Every time I go to decoration at Union Hill, I see people who are a part of the history of Newton County. Sunday was off and on rainy, so a lot of people had gone to the cemetery on Saturday. Some of the Sheltons and Garrisons were there along with Rosalea and Rey Hernandez from Rogers/Lowell area. When I got to John and Wanda’s, the first person I saw was Ray Phillips who now lives in Arizona. He loves the area, but his wife wanted to move to be near their kids. (You know what happens when you do that-the kids move away). There was a house full with all of John and Wanda’s kids and grandkids, along with Jackie, Jane, Amanda, Mary Margaret and Wilkes Cude. Funny thing about Wilkes family is that his grandfather, Jerry Cude used to hunt with Jay Dee (Jackie’s husband) and the guys who got together each hunting season. “Small world!”
I had thought Patty and Bob were going to ride to Jasper from Springdale with Jackie and me, but Patty didn’t feel good, so they stayed home. Ray had been spending time at Billy Pat Phillips’ for the last week and roaming the county. We had a good visit with the family and headed home with a box full of food for Patty and Bob. We stopped at the Shoemaker’s and visited before I had to drive on home to Garfield. Long day, but pleasurable.
Amanda and her son, Colorado had floated the Buffalo from Ponca to Kyle’s Landing on Saturday with friends. He had to go back to Fayetteville to work and Amanda spent the night with friends in a cabin on the Buffalo and then came on to John’s the next day. The river was high, but Amanda loves that type of float.
On Friday, Mary Margaret ran in a conference track meet in Bentonville. She qualified to run this week in the state competition in Rogers at Heritage High School on May 6. She will be running in Missouri next year with the Missouri State University. Guess I had better get my car gassed up for all the running around I may be doing next year!