From the Personal Journals of My Father
Rex Buckley Jensen
1985
Tuesday, January 15, 1985
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| Annual School Picture Monticello, Utah September 1985 Age 6 |
Was good to see the kids, and find everything all right at home. I've never seen Jordan so pleased over anything as much as he seemed to be about his new gun, and Jessie was beside herself with glee to see us.
Saturday, January 19, 1985
Polly and I watched the Inauguration gala from Washington on channel four tonight. It had dozens of big name stars, and was very well done. I am so impressed with President Reagan. I feel so good every time he opens his mouth. Whatever he lacks elsewhere, he certainly makes up for it in "class." Sure is pleasant to have a class act in the White House.
Monday, January 21, 1985
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| Asleep on Grandma Smith's downstairs library hide-a-bed couch with JimBob my puppy dog. |
Thursday, January 24, 1985
Talked Pauline into coming home with me for some sleep and a change of clothes tonight. [In Durango at Hospital where Paul was sick]. Paul is much improved, and although I doubt that she would have thought of it had I not suggested it, she was happy to come home and get into her own bed, and wash her makeup off for the first time in 48 hours. We had a good talk on the way home.
Grandma Jensen had the little ones, and the other boys were fast asleep when we got home. Was good to find all well.
Sunday, February 10, 1985
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| Cute as this picture may be, I recall being quite annoyed that my mom made me wear this to church. This was back in my cowboy, Daddy's boy days, when I had little use for church or formal wear. |
Jordan has really been high for this trip. He talked a blue-streak all the way up. ...
Had a visit with Grandma Smith before retiring. Hyrum and Gail came over and I talked to Wayne briefly before he left. They both looked good. He reports things going great guns in the Time Management Business except that Hobbs is still giving him Hell. He said he has about seven consultants working for him now, and that the day-planner is selling like hotcakes.
Hyrum had a nice article in This People magazine this month. He is quite a guy. I don't evny his life-style, but I am very impressed with his tremendous ability and drive.
Thursday, February 14, 1985
At 6:00 tonight we had a piano recital at our house. Grandpa and Grandma were there along with the Bunkers. Was really nice. I am impressed with the natural ability Jody has. I hope she will stay with it. Cutest thing on the show was Jordan and Jessie singing their "Animal Song." What a pair. They are so cute right now. Quite the little songsters.
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| Sporting my trademark "Jeans'n'boots" just below the front porch of our home. |
Exercised, jumped on the tramp[oline] for the first time this year, showered, weighed (I weighed 197 ... down from 206 on Sunday) got lunch for Jordan and Jessie, cleaned the kitchen and went to the office.
Friday, March 8, 1985
Office work all morning. Picked Jordan and Jessie up at pre-school at 11:00 as usual and took them home for lunch.
Wednesday, March 13, 1985
Worked on slides until 9:30. Went home and watched Jordan and Jessie while Pauline went visiting teaching. ...
Jordan came to visit me and played banker with the money box; gave the calculator a workout, typed a letter, read several books, and was a pretty good kid too!
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| Extracting Grandma & Grandpa's massive willow tree. I am on the far left. |
I solicited the help of Joe, David and Wayne yesterday, and in nine long dangerous hours we completely cut down, chopped up and hauled away the huge weeping willow tree just South of Grandma's house. It was quite a job. I did quite a balancing act high in the tree as we cut off the limbs with that 40# [pound] chainsaw of mine. We had a heck of a time getting the main trunk down because it was so big, thick and tough.
Hauled it all to the dump. Cut up all the limbs for future use as firewood, and went home feeling like I had been beaten to an inch of my life.
NOTE: I remember helping with this massive willow tree extraction project. I also recall the thousands (perhaps millions) of bugs that the rotting leviathan had attracted as part of its demise. In days prior to the extraction project, we had even spent some time vacuuming or sweeping the bugs up to try and eliminate a portion of the enormous colony.
Monday, March 18, 1985
We hauled a load of trash to the dump, which I unloaded myself while the three boys has a "shootin" good time with their 22's and Jordan entertained himself by setting fires to mountains of garbage. He was so proud of himself for the fires he set.
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| Mama and Grandma Smith |
Paul and I got our home teaching done today. Took a little ride and hike up to the dam with Jordan and Joe later in the afternoon.
Thursday, March 25, 1985[Pauline addresses a group of 600 women on the subject of "Teaching Children the Arts" at BYU women's conference].
