From the Personal Journals of My Father
Rex Buckley Jensen
1984
Monday, January 9, 1984
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| Annual School Picture Monticello, Utah September 1984 Age 5 |
It was a long, tedious trip home. I had many errands to run, and we didn't leave Springville, where ————— once again lied to me.
Started having trouble with the van outside Price. Tried to get some help at the "es" V.W. dealer in Price. Treated me terrible and I decided to never deal there again.
We nursed the van to Green River and gave up. All nine (9) of us came home from there in the little blue Rabbit [hatchback]. That will be a trip long remembered.
Grandma had a beautiful meal prepared for us when we arrived about 9:00. House was ice cold. Pauline very down and discouraged. Built a big fire in the stove and all slept on the floor around the warmth.
Monday, January 23, 1984
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| Lil JJ wielding maul (axe) while getting firewood with Dad and the brothers. |
Tuesday, January 24, 1984
Felt worse than usual tonight and went to bed as soon as I finished storytime with Jordan and Jessie. Sometimes I look at those sweet little kids and wonder where I am going to get the strength to get them raised. Lately, the magnitude of what lies ahead for me in rearing these seven children and keeping my wife happy has all but overwhelmed me.
Monday, January 30, 1984
Took Pauline, Jordan and Jessie along (on trip to Centerville). We got away in the early afternoon. Pauline has been feeling very down of late, and it will be good for her to get away; albeit with Jordan and Jessie, it isn't exactly away.
Drove to Mother Ruth's in the fog, smog, and gloom. She welcomed us with open arms, as always, had a lovely dinner waiting, which we could hardly eat since Jordan had insisted we stop at McDonald's in Provo, and we visited until the wee hours.
Sunday, March 4, 1984
Stake Conference today. We all went.
Paul saved us seats and so we sat up front. Jordan went to the "youth conference" so we were able to listen too. We would have been more successful at that if Jessie had gone too.
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| Dad in the JEEP wherein we shared so many family memories. |
Got up and made a lunch and cleaned up the jeep and took Joe and Jordan down to Montezuma. Joe shot his first-ever rabbit. You never saw such a thrilled kid. He did it with the same little single-shot .22 rifle that I probably shot my first bunny with. He thought that was pretty neat. So do I. I think Joe is a neat kid. We sure have fun together in the Jeep.
Jordan is something of a "pain." He is at an age where he always wants to be something other than what is going on, and we were happy when he finally fell asleep on the way home and we had a little peace and quiet. Don't misinterpret: Jordan is OK -- just a pain at times. Nevertheless, I expect great things from him someday.
Saturday, March 10, 1984
I didn't get much done at the office this afternoon. Did read Jordan and Jessie some books and play a bit with them. I am sure in the long run that is probably more important than anything I would have done at the office.
Saturday & Sunday, March 24-25, 1984
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| Camping with Family in Montezuma Canyon. |
We put up the camper trailer. I cooked a big dutch-oven full of potatoes, onions, bacon and left-over hamburger/sausage. We ate by candlelight in the camper around the table. Jordan and Jessie were so excited and cute. It really was one of those golden moments as a father, as I watched my brood having a great time. Thank goodness for my lovely mate. What a joy she is to me.
We got up this morning and after a nippy night, cooked dutch-oven bacon and eggs. We then cut a truck-load of wood, broke camp and headed home. Then the party ended. The pick-up stopped on us and I assumed we were out of gas. David and I started walking toward Max Dalton's. Pauline got the truck started and caught up with us.
I decided that it was a mechanical failure and that we would be all right. I passed Max's place and headed for home. About three miles past Max's the truck quit again. David and I started walking back. We walked for a couple of miles when Bill Christensen came along and gave us a ride to Max's where we borrowed five gallons of gas from Monte Dalton's wife and Bill hauled us back to the truck. I figured our troubles were over. Not so. About a mile from the top of Montezuma the truck quit again. I figured it was because we were on such an angle that the gas had to run to one end of the tank. We got into a mess trying to back around to unhook the trailer. Finally got the trailer unhooked, and I headed to town with everyone but Pauline and David.
