Sunday, September 23, 2012
Week 10: September 16th- 23rd.
Wednesday we had a young woman come into the institute building just sobbing. We found out she is a member but had not been to church for years. She was on medication for depression and bi-polar syndrome, has a five year old daughter, never married, and lives with her boy friend, who is her financial support. This is not a terribly uncommon story here. We talked to her for an hour or so. I had a young returned missionary come in and assist me in giving her a blessing. Following the blessing one of the young women who often practices the piano here, began doing that - practicing. She was playing 'Nearer My God to Thee'. This troubled YW went in ans sat next to the piano to just listen. In a few minutes they were singing and shortly after, a couple others were singing with them. It brought tears to my eyes to hear them singing and laughing. We were able to get her name, address, and phone number and permission to have the missionaries contact her and possibly her boy friend. Shortly after she left, the Zone Leaders, who are assigned to the YSA Branch, came by to teach the new member discussions to a recently baptised YM. We spoke to them and gave them the information for this YW.
Nan and I have had another great week. Our institute classes are going really well. The Wednesday evening class has grown from the six we had the first week to 12 at our last class. This is the most challenging class we teach because we selected "Scripture Study: Power of the Word" as the subject and the lessons have turned out to be very boring. We have done some things to make them more interesting and decided to actually make them a one hour to 90 minute scripture study session. Instead of teaching them what they should be doing, we are doing it in class. Last week went great. We had students involved and teaching each other. We also brain-stormed on what they wanted to learn about and from now on we will study different gospel principles and doctrine in class. We also will begin next Wednesday giving out 'GOOD JOB' cards. They can earn a card for 1) getting there on time, 2) bringing someone new with them 3) reading their scriptures 6 days during the week, 4) attending 3 weeks in a row and 5)having studied the subject we will discuss. (Nan and I will have done a lot of research on the subject and will have resource material there for them to use each week during class.) When they earn 10 cards they get a reward. We're offering a homemade pie or a fresh baked cinnamon roll from the local Harvest Bread Co. Nan did a similar reward program when she taught institute in Santaquin many years ago and the YSAs seemed to enjoy the program. We're hoping the GOOD JOB program will encourage attendance and recruitment.
Today we spoke in a small branch about an hour and a half west of Redding. The drive was beautiful but we missed the turn off, which we realized about 10-15 minutes past it. We turned around and found the right road but had 0 extra time at that point on these terribly winding roads. Got there at 9:30 which is when the meeting was suppose to start and no one was there except the branch president and one of his counselors. The meeting started about 9:47. They have their own little building with a meeting room about the size of a small R.S. room that is used as the chapel and adult classroom, a fully equipped kitchen, library, Family History Center (that is not functional just yet), several small classrooms and a baptismal font. We found out that many people in the area grow marijuana in their gardens and on their farms. It is legal in California to grow it for medicinal purposes. Interesting to say the least. After the meetings they served a pot luck meal to the branch members there. The branch president said that in the last year attendance has grown from a few to about 20. We had about 15 there today. One brother came in during the combined RS and Priesthood with a T-shirt and cut off jeans. Great guy - participated in the lesson, stayed for the dinner, helped clean up then left. He was the son of one of the older sisters, who said she grew up as a local bar tender.
We find we are having one experience after another where we see the hand of the Lord at work. We also see His hand taking care of our children while we are gone and blessing us as we teach and work with the young people in Redding.
Have a great week. Kent and Nan (Elder and Sister Barlow)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Week 9: 10-16 September 2012
WOW! Not a lot has happened this week.
We both taught classes, prepared lessons, ate out a few times, and just did our general "missionary" stuff.
