The end of summer meant the start of school. Attending school was fun for me, but it also provided the only dark spot in my young life. The school was located on the main road through town, which was a state highway. To help make sure [...]
Hyland Hotel Kathleen Summers, born just two and a half months before me, was my very best friend when I was growing up. She lived at the Hyland Hotel, a small hotel in Monticello that had nine rooms to rent. The foundation and first floor of [...]
The Lone Ranger of the Manti-La Sal Forest was my idol. My father, Julian Thomas, spent most of his life in a green khaki shirt, proudly wearing a forest service pin. His job was to keep the mountains from eroding under the pounding of heavy spring [...]
Camping is an excellent opportunity to enjoy each other's company, enjoy your backyard and enjoy activities you don't normally do. Take time to have a family activity in the backyard to build your skills before going camping if you do not have a backyard go to [...]
By Francine Curran Maden is the 4th of 10 children, one of 3 boys. He was born during the time of the Khmer Rouge, and his mother pretended to be mentally ill in hopes of not being arrested, but both parents were arrested, and he was [...]
When I was growing up in Monticello, there were two stores, two gas stations, and a movie theater. The only school accommodated all of the grades for many years until a new high school was built. I loved the small, white one-room [...]
For someone who did not like to read and write, life has really changed. When I was called in high school to the counselor’s office after taking an aptitude test, my counselor told me not to go on to college, because I did not have the [...]
In high school, I took an aptitude test in the tenth grade. When the score returned, the school counselor called me into the office. I remember her asking me what I planned to do after high school. I stood tall and said, "I am going to [...]
The Beginning of Life as a Ranger Kid In 2004, the National Forest Service celebrated its 100th anniversary. During that year, I received a call from a woman in the Regional Office, which was located in Ogden, Utah. She asked me if I was [...]
Beijing, China: China has become a part of American everyday life but most of us do not know too much about China and their life and culture. It has been my opportunity to travel to China for the past ten years. Every trip I gain [...]
Adventure is Dian’s middle name, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to glean ideas that will pay everyday dividends. Keep-up-to date on the latest of Dian’s creations, travels, outdoor adventures, and fun and creative ideas to do with your family.
