summer is upon us

Summer is full on.  In the south "summer" is more relative since the warm days start earlier in the year. I tend to think of summer as at least mid-May until Labor day, even though the heat will continue until Thanksgiving. Here in SLC, they seem to take the literal season of summer as the official summer. Most summertime activities really do not take off until July. Davis' job has granted him every other Friday for "summer hours" meaning he gets to leave at noon that day. I asked him the whole month of May when that started and low and behold, it started literally with the season and goes through the end of September, when fall rolls in officially. Apparently we are having an usual summer. I sure hope this is unusual. We have been hitting over 100 on a daily basis for about a week now, although it feels like forever. It is a dry heat so we aren't drowning in humidity as well but it has been fairly miserable. I am desperate for a swimming hole. Ingrid and I spend our days inside now, fans pointing at us. I drink probably about a gallon of water and eat frozen berries to alleviate the heat. Sleeping as been interesting, especially without air conditioning and it's still 90+ degrees at 1030pm. Our landlords said two summers ago it never got over 100. I am hoping the nonsense will end soon.

Before the heatwave of 2013 came and dried out the land, we were enjoying the sunshine and outdoors frequently. Davis and I took a Sunday afternoon to explore a few trails close to Park City. It was dog and bike friendly, so we took Ingrid and maybe someday when we get bikes we can try that as well. All the flowers were blooming. So very lovely.

looking down into outskirts of park city

flowers were in bloom

flowers!

flowers!

 

flowers!

yeah, flowers!

two types of flowers!

wild columbine (flowers!)

All the trails were named primarily after food, like short stack and spare ribs. Made me feel slightly hungry the whole time. It was all fun and games until towards the end. Davis was attacked by a vicious bee. It flew up under his glasses, panicked and stung Davis right under his eye.

pre-sting joy

a little confused about the trails but no angry bee yet

poor victim of bee hate

Apart from the bee sting, it was lovely. Ingrid Enjoyed it. I drove home after the incident due to slight decrease of the vision field.

We have made a new friend here in SLC. Through mutual friends, we found out about a girl from Georgia coming to SLC for Pharmacy Residency. We know it sucks to be new and we like making friends, so we immediately attempted sucking her into our lives. It turns out she is fairly independent and hasn't needed our hand holding but we've really enjoyed getting to know her. In the midst of her crazy life, she took part of a day to hike with me up in Big Cottonwood Canyon. We found a lovely hike called Willow Heights but we decided to call it Wuthering Heights. It probably looks nothing like the setting of the book and nobody was full of weird brooding emotions and secrets, the names just sounded similar.

trail up through beautiful aspen forests

refreshing willow creek

lovely new friend in a lovely land

We hiked up to the Willow lake and sat and chatted for awhile. Everything was so very lovely.

panorama

sky blue sky

tad bit of snow left and ski runs down the mountain

We kept exclaiming how beautiful and unbelievable that this could be 20 minutes outside of the city. Definitely a great, easy, beautiful hike to do. Only bad thing, no dogs allowed.

Hope y'all are enjoying the summer!

what a friend

Today has been the hardest day for me since the move. Being at church made me miss Fort Collins because our Colorado family was based mostly at church. It's lonely being the newbies. I need to remember this when I see/new meet  people.  The service was encouraging, don't get me wrong. Jesus is the same here as he is anywhere. I am guessing Davis has turned me into more of an extrovert than I realized. Truly, we craved familiar friends and faces. We sang "What a Friend We have in Jesus" this morning.

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

What a friend we have indeed. I am searching for familiarity and comfort to fulfill my longings. Who better to know our sorrows? Our Creator,  Great Comforter, and friend. Another line in the song says "what peace we often forfeit, o what needless pain we bear". Story of my life. It is fantastically amazing how light and joyful your soul becomes when you lay your heart at His feet. O, I am such a slower learner and unbeliever. So thankful for a patient God.

