Mountains to Mammoths

7/13/2010

Our family camping excursion in July turned into wonderful surprises. Our first surprise was our destination – Potter’s Pond, located off Huntington Canyon Scenic Byway, UT 31 - 18 miles from Fairview, UT. “Hot”, as I watched my daughter air up the inflatable canoe and raft, preparing for our trip to Potter’s Pond. As we pull away, my great granddaughter, Josie said, ”Look, a deer.” Next to the road, a solitary deer, eating; not giving us any notice.
We started up Spanish Fork canyon and spinning wind generators come into view. The drive takes us through green covered mountains spotted with houses, and we turn off to Fairview and continue on our way. Pass by a ramshackle building with a rusted metal roof – red brick ruins…. “I love the old buildings and wonder about their history.” A flood came down the canyon when a mud slide blocked the river at Thistle near the top covering the whole town. A derelict barn is half submerged in water; remains of a house peek out of the water.
The canyon levels out and farms appear on both sides. One field has round hay bales and the next square bales. At a feed store, one of my great grandchildren, Chloe said she hadn’t seen green hay bales.
Up – up we go to 6446 ft.… Wasatch Mountains covered with pinions as far as you can see. Stopped in Fairview, UT for snacks. Another discovery was the Huntington Canyon Scenic By-Way UT-31 (Manti – Lasal Nat’l Forest) joining at Fairview and continuing 18 miles up to 9655 ft. at the summit to the turnoff for our destination…
Snow on the ridges in between green covered ground on July 5th. Vistas that look out over azure-blue lakes and mountains with vivid green trees marching up their sides. Scenic outlooks are available to stop and take in the view.
Just before turning off for Potter’s Pond, another amazing discovery – Mammoth excavation of 8-8-88 at 9000 ft… The last mammoth to be discovered at that altitude, usually a Plains animal. There isn’t a Visitor’s Center, but a scenic outlook with an information sign overlooking the location of the excavation site. Trail down to the site is available during summer. Casts of the mammoth skeleton are on display at the University of Utah Museum of Natural History and the College of Eastern Utah's Prehistoric Museum in Price, and in several other museums around the world.
At the end of 18 miles, our journey takes us on a dirt road to our campground -reservations and usage fees required. Gorgeous scenery – lakes and more campgrounds are scattered along the way, and at the end of eleven miles arrive at Potter’s Pond hidden in the mountains. Our camp overlooked the “pond” – small lake, surrounded by trees with a trail down the hill to the water’s edge… Put the canoe and raft in the water and baited our lines. You could see the fish swimming in the clear water, and a muskrat poking his head out… Wonderful discovery! 07/13/2010

1st Place - non-fiction Iron Pen Competition - Graffiti on the Wall...

http://www.slcc.edu/cwc/publications.asp#Ironpen2011

Graffiti on the Wall –Twentieth and Twenty-first Centuries’ Heroes and Heroines

A 15-year old teenager is laying on the orange shag rug in the family’s rumpus room watching TV. The TV execs haven’t resumed regular programming after the President’s assassination in Nov. 1963. I was still in shock, as were the rest of the people in the US.
Was Harvey Oswald alone? Jackie in her famous pill box hat, standing by her husband’s coffin with Carolyn and "John John," an epitome of what woman could aspire to be, but not this. Jackie Kennedy moving on and taking care of her children. Later, Robert Kennedy and an older John Jr. are killed under tragic circumstances….
The 50s were identified by young women’s limited choices of teaching, nursing, clerical or getting married, not necessarily in that order. The 60s were identified by flower children, music of Woodstock; eleven acts including Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, the Who, and last performer, Jimi Hendrix playing to two o'clock to a dwindling crowd. The Berlin Crisis, my husband and children’s dad was a soldier, and his enlistment was extended because of the crisis in 1961.
Tom Brokaw, noted TV newscaster wrote a book, "Boom" concerning issues of the time, including women in the sixties. They were "stepping up to the plate," so to speak and to paraphrase a line in the book, "We are not going to take it anymore, we want to be part of what is happening."
Ed Sullivan wasn’t the first one to introduce the Beatles in Feb. 1964. On Dec. 17, 1963, the teenager with her long straight hair draping around her face and family is gathered around a small TV set. Nothing grand as today, e.g. 50" flat screen with surround sound….
Walter Cronkite, another icon of history, "I loved to hear his deep voice," was to present a short film about a new group from "across the water," the Beatles in Nov. It was canceled after the tragic event. He pulled it out on that day in Dec. 1963, thinking," This will give people a little respite for a moment." It was a film of the four Beatles, Ringo, John, George, and Paul ......

