(originally posted Jul 15, 2005) (the photo is not on my first visit — It’s me and Jennifer at Fisher Mtn.)
I hope that everyone will reminisce a bit. It comes more naturally with age, but then so does forgetfulness. If you have fond memories, it might be best to write them down now.
My first trip to Jones Valley was when I was about eight years of age, as I recall. That’s been a while now. I went with my grandparents, Guilford and Jeannette. My cousin Mike (Michael Merriman) was along and I think his sister Jeannette may also have been but I’m not sure. I do recall distinctly, and with some relief at the time, that my own sister, Janet, was not there. Continue reading
(originally posted July 9, 2008)
We Joneses Guilford (“Gil”) and Jennifer had a great time, especially since Jennifer’s son Lt. Matthew Andrews and his girlfriend and their friend James came for Saturday 
and Sunday. We left Wednesday morning (July 2) and in only 478 miles we were pulling into the familiar sign at the entrance. It was pretty quiet most of Thursday but by Friday a lot of cuzzins were flocking in from everywhere. Continue reading
(originally posted Nov 2, 2008)
This blog covers two days of fishing with Larry Braswell who knows the Caddo River like the back of his hand. We had some good fishing and a good bit of excitement as well. The two days of fishing are covered here,with photos. Continue reading
(originally posted Nov 2, 2008)
(Updated 2008-11-03 14:10:07 for the sunrise trek to the ridge top)
I knew about Jones Valley from a very early age. Guilford and Jeannette — my wonderful grandparents (“Mimi” and “DanDan”) — spoke of it often and brought me here twice at ages 8 and 14. It continued to be a frequent topic over the years. My grandfather died in 1969 and my grandmother lived another 20 years and “the Valley” remained a vivid image in her mind and memory imprinted upon her heart. Continue reading
(originally posted May 26, 2009)
As I said in a recent email to the list, I met Larry up here Friday the 22nd and we knocked out all of the work preliminary to
the final prep for the reunion. The kitchen is the biggest remaining
chore, I think, in addition to re-mowing. Lot’s of tick and chigger poison was put out. Timing was good for the spreading of the stuff which is activated by moisture as Larry spread it on Saturday and it rained all day and all night Sunday. Here’s a link to all of the photos taken on this trip. Continue reading
(originally posted Mar 16, 2010)
Bailiff (trusty canine companion) and I arrived yesterday about 6pm. Jim Bowman and Larry Braswell had already left, but in came Austin and Peaches and today Ryan and Sheila arrived. So it’s not lonely, but is very quiet. J.D. and his crew were completing the demolition of the Diffie cabin — Continue reading
(originally posted Mar 18, 2010)
It’s Thursday. Larry came up last night and today we’ve been about various things. Did a little trash cleanup first (more on that here). We headed into Norman to the trash dump (see below) but alas, it was closed. Larry then mentioned Melba’s Cafe right there in Norman and how about a cup of coffee. Well that sounded just peachy. Continue reading