View from Symphony

Last night, we checked out the Utah Symphony. There is an effort to get us youngters to attend concerts, so they offer tickets for ten bucks if you are under 30. We attended the Tchaikovsky concert and it was amazing. I usually become bored sitting while listening to music. It was so beautiful though, I was mesmerized. The piano soloist was out of this world, in my very educated opinion. We enjoyed it very much and have purchased a few other cheaper tickets for an opera and another symphony later this spring. There is a John Williams concert as well.  However, the youngster tickets are sold out already, no surprise there. We may splurge and buy tickets  priced for the well seasoned folks just to go.

a chance to polish up.

We like to get gussied up a little every now and then. I even wore lipstick! What what! That was for you, Lauren! 

yellow tulips!

red tulips

Today has been absolutely beautiful. Warm, slight breeze, and sunshine! Perfect spring day. All our windows are open. The flowers are blooming everywhere. It seems tulips grow well here, they are in almost every yard, including ours. We have some purple ones too but they weren't quite ready yet.

old school mowing

While lunch was cooking, we tried out the old school mower. It worked pretty well and Ingrid enjoyed chasing/challenging it as Davis pushed it up and down the small yard. We have big aspirations for planting and growing this year. Unfortunately, living in rentals, it's hard to invest in long term projects. 

Missing Colorado today

Davis and I have been alternating wearing this shirt. It is so comfortable and it reminds us of our great time in Colorado. Today was my turn. We went on a walk to the 9th and 9th area of SLC. It is the closest "neighborhood" to us, except for the University of Utah area. It has it's own downtown feel with several shops, restaurants, hair places, and a yoga studio. Because of the huge Mormon influence in this area, half of the shops in the 9th and 9th were closed for Sunday. 

9th & 9th

It is cleverly named for being at the intersection of 900 S and 900 E, all directions related to the Temple.

Davis and I bought some furniture yesterday. Our guest room is ready for people. We also got a new bed. While we put the bed together last night after the symphony, we listened to the Mormon radio. No worries here, we were just curious. It was a program entitled as "why we believe". Very interesting! Listening to it and critiquing their reasons made us examine our own beliefs and it definitely helped strengthen our own faith. 

We have a couple from our small group stopping here on their drive back to Colorado tonight. I am so excited to see faces we know! And my mom is coming Wednesday. I cannot wait to spend time with her!

Happy Sunday!

we were born in the valley

I have been listening to "The Oh Hellos" pretty much non stop all day. The parts of the day at home. It is the sound track of my life. Or just this chapter. In years to come, when I hear this music, I will think of the first few days in Salt Lake City.  I especially relate to the song "I have made mistakes". It is an amazing song for someone who consistently struggles with doubts, difficulties, fears, regrets and so on. I am so glad God is bigger than me. Check them out HERE . If you want of course :)

Today I did a little exploring. Also, got a parking ticket. They are serious about getting your city parking permit just to park on the street in front of your house. Too bad I was still in my pajamas, space boots, and without proper attire in general to go outside and fight the bad parking lady. I know I need to go get those permits but people, give me a minute (please). We literally just got here. I intend on trying to appeal it. You have to go in person to appeal it... Or I'll just pay the fine because I am very non-confrontational.

We have some spring here. 

Snow dumped itself on Fort Collins. We just missed it. Instead it has been mostly spring-like here with some random rain/snow showers and very chilly winds. By all appearances, spring has arrived in Utah. So, Ingrid and I went on a little adventure. I'm still learning where things are and in general I am finding we are super close to nearly everything. So, today we walked a few blocks (with a massive hill in it) to the Gilgal Sculpture Gardens.

Not sure if this one was finished...

So, this guy named Thomas Child, made the surreal-like work in his garden. He created about a dozen sculptures and over 70 engraved stones in his later years for a retreat from the world  as well as an expression of his personal/religious beliefs. It is pretty wild. It makes you think, which is what he wanted apparently. I didn't linger too long (it was kinda creepy by oneself) and didn't see the informational pamphlet until I was on my way out. I later learned, Gilgal is from from where Joshua had the Israelites place stones in memory. Also, it's a place in the book of Mormon.

Sphinx with Joseph Smith's head.

