Monday, November 12, 2012

Sunday - Jan 2011

Today Amy and I gave talks in church. We're a good team because she's so good at talking about the doctrine and I tell stories.

We got lots of compliments including this gem, "you two should speak at least once a month. I stayed awake for you guys". That, from a lady who hardly has anything good to say about anything.

Other things were said, too. Someone told me my talk was the best talk in church they've ever heard. One guy said if more talks were like that during general conference then he'd listen to all of them. A couple people with teenagers both said that their kids that normally never listen in church and keep their heads down the whole time had their heads up, listening, and laughing the whole way through. One lady, a professor at BYU said I am now her new favorite teacher and that I am as good at teaching as anyone she's ever heard. She also said that before church she was feeling exceptionally low and prayed that good talks would be given. She thanked both Amy and I and said it was really good timing for her to hear what we had to say. 

Other things were said, too, that made me feel really good about speaking. It was a good experience to speak and I think times like this are a fulfillment of my patriarchal blessing. It says, "You have the ability to be an effective teacher, one able to show and explain gospel principles to others in ways they understand and desire to incorporate these principles into their lives."


So that's some good news, but that's just the warm-up. Listen to this super-fantastic news. Now, before I tell you, I will tell you that at this point, Amy doesn't want to tell anyone. If things turn out as she wants them to, then she'll tell the world. But at this point, we've only told a couple of people and I've been dying to tell you. So don't email anyone about this.

Remember that essay she wrote and it was included in a collection of other women and published a couple years ago? Well, the girl that lined that up called Amy the other day and wanted to know if she would be interested in being one of the people that Deseret Book is interviewing to write Stephanie Nielson's story. Stephanie and Christian have been in negotiations with a few publishers and decided to go with Deseret Book. Stephanie and some other author (Amy?!!!) will write the book together and on Wednesday, Amy is going to Deseret Book to be interviewed. We don't have a lot of info, such as who will decide, what is the criteria, how many other people are being considered, when will we know, why isn't Sheri Dew doing it....on and on. Amy is thrilled, of course. We fasted today, and we have high hopes. We also don't know if already knowing Stephanie will help or hinder her chances. Although I can only imagine that it will help her. Say a prayer for her, will you? This would be just the right project for Amy. She would be perfect for it and she would do such an amazing job. We can hardly think about anything else right now.

Have a great time in Hong Kong!

Justin

You just cannot imagine how this email touched me and of course, thrilled me - so beauitful and exciting, Justin.
 
SO, what exactly were your talks on?  You know, Justin, I think you are such an incredible story teller.  I have an aunt and uncle (my mother's brother, uncle Orrin and sister, Aunt Gerry) who tell such great stories, and I've always been jealous of that ability...some people can just tell stories.  And, you do have that gift from God.  You certainly got some amazing compliments, so when we get home, we want to hear those talks, but now, what was the topic?????
 
 
And, that is just so exciting about Amy and the book...oh, do keep us posted about that.  What a thrill to eve be considered>!>!>!  Yes, I do remember the book that Amy wrote for and remember her essay....no wonder you are not thinking of much else.....
 
We will certainly pray for you and hope it turns out just the way you would like.  BTW, I cannot even being to tlel you how much I loved those pictures you posted.  SOme of those are just so emotionally charged.  It's been fun to see what others pick as their favorites...like the roof and the chairs.  Artistically, I'm sure that's a great photo, but I love the people ones.  There's one of Brett and his wife that just is so beautiful - I love the colors and Brett and his wife; oh it's lovely.  I love the green shoes.  I love the picture of the little girl.  I reallylike the picture of the older man handing his wife a flower; you captured such a great moment and look on her face.  Gheen and beth dancing is just superb.  ANyway, there are definitley some great great photos.
 
Thanks again for the email.  Love, Mom


The topic assigned was Quentin Cook's talk in conference last year in April. So Amy really knocked it out of the park with lots of doctrinal elements. She's like a college professor giving a talk. I'm like a high school kid. But I have a formula. It's this. Entertain them for ten minutes and then with they have their heads back, laughing, you ram it full of the spiritual message you want them to hear.

I told stories you've probably heard before, but here's something I said that got a laugh.

"I love being in this ward. This is the best ward I've ever been in. Now listen, I've been in some real dogs, though, so don't get a big head about that."  

I'm glad you like the pictures on the blog. Thanks.

