Searching for Cows

I developed a strange obsession after arriving here at Bear Lake. 

I really wanted to take a picture of a cow.

Last night I went for a walk hoping to encounter a cow-picture-taking opportunity.

It was a peaceful evening. 

No cows but I did see my brother and his wife and a roof rooster.

Roosters have been a family symbol.

Another brother and his wife designed our reunion t-shirts seen below.

Then this morning on our way back from somewhere else my sister and I saw pelicans!

 And a weed flower on the "beach."

 We also stopped so I could take pictures of cows. 

These look a little menacing.
They were definitely more afraid of me than I was of them.

My sister waited for me in the car.

Two Days Ago Bear Lake

Sunset at Bear Lake

Mountain Waves

Observing Beet Greens and Mountains

"The leaf is bleeding," said my son.

"I know. I like it," I said.

                                                      They are called veins.

"The snow is all melted in your mountains," said my dad. 

"There is still snow in the ones further south," I said.

Here is proof. I took this picture from my front porch.

He was looking north out the back window.

I like my front porch: the bench, the pillows, and the view.

I also like that he called them my mountains.

Edible Tree

I was looking out my front window and noticed the seed pods on our white redbud tree. They look like pea pods. I wondered if they are edible. Turns out, they are! The blossoms are edible too. I'll try them next spring. I picked a seed pod and chewed on it. It was very bitter. Maybe these pods are past their prime. I love fresh peas so I was a little disappointed. Maybe they're better cooked or younger or both.

We've had a lot of blue-sky days lately. 

I get bored easily. I like contrast.

This evening's sky is refreshingly gray.

Why can't I look at clouds without seeing creatures?

Native American Dancing at Red Butte

It was family night at Red Butte Garden last night. We took a picnic and watched the Native American Dancers. Afterwards, of course we spent some time wandering around the garden.

Grass dancer

 Jingle dancers

Fancy dancers

Hoops dancer

Audience participation

Reminded me of fairies

Let the Early Morning Walks Begin

The pine reminded me of a dinosaur.

Monument to sad mankind?
I have no idea what this is.

These were on the other side of fence on a hill
surrounded by a road on one side and a wall of trees on the other.
It looked like someone threw a bunch of seeds over the fence
 and let this area do its own thing. I approve.

Summer Part 1 at JRT

I know it's technically not summer yet, but I couldn't resist.

Today was the last day of school for two of my children.

After tomorrow, they'll all be home for almost three months.

We're going to make another summer-bucket-list poster.

We all draw pictures or write words that represent the fun things we want to do and the exciting places we want to visit.

I probably won't have as many temple Tuesdays, but I sure enjoyed today.

Why do I visit this beautiful place?

* To feel peace.

* To feel spiritually at home.

* To have a place to pray with no distractions. 

* It's where problem-solving ideas come to mind.

* What I see and learn there enlarges my sense of eternity.

* When I leave, I realize my challenges are back in perspective.

Is it any wonder that I want people I love to be able to go there too?

Mock Orange Blossom

My parents have a mock orange tree at the northwest corner of their home right outside what used to be my bedroom. I would open the windows and thoroughly loved it when breezes sent in the smell of those blossoms.
Today when we went to visit, I was happy to see the tree blooming.