elcome
to my memories of our trip to
Salt Lake City, Utah
elcome
June 8th, 2005 began at 4:00 a.m. for me but I was nice and let Kendra sleep in .... I did not get her up until 4:30 a.m. We had to be at the airport by 5:00 a.m. and we hopped in the MK Cruiser (MK is short for Mum/Kendra and it is what what we call my little Toyota truck) and headed across the highway to Nanaimo Airport for the first leg of our journey -- the fifteen minute flight to Vancouver via Air Canada's Jazz airline. 
Surprising to see so many folks up that early waiting for a flight to the big city.
The weather was slightly overcast but visibility was good.
We had to pick up our luggage in Vancouver and take it through 
US Customs in readiness for our trip to Salt Lake City and of course we got lost trying to locate the baggage department. We some how ended up at the opposite end of the airport from where we were supposed to be but with the skilled and kindly assistance from a few very pleasant airport officials (it is no wonder Vancouver International Airport is #1 ranked mid-size airport in North America) we found our suitcases and joined the large line up of people waiting to go through American Customs.
Kendra's decorative work on her dress boots set off the "beeper" thingy as she walked through that little security "gate house".
As for myself, first off they took away my lighter. Oh horrors! Then there was the incident with my knife. I always carry a little mini Swiss Army type knife with me -- you know the kind; the ones with scissors, nail files etc. Well I forgot it was still attached to the zipper of my purse and I had to donate it, along with my lighter, to "charity" at Vancouver International. I think someone at these airports must collect all these things and have a ball listing them on ebay!
The custom officials were really exceptional and we enjoyed a lot of laughs, particulary about my knife, but eventually they had to move on to other travellers and they cleared us to board United Airlines enroute to San Francisco ... Not a moment too soon either as I could feel the draft created by the doors of the aircraft closing behind me as I was entering the aircraft.
I was looking forward to our scheduled two hour lay over in San Francisco -- thought I could pick up some souveniers but you know the old saying about best laid plans. Our flight out of Vancouver was delayed for over an hour. We sat on the runway with several other jets waiting clearance for take off. Now this was not entirely a bad thing because the stewardess served me the most delicious cup of coffee that I think I have ever had -- mind you it was my first cup of coffee for the day so that could have had a lot to do with why it tasted so wonderful!
I spent my time wisely (?) during the wait on the tarmack at Vancouver International Airport. Back to the confiscation of my lighter ... I was concerned that I perhaps did not have any matches and I knew I would be craving a cigarette once we landed at our next destination. What a better opportunity to organize one's purse. The results were successful -- came across a book of matches from the Comfort Inn which I must of picked up during Reunion 2004 in Tilbury, Ontario. Could not help but think of Marie and Garnet who would be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday. Flashbacks of Reunion 2004 -- the people -- the places -- flooded my brain and the two hour plane trip was over before I knew it.
Happy as I was to have the matches I could not quite understand that if the Customs Officials took away my lighter why did they not take the matches. Not a worry as I was certainly happy that they did not.
Shopping was out - no time to get souveniers of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Island of Alcatraz or Cable Cars. All I had time for was a quick smoke but in order to accomplish this we had to exit customs which meant having to find it again. Interestingly passengers going through customs in San Francisco have to remove their shoes which then go through the xray machines. Hey, this is not so bad as at least Kendra did not set off the alarm this time!
We boarded our flight for Salt Lake City, 
Utah and so did a lot of young Mormans who were returning from various two year missionary destinations. We were fortunate to have the most interesting young man sit next to us who was returning from Mexico. How we enjoyed his stories about his experiences over the past two years, the people, the places ..... and before we knew it we were landing in Salt Lake City -- fastest two hours I have had in a long while.
The great luggage search was on once again. This time with the most delightful of twists. We were greated in the baggage area by three of the most wonderful young people on this globe of ours. There was CJ (Kendra's online friend), his sister Jen (possibly the happiest young lady I have had the pleasure to meet), and his best friend Andrew (a very admirable young lad). CJ is leaving on his mission to West Virginia on June 15 (which just happens to be my birthday) and coming to meet CJ was the reason we embarked on this adventure.