Friday, however, was a lot different. Our Branch has reservations at the Medord, OR temple to do endowments and baptisms. Because it's a 2.5 hour drive from Redding to Medford, Kent and I decided to drive half-way on Friday. We left Redding about 5 p.m. and drove to Mt. Shasta. We had dinner at the Brown Bear - a famous mom-n-pop place here in CA. We stayed at the Alpine Lodge. Now, before you get all happy and feeling great about us staying at an Alpine lodge, let me tell you - it was a clean, small motel with great TV reception and lots of cable channels. Simple but sufficient. We were in heaven. The "Continental Breakfast" offered was cute: small bottles of Sunny-D, prepackaged 'Danish,' fresh fruit, fruit snacks, peanut butter crackers, Activia yogurt, and granola bars. We had some of everything and were quite satisfied.
We attending the 11:30 a.m. endowment session which didn't start until 11:45. We had been scheduled for the 1:30 session but since we got to the Temple at 11:27 we thought we would ask if it was too late to get in the 11:30 endowment. The Temple President at the Recommend Desk told us "If you can be ready in 5 minutes you'll get in." So we hustled off. We probably didn't make it in 5 minutes, but we weren't the last ones to be admitted to the endowment room before the doors to the room were finally closed. I was so surprised to see how small the Temple is. I have never been to one of the smaller temples. It was a very special trip.
We arrived back in Redding in time to help set up for the Back-to-School BBQ the Branch and Institute were sponsoring. Kent cooked huge hot dogs and Polish sausage. Brook made potato salad. I cut up watermelon. And there was lots and lots and lots of sodas. The kids played sand volleyball before and after dinner. Kent and I helped clean up and headed home. It had been a long day.
Ahhhhh, the Sabbath Day. A day of spiritual infusion and rest. And, Happy Rosh Hashanah to us all.
_____
Nan failed to mention the lunch we prepared for Friday Forum. She made her famous spaghetti with sausage (2lbs) and hamburger (4lbs). We did have a good turn out to this forum, about 20 showed and cleaned up the food pretty well. The apple cobbler (brown betty) was also almost completely wiped out even though she quadrupled the recepite. We are cooking lots for different things. Food is always a draw.
Things are going well. Busy but good.
Kent
We both taught classes, prepared lessons, ate out a few times, and just did our general "missionary" stuff.
Friday, however, was a lot different. Our Branch has reservations at the Medord, OR temple to do endowments and baptisms. Because it's a 2.5 hour drive from Redding to Medford, Kent and I decided to drive half-way on Friday. We left Redding about 5 p.m. and drove to Mt. Shasta. We had dinner at the Brown Bear - a famous mom-n-pop place here in CA. We stayed at the Alpine Lodge. Now, before you get all happy and feeling great about us staying at an Alpine lodge, let me tell you - it was a clean, small motel with great TV reception and lots of cable channels. Simple but sufficient. We were in heaven. The "Continental Breakfast" offered was cute: small bottles of Sunny-D, prepackaged 'Danish,' fresh fruit, fruit snacks, peanut butter crackers, Activia yogurt, and granola bars. We had some of everything and were quite satisfied.
We attending the 11:30 a.m. endowment session which didn't start until 11:45. We had been scheduled for the 1:30 session but since we got to the Temple at 11:27 we thought we would ask if it was too late to get in the 11:30 endowment. The Temple President at the Recommend Desk told us "If you can be ready in 5 minutes you'll get in." So we hustled off. We probably didn't make it in 5 minutes, but we weren't the last ones to be admitted to the endowment room before the doors to the room were finally closed. I was so surprised to see how small the Temple is. I have never been to one of the smaller temples. It was a very special trip.
We arrived back in Redding in time to help set up for the Back-to-School BBQ the Branch and Institute were sponsoring. Kent cooked huge hot dogs and Polish sausage. Brook made potato salad. I cut up watermelon. And there was lots and lots and lots of sodas. The kids played sand volleyball before and after dinner. Kent and I helped clean up and headed home. It had been a long day.
Ahhhhh, the Sabbath Day. A day of spiritual infusion and rest. And, Happy Rosh Hashanah to us all.
