06/23/86 And we're off! Traveling at 33,000 ft over Boston to Paris!

Today was a real learning experience. We had some more classes on being an American and what it means. I'm find out that the only way to really get the most of something is to be myself and talk. That is the hardest. I'm definitely too shy! Joel told me I gotta learn to speak up -- he is so right!

It really is hard to get used to being away. I miss everything a lot. I am always thing about them. I guess as soon as I feel more comfortable away I'll feel less homesick.

My roommate is really nice. Samantha from Kansas City.

I'm on the airplane to Paris now. I can't believe I'm actually going through with this. The plane is going at 33,000 ft. We are over Boston right now. We will arrive in France at 10:30. We took off at 9:30 or so. I really don't feel like I'm doing this.

I'm getting exposed to French slowly but I don't understand any of it!

I still haven't received my papers yet so I know absolutely nothing about my family or where in France I am going. I suppose this is going to be a real adventure. I am really tired. I can't figure out why, our cot last night was pretty comfy.

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08/23/25 Organ

The Washington First Ward Building was sold to the City of Washington. Part of my responsibilities included dispensing of the organ and pianos in the building (along with other things). It is an Allen, approximately 1970s. I put the organ up on the auction. There were a couple of other people that were bidding on it, but I ultimately won the bid (for under $100). On the day I won the bid I was able to arrange a mover!!! I paid $250 to have someone from the piano store move it to our house (I have no idea how he managed to get that into the back bedroom....but he did it!!!) Then, it wouldn't work. 😭 I waited for approximately 6 weeks before a guy (who had to be 80 years old) came down from SLC and repaired the organ. (So the organ wasn't actually broken, it had to do with the electricity and the house talking nicely to one another.) It took him a couple of hours to figure it out. He charged about $200 and voila! I have a working church organ. Cool, eh? Now, I got...

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06/27/25 Drew Ellerman's Retirement Party

Steve Whittekiend, Kelly Carlson in front Mayor Kress Staheli in back Thad Seegmiller back of head Police Chief Jason Williams, Councilman Troy Belliston Jordan Hess, Councilman Bret Henderson, Finance Brian Brown Mayor Kress Staheli and Councilman Craig Coats Danice Bulloch (former City Recorder), Shelly Griffin Hana Park and Tara Pentz (current recorders) April and Drew Ellerman April & Drew Ellerman, Kathy Spring (former assistant to Drew) Bonnie Baker (current assistant) and Drew Drew

Griffin Family

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