Afternoon with Jessica's kids

Jena and I spent the afternoon with Jessica's and Elessia's kids on Thursday.  We even made a quick trip to the Bluff Ridge Park, but it was HOT! When we got back, I checked and it was around 95 degrees.  Watching TV after the hot walk--

Rich's Burgers and Grubs

As one of the fun things about living in a downtown area is the variety of restaurants which you have easy access to, we want to venture out and try new things from time to time.  On Wednesday night we headed to Rich's Burgers which had been recommended by a friend of mine.  We were in the car running an errand and thought it was a good time to try it out.  As we were getting closer, Gary asked about parking. Oops, I forgot about that and hadn't researched the parking situation--important to do in a downtown area. Rookie mistake! Fortunately, we found an open spot of the street steps away from the front door.

Food okay, but the sweet potato fries were the best! Probably won't add it to the list for a repeat visit.

Watching Gary

Our day did not go as planned yesterday afternoon, but he didn't complain--just did what needed to be done and a little bit more to help Jessica whose car had broken down in West Valley while she was working. And when we got back to the apartment, he just went to work on the project again while I mostly decided to "relax," even though I had things I could have done as well. .Later in the evening while watching the end of a movie with Jena, I glanced over at Gary, working hard on a project for our zone on the computer and I was struck with overwhelming feelings of great love for him.  Does that happen to you with your spouse?  Where sometimes it hits you how much you love them and how lucky you are to have them for eternity!  He is a dedicated missionary and my best cheerleader and support. 💕

Memory Grove Walk

Yesterday after doing our P-day cleaning, I headed out for a walk up the Memory Grove Trail.  The start of the trail is just a few minute walk from our apartment.  Although it was very busy on a beautiful Saturday, it still was a nice walk with city views, the memorial gardens, and the canyon forest.  

The south end of the park near the intersection of State and North Temple.  That is City creek coming down from the canyons and mountains nearby.

One of the many bridges along the way

Loved this color of iris--

The path went through a neighborhood with old houses along the creek and then the actual park entrance---the trail app I read said that there was limited parking.  That was definitely true with people parked up and down the streets outside of the park.  I am sure the neighborhood is not fond of that, but it probably happens every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.  I was glad I could walk from our house.

Memory Grove Park is dedicated to servicemen who served and died in the wars our nation has been involved in.

This memorial was honoring those who lost their lives in the Korean War.

These are the names of Utahans who received the Metal of Honor for their service along with the war they fought in.

This "Meditation Chapel" was dedicated to World War II servicemen and women who lost their lives.

I don't know if they always have flags by each plaque or if that was because it was Memorial weekend, but it made a striking display.  Their names, birth and death dates, and the place they died are listed.  It was touching to read them and think about the sacrifices they and their families had to endure.  It is very humbling to ponder.  

Directly west, you can see the Capital--the east side view.  This park and the canyon it is connected to travel along the east part of the Capital to the north.  You can connect with other trails that take you up and over to Bountiful, but I didn't make that journey today.

This honored the first Utah battalion (if I remember it correctly).

At least it was back when they used horses.

This was further into the park.  I didn't go up but it looked like a place to have a program or something like that.

Then you are walking in the forest on dirt paths and it seems like the city is miles away, not around the corner.  The sounds of the wind in the trees and the flowing water is the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday walk.

It was a great walk and I will do it again soon--and sometime with Gary and Jena.  They would love it, too.  And Tosha already promised she would walk it with me when they come to visit.

The world is a beautiful place!