_____
Nan failed to mention the lunch we prepared for Friday Forum. She made her famous spaghetti with sausage (2lbs) and hamburger (4lbs). We did have a good turn out to this forum, about 20 showed and cleaned up the food pretty well. The apple cobbler (brown betty) was also almost completely wiped out even though she quadrupled the recepite. We are cooking lots for different things. Food is always a draw.
Things are going well. Busy but good.
Kent
Week 8: 3 - 9 September, 2012
Since Monday was Labor Day and schools were closed, we didn't have to teach any classes on the 3rd. There are two other senior missionary couples in our general area. While we were at the 1/2 Mission Conference on 22 August, Elder Tipton suggested we "seniors" get together once a month for dinner and visiting. We three senior couples (Tiptons, Whitings, Barlows) planned to meet at the Tiptons home in Red Bluff (about 30 minutes from Redding) and then have dinner at a place of their choice. We went to a little Tai restaurant and then back to the Tipton's for dessert. We all told about our children and grandchildren and told some funny stories. It was a nice evening. We decided to get together in October, meeting here at our apartment. Kent and I have to choose the restaurant. That means we have to go out to dinner a few times this month so we can sample the food. Don't know what I'll serve for dessert.
We received said news on Tuesday, 4 September. Kent's Uncle Mayben died that day. He had been in declining health for the past few years so his passing is actually a blessing. Aunt Merna and her children scheduled the funeral services for Thursday, the 6th. Uncle Mayben was a strength to the whole family and he will be greatly missed.
On Wednesday, the 5th, I taught the Institute Evening class. The lesson was a general discussion about the Standard Works - when they were written, how they came to be, what good they are for us today. Not a hard lesson to prepare but a very hard lesson to make interesting. We had about 13 students attend. We're hoping attendance will increase in the next few weeks.
The kids played tag football for "Games Night" on Thursday so Kent and I stayed home in our comfy, cool apartment and did our own thing.
Friday Forum was a success (as usual). We have learned, if we feed them - they will come. We served taco salad with pumpkin pie for dessert. Yes, pumpkin pie - Brook loves pumpkin pie and she was in charge of buying the food. The guest speaker had to cancel so Brook showed a video of children answering questions about God, church, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, etc. It was really cute.
The sunday evening CES Fireside featuring Elder Holland as the speaker was great. Unfortunately, only 6 YSAs attended at the Stake Center. Now that church firesides can be viewed on the internet, over telephones, ipads, etc., the young people just don't bother going to the Stake Centers to view the broadcasts. We were hopeful most/some of the kids did use their electronic devices to view the meeting but when we asked around, no one we asked had bothered with it. Such a shame. I love Elder Holland. He has such a powerful way of expressing his feelings. When he has finished speaking one can have no doubt as to his feelings on the subject.
We still walk every morning (except Sunday) and enjoy that time of day when the air is cool and the streets aren't busy. We pass a gentleman every day. One day he stopped us and asked, "Are you going to be doing this when you're 87?" We both answered at the same time, "No." I asked, "How 'bout you? You going to be walking when you're 87?" His answer: "You bet. I'm coming up on my 88th birthday." We told him about Kent's mom still walking and doing exerices. He said "Good for her!" This guy doesn't look 87 (of course it is 6:30 a.m. so maybe my eyes are deceiving me) but he sure moves along at a great pace. I don't think I'll ever be as trim as he, but I plan to still be walking when I'm 87.
I'm still trying to find a way to make "Church History in the Fulness of Times" as interesting to the students as it is to me. I love history so I'm always excited to share what information I have. I just can't seem to infuse my excitement into the students. Kent has suggested using some of the Church video clips. I'm going to take his suggestion.
That's it for Week No. 8. The Church is still true and the Barlows are still happy.
We received said news on Tuesday, 4 September. Kent's Uncle Mayben died that day. He had been in declining health for the past few years so his passing is actually a blessing. Aunt Merna and her children scheduled the funeral services for Thursday, the 6th. Uncle Mayben was a strength to the whole family and he will be greatly missed.