Salmon Fish Fry, Aug. 5, Payson

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=85

57th annual salmon fish fry in Payson, South of Provo

Healthy homemade and Irish - delicious brown soda bread recipe | Irish Food and Irish Drink | IrishCentral

Healthy homemade and Irish - delicious brown soda bread recipe Irish Food and Irish Drink IrishCentral


Introducing traditional Irish food to America - Irish brown soda bread...

Boomer places.com / Boomers - Road of Life

http://www.boomerplaces.com/boomers-road-of-life/
Roads carry us to many places.. We travel them daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. They get us to where we are going. Some have many curves, hills, mountains, peaks, valleys, and detours. Others may be narrow, wide, whining, smooth, or rocky. If we stay on a road sooner or later we get where we are going. Depending on conditions as we travel, we may have to vary or change our course. We may have to stop many times and review our maps. There are even times when obstacles may arise and we may have to choose a different direction to reach our destination. At times we may speed quickly while other times ...........
Click on title for BoomerPlaces.com....

www.gilgalgarden.org/ - SLC - A sculptor's years of a labor of love to built sculptures and stones engraved with scriptures, poems, tucked away in the neighborhoods of SLC...

Road Less Traveled - Poem by Robert Frost
"Do You Have a Road Map?" - Silver Pen Entry

KUER: KUER's This I Believe: Diane Lockard (2009-01-30)

KUER: KUER's This I Believe: Diane Lockard (2009-01-30)

Click on bar above to listen to essay...10/26/10

Silver Pen Essay - 2010

“Do You Have a Road Map?”

How did I get to where I am today?
Some people have “road maps”, but as I told my granddaughter I have taken several detours; it is surprising what you find.
Then, I grew up on a farm in Montana, earned a home economics scholarship and worked at the County Superintendent of Schools’ office. I married a soldier from Utah,and two years later our oldest daughter was born.
Then, was the “Mayberry Life”: fishing at Flaming Gorge with all the families,
4-H projects from dog care to cooking, working as a cashier, and the highlight was enteringexhibits at the county fair.

Missed the turn - this is my first detour: I became a single mom and then remarried. This was a turning point in our lives. Jim was father, husband, and a major part of my granddaughter’s life.

Then, we had time for family and friends – visiting, playing UNO and learning new things such as woodcrafts and ceramics. A short twelve years later, my daughter and my eight-year old granddaughter came home to take care of Jim after he was diagnosed with cancer. I continued working.

A bump in the road - I transferred to a copy center where I started working with computers. I went into the new field of data entry, and learned computer/clerical skills,“hands on.” Before being “downsized”, I was downloading reports, setting up programs and so forth.

My dream was to be a financial planner. I gained employment at a life insurance company. I advanced to Assistant to the Investment/ Compliance Specialist, planned my retirement, and obtained an Associate in Insurance Agency Administration.

Merge ahead- my daughter, granddaughter, and I purchased a home together starting our family co-op. It helps immensely to combine time and resources.
Then, I started collecting my SS benefits and purchased our beautiful, present home; life was good, my health was good, so I thought.

Straight ahead… No, Road washed out - In Sept. 2007, I was diagnosed with a stroke – out of the blue, no warning, that occurred in route on a trip from my daughter’s home in Tenn. At a gas station in Virginia, I said, “I can’t move” and couldn’t walk without help.I walked with a cane and after short-term rehab, I considered my options, and retired after working 38 years of work. Watch out for falling rocks…

Now, I am retired, living in a nice neighborhood with friends and family nearby, or I can reach them at the click of a button. I feel good about my accomplishments, and enjoy traveling and lifelong learning. I am a part of the Red Hat Society to stay connected with people; work part-time at the County Libraries; joined the Senior Center and OsherLifelong Learning. After many detours, I have arrived at the “next Interstate exit”, but
Now I have GPS…

“It isn’t the destination, but the journey.”

