September 2008; Volume 2, No. 3
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Where did July and August go to? I’m still shaking my head at the rapid pace this year is passing us by. July 4th, back to school, Labor Day all came and went quickly leaving me speechless. So much has passed under my bridge.
Mike has decided that he’s had enough of living under parental control, (not that we had any control). So he's moved in with some friends and has left us high and dry. We’re empty nesters now. It’s a weird surreal feeling knowing he’s not here, he’s not coming home at night and doesn’t need his mom anymore. Of course when he’s hungry and out of money, then he needs his mom and dad.
So Tim and I have been writing. I finished my third novel Saturday night, Sept. 13 at 10 o’clock. I marked the calendar and we had a celebration. I’ve started four more books with lots of ideas for more. I’m not sure where this inspiration has come from, but I welcome it. It’s a challenge. It’s cataclysmic! We also are continuing to write in our blogs. Brenna, J.P. wife has her own blog now. Very cute. Good job. Here are the three sites:
Brenna’s:
http://bandjinthehouse.blogspot.com/Tim’s is at:
http://www.latterdaycommentary.blogspot.com/Mine is at:
http://carolmalone.blogspot.com/Hillary's is at:
http://kingscastle-hill.blogspot.com/Check them out when you have a minute. It’s good to have a purpose and a goal. Blogging is like journaling for other people to read and comment on. You should read the comment some guy left on my essay on Proposition 8. Some people just want to be contrary.
It was such a pleasure to be able to travel north to
Utah in July for the two family reunions. You just don’t know how much joy I get from seeing a good many of you at these events. Being in California and separated from the majority of my family is not something I find tolerable. But finances being what they are, we’re still in California.
I know we get wrapped in the day to day survival and forget how important family really is. And you know that I don’t tell you enough how important you all are to me. So here’s my attempt to let you know that I love you all very much. I miss the interaction of family, the comings and goings, births, baby blessings, graduations, marriages, other monumental moments in your lives and all the other normal activities that you pass through on your journey through life.
So think of us here in California once in a while. Send a photo or leave a comment.
Look Who’s Turning 90!On October 19, 2008, Paul Lund Olsen will be turning 90! Is that fantastic or what? Our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather will be 90! That’s a great milestone.
Paul Lund Olsen, Born October 19, 1918 in Mantua, Box Elder County, Utah the third son of Abner Scott and Geneva Lund Olsen. Brother of Roy, Orma, Blaine, Lois, Frank, Larry, Roger and Zola. Married to Helen Oldham Olsen for 65 years and to Edna Garrett Betenson for two years. Father of Scott, Reed, Dale, David and Carol Anne Olsen Malone. Grandfather to approximately 35 people and great-grandfather to much too many people to count. (Sounds a bit like an obituary, doesn’t it?)
Paul, dad, worked as a Navy man, a cop, a fireman, a sheep herder, farmer, chicken rancher, turkey grower, business owner, restaurant afficionado, provision house worker, teamster, semi-truck owner, handyman and mobile home manager.
Dad loves to golf, fish, deer hunt, go motor boatin’, campin’, crabbin’ and raise chickens and hang with his boys. He loves all of his family, fiercely. Sometimes he even gets our names right. When we moved to California, he took me and mom all over the state, from San Diego to Shasta, then up into Oregon and Washington, Idaho back down to Arizona.
Dad was a handsome young man who worked hard and instilled that work ethic in his family. He was a intensely loyal friend and brother. He loved his mother and cherished her love and teachings. He has an outgoing personality that draws people to him. That’s why the little old ladies from Mobiland adored him, he cared!
Our father has been an inspiration to all of us. We are all enriched by having this great man in our lives.
Come celebrate his 90th Birthday in Brigham City, Utah, October 25, 2008.
According to my niece, Amy Pretl, they camped on Current Creek a few miles away from the actual dam and lake. For the most part, a good time was had by all. However, the last two days they were drenched by a rain storm. Too bad, sorry I missed it. (Not!)
We're always eager to pass the love of camping onto the next generation. Babies are included.
We're not always sure what kids pick up to eat. We just hope it isn't bugs or animal left overs or ashes from the fire. Carter simply looks like he's having fun, regardless of what he just ate.
One of the main disadvantages of Strawberry dam is the bears. Look out Judy, you've got an old grizzly behind you! Quick Judy, get the Raid!
Reed's been attacked by a vicious animal, luckily he was able to subdue it before anyone else was harmed. (That's just Maggy! She wouldn't hurt anybody.)
Old traditions are passed along to the new generation. Looks like Grandpa Olsen's rummy's still going strong. Where's Dale? Is he cheating?
Did somebody mention smoke? You could always use it to send signals all the way to California if you're lucky.
Anyone ever see "Passage to Zarahemla". Too cute! Gotta love those children. They're the ones that remember these camping trips the most.
Nobody could be happier that when surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even if he can't remember their names. That's what we have computers for. Right?
