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Reunion #21
I headed for our annual L. A. Iverson family reunion about 9 AM on
Saturday the 29th of May 1999.
I drove out with Max and Nita, Karissa, and Teton. If you don't know
who Teton is----that's OK. She knows who she is, and I strongly suspect
that she has had quite a few of those Echo Piney "genes" bounced
off her head: from that branch of the family!! We had a fine trip out, and
now Teton and I are blood brothers for life--or maybe that is sisters!
We found Rodney's family when we got there, thinking that none of the
rest of us was going to show up before sundown. However Garn's crew were
right on our heels, so soon the place was abuzz with activity.
Two weeks before, Duard, Rod and Radlee, had been out and scraped down
the weeds. They also did some cleaning--so we were all set to get started
with our usual thing; which is to have dinner on the table by 1 PM Arizona
time.
I always want to make sure I am there in time to help Tris peel
potatoes, 'cause if I 'aint, I'm afraid that one of these years, when I
ask him once again, to do the potatoes, he will say no. However he knows,
that it is his job!!
Dinner went off tolerably well, as dinners go. We had bought two new
tables this year. They turned out to be very handy, as every one could sit
at a table. No need of some perching on beds, stoves, the wooden chest, or
the North dining room steps. Later on in the afternoon ice cream was made
and enjoyed by all.
The kids did finger painting again this year, and seemed to have a
dandy time. Some of them fabricated such great masterpieces, that they
were sold at auction later on!! Way to go kids!!
The wind was blowing. (What a news flash that is for The Arizona Strip)
eh?
Any way Max and Mike were trying to put up a tent like sanctuary, of
some kind. It was big, very big; and like I said the wind was in a more
than semi-serious mood. That was all quite interesting to observe. I don't
remember how many helpers they finally had, but quite a few. Still, I
never thought they' would make it, competing with those vicious wind
gusts, but they did!! Looked might fine too, especially since I wasn't
really sure just what it was. It wasn't really a tent. What was that thing
guys'??
Then there was kite flying, but as far as I know the success rate was
rather low on that venture. Think the wind was just a little too malicious
for even the most skilled kite flyers!
Some of the kids played down at the pond, and Stacey showed them how to
lasso
lizards with grass ropes. Most of the kids are big fans of that;
especially Tay, OOPS, I mean Miss Iverson (she likes to be addressed in a
formal manner) She has a little brother named Hector. I think he likes to
do the Lizard thing too.
Stacey also made curtains for the kitchen window. Looked very cute
Stacie, next year we may get you to tile the floor!! ?? By the way, I hear
that Cyle and Stacey have a brand new home. Anyway it will be brand new
when they get all finished re-doing it We are all looking forward to the
house warming party! Wow!! Maybe I just dreamed there was going to be
one??
Meanwhile back at the ranch, it was time for the cow chase. Not
everyone has the right knack to be a true cow chaser. So there are only a
lucky few that get to participate, and learn the tricks of the trade, that
only an ol' cowpuncher's son knows; mainly how to see a bunch of baby
calves up close! Well somewhat close. Now Harley and Logie do this on the
trail bike, but not Cyle and Mitch, no sireee ! They are strictly footmen!
In future years in case you are interested, I can give you a hint or
two on how to get to go along. In the afternoon, "watch Cyle!"!
When you see him leaning toward Echo Piney headquarters (which everyone
knows is on top of Diamond Butte,---- Bill's favorite spot on The
Strip---- bring Ann and come next year Bill) start dogging' his heels, and
pretty soon you will be in the cow chase. I can almost guarantee it.
This year his happy helpers were Stacey, Hall, Alec, Jena, Mitch, and
Seth. I hear Alec and Seth really liked it, so they most likely will be at
the head of the line again next year. I think Cyle also gives driving
lessons (just as Grandpa Iverson used to do) on the way to and from. Or
was that Hal? I don't know. I didn't get to go this year, dog gone it.
Late afternoon was auction and program time. Paul could not be there
this year, so Hal pinch-hit for him as auctioneer. The auction went off
fine and we made some money. Hopefully enough to fix the roof so the birds
can't get in and do so much damage. Rod says we need a whole new roof,
sounds like a winner to me. What ever it takes, I'm for it. We did not
have a quilt to raffle this year, (Harley and Lee's fault, they did not
make one,) but the one Barbara Carroll made for the auction was a hot
seller. Every kid in the place wanted it, and it depended on which kid had
his Grandpa "wrapped" the tightest, as to who got it. It was
Alec!
