The Traditional Thanksgiving

Some say the traditional Thanksgiving began in Plymouth. For me it was a gathering at one of homes of my aunts or uncles in Manassa. The family packed in so tightly that there was hardly enough room to move. There was roast turkey, sage dressing, stuffed celery, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad, fresh rolls, and plenty of pie. The menu was not as important to me as the closeness I felt with those I loved and a sense of belonging to something larger than I.

There was laughter and sharing. There was sharing of family news, encouragement, and love. As I remember, uncles would often disappear to a nearby home to watch a football game after the meal. The women would clean up the tables and the kitchen. As kids, we would play and laugh and build a stronger bond with one another.

I still try to have family gatherings with my children. Will there ever be another like those we had in Manassa?

Sadie Hawkins Day

When I was in high school, I had a real affinity to reading the "Lil' Abner" comic strip. I was even able to draw most of the characters. This interest in Dogpatch, the home of Lil Abner and his girlfriend, Daisy May, was shared by others in my comunity. Each year, the school had a Sadie Hawkins dance in which the girls could ask the boys out.

I was a Sophomore in High School when I went to my first Sadie Hawkins dance. I was invited by a very smart girl in my class. I felt a bit nervous, but I donned by cut off levis, my burlap belt, and my flannel shirt. My date picked me up and pinned her cabbage corsage on my shoulder and we were off to the school.

I don't remember all of the details because it was such a long, long time ago. I do remember the bails of hay that we sat on and some of the booths around the school gymnasium. The one that holds a grip on my memory was the kissing booth. It was like a square tent made with dark blankets or something. I entered the booth hand in hand terrified of what came next. I had never kissed a girl before and wasn't sure I was ready to do that just yet. I extended my hand and shook her hand. She pulled her hand back and exclaimed, "You fink!"

The rest of the evening was cold and uncomfortable, and not just because I was wearing cut off levis.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to a special Sister - Bonnie! I know I don't always remember everyone's birthday. But I want all to know that you are loved and I really do appreciate your love.

I know our family has had some really fun times with 'Aunt Bonnie'. The children have all thought a lot of you, Bonnie, as do Don and I. You have a special talent and spirit about you. I remember one time when two little girls were going to run away from home and go to Aunt Bonnie's! (who lived not too far in another trailer park in Alamosa)

I also remember when I became Bonnie's sister, she wasn't sure she wanted to share her 'big' brother, but I am glad she did! Love ya.

Our Last Year in Romeo

We moved into the Paul weddington house. It was on the northeast corner of the block that Shirley Sorenson lived in. We lived there until two months after I was married. This letter was written when Dad was moving from that house that is explained in the letter. The only house that I lived in, in the town of Romeo, is the house that I just described. That is where we lived when Nona and Moine and Arlo and I dated. We were together most of the time as we courted.

One day when we lived there, someone came into my class room at school and said "Gatha, your house is on fire". I jumped over a desk and ran as fast as I could to the house and Barbara had ironed a dress to wear to school and left the iron on. It burned a hole in the ironing boar and was starting to burn the floor. We got there in time to put the fire out.

There was always something going on. Life was not easy without a mom. When I have heard people complain about their moms I would say, "I'll trade you places.

Outhouse Lore

Everybody who grew up in Manassa has heard outhouse stories. We were well acquainted with outhouses as more than two of the homes we lived in in Manassa had no indoor plumbing at one time.

There's many a story of a Halloween prank of tipping outhouses. There was a time that one was tipped over on the door and there was someone inside. Luckily for the pranksters, it was tipped over on the door. The big, wide shouldered man could not get out through the hole in the seat quickly enough to get ahold of them. There's another story of a family that was tired of their outhouse being tipped over each year. They moved the outhouse back about three feet, and a group of would be outhouse tippers became involuntary drop ins. I am not sure at this time of my life which were yarns and which were dramatically enhanced retelling of historically based incidents.

