Yup, it's that time of year, snow and outdoor recreation. The kites were flying on the Skyline Drive today. Sunny and almost warm. Probably still need a little more snow for the good snowmobile riding.
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Monday, December 29, 2008
Winter Recreation
Yup, it's that time of year, snow and outdoor recreation. The kites were flying on the Skyline Drive today. Sunny and almost warm. Probably still need a little more snow for the good snowmobile riding.
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Saturday, December 20, 2008
Another Evening of Praise to Our Lord
The second night of the live Nativity was a great success. No falling snow but indeed colder, below 20 degrees. The warmth of family and friends showing love, respect and honor to our Savior this Christmas season kept everyone comfortable. Many thanks to everyone who helped set up, take down, portray historical characters and events. A lot of work and a lot of love shared. Thanks!
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Don D.
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Another night in Bethlehem - Video
Another night of love, honor, respect and praise to our Savior. No snow falling tonight but cold weather. The warmth of the participants and guest made it an evening not easily forgotten. Down to under 20 degrees during the night event. New actors portray the event over 2,000 years ago. Thanks to everyone who participated in being characters, setup and take down, cookies and refreshments. Looking forward to next year. Thanks!
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Don D
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Don D
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Friday, December 19, 2008
Tis the Season ... Nativity
Fountain Green 1st & 2nd Ward Live Nativity 19 & 20th December 2008
This year the citizens of Fountain Green braved the snow storm and cold weather to share the spirit of Christmas. Tis the season to remember the birth of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. This year we gathered at Mark & Ann Bailey's property where the small village of Bethlehem was re-created. Roman soldiers, tax collectors, inn keepers, market stores, Caesar Augustus on his throne and the representation of Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child. This was one of the best Nativities I've seen anywhere.
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Along with a short video about the Savior, hot chocolate, cookies and refreshments were offered free to everyone. Warm fires and the warmth of friends made today and tomorrow an event not to be missed. Thanks to everyone who organized, made clothes, uniforms, cookies, set up the tent, lights, heat and props. Especially to those who stood in the cold snow and wind to remind us all of the reason for the season. THANKS!
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And Pam's tennis shoe feet are now starting to thaw out ;)
Don
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Friday, December 5, 2008
Jerry's Kids ... Summer Cub fun
Here's some of Jerry's kids. Well at least Jerry Beck having fun, helping and giving life lessons to our local Cub Scouts. Looks like they had a great summer with pinewood derby, making kites, cooking pancakes and showing patriotism to our grand nation. Way to go Jerry and especially the kids.
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A lesson on ATV riding
Well today I decided to enjoy the great weather by taking a ride on the ATV up Big Hollow road. Just a lesson to others, always wear boot, gloves and a helmet. I was being very careless and yes indeed stupid. Driving at over 50 mph heading west towards the turn at Polly's Peak I could not make the corner, lost control and rolled the four wheeler several times. After being dazed and confused I managed to drive home. Off to the hospital at Nephi for a checkup. Still can't move my right shoulder and right knee. Lots of pain and a helmet that was damaged pretty good by rocks and sage brush. Doing fine just mad at how stupid driving that fast on a dirt road is. So lesson learned, slow down, enjoy nature and most important wear your safety gear!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hero's and Freinds.
Just thought Id put this link for the adventurous to watch. It's about the Red Flag war games out of Nellis AFB, Las Vegas Nevada. As a young 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF I started my USAF flying career at this base. Now with over 2,000 hours in the F-4 Phantom II jet fighter, this movie made me homesick, wishing I was again airborne. I have flown in dozens of these Red Flag missions over a number of years. Yes indeed,the best training any military member can get anywhere. It is also very dangerous. It was an acceptable loss to lose at least one aircraft and it's crew every Red Flag. I have lost many great friends during these missions. All were hero's, that I am proud to have served with.
