Can Someone Explain This To Me?

This picture was taken in Boise, ID a month or so ago.

If you look closely you will notice that on the street corner closest to me, there is a blind man waiting for permission from the crosswalk light in order to cross the street. You can't see from this angle, but it seemed he was truly blind.

I've used a number of crosswalks in my day and I don't recall any sort of sound associated with the little neon man that signals the all clear. Am I missing something? Is there something that notifies blind individuals that it's okay to cross? I mean they can't just listen for the cars and make a run for it. I think there's something to this. I just don't know what it is.

I Finally Made It

After many failed attempts at visiting the elusive Mormon Temple, I was finally able to get through the gate.

For those just joining us - I am not LDS. I am a simple protestant girl who happens to have a curiosity for all things Mormon. I'd probably have the same affliction for Catholicism if I lived remotely close to Vatican City.

I must admit I felt a little trepidation passing through those entrance gates, like they were going to close me in and point fingers at me and yell "Heretic!"

My second thoughts were simply how majestic and beautiful it was there. Like Cinderella's castle at Disney World, only much grander.

These gorgeous flower beds were everywhere.

My excitement faltered a little when it didn't appear there was any direct way to the Temple. I saw this door and imagined there was some guy in there with a large, green furry hat guarding the path (like on Wizard of Oz). It was really hot, so I can't be entirely blamed for my vivid images.

And then there appeared to be even more blockage in the form of a medievel iron fence.

But it turns out that if you just keep going, it opens up into something kind of like a cobblestone courtyard. I wasn't sure if I was allowed in there, because the only people I saw seemed to belong to a wedding party.

I lingered for a moment, then filed in behind a group of people, trying to stay close enough that it appeared like I might be with them, but far enough away as to not scare them.

This is proof that I really was there...

The building is quite impressive. The construction began in 1853 and took 4o years to complete.

The walls at the base are nine feet thick.

There are doors everywhere. I hung out next to this one hoping someone would come or go so I could get a peek inside.

Well Mormon people, I don't agree with your views, but I still think you're super nice, and you've got one heck of a nice Temple.

Thanks for letting us "normies" look at it (if only from the outside).

Proof-Reading is Overrated

I've had such good experiences with Salt Lake City this week.

I was finally able to make it onto the grounds of the Mormon Temple (stay tuned this weekend for my pics and the story)!

I ate at my new favorite salad place. Twice!!! And I didn't even drop it on the floor this time!

Then this morning I had a two hour connection at the SLC airport so I was aimlessly walking from magazine store to magazine store (you have to keep moving or you risk getting kicked out) and I ran across this priceless gem of an oversight.



I may buy it tomorrow.

Do You Know What This Is?

Do you see it? Do you see what captured my attention first thing Sunday morning?

No? Let me give you a hint.



Still don't get it? Here's a major clue to the reason for my angst.



Liesl.

Ahhh, Miss Liesl.

Why, oh why must you locate that one tiny burr bush in the far recesses of the back yard?



One afternoon of hair pulling, one removed burr bush, one trip to the pet store for a comb, one yelping puppy later and we're back to normal.

Shrimp Scampi with Rotini

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp olive oil

5 cloves of garlic

1/4 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 lemon juice

1 pound large shrimp
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

5 oz rotini (or whatever pasta you have on hand)

There are 4 main ingredients to a good scampi.

You will notice that I used lemon juice in a plastic bottle in lieu of the real thing. Don't be so silly. It really is better with the goods.

Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes.

Chop your garlic and parsley.

In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-low heat until melted. Add the garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the deshelled and depooped shrimp, along with the salt and pepper.

Cook just until the shrimp have turned pink and opaque, stirring often. It goes quick, maybe 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice, red pepper and parsley.

Toss the shrimp/garlic/butter/parsley mixture with the cooked rotini and serve immediately.

Be careful not to add too much pasta to the shrimp or the flavor will be diluted. You need a good shrimp to pasta ratio.