Raccoon Prints

These were at Red Butte Garden yesterday.

Tulip Tree Fall

Still Falling at HVP

The tall blond grasses, fluffy sagebrush,
and colorful leaves are splendid at Hidden Valley Park.

Autumn Rose

Fall at Hidden Valley Park

Backyard Zinnia

H.V. Park + Dimple Dell Field of Sunflowers

Reflecting on August 25th

Photo of us reflected in the painting Kestrel by Chase McCleary
at Red Butte Garden Visitor Center

At Hidden Valley Park

Yellow and Pink

Summer at the Garden

This is at the base of the conservation garden.

"Hot wings" samaras-- maple seeds

These smelled deilcious

After the Family Night at Red Butte

Temperatures cooled with the rain drops that quietly fell.

I could have meandered for an hour, 

but we compromised with a walk down to the pond.

Floating Flag on the Fourth

Hail

On Monday, we had a big hail storm. It didn't last very long, but it did some damage. 

Mariel was understandably worried about her tulip tree. 

It's been looking so beautiful and bigger this year.

I should have taken a picture of the whole tree earlier before the hail. 

Below these words are pictures of the damage.

This tree has been through so much. 

I've been documenting it's amazing ability to survive over the years.

Here's a link to last year's post about it's history: Link

Here was what the tree looked like last year.

Here's what it looks like post-hail.

It's twice as big, but it looks a little like it was put in a blender.

Headings and Kenney

We went to Red Butte Garden yesterday and were surprised to see there is a new art exhibit in the visitor center by Ron Headings. They look like bonsai trees, but he simply calls them "Wire Trees."

There are also Lego sculptures outside in the garden by Sean Kenney through September 16th. Here's a link to pictures of those on the garden's website: LINK. We didn't see all of these while we were there, but I put a few pictures of those we did see on Instagram.

Horsechestnut Trees at Red Butte

I saw flowers in the trees that look similar. I was not terribly surprised to learn that they're all horsechestnut trees. I'm glad Red Butte has signs that identify plants near most of them.

Iris at A.G.

Every time I see a beautiful iris I remember

I was once compared to an iris when I wanted to be a rose.

Now I don't mind being an iris. Most days I'd probably prefer it.

Wisteria Outside Museum of Curiosity

Every year, I look forward to seeing the wisteria at Red Butte, but this year we haven't yet renewed our membership and things kept interfering. It's probably in full bloom up there right now. I was super excited to see this hanging outside a gate in front of the Museum of Curiosity. 

White Lilacs and Clouds

Nature offers lilacs in white. 

Not as pure or light as clouds,

But just as billowy and soft.

This is the Place Heritage Park

Yesterday and Today

I'm so glad I went out and picked these lilac flowers yesterday, since it's snowing today.

I'm looking forward to more warm days!

I like that things don't stay the same.

A Theology of Suffering

Someone who matters to me is greatly suffering. 

This is meant for them and anyone else who may have the question:

With all the suffering in the world, in my own life, and in the lives of people I know, how can I go on believing in a loving, all-knowing God who does not intervene?

Among other sources, reading the following philosophical and theological discourse (starting past the introduction) has helped me.

This is the link: Francine R. Bennion. 

(I recommend reading rather than listening since in the spoken talk she skips or gives less emphasis to some of the most important ideas toward the end.)

Orchids at Red Butte Today

The Utah Orchid Society is having an orchid show and sale at Red Butte Garden today and tomorrow. They have some beautiful, impressive orchids up there.

After enjoying the show, we walked around the garden.

On our way down to see if the pond is finished being dredged and refilled (it's not filled yet) Mariel pointed out the moss. Such a beautiful spring color.