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| Oh, how I loved to build FORTS! Front View |
Sort of left a nasty taste in an otherwise lovely family experience. We went back, got the trailer, came home, worked to get everything cleaned up and put away.
Monday, March 26, 1984
We put Jordan and Jessie down early and had a good discussion at family night about the new schedule and some of the possibilities of the summer.
Saturday, April 14, 1984
Joe and Jordan took me across the creek to see the fort (lean-to) they had built. Cute.
Tuesday, April 17, 1984
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| Oh, how I loved to build FORTS! Side View |
Saturday, April 21, 1984
Fell asleep in my "papa's chair" and when I awoke at 12:30 [a.m.] to drag myself to bed, I discovered that Jordan had wet his bed, and someone had neglected to "stuff" the balcony sliding doors and stoke the fire. By the time I got all that taken care of, I was wide awake.
NOTE: Despite being potty trained by age two (2), I struggled on-and-off with bedwetting issues for many years thereafter; perhaps until I was as old as 11 or 12. Bedwetting was always very embarrassing to me, and the older I got, the more embarrassing it became. It was an occasional rather than a common occurrence. Nevertheless, it happened often enough to cause me distress, which likely exacerbated the problem and/or extended the length of time for which I struggled with the issue. As I grew older, I was able to attend to my own cleanup, which I would do in earnest as soon as I discovered what had happened—be it in the middle of the night or first thing upon waking in the morning—hopeful that no one in my family would find out. Eventually, at age 11 or so, the issue cleared up completely. One especially embarrassing experience involved wetting myself while sleeping over with friends at a birthday party in first or second grade. I was mortified when I discovered what had happened, and horrified that there was nothing I could about it at a friend's house other than wait it out as things dried naturally. Fortunately, none of my friends discovered what had happened.
My youngest son—Tyler Jordan—similarly struggled from ages 3-6. He did not, however, seem to feel the same embarrassment I remember feeling at being caught (or the fear of being caught). Rather, he would nonchalantly come in Lina's and my bedroom and just cavalierly announce the reality of the situation and wait for me to help him get bathed and changed. No end to the chutzpah and confidence of my mini-me and namesake, Tyler Jordan!
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| Sitting on one of our three lawnmowers that Dad purchased for Park Plaza apartment maintenance. |
Took the family to "The Right Stuff" tonight. It was over three hours long and taking Jordan was a mistake. He was bored stiff, and although he really tried to be a good boy, he was a distraction. I enjoyed the movie anyway. It was the story of the original seven U.S. Astronauts and their friendship flights during the early and middle 1960's. Brought back a lot of memories.
Incidentally, I took Jordan and the 500 (motorcycle) on the first ride of the year after work this evening. He loves to ride and so do I. Had a good time.
Wednesday, April 25, 1984
Went home at four. Cleaned the shop. David and Wayne started removing sod around the shrubs along the tennis court. Paul and Joe got in a fight, and Jordan pounded and chopped around the shop. Jordan is the most lovable "pain" we have had.
Thursday, May 3, 1984
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| Opening presents on my 5th birthday. |
Saturday, May 5, 1984
Took Jordan, Jessie and Jody for a ride on the Honda 500 and then got ready for and went to Wayne and Kami Sage's [wedding] reception.
Monday, May 7, 1984
Jordan and I took Pauline to the Cortez airport this morning. ...
Took Jordan to McDonald's. Highlight of his whole week. That kid loves McDonald's.
Jordan cryed [sic] a lot tonight. Joe has a terrible cough. Kitchen is already a disaster. And so it goes.
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| Dad and my five older siblings on a family trip to Newspaper Rock. |
Worked for a time on the back-yard pavilion whilst tending Jordan and Jessie this morning.
Saturday, May 12, 1984
Spent the day at the Natural Bridges with my four sons (Paul stayed home) on our annual Ward Father and Sons outing. There were only 12 of us there (Richard Coleman, Juan Hansen and myself, and our sons). Richard had enough food for the whole ward so we ate very well at the conclusion of the day. It was a beautiful day. Very warm. We hiked to all three bridges, and I think I got some very good pictures.Jordan was a little trooper. He kept right up with us the whole day with hardly a word of complaint. Quite a kid that one.
