Fixing fence is the one of the hardest jobs on a ranch. I no longer live on a ranch, but I do know what hard work is. Fences are everyone's concern, but nowadays,the "hole" is always your neighbor's side not your own. It used to be that you would respect your neighbor and mend the fence together. If their cows got in your field, a simple phone call resolved the problem. You might even saddle up your own horse and help them gather them up. We need more people who are willing to roll their sleeves up and fix the fence regardless of who your neighbor is. There are people in this country who need to be reminded that a fence is like the way you should conduct your life. Your posts should be straight and neat. The wire needs to be stretched tight and your gate might be closed, but can still be easily opened. And most of all, we can all saddle up together and ride the range, it won't matter if you have an Appaloosa, Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred. The cows still have to be gathered, fences have to be fixed, and the range is a wide open space of opportunity for us all.

Memorial Day

Posted Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 8:31 PM

I don't think that I can top last years comments about Memorial Day, so I won't even try to.

Our family gathered all the wildflowers that we could find to put on our grandparents graves. Mom always had a huge bouquet of Iris and Lilacs. I can smell them now.

I remember gathering as many Sego Lilies as I could find. It was my grandmother's favorite flower. All of us would get so excited about our contributions to the flower offerings.

Now, I am far away and those days have been long gone. I miss that family event even though it was bittersweet. We never met our Grandma Allen, she had passed away when Dad was 18 years old. Our Grandpa Allen passed away when Jody was a baby.

Experiencing the joys of being a grandparent makes me very aware of how much we kids missed by not having our grandparents from our Dad's side of the family. Dad was the youngest of twelve children and by the time he was born, he was already an uncle.

I wish that I had asked more questions about the family history as I was growing up. All of my aunts and uncles are now gone and part of those memories will forever remain a mystery.

Memorial Day is a time to examine the treasure chest of memories of those who have passed on from this world. Some of those memories will be good ones and continue to make us smile no matter how much time has passed.

The cemetery in Glenns Ferry is a beautiful resting place. I always try to stop by when I come back to Idaho, if it is possible. I can imagine the peaceful spirit of the green lawns and old trees even as I write this blog.

Some of you may say that when you are dead, it doesn't matter, but to me, each of those headstones represent a piece of history that matters to someone who is still living.

I cherish the rare opportunities to visit and reflect on those loved ones who have a special place in my heart. There are soldiers there who have served our country, children who died in infancy, grandparents, aunts and uncles. There are the youth like my cousin Dennis and childhood friend Guy Vern who died way too young.

This Memorial Day won't find me in Idaho. But I will take a moment or two to smell the wonderful scents of the lilacs and Irises of my childhood memories. To visually put some Sego Lilies on our grandparent's graves and to leave a couple at the cross on Dad's Place on the Hill.

This Memorial Day Weekend take the time to hug your family and keep them close to your heart at all times. A great reunion will take place someday for all us.

Have a Safe and Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!

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If you happen to find a Sego Lily or two, share it with a loved one.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Thu, May 24, 2012, at 10:20 PM
My Dad and All of my uncles served in the military. if you had read my blogs from last year, I have dedicated many many words to the honor and bravery of our military.

I was sharing a memory of what we did as children for Memorial Day. At that time, none of my family had passed except my grandparents.

I am well aware of what Memorial Day means. I don't go have beer parties or attend the "fantastic" sales.

Save your scolding for those who won't stand up and salute the flag as it passes by or sing the National Anthem.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Wed, May 30, 2012, at 7:22 AM

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