Getting closer!

Chad is home for a few days. While he is here, he's getting his missionary physical done. He can put his papers in March 30, so we're trying to pace ourselves accordingly. Pam has put up a "where is he going" chart on our wall. Everyone that visits is supposed to write where they think he'll go.

He and a few of his friends when snowboarding at Snowbowl in Flagstaff yesterday. They still aren't home because they got snowed in.

It appears my little trip to Cibola to show where the old farm was has turned into a full fledged reunion. People are flying in from Nebraska and Missouri to participate. I hope they won't be dissapointed as there is really not a whole lot to see.

I appreciate all the old stories I got from everyone.....none. I figured as much. So, I'm gonna just make a bunch up like the time Howard wrestled with a bear and HB lost a foot race to Potter. Oh wait, that one is true.

Anyway, back to Chad, we have to send in a photo with his missionary papers. I'm posted a few for you (my loyal readers) to choose from. Number 1 is the Castro look if he goes to Cuba. Number 2 is I don't care where I go. Numbers 3 & 4 are generic how do I become an assistant looks and number 5 is I can hang in the ghetto if I get sent to Detroit look.

I need some help!

Next weekend, the 23-24th of February, I'm taking several of the Arnett cousins to Cibola to campout and view the old hacienda. It appears that several of the sons and grandchildren of both Marvin and Fred are coming to see where the the plane crash happened, etc. I have worked out a deal with the Cibola National Wildlife refuge to hook us up with a guide to take us back into the places we need to be. They are also writing a history of the Cibola area and need photos and information. It's part of the trade off.

I also spoke with Sharon Marriott, formerly of Orem, and Louie Bishop's granddaughter, she is going to allow us to stay and camp on their place. She also asked for any photos we have showing her family, land, etc. It appears that she really would like to see something on the old Skip's camp and Bob and Zetta Bishop.

So anyway, here's what I need and I really am appealing for help. I need any stories, photos, history, home movies, etc., that I can make copies of and get to the refuge people and to the Marriotts. Hb's story of the shooting of the rat on the wall written up would be great. Any other stories would also be appreciated. Stories aout Fiddler, Machata, Potter, the Beaver Bros, etc. I know the old fogies don't read this, but the younger ones do. Could you please use your influence to help me. It's important to me and to others that we do this.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I really want some sort of marker or plaque with Howard's name on it to show what he did. This refuge has thousands of people go there every year to hunt and bird watch. They do it on land that was cleared, farmed and homesteaded by your father and grandfather. He put his life into it. It just seems to me he deserves some recognition for what he did.

I'm not asking for anything other than photos, etc. I'll do the rest.