Dear Allen & Loni: I just arrived home an hour or so ago after attending the funeral for such a gentleman. (your father, Hubert Hackworth "Hack") I saw your 3 children and only had time to visit with Jenny a few minutes before they left for the cemetery. Hadn't seen her for a long time, what a sweet gal.
When I read the obituary in the paper it said you guys were from St. George, UT/China and so it made me wonder then where you were. I called and visited this morning for a few minutes with Maxine Burt before the funeral in the afternoon and she told me you weren't going to be here, that you were teaching English in China for a year.
I can only imagine how difficult it was, to not be able to attend your father's funeral and that was mentioned a couple of times during the course of the funeral. A lovely note/tribute which you sent by e-mail was read by Gerald ( I always knew him as Jerry, so I'll refer to him as Jerry) and was indeed a sweet addition to the funeral.
I was interested to find out just exactly how your families meshed. All this time I thought you (Allen) was Hubert's son by his first marriage, and after the Life History was given; found out that you were Dorothy's boy by her first marriage and also your sister Shirleen. That Regina was Hubert's and then added Lois, Donna and Jerry. It was quoted from your dad that when he married your mom and then there was a family of 5 and he said that is the way it should of been with me being the age I was." It was mentioned that Hubert, & I believe they called her Lillian were divorced; were your folks also divorced or did your dad die? How old were you when your mom married Hubert?
I remember going a few times to your folks place with Siri (Davidson) Pinnock. We walked over there after school (we must of stayed after school for something) and spent some time at the Hackworth's until our ride came. I remember such a warm reception, laughter, funny stories and I always felt so welcome. I also remember going over to "Hack's Grocery" store. What a fun place. Indeed your parents were great people and anyone who became acquainted with them, loved them from the very beginning. Just like Richard and I have felt toward you and Loni.
Jerry's daughter, Cindy, who gave the life sketch really brought her grandpa to life. She told a lot of it from the history your dad had written himself and then added some of her own thoughts and thoughts from the family. She really did an excellent job portraying his life.
The music was absolutely beautiful. The Law's did an exceptionally good job. But Trisha Baker's song which was a medley of old love songs, was spectacular. She has a beautiful voice. Is she Donna's daughter or daughter-in-law? I could tell that Jerry was nervous when he had to get up and speak and who wouldn't when it was their father's funeral. But he did an excellent job, and described your father so well. Gave some of his sayings, which I have heard from my folks, "If I have to be late, I'd rather not go at all" His expertise in keeping books, how he loved to ride his 3 wheel bike up town and even went clear over to Jerry's house, how he hated to give up his drivers license, how he loved people and how they loved him. How your folks enjoyed running the grocery store, and Jerry said (and I'm sure all you children had to work there at the store) that all those hours for dad working was pure joy, but for us kids, it wasn't so fun. I guess the statement I really like was in the obituary in the paper, that old people should just talk to each other because they would not remember they'd already heard the same story before.
I was glad I was able to attend your father's funeral. Funerals are really a celebration of ones life and my what living your dad got out of his life. You were truly born of goodly parents...
p.s. I knew I was writing this e-mail to retired English Teachers, so I tried to punctuate correctly, use my spell check and write sentences that weren't ramblers and do as, you taught me in 9th Grade English, Loni!
Linda Withers (former neighbor and student in my first year of teaching)
Monday, November 5, 2012
Congratulations to Kristi!! - Mar 2011
She was chosen by her peers to serve as Chief Resident during her final year of residency. Way to go Kristi! It's a big honor and a big responsibility.
I'm not one bit surprised she was chosen, as everyone I meet can't avoid commenting on how nice, bright, thoughtful and fun she is.
Jordan
Wow congratulations K!!