On Wednesday, the 5th, I taught the Institute Evening class. The lesson was a general discussion about the Standard Works - when they were written, how they came to be, what good they are for us today. Not a hard lesson to prepare but a very hard lesson to make interesting. We had about 13 students attend. We're hoping attendance will increase in the next few weeks.
The kids played tag football for "Games Night" on Thursday so Kent and I stayed home in our comfy, cool apartment and did our own thing.
Friday Forum was a success (as usual). We have learned, if we feed them - they will come. We served taco salad with pumpkin pie for dessert. Yes, pumpkin pie - Brook loves pumpkin pie and she was in charge of buying the food. The guest speaker had to cancel so Brook showed a video of children answering questions about God, church, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, etc. It was really cute.
The sunday evening CES Fireside featuring Elder Holland as the speaker was great. Unfortunately, only 6 YSAs attended at the Stake Center. Now that church firesides can be viewed on the internet, over telephones, ipads, etc., the young people just don't bother going to the Stake Centers to view the broadcasts. We were hopeful most/some of the kids did use their electronic devices to view the meeting but when we asked around, no one we asked had bothered with it. Such a shame. I love Elder Holland. He has such a powerful way of expressing his feelings. When he has finished speaking one can have no doubt as to his feelings on the subject.
We still walk every morning (except Sunday) and enjoy that time of day when the air is cool and the streets aren't busy. We pass a gentleman every day. One day he stopped us and asked, "Are you going to be doing this when you're 87?" We both answered at the same time, "No." I asked, "How 'bout you? You going to be walking when you're 87?" His answer: "You bet. I'm coming up on my 88th birthday." We told him about Kent's mom still walking and doing exerices. He said "Good for her!" This guy doesn't look 87 (of course it is 6:30 a.m. so maybe my eyes are deceiving me) but he sure moves along at a great pace. I don't think I'll ever be as trim as he, but I plan to still be walking when I'm 87.
I'm still trying to find a way to make "Church History in the Fulness of Times" as interesting to the students as it is to me. I love history so I'm always excited to share what information I have. I just can't seem to infuse my excitement into the students. Kent has suggested using some of the Church video clips. I'm going to take his suggestion.
That's it for Week No. 8. The Church is still true and the Barlows are still happy.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Week 7: 27 August - 2 September 2012
Monday, the 27th, was our first day of Institute classes. I taught "Church History in the Fulness of Times" at 11 a.m. and Kent taught "Doctrine and Covenants" at 1 p.m. We felt both our classes went well. I teach Mon/Wed at 11 and Tues/Thur at 10 a.m. Kent teaches Mon/Wed at 1 p.m. - no Tues/Thur class for him.
On Tuesday I had an appointment to have my hair cut. I know that doesn't sound important enough to put in our Blog, but I was so pleased with the cut. Ever since we arrived in Redding I have been worrying about finding someone to cut my hair that I could trust as much as I have trusted Rami Nelson these past 17 years. I wanted a stylist who would cut my hair the way I wanted it cut. The Institute Admin. Assistant (Brook) recommended a stylist who turned out to be just what I was looking for. A good plus to the whole things is - my pleasure with my cut gave Brook a sense of satisfaction.
On Wednesday evening Kent taught the first "Scripture Study: The Power of the Word" class. Several of the members of the Branch came to support us even though they are not taking the class for college credit. There were 12 in attendance. Another class well taught. I'll teach next week.
Friday Forum was a huge success. On Friday at noon Brook, Kent and I served a home-cooked luncheon to anyone who wanted to come. As is the custom, Brook arranged for a speaker. Recently returned missionary, Mike Espanosa, showed pictures and told about his mission to Columbia. It was really interesting. He did a great job. One of the things I found funny was the picture of "cow stomach soup" he showed. It looked just as awful as the "cow stomach soup" picture Tyson sent us while on his mission in Argentina. I asked Mike if cow stomach soup was a South American food. He didn't know. He said since a member gave them the soup to take with them, they didn't actually eat it because it looked and smelled so badly. Tyson told us the same story. As long as the soup was given to be eaten later, they didn't feel badly about throwing it away. It really does look awful!
