pay this month, we were assured that the money had been set aside to pay them. Whew, the utilities won’t be turned off this month.

Bored and tired of reruns and the same old thing on TV? Come to city council and join in the action.

Words

Words

Sticks and stones ... we know the rest. ... will break my bones but words will never hurt me.

The power of words can be seen everyday in the media and the internet. The air waves are full of insightful and clever sayings parred with pictures of famous celebrities or historic figures.

We pass them around showing our support and trying to get others to see our point.

After all, we are always right. 

Right?

Wrong.

I made an error in judgement this past week. I wrote a story based on my own viewpoint. I attended a public meeting and recorded the proceedings through the filters of my own biased feelings. It was the way I saw it.

My words hurt and cut deeply. I thought I was being candid and funny.

I apologize to those I hurt.

I have met with one party and will see the other soon. In the future, I promise to be part of the solution and not the problem 

I was somewhat surprised at the support that I got from some who wanted to join my crusade. I didn’t like the feeling that came with that notoriety. It made me feel ashamed at my attempt at humor, especially at the expense of someone else.

I may still have issues with items that come before the people of this small community, but I will address them openly and honestly to those who deserve this respect.

I can learn from my mistakes.

I hope you can too.

Mayor Maynot

Mayor Maynot

Last night’s city council was an interesting lesson on bullying. 

Gratitude was expressed for the fire departments fine work on last weeks fire at the Moqui motel.

A yearly report on the scenic byway 12 through Escalante was presented. We have a new overlook at the head of the rocks going towards Calf Creek. An updated visitor center and rest rooms in Red Canyon will be open soon. Too bad, the timing wasn’t better, those tourists who are traveling now will just have to hold it a little longer. 100,000 new tourist guides for Highway 12 are available by mail if you want one, or get one at local businesses.

August 7 will be a momentous day when the Bike tour of Utah comes through town. We were told to get out our cow bells to cheer them on when they pass through. A kind of rolling barricade will precede them to provide safety along the narrow roads. We were assured that they know what they are doing in moving this barrier to give safe passage for the riders. 

My lights? Seems they just like my attendance at city council. No decision was made pending phone calls to the business owner that is renting the old seminary building. We were reminded that this is a can of worms and not to open the matter. In my experience of catching and selling worms in my younger days, if you have a can of worms, you better go fishing and use them up or they will stink like the dickens ... and what about the people who are afraid of the dark? They like the Motel 6 slogan: We’ll leave the light on for you. What about liability, and safety? Someone said they almost tripped when they came into city council because the street light was out. Hmmm, how about calling Garkane and having them replace the light by the city building. The light in question is around the corner and blocked from emitting any light on the city building. If ever I want to read at night in my bedroom, I don’t even have to turn the lights on.

After the fire last week, the fire department is requesting new equipment to replace, update and repair failing parts and clothing. They were asked to prioritize their items as the whole list is many tens of thousands of dollars. Hopefully, monies will be found and allocated so that future fires will still be managed in a professional manner.

This brings us to Mayor Maynot.  A longtime local business here in town told us that they want to place a new sign on main street. They told the town people attending that this was not our concern, they only wanted to address the city council. The sign will paid for and belong to the business. At a cost of 25 to 30 thousand dollars. They will use it to advertise  and promote their own agenda. They gave a copy of the sign to the council members and said that it may or may not look like the picture. They will have exclusive control over the content of the messages. They told us that they may or may not allow local messages on the sign. It may or may not be a flashing or blinking sign, but that it will be lit by LED’s. You know the kind, the ones they use at the games to flash advertising to the fans. We heard one argument that flashing signs are not allowed on main street, and that it may or may not be permitted under existing city ordinances. The strong-arm bullies were flexing their muscles when they said ... you will take our sign and like it, or we will take our money and leave.

My question is this: Why didn’t this sign have to go through Planning and Zoning like other signs? Does it comply with existing ordinances?

Mayor Maynot said that as part of his campaign promise to update Escalante this sign would help fulfill his prophecy. He said that if the sign was approved in this meeting that he would get together with the powers that be and make sure everyone would be happy. Well, Mayor Maynot ... we will hold you to that promise!