Wednesday, May 16, 1984
Put new unit numbers on the units in PP1 [Park Plaza Apartments 1] that needed them, and got home after Dark. Jordan helped me through it all. Bless his little heart. Had a good visit with the kids when I got home. Sure miss my Lady.
Friday, May 18, 1984
With Jordan and Jessie in tow, I went to the Monticello Dam Site this morning and talked with Jack Lowler.
Thursday, May 24, 1984
After an interesting awards assembly at MES this morning wherein Jody and Joe received various awards, including Joe getting highest on the CTBS test for something like the 5th year in a row, Joe, Jordan and I headed out for a few days of jeeping.
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| Camping with Dad and my older brother, Joe. |
Friday, May 25, 1984
Up and into Cortez this morning. Had breakfast at McDonald's which thrilled Jordan nearly to death. That boy is in the McDonald's stage now and going is the highlight of his little life. ...
We enjoyed our ride up the Delores River very much. The River is very high right now. One of the biggest snowpacks in history and all the rivers on the western slope are in flood right now. Don't believe I have ever seen so much water in the West in a three-day period.
Saturday, May 26, 1984
Drove to Grand Junction and had lunch. Joe and Jordan wanted to go to McDonald's and so I gave them some money and let them go. I went to Furr's Cafeteria. First time for me. Was really nice, but expensive.
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| Camping with Dad and my older brother, Joe. |
Got home about 9:45. Was a long day, but we sure saw some beautiful country. Got some beautiful pictures. Took almost 200 on the trip.
Sunday, May 27, 1984
Joe and Jordan took me over to the land and showed me a "fort" they had built. I took my camera and got a lot of good pictures of the flora on the hill.
Wednesday, May 30, 1984
I cleaned all the gutters and then hauled a large load of trash that has been accumulating in the trailer all spring to the dump. At the dump there was a mountain of unburned trash and there was a pretty good south wind. Jordan and I thought we ought to keep the stuff from blowing all over the country so we torched it and wow....did we ever have an inferno in a hurry. Jordan was afraid the whole dump would burn up, and I assured him that was exactly what we wanted.
Monday, June 4, 1984
[I told Hyrum] I was concentrating on Sumerset, but that I would be back one day with better credentials to teach Seminars. He seemed very understanding. I sure appreciate Hyrum.
Sunday, June 24, 1984
Talked to Bruce and Nedra about the possibility of trading horse pasture for Jordan's tuition (Pre-School).
We have wrestled with the question of whether to allow Jordan to start school or wait till next year. Almost everyone except Grandma Jensen and I think he ought to start this year. I don't feel good about it—so if possible, I'll get him into Nedra's [preschool] and let him be older when he starts. I've always been grateful Mother held me back. I think I owe Jordan the same.
NOTE: I believe Dad showed great foresight, insight, prescience, and wisdom in waiting a year to start me in kindergarten. I was small (physically) for my age, and far more interested in playing and exploring than learning in a classroom at age five. From my perspective, I benefitted at every turn for the next 14 years because Dad made this important decision as he did. Perhaps most saliently, I would not have spent my senior year in Spokane with Paul and Amy if I had not been held back from starting kindergarten. Furthermore, almost all of my friends would have been different, meaning I would have missed out on some very special friendships (like Eric Driggs and John Poulsen).
Friday, June 29, 1984
At 3:30 we headed for Bluffdale and the Barton Family Reunion at Quinn Barton's place.
Was impressed with Quinn's place and the way the reunion was organized. Quinn has an indoor swimming pool, a spa (outside) and the kids had a ball.
Sunday, July 1, 1984
Pauline and I went down to Grand Central and bought a cute all-plastic playhouse for Jordan and Jody. It will make their summer.
Wednesday, July 18, 1984
Bought a [miniature plastic] swimming pool (1/2 price) for Jordan and Jessie.
Thursday, July 19, 1984
Unloaded all the things we bought in Salt Lake at the office and got dad to drive to Moab and pick me up after returning the U-Haul truck.
