Salt Lake City

Our second trip to visit Spaulding and Molly. We were able to sandwich ourselves into their hectic schedules since I knew this weekend they wouldn’t be doing long distance training runs. Their marathon is next weekend; this would be taper week. 

Because our living area is on the basement level, and the rest of the house is up a flight of stairs, I was extremely cognizant of making as few trips up and down as possible. No random runs up or down for a forgotten item. Actually, no runs at all. Each stair was a right foot, then left foot process. Would that there were handrails. 

We mostly hung out at home. Saturday, Spaulding and Grant made beer on Saturday while Mollie had to go into work to lead a training session for math teachers.

Later, the three of them worked on the terraced backyard, getting the drip system configured for the vegetables Molly planted. Granddog Emma and I supervised. 

I also identified, with the help of the Merlin sound app, spotted towhees, western chickadees, robins, chipping sparrows, black head grosbeaks, and a Cooper’s hawk. I was pleased.

One evening we dined on all the vegetarian mezzi at Manoli’s, a Greek restaurant downtown: piquillo peppers with smoked feta, carrot and potato skordalia, domadas, spanakopita, ouzo with asparagus, mushroom ravioli, etc. Even though I claimed I wouldn’t have room for dessert, I was delighted when Molly generously shared her homemade soft serve ice cream with me. 

Another evening, we saw the Pirates of Penzance at Utah Opera. Really well done but the rows of seats in the Capitol Theater balcony were so close, my knees touched the seat in front of me. Fortunately, Grant had an aisle seat, Spaulding just suffered. 

Sunday we walked most of the paved walkways at Red Butte Garden. The inclines were gentle, and the temperature in the mid-70’s. Well placed benches and pergolas helped my enjoyment. The plants were labeled with common name, Latin name, continent of origin, and amount of water and sun needed. I didn’t see an exclusively native plant area, but a gardener could figure it out. 

Sadly, on Saturday, Peg called to tell me Bob died. After his spending a few days in the hospital, she had brought him home Thursday with the help of Hospice. He seemed more comfortable  (evidently Hospice can supply more pain meds). Both of their sons were there and will stay as long as needed. We will go over next week and whenever the mass and memorial service are held. Bob was a good man. I am so sorry he died, but as Peg said, we are all glad he is no longer in pain.