I remember the Sears and Roebuck catalog. The pages were a lot rougher than the soft toilet paper that replaced the catalogs when we began using the porcelain pot in the house. It was also nice to get rid of the canopy under the bed when we finally got indoor plumbing in the house on 3rd street. The outhouse became the shed for the garden tools.

I found this interesting outhouse Web site that shows the wide variety of outhouses. The most intriguing to me is the two story outhouse. I've often wondered what happens to those on the lower floor when the upper floor is in use.

Bonnie some years ago created a ceramic likeness of our outhouse in back yard and the moon, the dog, Mom, and Dad. I enjoyed it for a lot of years. It now hangs in Andrea's home. Maybe we can talk her into taking a snapshot of it to share. I thought Bonnie succeeded in capturing the essentials of successful outhouse use in a few pieces of clay.

This portion posted by Andrea:
This is part of the ceramic creation that Bonnie made and I have hanging in my bathroom. Unfortunately, shortly after this picture was taken G'pa perished by way of vibration from my new bathroom cabinet. He fell off the wall and landed, all of him, in the bathtub in about 100 pieces. :*-(

Letter to Keith

Photo of Leon's Family

Special Day for you know who...

Here is the birthday gal before arrival of guests!



See the lovely flowers. A corsage from the Vances in Texas and an arrangement from the Vances in Colorado. They were great! The Cake from the family in Washington Fields.

It was a special time to honor a special person! Grandma Gatha had a special afternoon with many family and friends coming by sharing cake and showing love. It was a time to let her know that many love her, even those who were not there physically, but in spirit. Thanks to all, especially thanks to Grandma for her special example and love shared to others.

What's a Family for anyway?

My first memories of family were family outings. Some had a purpose, some did not, they were just outings. We went camping together, we went to church together, we worked together, at times, we just hung out together. I've wondered at times what the purpose of families anyway?

Today my family is gathering for a special purpose. They are celebrating my Mother's 80th birthday. We're not all there, but we would be if we could. We all want to tell he we love her, and in a way express that same love for each other.

Dad loved the mountains and we loved going together in the mountains. We went on some outings that required that we all stretch ourselves. We worked together, we played together, we laughed together, we rested together, and together we would meet our goals. When one of us was tired or discouraged we were encouraged by the other members of our family.

For some of us, life has been hard. We have made choices that had consequences for us and for those we loved. We had loved ones die. We have sometimes had angry words with one another, but there has never been a question that we were loved and that we belonged to a wonderful family. I have never felt that I was unwelcome in a family member's home.

There was a time when the choices I had made in my life had left me feeling that there was very little hope and that I had very little value. During those times, I would visit my little brother and his family. He would call his wife and all seven of his children into the living room, and we would visit. He would put his arm around me and pull me to him as he said to his children, "This is my brother and I love him." That little gesture would give me the strength and courage to get back out there and keep trying to get my life in order.

I think in this we find the purpose of families. I believe that together we are stronger than any one of us is individually. I, like Nephi of old, was born of goodly parents. I have parents, siblings, a spouse, children, and grandchildren that love me. They love me for who I am. That love has never been conditional. That love has helped guide my life and keep me trying to overcome my faults and be a better man.

80 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

WE WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU OF A SPECIAL SOMEONE WILLING TO SHARE HER 80TH YEAR OF EXPERIENCE COME THE 24TH. WE WILL BE HAVING A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR GATHA ON SATURDAY, 18TH FROM 2:00-5:00PM AT HER HOME. IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA COME 'BREAK CAKE' WITH US!