Jordan went with us—an absolute must—knowing how he feels about trucks and all.
NOTE: I was unquestionably a "Daddy's boy" at this period of my life. I greatly admired and looked up to my dad and truly loved to go with him on any and every adventure I possibly could. The fact that he was a general contractor, apartment owner, real estate developer, photographer, and entrepreneur only heightened the excitement, intrigue, and variety of our many trips together.
I recall one Sunday afternoon after church being given the opportunity to go with Dad to the airport to pick someone up who was flying in. I turned the opportunity down and almost immediately regretted it. My grief at having chosen to miss out on this opportunity was sufficient to bring me to tears. It was perhaps my earliest memory of learning the important SAL lesson to "live without regrets." I can say with pride and gratitude that I have experienced very few such "regrets" in my life because of the pain that such regrets caused me early on in my life, thereby providing me with strong motivation to avoid making similar mistakes in the future.
Later, when I received my Patriarchal Blessing on September 10, 1995, I was urged to "take advantage of every opportunity that [I] have been blessed with." This further spurred the need and desire I felt to really "go for it" in life, whatever that may have meant at any given point in time as time went by.
I am pleased to report that as a middle-aged adult, my regrets over not doing something are few and far between. I similarly have few regrets over things I have done... even when I did the wrong thing in the moment. The reason I feel this way is because I have done my very best to always learn from my mistakes and continually repent of my weaknesses and shortcomings as I have gone along. As such, most of my mistakes—and even my sins—were put to good use as part of my existential education, growth, and maturation.
Don't get the wrong idea here; I remain a very flawed human being with many imperfections. However, I can honestly say I have very few authentic regrets over the decisions I have made in my life; and that is a pretty desirable place to find myself as I approach 50 years of age. -JJ ~ May 12, 2026
Thursday, July 19, 1984
At 5:30 David, Wayne, Joe, Jordan and Bill Dunow headed to the mountains. Drove to the Gooseberry area and camped. Things were so wet and lush we had a hard time getting a fire started. The bluebells and other flowers were five feet high in places. Never seen the mountain more lush.
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| With oldest brother, Paul, and a load of unchopped wood. |
Saturday, July 28, 1984
Cooked the boys a good breakfast before delivering them exactly 20 miles from home for their 20-mile hike for the hiking merit badge. Jordan and I continued on to Blanding in the pickup. Came home via the almost completed Recapture road and dam project. It is really something. They have moved a lot of rock and fill. ...
I've looked forward to the opening of the L.A. [Summer] Olympics for months. I was an hour late getting to them; and then rushed home to shower while it was in session. Just got back to Dad's and settle in when it was announced Jordan was lost. I went to find him. (Paul had him on the motorcycle). I did see some of the opening [ceremonies] and it was spectacular and touching—should be a great time.
Friday, August 3, 1984
Tonight the highlight of the Olympics was Mary Lou Retton of West Virginia winning the Gold in Women's gymnastics. She won with a perfect "10" on the vault in the last rotation. The crowd and the whole country came unglued. She beat out two superb little Romanians. The USA won tons more gold today. They are just running away with the medals at this Olympics and Americans are loving it. So far all the terrible things that were supposed to materialize at L.A. have failed to do so. Even the weather has been nice.
NOTE: Watching Mary Lou Retton win her gold on a "10" point vault is the earliest memory I have of watching sports on television. I watched it on our downstairs television in the family room of our Monticello home.
Worked on Park Plaza reports until about 7:30. Went home to prepare for the concrete that should arrive about 10:00.
Things got a little hairy at the end of today's pour. Had a yard (plus) left. Hurriedly formed up a section just east of the stairs in the back yard and salvaged about $75 worth.
Got everything cleared up about 2:00. Was exhausted. ...
Roland (Francom) cleared brush from the cul-de-sac just inside Sumerset and down the road to the park. Polly and I inspected his work. I get goosebumps when I see things beginning to move. It's been a long wait. ...
Carl Lewis won the first of what he says will be four golds in the 100 meter dash.
Really have enjoyed these fabulous Olympics.
