Jane Goodall & Terry Tempest Williams

Tuesday night, Todd and I went to the University of Utah's "Peace with Nature" event at Abravanel Hall. So good!

Philip Bimstein and Red Rock Rondo kicked off the evening with a collection of Southern Utah-inspired acoustical music. I've heard of this band before but had never heard them perform. I love anything that involves our beloved Southern Utah and they did not disappoint!

Terry Tempest Williams spoke next about the decline of the prairie dog population. I was looking forward to hearing her speak as I'm a fan of her writing but to be honest - her comments were just too short (whine)! I wanted to hear more of her poetic passion and environmental fervor (yes, can I have cheese with the whine?). I know she was saving time for Jane Goodall but I was let down, nonetheless.

Jane Goodall then spoke about our relationships with each other and with animals. She spoke about living more peacefully and lovingly with others. Todd and I were struck by her zest for life. She has been such a good force on this Earth and has blessed and taught so many. It was an honor to hear her speak.





An exquisite lady.

Did you know that this glass sculpture is titled "Olympic Tower" and was created by Dale Chihuly for the 2002 Olympics?

Tyson's Jazz Game

My cute friend has a really cute son! He is smiley and friendly and smart and downright fun! He's also privileged as he was able to go to his first Jazz game last night. Obviously, he was their greatest fan - note his jersey - and clearly the reason that the Jazz won. After enduring RSV last week, I'd say this was a welcome celebration for everyone! Yeah Tyson!

Greetings from the MTC

It arrived!! Darren's first letter was found in the mail today. There was much excitement involved when reading it. Apparently he is very happy and loves it there. Honestly, that is the best news I've heard as I was worried how he would be able to live without his gadgets (computer, iPod, cell etc.). He says he's missing all of us - even Connor.

Bath Time

He is so unbelievably ticked right now.

*Unauthorized photo.

Predator

Our cats enjoy spending their leisurely days looking out of our back window at the plethora of interesting objects - snow, the occasional bird, fence posts, rooftops, the mostly buried trampoline ring, etc. Winters are definitely not as fun for them as most interesting-ness is covered in snow.

Lately, Todd and I have concerns about a backyard neighbor who has a peculiar interest in our cats. He spies on our cats and is almost obsessed with their activities. When they nap - he knows. When they play, he knows. Our neighbor appears relentless in his quest to be seen by our cats and has become increasingly vocal. At times it borders on harrassment. It occurs to me that my cats have a stalker.

In the Summer, our neighbor peers through the slats in our back fence at the cats. But, since the snow levels are so deep, he now peers over our fence at them. Will he stop at nothing? What exactly are his intentions? I took a picture for proof of his obsession.




Here he is...

Keep scrolling to look in the eyes of fierceness.....




















Not suitable for young viewers.














Last warning.......



































EGADS! Will my cats ever feel completely safe with this beast stalking them??


















Note his intimidating demeanor and snarling teeth..


















I take great comfort in knowing that as the snow melts and decreases, so will this predator's splendid view of my furry friends.

A Joyous Event

Suddenly, unexpectedly, Larissa cleaned her room. Although a clean and tidy girl, she is still, however, a teenager. The most satisfying aspect of this incident is that it was unprovoked and unrequested. After drying my tears, I took the following pictures.































Note the clean floor.













Is it Mother's Day? My birthday? A full moon?

I think I'll take my gal to a movie!

Kamikaze Deer

Driving at lunch heading for a bite to eat turned into an event today. I was in an industrial part of town and, oddly, noticed a deer stuck between two stiff fence poles. These things don’t happen to other people. I am drawn to weirdness and abnormality. Of course, I didn’t have my camera with me so you’re just going to have to trust me that this really happened.

The deer was in a frenzied panic attack of sorts, and my soothing “it’s okay, little deer” did very little to comfort him. His fur had been rubbed off and his skin raw. It was obvious he had been there for a while. I pulled on the fence to try and relieve pressure so he could get through and the deer just looked at me like I was an idiot. I think I saw him roll his eyes at me. Whatever.

Fortunately, another daring couple pulled up to the scene and rushed out of their car to help save the day. They ended up standing helplessly with me as there really wasn’t much we could do except call animal services – which the husband did. If I were alone, I would have sung a little song to the deer – one that calms Creature when he’s having a bad day. Alas, I refrained. Within about 2 minutes, ten or so vehicles full of macho, burly men leapt bravely from the safe haven of their trucks to stand and scratch their heads with us. We stood and stared and cooed at the poor deer. What to do?!

Finally someone had a smart idea. Some of us pulled on one side of the fence. Some pulled on the other side and a few pushed the girthy deer back the way it came from. Brilliant! Why didn’t I come up with this valiant plan? This blog entry could have been sooo much more entertaining! Whatever.

This little incident ended in victory. The traumatized deer looked at us and pranced off into the distance as all of us do-gooders suddenly felt very important and heroic.

Then I went for my sandwich.

A good Friday indeed.