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

Why I am what I am

I love life
I love my Savior
I love my family
(My children, their mates, grandchildren
their mates, great grandchildren)
I love each of my children's mates. Gloria,
Betty, Emery, and Jeanette, are choice mates
for my children, and parents for my grandchildren.
I love my parents
I want to be with them forever
I am thankful for my temple sealings. and
the temple sealings of my children.
These things are very precious to me.
I know that God lives and that the laws and
ordinances that are given in the scriptures
are to help us to be happy.
I have never at any time felt disappointed with any
of my family, I don't disapprove of any of you.
I want all of you to be happy.
I believe that the Lord blessed me with great family,
I love everyone of those who are a part of my family.
I am thankful that the Lord gave us agency, so we
can choose what we will be. That is a great blessing.
I am thankful to be an American.
I am thankful for my home.
I have loved our family reunions.
I love my grandchildren, from Marcy to Eric
I love my great grandchildren, from Matthew to little Luke.
I hope that when I meet my parents again that they will
be as pleased with all of us as I am pleased to have each of
my family.
I would like it if I lived close enough to each of you to get
to know each child better than I do.
I loved it when Marcy, Danette, Cory, and the
older grandchildren would see me and come and hug me.
I want every person in my family to know of the love I feel
for each of you.
My family is my joy.
I am a child of God, a child of royal birth. So are each of you.

Boys and trees

I think every boy has a special tree in his life. I can remember several in my life. When we lived across the street from Maggie Weston, there was an old cottonwood tree between our house and Parkers' to the south. When we lived on third street, there was a willow tree between our house and the Haslett's, A cottonwood tree in the front yard with a swing on it, and a hollow apple tree that has special meaning to Donnie. At Elma's there was a tree house on the south side of the property. When Robert was a boy, there were a couple of trees in the yard. In one was his tree house, and in another was a squirrel that was really interesting. In front of Grandma and Grandpa Dunn's house, there was an elm. When Betty and I lived in Longmont, we had a Russian Olive that we replaced with a box elder.

Donnie and Jimmy Parker would climb high in the cottonwood between our homes. I was afraid to follow. I think that was probably one of the things that appealed to them.

The willow between our house and Haslett's had a tree house in it. It had been there for so long that it wasn't clear whether it was on our property on on the Haslett's. The barbed wire had grown into it and was buried beneath the bark.

The elm tree in front of Grandma Dunn's needed pruning. When the job was done, it was cut back radically. I was amazed that there soon was a ball of green growth at the top of the stump. Before long, it looked like a healthy tree again.

The hollow apple tree is where Donnie and his friends hid some Rocky Mountain Spring Water. It was the stump of that tree that give Donnie one of his nicknames when it was burned.

The cottonwood tree between our home and Sowards' to the north had a large, single roped swing. We would jump off of a 55 gallon drum onto the knot of that old swing. We spent many an hour going to and fro on it. I remember when one of my Kreps cousins got into big trouble because he lost a button swinging on that swing.

There was a treehouse in Elma's yard, but it was different. It was kept by girls. While we were up in the tree with them, their activities were not as alluring as matches and pocketknives.

There was a squirrel who built her nest each spring in the tree to the west of our home on Montrose. She would gather twigs until she had a huge ball shapped nest up in the tree. There, she would raise her little ones. As the season went on, and she had fulfilled her obligation as a mother, she would destroy that twig nest and she would chase her little ones away. I would swear that my mother did the same thing.

The Russian olive tree in our yard had a wonderful sweet smell when it bloomed. It was not a pretty tree, though. It was crooked and dropped little leaves into grass. Those leaves tracked into the house on wet shoes. Betty decided to have it taken out. My home teacher helped us with the job. He took a lunch break and left his ladder in the front yard. Betty and I looked out our living room window and there was a couple of mourning doves sitting on the ladder. They were looking longingly at where their olive tree had been.

We replaced that tree with a box elder tree. It grew straight and tall quite quickly. It had a characteristic, though that we found quite undesirable. It attracted box elder bugs, lots and lots of them.

In front of our current home, we have a miniature aspen grove. When we moved in, it looked neglected and appeared to be dying. I pruned it and have cared for it this summer. It looks healthy now and it has been enjoyable to watch it change.