Sunday, August 5, 1984
Jordan dinked around this morning and got left home from all [Church] meetings with orders to not leave his room. I think it made an impression and I hope things will improve in that department in the future.
NOTE: Given my natural spiritual proclivities and religious predilection as a kid, teenager, and adult, this entry may come as a surprise to many. However, it does not come as a surprise to me. Why? Because the truth is that I had little use for or interest in religion or church until I was about seven (7) years old. For some unknown reason, about the time we moved to Mesa in August 1986 — or shortly before — something clicked in my heart, mind, and soul, and I began to repent of my erstwhile stinker ways. But make no mistake, I often was a stinker at church previous to this time.
I specifically recall Josh Redd and I being physically removed from George Rice's Primary class one day circa 1985 and being given a tongue lashing that to this day still rings clearly in my ears. Shouted an exasperated and fiery George: "If you two don't sit down and shut up, I'm gonna kick yer butt!" I willingly come to George's defense here; his righteous indignation was merited. Josh and I were being rude little rascals in his class, and that may be putting it lightly. Later, when we moved back to Monticello after spending seven years in Mesa, George Rice and Lyle Anderson were our home teachers and I came to greatly respect both men. I also spent a lot of time visiting George's mother (Hortense)—a widow in our ward—which rather lucidly animates the dramatic change that occurred between my earlier primary years and my teenage years. George's son and Hortense's grandson, Mike Rice, would sometimes accompany me on my visits to his grandma. On such occasions, Mike would usually play hymns and the two of us would sing hymns to her.
Another memory of my stinker days in Primary involved sitting on the front row of the Monticello chapel colorfully pretending I was playing the piano in the air. It was quite disruptive and disrespectful to everyone around me, including my mother, who, as the ward Primary President at the time was trying to maintain order and reverence.
I recall one day at age six feeling a distinct feeling or prompting come over me that engendered guilt for my previous actions, which began to motivate positive change. I further recall excitedly sharing with my mother after church how I had tried my best to be quiet, listen up, pay attention, and follow directions, which was a huge shift from my previous behavioral habits in the Primary program of the Church.
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| Mama in the Jeep in the wheat in springtime. |
Took Jordan and Jessie riding on the motorcycle. Cleaned up around the house. Helped Pauline trim all the shrubs along the curbs, around the house, etc.
I'd intended to work on the balcony railing this afternoon/evening. When I saw what the Olympic Lineup for the night was, I figured I better not miss it. Was glad I didn't. USA swept all four relays and broke the record set by the Soviets when no-one else showed up in 1980 of 80 gold medals. Carl Lewis won his fourth gold in track and field, assuring his immortality along with Jessie Owens. Was another great Olympic day. These Olympics have been perhaps the greatest athletic feat of my life. What an uplift for the American spirit. This has been just what this country has needed for a long time.
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| My mama, sister Jessie, and me outside of our hippy (family) Volkswagen vanagon. |
Wednesday, August 15, 1984
Worked until 7:30 at the house, and then took Jordan in the Jeep to check on work done by Rick and Rowland at Sumerset.
Saturday, August 18, 1984
Got ready for our cookout with the Overstreets. Those present were Mike and Becky Young; Susanne Anderson, Jeff and Denise Frost; Cassie Boyle, Jack and his handsome little brother, David and Paul, Jessie and Jordan. We had a nice visit. Jack cooked the steaks and we all feasted.
About dark, Bruce Bunker shot a two-point buck with his bow. It was standing near the ditch just south of our house. He shot four times (much to the dismay of a large audience who thought with each shot it would disappear) finally dropping it with one shot in the neck. We all went over and watched Joe Slade and Bruce skin it. Quite the show. Hasn't been so much excitement on Silverstone Lane for some time.
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| JJ's 5th Birthday Party |
Went to Mother's and talked to her about starting Jordan [in kindergarten] this year. I have conclusively decided not to start him this year—(I think) I do not feel right about any other decision. Although it will cost plenty for him to go to Aunt Nedra's [private pre] school, I'm sure it will be best in the long run. I pray it will. ...
