August 2012

August is a month of transition, the end of the summer and the beginning of fall in Idaho and the end of school vacation and the return to the classroom. As for me it is the best month of the year living in Idaho. The summer heat is tempered by the cool evening and the crisp mornings. The end of August brings sober thought of the approaching winter months. Fortunately, the fall weather is so often so beautiful. The color begins to show up in the leaves of the trees in our neighborhood.

So many things have happened to our family in August. Personally, I finished a long term project that began early spring. I began the restoration of our 1971 VW. After setting idle for two and a half years following our mission, I was anxious to bring it back to life. I began by rebuilding the brakes but soon ran into trouble beyond my capabilities so I took it to Volkswagon Bob for help. He gladly took it in and put on a new master brake cylinder. Then on the 3^rd of April said it was leaking oil and would need a new seal after sitting so long. We decided to rebuild the engine as well. He said he would have it out the end of the week. Two weeks passed and then on the third week not hearing form him I was concerned. Then my neighbor told me his obituary was in the paper. He died! Oh no! It took months to get my car out of his shop due to legal matters. Paul Phillip (my neighbor) and I finally made contact with family members and rolled it up on a flat bed along with collecting the engine, mufflers and parts.

Woody helped me put it back together and after weeks of working on the body it was ready for paint. Woody did a remarkable job in painting the car. It runs wonderfully and I am the talk of the town in my “new” VW. How fun it has been driving around this last month.

We were anxious to see our grandson “Burton” Mariner, so we invited Monica and the baby to visit us in Idaho and get out of the Arizona heat. They were here a week, during which time we had lots of fun. We went to Tautphus Park, walked the Green Belt, and went to Jackson, Wy. There we met with the Taows and camped out at the KOA managed by Swen and his new wife Brenna. They took all of us down the Hoback River on inner tubes. What a treat.

The most remarkable of all is the Brock Hostteter story. Dawn and I drove to Salt Lake City after his brain surgery performed at the Primary Children’s hospital. Robyn Lau was busy helping when we got there. Brock did remarkably well and was convalescing at home once we arrived. 

Robyn and Dawn worked hard in the yard removing weeds and cleaning the front yard. Then they spent two days staining the front fence.      I worked on the lawn irrigation system, repaired the toilet, and cut down tons of grape vines in the back. The kids and Robyn also painted the furniture in Ella’s room. Along with a new couch, Bar B Que, and computer the Hostteters were getting back to normal. Brock has had such an incredible procedure to reduce the seizures. We are so grateful for his wonderful spirit through all this. Thanks to Holly and Jon for their constant efforts in helping this young man.

Dawn and I also managed to squeeze in a golf game at Lakeside golf course with Angie and Bill Bytheway.

Lastly, the month would not be complete without a trip to Lagoon with the Russell grandkids. Dawn and I spent the day with Josh, Tate, Baya, Dax and Boe at Lagoon. Robyn and Indy also joined us for rides, food, and entertainment at Lagoon. 

What else could we have stuck into one month. Besides the travel and guests Dawn has been VERY busy in her new calling. As ward Relief Society President, her days have been filled with new activities. There is a learning curve that has required longer hours in serving. Besides the new calling we are spending more time at the temple as ordinance workers at the Idaho Falls temple.

Summer has been filled with activities for the Russells!! Did I tell you we ran in the Graffiti 5K! Too much, I will have to put it on Youtube!