As for collecting our suitcases. Kendra's arrived safe and sound at our destination but mine, complete with it's precious cargo of Bounty Bars, McIntosh Toffee and Nanaimo Bars, decided instead to go to Denver.
CJ drove Kendra and I to our hotel, La Quinta Inn in West Valley City, Utah. La Quinta is Spanish for "growth spurt". The hotel is nothing fancy but it is clean and affordable and the staff is super friendly and helpful. Included in the room rate is a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast which I enjoyed every morning; complimentary coffee and tea and an indoor swimming pool and spa/hot tub.
It didn't take long for me to be abandoned in the hotel room while the young people went off in their own directions so I grabbed a cup of coffee and settled down to read through the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper.
Came across an article about Italian Ice which apparently is a popular treat in the eastern United States and something that was making its debut at the Farmers Market in Utah this year. This is a refreshing dessert which is made with fresh fruit, sugar and water; a variation of sorbet, but is smooth, creamy and dairy-free. Its origins have surprisingly nothing to do with the Euopean country, Italy, as its name suggests ... it was invented during the Depression in New York when the Italian immigrants could not get cream. Amazing what a person can learn from a local newspaper.
A simple recipe to try follows:
Dissolve one cup sugar in four cups of boiling water. Let cool and then add 3/4 Cup fresh lemon juice and 1 Tablespoon grated rind ... do not grate the pith (white) or it will be bitter. Freeze in a tray, stirring the crystals about every now and then let the ice freeze rock solid. When it's frozen scoop into little pleated cups and enjoy!
I went for a walk about and had just settled back at the hotel, opened a bag of cashews, cracked open a pepsi and switched on Law & Order on TV when the 
phone rang. It was CJ's mom, Sherry Perry, inviting me over for a visit. CJ, Kendra, Andrew and another friend, Kayla, came and picked me up and off I went to visit one of the nicest families on earth. There are nine people in the family and I had the pleasure of meeting eight of them, including CJ's step-dad Eric, his brothers Blake, Josh and Michael and his younger sister Emily. I had already met his other sister, Jennifer at the airport. It is one of those homes that just swells at the seams with love.
June 9 - Kendra and CJ and friends were non-commital as to when and what was in store for their day today so I decided to venture out all by myself and I ended up having a delightful day exploring the city by bus and Trax (rapid transit rail). I was so impressed with the courtesy, helpfullness and cooperative nature of the city bus drivers and yes I did make a call to Utah Transit to compliment them on their excellent staff. If I didn't know that I was in a metro area of over 1 million residents, I would never of guess. The people in this urban centre are so remarkably pleasant.
Funny little story to relay to you ... when you least expect it something good (or at least funny) happens. The first bus driver I met today told me in the midst of our conversation that he was "available" to accompany me for breakfast, lunch or dinner - anytime -- anywhere - during my visit to Salt Lake City. What a boost to one's self esteem. I diplomatically turned down his offer but it did bring a smile to my face. Even in the face of this rejection he ensured that I successfully caught the 
train heading in the right direction for downtown Salt Lake City before he wheeled off in the opposite direction in his bus.
Downtown Salt Lake City was an adventure extraordinaire! It is the cultural and political center of Utah so consequently it has plenty of cultural offerings, numerous parks and some inspiring buildings, including the splendid structures of the Mormon Temple Square. Most of my day focused on a memorable visit to 
Temple Square - a ten acre oasis of beauty and peace. Two delightful female missionairies; one from Sweden and one from Africa, took us on a tour through the property telling a historical tale of hardship, sacrifice and tears ... but also a tale of faith and miracles.
