Alva Review-Courier -

I made all three nights of the Act I young peoples play “How The West was Fun” last week. Cleo made the first night with cousin Anne, Justin and I. Anne came Friday night but I was on my own Saturday evening. It was great fun as usual. The first night Jaylyn had a major speaking part that she just had a few days to prepare for. She made a great cowboy “Lobo.” The last two nights the real Lobo showed up and Jaylyn was “Gold Crust Gertie” again. I got a surprise Saturday night. Jaylyn's younger brother Travis, also had a major part as a crooked charlatan, Dr. Samuel Sasquatch. He usually does bit parts but did a great job as the Doc. I am especially proud of not only these two but everyone that was in the play. I am looking foreword to the next play, Mary Poppins. Also thanks to all the people that donate time, money and mentoring skills to these young people.

Wednesday afternoon, Cleo and I went to Cherokee for Cleo's allergy shot. Dad and Anne went with us and after a trip to United to soak up some grocery bargains we had some supper and then went to the Great Salt Plains Lake. Anne had never been there and it had been a while for us.

We drove down the first road to the swimming spot on the north side. There was some playground equipment that I hadn't seen before that is a good idea. We drove through the camp area and I was surprised how many campers were there. I hadn't been there since the new bridge was put in across the river down from the dam. Pretty impressive and even had a walkway/fishing area alongside the bridge.

Around on the south side we got to look at the water moving downstream. The last time Cleo and I were there the runoff areas were dry. There was a man fishing and while we were there he caught a nice catfish. Anne had never seen a catfish so now she can pick one out of other fish. She wanted to put her toes in the water but we never found a good spot so she had to settle for a good coating of little ants, there were about 50 million of the little buggers. There was no shortage of deer to look at and much to Dad's dismay none tried out his new grill guard. I am going to get him a tag that says “Try my grill. Do you feel lucky, deer punk?”

We came back on the Auto Course Drive. It is a fun drive with more deer. We also saw a very large coyote near a children's fishing pond. It was mostly dark by the time we got to the highway, so a trip back again in the light would be nice. The great thing about taking Dad with us is he has many good stories, memories, and history about everywhere we go.

Next Sunday is Father's Day. Please plan an activity with your father, stepfather, father figure, or favorite grandfather, or at the least a call to brighten their and your day.