Parker

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2020: The Year of the Dead

This wasn’t intentional.  Not sure why or how it happened, but it did.

Anyone who knows me knows that I stop and visited deceased people and ancestors anytime I am in the neighborhood.  Kinda like stopping in to visit any other cousin or friend when you are driving through, are in town, and have some time.  Ancestors are very accommodating whenever you want to stop in and visit.  Maybe COVID-19 just gave us more time.

I have the following ancestors who are buried somewhat nearby, western United States.  I will link each ancestor I have written about previously if you want additional information.  Here are my ancestors and where they are buried.

As of this writing, I see there are two ancestors that I haven’t stopped and visited in the last few years and got pictures with the kids and the tombstone, Christiana Andra in Salt Lake City and William Sharp in Ogden (I now have the goal to get it done before the end of the year).  I also have a couple of known ancestors without tombstones, David and Gwenllian Jordan in Ogden, Utah, Hubert Jonas in Ellensburg, Washington (but we got pictures at the grave), and Damey Ross in Olivehurst, California (who we visited after hours and couldn’t even locate the grave).  We should remedy that but we may just have to stop and get pictures with their grave locations.

I also cheat and use the 2016, 2018, and 2019 photos with three ancestors, Johanna Benson in Spring City, Utah in 2018, John William Ross in San Bruno, California in 2016, and James Thomas Ross/Meredith in Fresno, California in 2019.  I could do a 2020 photo for Johanna, but I am not going to California just to redo a tombstone photo with the two Ross ancestors.

Grandparents

Milo & Gladys Ross – Plain City, Utah

Lillian, Paul, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Gladys Maxine Donaldson (1921-2004) and Milo James Ross (1921-2014) on 23 May 2020.

Norwood Jonas – Richmond, Utah

Hiram and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Wilburn Norwood Jonas (1924-1975) on 26 July 2020.

Colleen Lloyd – Dingle, Idaho

Lillian, Hiram, James, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Colleen Mary Andra (1928-1999) and Ivan W Lloyd (1919-2011) on 25 July 2020.

Great Grandparents

John Ross – Golden Gate National, San Bruno, California

Paul Ross with tombstone of John William (Jack) Ross (1890-1948) on 24 May 2016.

Ethel Ross – Plain City, Utah

Hiram, Aliza, and Lillian Ross with tombstone for Ethel Sharp Ross (1898-1925) on 23 May 2020.

Delos & Dena Donaldson – Ogden, Utah

Aliza Ross with tombstone for Berendena Van Leeuwen (1898-1959) and David Delos Donaldson (1894-1953) on 28 June 2020.

Joseph & Lillian Jonas – Richmond, Utah

Hiram and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Lillian Coley (1898-1987) and Joseph Nelson Jonas (1893-1932) on 26 July 2020.

Bill & Mary Andra – Whitney, Idaho

Lillian (in background by Wanner tombstone), James, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Louise Wanner (1901-1991) and William Fredrick Andra (1898-1990) on 26 July 2020.

Great Great Grandparents

James Ross/Meredith – Belmont Memorial, Fresno, California

Paul, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of James Thomas Ross (aka James R Meredith)(1869-1951) on 10 May 2019.

Damey Graham Ross – Sierra View, Olivehurst, California

Damey Catherine Graham Ross doesn’t have a tombstone, but we visited her grave in 2016 in the evening.  No photo.

Milo & Lillie Sharp – Plain City, Utah

Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillian “Lillie” Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.

William & Mary Donaldson – Ogden, Utah

Aliza Ross with tombstones of Mary Elizabeth Williams (1869-1951) and William Scott Donaldson (1865-1913) on 28 June 2020.

George & Minnie Van Leeuwen – Ogden, Utah

Aliza Ross with tombstones for Hermina Jansen (1860-1921) and George Henry (Gerhardus Hendrick) Van Leeuwen (1856-1932) on 28 June 2020.

Joseph Jonas – Richmond, Utah

Tombstone of Joseph Jonas (1859-1917) on 26 July 2020.  The S is a mistake put there by someone.  Some have put his mother’s maiden name “Schumacher” there, but we have yet to find any evidence of that middle initial or name.

Annie Jonas – Crescent, Sandy, Utah

Lillian and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Annetta Josephine Nelson Jonas (1864-1907) on 11 July 2020.