That is sort of like being called as Bishop. You don't know whether to offer congrats or condolences. But it is really an honor and a verification of how awesome you are!!! I'm sooo super proud of you. So proud.
jenni
Thank you all.....I appreciate the congratulations....and yes Jen - I think an offer of condolence is also appropriate. I think this is going to be a tough job that I may wonder why I ever considered it - but I'm also very excited about the challenge and responsibilities. The support of my family is superb and very comforting...thank you all so much!!!
I'm not one bit surprised she was chosen, as everyone I meet can't avoid commenting on how nice, bright, thoughtful and fun she is.
Jordan
Wow congratulations K!!
That is sort of like being called as Bishop. You don't know whether to offer congrats or condolences. But it is really an honor and a verification of how awesome you are!!! I'm sooo super proud of you. So proud.
jenni
Thank you all.....I appreciate the congratulations....and yes Jen - I think an offer of condolence is also appropriate. I think this is going to be a tough job that I may wonder why I ever considered it - but I'm also very excited about the challenge and responsibilities. The support of my family is superb and very comforting...thank you all so much!!!
love,
k
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Dr. Fisher Graduation - Apr 2011
Jen
Awesome Awesome Awesome
Can't wait.
Jordan
Jen,
This is so awesome! You have no idea how proud I am of you. Such a cool, accomplished, smart, driven, wonderful woman. I am so honored to call you sister....and friend!
Much love,
Kristi
Comment Card - Nov 2011
Dear Guest,
It has come to our attention that you recently spent some time vacationing at our resort:
the Hackworth Hacienda for Happy Hallowed Habitants.
In an effort to best serve our customers, we are requesting that you fill out our survey card. These help us with future visitors. We want your honest opinions about your stay (if they are in line with our own feelings).
1. How did you find the bed linens?
a. it was difficult, but we finally located them in the bottom drawer.
b. bed linens were provided? Why didn't someone mention it sooner?
c. none of the above
2. How would you describe the noise level while visiting the HHforHHH?
a. I would rank it along with a Rolling Stones concert; in other words, my hearing is permanently impaired.
b. It could be raised a little before I would start to complain; the children seemed to be able to control their noise level quite well.
c. Well, I notice that all the neighbors just put up "FOR SALE" signs, if that indicates anything about the noise level
3. Were adequate restroom facilities provided for your large group during your stay?
a. I hope no one was ever looking outside
b. I didn't drink any water, so that solved the situation for me.
c. I forgot my toothbrush, so I just chewed a lot of gum.
d. Who put an entire toilet paper roll in the toilet during the final days?
4. Would you and your family ever consider again visiting the Hackworth Hacienda for Happy Hallowed Habitants?
a. Only if the same chefs are still working there.
b. Are you kidding me? Too many people. We went for privacy and peace. Didn't happen. We won't be back
c. We are planning on going to an outdoor water park for our next vacation the first week in August. We love camping in tents rather than staying in luxurious rooms.
5. Were adequate activities provided for you and your guests?
a. Well, we were hoping to have a free cruise vacation thrown in, but other than that, the activities were quite well-planned and adequate.
b. Too many activities...we just wanted time to visit, chat, and play Nertz. Next time, please do not plan any activities, except for the kids; have them go on all-day hikes by themselves.
c. Is there anywhere close where we could play the slots? That's what we would really like to do.
Thank you so much for your input and for helping us improve our service. It has been a pleasure to serve you at our resort.
Please note: WE have now opened a lost and found for items left by your group...these items include:
a skein of yellow and blue yarn
a black pocket knife
a book called Jewel Fairies (Jeremy, really, you should be reading above this level by now!)
a brown sweater that smells a lot like glow sticks
a shirt or pj top with 2 guitars on it
To reclaim these itmes, they must be personally picked up at this location.
Your friendly, eager-to-please staff.
It has come to our attention that you recently spent some time vacationing at our resort:
the Hackworth Hacienda for Happy Hallowed Habitants.
In an effort to best serve our customers, we are requesting that you fill out our survey card. These help us with future visitors. We want your honest opinions about your stay (if they are in line with our own feelings).
