The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden...

"Where you have a plot of land, however small, plant a garden. Staying close to the soil is good for the soul." --Spencer W. Kimball

Well, we are trying. We have a patio garden in pots, and for right now that is the best we can do. This year we are trying spinach, butterhead lettuce, bell peppers, cilantro, basil, dwarf tomato, cucumber, and a strawberry plant. Last night we harvested some greens for a salad, which feels awesome. Since our planting day on June 5, there has been some noticeable growth. The first little cucumber has started to form and the pepper and tomato plants are twice as big.

Garden at planting: Garden progress as of today:

Rocky Mountain High

Last week Dallin and I took a driving tour through some mountain high country in Colorado. We had so many blessings of good timing and safe travel during the trip that were more than just coincidental. For example, the day we spent in Maroon Bells outside Aspen was a perfect clear blue sky day. The next day was cloudy and cold and the view of the peak was obscured for a good part of the day. What a blessing that we planned our trip to go when we did and enjoy such a beautiful view.


We visited Glenwood Springs and planned to try the mineral hot springs (at a safe pregnant-mommy 94 degree temperature) and discovered to our surprise that the admission price was significantly reduced in the late evening, which is when we chose to go. We enjoyed the pools, the cool mountain air, had no danger of sunburn, and saved money--beautiful.


In three different cities large festivals were planned just a day or two later than our planned stay. This was a very good thing because although the BBQ Street Festival in Frisco, the Strawberry Days Festival in Glenwood Springs, and the Wine & Food Festival in Aspen may be desirable for some, our idea of vacation does not include large crowds. We enjoyed a vacation of relaxing, beautiful natural scenery instead.


We went on two hikes, both of which required some gradual, or in places not-so-gradual elevation climbs over rock piles and/or snow piles. Baby and I handled it just fine. No elevation sickness, no nausea, no cramped muscles, just the benefit of finishing and enjoying the views. Again, I felt so blessed.


On the last day of our trip, we took Independence Pass across the continental divide, which finally peaks at 12,095 feet. The recommended speed limit for most of the trip was 25 mph, the road was narrow, the drop-offs fatal, and in some places the guardrails non-existent. On certain hair-pin turns the speed limit dropped to 10 mph, and for good reason. But, the views were outstanding and so worth the trip. In all of our driving, in all types of weather, we were safe. What a blessing!

Did I mention that we also had perfect luck in our choice of restaurants? Among my favorites was an artichoke bisque in Glenwood Springs and decadent desserts in Snowmass.