Herbert & Martha Coley – Richmond, Utah

Lillian Ross with tombstone of Martha Christiansen (1879-1961) and Herbert Coley (1864-1942) on 26 July 2020.

Christiana Andra – Wasatch Memorial, Latona Section, Salt Lake City, Utah

Aliza Ross, Jill Hemsley, Lillian Ross with tombstone of Christiana Wilhelmina Knauke (1869-1957), widow of Friedrich Theodor Andra, on 6 September 2020.  She went by Wilhelmina in the United States and married Johann Wendel, as I have written previously.  The other grave is her daughter-in-law and grandson, Rebecca Emelia Christensen (1904-1931) and Otto Carl Andra (1929-1929).

George & Regina Wanner – Whitney, Idaho

Hiram and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Regina Frederike Nuffer (1869-1942) and John George Wanner (1870-1947) on 26 July 2020.

Great Great Great Grandparents

William Sharp – Ogden, Utah

Lillie, Paul, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of William Sharp on 27 November 2020.  This was the first time I had ever been to William’s grave.

Mary Sharp – Plain City, Utah

Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillie Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.

William Stoker – Plain City, Utah

Hiram, Paul, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of William Edward Stoker (1827-1899) on 23 May 2020.

David & Gwenllian Williams – Ogden, Utah

Aliza, Lillie, Paul, James, and Hiram Ross at the graves of Gwenllian Jordan (1842-1900) and David D Williams (1832-1911) on 27 November 2020.  Neither have a tombstone. 

Hubert Jonas – Holy Cross, Ellensburg, Washington

Lillian Ross with tombstone of Emma Schriber Jonas (1855-1898), wife of William Jonas on 5 August 2020. William and his father Hubert both do not have tombstones and are buried next to Emma.

John & Annie Nelson – Logan, Utah

Hiram, James, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Agnetta Benson (Bengtsson)(1832-1873) and John Nelson (Johann Nilsson)(1827-1902) on 25 July 2020.

Stephen & Hannah Coley – Lewiston, Utah

Aliza Ross with tombstone of Hannah Maria Rogers (1832-1894) and Stephen Coley (1830-1913) on 26 July 2020.

Olle Christiansen – Richmond, Utah

Lillian Ross with the tombstone of Olle Christiansen (1853-1900) on 26 July 2020.  This tombstone notes his wife’s burial in Portland, Oregon.

Constance Christiansen – Multnomah Park, Portland, Oregon

Paul, Aliza, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Constance Josephine Eliza Jorgensen Christiansen (1857-1932) on 8 August 2020.  Portland apparently isn’t watering their cemeteries this year.

John & Anna Wanner – Logan, Utah

James, Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Anna Maria Schmid (1849-1929) and John George Wanner (1845-1922) on 25 July 2020.

John & Eva Nuffer – Preston, Idaho

Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstones of Eva Katharina Greiner (1835-1893) and Johann Christoph Nuffer (1835-1908) on 26 July 2020.

Great Great Great Great Grandparents

John Williams – Ogden, Utah

James, Lillie, Aliza, Paul, and Hiram Ross at the tombstone of John Williams (1797-1876) on 27 November 2020.

David & Margret Jordan – Brigham City, Utah

Paul, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Margret Watkins (1816-1902), David Jordan (1820-1893) and Thomas Jordan (1857-1880) on 23 May 2020. Thomas is the son of David and Margret.

Johanna Benson – Spring City, Utah

Paul, Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Johanna Johannsson Benson (Bengtsson)(1813-1897) on 7 September 2018.  I know I am cheating, it wasn’t 2020.  But it was recent.

Olavus & Hanna Jorgensen – Richmond, Utah

Aliza Ross with tombstones of Hanna Mathea Christensen (1831-1900) and Olavus Jorgensen (1830-1904) on 26 July 2020.

Others visited this year.

Garrett Lee Smith – Weston, Oregon

Paul Ross with tombstone of Garrett Lee Smith (1981-2003) on 9 August 2020.  Garrett was my last missionary companion.

Eli Benjamin Stoker – Mullan, Idaho

Tombstone of Eli Benjamin Stoker (1870-1952) on 3 August 2020.  Eli is the half-brother to my Mary Ann Stoker Sharp.