1. How did you find the bed linens?
a. it was difficult, but we finally located them in the bottom drawer.
b. bed linens were provided? Why didn't someone mention it sooner?
c. none of the above
2. How would you describe the noise level while visiting the HHforHHH?
a. I would rank it along with a Rolling Stones concert; in other words, my hearing is permanently impaired.
b. It could be raised a little before I would start to complain; the children seemed to be able to control their noise level quite well.
c. Well, I notice that all the neighbors just put up "FOR SALE" signs, if that indicates anything about the noise level
3. Were adequate restroom facilities provided for your large group during your stay?
a. I hope no one was ever looking outside
b. I didn't drink any water, so that solved the situation for me.
c. I forgot my toothbrush, so I just chewed a lot of gum.
d. Who put an entire toilet paper roll in the toilet during the final days?
4. Would you and your family ever consider again visiting the Hackworth Hacienda for Happy Hallowed Habitants?
a. Only if the same chefs are still working there.
b. Are you kidding me? Too many people. We went for privacy and peace. Didn't happen. We won't be back
c. We are planning on going to an outdoor water park for our next vacation the first week in August. We love camping in tents rather than staying in luxurious rooms.
5. Were adequate activities provided for you and your guests?
a. Well, we were hoping to have a free cruise vacation thrown in, but other than that, the activities were quite well-planned and adequate.
b. Too many activities...we just wanted time to visit, chat, and play Nertz. Next time, please do not plan any activities, except for the kids; have them go on all-day hikes by themselves.
c. Is there anywhere close where we could play the slots? That's what we would really like to do.
Thank you so much for your input and for helping us improve our service. It has been a pleasure to serve you at our resort.
Please note: WE have now opened a lost and found for items left by your group...these items include:
a skein of yellow and blue yarn
a black pocket knife
a book called Jewel Fairies (Jeremy, really, you should be reading above this level by now!)
a brown sweater that smells a lot like glow sticks
a shirt or pj top with 2 guitars on it
To reclaim these itmes, they must be personally picked up at this location.
Your friendly, eager-to-please staff.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
On Thursday I'm going to the Dominican Republic - July 2009
The Dominican Republic: An ill-informed traveler's guide
Welcome to the Dominican Republic. The first thing you will notice: everyone that is a native of the Dominican Republic is exactly 3 feet 9 inches tall. Short, yes, but very good at reaching objects behind a sofa. The second thing you will notice is that there are not very many sofas.
The reason the native Dominicans are so short has not yet been discovered, but a long time theory persists suggesting it's because they lived in cupboards for many many years. That is why you will sometimes hear them referred to as the Cupboard People, or sometimes just Cupboards (as in, I went fishing and both the guides were Cupboards), or simply, Cupeeps. Do not think you can just put a Cupeep in your pocket and take them along with you on your return trip. You can't. See, they are people, too. Where you do think the word "people" comes from in "the Cupboard People".
The third thing you will notice in the Dominican Republic is that so many of the town squares are paved with gold. Feel free to chip away and take some of the gold. There's so much of it here. In fact, for a long time people used to melt it down and pour it over their pancakes. Also, their pancakes were made of solid gold.
Looking for something to see that's a little off the beaten path? Try heading south to Hump Back Whale village. Here, you'll find humpback whales that have learned to adapt to life on land and have created an entire village of their own. And the population is growing! In 1980 only 25 whales lived in Humpback Whale Village but in 2008 they were over 3,200 of them. Later this fall, they'll have opened an Applebees and a Walmart. Good for you, whales. As a human, there's nothing I like seeing more in a whale than that "nothing can stop us" attitude. This may be a little off the subject, but so many whales that get beached just sit there and complain and say, "Oh, poor me. I can't breathe very well. I'm so sad. I'll just lay here and get fat and bloated. Isn't there a government agency that can fix my problems? Breathing becoming more difficult. Skin, chaffing." Oh, please.
