Tim & Vanessa Lorentzen Family!

July 7th - Hot - hot - hot!  On the 2nd Hollis, Jasper and Starlit assisted with Cloverdale's  Hot Dog day and did an awesome job!  Was 95 above so we got roasted (well, some of us got sunburned legs but we won't mention any names).  Then Thursday evening George arrived to spend the 4th with us. We went to the parade in Mandan (Jasper dressed up as George Washington and rode on the Cloverdale float) and then went to the lake in the afternoon and then met Grandpa Lorentz and Grandma Lou in Bismarck and went to the Symphony and fireworks at the Capitol grounds.  Long day!  Then on Saturday we went to the parade in Underwood (they were celebrating 100 years) and Grandpa Ross, Jaidra, Madison and Jasper rode horses in the parade.  They had a really nice car and antique tractor show.  Sunday Vanessa, Hollis and Jasper left for Brandon Manitoba for Suzuki Institute and then that evening Anita and Alex arrived.  Boring week as you can tell!

July 14th - Another boring week!  Vanessa, Hollis and Jasper left on Sunday morning for Suzuki Institute in Brandon Manitoba.  Then my sister Anita and her son Alex arrived Sunday night.  Mom & Dad left on Tuesday and Anita and Alex left on Thursday.  Thursday evening we took the camper over and setup at the Cross Ranch for the Bluegrass festival.  Camped Friday and Saturday nights and enjoyed some GREAT music!  The quartet sang Sunday afternoon as they have that afternoon devoted to Gospel music.  There was a wonderful family (The Berge Family) from Minnesota and they were a real joy to hear and talk to.  Vanessa and the boys got home late Friday and had a good week.

July 21st - Went camping over at Nelson Lake.  Took the camper over on Thursday night and got a great spot.  Then took the boat over Friday night and stayed until Sunday afternoon.  The weather was rather warm (OK so it was downright hot!) but we had fun.  The old wagon (Goldie as Zion has named her) did well as I towed the boat behind the camper on the way home.  John & Ross helped me install a "custom" (well you can't even buy anything to fit something 30 years old) receiver hitch so I was able to use my equalizer hitch.  It still sits a bit low but handles well.  I might look into replacing the rear coil springs and see if that helps.

July 28th - More hot weather but it is the end of July so what can you expect in North Dakota!  Haying is going good.  The quartet sang at an outdoor concert on Saturday over by Hazen (35 miles from here) and had a great time.  This was the first year they had it and got over 550 people so a good turnout.