Mary Nelson Jonas – Holy Cross – Ellensburg, Washington

Aliza Ross with tombstone of Mary Nelson Jonas (1885-1899) on 5 August 2020.  Mary is the sister to my Joseph Nelson Jonas.

Ezra & Flora Benson – Whitney, Idaho

Aliza and James Ross with tombstone of Flora Smith Amussen (1901-1992) and Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) on 26 July 2020.  Many know Ezra as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower.

Spackman Plot Marker – Lewiston, Utah

Aliza Ross with the Spackman Plot Marker. She recognized and wanted a picture with the Pacman tombstone on 26 July 2020.

Walter Theodor Andra – Logan, Utah

Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Walter Theodor Andra (1896-1967) on 25 July 2020.  Walter is brother to my Bill Andra.

Charles Wilson Nibley – Logan, Utah

Aliza, Hiram, James, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Charles Wilson Nibley (1849-1931) on 25 July 2020.  Charles is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a member of the First Presidency (non-apostle) to President Heber J Grant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Moses Thatcher – Logan, Utah

Lillian, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Moses Thatcher (1842-1909) on 25 July 2020.  Moses is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Allison Ann Parker – Logan, Utah

Tombstone of Allison Ann Parker (1976-1997) on 25 July 2020.  Allison is a friend and brother of my high school friends Ryan and Russell Parker.  She passed away after a tragic accident driving back to Utah after our Senior Prom date night in 1997.

Peter Maughan – Logan, Utah

James, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Peter Maughan on 25 July 2020.  Peter is known for various positions and business interests, as one of the founders of Cache Valley, Utah.

Ezra Benson – Logan, Utah

Aliza, James, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Ezra Taft Benson (1811-1869) on 25 July 2020.  Ezra is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Nels Nelson – Crescent, Sandy, Utah

Hiram and Lillian Jonas with tombstone of Nels August Nelson (Nilsson)(1857-1935) on 11 July 2020. He is the brother to my Annetta “Annie” Jonas.

Stanley Spatig – West Warren, Utah

Tombstone of Stanley Hazen Spatig (1940-2013). Son of Eva Virtue Wanner Spatig, sister to my Mary Louise Wanner Andra.

Joseph & Ann Wayment – West Warren, Utah

Bryan Hemsley, Amanda, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones of Ann Reed (1852-1931) and Joseph Wayment (1844-1931). Amanda’s Great Great Great Grandparents on 24 May 2020.

Louis & Martha Hansen – West Warren, Utah

Bryan Hemsley, Aliza, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Sarah Eveline Judkins (1886-1943), Louis Alma Hansen (1876-1951), and Martha Ann Wayment (1877-1908) on 24 May 2020. Louis and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Grandparents.

Walter & Myrtle Hansen – West Warren, Utah

Bryan & Jill Hemsley with Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Myrtle Thompson (1902-1959) and Walter Wayment Hansen (1904-1995) on 24 May 2020. Walter and Myrtle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.

Evan & Lona Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah

Aliza and James Ross with tombstone for Lona Rae Jensen (1930-2012) and Evan Reed Jonas (1928-1999) on 23 May 2020. Evan is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.

Spencer & Jimmie Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah

Aliza Ross with tombstone of Viola Amelia (Jimmie) Cole (1920-1996) and Spencer Gilbert Jonas (1919-1988) on 23 May 2020. Spencer is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.

Melvin Thompson – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah

Amanda, James, Aliza, Lillian, Hiram Ross, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, and Alyssa Smart with tombstone of Melvin J Thompson (1925-2018) on 23 May 2020. Mel is Amanda step-Grandpa.

Merle & Belle Hemsley – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah

Bryan & Jill Hemsley, Hiram, Lillian, Aliza, and Amanda Ross with tombstone for Belle Sarah Peterson (1917-2003) and Richard Merle Hemsley (1912-1962) on 23 May 2020. Merle and Belle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.

Ellen Weller – Hooper, Utah

Tombstone of Ellen Watton Weller (1828-1894) on 23 May 2020. I stumbled upon this tombstone in Hooper. I was walking around, felt inspired to walk over, and looked at this one knowing there was a link. Name looked vaguely familiar. Half-sister to my Hannah Maria Rogers Coley. Didn’t know she was buried in Hooper, FamilySearch didn’t have it either. Her and Joseph Weller are now documented and updated.