People's Market / Farmers' Market - "Then and Now" Reading

2010 Book Day   09/019/10

Book Day! September 19, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.The People's Market will be celebrating our 2nd annual Book Day on September 19, 2010. Please join us in recognizing the importance of reading, writing, and the promoting of literacy throughout the community. Also join in the Book Swap/Sell.

Bring your used book to Swap, Sell, or Give Away - set up is free!! (books only). Existing vendors may use their booth space. Sept. 19
The market will be featuring readings by Authors and Poets throughout the day including SLCC Writing Center writers, Local Published Authors, and Local Aspiring Authors.
Please join us, and bring your books! Finished Sept. 19....

Sept. 19 - Big day ... The family and I went to the park-musicians were playing "old-time" music and the Farmers' market (through Oct.) was going full force. Cathy and the girls went to the first table and bought tomatoes at $1.00 a pound, Chloe and Josie picked out plums and one carrot...
I went on at 12:30 with the wind blowing hard. Liz from CWC introduced me and I read my essay, "Then and Now." Then, we had time for family and friends, visited, played UNO and learned new things...Copyright 9/24/2010 Diane Lockard

Writing letters is becoming lost.... Discover Life's Treasures"

Independence Hall, Betsy Ross Home - Philadelphia, Pa Marilyn and I went on a tour.

At the Silver Pen Awards, David Turner of the SL County Aging Services said, “ Our best legacy for our families is letters.” The art of writing letters is becoming lost. He read a letter from Barbara Bush to her family from “Posterity” by Dorie Lawson. (Letters of great Americans to their children. Einstein to his son, Stewart to his son – 1848

March comes in as a lamb, it goes out as a lion... Ours is a "lamb."
Feb. 3 - City Weekly The dormancy is a temporary illusion - "The great river is silent/only sometimes it sounds quietly/deep under the ice." Imma von Bodmershof

Please check your reaction at the end of the post - Thank you...
Annual Poetry Contest for Teens & Adults Salt Lake County Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month in April with this year’s systemwide annual Poetry Contest. The theme this year is “Discover…”

Discover Life’s Treasures
Treasures are in your heart or in your mind.
You can see them or are not hard to find.

Others are more precious than gold,
A sweet baby you can hold.

"Lift up your eyes to the hills,"
Discover the beauty around you.
Listen to the music in the trees,
Haunting strains of those who are free.


Treasures are the smell of…
Smoky campfires,
Roasting marshmallows,
Coffee brewing in an old enamel pot.
Memories are treasures to discover if you are
"Put on the Spot."

Wise for her years, my seven-year old says,
"It is a beautiful day."
The gray clouds fade away.

Sultry summer days, the sweet, sour taste of lemonade,
Clinking of ice in a glass.
Tickling your toes in the fresh mown grass.
Friends and family gathering,
Talking, laughing, eating…
Time is fleeing.

"Do not despair,"
Your treasure chest has room to spare…

March 2011


I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. (Psalm 121:4)_


Submissions will be accepted from March 14 – April 16, 2011 in both teen and adult catagories. All entries must be submitted using the forms below and poems should not be longer than 2 pages. Completed...
http://www.slcolibrary.org/ Special Promotions....

Book Launch, Africam.com - "live feed" of animals and wildlife, Imagine You are "Born in the Wild"

I will be reading this selection at the reading/book launch of sine cera: A City Devoid of Sharp Edges will be April 21st from 7-9 p.m. in the 4th floor conference room at the Main City Library.

