Rain showers in Fraser
By Norma Brand
Rain showers fell on Fraser on Wednesday and Thursday morning of last week. The rain gauge at the Brand’s ranch captured over 1/3 of an inch of rain. The temperatures during the week rose into the 50 and 60 degree range, everyone enjoyed the warm weather.
Steve and Norma Brand received a visit from Norma’s sister and her family last Thursday. Delores and Don Franck drove to Fraser from Livingston, MT. They traveled with their daughter, Sara Giese and her three daughters, Marissa 9 years, Kyra, 5 years, and 3-year-old Hannah.
The girls enjoyed exploring the ranch and a ride in the John Deere tractor with their Great Uncle Steve at the wheel. The llamas were well taken care of also, each morning they were able to feed Moon Dawntreader out of their hands.
On Friday everyone drove down to the Midnight Sun Ranch to visit Sharon McHone and the Welsh Ponies. When they arrived Sharon had the mare, “Gayfield’s You Go Girl” (Ginger) on a lead rope. She gave them lessons on how to brush Ginger’s coat so they could ride her bareback. Three-year-old Hannah was the first one to ride, then Marissa and Kyra were next. Even Great Aunt Norma and their mother Sara had their turn.
Sharon gave everyone riding instructions as she and Hannah led Ginger around the yard. Before long Marissa and Kyra were holding on tight as Sharon encouraged Ginger to trot, Sara ran along beside them so they wouldn’t slide off.
They both came back with big smiles on their faces. Many photos were taken and the girls will be able to share this adventure with everyone. They thanked Sharon and presented her with a picture they had designed. Thanks, Sharon; everyone had such a good time.
The next stop was the Bordoni’s Yak Ranch. Marissa and Kyra had met the yaks last year so they wanted Hannah to have the same experience. She had fun, but preferred to sit on the porch with Great Uncle Steve and talk about the chickens, while everyone else looked at Debi’s custom furniture and lampshades. Thanks, Debi.
They also visited Peggy Ball and looked over the new barn.
On Saturday, everyone drove to Orofino so the adults could attend Bertys Smolinski’s 90th birthday party. Sara and the girls enjoyed the playground at the City Park.
Sunday morning the family returned home and took many good memories with them.
Sharon McHone flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma the last week of September to help Gayfields Farm owners’ Gale and Arthur Tomson with a Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America show.
Sharon was in charge of getting the ponies ready for the show ring and actually showing them. She said it was so exciting, she is looking forward to the photos Arthur promised to send.
Jan Thornton celebrated her birthday on Oct. 6 at home with her family. Jean Bennett joined them and brought nine pumpkins out to the Thornton ranch so Jan could help her carve the designs. It sounds like everyone had a great time.
Oreta and Dale Stuart reported they have had some excitement at their ranch. A pack of wolves killed one of their calves; a neighbor reported it 6to them when they saw the wolves feeding on the carcass. They reported it to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This incident happened right here in Fraser, so keep an eye out for your pets.
Fraser Ladies Get To-Gether Club met Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Fraser Community Center. Hostesses Donna Brown and Karen Fowler had the building decorated for Halloween and the wood stove burning to take the chill off.
During the regular meeting names were drawn for hostesses for the next six months and dues were collected. Dolores Watson won the White Elephant. After the meeting everyone enjoyed a bowl of tasty soup, cupcakes and cookies. Several games of Bingo were played and Secret Sister gifts were exchanged.
Thanksgiving will be celebrated at the November meeting; hostesses are Peggy Ball, Diane Cochrell and Bonny Kinney. This is a family potluck dinner at noon and families are invited.
Marie Green enjoyed a visit from Dave Long and his wife Mikah and his family. Dave was the minister of the church that stood where the new Discovery Center is now located. The Longs are here for hunting season.
The following day Maxine Johnstun and her daughter Jan Meckley came for a visit.
Marie’s son, Steve and his wife Carol spent the weekend at the farm.
Krystal Dahl and her grandmother, Doris Dahl have been on a mission. Krystal is selling chocolates as a fund-raiser for Timberline Schools. Good luck, Krystal.
Happy birthday goes out to Glen Erickson on Oct. 23.
Happy Birthday goes out to Krystal Dahl on Oct. 25.
Happy Birthday goes out to Nathan Brown on Oct. 27.