Pauline did magnificently. I was so proud of her. All her sisters and Mother Ruth were there, and they all thought she was superb.
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| Mama presenting at BYU Women's Conference |
Saturday, April 6, 1985
The boys and I found a new exit from Montezuma today. ...
Before returning home, we inspected the old wrecked car in Devils Canyon, the rapidly rising lake in Recapture [Blanding] and enjoyed just being out in a beautiful warm spring day together. How sad it is that so often we forget to smell the roses in our rush through life. Today, for a short time, anyway, I smelled the roses. Me, my four sons, and my jeep along with a nice day. What more could anybody want?
Wednesday, April 10, 1985Went home and cleaned up the back yard with Jordan and Jessie's help. Started forming for the final push to finish the project. How sweet it will be. Worked until dark.
Saturday, April 13, 1985
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| At the Adams' Ranch with Dad. A classic COWBOY JJ shot. |
Went up to the cemetery in Bluff and took some pictures. there is a lot of history buried there.
Sunday, April 14, 1985
After the goodbyes, [Pauline was off to a 3-week European trip with her oldest sibling/sister, Ruth Silver] I came in and took a nap, then took Jordan, Jessie and Joe for a ride up to the mountain in the jeep.
Monday, April 22, 1985
Except to take care of Jordan and Jessie until Joe got home, and to go home and fix supper for the kids at seven, I stayed with it all day.
Wednesday, April 24, 1985
Spent more time than I could justify at the dam today. ...
I love watching the earth move up there, and thinking about the ramification it all has for me. ...
Took Jordan and Josh Redd back up to the dam in the Jeep tonight.
Thursday, April 25, 1985
Went up to the dam again today with Joe, Jordan and Ryan (Bunker). It was cold again. This has been quite a wet cold spell. They had five scrapers going today, and it is just mind-boggling to think about how much dirt and rock is going into that dam. They haul all day and it is hard to tell that anything at all has happened. ...
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| Dad's Jeep and the Loyd's Lake dam under construction. |
Friday, May 3, 1985
Jordan stayed with me this morning. We were going to register him for Kintergarden [sic], but remembered that Pauline had registered him last summer. ...Jordan and I checked out B—— S——, who owes me money; checked on flowers for Mother's day next week; talked to Harold Young about some patrol work at Sumerset and ran other errands before going to work in the back yard.
David, Joe, the little kids and I were the only ones home tonight (Jody stayed at Bunkers) ... and we fixed tacos together. What a snap just four kids would be!
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| JJ presides over and speaks at the funeral of a dead bird. |
Poor little Jordan and Jessie. Neither had a nap today and both were still up at 11:00 [p.m.]. Both were basket cases. Jessie got a spanking (not much of one, but it hurt her feelings) and went to bed in tears. About broke my heart to think about how those two were neglected today...but I suppose they will survive. Mother will be home soon and things will look up for them. For me too. How I have missed my Lady. I am so excited about driving to Denver tomorrow and bringing her home [from her 3-week European trip with Ruth].
Wednesday, May 8, 1985
Shopped before heading for home today. Got fittings to finish the solar water; bought some orange cloth to do the all-state case at the school; got new shoes for Jordan, Paul, and Jody.
Saturday, May 11, 1985
Poured what I hope will be the last concrete for a long time this morning. All the boys helped (except Joe, who is sick) and we got the firepit area, the steps, the drain area, and several post-holes poured. Seemed like it took forever to get everything done and the mess cleaned up. We covered it with plywood to assure a slow cure. I am so happy to have that done. That dirt in the back yard has bugged me now for 10 years.
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| Lil JJ inspecting the troops at the Father and Sons campout. |
Friday, May 17, 1985
Took Jordan and Joe to a beautiful area west of Jail Rock in Dry Valley tonight for the annual father and sons outing. Was a stake affair, and there was a good crowd. John Redd told stories (program) and I missed my water bed mightily. Enjoyed very much being out with my sons however. Paul, David and Wayne were in the state tennis tournament today in Park City.
Wednesday, May 22, 1985
Paul was in a band concert tonight. Joe went to a Court of Honor and got three merit badges, David was sick today. Wayne worked til eight. Jordan and Jessie stayed up until two hours or more past their bedtime. What else is new?
Thursday, May 23, 1985
Jordan and I noticed the door open on the old Fred Jensen home tonight on our way to the Greenhouse. Stopped and walked through. Was like a page out of history. Can't believe how our standard of living has improved in the last generation. Couldn't believe how dark and depressing all the colors and rooms were. Dad has mentioned that house so many times, and indeed spent many hours there as a boy.
