Five and a Half Minute Tour of Salt Lake City

April 28, 2010
Before heading out of the Salt Lake City area before the predicted storm hit we drove through downtown to see some of the buildings of note. This is the Mormon Temple:
The Family History Library:

The Salt Palace Convention Center;




The Church of Latter Day Saints Conference Center:


Later, after we left we heard that the weather had been rather dicey so we were glad to have gone on.

Hoping to Escape Foul Weather

April 27, 2010
Predictions of snow sent us on our way leaving Lake Tahoe for Salt Lake City. We later found that I-80 west of Lake Tahoe had been closed due to snow but even though we drove through snow flurries we didn't have a problem. As we progressed through the day there were high winds causing sand and salt storms which made visibility much as a New York blizzard would do. I almost freaked when it happened the first time when I was driving as visibility was about
3 feet in front of the car. Later we were just driving in what seemed like a cloud, white all around which is shown in the above photo.

This is the parking lot of a rest area with very little visibility of the surrounding terrain.


Signs warned that the road was apt to cause drowsiness and to stop if a problem for drivers.

Trains criss-cross the west carrying goods and containers across the land.

Lake Tahoe Visit

April 26, 2010
Enjoyed the clear air and sunny skies after lunch at the Riva Grill on the lake.



Saw many signs indicating an area set aside where tire chains should be installed when they are required or recommended.


Rode part way around the lake to visit the vista at Emerald Bay.



Gigantic snow blowers to deal with winter's snows:

Emerald Bay area views:





Stopped at the restaurant at Camp Richardson Resort for dinner and more gorgeous views of the lake

and some tall pines with their cones at their base which someone had collected.




As we watched the day come to a close, the clouds in the sky put on quite a show.

Heading Home; Lake Tahoe

April 26, 2010
We had one last drive through the vineyards and wonderful rolling hills as we said goodbye to the Sonoma Valley, stopping to examine the amazing stone fence we spotted. Every stone was fitted in loosely with nothing holding the fence together but gravity and the care taken to fit it all together.


Very soon the scene changed as we started to climb toward Tahoe into forest and mountain terrain

With rushing mountain streams from the snow melt


And breathtaking panoramas.



There remained, reminders of how much it snows during the winter where snow piles up against the houses.





We ate lunch on the shores of the Lake enjoying the blue sky and clear air.

The weekend at Home with Karen and Patrick

April 24, 2010

The original plan for the day was a drive along the Russian River for the scenery but it was such a lovely day in the yard, we relaxed there. Patrick graded papers, Karen and Judy dug holes and mixed the dense clay soil with amendments in hopes of producing an amenable medium for the flowers that Karen is planting in her garden. Harry included relaxation with his ball throwing duties.

The puppies are almost always totally focused on that yellow-green tennis ball. If one person isn't throwing it, they place it by another and watch for the slightest weakening in the resolve not to throw it for them right then. The ball is next to Karen's hip behind the white pot in the following photo.

Installing her favorite daisies from a wonderful bouquet Patrick gave her into the cat planter she got at Valley of the Moon Pottery.

Taking advantage of a chalk label we found on the sidewalk during our walk in Tanglewood Park, within walking distance of their house.

Some children learning to ride their bikes with their grandpa, filled in doing the ball throwing duties. Good time had by both sides.

Patrick teasing his pups by taking the ball into a tree by the creek to see how they would react. They WANTED to get up there with him to get it but was ... just beyond their reach.

The water obstacle didn't stop them - just plowed right in, swam or walked across.

A loud, raucous cry had us curious.

A macaw called to us from his large outside enclosure.

April 25, 2010
Patrick's Birthday
Karen decorated the house for the occasion, gave him a card. Then we went to the East West Cafe for breakfast, then back to the house for Patrick's Present Hunt that Karen had set up.

Sequoia, caring for Cody. Such a nice brother and sister pair (in practice, but not reality)!

Searching for that LAST present.

More planting in that dratted soil. Everything will be soft and loamy eventually, I'm sure. Really, but patience will be needed to see how many years it takes. In the meantime, things will grow with all the care given them.

Interestingly, the trash pick-up recycling accepts compost which is used by the city after the veggie and garden scraps are composted but Karen will be setting up a compost bin in her yard to take advantage of this black gold.

We were sad to say good-bye to still more loved ones on our journey. Had a wonderful time but will be moving on for our return trip to South Carolina and our life there till we meet again at the family reunion in August.