The Baxter reunion at Garths place had a big turn out on Memorial day. Most of Debra's and Helen's family were there plus good representives from Darwin's ,Lamar's, Dean's, and Garth's family. The big highlight for me was moving the 20 herd horses to the top of the south pasture. I recruted 3 of Larry's boys plus Jordan Lee and Garth's 4wheeler . The timing was bad because we arrived at the pasture just as a thunder storm struck. The boys all got wet but they got the job done . Dennis and I closed one gate and watched the show from inside my car. The only casulity was the loss of one of Garth's halters which I hope to find next time. Larry's boys said it reminded them of the cattle drives from the Hills to Mantua. They make good cowboys.
While in Cache Valley we read the obituary of our cousin Ruth Baxter Balls. She was just one year younger than me and one of our few remaining cousins . She died in her sleep, which is a nice way to go. Lamar and I will be going to the funeral at a Logan mortuary but Garth cannot attend since he and part of his family are driving to a wedding reception in Wisconsin for Jason Baxter and Stephanie Koeing. They will be traveling in Lee's van and expect to take 3 weeks for the trip.
Since Paul took the orchard back, we will be busy this summer trying to save a few trees after several years of neglect. The 10 acres of oats and some of the peach and cherry trees may produce a fair crop. Paul's son Joe is my helper this summer so we should have fun.
We started drilling today, May 22, 2009, 0n a well in my H&S pasture. We hope to get a 1 cfs flowing well. It took 5 years to get a well permit after trading water from other water rights.