One of my assignments for my travel writing class was to watch africam.com which is "live feed" of animals and wildlife. I watched as the elephants went to the watering hole and the activity in the trees. A second broadcast was the flamingos settling in for the night. We wrote a story about what we saw and additional research from the Internet... Great Migrations series was featured on National Geographic.
"Waterhole"
Sounds of wildlife and birds squawking drift across the waterhole with sparse trees on the other side. Caw – caw… “No one in sight.” We watch as a solitary wildebeest appears and goes to the waterhole. He turns around and walks back to the trees. Where is the rest?
It is time for the Great Migration. In the Masai Mara National Reserve, the migration is tentatively expected to arrive in August or September which is an unforgettable experience. Can you picture nearly two million animals moving through Tanzania and Kenya? Leaving a trail of dust behind them. Crossing the Mara River where the crocodiles lay in wait. First the strange looking wildebeest followed by gazelles and zebras. Nature has a life and death cycle, and the predators - jackals and hyenas are on their trail while the hungry lions wait for their arrival.
The cacophony of sounds swell… Up in the trees, something moves. I thought it was a leopard. A monkey swings to the next tree and he sits and waits. A second one appears, and they chase each through the intertwined treetops. The monkeys are calling each other, and the birds can be heard in the distance.
Later we watch two elephants with babies saunter by swinging their trunks as they go to the waterhole. It is hard for baby elephants to learn how to drink like their mothers. We watch while they put their mouths in the water. They sway side to side as they walk towards the trees. We wait not moving for the next glimpse.
When we arrived in Nairobi on our much-anticipated trip to Africa, the cosmopolitan city was a jumping off point for returning to nature and wildlife. Lake Nakuru Lodge was one of our favorite stops with densely populated animals and a view of the flamingos for which it is famous. “As far as you can see are flamingos, all shoulder to shoulder or feathers to feathers.” Perched on the rocks at the edge of the lake. Other birds join them, flying and walking, swimming – Perpetual motion and sound.
The lights come on in our Lodge, and they settle in for the night. Last stop was Masai Masa Reserve where we stayed at Mara Sopa Hotel to hopefully await the Great Migration. The trip was wonderful even after we missed it, as it isn’t just about a large herd of wildebeest.
Update: It is about the wildebeests and other animals plus the people. The Mara River is drying up from the defoliation of the Mal Forest. Without water, there isn’t a Great Migration.
How many migrations are left?
“Kwaheri” – Goodbye in Swahili

Won four tickets to "Born to be Wild" about the elephants in Africa, orangutans in Borneo, in 3d.... Was excellent.
Another movie I want to see is "Water for Elephants." One of Clive Cussler's books on the Best selling book list is "The Jungle" that takes place in the rainforests of Burma... Click on Title for Clive Cussler's web site...

Chattanooga, Tenn. 21st Retirement city / Boomers/ Seasoned Traveler website

Welcome, Traveling and Free or Inexpensive Activities..
Riverbend Festival - June, 2010 - Next to the Tenn. River and the Tennessee Aquarium in background:
A week long celebration of music, singers, food, entertainment climaxed with gorgeous fireworks - buy a wristband for $25.00 and have access to all shows...

http://www.facebook.com/LittleDebbie?sk=photos
2011 Riverbend:
Largest oatmeal cream pie made by Little Debbie's - McKee Bakery in Chattanooga

Check out front page for movies to inspire traveling, books from the 50s and 60s, websites for authors in Washington including Rick Steves, writing conferences e.g. one in Edwards, WA and one in Boulder, UT...

"Seasoned Traveler" by George Bauer is 2006 Travel guide for Boomers and beyond and a PBS series. It tells the stages of travelers and what kind of traveling they like. Boomers are more "spur of the moment." Click on title for web site
They are interested in physical activities such as hiking, biking and more action; now want those, plus seeking places with activities for lifelong learning...

Travel combined with Lifelong learning can be found in what is now Road Scholars; in the past was Exploritas/Elderhostel, but has been updated in name and programs. Check it out on roadscholar.org. The book says Active elders - 60s to 70s prefer organized tours and plan ahead.

If you are 50 or over, you may join Osher Lifelong Learning - University of Utah and begin to take advantage of the benefits at any time during the year. Call 801-585-5442 to sign up. (Check your local universities for similar programs...)
Membership Options Available for $30 per year; membership in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is FLEXIBLE, AFFORDABLE, and FUN! You can become a member without taking classes and add classes in an a la carte fashion as time allows.
You are allowed to pick 4 events per term - i.e. - I enjoyed McCune Mansion, Tea Grotto; UMFA - Three exhibits -work of Pablo O'Higgins, exhibit of African arts and Diego Rivera; fourth - Fine arts and antiques for one quarter.

21st of the Best 25 retirement towns listed in CNN "Money" - www.money.cnn.com is:
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Population: 169,900
% over 50: 32%
Typical 3-bedroom home: $140,000
State income tax: 6.00%*

Once among the most polluted cities in the country, Chattanooga cleaned itself up in the 1990s, and residents now pride themselves on green living and making the most of opportunities afforded by their surroundings. The scenic city on the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains offers everything from camping and fishing to whitewater rafting and hang gliding. (Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga Choo Choo...)

