This begins the week that was.  Now, a week later, I’m writing about it!  Working all I can at getting the room ready for Mom & Dad Nelson.  Working all I can at the office with my new secretary.  We’re killing rats down at the office.  Today was the PBSW rat.  Jan Babcock is one fine secretary-she really knows how to get things done!  Evening-just getting ready to start painting the bedroom ceiling (this is an activity-type Family Home Evening).  The phone rang.  Jan Babcock needed a priesthood holder to come administer to her little new nephew who was headed for the hospital.  A hepatitis infection.  Belirubin (?) count at 21.  Only 1 week old.  Her family is all non-member, but they agreed to our coming and administering.  I called Lincoln Goodman-he’s about the best partner for that I could think of, then went by to pick him up.  We went to the TMC, waiting an hour to get in to see the baby, met the family, then did the ordinance. What a little, tiny, baby.  Micah John Farrell.  He was all hooked up to machines and tubes.  I felt good about the administration.  (Projecting ahead, the baby’s count cam down to 18 by the time the doctor got there Monday evening, he should have been kept 4 days in the hospital, but only stayed 2.  When the doctor saw him again later in the week he was amazed.  The power of the priesthood is fabulous). Back home, I worked until late on doors, baseboards, furniture, etc.

I love Sundays.  This is a special fast day for the inclement weather conditions that are being felt in our nation.  The West-from the Pacific Ocean to Colorado- is in a draught.  California particularly is hard-pressed.  The Midwest, East & South is having a terrible winter.  “The winds of ‘77” it is called. The Arctic air is being swept down to the Gulf of Mexico in a great arc by blizzards and storms that have paralyzed that part of our nation.  They’ve about run out of natural gas, and fuel is jammed up on the lakes and rivers in barges that are iced in.  the Lord can sure get your attention fast if you’ll just listen!!  So Pres. Kimball has asked the whole church to fast and pray for a return to normal for the weather.  Attended the regular meetings.  I was particularly impressed with Bro. Buehl’s priesthood lesson on “service.”  We enjoyed Susan’s family all day.  In the evening Dave and Peggy brought their kids over and we had a real ball!  About 8:00 Susan and her family left for Coolidge, to return to Winslow tomorrow morning.

A work day.  Getting ready for Marian’s parents in the forenoon.  Also getting the little Datsun ready to sell.  At noon Susan came with her family.  What a joy to have precious children here!  I feel a calmness and a joy above all else when any or all of my children are with us.  Larry is good to talk to.  He’s a good husband and father.  Janalee is so full of vigor and is such a buddy to Marian.  And Taylor is just walking pretty good-so cute!  Stake dinner at the Stake Center in the evening. 

Visited Duncan early-morning.  Max Germain’s class.  He’s been very flakey on reports-haven’t got any in yet! He had his class sing the entire time of class!!!  I couldn’t believe it!!  When I got to Safford Andy Fox was home sick.  I called him & hope we’ll straighten that guy out!  Visited a couple of Russell Packer’s classes.  He seems to have them under pretty good control!  At noon I went to Pima & visited Caruel Allen.  He has a real good rapport with the kids.  We went to see Mr. Hubbard, Pima school superintendent.  I need some statements from high school superintendents who have had experience with released-time to send up to Frank Hirichi in the central office.  Frank is in charge of producing a pamphlet on released-time seminary for the Department.  Mr. Hubbard will be glad to submit a statement.  (Earlier in the day-when I was with Russ Packer-we went to the Safford High School office and requested the same from Mr. Donald Wilson, Safford superintendant.  He indicated his willingness to do so, also.)  Next I visited an hour with Joe Allan, the Thatcher Institute director.  Joe and Caruel are brothers.  Our conversation was far-ranging, as usual.  I can talk well with Joe.  We seem to have an affinity.  My travel home was uneventful, arriving at six p.m.

