Big Bear Park

I was hoping to find a park somewhere close to the dollar theater. I figured we could buy lunch, take it to the park to eat, and then easily get to the theater on time. I was pleasantly surprised there is a park near the theater.

I like the mostly old-fashioned playground. All the painted metal looks vintage and brings back so many memories. They have metal slides which I haven't seen in years, probably because so many parents have complained about how hot they get in summer. There are likely other safety issues going on here, but I liked the park anyway. Also, not every park has swings anymore, especially ones that are low enough for Alena to get on by herself. I posted more pictures on my Instagram.

The park's address is 930 E Onyx Ln., Sandy, Utah 84094.

Scheels Aquarium

Worth seeing and free! 

Scheels at 11282 State St, Sandy, UT

Sufficient

"Sufficient" is the word I chose for this year. 

I meant to use it to help my self-control -- 

to stop when I've eaten enough, 

read enough, been on the internet enough. 

It represents not trying to do too much or too little-- 

Have I had sufficient exercise? Have I done my part? 

It's a word of self acceptance, of not being too hard on myself. 

It's a word of gratitude. I have enough. I am enough.

This week, I watched this life-changing talk on grace,

starting with this easier-to-watch shorter version. 

As a perfectionist who felt like a frequent failure, 

who might as well not even try or even begin, 

I didn't understand the principle. 

Now I do. I am looking at myself differently.

I have found new hope.

Friends in Passing

It was fun at the zoo today.

My granddaughter is on the right, wearing the heart coat. 

We don't know the girl on the left.

Children are so good at fearlessly approaching new people and experiences. 

We generally lose that as we grow older, maybe partly for our own safety.

We are instructed by people, time, and experience.

Yet, the older I get the more I realize how much we all have in common.

Some of the distance we create hurts more than keeps us safe. 

We learn from the children.

Inside, Looking Up

Today I went inside the hogan at Red Butte Garden in the children's area. 

It's only natural to look around and up. 

I've been to the garden dozens of times,

 but never thought to do that until today. 

So glad I did.

Iguana

Alena and I went to Hogle Zoo today. Not too far down the hill from the entrance, there was a sign that said, "Free with your admission." It had an arrow that pointed us inside a building. I knew they previously had an art gallery before they expanded the animal areas and now we found where they relocated it. I didn't take a picture of my favorite painting-- a face to face with a buffalo, but I did manage a few of this much-larger-than-life iguana, offered for just over $1,000. It made me think of my talented artist brother David, the knitting, crocheting runner. The tail wrapped a long way around the pillar.

Midway Ice Castles

My youngest daughter turned 18 yesterday. She was more interested in doing an activity than having a party. Going to the Midway Ice Castles was the perfect activity for her. She's been my child most excited about snow and winter in general. Having a January birthday might have something to do with that.

The little dots on the ice are actually coins. People would lick them and stick them to the ice.

I went down this fast slide. Ouchy, but pretty exciting.

These photos are in reverse order from when I took them.
Clearly, we began with more sunshine.
I like the ice castles best with sunlight.
The lights they put inside are neat, but not the same.

This was the second time I've been to the ice castles. I went about six years ago and blogged about it here. A lot has changed since my first visit. It's definitely more crowded and there is more to do.

Turkey, Chicken at Wheeler

This turkey was playing music, shaking his tail feathers,
and following his lady around the coop.
I'm sure that means something.

We call this one "Crazy Guy."
If you could seen into his eyes, you'd know why.
He lives separately from other chickens
and likes to hang out on top of his house.
He's my favorite.

Winter Phone Pictures

 At Red Butte Garden, my daughter brought my attention to the ceiling and the frozen chain when we were on our way out. I'm glad she sees things.

My sweetie outside in the parking lot after we played miniature golf on a date at Fat Cats. 

He won. I insisted on a picture.

My mom's Christmas tree this year. 

I love her globe ornaments and red hot chili pepper lights.

Lakeside Trail, Antelope Island