NOTE: I did not know who Fred Jensen was; nor do I remember his home. I asked Aunt Nedra about both and she replied as follows: "The Fred Jensen home was a block off Main Street. It was torn down when the new [public] Safety Building & Jail went up. It was a humble little old home, but Fred and LaVern raised some (5) good boys there none the less. I really don’t know where Fred was from, but he was a very nice man who was our custodian when I was a little girl in the old, old elementary school on Main Street where the city park is now. I remember he always wore overalls and his wife was rather large and always wore a dress and an apron. It’s funny what we remember about people."
Friday, May 24, 1985
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| Mixing mortar with a mason's trowel with my cousin, Preston Bunker looking on. |
Wednesday, May 29, 1985
Afternoon was at the school shop (w/Jordan) making about 80 new shingles for present and future use in updating the athletic display. I've decided today to donate my time and efforts free gratis. They would never pay me for what I have put into it and the P.R. Value will be far greater than the money.
NOTE: 11 years later, after winning the individual 2A Championship at the State cross-country meet, I would qualify for my own name plate in this glass case honoring All-State athletes from Monticello High School. It was a dream come true for me. Each day at school, while waiting in the lunch line, I would pass by this glass case and get inspired by the names of the athletes already displayed in the case, one of the very first of which was my Uncle Steve for winning State in the mile his senior year in 1964. Eventually, I fulfilled my dream and a name plate was made for me and my 1996 State cross-country title and displayed in the case.
Thursday, May 30, 1985
Said goodbye to Jordan and Joe and headed for SLC.
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| Received from my Aunt Nedra, who owned and operated the preschool I attended. |
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| At my bedside with my cherished blanket, a miniature quilt Grandma Jensen made for me. |
Joe and Jordan seemed no worse for wear for having been alone for several days.
Bought a family pass for the summer swim tonight. Kids love to swim and they have really renovated the pool. I am looking forward to some good swims myself this summer. Family passes are still $60 for the season which is a real bargain with a family the size of mine, if one swims at all.
Wednesday, June 5, 1985
Spent the afternoon building a platform and "ladder" for Jordan and Jessie's playhouse. Jordan helped me good all day, and we really got a lot done.
Got the troops up at 6:15 this morning and had Jordan, Jody, and Joe out assisting in the weeding of the front slope by 6:30.
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| Mama, David, Joe, Jessie, and me in the front yard of our Monticello home. |
Wanted to attend the Dam (Recapture) dedication today, but greed prevailed and at 6:45 this morning, Pauline, Joe, Wayne and Jordan climbed in the Truck and [we] drove to Cortez.
At 8:00 the hordes were loosed at Boise Cascade. It was an experience! It was a madhouse, but getting everything at 1/2 price made it well worth the effort.
I was grateful that I brought helpers. I'd never have been able to do it alone. Pauline hit the store with Joe. I hit the yard with Wayne.
We luckily got some plywood before others pounced on it. I've never seen anything like it.
It was hot. I forgot a hat. By the time we were all done and loaded I was tired! We could only get about half our stuff into the truck, and I put "sold" on the rest and hoped it would still be there in the morning.
Took everyone to McDonald's. Drove home slowly.
A day to remember.
Saturday, June 8, 1985
Pauline ran into a Korean couple with a 2-year old son downtown and brought them home to stay in the camper. I didn't meet them, but the kids got a real kick out of it and it was fun listening to them talk about it.
Sunday, June 9, 1985
Lovely Sunday.
I missed the Koreans by going to the office early. Pauline had them in to breakfast and said they seemed very appreciative. Said as they left, the lady said that we should come to Korea and visit them some day and that she "would neva foget." Too bad there is not more of that kind of thing in this world.
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| JJ's older brothers: Joe, David, and Wayne in Boy Scout uniforms in front of a trampoline for sale... one of Dad's entrepreneurial side ventures. |
Up at 5:30 a.m. with the boys. We set up a trampoline at the office and then loaded up the truck with their gear for summer camp which starts today.
About 8:00 a.m., after pictures and considerable banter, we headed south. Summer camp is at Dry Wash reservoir this year, and it is a beautiful place. The Scout leaders really have things under control and I was impressed with the possibilities. All the kids were in full uniform, and it all looked like a first-class operation to me.
On the way back, Jordan and I loaded the truck with lichen-covered rocks for the back yard.