Each tree I have written of has had a special place in my heart. Many of them are now gone from where they stood. They will grow forever in my boyish heart.

here you go...

Here are some apples... hope you enjoy them. They taste as good as they look (even the worms think so, however not all have worms) We got grapes from our grape vine and a few raspberries, a hand full of black berries. The peaches didn't show this year.

40 years...

Can you believe it ... 40 years ago I joined the Vance family!

What fun and growing times we have had in 40 years! (many 'lighter weight' years ago) We continue to grow in wisdom and love for each other and the family. Thanks to you all for your love.

Apples anyone?

We have lots of golden delicious apples on our tree which is about ready to harvest. I am going to have to get busy and bottle some apple pie in a jar soon. Our neighbor's trees are as full if not fuller this year! This is the first year in the 11 years we have lived here I have seen so many apples on our trees!

three's???

I have heard it comes in threes.... I found out that Harvey Holman passed away on the 3rd. This is from the Valley Courier:

HolmanPosted: Thursday, Sep 4th, 2008Harvey L. Holman, 76LA JARA — La Jara, Colo. resident Harvey L. Holman, 76, died Sept. 3, 2008 at his home in La Jara. Harvey was born Feb. 1, 1932 in Sanford, Colo. to Joe and Frances Vandiver Holman. He worked for the D & RGW and Durango & Silverton Railroads as a carman for many years. After retiring from the railroad, he worked for the Town of Sanford in their maintenance department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his dog. Harvey is survived by his children Ann Radcliff of Chico, Calif., Michael Holman of Corning, Calif., Lynne (John) Staggs of Alamosa, Colo.,Donnie (Michelle) Holman of Alamosa; Shelley (Jim) Raines of Ft. Morgan, Colo. and Janice (Martin Dominguez) of Alamosa, as well as by 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, one brother one sister and one grandson. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 6, 2008 at the Sanford Cemetery. Contributions are requested to the Valley Humane League and may be made through the mortuary office.Arrangements are in care of Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa.

Givers and takers

With my church callings, my work and my personal activities, I attend a lot of meetings. This gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of people. Among these people, I have seen two distinct personalities. The first personality type is demonstrated by people who always lift spirits and motivate others to be better. The second personality is typical of people that wear their friends out with their contstant complaining and criticizing. The first group is always a pleasure to be with. The second drains one of energy. The first is surrounded by people who enjoy their company. The second ends up alone and discouraged.

In a meeting I recently attended I heard someone share how they were frustrated by the apathy and incompetence of the people around him. He heard of a new approach he was trying. He went into a fast food restaurant that had been slow and inaccurate. He told them what a pleasure it was to do business with them and that he enjoyed coming into their establishment. He said that he can now go into that business and get the service and accuracy he expected. He said he got better results by being positive than he did by finding fault.

When I was teaching, I had a discipline plan one year that advocated catching students being good. That was a good year. I had my share of problems, but two things were different. My students were looking for things to please me and I was looking for things that they were doing well instead of the things they were doing wrong. Our perspective was altered and so was their behavior.

I would like to think that I can motivate others to be better. I want to have friends who seek out my company, but I am at times overcome with my need to have a pity party. The need to heap my problems up onto the shoulders of my friends wins out over my desire to be positive. I can be quick to find fault with the people around me and let my opinion be known. I then wonder why I am frustrated and alone.

Aunt Winni

Might I suggest that you go to www.alamosanews.com and to www.lubbockonlne.com for the obituaries for Aunt Winni. I felt the service was very special for a special lady. Her nephew Nathan Coombs gave the obit at the service and grandson Heath Cotter gave a talk. There were two special poems presented one by author Raymond Carver and the other was read by her niece, "the End that is better Than the Beginning." Her favorite song was an instrumental presented by her granddaughter, which was done on the piano and very lovely. Donnie, Larry and Kent were honorary escorts. That was a special honor. the grave was dedicated by her son in law - Keith Vardeman. The service was not to morn her passing but to celebrate her life. I hope I can have such a celebration when it is my time as well. Indeed it was a time of dedication of the special person she was as she blessed others lives.