Dee Hemsley – Hooper, Utah

Alyssa Smart, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Richard DeLece Hemsley (1936-2013) on 23 May 2020.  Dee is Amanda’s grandfather.

William & Martha Wayment – Plain City, Utah

James, Amanda, Lillian, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Martha Brown (1823-1905) and William Wayment (1822-1883) on 23 May 2020. William and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Great Great Grandparents.  The tombstone above Aliza’s head is William Edward Stoker mentioned above, my Great Great Great Grandfather.

Lorenzo Snow – Brigham City, Utah

Hiram, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901) on 23 May 2020. Lorenzo Snow is known as the 5th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

David & Ruby Haight – Wasatch Memorial, Salt Lake City, Utah

Aliza & Lillian Ross, Jill Hemsley, with tombstone of Ruby Olson (1910-2004) and David Bruce Haight (1906-2004) on 6 September 2020.  David Haight is known as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I previously interacted with him regarding marriage.

Charlotte Sharp – Ogden, Utah

James and Paul Ross at the tombstone of Charlotte Elizabeth Earl (1816-1907) on 27 November 2020.  Charlotte married my William Sharp (1826-1900) after she was widowed of her first husband Charles James McGary (1808-1875). 

Lorin Farr – Ogden, Utah

Paul Ross with tombstone of Lorin Farr (1808-1907) on 27 November 2020.  Lorin Farr was the first Stake President of the Weber Stake which covered all the territory of all my ancestors in Ogden and Plain City.  He was also the first Mayor of Ogden.

Thomas Marsh – Ogden, Utah

Paul Ross with tombstone of Thomas Baldwin Marsh (1800-1866) on 27 November 2020.  Thomas Marsh is known as the first Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who had he remained faithful, would have been President before Brigham Young.

Sergene Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho

Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Sergene Sorenson (1932-2013) on 2 January 2021. Sergene is the sister to my Grandma Colleen.

Scott Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho

James, Lillie, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Scott Sorenson (1951-2001) on 2 January 2021.
Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Bert Sorenson (1924-1991) on 2 January 2021.
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History of the Adolph Neuffer Family

Emma and Adolph Nuffer

Another entry from “We of Johann Christoph Nuffer, also known as: Neuffer, Nufer, Neufer,” The book was published in April 1990 by Dabco Printing and Binding Co in Roy, Utah. I will quote from the book itself.

The title of this entry in the book is “HISTORY OF THE ADOLPH NEUFFER FAMILY.”  I really don’t have much information on this family as can be evidenced by the quality of the photos I have as well.

“Adolph Neuffer was born in Neuffen, Wurtemberg, Germany, on April 14, 1875, a son of Johann Christoph and Eva Catharine Greiner Neuffer.  He came to the United States when he was only 5 years old.  His family settled in the small town of Providence, Utah,  All children 7 years old and younger wore long dresses.  His family moved to many different small town in Idaho.  Adolph was a stone mason by trade although he worked for Borden’s Milk Company for years before moving to Salt Lake City.  He met his future wife in Logan.  She was Emma Margaret Rinderknecht.  He married her on January 8, 1899.  They were endowed on January 14, 1900.  Adolph died September 21, 1955.  He is buried in the Elysian Burial Gardens in Millcreek, Utah.

“He was divorced from Emma after 44 years of marriage.  He married Grace Irene Frasure on August 9, 1943.  Later, they divorced.

“Adolph’s first wife was Emma Margaret Rinderknecht.  She was born in Providence, Utah, on May 15, 1873.  She was a twin.  Her twin brother, Joseph Hyrum, was given away at birth.  He died because the people he was given to didn’t know how to take care of him.  Emma had to work hard to help her widowed mother.  She would take vegetables to Logan to sell.  She also did washing for people.

“She was the mother of nine children.  Edna and Leona were children by her first marriage to James Peterson.

“Adolph and Emma had seven children together.  She died in Ogden on July 8, 1950.  She is buried in the Elysian Burial Gardens.

Ida, Elvin, Melvin, Lyman, Leona, Blanche, Edna, Dolores, Eva Nuffer

“Emma’s oldest daughter was Emma Edna.  She was born in Providence, Utah, on August 16, 1896.  She was married to Robert Early.  They had three daughters; Tacoma, and twins Doris and Dorothy.  Edna had one daughter, LaRue, by a previous marriage.  One twin, Dorothy, died as an infant.  Doris died when she was in her early twenties.  La Rue died in June, 1985.  Edna was divorced and later married Harold Hart.  They lived in Ogden,  Edna died August 26, 1969.