This week was when I realized how much I truly miss family and friends. We have been so busy getting accalmated - finding stores we like, getting our apartment set up, preparing lessons to be taught - we haven't had time to realize we're out here all by ourselves without the family and friend social network that supported us in Santaquin. It's nice, however, to have a companion I'm so comfortable with. It helps that the 2nd Ward R.S. is keeping me up-to-date with Ward happenings. We're still getting mail from grandchildren and Kent's mom sends a great letter every week.
For today's "Break the Fast" meal after our block of meetings we fixed good old fashioned pot roast. It turned out great. Brook (the AA at the Institute) recommened a meat market. R & R Meats is about a 10 minute drive from the apartment. WOW! What a place. When we entered we were instructed to take a number. We waited for our turn about 5 minutes. We used that time to look through all the meats behind the glass cases (just like an old fashioned meat counter). Another WOW! They had everything, even fresh fish. And the wonderful thing is - the prices were very reasonable. We bought the pot roast and some chicken. We've decided to go back to the meat market every other week. It was a real treat of a store.
We, of course, were not the only ones to bring food for the Break-the-Fast. There were salads, lasagna, pork ribs and several desserts. It's a fun tradition the Branch has been doing for a while. Everyone in the Branch signs up to bring something to eat or to help set up and take down. Then we all eat together just like a huge family.
I used some of my Amazon.com gift card credit and purchased Scrabble for my Kindle. My basic skills show I know what the game is and how to play. I'm not very good but it's been fun playing against the computer. The computer always wins but that's all right too. I'm getting better. I need to buy a dictionary (that's one thing Kent and I discussed bringing with us but decided not to). The computer plays words I don't think I've ever heard spoken or seen written. This will be a great learning activity and something to keep my mind going strong.
That's it. Another week of being a part of God's Army and we're loving it.
On Tuesday I had an appointment to have my hair cut. I know that doesn't sound important enough to put in our Blog, but I was so pleased with the cut. Ever since we arrived in Redding I have been worrying about finding someone to cut my hair that I could trust as much as I have trusted Rami Nelson these past 17 years. I wanted a stylist who would cut my hair the way I wanted it cut. The Institute Admin. Assistant (Brook) recommended a stylist who turned out to be just what I was looking for. A good plus to the whole things is - my pleasure with my cut gave Brook a sense of satisfaction.
On Wednesday evening Kent taught the first "Scripture Study: The Power of the Word" class. Several of the members of the Branch came to support us even though they are not taking the class for college credit. There were 12 in attendance. Another class well taught. I'll teach next week.
Friday Forum was a huge success. On Friday at noon Brook, Kent and I served a home-cooked luncheon to anyone who wanted to come. As is the custom, Brook arranged for a speaker. Recently returned missionary, Mike Espanosa, showed pictures and told about his mission to Columbia. It was really interesting. He did a great job. One of the things I found funny was the picture of "cow stomach soup" he showed. It looked just as awful as the "cow stomach soup" picture Tyson sent us while on his mission in Argentina. I asked Mike if cow stomach soup was a South American food. He didn't know. He said since a member gave them the soup to take with them, they didn't actually eat it because it looked and smelled so badly. Tyson told us the same story. As long as the soup was given to be eaten later, they didn't feel badly about throwing it away. It really does look awful!
This week was when I realized how much I truly miss family and friends. We have been so busy getting accalmated - finding stores we like, getting our apartment set up, preparing lessons to be taught - we haven't had time to realize we're out here all by ourselves without the family and friend social network that supported us in Santaquin. It's nice, however, to have a companion I'm so comfortable with. It helps that the 2nd Ward R.S. is keeping me up-to-date with Ward happenings. We're still getting mail from grandchildren and Kent's mom sends a great letter every week.