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http://www.hulu.com/watch/24197/fighter-pilot-operation-red-flag
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Don
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http://www.hulu.com/watch/24197/fighter-pilot-operation-red-flag
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Don
Thursday, November 20, 2008
WOW, What a week
Hard to believe that winter is just around the corner. This last week has been unbelievable, warm and sunny. Could this be a mild winter or just a tease prior to the snow blizzard storms that are to follow? Get outside and enjoy the weather.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Fountain Green Humanitarian Day 2008
A beautiful day and a great gift was given by the Saints and Citizens of Fountain Green to those in need. Dozens of families and individuals turned up and cheerfully gave of their time and talents to make items for distribution worldwide in time of need and disaster. Quilts were tied, blankets cut, toys stuffed, block sanded and painted, hygiene kits were filled and cheer was shared with each other. A great day and a wonder gift to others, THANKS!
Don
Don
Monday, November 10, 2008
Veteran's Day
Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. An important day in my life since I served proudly in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, retiring as an officer. I have been so blessed to be able to call many men and women my friends who served side-by-side with me. I have had close friends give their life while in service and many more who served with courage and dedication. Let's never forget to honor those who have given their all to our safety and freedoms. Never forget to tell every veteran you meet, thanks. This is not for me, but every time someones thanks me I indeed feel proud and yet humble to have to have been able to do what I have done.
Tomorrow in the Fountain Green Theater, there is a special program but on by the Elementary School children for the local veteran's, THANK YOU!
Don
Tomorrow in the Fountain Green Theater, there is a special program but on by the Elementary School children for the local veteran's, THANK YOU!
Don
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Humanitarian Day
Today was beautiful, warm, sunny and a chance for the church members to participate in a Humanitarian Service day. Most of the day members met at the chapel and graciously gave of their time, talents and money to make items for distribution throughout the world to needy and those affected by disasters. A great time tying quilts, sewing blankets, stuffing dolls and toys, painting wood blocks and putting together sanitary kits. A great time to meet each other and help others. THANKS!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
City Counsel Meeting 14 Oct 2008
A spirited time was had by all. The full elected counsel was present and chaired by Mayor Scott Collard. I'm not going to go into the entire meeting, visit city hall and ask for a copy of the minutes from this and past meetings. Do ya'll know what is happening here in Fountain Green? The best way is to participate in each and every monthly meeting. Starting next month they meet an hour earlier at 7 p.m. in the City Hall.
Lots of great interaction on things such as city cleanup, property rights, the new water project that may be in the works, road repairs, general city property maintenance, Eagle Scout Projects, building permits, financial condition of the city, citizen comments and questions. This is our city, we elected the city counsel and they really need our help in governing and directing the affairs of the city to best meet the needs of the majority. If we are silent we have no right to complain. Be there next month.
I personally want to thank the members of the city counsel, they are truly trying to do what is best for all of us. Sometimes they don't really know without our help, most of the time they are right on the spot.
Biggest issue last night was trying to cleanup the city streets. They have asked citizens to move trash, old sheds, wrecked cars and personal property off the city property that extends from the road to the individual property line. Overall it is a good thing to help make our community look cleaner and more organized. Many citizens had concerns of car parking and trailer parking. The discussion was lively to say the least. Scott Collard and the counsel agreed to take the comments under consideration and review. Thanks.
The city counsel voted the Fountain Green Sportsman Club to fall under the umbrella of the city. It was proposed that a new trap and skeet shooting facility be built on city property near the sewer ponds. The nearby land owners will be contacted for input. Preliminary approval was given to continue plans for the sporting complex.
Two Eagle Scout projects were submitted. One was to repair and resurface the basketball court in the city office building. The other was to put together emergency bags that can be carried by the local fire and police vehicles that contain various medical supplies. Both projects are still in the planning stages and we hope to hear more about them. When we do, it's real important for the citizens of Fountain Green to support and assist these young men in making them a success.
It was brought up that there is a dangerous section of sidewalk on the east side of the business on State Street. This section has been pushed up by tree roots. I felt it is an eye sore for the city as well as a public danger. Since gas lines may be in the roots nothing has been done. It's under advisement.
See ya'll next month at the city meeting.
Don
Lots of great interaction on things such as city cleanup, property rights, the new water project that may be in the works, road repairs, general city property maintenance, Eagle Scout Projects, building permits, financial condition of the city, citizen comments and questions. This is our city, we elected the city counsel and they really need our help in governing and directing the affairs of the city to best meet the needs of the majority. If we are silent we have no right to complain. Be there next month.
