Dennis and Ginger Flippance live just west of the Seventh Street Pond in John Day. While sitting on their back deck the evening of July 2 they noticed some suspicious activity at the corner of their newly planted yard. Upon investigation, they observed a turtle about 8 inches in diameter digging a hole. The expectant mother laid six eggs, covered them over with soil then retreated to the pond.

Since that time, the Flippances have done some searching on the Internet to learn more about turtles. The eggs are expected to hatch within 60-90 days. Dennis also learned that weather temperatures during gestation helps determining the sex of the turtles. Friends and relatives were waiting to hear more. … Then more news came later in July.

The Flippances must be sending out vibes of invitation! A second turtle came into their yard on July 17, up by the deck this time, and laid 11 eggs. They caught this one on video and took photographs too. What is next?

Former Monument resident Robert Stubblefield has a story, “Northern Cross,” published in the current issue of Open Spaces Quarterly, a northwest-based magazine which publishes in-depth articles and essays as well as fiction and poetry.

Volume 4, No. 4 is available at major news stands and bookstores nationwide or access the Web site at www.open-spaces.com or e-mail to info@open-spaces.com for more information.

Vyvyan Gardner of Canyon City, an honorary member of the Baker City Quilt Club, received distinction as featured quilter at the Baker Quilt Show held in conjunction with the annual Miner’s Jubilee held last week at Baker City.

Over 220 items were shown during the quilt show, including 38 works by Gardner – 30 quilts (five new ones) and eight vests/jackets.

Gardner’s Cedar Forest, a wall quilt that will be shown at Grant County Fair in August, got highest recognition as the Judge’s Choice, Best of Show and took a blue ribbon. Gardner also received a cash prize. Her other works also received honors.

Many quilt show attendees commented on Gardner’s quilt depicting the Spanish mission-style 1914 Ashland High School. The masterpiece will undoubtedly be admired during the all-class reunion held next year at Southern Oregon University campus. Gardner graduated with the Ashland High School Class of ’43.

Ron Lundbom of John Day soloed in a fixed-wing ultralight, light sport aircraft on July 22. He achieved this adventure through Pitman Air of Kimberly.

“Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand.”- Henry David Throeau.

If you have interesting tid-bits about Grant County people, contact Heather at 575-0710 or e-mail heather@bluemountaineagle.com.