For today's "Break the Fast" meal after our block of meetings we fixed good old fashioned pot roast. It turned out great. Brook (the AA at the Institute) recommened a meat market. R & R Meats is about a 10 minute drive from the apartment. WOW! What a place. When we entered we were instructed to take a number. We waited for our turn about 5 minutes. We used that time to look through all the meats behind the glass cases (just like an old fashioned meat counter). Another WOW! They had everything, even fresh fish. And the wonderful thing is - the prices were very reasonable. We bought the pot roast and some chicken. We've decided to go back to the meat market every other week. It was a real treat of a store.
We, of course, were not the only ones to bring food for the Break-the-Fast. There were salads, lasagna, pork ribs and several desserts. It's a fun tradition the Branch has been doing for a while. Everyone in the Branch signs up to bring something to eat or to help set up and take down. Then we all eat together just like a huge family.
I used some of my Amazon.com gift card credit and purchased Scrabble for my Kindle. My basic skills show I know what the game is and how to play. I'm not very good but it's been fun playing against the computer. The computer always wins but that's all right too. I'm getting better. I need to buy a dictionary (that's one thing Kent and I discussed bringing with us but decided not to). The computer plays words I don't think I've ever heard spoken or seen written. This will be a great learning activity and something to keep my mind going strong.
That's it. Another week of being a part of God's Army and we're loving it.
Week 6: 20 Aug - 26 Aug 2012
Monday, the 20th, and Tuesday, the 21st, found us starting our Institute work schedule. We're back to being "9-5ers." Well, actually, only "9-4ers" but that doesn't sound as cool.
The highlight of the week was going to the "One-Half Mission Conference" in Gridley, CA. Gridley is about 1.5 hours from Redding. The drive was mostly beautiful as we drove through huge almond, walnut and chestnut orchards. Elder (of the First Quorum of the Seventy) and Sister Cardon were the guest speakers for the Conference. The Conference started at 9:30 with counsel from John Weston, our Mission President and the Cardons. The sisters of the Anderson Stake provided lunch at noon and the Conference was concluded at 4 p.m. It was wonderful to be surrounded by all the young missionaries. It was fun to see their happy reactions to reuniting with former companions. And the singing - oh how I would love to be able to listen to those young men and women sing all day.
Not much happened the rest of the week. We worked on preparing lessons to be taught and mixed and mingled with the young people as they came to the Institute building to just "hang out." We have learned this mission is as much about running a Center for Young Adults as it is about teaching Institute. We will probably have as much or more influence outside the classroom as in the classroom. Several of the young people bring non-member friends with them to spend a few hours just relaxing and playing games. It's good to hear laughter and light banter between them. Makes me feel almost young again.
Saturday was a fun day. We went to the city of French Gulch to celebrate with the locals their "Old West Days." The entire town is only about 2 SLC blocks long. But little doesn't mean the residents don't know how to celebrate. There were booths selling everything from food to antiques. Ladies displayed their wares by hanging them on the fences outside their homes. The parade featured the French Gulch pipe band, the Tractor Club (yes, there is actually a Tractor Club with vintage tractors perfectly restored and running smoothly), Mountain Men and Women, American Indian ancestors, 1 fire engine, horses (with accompanying pooper-scoopers), an authentic stagecoach that gave rides up and down Main Street after the parade, a political hopeful, and a home-grown French Gulch gal who is a member of our Branch and a State Champion in discus, hammer and shot put. She has won a full-ride scholarship to Weber State and will start there in January. Jazmin, a new convert, is the reason we traveled to French Gulch for the town celebration. The "color commentators" are local Redding "celebrities" who own a radio station here. They told of the earlier days of French Gulch when there were 5 saloons, 2 churches, a school, a company store, post office/jail combo, and 3 houses of ill repute all within the 2 block area. We enjoyed sno-cones, foot-long hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, several musical, dance and acrobatic acts, browsing through the antiques in the French Gulch Hotel Bed and Breakfast, and lots of craft booths. We're still amazed that this little former gold-mining town has an operating hotel. We can't figure out why anyone would stay in a hotel in French Gulch. When we went into the hotel lobby it wasn't immediately apparent it was an operating hotel. There were several tables covered with things to buy - some antique some not. However, there was a gentleman who appeared to be the proprietor so Kent asked about the hotel rates. We were even more amazed when he said, "$100 per weekday night and $120 on weekends." With those rates we're absolutely stunned the hotel stays open. It was an exceptionally fun morning. Jazmin was so surprised to see us. The smile on her face made the trip perfect.