I tried to record our talks so I could email them to you, but my recorder only recorded the first five minutes of each of our talks. When I saw that, I realized (later, of course) that it was a setting on my recorder. Ah!

Jh

Veteran's Day Tribute - Nov 2012


Hey, familia,

Today is Veteran's Day.   And, since we have a vet in our midst, I thought I would remind you all about this day and the service Jeremy and others render in our behalf.

Thanks, Jeremy, and all.  I'm grateful for you.


Love, Mom

Thanks Mom.
I was sad Mitt didn't win (Bridger was very mad...he kept saying he wanted to move out of the country and he couldn't believe anyone would be so stupid and vote for Obama.  He is certain anarchy is to follow), but one of the things I DIDN'T like about Mitt is his idea that we need a stronger, larger military and a strong global presence.  To me that just means he wants to keep the big companies that make millions by the war complex happy.  This war, and the war before it, and the wars to follow, have wrecked so many young people.  I am very fortunate it didn't really do anything to me except teach me that I like having a shaved head.
Jeremy

First Night On Call - Oct 2009

I hate mornings.  More specifically, I hate waking.  I am a gifted sleeper, and enjoy my talents with extreme pleasure.  Although, given pristine conditions - circadian arousal, soft sunshine breaking through a window,  waking from a place where I am queen of the world, could arguably be tolerated. Conversely, nothing makes mornings worse than an electronic,  persistent, inhumanely pitched, blare that suddenly and startingly yanks away my contentment.  As a teenager, this was accomplished by my father, sneaking in my room and snatching away the warm blankets that coddled me, exposing my resting soul to the harsh, frigid room air.  I thought several times about turning him into child protective services for these cruel and unusual acts.
 
Beep, beep, beep, beep - damn! shut that thing up.  Haunted by artificial arousal, my pager screamed in my ear at 5 am.
 
This was my first night of call as an anesthesiologist, alone in a quiet hospital.  Beginning the night at 7 pm, I nervously anticipated a page at any moment that would call upon my expertise of airway management in times of emergency.  It was a daunting thought for a newbie.  Yet my lids grew heavy and my pager sat quiet as the hours crawled along.  I drifted off to sleep.  Very uncharacteristically for night call, the entire night I was able to exercise my unique talents.....until that blasted screech jerked me awake.  At which time, I was expected to jump out of bed with "the house is on fire" quickness and respond.  
 
"Could you come quickly, he has pulled out his ET (endotracheal) tube, is paralyzed, sedated, and desaturating." the lively voice on the other end of the phone begged.  I hate mornings.  I move slow, my muscles don't contract properly, my eyes work at 50% efficiency, and my brain is sticky.  But despite the cruel awakening that plagues me incessantly and heightens the aforementioned deficits that persist in the mornings, I ran from the call room (as though there was a fire of course), down the hall, up the stairs, and quickly found the place I was to be.  There were at least ten people in this patients very small room, all standing there with a bit of disbelief, and essentially waiting on me.  I asked them to tell me the story.  His ET tube had been pulled out inadvertently while receiving a routine chest xray that am.  They were quickly losing ground as they were not able to pump oxygen into his failing lungs with just a mask covering his face.  His oxygen saturations were in the low 50's to 40's, which is no where near sustainable for life for any period of time (preferred number is high 90's to 100's) .  He needed the tube put back into his trachea to be able to deliver oxygen directly into his lungs.  Standing at the head of his bed, nervous yet able to control the shakes that accompany the adrenalin pounding through my veins, I breathed deep and delved in.  His sats dropped to the 30's as I looked into the sea of gastric contents that filled his mouth and lungs - no wonder he was having trouble oxygenating.  Suction, tube please, and with ease slid his life line into place.  Color change on the capnogram, bilateral breath sounds, and saturations rising into the 90's, I quietly stepped away to let the rest of the team finish their work.  
 
To let the endorphin surge settle out, I went back to the call room, astonished that I was able to overcome my usual morning inadequcies.  I had not only made it through my first emergency intubation, but successfully navigated it through the morning fog of sudden wake up that often momentarily cripples me.  Ahhhh.  Mornings aren't all that bad. 

Oh, Kristi, this is awesome. I'm so glad you took the time to record this and do it well, and share it. Congrats on a successful morning, oh, and saving that guy's life. You're so cool. 
You Hackworths and your sleep abilities.

Amy


Wow. That was a fun story to read. Way to go on getting the tube in 
efficiently and way to go for choosing the correct field of medicine.