I personally want to thank the members of the city counsel, they are truly trying to do what is best for all of us. Sometimes they don't really know without our help, most of the time they are right on the spot.
Biggest issue last night was trying to cleanup the city streets. They have asked citizens to move trash, old sheds, wrecked cars and personal property off the city property that extends from the road to the individual property line. Overall it is a good thing to help make our community look cleaner and more organized. Many citizens had concerns of car parking and trailer parking. The discussion was lively to say the least. Scott Collard and the counsel agreed to take the comments under consideration and review. Thanks.
The city counsel voted the Fountain Green Sportsman Club to fall under the umbrella of the city. It was proposed that a new trap and skeet shooting facility be built on city property near the sewer ponds. The nearby land owners will be contacted for input. Preliminary approval was given to continue plans for the sporting complex.
Two Eagle Scout projects were submitted. One was to repair and resurface the basketball court in the city office building. The other was to put together emergency bags that can be carried by the local fire and police vehicles that contain various medical supplies. Both projects are still in the planning stages and we hope to hear more about them. When we do, it's real important for the citizens of Fountain Green to support and assist these young men in making them a success.
It was brought up that there is a dangerous section of sidewalk on the east side of the business on State Street. This section has been pushed up by tree roots. I felt it is an eye sore for the city as well as a public danger. Since gas lines may be in the roots nothing has been done. It's under advisement.
See ya'll next month at the city meeting.
Don
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Last Weekend Before first Snow
Last week end of autumn colors on West Mountain before the first snow storm of the season. Beautiful autumn colors.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Don in Log Canyon
A great way to spend a cool autumn day. Exploring Sanpete County by driving up Log Canyon and down Maple Canyon.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Beautiful Autumn on Nebo Loop
Well it that time of year that everyone should get out of the house and enjoy nature. The oaks are red and the Aspens are brilliant yellow. The Nebo Loop isn't all that far away and less than 40 miles ya'll can be in the big city of Payson. Here's a view along the road this year. Enjoy and be thankful for what we have been given to enjoy.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Fountain Green ... The hidden Treasure
A beautiful day, sunshine and some clouds. Above it all the end of the rainbow sits on Fountain Green hills.
A beautiful Day in Fountain Green
Another beautiful day in the valley. The feeling of autumn is coming and the maple trees on the West Mountain are turning brilliant red. Before long the Aspens will turn yellow and we will know fall is getting ready to change to winter. Here's a panorama from the back of my field looking towards town and the West Mountain. This was taken during the summer, in the near future I'll be putting up some great autumn colors.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Fountain Green, Utah
Well after spending 20 years in the USAF flying the F-4 Phantom II jet fighter, a life time of traveling the world, and 10 years in business owning and operating five 250 seat restaurants in Texas and New Mexico, I came home to my ancestral homestead. After a few months of preparation and planning we have started to build our new home out behind the old family pioneer home.
We just moved from our last USAF assignment of San Antonio, Texas with it's 1.3 million people to what we hope is a slower, friendlier and more hospitable family orientated town of Fountain Green, Utah with it's 1,000 people.
There aren't any red lights, but a few yield signs, no cross walks, one city park, one small grocery store, an old but well supplied gas station, one elementary school, a few dozen horses, a few thousand sheep, and thousands of turkeys destined for Thanksgiving dinner.
Where else do a large percentage of the citizens drive four wheel ATVs, an occasional riding lawn mower, and a few tractors to the post office to pick up their mail.
This town also has a renovated dance hall and theater that were built in the 1800's, and a few monuments describing the Indian wars and dedicated to the "white men" who were killed during the Blackhawk War in and around the 1860's. These are at the forefront along main street and the city park.