I stopped to take a picture of a field full of bluebells on the way home and about had a coronary when Jordan disappeared. he had fallen down a deep post hole, and was scared but unhurt when pulled to safety. I hope that kids reaches puberty!
NOTE: I remember this incident. There was a post-type hole about four feet deep and perhaps 15-18 inches wide and I was only about three feet tall and 12-inches wide. I thought it would be fun to lower myself into the hole and failed to foresee the difficulty I would incur when attempting to extricate myself. I can still recall what it looked like peering up at the top of the hole, which was above my head about a foot or so, and the blue sky with scattered clouds above. It was a terrifying experience because I felt helplessly stuck. When Dad tells the story, he says that after looking around, he heard a tiny, muffled voice yelling: "Help! Help! Help!" No doubt I was yelling and no doubt I was frightened — and the RELIEF and JOY I felt when Dad finally appeared, reached down, and raised me up out of my self-inflicted prison was at least as pleasantly poignant as the fear and pain engendered by getting myself into such a pickle.
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| Chillin' with my Bunker cousins, Ryan and Preston in the front yard of our Monticello home. |
Office work until early afternoon.
Unloaded all the rocks and placed them around the fire-pit in the back yard. Really makes a difference.
Lyle Anderson brought his three children and came to supper tonight. We cooked in the back yard. We had a nice visit after. I think Lyle appreciated the affair. I enjoyed talking to him.
Tuesday, June 11, 1985
Took Jordan, Jessie and Jody (and polly) swimming for the first time tonight. The new remodeling at the pool makes it much nicer and we had a nice swim. Was absolutely beat tonight.
Wednesday, June 12, 1985
Planted Jordan's garden today. A little 10' x 10' area just over the fence north of the front yard. He has been after me for three days, and I was glad to finally have the deed done. We had a fine time together and I suspect he will have much fun watching it grow.
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| Working in my garden, just across the fence to the north of our Monticello home. Summer 1985 |
Sunday, June 16, 1985
Jordan gave his first talk in Primary and told about planting his garden. He is a character, old Jordan.
NOTE: This was actually not my first talk in Primary. I have dated certificates of previous talks in 1983 and 1984 to verify this fact. It must have been the first talk that Dad remembered me giving in Primary.
Saturday, June 22, 1985
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| Dad's Wabco Patrol (Road Grader) parked behind me and a garden tiller in the vacant lot across from our home. |
I really, really like and appreciate Rowland [Francom]. I think we will be very good for each other, but I am so grateful to have a man like him working with me. He has so many talents that I lack. I feel much bolder with him aboard, and I don't know where you would find a person that would be more honest and easier to get along with. ...
My stock has risen considerably with Jordan. By buying that patrol [road grader], I am almost as wonderful as "he-Man" [JJ's favorite cartoon at the time]. He and Ryan and Preston spent most of the day down in the field "driving" it.
Saturday, June 22, 1985
Pauline totally forgot that today was the day for her Relief Society Lesson. I got a lot of compliments on what a fine job she did, and I thought that strange because the week before her monthly lessons are usually a little strained at our house as she fights to find time to prepare. It turned out that she had totally forgotten it, and had to teach it "by the spirit." Those are the best kind, and I am very proud to have a wife that is capable of pulling off something like that.
Saturday, June 22, 1985
At three this afternoon Rowland, Chris and I got in the van and drove to Durango to look at a Case 780 Back-hoe/loader owned by one Jack Carmack. Mr. Carmack sold out to Century, and this backhoe was the last piece of equipment he had. Prior to talking to Jack we had looked at everything Century had, and we were really impressed with the Carmack 780. We drove it, worked it, looked at it, and I wrote him out a check for $16,000 which I hope will be one of the bargains of my life. The machine is in excellent condition, and they are around $80,000 new.
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Tuesday, June 25, 1985
Jordan must have asked me 50 times today if the new "Traco" (backhoe) was going to come. Maybe tomorrow.
Everything is up in Jordan's little garden now, and he is so proud and excited about it. Quite a kid, Jordan.
Saturday, June 29, 1985
Joe and I mowed the lawn at Park Plaza. Jordan insisted on running one of the big mowers and sheared off a sprinkler head in the process. ...
Replaced the sprinkler head Jordan killed at Park Plaza and went to Scott Hansen's wedding reception.
