Improvement Era, December 1929

THE IMPROVEMENT ERA -<>ss- Vol. 33-41 DECEMBER, 1929 No. 2 The House Party and the Weather A Parable — After a Faskion ONCE upon a time there was a party at our home, even as there had been parties before and have been since; but this one was out of the ordi- nary. A small company of girls, chums and guests of our girls, had come to spend a few days to- gether, as girls like to do. When was it? Ah, the years have sped their way with swift wings since then ! Every one of that gladsome, winsome, lovely and lovable bevy of girls is now a matron in her own right, lovable as ever, with girls of her own — to say nothing of the boys. Never mind the boys; this part of our story has to do with girls. Boys did not count, ex- cept as mustn't- meddle lookers-on, in that little house party far back in the yesteryears. I was a looker- on too, a privileged one in a limited sense, being let into little secrets and whispered conspira- cies— for there were factions in the par- ty, each trying to out-do the others in plotting and schem- ing for the happi- ness of all. Blessed be the fac- ulty of recollection! Cheer and comfort come to me tonight By JAMES E. TALMAGE of the Council of the Twelve as I write — for the indestructible kineograph of the past is clear and brilliant. Dr. James E. Talmage HTHE party was a joyous one and ■ a goodly. Every waking hour was provided for with program varied and full. Wholesome fun and frolic had their place, as had reading, music and story-telling, with just enough of seriousness to make stimulating contrast. Outdoor activities in the early autumn days, with cozy gatherings be- fore the open fire or attendance at the- ater or concert in the evenings was the usual order. (^)N my arrival ^ home once at dusk I was forcibly seized — a not un- willing prisoner — and was dragged in- to the kitchen to view the prepara- tions for next day's picnic. The display was appetizingly tempting. There was to be an early start, for the pro- posed hike led up City Creek Canyon, thence on beyond Black Mountain, with Dry Canyon as the homeward stretch. The cumulate knowledge of the group was all-suffi- cient. They were sure of the trail, where they had to leave the canyon road; they knew just where the late flowers were to be found, where to get the best view of massive limestone