We certainly need not spend much time this week visiting on any of the finer points of recent weather activities, as very little change has been noticed in our fair valley. The boys with the big maps on TV show us pictures of depressions out in the oceans and speak of what might be coming, but it still looks a long way off to me. I don’t know where it came from, but we could see signs of recent shower activity up at the Gaddy on Richland Creek at Algerita this past weekend as the dusty tracks from recent trips into the pasture had been spotted over. Anyhow, after visiting with T. Noel after the Holiday, he indicated getting .15", and that it actually rained big drops that came down pretty hard for a brief period. Guess that’s a good bit better than none at all.

Son, Will was in this past weekend, tending to some ranch chores down at the ol’ Towerton Place on the River at the Colony, as well as visiting with Nana out at Sloan. We also happened to make it out to Harkeyville Sat. evening and take advantage of the Hardman’s hospitality with the concert and dinner at "Soap’s Place." The congenial crowd was very laid back and the Rankin Twins really put on a lively and entertaining show. The lil’ gals were bouncy and good at what they were about, as well as being backed up by a good 7 piece band. The whole affair was handled with family members and proved to be an extremely gracious gathering. Supper was a surprise as the advertisement said the dinner would be a Potato bar, but we found out they were serving Barbecue with all the sides when we got there. Anyhow Darrell & Doodle Lusty did the BBQ & it was received quite well. The big back Portico served as a nice stage with the well kept landscaped area and the San Saba as a back-drop served as a superb setting for such said activities and events. Sloan community was well represented by several couples, some from in town, and even a couple of Taffs came from McMillin.

Anyhow, it was an extremely enjoyable outing and probably the first time I recall attending a 4th of July bash in Harkeyville.

Will & I slow grilled a nice Rib-eye roast and a couple of sides of pork ribs, along with some roastin’ ears and a big bowl of Lady Z’s "gourmet potatoes" for Sunday evening supper. Carl Maldonado came in from Stingy Lane and brought a good batch of Pico de Gallo that went pretty well with a few stuffed Jalapenos we put on the smoker for a while. Anyhow, needless to say we had a good bit of barbecue over the Independence Day weekend. Lady Z &

yrs. truly still got to enjoy the Boston Pops evening in the Harbor and saw several super fireworks shows.

The Mayor finally called back on the 4th informing me that he had been out of town the past several days as he had to go fishing up in Alaska. He would probably be more comfortable with a putter or driver in his hands, but reportedly has become a fairly good fisherman. Maybe we’ll get to see if he brought back a few Salmon somewhere out around----------------- Harkeyville!!!!!