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| JJ with siblings and cousins in Dad's new backhoe. I am in the purple sweatshirt and white hat in front. |
Wednesday, July 3, 1985
[In Centerville] ... Luckily I had taken the kids (Jordan too) to a smorgasboard [sic] called Duff's and we had really tanked up, so no-one was starving tonight.
Friday, July 5, 1985
After a nap, we packed up, got the trailer operable and headed for the mountain. Camped out. Jessie got sick and Polly and I brought her home at two in the morning. Wasn't disappointed, however, because the waterbed sure beats the ground, and my lovely Lady and I did not let the moment pass.
Saturday, July 6, 1985
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| Paul on the pineapple-picking line in Hawaii. |
It was hot and the flies were worse than I ever remember, but we got five full pickup loads (filled the trailer) before we came home.
Despite the heat, I really enjoyed the day. The boys worked good. Joe broke the back window in the truck, but other than that we had a good day.
NOTE: I was sitting in the cab of the truck when Joe threw a log that hit the back window and came crashing through nearly hitting me on the back of the head as glass shards splattered all around me. Fortunately, I was unharmed by the incident. I also recall the thickness of the flies that Dad mentioned. I have never experienced flies like that before or since in the Blue Mountains.
Sunday, July 7, 1985
Dad ordained me a High Priest in the High Council room with the family, Juan Hansen, and Dick Broderick present. I am pleased to be so ordained. I enjoy the older men.
NOTE: I remember this day. Grandpa ordained Dad a High Priest at 41 years and 8.5 months old. Nearly 40 years later, on January 20, 2023, I was likewise ordained, at age 43 years and 5 months old.
Wednesday, July 10, 1985
We went down to the land and got some redwood and Wayne started his Eagle project in the shop tonight. He is going to build a bench and put it in concrete at the [Monticello City] park.
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Joe and Jordan and I took a trip into the Colorado mountains today. Went to Delores thence to Rico, thence to Telluride. Found out at Telluride that Imogene pass still was not open, but we went up the mountain to the top of bridal veil falls and enjoyed looking around. What spectacular country.
Sunday, July 14, 1985
Got up early with Polly and enjoyed walking around the yards and talking as she did the watering.
I went down to the cemetery for an hour this morning. Dick Broderick is doing such a good job there, and it was so peaceful and quiet. I thought over and over again of how blessed we are to live in a town where we have such a heritage, and are really such a part of things because of our pioneer forefathers. I thought of the many sacrifices they have made that we could have things so good now.
I don't remember when I have been happier, and I am so grateful to the Lord for allowing me to experience so much in such relative comfort.
Wrote a letter to the Editor when I got back about Dorothy Adams and all she has done to beautify Monticello this summer, and how wonderful it would be if we all were more like her.
Monday, July 15, 1985
Wayne poured the concrete pad for the bench that he built at the park for his Eagle Project today. Really looks nice. Will be something to be proud of for years to come.
NOTE: I "helped" with this concrete project by making a dozen or so little balls of concrete off to the side while my brothers and friends completed the actual work. Twelve (12) years later—nearly to the day—in July 1997, my friends and I built (with Dad's help) a carbon copy of Wayne's bench, which we also set in concrete about 15 feet away to the north of his for my own Eagle Scout project. I was proud to build my own bench next to Wayne's, and to have both of them in the Monticello City Park together for many years. While I was on my mission to Alberta, Canada, Dad attached a little plastic plaque on each bench noting who had built it and for what purpose. These two benches stood together until the City determined it was time to take them both down and install a more permanent, weather-friendly bench sometime in the later 2000s.
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| Wayne's Eagle Project. David and Joe on left. Me in the back in orange shirt having a jolly good time making cement balls. |
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| My older brother, Wayne, and cabin construction. |
We ... spent our first afternoon at the cabin at Sumerset. As is usually the case with anything new, it seemed more difficult. The logs didn't fit quite as I had hoped, and the spikes were harder to drive than I had anticipated, and Joe and Wayne had not had any sleep last night and weren't their usual cheerful selves....nevertheless, we did get started, and that is something considering how long it has been.
Saturday, July 20, 1985
Because my life is in order, this was one of the nicest "Twenty-fourth of July's" ever. ...
Took the kids to the parade. It was a nice parade. Jordan and Jessie got a "hatful" of candy.
Went to the park for two hours. For the first time in my life I really enjoyed being there. Saw a lot of people I hadn't seen for a long time. Had a good talk with Heidi Redd about their recent trip to Europe and Russia—fascinating! We do not appreciate our freedoms as Americans.