Started off bright and early on a two-day trip.  Attended early-morning seminary at Sabarita.  Archie Romney’s teaching there.  He does a pretty good job.  I think he’s good for the kids, at least.  I drove on to Nogales.  I had a little time on my hands, so nosed around Tubac-the old presidio & such, then went to see what Pena Blanca Lake looks like-not much!  Visited with Bishop Burr McRae in Nogales.  I encouraged him to let us take care of the kids in his ward who go to school in Patagonia.  Also to let us have the true potential figures.  I hope we made progress.  On to Sierra Vista.  (Beautiful drive over-Nogales, Patagonia, Sonorita, the south whetstones, on to Sierra Vista.)  I met with Mr. Nolan, assistant superintendant.  Mr. Samuelson, superintendent was ill.  I offered further help to them for the coming board meeting. We are hopeful for released-time there.  Then I drove on to St. David.  I got there about 4:00 p.m.  I stopped in to see Bruce, and was with him for the next three hours.  He wanted to talk about recent ills of the community there.  Also his own up-coming shopping, so Vickie made us a sandwich dinner.  It was just nice being with him. At 7:30 I attended the stake seminary faculty meeting.  Reed Richens conducted it.  Only the Evans’ from Sierra Vista attended!  It was pretty much a wash-out.  I excused myself at 8:30, went to Safford & a motel room.  Called my sweet wife & found that all was well, except her folks are doing too well with the 8-hour-a-day live-in lady.  Dad has been feeding Mom candy, sweet-rolls, etc before the lady arrives.  Also during the day he’ll sneak stuff to her.  Got to bed nearly midnight.

Spent the day at the office.  There are so many things that fouled up.  Sister Babcock is very efficient.  She is getting it all changes over so it’s systematic.  Evening was spent with Marian, planning for the taking in of her parents.  They are so “out of it” now.  Very soon we know we’ll need to bring them here to live with us.  Mom Nelson has been in the hospital with her diabetes.  Without constant supervision it can’t be regulated.  Her memory is entirely gone now.  She is unable to take care of her eating and pill taking.  Dad Nelson is not much better off anymore.  He can’t keep track, either.  He forgets & gives her stuff she shouldn’t have.  The family is trying to line up someone to come & live in, but it probably won’t work for long, if at all.  We just need to gear up for it!

A trip to the temple early.  Got in one session, then on to a meeting.  The temple’s crowded right now (winter visitors) and they’re thinking of going to a 30-minute interval on sessions-instead of 45, I missed the people for the meeting-K Crocket & Pr. Palmer of Thatcher-they went early to the industry that builds portable classrooms.  I was on time.  I felt like the wolf with the 2 little pigs!  The portable classrooms look OK for what we need at Ft. Thomas for seminary.  We’ve been meeting all these years in the church-very inadequate.  Now they’re going to remodel the church.  We have a lot across from the school.  We need to get a building quick.  Looked at camper shells at Lumberjack in Phoenix.  Two expensive. Came home.  Went home teaching at John B___ house.

First Weeks of John on His Mission

Another try.  We got John off a week or more ago for his mission.  He entered the Salt Lake mission home 1/15/77.   Talked to the Oregon Portland mission.  He flew up to Portland 1/20.  We haven’t heard from him yet, but it’s a little soon.  The weather is cool, but not down to freezing nightly.  Just finished a rain storm a couple of days ago.  Marian’s feeling pretty good right now-it’s the right time of year for her.  Got a new secretary last week-Jan Babcock.  I think she’ll work out fine. Had a good priesthood meeting lesson yesterday.  It got me looking at D&C 88:81-86. Some very interesting things there.

FHE with the Biggs

Second Summer Senior at the university started today. I’m taking a class “Democratic Processes in the Classroom.” We’ll see! We had Family Home Evening at Peggy’s house with her and the Biggs family. We had a good time with a lesson on the Jaredites & games. We thought David & Peggy would announce their engagement tonight, but they didn’t. Maybe they think they don’t need to!

Another Good Sunday

Another good Sunday. Still small numbers in the Branch—but real quality! Al Griggs was put in as Elder’s Q first couns. Ric Nielsen is now the branch executive secretary, and Steve Thompson is the new Sunday School president, with Jim Cochrane and Danny Ellis as counselors. The Sunday School shift was necessitated by Richard North being called as a counselor to Pres. John Clark, new University I Branch president. 4 good speakers in Sacrament Mtg. Nancy & Jerry Shelley spoke, she on Zion, he on the family. Sue & Paul Kartchner spoke, she on Isaiah, he on miracles. Had a good interview with the Olivers after meeting. Then came home & played chess with Mary Ellen, & relaxed with Marian, who isn’t feeling too good.

Road Trip

Got up real early—left at 4:00 a.m. to take John to Bunkerville, Marian, Donna, Mary Ellen to Phoenix for a few days. We drove up to Nelson’s, then borrowed their car for the trip to Nevada. Our car has sporadic refrigeration problems, so we traded. Mary Ellen & Donna stayed in Phoenix. Marian, John & I drove up to Bunkerville, then left John for the summer to work at Hunt’s Dairy. He wasn’t too enthusiastic about it, but it is best for him to be employed. The trip was nice. The weather was good. The car worked well. It was a long day, but pleasant. Marian & I stopped off at my parents’ home to wish Daddy a happy Father’s Day. Then a few minutes at Nelsons. Then I bid them goodbye & came home alone. They’ll stay ‘til later on this week. I got home at midnight—pooped!

