Another Adventure in the Great Wide World

Okay, here's the deal;

I've lived here for a lot of years.

We have gone on many rides out in the canyons, hills, country side, etc.

BUT, I NEVER KNEW that not too far away was UTAH"S one and only Sequoia tree...yes, indeed, a non-giant redwood.

So, we finally ventured out and got to see the interesting and unusual bit of history!

It was really a great day - it's so fun to learn new things and to see new places!

This redwood tree was planted in 1933 or 34, so it is, of course, much smaller than the redwoods of California.  Several trees were planted at the same time, but this is the only one that has survived.

The place where it was to be found was a challenge to get to; it's not far, but for seven miles the road is rocky, narrow, dusty, etc.  But, once you arrive here at the Browse Station, it was so beautiful, filled with such green trees, and had a little brook babbling near by.  A perfect place for a picnic, but, alas, we had no food.

Next time.

Church in a Time of Covid

I went to Sacrament meeting today.

It would usually be quite normal to do that on a Sunday.

But, these are NOT normal times.

I went by myself, sat by myself, and wore a face mask, as did everyone in the congregation.

And, the congregation was very small.

We sat in every other pew, families together, but the rest of us apart.

The hymns were sung, but with no hymnbooks.

The Sacrament was passed.

The meeting I attended was similar to this, but we were all wearing masks, which I see on their laps.

There was one speaker.  He spoke on repentance and receiving guidance from the Holy Ghost.  He based his talk on a talk by President Nelson.

It was strange, but strangely comforting to be back in the familiar.

I love the sameness of church no matter where one goes, or no matter the circumstances of church.

I felt peace in the midst of chaos.

The WEIGHT of the World....

GONE!

I am so inspired by and impressed by my sister-in-law.

I cannot even begin to imagine losing 100 pounds.  Because I can't lose one ounce.

One morning, she couldn't get out of bed.  Her knees hurt her so badly.  That morning, she decided to make a change.  A friend recommended a book and program called, "BRIGHT LINES."  In this program, you eat NO GLUTEN PRODUCTS and NO SUGAR!  And, you weigh your food.

So, dear Shauna began the incredible journey!

There are no words to describe my admiration for her.  She is so faithful about it...no flour, no sugar.

What an achievement.  Congrats to you, dear 100 pound less of you, Shauna!

A Day in the Life of Covid

Shopping with masks in basically a requirement now.  Which is good because the Covid numbers are rising in Utah.
We still try to be cautious.

Snow Canyon is a beautiful sight right in our own back yard.  Not literally, of course, but so very near by,
that we should go there more often to be reminded of its beauty.

It was perfect weather when we went, but here comes the HEAT, close on our tails.  UGHHHHH.

Missionary News

Hey everyone. Sorry that I haven't written a big email in so long. Life has just been crazy. 

Despite the corona virus though, the work still moves forward. This Sunday I was able to go back and baptize somone from my old area. She is 60 years old and had and survived corona virus. It's actually pretty amazing. There is a little more to the story than that but that's all that I'll share for today. Just know that nothing really has changed and missiomary life really stays the same with just a few minor modfications. I love you guys. I hope that everyone is safe.

Elder Hackworth

Gone Fishing

HA!  We went fishing, but no pictures of the actual fishing trip....

Only this picture of fresh trout that RAH made for lunch when we got home.

Actually, the fishing turned out to be rather not as expected.  For the first hour, it was spectacular out on Panguitch lake.  Perfect weather, fishing, etc.  Then, the motor stopped working.  It had done this before, but RAH thought it was fixed.  At about the same time the motor began acting up, the wind came up.  It was amazing.  Calm, then windy.  Many of the boats began getting off the lake. RAH had a hard time getting the boat turned the right way to get it on the trailer.  It was a fun challenge for him.

So, then we went on a few side trips:

GRIEF by Katherine Gee Perrone

Just
So much death
In a weeks time
When the numbers hit you
Like whiplash
And the names blur together
And you try to find pockets of time
To process
But the tears won’t come
You’re going numb
You won’t forget 
But you won’t remember either 
Because you’ve found a quiet place
Inside
Where you pretend 
Nothings happened 
Or happening 
And you’re shrinking 
And shriveling 
Because the weight of fear
And grief
Is sitting on your throat
On your eyes
On your heart
On your hands
And on your wings—
Feathers made from the names—
Feathers that will not fly
Unless you lift fear from your throat
And in grief speak their name—
Speak the names of the dead.



My Brother's daughter posted this recently.

It expressed so profoundly what I could not put into words.  

These are the most incredible times in our history and it's all so frightening and horrific.

When did HATE and VIOLENCE become the way we solve our disagreements?

How do we teach our children this is not the way to get what we need for our society.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will try to focus on what is GOOD in my world.