10/28/2025
Finally finishing up my own project - The Ponderosa, after gutting it over 3 yrs ago. It was harder than I thought to come home and work in the evening on my own project, after doing this same work every day for hire,day in and day out. I'd like to thank Jay & Andy Miller, Jeff Schneider and Bret Hart for all their help on this project, some of my other work for hire, small engine work on my lawnmowers, cutting firewood for the wood burner, etc.. . I also can't put into words all the unwavering support and love I receive from my 4 older sisters and their husbandsKathleen Harley and Rich, Al Chris Beckman Char Otto and Don, Karen and Greg Andersen. Also I want to thank my 2 sons, Wade Hayden and Kelsie, Paul Hayden and Jenna Marie, and my grandkids - Skylar, Brysan, Emerly & Everly, and Gage for putting up with my mood swings as I tend to get a little (?) "Growly" when working on a project such as this. Also in that last group is 2 young ladies, Sarah Locke and Rachel Smith, who though not blood related to me, have put up with my s__t for many years, and still love me, I think!! Sarah has a wonderful husband, Tyler, and 2 handsome sons, Landon & Grayson who also hold a special place in my heart; the same spot as my biological grandchildren. I also have had 2 extremely smart and knowledgeable gentlemen help me with my electrical work - Todd Abraham, and 1 of my best friends for over 20 yrs, Steve Baldoni, with the plumbing and Hvac, who works harder and puts in more hrs a week working than anyone I know, myself included. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Alicia Myres, who is living with me and motivated me to get my ass moving and finish this project. She too is a hard worker, who has helped me also to go through my possessions, and throw out all the crap I've accumulated throughout my whole life.
In closing, finishing this project and finally getting it done is being dedicated to the. memory of Paula Kereta Smith, the only woman I've ever loved, who also always encouraged me to keep my work in perspective, and Showed me what unconditional love for her family was.