CJ, Kendra, Jen and Kayla also visited Temple Square today and the four storey shopping mall downtown called Gateway Plaza (very grand plaza of shops) as did I but on separate venues. Surprized our paths did not cross. Since Kendra first expressed an interest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormon Church, I have been researching and learning as much as I can about their religion. Of course me being me I have to research and investigate everything before I can express an opinion on it so my quest for knowledge and background etc. on the Latter Day Saints continues. There hasn't been a day pass that I haven't noticed something that makes the LDS distinctive among today's Christian organizations and one thing that stands out to me in particular is the importance this church places on family. The Mormons believe that their families live eternally in a genealogical circle.
I don't think I have ever seen Kendra so happy as she has been since we arrived in Salt Lake City. She absolutely glows. Her young friend CJ is a delight ... he has the nicest smile and a twinkle in his eye that reminds me of Kendra's brother Norman. I am so glad that we made this trip.
My children and I are going through a tumultuous time in our lives. If we hadn't been perhaps this trip would of never taken places. Never under-estimate the importance of relationships in your life -- existing relationships as well as new ones.
I always challenge my mind but now I think I am beginning to nourish my soul; at least I am carving out some time for my soul to grow ... something I have not given any attention to for the past three decades.
The wonderful people Kendra and I have met in Salt Lake City, both Mormon and others, have shown me that a true healthy love for your whole being, your body, your mind and your soul, can result in a healthy love for the world around you.
This perfect day ended with a Burrito dinner at CJ's home. After dinner CJ mom Sherry, sister Emily and brothers Josh and Blake and of course Kendra and CJ and I watched a movie together.
June 10 - Today I indulged in the "other" me. After all I am a Gemini -- split personality ..... oh no!
Kendra was tired this morning so I thought why not hop on a tour bus for Wendover in 
Nevada and try my luck with the slots. What a great time I had! The tour bus (Donna's Tours) cost $11.00 which included $7.00 in money for the slots, two lucky bucks for use at the tables which I didn't try (I do have some level of common sense; ha ha) and a free all you can eat buffet. The buffet today was seafood and it was unbelievably delicious.
The trip to Wendover took about 2 hours by bus and we played games to pass the time. I even won the first bingo game and my prize was a Crisco Delicious Desserts for All Occasions cookbook which I gave to Yvonne for her collection when I got home.
I started off on my quest for riches and fame at the Rainbow Casino where it did not take me very long at all to realize that I had to get out of there quick while I still had some 
money in my pocket.
When the tour bus was negotiating its turn into the Rainbow Casino I noticed a much smaller, not as flashy, more to my liking casino, called the The Red Garter, so I decided that if I ever found my way to what looked like an exit door out of the Rainbow Casino I would hike up the hill to the Red Garter and that is what I ended up doing.
Once settled down at a nickle machine with my cup of coffee my luck changed. This particular machine took a liking to me and I ended up playing on it with $10.00 worth of nickles until 4 pm. Couple of times I won buckets full of nickles but in the end I ended up leaving my orginal $10.00 investment behind. No regrets as I had hours of entertainment and met lots of folks who were waiting for me to get off the machine which I finally had to do as I simply had to be back at the Rainbow for the buffet at 4 p.m.
It took me over an hour to sample the fine cusine but I did manage to finally pull myself away to waddle out to the bus just prior to its departure back to Salt Lake City at 5:30 p.m.
Got back to the hotel to discover that CJ's dad had arrived from Los Angeles and he had taken them out to a Carnival -- so I had the evening all to myself to R & R!
June 11 - 
As I sat at one of my favourite spots (the corner table in our hotel room) in Salt Lake City (which I should add is located very attractively in a valley beneath the wonderful backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains) gazing out the window watching the aeroplanes flying overhead and wondering where the people on board were heading off to and why; CJ, Kayla and a friend, whom I had not until that moment had the pleasure of meeting, Shawn, came to pick up Kendra. They were on their way to spend the day at Lagoon Theme Park with its 40 rides which included not one, not two, but four roller coasters.