Attended Jordan and Preston's (Bunker) birthday party at Grandma Jensen's. Had a piano recital first. ... Had goodies and a nice visit after.
NOTE: My Grandmother Jensen loved the PIANO—both playing it and hearing it played. She especially adored it when her kids or grandkids would play for her. My Dad was quite good on the piano. I remember him playing the piece Dizzy Fingers for us when we were kids. Later, he served for many years as the Stake organist at church. Having an impromptu "recital" prior to a birthday party or other, similar family gathering was a very LaVerda-esque thing to do. I know that Grandma Jensen is smiling down from Heaven knowing that Lina plays the piano beautifully and that all three of my children are taking lessons and thriving on the instrument (especially Tucker and Kara).
Sunday, September 9, 1984
Got home about 4:00. Was good to see the little kids. I've missed them a lot more than I thought I would. I think Grandma was happy to see us. Jordan and Jessie are a handful by anyone's standards. I think they about did Grandma in.
Thursday, September 13, 1984
I let Jordan sleep with me, but his finger-sucking in the middle of the night forced his removal to his own bed, and I did get some sleep thereafter.
Saturday, September 15, 1984
Paul and I bought Kentucky Fried and came to Grandma Smith's to watch the 1985 Miss America Pageant. To our total delight, Charlene [sic] Wells, Miss Utah, WON! What a day for BYU, the Church, and the State! Haven't gone to bed so pleased in a long time. How blessed we are.
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| It says my first talk; but it was actually my second talk, as evinced by the certificate I have from 1983. |
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| With my Bunker cousins (Ryan & Preston) in all of our redneck splendor. |
Got home about 9:00. ... Joe was much improved. Jessie had a high fever and Jordan had the beginnings of a fine cold. Ah, how good it is to be home.
Thursday, September 20, 1984
This afternoon, Jordan and I cleaned up the shop. Was so good to have it clean and know exactly where every tool was.
Wednesday, September 26, 1984
I found out that ———— left town on the bus; and me with a mess at PP [Park Plaza apartment] #——. When I picked up Jordan from pre-school this morning we went over and got probably $50 worth of food. It looks like they just left. Left a lot of stuff. Wish we could eat as well as the welfare set. Pauline commented as we put the stuff away that it would be nice to eat like those on welfare.Started attaching flanges to the posts for the new fencing tonight. Got set up in the garage and arranged a system where we could really work fast. David, Jordan, and Jody all took their turns. Pauline had to go to her math class in Blanding. We worked until about 9:30. Got 32 posts done.
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| Dad checking on the construction of the dam. |
Thursday, September 27, 1984
I take all the kids to school each morning (deliver Jordan or Jessie or both to [Nedra Bunker's] pre-school) and then come to the office to take care of the days [sic] office work.
Took care of the little ones while Pauline got her hair permed. Went to the Dam-site. They are hauling dirt to the dam instead of away from it now. They were putting in a large concrete pipeline up the west side today. Lots of activity. I am so pleased to finally see them "raising the dam."
Friday, September 28, 1984
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| Shooting a homemade bow with the help of my older brother, David. |
We packed up all the camping gear tonight and headed up to our spot on the Mountain overlooking Seventies Flat. I forgot the key to the folding trailer so we were not able to get camp set up very well.
We cut a pickup load of wood, and I took it down the mountain and picked up Paul and Wayne from work at the store, along with gas, oil, and a half dozen other items.
Mom and Joe had dutch-oven potatoes ready when we got up to camp. It was nippy, but we survived the night.
Saturday, September 29, 1984
I don't think Pauline or I would have made very good pioneers. Sure miss my waterbed, and a warm house.
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| Two of my older brothers atop a truck and trailer load full of wood at dusk. |
Parked the trailer with the tongue pointing downhill and then took the boys up the trail to bring wood out a pickup load at a time. We really got with it. With three or four boys doing all the moving, gathering and loading, I can cut one heap of wood in a day with my big Homelite [bow] chainsaw.
On the third pickup load, Paul drove the truck home. Pauline, Jody, Joe and Jordan went with her. (Jessie stayed the night at Grandma's).