Also, by way of condolensces, I'm sorry you work in a hospital where 
no one in that whole big academic ICU knows how to intubate or 
effectively mask a patient, but alas, such are the woes of many icu's 
I am sure.

Good luck on your next call.
Jeremy

I know- can u believe they weren't doing anything bout sats in the 40s??? I was blown away when I walked in the room and saw that. I mean doing anything short of calling me. 
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Kristi

Awesome writing and description.  
 I could so picture it all.  You definitely need to keep a blog!
 PS - glad you didn't turn Allen into child protection services.
 Love, Mom

A Tomato and Chef‏ - Nov 2011



Important Videos - Nov 2012

Dear Children,
 
This email is sent to my five children, plus Loni, Sean, Janessa, Amy, and Carisa.  I leave it to you to expand the list if you think one of your family members or friends would enjoy the pictures, for example, Lisa from Rexburg.  I don't have Janna's email or I would include her in the basic list.  The videos contain a treasure chest of wonderful pictures.  It must be fun for you to have a dad who would produce such treasures for you.  Also, this email becomes an index for recent, important videos.  All that is missing is a chance for all of us to be together and do what we love: eat good food, sing, and laugh.  Don't rush through these videos.  Just pick one here and there when you want to relax and have some fun.  Also, please watch the videos on the largest screen possible.  You will never get the proper effect on a cell phone.



"Oh  NO, I locked the kids and keys in the CAR!".....HAHA.  Priceless.....
Jeremy

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Jeremy - July 2008

Mom,

A long time ago I sent an email to everyone saying why I didn't like politics, making a reference to how Larry Echohawk didn't become govenor in Idaho because he was democrat but he is a Mormon, and how people think more along party lines then reason, and I gave an example of how the media isn't honest in their reporting giving the example of the gun showdown back east somewher.

Jenni - Feb 2009

Hi,

You have been nominated by faculty as a potential convocation speaker! This is an invitation to submit a written speech for consideration. The speeches will go through an evaluation process and then a selected group will be invited to give their speech in person to a committee who will then choose a student to give their speech at College of Nursing convocation on May 7.

Please let me know if you would like to accept this invitation. You would need to submit the written copy by Monday, March 16 and then be ready if selected, to give it in person the following week.

I look forward to hearing from you. Congratulations for your nomination.

And the Winner Is - Mar 2009

And the new Miss Hurricane for 2009 is contestant number 4 - Janessa Fisher!

It was an exciting night..we were so proud of her.  I heard one lady say after the event was over..."as soon as Janessa played her violin, I knew it was over for the others!"

There were nine contestants: 3 singers, 1 piano, 1 flute, 1 French horn, 2 readings, and Janessa on the violin.  

She looked beautiful, played beautifully, and had a sparkling personality.  

Some time I hope Jenni will blog about the interview, and the evening.  Janessa also won: talent, poise and appearance, and interview.

Here's a couple of pictures from the night.

we are very proud of Janessa, but we are equally proud of each of our children and grandchildren.  

I just wish that we lived closer so we could share in their events also.  So, move here!




Janessa, What did they give you?  I hope a new car. Or at least some college money. 
Oh yeah, and what did you play and was it accompanied?  
Jeremy

Bridger - Feb 2009


Hi grandma I just discoverd somebody living in our house and he looks  like me.


I Wrote a Little Poem - Jan 2009


hadows by Jordan
It's dark, the camera is in.
There is nothing to see
    except
shadows on the propofol

These numbers are our prison
Red; bound by ninety, over sixty
Eighty-eight for blue
    Until

Revolt!
The numbers break free!
  Blue tries sixty
  White tries twenty

Where are you going? Come back here!

Oh, he is blue now
  then gray
  then, strangely, pink again
  I'm sorry ma'am, the numbers... 
      run away.


Now, they've left me too

except time.

She makes it better, worse
Takes them away, brings them again.

Jordan


It's great honey!
I like the way the poem ebbs and flows. It's almost tidal, like
breathing. Is that what you intended?
I love the last stanza. It really speaks to the relentless nature of
your job...every day different, but yet essentially the same- always
the numbers to watch. I was surprised to realize that when patients'
pressures and sats drop, they turn blue...grey...it should have been
obvious I suppose. Maybe it's one of those things you have to see with
your own eyes. I guess I imagine things happening so fast, and being
rectified equally as quickly, that there wouldn't be much of a change
in appearance. Too much TV?!
Janna



Oh, he is blue now then gray then, strangely, pink again Great poem. I love this line.
 