I did not realize it was Smith's head until later as well. I had no idea what he looked like and the sphinx portion is an interesting touch. Nearly all of the flat stones were covered with quotes/thoughts/verses of his Mormon beliefs. Quite interesting although I don't share their beliefs.

Depiction of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel

Ingrid and some pointy art objects..

I like books too.

Brick pants are the best pants.

Anyways, it was a pretty interesting adventure. The garden is tucked behind houses, fairly unnoticeable except for Googlemaps labeling it for me. I can't help but wondering what Mr. Child's was thinking... His final days and finances were spent on this project.

Her face says it all. (???)

I am not really sure Ingrid enjoyed the sculpture gardens. She did enjoy walking and sniffing. We had two different sets of males holler out the window at us. I am assuming it was for Ingrid because she is quite adorable. But boys, do not call to ladies out your car windows. Aint nothing classy about that. Goodness.

After exploring, I ran a few errands. I am trying to navigate without GPS, even if it gets me a little lost. I believe I have a pretty good handle on my immediate surroundings. The grid system with all those numbers were fairly simple once it was explained to me and I drove it a few times. After errands, I made primal granola and dinner for us. Davis came home and talks about his new job. He likes to discuss all the medical terminology and equipment he is learning about because I understand it. He fixes problems on equipment I use(d) on a daily basis as a RN. I am so so so thankful he is enjoying his new job.

I am getting increasingly anxious about interviews and new jobs. Davis remains the most relaxed person I know while I am constantly a ball of nerves. Oh my poor nerves.... Makes me sound like the mom from Pride and Prejudice. Praying the doors will be very tightly locked if the job is not meant to be.

"we were born in the valley of the dead and the wicked
where our father's father fell to the crimes he'd committed
we were young when we heard you call our names in the silence
still you lead me, never leave me
never leave me"

-the oh hellos

good night dearies. 

final countdown

Of course if you are an Arrest Development fan, you will most likely be singing "the final countdown" by Europe in your head now. I know I am rocking some 80's hairband music in my head.

We've been busy settling into our new everything. Davis actually started work today. So soon. I did really fun things like scrub the downstairs bathroom.  We have two bathrooms. It's pretty awesome but it's two more than I'd like to clean. But before I get into the new SLC life, I need to document our final 24 hours in Fort Collins. It's mostly for my sake of processing. Which, apparently I am terrible at processing. My mom emailed me pictures of our dog from my childhood last night and it made me cry. I got through many goodbyes and driving away and all that jazz without having major waterworks. But then my mom sent me pictures of Coco and I was on the verge of crying about everything sad or hard since I was born. Anyone else ever have those moments?

Thursday. Busy full day.

Breakfast date with my dear Kristin.

It started with caramel latte (large this time) and a delicious baked good from one of my favorite places in all of Fort Collins, Little Bird Bakery. I love breakfast dates, just not too early. This girl has long been a Colorado friend. We started bonding at the hardest first job ever. I worked evenings while she worked nights and now we are friends for life.

The weather was windy and chilly with some spurts of rain as we went to pick up our moving truck. Davis drove the beast home to load it. Thankfully the rain was no more and the truck loading started. First was our couch going to Davis' former co-worker's apartment, up 7 flights of stairs (!!!!). I almost fell down our 4 steps just trying to get the couch out of the house into the truck. I did not participate in the 7 flights of stairs portion. After that incident, I hoped some help would appear. Morgan came to our rescue and in about an hour we had all we didn't need in the truck. So fast!

Just started packing, next to Old George, the giant tree with an orange ribbon.

We then spent the rest of the afternoon chatting with friends who stopped by and scarfing down food because we were starving from working. This Thursday happened to be our monthly potluck and prayer night with our small group and church. It was a special but hard night. Davis shared our great appreciation and love for the provision of sweet community for our time in Fort Collins. I couldn't speak because words came out in jumbled tears. If I could have spoken clearly then, I would have like to say something like this (abbreviated and without sobbing):

I love you all so dearly. I have seen and experienced the goodness and love of God so much more deeply through your friendships. The community and sense of family has been so deep, challenging and strong. I felt so safe and cared for yet challenged and made accountable to be increasingly bold and loving in all areas of my life. Thank you for preaching the gospel to me through your lives and words. Thankfully, there are no final goodbyes for those of us in Christ. Such sweet joy exists even in our sadness because of our eternal home. Come visit us!