Monday, October 1, 1984
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| JJ in all his redneck glory. |
Wednesday, October 3, 1984
Jordan and I went into the shop and finished the wood box. Jordan built a "picture frame" out of split shingles. When he hauled it into the house to show everyone, Joe about "split" but such is the enthusiasm of my "Bud" Jordan. What a kid!
Thursday, October 4, 1984
After dropping Jessie off at pre-school, Jordan and I drove to Blanding to pick up two solar panels from Larry Richmond. Visited with him longer than we should, and we were late picking Jessie up.
Monday, October 8, 1984
Was really beat tonight, but this kind of "beat" I love to feel at the end of a day because it means I have worked hard.
Tuesday, October 16, 1984
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| Older brother, Joe, next to a stacked pile of chopped wood. |
Wednesday, October 17, 1984
Despite the fact that it was snowing and blowing, Jordan, Jody, David and I chopped wood for nearly two hours tonight. Made another large dent, and I suspect we are more than half done now. How I love to watch that woodpile grow.
Friday, October 19, 1984
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| Up the mountain getting wood with Dad. |
Wednesday, October 24, 1984
I took a bath, bed the kids, read stories to Jordan and Jessie; put them all to bed and was asleep by 9:00.
Saturday, October 27, 1984
Marshalled the forces; got things organized and really got a lot of details attended to today.
While Joe, Wayne, Jordan and I went to the Apts. and laid out and painted lines and numbers on the sparkling new parking lot, Pauline, David and Paul wrapped all the shrubs, took down the net on the tennis court, put away the pad on the trampoline, and cleaned off the driveway; the garage etc.
Monday, October 29, 1984
Jordan and I sprayed large letters on each parking stall at Park Plaza. The wind was blowing and it was almost an effort in futility. We prevailed. Jordan thought it was fun.
Wednesday, October 31, 1984
Jordan helped me all day @ the cabin (chose me over the Halloween party at the play school—wow!) We got the footers laid out. Jordan held the transit rod and the tape all morning—couldn't have gotten along without him.
At 4:00 Jordan and I went down and with Jim Muhlestein and Doyal Rowley hauled three pickup loads of "junk" to the library for the rummage sale coming up.
NOTE: Years later, in the mid-later 90s, I spent three years in the high school band (percussion section) under the tutelage of Jim Muhlestein, who had built the program into a rural musical juggernaut. I was honored to be a part of Jim's successful program, and grew to respect him for his care, work ethic, and vision. I personally developed sufficiently as a musician between grades 9-11 that Mr. Muhelestein appointed me the percussion section leader my junior year. He even started talking about the possibility of a musical scholarship for me. However, I did not continue my band endeavors in Spokane the following year, and never pursued any musical scholarships. Nevertheless, the three years I spent in the band at MHS were cherished and enriching years that produced many precious memories, insights, and skills for which I will always be grateful.
Thursday, November 1, 1984
Jordan and I worked all morning on the cabin footers. Poured the concrete in the footers. Was a little short, but I think we can compensate on the next pour.
NOTE: Such adventures were the genesis of my lifelong love of concrete, mortar, and masonry.
Tuesday, November 6, 1984
Great day for Republicans ...
Was a great day for the GOP. Reagan took every state except Minnesota and the District of Columbia. The GOP made gains in the house and senate, although not as profound as wished for. ...
Happy to see Reagan re-elected. Whatever his faults and failings, he is a leader; he has brought interest rates down; he has given the country new hope and pride; made patriotism fashionable, and last but not least, he loves his wife.
I have a difficult time listening to Walter Mondale and the welfare state liberals. How sweet it is to see them getting their dues.
Thursday, November 8, 1984
With Stan Gabriel's help, I poured the stem walls for the sale's office at Sumerset this morning. It was tough getting the truck around, and I was grateful for Stan's help. He is surely a nice guy.
He had lunch with Jordan and me. It snowed like a bandit during lunch, but was pretty nice most of the rest of the afternoon.
Monday, November 12, 1984
Roland Francom got the Track back on the Cat recently. Tonight I had him repile the trees and brush and I spent the afternoon and evening burning. We had some dandy fires. Took dad and Pauline down about dark, and I think they got a kick out of it.