School/Church Duties

Jerri & the family left real early. By doing so, they can get home before too late this evening. My day was spent at school. First, tho, I took the car in to get the refrigeration fixed-it keeps cutting out. They couldn’t find the problem again-this is the second failure at the dealer (and one at the service station). Tough refrigeration! After five o’clock I had a good interview with Henry Varga, our Branch Elder’s Quorum President. We went over various problems & programs of the Quorum. He’s still looking for a second counselor and executive secretary. Visited the Ainsworths to determine their status in the Branch. We’ll send their memberships to the town ward (5^th Ward). (Also visited by the Eberhard’s who have recently left our branch for the town ward.) Got home about 7:30. Then I received two important phone calls (among others). The first was from a Brother Green, in the office of Elder Bennett Assistant to the Twelve. He informed me that Mona Preston (Payvovich) Varga’s file on cancellation of sealing application has been placed in abeyance until just before her year lapses following civil marriage again. Then her bishop will need to reactivate the file. Also a phone call from Mesa Temple that we shouldn’t have sent Nancy Shelley up for her endowments until a year after her civil marriage. She got her endowments, but it was just lucky she did! They wrong guy was on duty at the desk & he didn’t know enough to hold her up!

FHE With Family

Started summer school at the U of Arizona. I’m taking a class in statistics, and one called “Supervision of the Instruction Process.” I figure they’re both going to be quite demanding, but this will be a good few weeks for demanding. Evening was Family Home Evening. Jerri & Shelley & Reina & Jacob were here. They’ll leave early in the morning to go back to Provo. David brought Peggy & Heather over. We had a nice time together. Dave gave us the second missionary discussion. We had a good dessert-ice cream with several toppings (sundaes). Reina & Heather stole the show, of course. They were playing, running, falling, hugging, pushing, conversing, screaming, taking, sharing, etc. Quite a show!

Sundays Are Neat

This was a neat day. Sundays always are. I go from early ‘til late, but it’s great. The special parts of today are as follows:

Sacrament meeting was extra good. We had a good crowd-mainly because Rod & Debbie Kempton had their baby blessed. The Smiths & Kemptons were there-in force! We had a new couple com in—Steve Thompson & his wife. We had a good special number-the Uruguayan elders sang “Ye Elders of Israel” in Spanish—Ellen North accompanied them on the guitar. Steve McCown, Richard North, _____. But the highlight was the talks. Helga Fenimore gave an outstanding talk on “Fathers.” She drew from Elder Tuttle’s conference talk. But it was just great-she never knew a father, & had trouble gaining a feeling for a Heavenly Father. Ron Fenimore gave a pretty good talk too, then Darwin Cook, High Council, gave a real good talk on repentance. It was the kind of meeting where you really get recharged.

I also had a couple of important interviews. Ron Cadiente wanted to talk. He’s leaving & will be settling up in Phoenix with Heinz Company. He’s concerned about working among non-members—how does he keep his standards high? He needs to do some traveling in this job—what about moral temptations? I counseled him to use the good old mission rules-and always treat someone as if he were going to preach the Gospel to them tomorrow. Vikkie & Eugene Peace needed temple recommends. They are a very special couple. She’s having a little trouble right now with Globe--her parents aren’t active and she’s hypersensitive to how the ward there treats them.

Jerri, Reina, Jacob & Shelley are still here. When I get home about 7:30 Reina was in great form. She played & showed off for 3 great hours. What a wonderful grand-daughter!! She was really full of the dickens! I wish they lived closer, so we could see them more. Of course, my back was still sore. I couldn’t do much all day except just sit.

