We just got home from a whirlwind weekend in northern Utah. Our friends, Arthur and Jan Douglas, invited us to stay at their ranch while I did a couple of book signings.

The first was at Smith Edwards in Farr West, UT. That is the most incredible store I have ever seen! They have everything! Old fashioned candy, Army surplus, Western clothes, gear, tack, saddles, food, outdoor everything, anything and everything you need for a farm or ranch, patio furniture, fountains, etc. They say that if they don’t have what you need, just ask them and they will get it. I’ve never been in a store like it.

Then we went to the USU Equestrian Center in Logan and signed books at the Farm, Ranch & Garden Expo. Everyone was sooo nice and the facility is beautiful. We had a great time and thank all of you, especially Arthur and Jan, for your hospitality.

I really did sub for Mom in a parade. Mom and Dad were to be the Grand Marshals of the Portland, OR Rose Parade but she came down with pneumonia and it was too late to cancel their appearance, so she volunteered me to ride in her place. Now. she always credited Buttermilk as the cause of her having to have a hysterectomy. He was a great horse but he was very short-coupled and trotted every chance he got. Also, plastic saddles were not one of Dad’s better investments. They were like sitting on bricks in the morning as the parade would start. Then, as the sun came up and you and the horse warmed up, the seat would get slippery and the stirrups would start to stretch! Between Buttermilk and the plastic saddle, I swore I would never ride a horse in another parade and didn’t until I rode in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade 40 years later. Anyway, here I am, on Buttermilk, June 14, 1954.