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| Dad checking on the construction of the dam. |
Wednesday, November 14, 1984
They continue to haul 5-10 thousand yards of earth daily on the dam. I go up nearly every day to "check" on 'em. How exciting. What a wonderful thing that is going to be.
Thursday, November 15, 1984
Jordan and I hauled forms back to Young's until dark. Had to spray each one and I was glad to be done with it. Don't care much for concrete.
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| Thanksgiving with the Mesa, Arizona Smith cousins. |
(Thanksgiving weekend in Mesa, Arizona at Uncle Denis and Aunt Nancy Smith's home).
After supper tonight, we visited and played games until the wee hours. Has really been nice being with the Smith's. I'm impressed with their situation in Mesa. It has been fun.
Sunday, December 2, 1984
Despite the predictions of George Orwell in his book 1984, 1984 has been a great year. Events like the Olympics, the elections, the crowning of Miss America (Sharlene Wells) the beginning of the Monticello Dam project, BYU being #1 in football, being out from under Goldstone, and a host of other "blessings" have really made 1984 a memorable year for me.
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| My mom, seven siblings, and me in our matching BYU attire. JJ is on the far left. |
Thursday, December 6, 1984
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| JJ on Santa's (Grandpa Ned's) lap. |
By nightfall (Wayne came down the last 1 1/2 hours), we had the Redex flooring down and in place. A very good day.
Jordan cut a little pine which he intends to use as a Christmas tree in his little house (cardboard) which is set up in his room.
NOTE: I remember searching for, finding, and cutting down this little pine tree on dad's land (the north slope of the Old Man West canyon). It is a fun and cool moment / memory for me.
Thursday, December 13, 1984
Came back to the office about noon and paid all the bills before going home to work on Jessie and Jordan's playhouse [in the vacant space under the stairs of our home]. That is going to be their #1 present this year for Christmas. I have never seen a kid look forward with such anticipation as Jordan has to the construction of the playhouse. We got a good start this afternoon.
Friday, December 14, 1984
Spent the rest of the day working on Jordan and Jessie's playhouse.
Saturday, December 15, 1984
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| Lined up by height on Christmas morning. |
Tuesday, December 18, 1984
Paul has been home the last two days sick and today Jordan and Jessie both were a little under the weather.
Wednesday, December 19, 1984
Jordan had a dandy case of croup. Haven't seen him so tame in a long time.
Friday, December 21, 1984
Today was the big day. BYU vs. Michigan in the 7th Holiday Bowl for a possible national championship. ...
The game was not too memorable, except that we won (24-17) on two fourth quarter touchdowns by the wounded hero, Robbie Bosco. ...
Now we just have to wait and see how they vote on January 2nd.
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| Dad's mid-1980s rabbit raising venture. |
Jordan and Jessie have both had bad coughs the past week. Have kept us awake at night listening to them. They seem to be better today.
Sunday, December 30, 1984
Spent most of the evening preparing and cooking rabbit. Glad for the meat, which was delicious, but I don't care much for the time it takes to cook it properly.
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Additional Memories from 1984:
- I remember the day we returned to Monticello from Centerville (Monday, January 9, 1984). I recall being extremely excited to see our house again. Upon entering therein—after being away for four months—Jessie and I immediately began running around pointing at objects in the house and exuberantly repeating over and over again: "I remember this! I remember that!, etc."
- I vaguely recall attending the Barton family reunion and the novelty of the indoor swimming pool.
- I remember the plastic play house dad bought for Jody and me. He later built an elevated enclave in between the north side of the house and the bordering yard fence. The plastic playhouse was stationed on this wooden enclave.
- My first ever memory of SPORT was seeing Mary Lou Retton performing her vault routine in the 1984 Olympic games. It was on television in the downstairs family room of our home. Whether I watched her vault LIVE, or on a video recording later that day or week, I cannot say. But I do remember seeing it and being very excited by it!
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| Jensen Family Picture Monticello, Utah Circa 1983-84 |
—Dr. JJ
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