“Leona was born in Providence, Utah, on December 6, 1898.  She was married to William Walker.  They had four sons; Donald, Dale Lawrence (better known as “Bob”).  Then there was Billy who died when he was nine years old, and Dick died when he was about 26 years old.  Leona was divorced and later married Ray Andrus.  They lived in San Jose, California.  Leona died February 28, 1982.

“Lyman Adolph was born January 30, 1901, in Preston, Idaho.  He is married to Elizabeth Johanna Mellegers.  They had two children: Larry, who was drowned while trying to save another fellow; their daughter, LaRene, who lives in West Valley City.

“Eva Katharine was born in Preston, Idaho, on February 28, 1903.  She was married to John Allen Ricks.  They had one son, Jack Ricks.  They were divorced.  She married Earl Hansen; they were divorced.  She married Floyd Lutzai.  She died on November 1, 1973.

“Ida May was born on November 24, 1906, in Preston, Idaho.  She was married to William Henry Harman.  They had two sons, Bill and Bob.  She lives in 29 Palms, California.  Her husband has passed away.

“Blanche Josephine was born on March 12, 1908, in Preston, Idaho.  She married Christian Hansen, they had one daughter, Dorothy.  They were divorced.  Blanche married Neldon Peter Parker, they had one son, Blaine Parker.  He was drowned in the canal near their home.  They lived in Bennion.

“Elvin Joseph Neuffer was born on December 17, 1910, in Preston, Idaho.  He was married to Mildred Terry.  They had four children.  they are Marilyn, Nina, Bonnie, and Danny.  Millie had one son, Lynn, by a previous marriage.  Millie died at the age of 47, on September 3, 1964.  Elvin married Winona Mondragon, later divorced.  He then married Tessie Larsen, they divorced.  He married Joan Wheatly.  They have three children; Margaret, Jennifer and Joseph.  Elvin and his wife and three children live in Murray, Utah.

“Melvin Hyrum Neuffer was born on December 17, 1910, in Preston, Idaho.  H ewas fifteen minutes younger than his twin brother, Elvin.  He married Eveline D. Cornell.  They have six daughters; Shirlene, Kathleen (Kay), Susan, Holly, JuLee and Darla.  Melvin and Eveline have lived in the same house for 46 years, which is in Midvale, Utah.  They have been married for 52 years.

“Anna Dolores was born on May 12, 1913.  She was married to John Leonard Denovellis.  They only had one son, “Bud.”  Dolores and Johnny were both killed as they crossed State Street.  They were together.  They died September 9, 1979.

Written by Melvin H. Neuffer  108 East 7660 S  Midvale, Utah 84047

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Junior Prom

Back (l-r) Jessica Aldridge, Tom Kunzler, Ryan Parker, Mike Armstrong, Paul Ross, Nicole Whitesides. Front: Janet Halverson, Kristi Barfuss.

Back (l-r) Jessica Aldridge, Tom Kunzler, Ryan Parker, Mike Armstrong, Paul Ross, Nicole Whitesides. Front: Janet Halverson, Kristi Barfuss.

As I mentally prepare myself to dig out the 1956 Dodge Coronet from its layers of dust, bird deposits, and more, I stumbled on this picture while looking for another picture.  I thought I would share because these were/are some great friends.  I hope I do not embarrass anybody too much.

I just have the photo named Junior Prom.  I do not seem to have any of the dance pictures so I cannot verify.  Sorry Nicole, I cannot remember which dance(s) we went to in school.  I remember this day at the Armstrong home northwest of Paul.  I remember driving the Dodge out to pick up and drop off Nicole, but very little of the dance itself.  I even remember that all six of us rode in the Old Dodge to the dance and back.  Fun date, fun times, great friends.

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Mr. Mendenhall’s 1992 Class

Back (l-r): Merila Paz, Eldon Wright, Ramona Moss, Larry Story, Sara Ferguson, Andra Ross, Audrey Grant, Leslie Patterson, Brad Shockey, Jose Sanchez, Oscar Leos. Middle: James Mendenhall, Russell Parker, Melissa Alvarez, Jolyn Jones, Julianne Greer, Kristal West, Alissa Jolley, Anthony Knopp, Shane Murphy, Dean Elison, Chris Anderson. Front: Matt Albertson, Seth Woodland, Kim Hilterbrand, Mark Kniep, Barry Hall, Juan Solarez.