The busiest and greatest time is the Annual Lamb Day, held each July. There are softball games with men, ladies and even the older folks which start the festivities for several days. Friday night is the mutton fry where more than a dozen sheep or mutton are made into steaks and are deep fried in various cast iron pots to serve to the over 750 hungry towns people. Saturday morning starts at 6 a.m when the volunteer fire department sets off a couple sticks of dynamite on the hill above town. Then the fire engine races through town with it's siren blasting calling everyone to the early morning flag ceremony. Afterwards, it's time for a great pancake breakfast in the park,then back to State Street for the parade. Yes, a real parade with floats from the neighboring towns. The big event is the float with the Lamb Day Queen and her attendants. This year there were of course the local politicians, the local store, volunteer fire department, a few antique cars and tractors, the local skateboard "team", high school marching band and pep club. All throwing candy to the hundreds of kids lining the street.
The rest of the day is the lamb show and competition between the kids(where I saw dust scramble), a few music groups singing, and the lamb sandwiches, which are not to be missed. Yes indeed, over 20 lambs are prepared and cooked in underground stone lined pits all night and are ready to eat for lunch. It's hard to believe but the lines don't stop for several hours and it's not unusual for a single person to buy a dozen or more.
One of the state's best fireworks shows ends the day. Fast and furious explosions fill the night air. A perfect ending to a great community celebration.
Oh so much to talk about, the community, the people, the Mayor and the cities councilmen, farmers and businessmen, the politics and the friendships, the mountains and the valley. Yup, we'll get to it all as time goes on. Feel free to add your inputs and ideas. Problems, suggestions, advise, thank yous, congratulations and sympathy; we can talk about most anything. The only thing I ask is that no personal attacks take place here. We can be honest but let's show Utah and this great world how well we can develop friendships and work together to improve our community.
Have fun and let's hear what you think is important in Fountain Green.
Don Despain
We just moved from our last USAF assignment of San Antonio, Texas with it's 1.3 million people to what we hope is a slower, friendlier and more hospitable family orientated town of Fountain Green, Utah with it's 1,000 people.
There aren't any red lights, but a few yield signs, no cross walks, one city park, one small grocery store, an old but well supplied gas station, one elementary school, a few dozen horses, a few thousand sheep, and thousands of turkeys destined for Thanksgiving dinner.
Where else do a large percentage of the citizens drive four wheel ATVs, an occasional riding lawn mower, and a few tractors to the post office to pick up their mail.
This town also has a renovated dance hall and theater that were built in the 1800's, and a few monuments describing the Indian wars and dedicated to the "white men" who were killed during the Blackhawk War in and around the 1860's. These are at the forefront along main street and the city park.
The busiest and greatest time is the Annual Lamb Day, held each July. There are softball games with men, ladies and even the older folks which start the festivities for several days. Friday night is the mutton fry where more than a dozen sheep or mutton are made into steaks and are deep fried in various cast iron pots to serve to the over 750 hungry towns people. Saturday morning starts at 6 a.m when the volunteer fire department sets off a couple sticks of dynamite on the hill above town. Then the fire engine races through town with it's siren blasting calling everyone to the early morning flag ceremony. Afterwards, it's time for a great pancake breakfast in the park,then back to State Street for the parade. Yes, a real parade with floats from the neighboring towns. The big event is the float with the Lamb Day Queen and her attendants. This year there were of course the local politicians, the local store, volunteer fire department, a few antique cars and tractors, the local skateboard "team", high school marching band and pep club. All throwing candy to the hundreds of kids lining the street.
The rest of the day is the lamb show and competition between the kids(where I saw dust scramble), a few music groups singing, and the lamb sandwiches, which are not to be missed. Yes indeed, over 20 lambs are prepared and cooked in underground stone lined pits all night and are ready to eat for lunch. It's hard to believe but the lines don't stop for several hours and it's not unusual for a single person to buy a dozen or more.
One of the state's best fireworks shows ends the day. Fast and furious explosions fill the night air. A perfect ending to a great community celebration.
Oh so much to talk about, the community, the people, the Mayor and the cities councilmen, farmers and businessmen, the politics and the friendships, the mountains and the valley. Yup, we'll get to it all as time goes on. Feel free to add your inputs and ideas. Problems, suggestions, advise, thank yous, congratulations and sympathy; we can talk about most anything. The only thing I ask is that no personal attacks take place here. We can be honest but let's show Utah and this great world how well we can develop friendships and work together to improve our community.
Have fun and let's hear what you think is important in Fountain Green.
Don Despain
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