Next year it is Boyd and Max's family to do the reunion, and I just
know that Nita, Tina, Chris, Debbie, Emily, Allison, Karissa, Teton, Boo,
and Nicki are going to make the "swellest" quilt ever!! Right
girls?
The program was good also. Tiah and Radlee both played, and did a fine
job as usual. (Hear Radlee is a straight 4.0 student, all right Radlee!!)
Merna also played which was delightful. I didn't get to hear all the
program, because I was out helping Max get hamburgers started for supper.
In the midst of this, Hal came and said he wanted me to come hear his
poem. So I went. However that wasn't what he wanted at all. First he
called Paige up, and the look of surprise on her face, so exhilarated Hal
that he told her to sit down so he could call her again! What he in fact
wanted was to read an award for: Professional Achievement In The superior
Performance Of Her Duties, that Paige had received from the Navy! I will
not write down everything the award says about her, or you guys might
think I was bragging. However it not only said she was fine--she was
super-fine!!
Linda had shared this information with Hal, and I knew nothing about it
at the time. Then Hal called me up and gave me a copy of the award. Cool,
huh??
Paige and Keith, Bridger and Jadyn drove all the way from Norfolk, VA.
to the reunion this year, so they surely get the long distance award also.
Glenna got locked in the out-house. Never since Lisa Marie got locked
in ten years ago, have we had such an occurrence. Uncle Garn rescued Lisa,
and she gave him a hug. Madge and I rescued Glenna, but I don't think she
was in a hugging mood. Glenna we are sorry we laughed, honest!!
Lisa graduated from high school this year, just thought I would throw
that in. So did Wynter. So did Kurt graduate, but that was from College
and he also got his R. N degree. The College sent Kurt a letter saying he
was graduating with honors. I am just proud!
Lorene had a friend along with her, I never learned his name, or his
intentions! Do not even know, if he liked us! Time will tell I guess!!
I expected to see Rod there with a friend, but if he had one she was so
well disguised, I missed her in the crowd Well did you or didn't you Rod??
There were 73 people that showed up, 6 of who were guests. The guests
were Virgil and Madge Lee, Barbara Carroll, Clarence Bundy and his
daughter Joline, and Lorene friend.
It was great to see such a gathering of little children under ten years
of age. Let me see if I can name them.
There were Tris and Bobbie's grandsons Jake and Casey. Then Glen and
Cindy's Grandson (Holly's baby) Andrew Glen. Rodney's granddaughter (Tiah
baby) Hailey.
Next there were Brent and Linda's grandkids: Jadyn, and Bridger with an
attitude. (His Grandpa calls him, a big burning hunk of love) Alex, and
Taylor.
Then come Harley and Merna's grands----Logan, Haylee, Ivery, Taylor
(Willard Miss Iverson,) Hayden(Hector).
After that Garn and Barb's pride and joys, Alec, Jena, and Mitch.
Boyd's Bret (Boo), and then Max and Nita's crew of Seth, Reese, Ellis,
Evan(Ducky) Mason(Rodent) Emily, the twins, Allison and Duncan, also
Karissa, Sierra(Teton) and Tanner Blue. I count 28.
Now how's that for the grand round-up of the L.A. Iverson crew?
It was so choice seeing all those little kids out there having such a
grand time. I will bet Dad and Mom never even fantasized that that would
be happening~ on the old A-Z in 1999. Bet they are sure joyful it did
though, I know I am.
Paige won the jelly bean jar guess.
Brad was very popular when he brought 'smokin' root beer for family
dinner!
Did everyone notice that Duard and me were the only ones there old
enough to have great grandchildren! Heck, even Lee Aaron isn't that old!
Well, yes Mary does have a great grandson but she does not want to be
mentioned in that age bracket!
It was fun to have Carrie, Travis, and their family there this year. We
teased Carrie about the time many years ago, when she talked Uncle Boyd
out of the jelly bean jar he had won. It was just no contest when she
climbed upon his knee!
We have $2,858.00 in reunion account. Does that sound like a new roof
or what?
Madam President, of The Echo Piney Society, tells me that the families
in charge of future reunions, goes like this: Year 2000 Max and Boyd. Year
2001 Duard and Mary. Year 2002 Garn and Carla.
And the beat goes on, until next year.
Included in this newsletter was A Tribute to
Boyd.
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