Took Joe golfing. Shot a 52. Pauline brought Jordan down and David showed up so things were a bit hectic.
Saturday, July 27, 1985
Spent the rest of the day with the family on the San Juan River. Bobby and Billy Dunow went with us. It was supposed to be a ward affair, but the only ones to show up were the Jewetts, Burninghams, Slades and Liz Miller. We had fun. Jordan and Jessie warmed up to the affair and enjoyed being put into the river in a small tube lashed to the canoe which Pauline and I took with us.
NOTE: I remember parts of this trip, including some of the drive down and the hot, sunny, fun time we had floating in the river. Nine-ten (9-10) years later, I would take 9th and 10th grade English from Liz Miller at Monticello High School. She was a "Hatch" raised in the Mexican Colonies as a young girl. Her husband was our dentist and later our Bishop in the First Ward during my time at MHS.
Friday, August 9, 1985
Jordan slammed his finger in the door just as we were leaving for Farmington. Poor little guy. I hated to leave him, but there was nothing I could do, and the older boys promised to "nurse" him.
NOTE: I remember this incident. It happened in the driveway of our Monticello home on the right side of one of our vehicles (perhaps the blue rabbit hatchback). I don't remember who was to blame for the accidental "slamming," but it was a terribly painful experience and was accompanied by much dramatic sobbing on my part.
Saturday, August 10, 1985
The kids were fine when we arrived. Jordan had healed up. Indeed, the boys said he went swimming and golfing last night after we left. I was glad to see the little mut....what a boy.
Thursday, August 15, 1985
Pauline said something about an equipment sale at MHS this morning as we were on our way to work. I decided to go have a look....I ended up with seven typewriters (five in good condition) two aluminum light poles; a merry-go-round (that was on the MES playground for years) and other assorted treasures. All for the price of $178. I am always a sucker for a bargain. Today was a bonanza.
NOTE: My Bunker cousins and other neighborhood kids and I spent a lot of time playing on this merry-go-round, which Dad situated right across the street from our Monticello home in the vacant lot just north of Aunt Nedra's home. One day, it dawned on the entrepreneur in me that I could turn an easy profit if I started charging kids 10 cents for riding it. I hadn't made too many dimes before Mama and/or Dad caught on to my ploy and explained that the merry-go-round was not there to make me money.
Saturday, August 17, 1985
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| Joe and Wayne up high in cabin. Forty (40) foot beam spoken of in entry at top left. |
Wednesday, August 21, 1985
We almost lost Jordan today. Had a pile of lumber and tarpaper stacked on the edge of the floor on the second level that wasn't very stable. Jordan was fetching something and jumped on the pile, which rocked and then like in slow motion all slid off onto the floor below with a loud crash. Luckily, Jordan had the sense to leap off to safety just as it was all going down. It was in two large holes in the floor, and it took some work to put it all back up, but I shudder every time I think about how close we came. Today was our Fetch-it-Man's sixth birthday. Boy, we sure appreciate having him around. He is probably the best six-year old helper in the country.
Friday, August 23, 1985
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| First day of kindergarten with Bunker cousins (Ryan and Preston) and little sister, Jessie. |
The little village was so crisp and clean today. The feeling came over me several times this morning of how terribly blessed we are, and my heart was full. ...
Picked Jordan up at 11:00 and we went home and had dinner [lunch] together (even eat off of the same plate...which he thinks is pretty dandy) and a nap.
Saturday, August 24, 1985
With all the kids this morning (Jordan and Jody included) we pounded all the decking on the roof portion of the south side of the cabin. Lunch and a rest and the three boys and I almost finished the much more difficult north side. More difficult because of the much steeper slope.
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| Cabin construction, Summer-Fall 1985 North slope to the left and south slope to the right. |
Got some office work done this morning. Picked Jordan and his cute little friend John Young up at 11:00 and took them home for dinner [lunch]. They took some peas to Diane and Paul Redd, and got some corn and tomatoes in return so that is what we had for dinner.
Jody didn't feel well this afternoon so I picked her up and she stayed in bed most of the afternoon. Jordan had a nap. ...
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| Chilling with Bunker Cousins (Ryan & Preston) in front yard of our Monticello home. |
Tuesday, August 27, 1985
Picked Jordan up from school and we went to visit Grandma Jensen. ...
Jody, Jordan and I spent until 9:00 cleaning at #12 in anticipation of Dr. Warren's fiance's arrival tomorrow. The boys mowed the lawn, and with a very big day tomorrow, we should be ready to leave for Salt Lake right after school.