Road Trip Continued

Up early & on down to Silver City. I drove through some fabulously beautiful country. Luna, past Reserve, clear down almost to Glenwood is a nice forest. No traffic to speak of! At Cliff I turned off the road & drove up past some ranches to the Rice place. I had written Sis. Rice that I’d be up. They have a real nice ranch at the foot of the Mogallons. I drowned my car out in the creek, but other than that my trip was pleasant. We had a good talk about Seminary Homestudy. Their ranch is end-of-the-road—no lights, phone. Once a week they start up the diesel generator & get electricity for washing, ironing, vacuuming. The rest of the time they get along with lamps! At Silver City I had a good talk with Bp. Shelley at his office in Hurley. We need local teachers to take care of the released-time and early-morning seminaries there—and also for the Institute classes. Without a full-time man there this next year it’s going to be a hassle. But we’ll get it done, we hope! It looks like Gary Stailey & Paula Mortensen are our best bets. Wayne Decker will probably take the Institute again. But he’s out of town so I can’t ask him. Had also a good talk with Bp. Mortensen. Both bishops are unhappy about not keeping a full-time man. I can’t help it! We’ll look for one for the following year, but our budget won’t allow it this time around! I stopped by Animas, but Bp. Merrill wasn’t home. So I came on home. Jerri & Reina & Jake were here having arrived yesterday from Provo. That’s why I hurried home. Jerri’s sister Shelley came with her. They drove down for Lisa Bryant’s wedding-an old friend of Jerri. They needed to come down to see us anyway! Mike stayed behind because he wants to take his vacation at Christmas-time. So we had a pleasant evening. Jake has grown a lot & so has Reina. We last saw them in April. Reina came right to me & called me “grandpa.” That’s all right!

Road Trip

Left early this morning for a 2-day trip. This one combination personal business, seminary business and pleasure! I needed to get alone for a bit. But I needed to see Bob and Jolyn Hall, too. I drove to Snowflake on a beautiful day. Had a nice visit with Jolyn & the kids there. She is a precious spirit! Then to Holbrook & see Bob at the courthouse. We’re concerned about wills & a trust fund for Donna. Bob’s sure a great person. After leaving him at noon, I drove down through St. John’s & Springerville to Alpine. There I got a room at a 3^rd-rate morel & enjoyed the solitude-mostly! I did get a call from Bp. Blosk of the 36^th ward in Phoenix. He has been approached by Julie Hinckman for welfare. I gave him what little advice I have. Great Scott!! I spent the late afternoon & evening reading & dozing. No room phone-no TV. But clean.

Sundays Are Great

Sundays are great. They start early & end late, but they’re great! Our branch is so small, as I’ve before mentioned. I had real good interviews with the Griggs’ & the Shelleys. Al & Pam Griggs were in to talk about adoption. A baby would sure be lucky to get into that home. We also talked about their recent trip to the temple. Jerry & Nancy Shelley needed temple recommends. He has his divorce clearance & Nancy has never taken out her endowments. They can’t be sealed yet, of course, until they’ve been civilly married for a year. This is a fine couple. They’re anxious to serve & worthy. Jerry is studying for the bar exam, so they’ll be with us ‘til midsummer.

Saturday

A day to remember-a day of contracts. Black & white. Carnal & Celestial! Marian & I left early for the temple. We stopped off at the prison in Florence to see Chuck. I couldn’t stay long, but we had a good short talk. He seemed pleasant & resigned. We talked about Shirley. I showed him some pictures I had of the kids and grandkids. Then on to the temple where we saw Penny & Dan Ellis sealed, then Danny sealed to them both. That’s celestial!! After calling my folks-Daddy was the only one home (Mom off on a slavery stint to Carol’s)-we drove home. Worked around the place until time for Stk. Priesthood leadership Meeting. Then Dave & I went to the meeting. After a good opening session, we separated for departments. Going down the hall, I encountered Julie Hinkman. She needed help moving to Phoenix. That’s such a fouled-up deal. I won’t go into any detail. But I finally got Rick-her husband-to help her by driving the pick-up full of furniture to Phoenix for her. I drove with Rick and had a time to talk to him real good, for once. I think I can finally see his point of view a little. They are divorced now. I rode back to Tucson with Dave, who had driven my Datsun up. The two hours back with him was pure profit. We talked of Peggy & the possibility of his marrying her. That’s the best talk we’ve had. It’s a real great thing to be able to talk to Dave again. We got home at 3:30 a.m.

Friday

Tucson Seminary graduation tonight. I presented the graduates to Pres. Elray. It was held in the Tucson North Stake Center. Three of the students spoke. Pres. Elrey spoke to them for a bit. I quoted 2 Nephi 9:42 & told them Seminary & Institute would channel their lives to the gate where the Savior is guard. We are coming along now in Tucson. Finally, after 8 years. I feel like there’s a better spirit. Bishops are more enthusiastic. Kids are more serious about it-and enjoying it more. Parents are finding out there is something worthwhile happening. I feel an excitement now that I’ve been working for all these years. The number of graduates is now climbing back-from the low after we went to 4 year graduations.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Worked solid on the final paper for my class at the Univ. It is “Administration of Higher Education.” I had to take an incomplete for the semester until I get this paper in. I’m doing it on problems of administering church-related colleges. Wednesday PM I went to school and signed up for a Portuguese language test-to eliminate nine hours of otherwise required credits for the Ph.D. program.