We were showered in prayer. It was such a peaceful goodbye despite the tears. Afterwards we met with a few close friends at Ace Gilett's, another favorite spot, for the last hurrah. 

At about the last hour of the day, I decided to pack all the final things going in my car. Ingrid was a little distraught that nearly everything comfortable was gone. She made herself a bed out of a pile of clothes on the floor. 

Not very thrilled with all the changes.

Our last night at was spent on an air mattress. Davis and I shared our excitement, plans, fears, and joys for the past and future. Despite being uneasy and anxious, I slept quite well. The morning came quickly. Davis left to pick up our moving and travel friend, Eric. While he was out, I threw our last items into the vehicles and made sure everything was clean. Our sweet downstairs neighbors cooked us breakfast and we had an 818 family meal for the last time.

Oh Charlie.

We said "see you later" because we are planning on going to Dinosaur National Monument with them in May. Plus, it is easier to say than "goodbye".

So many wonderful memories.

Super pumped to get going. We didn't shower until AFTER unpacking in UT.

Next stop, UTAH! Never did we ever imagine we'd be living in Utah. It wasn't quit the next stop, it seems these moving trucks guzzle that gas up. We stopped twice in Wyoming.

Wacky Wyoming weather

Except for a brief but crazy snow storm around Laramie, it wasn't too bad of a trip. We pulled into our new place around 4pm. But more on all that later...






ps. this is  Coco

 

this and that

Our April blizzard was kind of a dud. I'm thankful for any moisture so hopefully Colorado won't be like Mordor this summer. I'm also thankful the weather was not as blizzardy as originally threatened.  I met up with a couple (former) co-workers for lunch. If it weren't for the lunch date, I'd probably never left the house. Plus, I knew I'd be getting a delicious margarita as an incentive.

 Spring has frequent identity crises in Colorado.

I still got out and about despite my best efforts to stay inside.

No matter how much snow, I still have my southern mentality of everyone stays put and everything shuts down. It is always a let down to me that work never gets canceled for snow. It snowed off and on all day but never really accumulated to much. For this I am glad because Lora came up from Boulder to eat dinner with me. I've known this girl about four hours longer than I've known Davis. Such a blessing!

 

We ate soup because it seems like the right thing to do when it's cold.

 I am so sad we will no longer be just an hour apart. At UGA, she lived across the hall from me. Even at Ridge Haven, we often shared late night bathroom talks and prayers at camp.

Despite being sad to leave good friends behind, I have to remember to count the blessings. Davis returned today from SLC. He has orientation for his new job. HE IS SO EXCITED. I mean, Davis is probably the most enthusiatic, excitable, and optimistic human ever. But he is even MORE excited. He talked about his new job the hour plus car ride from the airport. I am so proud of him. We prayed a long time and pursued many jobs until he was hired at Bard. It is a huge answer to prayer.  We trust and know all we need will be provided. God is good.

Between packing and cleaning, we ate dinner with the Angerts. So kind of them to feed us since our kitchen is in various boxes. I tried to convince baby Lucy to make an appearance before we leave.  Unless she comes tonight, we'll miss it. It is a great excuse to come back for a visit however. We are trying to convince them to come to SLC with us. No luck yet. Returning home, we dismantled and cleaned more things. It's gross how living makes things dirty. Ingrid was very anxious during all this. She follows either Davis or I around nervously.

  Davis giving Ingrid some comfort.

This is my view when I looked up from cleaning the refrigerator. She is a needy adorable fur-child. 

At this point, our house is no longer livable. I'm just ready to get this move finished. Tomorrow we pick up our moving truck. I can't believe that is happening already. But I am very ready and at peace. Doesn't mean I won't cry but hey, that is okay.

 

ps. davis feel asleep and the computer is about to die. minimal proofreading ;)