Vance
Posted: Friday, Aug 29th, 2008


Wynona Winnibell Vance, 85



WOODROW, Texas — Former Manassa, Colo. resident Wynona Winnibell Vance was born March 18, 1923 in a logging camp near El Vado, N.M., the fifth child and second daughter of John Walter Langston and Delzia Geneva Bridges Langston. She passed away Aug. 27, 2008, in the home of her daughter Leslie on a farm near Woodrow, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl Leslie Vance, her parents John Walter and Delzia Langston, her brothers Merlin, Ivan, and Joe Langston and her sisters Edna Coombs, Barbara King, and Doris Kirkham.

She is survived by her daughters Sue (Layne) Cotter, Leslie (Keith) Vardeman; her son Randy Vance along with four granddaughters, four grandsons, and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Sat., Aug. 30, 2008 at the Manassa First Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Interment will follow in the Manassa Cemetery. Visitation will be Fri., Aug. 29, 2008 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the LDS perpetual education fund.

Arrangements are in care of Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa.

Wynona Winnibell Vance

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Saturday, August 30, 2008
Story last updated at -

Wynona Winnibell Vance was born March 18, 1923 in a logging camp near El Vado, N.M. She was the fifth child and second daughter of John Walter Langston and Delzia Geneva Bridges Langston. She passed away August 27, 2008 in the home of her daughter, Leslie, on a farm near Woodrow. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Lesslie Vance; her parents, John Walter and Delzia Langston; brothers, Merlin, Ivan, and Joe Langston; sisters, Edna Coombs, Barbara King, and Doris Kirkham.

She is survived by her daughters, Sue Cotter and husband Layne; Leslie Vardeman and husband Keith; son, Randy Vance; four granddaughters; four grandsons; and seven great-grandchildren. A special thanks to Advanced Home Health & Hospice, and especially Josie. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the LDS perpetual education fund or hospice.

The most wonderful feeling

As we drove to Manassa this morning, my head was flooded with memories. I was feeling anxious about the funeral. There were members of my family that I hadn't seen for over three decades. I took my camera today thinking that I would have some pictures to post to the blog when we got home. If the success of the trip were measured by the number and quality of pictures taken, it would have to be considered a failure.

As we arrived at the Church house in Manassa, the parking lot was almost empty. I felt encouraged when I recognized Don and Gloria's PT cruiser. We parked by them and went into the building. It was empty except for the organist who was taking advantage of a few minutes to practice before everyone came. We were asked by a kind gentle man if we were going to the mortuary for the final viewing. We decided to follow him and his wife to the Mortuary that was just a block away.

The crowd on the porch of the building was promising. I could see my sister in law, Gloria, my brother, Don, my sister, Bonnie, and Mom. They greeted us warmly and we all went in to meet Aunt Mike's family. Each of them was so kind and warm. They were grieving, but they were gracious and thinking of others.

The funeral was uplifting and inspiring. Tears were shed as family members shared poetry, memories and testimonies. Those participating in the program shared their love for a wonderful woman who had taught them by the life she lived. Her grandson reminded us that just as there would be a reunion of family after the funeral, there would be a reunion on the other side with family that had been separated for years. I have never had a more effective lesson on Heavenly Father's plan of happiness.

When we returned to the chapel after the grave side service, I had another lesson on what is important. My camera sat on the table as I visited with my cousins, their children and their other cousins who had also come to bid farewell to a common loved one. The people in that room, were all one family linked by our love of Aunt Mike. To me, there is no feeling more wonderful than feeling I belong to a family. That feeling cannot be photographed, but today it's keeping me warm. Tomorrow it will be engraved in my heart.