Next up on your list of must see destinations is the world's largest muffin. I feel like I should tell you, it's big, but it's not that big. You would think that the world's largest muffin would be, say, the size of a Mazda or something, but really it's not much bigger than two regular sized muffins. You might be asking yourself, if this muffin isn't all that big, why should I want to see it? Good question. It's because it's sitting on top of the world's largest fake muffin, and that thing is huge.
There's so many more things to tell you about that we can't possibly fit in this brochure or continue to make up on the spot. Thank you for visiting the Dominican Republic. Oh, and one last thing. You're welcome to drink freely from the tap!
Justin
Welcome to the Dominican Republic. The first thing you will notice: everyone that is a native of the Dominican Republic is exactly 3 feet 9 inches tall. Short, yes, but very good at reaching objects behind a sofa. The second thing you will notice is that there are not very many sofas.
The reason the native Dominicans are so short has not yet been discovered, but a long time theory persists suggesting it's because they lived in cupboards for many many years. That is why you will sometimes hear them referred to as the Cupboard People, or sometimes just Cupboards (as in, I went fishing and both the guides were Cupboards), or simply, Cupeeps. Do not think you can just put a Cupeep in your pocket and take them along with you on your return trip. You can't. See, they are people, too. Where you do think the word "people" comes from in "the Cupboard People".
The third thing you will notice in the Dominican Republic is that so many of the town squares are paved with gold. Feel free to chip away and take some of the gold. There's so much of it here. In fact, for a long time people used to melt it down and pour it over their pancakes. Also, their pancakes were made of solid gold.
Looking for something to see that's a little off the beaten path? Try heading south to Hump Back Whale village. Here, you'll find humpback whales that have learned to adapt to life on land and have created an entire village of their own. And the population is growing! In 1980 only 25 whales lived in Humpback Whale Village but in 2008 they were over 3,200 of them. Later this fall, they'll have opened an Applebees and a Walmart. Good for you, whales. As a human, there's nothing I like seeing more in a whale than that "nothing can stop us" attitude. This may be a little off the subject, but so many whales that get beached just sit there and complain and say, "Oh, poor me. I can't breathe very well. I'm so sad. I'll just lay here and get fat and bloated. Isn't there a government agency that can fix my problems? Breathing becoming more difficult. Skin, chaffing." Oh, please.
Next up on your list of must see destinations is the world's largest muffin. I feel like I should tell you, it's big, but it's not that big. You would think that the world's largest muffin would be, say, the size of a Mazda or something, but really it's not much bigger than two regular sized muffins. You might be asking yourself, if this muffin isn't all that big, why should I want to see it? Good question. It's because it's sitting on top of the world's largest fake muffin, and that thing is huge.
There's so many more things to tell you about that we can't possibly fit in this brochure or continue to make up on the spot. Thank you for visiting the Dominican Republic. Oh, and one last thing. You're welcome to drink freely from the tap!
Justin
Fwd: Chee Kong Teo sent you a message on Facebook...July 2009
Subject: Chee Kong Reunion with The Hackworth
Justin,
I am planning within these 2 years to have a reunion with the Hackworth. Please please proposed the best time and where (Utah or Rexburg, Idaho) for us to have the reunion. I am looking forward for this reunion. We have not met for more than 25 years. I will pay the re-union dinner and just name the place. Please send my regard to all the Hackworth. I miss you all.
Thanks,
Regards,
Teo Chee Kong
Justin,
I am planning within these 2 years to have a reunion with the Hackworth. Please please proposed the best time and where (Utah or Rexburg, Idaho) for us to have the reunion. I am looking forward for this reunion. We have not met for more than 25 years. I will pay the re-union dinner and just name the place. Please send my regard to all the Hackworth. I miss you all.
Thanks,
Regards,
Teo Chee Kong
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