This is a great poem, Jordan. I love your literary self--insightful and eloquent.
Amy

very nice, Jordan. Thanks for sharing. Write more. Write one about the fire.
And I loved Janna's assessment of the poem. I agreed with her. I like the last two lines and loved what Janna said about it.
jenni

I will write more. It takes me so long. Maybe an essay about the fire, except I haven't found any profound insight into it yet.
Jordan



Suggested topics for your next poem:

1. Viagra
2. Love - (just kidding. Already been done, like, a million times)
3. Ball point pens
4. The circus leaving town
5. An ode to duct tape
Justin



I loved it.....just like everybody else did.   and i was so inspired I wrote a poem about my job too.  I'm calling it   "rainbows and cotton candy"

work monkey work.
   give us more.
work monkey work.
   you're becoming a bore.
work monkey work.

is it time yet?

Kristi

Bridger and Oscar - Bridger 2009


We've Been invaded.

Justin - March 2009


Yesterday the site got a lot of attention, thanks to the post on designmom.com.
We filled all the spots in 2 hours. Once it was announced on designmom.com the emails came pouring in.
Justin

Lucy's First Poem - Nov 2009


Comment Card - Nov 2011

Dear Guest,

It has come to our attention that you recently spent some time vacationing at our resort:
the Hackworth Hacienda for Happy Hallowed Habitants.

In an effort to best serve our customers, we are requesting that you fill out our survey card.  These help us with future visitors.  We want your honest opinions about your stay (if they are in line with our own feelings).

1.  How did you find the bed linens?
a.  it was difficult, but we finally located them in the bottom drawer.
b.  bed linens were provided?  Why didn't someone mention it sooner?
c.  none of the above

2. How would you describe the noise level while visiting the HHforHHH?
a. I would rank it along with a Rolling Stones concert; in other words, my hearing is permanently impaired.
b.  It could be raised a little before I would start to complain; the children seemed to be able to control their noise level quite well.
c.  Well, I notice that all the neighbors just put up "FOR SALE" signs, if that indicates anything about the noise level

3.  Were adequate restroom facilities provided for your large group during your stay?
a.  I hope no one was ever looking outside
b.  I didn't drink any water, so that solved the situation for me.
c.  I forgot my toothbrush, so I just chewed a lot of gum.
d.  Who put an entire toilet paper roll in the toilet during the final days?

4.  Would you and your family ever consider again visiting the Hackworth Hacienda for Happy Hallowed Habitants?
a.  Only if the same chefs are still working there.
b.  Are you kidding me?  Too many people.  We went for privacy and peace.  Didn't happen.  We won't be back
c.  We are planning on going to an outdoor water park for our next vacation the first week in August.  We love camping in tents rather than staying in luxurious rooms.

5.  Were adequate activities provided for you and your guests?
a.  Well, we were hoping to have a free cruise vacation thrown in, but other than that, the activities were quite well-planned and adequate.
b.  Too many activities...we just wanted time to visit, chat, and play Nertz.  Next time, please do not plan any activities, except for the kids; have them go on all-day hikes by themselves.
c.  Is there anywhere close where we could play the slots?  That's what we would really like to do.

Thank you so much for your input and for helping us improve our service.  It has been a pleasure to serve you at our resort.

Please note:  WE have now opened a lost and found for items left by your group...these items include:
a skein of yellow and blue yarn
a black pocket knife
a book called Jewel Fairies (Jeremy, really, you should be reading above this level by now!)
a brown sweater that smells a lot like glow sticks
a shirt or pj top with 2 guitars on it

To reclaim these itmes, they must be personally picked up at this location.

Your friendly, eager-to-please staff.

Info About the Wedding - Oct 2012

Hi family,
Thought I'd give a few updates about the upcoming nuptials and our weekend of family fun. Preparations are well underway and I really hope it's going to be a great weekend. I know when the Hackworths are around, magic happens, so I'm counting on that :)

BTW: The invitations will be going out at the end of the week, so look for it in a mailbox near you.

On Friday, Oct. 26th I will have a few things to pick up like the flowers and a photo, and wouldn't mind if a few volunteers could do a few errands. I was hoping all the girls could get ready together... and be with Janessa as she gets on her gown, etc. We are still not sure where that will take place.  You will probably want to eat dinner before the reception. We are only serving light refreshments. I want to try and be ready by about 5:00 pm. The reception starts at 6 and goes until 8:00 pm. It is in a neighbor's backyard, really close to our house. We hired a wedding planner who will do all the set up and clean-up, so after the reception, we can just sit around and visit!!!

