BACK IN TUCSON; NEWS FROM NORTH DAKOTA

We arrived in Tucson on Saturday, after 5,228 miles on the road between June 16 and July 26. Although we had our fair share of troubles with the motorhome, it was a great trip, enabling us to see lots of family and friends along the way. Although we had intended to spend a couple of weeks in the Tetons, our generator failed, making it very difficult to stay in the National Park campgrounds as we had intended. The least cost commercial RV park was $62 per night! So, we suspended our visit, after a wonderful lunch at Jenny Lake Lodge where we had our first dinner together 36 years ago!

LILA

Cindy had a belated birthday party for Lila at her house while Linda and Charlie were there for a visit. Although Lila will continue to be somewhat "restricted" to the nursing home in isolation until August 4, because of her infection, she was feeling much better than when we were there while she was in the hospital.

ON THE RANCH

Mavis indicates that combining of grain was starting last week, but yields on the dry land were expected to be minimal because of a very dry summer. Fortunately, they got .7 inches of rain in the pasture.

Trista has been helping out with Dad--fixing meals, cleaning house, taking him for drives, and generally keeping him company, for two days each week. Dad is doing fine and apparently is enjoying the company. He does like getting out. Last Sunday he called Mavis about going to church. Lana was there working on some projects with Mavis, so they didn't go. Dad said he guessed he would have to stay home and "twiddle his thumbs!" They all went out to lunch on Monday to celebrate Lana's birthday. Marilyn and Issy were at his house for card games--which he really enjoys. They also took him to the "Old-Timer's Festival" in Fairview; he was one of 6 people over 90-years old.

Abbie has taken an interest in talking on the radio system that is used on the ranch to keep in touch with each other. She has lots of cute things to say! Brett and a friend caught 150 catfish in the river! He went to band camp, playing the drums. He was 3rd out of 60 kids in the "fastest hands" contest!

DIONE, SAUL, AND MOLLIE

Dione and Saul have a friend from Harvard University who is from North Dakota, and whose family was involved in politics during the time that Art Link was Governor and Representative, and when Bill Langer was Senator. He has helped them understand what went on politically during that period.

They had a great time in Montana, in Helena with Mat and Maureen (while we were also there), and at Flathead Lake where they stayed part of the time on Big Bull Island (where I built a cabin many long years ago!). Unfortunately, a bear was on the island, causing them to leave before they had intended!

Enough for now!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie