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.

Yes, Flowers

Sometimes it's better to not pull what you think are weeds. 

We've lived here for three years,
but I'm still not completely familiar with which greens turn to flowers. 

Every once in a while, I see a surprise like these. 

I love the little poof of fuzzy purple in the centers.

One of our miniature rose plants died this year.
Fortunately, the rest seem to be thriving.

Different Every Year

Wisteria blossom debris

Wilting wisteria

We missed seeing the wisteria in full bloom by about a week. I thought we were okay, but I guess every year at Red Butte Garden is different. If you scroll down after you click HERE, there is a picture of it one day ago tomorrow. 

I was considering not renewing our membership this year, but I'm having second thoughts after seeing beautiful things today. 

We see seriously different and beautiful things every time we visit.

We could hang out on swings all day.

I was lying on my back when I took this one.
It's a huge trellis for wisteria. People get married under this.

The oak tunnel.

They call this "the outdoor classroom."
If you walk straight through the oak
tunnel in the nature area,
you'll come across this after
a while.

The bathing girl

It's medium sized and by the pond.

A wild, early-blooming rose.

Giant cone flowers.
A prettier scene in person.

Heaven on Earth

I love the shape and location of this tree.

I love the rocks, the blue sky, the city, and of course the man in this picture.

Tonight, we went out to dinner and then to one of our favorite places-- 

Red Butte Garden. 

Our initial goal was to see if the tulip tree was flowering, but we think it already bloomed. So instead of spending time in the cultivated area, we hiked all the way up to the fence that surrounds the large area of land-- to the wild area of the garden. There are benches along some of the trails. It's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a friend about what helped me believe in God.

I was taught to believe when I was a child, but when I was a teenager I began to question and to want to know independently from anyone else. 

In the mountains of Utah and in the beauty of nature, I first felt most personally connected to our Father in Heaven. I sensed the expanse of the universe, my own smallness, but also my potential and that I matter to Him.
I felt His love reflected in the beauty and intricacy of creation. 

When I get out of or above the city and into nature, I feel a greater sense of perspective. 

Time expands and sometimes disappears.
My ability to love and forgive grows and stresses diminish. 

Nature testifies that there is a God.

It's no wonder that scriptural prophets went to mountains to pray.
They can be holy places. 

When there is no mountain nearby, no peaceful mountains, or no time for mountains, I feel that same sense of peace and perspective when I visit holy temples. 

I'm thankful Heavenly Father has given us this world and ways to feel closer to Him.

Happy May at JRT

Personalized miracles 

Priceless, saving ordinances

Individual revelation

Communication with our Father

Pure knowledge and clarity

He knows my name

He knows me.