Saturday, I have to be at the temple around 9. The wedding starts at 10:40, but those going in the temple need to be seated by 10:10 am. Afterwards, will be a luncheon from about 1:30 - 3:00. After that, Janessa and Jared leave for Hawaii. But for the rest of us stuck behind, Brent volunteered to heat the pool. Mom and I have planned to make Hawaiin haystacks for dinner, and then roast S'mores for dessert. Bring a suit and towel!

Janessa's colors are a bright tangerine, or a spectrum of orange colors, along with ivory and black. Feel free to join in the fun of wearing orange (or ivory or black)! 

Let me know if you need anything, or have any questions.

Can't wait. 

Thanks for making the effort to come and be with us. We really, really appreciate it!
j


Mellowwood Listing - July 2012

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/241-Steiner-Ave-Rexburg-ID-83440/2120126152_zpid/
Jordan

Holy crap!!  That is not our house!  Small fleeting pieces seem recognizable- but wow. That is actually kind of hard to see. 
Kristi

It made me sad too.
Jordan

wow. the yard....it's gone!  That was quit a house.  Way to go Dad.
Jeremy

Oh my heck, this was so fun to see!  How things have changed.  But, it's interesting that they didn't even include a picture of the front entrance! 
Loni

Fun??!!  Really?  I would not describe it as fun. Sickening more like it.  I think the fact that such a huge house with a garage is only going for 315 just shows what kind of shape it's in.  Also the pic of the family room looks like the same furniture we had in there- and the pics on top of the cabinet look like the pics grandma hackworth had on her mantle of all her kids. Are you sure you don't still live there mom??

They really need a realitor to come help them and give them advice. Like dont take a pic of your bathroom with crap all over the sink and your garbage can all full. 

And for completeness- I kissed Randy Thurber behind that shed. 
Kristi

Kristi,  You have made me chortle for a long time.
Jeremy

I chortled thinking about you using the word chortled! What a great word. 
Jenni

It's the BIG 70! 12-27-2010

He's been in 7 bishoprics, now 8, as he was just called to be the first counselor in the branch presidency in Guangzhou, China.  He has served three missions, 1 to the Great Lakes, 2 in St. George at the family history center.  He taught writing and Freshmen English for 32 years at Ricks College, BYU/Idaho.  He sold guitars and books.  He loves to fish, play guitar, write, go ATVing, play chess.  He's a great listener and loves to learn about people.  He can make fish, soup, stir fry, and hamburgers taste very delicious.  He's a gardener and loves trees, plants, green growing things.  He has written extensively, including developing software for his classes, as well as poems, songs, essays, music and two books on early pioneers.  He was right there when computers became big and jumped on that bandwagon early on.  He has built a home, beautified several yards, lifted up a two-car garage, in other words, he's superman.  He has taught his children to love and appreciate the great outdoors.  He has served his neighbors in every community where he has lived.  He has five outstanding/wonderful children, 15 grandchildren, and one wife.

And, now at 70 he said to me one day as we walked to the classroom to teach Chinese students, "I'm too old to be doing this!"

Not so, young man, not so!

Happy Birthday, dear Allen!  Here's to many more - your father is alive at 95; your birth father lived to be 97, so you've got a long way to go!  In fact, maybe next year, we should head to Africa!  Love, Loni

I'm in OR 23 reading this and now with tears in my eyes. Man do I love my dad. People are going to wonder why anesthesia is so sad. 

I'm so proud of you dad! You know how to live- and you are such an amazing example. 

I love you long time. 
-#4

Sent from my fruit phone
Kristi
Happy birthday dad! Wish I was there to give you a big birthday hug. I love you.
Jordan

Happy Birthday, dad. I love you and look forward to being with you again.
jh

Hey, it is only December 26 here.  I was telling someone it was his birthday tomorrow.  So, it is early here--late there. I'm 9 1/2 years older than you are.  Monte turned 79 last Friday.  Yes, I am older than he is.
HappBirthdaAllen,dear .  
Love from Monte and Eunice

Our Last Year in Under 5 Mins‏ - Dec 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiaIKuJ-z2I
Jordan

That was pretty cool jordan - very fun to watch.  I hope the next 5 years are as fun filled.