Wednesday, August 28, 1985
It was a long ride. Jordan was his usual hyper-active self, and I was ready for the rubber room when we finally pulled in.
Jordan's Mother was her usual fabulous self, however, and she resurrected what was left of the day (after midnight) with some fabulous togetherness. How I love that woman. I hate the absences, but I sure love the reunions.
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| Grandmother Ruth Pingree Smith |
Slept in and enjoyed the luxury of reading Grandma's Sunday paper, at my leisure. How blessed we are to have Grandma Smith. She seems to enjoy us so, and I so hope that it is not an act. With Jordan around, one never knows.....actually she thinks Jordan is "Quite a little man."
Wednesday, September 4, 1985
David, Jordan and I spent until dark at the cabin. We got the horizontal 2X6' about 80% completed on the north side of the building.
Thursday, September 5, 1985
The boys helped with the roof tonight and we got started on the shingles.
Tuesday, September 10, 1985
Mother (LaVerda) said that Jordan approached her about payment for services rendered and said, "Grandma, I know it would be asking too much to ask for 100 pennies, so how about just one dollar." Vintage Jordan!
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| First paycheck and tithing settlement statement. My arithmetic / memory / understanding was bad on the latter, as I should have paid $2.00 minimum for my first paycheck. Live and learn! I have paid tithing faithfully ever since 1985. |
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| Admiring my first paycheck. |
I recently paid Jordan for his summer of work as our "fetch-it-man." Put $20 in his missionary and paid him $20 by check. Pauline wanted to have a copy of the check, to put in his book, and so I took it to the office and every day since Jordan has asked me about it. Today, he came up and as serious as his little countenance has ever been said, "Dad, when you make that copy of my check, I want you to make an extra copy, so I will have a little extra to spend" .... Oh, wouldn't that be nice. That comment is vintage Jordan.
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| Standing in my garden's ripening corn with my first paycheck. |
Took Pauline, Jessie, Jordan, Jody and Joe and went up to the mountain for our first load of wood since last summer. Someone found our spot and has cut a lot of wood out of the area, but there is still enough for the whole town for years. We cut a heaping truckload and came home and unloaded it. The Mountain is just beautiful now, and it is therapy to my soul to go up there, even to cut wood. We are so blessed to live in a place where we can get a load of wood in an hour or so.
Big earthquake in Mexico City last week. It has been on the news every day since and they are still pulling survivors from the ruins. Again, how blessed we are to live in an area where there is really nothing (natural) that is life or property threatening.
Wednesday, September 25, 1985
David, Jordan and I went up to the mountain and got another full truckload of wood tonight. We worked on clearing a trail up to a good stand of dead standing aspen. Saturday, we should really be able to get into some good stuff.
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| Admiring my first paycheck in the front yard of our Monticello home. |
They were a delightful duo, and we hosted [afterward at our house] a well-attended reception for the fellows after the show.
Thursday, September 26, 1985
Jordan and I got a load of wood tonight all by ourselves. Miss my good helpers. Nevertheless "Tuffets" and I got a whole load below Dalton springs and were home early enough to chop some, and play a little basketball.
NOTE: I have no memory of my Dad ever calling me "Tuffets"; and this was the only time he so referred to me in his journals.
Saturday, September 28, 1985
Doug wanted to go to the mountain with us for wood, and so Joe, Jordan and I went up with the intention of filling the trailer. We got one pickup load into the trailer and a start on the second when the rains came. We packed and headed home just ahead of a pretty good rain storm.
Monday, September 30, 1985
I picked up Jordan and Jessie at noon and out of the blue Jessie said, "Dad, you are going to go to the Devil if you don't quit saying shit." I about died laughing. It is probably true, although I think I am much improved on that score...but her little knitted brow and obvious concern for my salvation was memorable indeed. Kids say the darndest things. ...
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| Riding a Big Wheel with Josh Redd on our tennis court the night spoken of in entry dated Sept. 30. |
Monday, October 14, 1985
Jordan and I walked to where I think I lost my watch last Saturday, but with the snow skiff there was no hope of seeing it. We did see some elk tracks, or the biggest deer tracks I have ever seen.
Thursday, October 17, 1985
I spent the day getting wood. Got three very large loads from the North Creek area. Jordan helped me with the first load, Joe with the second, and David with the third. Our wood pile is really becoming something. Makes me feel good to have a two year supply of fuel. I really enjoy going to the mountains and getting wood. It is the same feeling I get when we put venison in the freezer.
