Salt Lake City Tea Party

Citizens from as far away as Price began gathering on the west steps of the Utah Capitol building in Salt Lake City about 11 a.m. this morning. By noon we had a nice gathering of people who had come to peacefully declare their concern for the current economic conditions and the accelerated spending programs this new administration in Washington is putting in place.

The organizer of this Tea Party is David Kirkham, a small businessman of Kirkham Motor Sports in Provo. He lives not far from me in Edgemont, although I had not met him before this event. David, like many of us who participated today, had never taken part in any kind of demonstration before this one. He did a great job of putting this Tea Party together, and I thank him for taking the time and making the effort to do so. Standing together with like-minded citizens was encouraging.

At noon, we moved inside the building where a podium had been set up for our use. David addressed us (please read his message at www.davidkirkham.blogspot.com), as did Chris Herrod, Utah State Representative of the 62nd Legislative District in Provo, and three others, whose names I didn't get (but would be glad to add if someone will tell me). The concensus in this group of speakers and demonstrators is that the government is doing great harm to our country by its massive spending and borrowing.

Another round of Tea Parties nationwide has been scheduled for April 15. Watch for one near you.














David Kirkham, the organizer of this Tea Party














David Kirkham introducing Rep. Herrod


Chris Herrod, Utah State Representative, 62nd Legislative District (Provo)

Going to a Tea Party

And I don't even drink tea. Ok, it's not one of those kinds of tea parties. This is one patterned after our early patriots, Massachusetts colonists, who dumped tea into Boston Harbor to let King George III know what they thought of his taxing them without representation in Parliament. And also following the example of other cities all over the country who have already held their Tea Parties in recent days, and more cities who will hold still more on April 15. I'm joining other like-minded folks who are going to our Capitol building in Salt Lake City tomorrow at noon to let our legislators and the public know that we're deeply concerned about the irresponsible way our government is attempting to solve our very serious economic problems.



I've never participated in this kind of political activity. But these are unusual times.

Now you see him....

Now you don't.


A month or so ago, I executed a spider who was wandering around in my sink. Maybe "executed" is too strong a word. I washed him down the drain. Yikes! I felt horrible afterward, even though (maybe because)it wasn't an accident that washed him away. It was my conscience reminding me that all life is sacred, and that spider was doing me no harm.

A few days ago, grandson Carter told me that he doesn't like spiders and bees. "They are mean," he told me. We had a discussion about these little critters (usually) being harmless unless we get in their way and frighten them. I told him that the bees make honey for us, and since Carter loves honey on his peanut butter sandwiches, I got his attention. I wasn't quite so convincing about the spiders.

Then, yesterday, standing at my kitchen sink, I saw this spider




He looks exactly like the one I washed away, and either that one was an Olympic swimmer, or he has surviving relatives. To tell you the truth, I was pleased to see him. I watched him for a minute, then explained that I don't like spiders in my kitchen and that I really wished he would just move along. I left him alone to think about that while I pursued a task in another room.

When I returned a short time later




He probably just came for a little drink of water. I suspect we will meet again. And that's ok with me.

Blue and Gold

Our annual Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet was held last night. The theme was Honoring our Veterans. With the help of the Relief Society, we were able to identify 18 military service veterans in our midst. These good men served in all branches of our military, in war and peace, in a period spanning over 50 years. We were honored to have them attend our banquet. We appreciate their service to our country and the example they have set for our boys.

Thanks, Donna, and to everyone else who helped plan and prepare, for the wonderful evening for the Cub Scouts and our Veterans and for all who attended.

Some of our Veterans

Brother and Sister Tuckett


Sister and Brother Baker


Sister and Brother Preator


Brother Heimdal


Sister and Brother Hunsaker


Brother and Sister Crookston



Brother and Sister Nelson


Sister and Brother McKay



Brother Judd and his daughter, Ann


Brother Marrott


I sincerely apologize to two veterans who attended whose pictures I missed -- Brother Fisher and my own husband, Bro. Warren. Bro. Anstead who serves in the Army Reserve as a Chaplain, is currently attending a military training school in Virginia and was unable to attend. We also would like to recognize other brethren who served but were unable to attend our banquet: Brother Kader, Bro. Black, Bro. Nebecker, and Bro. Westover. We thank you all.







Our Cub Master, Donna


Often there's more fun going on behind the scenes. The kitchen is this blogger's favorite place to be at these events. Our Stake Cub Scout representative came as a guest, and helped out in the kitchen. It is the way things work in this group.Here she is (I'm sorry, I don't remember her name, so if you know it, please let me know so I can identify her), along with our own Linda (Bear Den Leader) and Jill (Wolf Den Leader).


Donna not only planned and carried out the awards and program, she also ordered and prepared the food. And then she helped serve it. Annette, our Primary President in the background.

Now, don't they look like they're having fun? Here's Annette and Linda. (This is why I like being in the kitchen!)

Several boys received belt loops and other awards for various activities, but there were a few awarded that were special. Here is Owen pinning his mother (or rather trying to) with her award for helping him earn his Wolf Badge.



And here is mom, Lisa, congratulating her boy.



Joseph earned his Arrow of Light award, the highest that a Cub Scout can achieve, and the only badge from Cub Scouts that will go onto his Boy Scout uniform. He did much of the work for this award while his family was traveling in Europe for nine months in 2008. Congratulations, Joseph. Well done! (and congratulations to the proud parents, who we all know have a major part in any scout's accomplishments).



Here's Joseph bridging to Boy Scouts.



Our Veterans were invited to come forward, and one by one, told us what branch of the military they served in, and when. Our cub scouts came forward to present them with a small token of our appreciation, and salute them. Donna reminded us that while these gentlemen served and returned to their families, there were many who did not. We observed a moment of silence for those who gave their lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms our Constitution promises us, and so that others may also be free from oppression. Our veterans received a standing ovation in appreciation for their service.

Short Memory

Today I thought of something I want to blog about. Then I forgot.

(If I remember, I'll let you know)

Where it's warm

Well, it's all relative. I wouldn't say it is "warm" exactly, but it is surely warmer than it has been in Provo. High yesterday at Zion was probably about 50 degrees. Today in St. George and Snow Canyon was about 65. Here's a peek...




Coming out of the tunnel







Zion Lodge...


View from our deck:




One of our little hikes


Gayle would be proud: even this scary sign didn't deter "Psafety Psycho" from the hike on this trail






On to Snow Canyon (named after early Mormon settlers, Erastus and Lorenzo Snow)








Wasatch Brewery has capitalized on Utah culture in naming their brews. One is called Polygamy Porter, and the caption beneath reads "Why have just one"? The little pizza place we ate in just outside of Zion served beer -- not to us -- and this advertizing was on the wall. Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of the poster above it which was for "Provo Girl".