My pummelvision would consist of a few photos of me in front of a mirror.
jeremy

I Found Out How So Many People Know Justin's Name at UV.....Oct 2010‏


....turns out Justin is on staff as a critical care fellow. This is a screen shot I took of the UV School of Medicine website. Justin, you are so sneaky... Bishop Higgins and now this!!


Jenni  - this is hilarious!  Jordan, did you know about this...that you have actually been superseded as fellow by your own brother? hahahahhahaha
Kristi

What else is funny about this, just last night Justin was dispensing medical advice, and he joked that his qualification was that he was related to four doctors. It's great to see UV acknowledge that kind of credential.
Amy

You Guys Are Famous! - Aug 2010

Amy and I were visiting a friend in New York at a design firm he owns. I was talking to this one girl there and a few minutes into the conversation she said "wait, you're Justin Hackworth"? Word is getting out.
Justin

Justin, that is so clutch.  i'm proud as peaches of you....and you know how proud peaches can get.
Kristi

You language is so hip.  I don't even know what "clutch" means...
Jenni

holy smokes!  That's just swell.
Jeremy

It happened again. The girlfriend of Janna's ex (who lives in San Diego) found out my last name was Hackworth and asked, "Really, like the photographer?"
Jordan

I like hearing that.
Justin

Tony Award for Local Actress - Aug 2008


This bulletin just in:

In a little-known obscure off-Broadway (Way off) production, theatre goers are raving about the performance of new comer, Jenni Hackworth-Fisher, reprising a role she created two years ago. She wowed local audiences for two nights in the delightful production of "Come See Our Valley." Hackworth-Fisher starred in the musical as the local school teacher as she explains to her young students the tremendous challenges faced by the early residents in trying to get water to the valley. The story is a remarkable story of sacrifice, hard work, faith, and sheer determination. Written by a local bishop ( lay ecclesiastical leader), it tells the story of how the early Mormons loved the Hurricane valley, but each year the crops were flooded by the river, so they needed to dig a canal through the steep, rocky terrain. What started out as a four year project ended up taking over 8 years.
Hackworth-Fisher sang with a strong voice and her acting kept the audience engaged as she had some lengthy speeches to explain the history. It also came to the attention of this critic that she was working with an additional handicap as she had a cold.
But, in true actor fashion, she declared that the show must go on. Great job by all, and in this writer's opinion, she's a shoe-in for Best Actress in a leading role!

Loni Gee reporting for Mellowwood Group

Henry's Lake - Feb 2009



Read the words and then look at the picture.
Henrys Lake
Nutrient rich as Grandmother's vegetable stew,
Henrys Lake sweetens her mint-green shores with dew
And implores all who sip her waters to drink freely.
Bread-soft, grassy meadows rise gently over the hills,
And elegant yet rustic homes fill spaces between the trees.

In the lake, in the clean, mountain soup,
Large, hybrid trout,
One-part cutthroat, one-part rainbow,
Grow, thrive, and teach the meaning of beauty and design.

Non-stop through the summer,
These silken shadows glide and gorge themselves
On nymphs, slugs, and the right amount of minnows.
For these lurkers, it's a "Golden Corral" delight.

Henrys Lake, a fertile, mountain womb,
Never stops giving birth from June to June.
Bugs, moss, and aquatic vines,
Seagulls, sand-hill cranes, and lines of pelicans
Link a vibrant, thriving world.

Henrys Lake is never the same
Because her ever-changing face connects
With the hills, peaks, and trees,
With the clouds and soft breezes which blow
First one direction, then another,
With the dancing winds and soft rains,
With the emerging, mid-day, or fading light,
And with the bright moon glow and quiet nights.

Sometimes when the summer sun shines brightly
Through white, puffy clouds,
Like a loud argument, thunder crashes southwest of Jefferson Peak.
Then, taking its time, a black shroud begins to spread across the sky,
And someone cries, "Take cover."

Like new water flowing down an empty ditch,
The storm rolls north on its way to Montana.
Rain stretches its long, liquid fingers to the ground
And white caps pound against the shore.

I love it all:
The changing waters, the rugged, nearby lands,
The demands the weather makes on campers,
The low-flying birds which drift and float with the ease of a smile.

With a grateful heart, when I start a prayer of thanks,
I won't forget the taste of fresh trout,
Fried in butter and sprinkled with lemon pepper,
Wild Rose Ranch and Staley Springs,
Power boats, float tubes, fishermen galore,
And fertile Henrys Lake
With its hatchery on the north shore.
Allen