I hitched a ride as far as Walmart for a day of shopping. Did not find a lot to buy but a pleasant day all the same. I returned to the hotel and did up all our laundry ... tomorrow I knew would be busy and no time like the present to get things ready for our trip home on Monday.
Sunday, June 12, 2005 - Today was the all important day of our entire visit; particularly for our young friend CJ. He is heading off on the start of his mission on June 15. LDS Church members have the opportunity to serve missions, during which time they travel to a different part of the world and spend their time serving the Lord and sharing their beliefs. Young men can serve a two year mission when they turn nineteen, and young women can serve an eighteen month mission when they turn twenty-one. Also, some older members choose to serve missions after they have retired. These senior missionaries serve only one year.
CJ has been preparing for his mission for as long as he can remember and having the opportunity to attend his church, alongside his family and friends, to hear him speak on the value of prayer was invaluable. What an awesome job he did but I would imagine that it would come very easy when it comes from the heart as was obviously the case during this service/sacrament.
Following the sacrament family and friends gathered at CJ's family home for a potluck luncheon and a fun filled day of fellowship and games with several pictures and videos being taken. What an honour it was to have been included in these celebrations.
I must admit to being overwhelmed and homesick for my children in Canada but I know that this trip to Utah will remain in my memories and in my heart forever.
Thought you might like to know what my horoscope said for today:
"Important messages will come to you via the wind this week. I mean that literally. You may not be able to receive the full impact of the revelations if you spend too much time indoors, so I suggest that you spend as much time as possible in natural settings. Hike briskly or sit quietly; either approach will work. Empty your mind as best you can, and attune yourself to the language of the breeze. Be alert for the leaves it blows, the dust it stirs, the sound it makes, the voices in your head it awakens, and anything else it might use to communicate with you."
Kendra and I left for the airport early Monday and a good thing that we did because we were informed when we booked in that our United Air flight to Denver had been cancelled. Luckily we were able to get a flight on Delta in place of the cancelled flight and we were even bumped up to first class!!!! What an experience that was including fine dining.
The Denver International Airport was incredible. You know how the airports have moving sidewalks to transport passengers from sections to sections well the Denver Airport had trains.
The trip home was a time for somber reflection on the past few days and we arrived back at our home at around 11:30 p.m. - exhausted and rejuvinated all at the same time if that makes any sense whatsoever!
Both Kendra and I can not say thank you enough to the Perry Family in Utah for their hospitality and their kindness during our visit to their lovely corner of the globe.
I am struggling to get my life out of crisis. My husband of 34 years abruptly walked out on us in March. He was my whole life and I loved, admired and respected him so very much. Every day has been a struggle. I can not seem to come to terms with the rejection and my feelings of failure. There has been times that I simply wanted to give up but thankfully with the support of my children, my family and my friends I, so far, have somehow managed to make it through each and every one of the long and lonely days. 
I received this via email from a friend in the World Wide Web Circle of Friends and will try to refer to it often for the inspiration that I know I will need:
IT’S UP TO YOU
It’s not what happens to you that can make your life or break it.
The thing that really matters is the way you choose to take it.
You can have a "pity party" and say life’s not worth the living,
Or find some place that needs the love and help you could be giving.
You can crawl into a shell, and reach a state of deep depression,
Or count the many blessings you still have in your possession.
You can say that life’s not fair, and that you simply cannot bear it,
Or seek what’s good in life, and find a way that you can share it.
No, it’s not what happens that decides the winning or the losing.
It’s how you take it -- and you’ll find it’s strictly your own choosing.
Betty Jo Mings
Our dreams for "retirement" have been shattered but I have come up with a hopefully workable idea for my future. I plan to purchase an affordable, small, used motor home and initially take some "day trips" around and about Vancouver Island progressing as time goes on to longer and longer trips on this great North American continent of ours! Who knows you may find me on your doorstep one day in the not so distant future.
Just imagine the online 
journal I will be creating then .. boggles the mind, doesn't it?!
Please take a moment to visit my website and I would love to hear from you so do email me.
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