So that's it for Week 6. We're keepin' the faith and carrying on.
The highlight of the week was going to the "One-Half Mission Conference" in Gridley, CA. Gridley is about 1.5 hours from Redding. The drive was mostly beautiful as we drove through huge almond, walnut and chestnut orchards. Elder (of the First Quorum of the Seventy) and Sister Cardon were the guest speakers for the Conference. The Conference started at 9:30 with counsel from John Weston, our Mission President and the Cardons. The sisters of the Anderson Stake provided lunch at noon and the Conference was concluded at 4 p.m. It was wonderful to be surrounded by all the young missionaries. It was fun to see their happy reactions to reuniting with former companions. And the singing - oh how I would love to be able to listen to those young men and women sing all day.
Not much happened the rest of the week. We worked on preparing lessons to be taught and mixed and mingled with the young people as they came to the Institute building to just "hang out." We have learned this mission is as much about running a Center for Young Adults as it is about teaching Institute. We will probably have as much or more influence outside the classroom as in the classroom. Several of the young people bring non-member friends with them to spend a few hours just relaxing and playing games. It's good to hear laughter and light banter between them. Makes me feel almost young again.
Saturday was a fun day. We went to the city of French Gulch to celebrate with the locals their "Old West Days." The entire town is only about 2 SLC blocks long. But little doesn't mean the residents don't know how to celebrate. There were booths selling everything from food to antiques. Ladies displayed their wares by hanging them on the fences outside their homes. The parade featured the French Gulch pipe band, the Tractor Club (yes, there is actually a Tractor Club with vintage tractors perfectly restored and running smoothly), Mountain Men and Women, American Indian ancestors, 1 fire engine, horses (with accompanying pooper-scoopers), an authentic stagecoach that gave rides up and down Main Street after the parade, a political hopeful, and a home-grown French Gulch gal who is a member of our Branch and a State Champion in discus, hammer and shot put. She has won a full-ride scholarship to Weber State and will start there in January. Jazmin, a new convert, is the reason we traveled to French Gulch for the town celebration. The "color commentators" are local Redding "celebrities" who own a radio station here. They told of the earlier days of French Gulch when there were 5 saloons, 2 churches, a school, a company store, post office/jail combo, and 3 houses of ill repute all within the 2 block area. We enjoyed sno-cones, foot-long hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, several musical, dance and acrobatic acts, browsing through the antiques in the French Gulch Hotel Bed and Breakfast, and lots of craft booths. We're still amazed that this little former gold-mining town has an operating hotel. We can't figure out why anyone would stay in a hotel in French Gulch. When we went into the hotel lobby it wasn't immediately apparent it was an operating hotel. There were several tables covered with things to buy - some antique some not. However, there was a gentleman who appeared to be the proprietor so Kent asked about the hotel rates. We were even more amazed when he said, "$100 per weekday night and $120 on weekends." With those rates we're absolutely stunned the hotel stays open. It was an exceptionally fun morning. Jazmin was so surprised to see us. The smile on her face made the trip perfect.
So that's it for Week 6. We're keepin' the faith and carrying on.
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