Monday, November 3, 2008

Harmony Hilton

First let me say a few things about my previous blog about living in Harmony...
I am afraid the story I wrote in high school sounded like I resented my dad for ever moving us to Southern Utah. That could not be farther from the truth. I think at the time, all of my ranting about not having a warm, carpeted room was a selfish teenager talking. Truth is, I would not trade the memories of living at the Harmony Hilton, or living next door to my grandparents for anything. I am sure my siblings feel the same.
Some of you commented about some of your memories and things you remembered about our time at the Hilton. I had forgotten about some of them. Brent mentioned having to come over with Grandma to save us form the bats, that's a classic. When we first moved in, we ALL slept in the one large bedroom together. We were too afraid to venture out, then eventually Kim and I moved to the other bedroom on the main floor, then UPSTAIRS! I loved that room. The view out that hugh picture window was amazing, AND I could see Rex riding around the block on his motorcycle. I think he know I was watching and he was "showing off".
Christmas' were another story, we actually nailed our tree to the floor once, (maybe twice). Nicole mentioned in her comment about our Christmas parties. I had forgotten about Grandma Maxine doing her football imitation. I am laughing just thinking about that.
Occasionally I would have friends from Cedar come stay the night. What they must have thought? Once, my best friend Jana Hyer came down and spent the night, we were sleeping upstairs and a bat came out of a crack in the wall. It is a good thing she was such a good friend, she actually came back after that.
We had some fun times out on the deck that Uncle Brent built on the west side of the house. Brent was really into landscaping and he had really made that side of the house look nice. The deck was a spot to lay out and get a tan, visit late into the night with friends or just hangout.
One night, Brent was out on the deck with some of his friends and we thought it would be funny to scare them. Rex was actually the one to go upstairs and throw some kind of dummy out the window on to the top of the greenhouse. I don't think Brent saw the humor in that.
Shon thought he was a rodeo cowboy so he would shimmy back between the wood burning stove and a chair in the living room and wait for somebody to say: "COMING OUT OF SHOOT # 1, SHON SPEVAK." That was so cute.
We would go out back and pick corn form the garden. We would eat so many ears, we were sick to our stomach. It was worth it though.
I am greatful for the opportunity I had to live in a small community, near family and friends who were just like family. The Harmony Hilton has a special place in my heart.

4 comments:

Janna said...

I grew up in a small town too, and wish that I could give my kids that same experience.

Claudine said...

Great blog, Paula, you made me cry again. I'm glad you have written these memories down so we will have them. What about the bathtub that wouldn't drain, the dirt celler? You have more to write. Shon and Kenyon loved to do that rodeo thing didn't they? Love, Mom

oldcowboy said...

Your blog keeps bringing back many memories. I remember how much your mom used to sew, quilt and she always had some project going on. I remember Brandon and Lynette putting on concerts for us in the living room. Kim Ronette and you were always up to something. I remember that old stove you had in the kitchen and how damn hot it would get. It seems like a time or two I seen it glowing red. Yes, Rex scared the hell out of us with the dummy. I remember once you guys had a surprise birthday party for me when I turned 21, hell now I am about fifty. Where has the time gone? Keep writing down your memories Paula they are priceless.
Love, Uncle Brent

Anonymous said...

good times. good times. those are memories that none of us will soon forget, are they?