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Traveling to Virginia Day #2

Another day of traveling.  We left Parker, Colorado and have arrived safely in Kansas City, Missouri.  We have met up with Joseph and Alyson Shepperd who are currently living here.  It has been good to visit with them.  Also met with Mike Stokes for a short visit and introduction.  He is not related.
Anyhow, made a stop in Abilene, and sang the song.  It was great.  In Kansas City we sang “Everything is up to date in Kansas City”, and the classic Kansas City.
Otherwise there was not much to tell but that we cross the whole state of Kansas.
Until tomorrow.
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Moving to Virginia Day #1

The first day has been completed.  We have driven from Provo, Utah to Parker, Colorado. Your typical day of driving but I thought I would offer a few comments.
Driving between Provo and Price going down through the canyon right before you head into Price, I saw a hub cap go flying from the driver side of the car and go behind me off the passenger side of the road.  I saw little chunks of it flying off which indicated it probably was not worth the savage.  To add to it, I had this idiot driver following very closely behind me, so I did not dare slam on the brakes to pull over.  Not to mention Amanda trying to tempt me with some smoked almonds. 
Driving over the continental divide I thought my poor car was going to die.  In the past when I have driven the divide I just set the cruise and once and a while the car would shift down to take it back up to normal speed.  Wow, what loading the trunk and back seat of your car can do!  It kicked my cruise off every time and just to maintain the speed of the loading trucks I had to push the pedal to the floor and drop it to lowest gear.  We sped along nearing red line and still being passed by Walmart trucks (which to me is simply embarrassing).
We finally made the pass and in Frisco filled up the car.  We still averaged about 28 miles to the gallon to that point.  We only had one more real pass to climb. After going through the tunnel, there was an accident by Georgetown 12 miles ahead and we were stopped on the freeway.  I knew the truckers were not happy.  The stop and go traffic on a 5-7% grade made the whole freeway stink with the burning of brakes.  I think my poor brakes even suffered a bit with the load.  I just put it in 1st gear and tried to coast it as much as possible.  There was a vehicle somewhere ahead that was stinking something terrible. 
We drove our way pretty easily to Parker after that.  We were able to see the Denver Temple.  We had to drive on the toll road because we had no idea how to get to where we were going without the directions we had.  But we found the home of my old friend Nicole Whitesides.  She is now married to Nathan Wallace.  We had a great chat.  Nathan is a great guy, it was the first time I met him.  She even came to see me home at the airport when I got back from the mission.
They have a very nice home on the very outskirts of town.  Literally, there is nothing but desert beyond.  But it will be filled very quickly from what we understand.
We went out to eat at some Asian place where the food was very, very spicy hot.  I broke a good sweat and enjoyed it.  Amanda on the other hand ate quite a bit and went home sick.  She is still feeling stomach sick this morning.  I hope it will depart during the day.  We will just have to see.
We crashed and went to bed after Nicole and I went through the yearbook.  I updated her on everyone I am still in contact with, she updated me on who she knew, and we reminisced about the old days.  She was the girl who told me we could not date in high school because I was not planning on going on a mission.  I liked her enough I decided I better look into it.  I was not active yet in the church.  She is the one who really planted the seed in many respects.  I decided that I was not against it like I was before her. I decided to look into the church a bit more.
It was with her car that I ran straight into Kevin Orton and pinned him against a White Toyota pickup.  I wonder if feeling ever came back into the side of his leg. He has not said anything.  Perhaps he has just become used to it, or it returned.  That was the most I ever heard Kevin swear.  It is amazing I did not break both of his legs.  We were both very fortunate that no major hospital bills came from that event and he isn’t maimed for life.
I went on many dates with Nicole and she was such a wonderful friend all through high school. She was from a different middle school.  Her friends became my friends and mine became hers.  Dustin and Kevin became very good friends with her too.  Kevin and her even dated for a spell. 
Anyhow, enough of the past.  Today we make our trip to Kansas City, Missouri.  I pray for heavens protection, guidance, and blessings.  May all go well to Glen Allen.