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| The massive woodpile we had accumulated by the winter of 1985-86. JJ is sitting on the pile inside the truck bed with his toy rifle. |
Saturday, October 19, 1985
I spent the day at the cabin with Joe, David and Jordan. We finished forming the driveway area, and poured concrete. It was a tough pour because it was hard to get the truck where we need it because of the slopes. I about wore myself out shoveling concrete. Sure like Rob Young. He is an amiable soul.
We stained the glue-lam beams on the second level this afternoon, preparatory to putting decking on the balcony overhang.
I stayed until dusk removing forms and taking the scars out of the concrete. Glad to have that done, but I am amazed at how long and tedious it gets at times. Was good to have the boys help today.
Tuesday, November 5, 1985
Pauline and I were watching M.A.S.H. tonight after the news when a special bulletin came on Channel 5 reporting the death of President Spencer W. Kimball at 10:08 tonight.
Thursday, November 7, 1985
Pauline and Jordan helped me finish the shingling on the roof this morning. The sunshine was warm and there was virtually no wind. There are still petunias blooming brightly in our back yard and also along the house in front. It is unusual for us to be this late without a hard freeze. Sure love the weather.
Saturday, November 9, 1985
We watched President Kimball's funeral on T.V. from 9-12:30. It was a memorable service for a wonderful human being.
NOTE: My first ever memory of a Prophet of God and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was seeing Spencer W. Kimball's coffin rolled in to the Tabernacle for his funeral. I was watching the action unfold on a little black and white television in my parents bedroom on top of their dresser. Given my height at the time, the television was right about the same height of my eyes.
Though I would never experience President Kimball's leadership or speeches firsthand in my lifetime, I heard and learned much about him in later years. In 2025, I read his Biography written by two of his sons. Given the fact that David O. McKay and Spencer W. Kimball had led the Church for the majority of the years between 1950 and 1985, they were the two leaders that Church members were most familiar with at the time. As such, throughout my youth it was common for my Church leaders and teachers to quote and tell stories about these two leaders in greater quantities than any other general authorities, past or present. As such, I have always felt a certain affinity to both men—and more especially Kimball—even though both men served and led before my time.
Tuesday, November 12, 1985
Paul was sick again today and agreed to keep an eye on Jordan and Jessie for me.
Thursday, November 14, 1985
Paul stayed home with Jordan and Jessie, and that made things considerably easier.
Sunday, November 24, 1985
Between Moab and Monticello, just past Hole-in-the-Rock we hit a small deer. It came across the road so fast that there was no time to react whatsoever. I was going 55 or 60 MPH at the time and we hit it dead-center in the front of the van. It bent the front of the van rather evenly....such that it is hardly noticeable...but we must have blown it apart because there was blood and guts all over the windshield. It could have been a lot worse. We were lucky. It woke the boys up.
Got home without further incident, and were happy to find all the kids in fine fetter.
NOTE: I was not in the van when this incident with the deer occurred. However, I remember that after the van got home and I heard what had happened, I went outside into the garage to examine the blood, guts, and deer hair/fur that was still all over the front of the van.
Monday, December 16, 1985
Slept in. Tended Jordan (who is a little sick with another cold) while Pauline went for a permanent. We had a great time doing exercises, playing UNO and so on. He is so full of life and enthusiastic about everything. Wish more of it would rub off on me.
NOTE: I recall being sick with colds a lot my kindergarten year, and if my memory serves me right, I was absent a full 30 days that school year—far more than any other year of my formal schooling.
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| Lined up by height on Christmas morning. |
Stayed home this morning with Jordan and Jessie while Pauline did her visiting teaching.
Tuesday, December 24, 1985
Mrs. Santa and I went to work dutifully about 10:00. By midnight everything was ready. Pauline is so cute as she plays the annual "game." She loves her children so much, as do I, but I love her so as I watch her revel in their happiness. How blessed I am to have her.
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| Grinning from ear-to-ear next to my Christmas "LOOT" December 25, 1985 |
Grandpa and Grandma Jensen came over about 7:45 and were in the living room when the "troops" marched in. We had a really lovely time. Took until nearly noon to open all the gifts in the one-at-a-time fashion that we normally follow.
It was a lovely day. Sunshine everywhere. We went over and visited the Bunker's after and each child went through their "loot."
—Dr. JJ
Author's Note: This is the 545th Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 327th consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.
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