In 2005, the city completed a $120 million revitalization of the city's waterfront downtown. The project transformed 129 acres on both sides of Chattanooga's downtown waterfront and included expansions to the Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art as well as the addition of a public pier, several new waterfront green spaces, public art and pedestrian connections throughout the area.

Other, more practical benefits exist for retirees as well: Tennessee has no state income tax, and Chattanooga is home to three hospital systems. --B.B.

Remember McCall's Magazine?

1939 McCall's Magazine cover - They had Betsey McCall paper dolls in them that I eagerly waited for each month....

Grandmas can shed the yoke of responsibility, relax and enjoy their grandchildren in a way that was not possible when they were raising their own children.
And they can glow in the realisation that here is their seed of life that will harvest generations to come.
- Erma Bombeck

Writers guidelines - Guideposts

writers guidelines - Guideposts

Guidelines for submitting to Guideposts

To paraphrase Jesus of Nazareth, what you do to the least of my brothers, that you do also to all of us.

Check sidebar for Writing, books, wine, food...

I attended a book signing by Mary Martinez at Kiler Winery in South Salt Lake and there are 78+ coffee and tea shops listed for SLC...

Civil War Era Ball - Ft. Douglas Military Museum, June 17 - 7 - 9:30

Have you ever visualized yourself in a long bouffant gown with ruffles and lace or AKA Clark Gable in his tux or tails or whatever fancy suit in "Gone with the Wind" dancing across the ballroom? The glistening chandeliers sparking above all the twirling couples below them....

Flash forward to the 19th century and the advent of contra dancing.  It is similar to square dancing, but people line up facing each other in two lines, "partner" with the person facing them and go through steps as directed. I have wanted to learn that for two years, along with a "Jane Austen / Gone With the Wind" Ball, and is on my bucket list...
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, come experience 19th century contra style dancing.
 Fort Douglas Military Museum, 32 Potter Street, SLC 801-581-1251  7 - 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $5 Historic Dress is optional.... "Shades of Jane Austen"

 I have been posting Contra dances on the third Sat. of each month.

Ladies' Literary Club                  

Beginner Workshop 7:00 PM, Dancing 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Cost $7 General Admission, $5 Students (16-25), $3 Youth (7-15)

Contact: Brenda 801-363-7442

Wasatch Contras

850 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, UT

http://www.wasatchcontras.org/audio.html   Click on for Petronella - "New England Chestnuts"

wine and books / Book debut at winery

Book debut at Killer Grove winery in SLC... Friday, June 10, 2011
5 - 7, Author Mary Martinez Free unless you buy a book or a bottle of wine - Both are available!!

Tasting: Thursday, Friday, Saturday noon to 7 PM
Click on title.
Women and wine radio topics, blog, recipes...

American Food Writing (for foodies and lovers of good writing)

American Food Writing (for foodies and lovers of good writing)

Food writing posted from Vibrant Nation...

Peruvian Independence Festival | | Murray High School | FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS | Nowplayingutah.com

Peruvian Independence Festival Murray High School FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS Nowplayingutah.com July 23, 2011 10 - 10 PM

Traditional music, dances and food from Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, The Pacific Islands, Chile, Brasil and more to celebrate the Peruvian Independence Day. Special guests are Eva Ayllon, Tommy Portugal and Rossy War.

National Geographic Pirate treasure/ writing contest

http://sjc-lit2011.blogspot.com/

Entries for South Jordan Writing contest...


Hunt for Pirate Treasure....

Around town - Pioneer Craft House, photography class, Osher tours

Utah Arts Festival June 23 - 26 City Library Iron Pen Marathon - write a story in 24 hours...
www.slcc.edu/cwc for details Above - last year's in front of City and County building

Spring is here!! Fee: Free Dates: Tuesday, July 5 Time: 7:00 pm Photography class FREE Location: Gale Center of History and Culture, 10300 S Beckstead Ln
(1600 W)
Contact: ledmunds@sjc.utah.gov

Osher events - HIKING THE APPALACHIANS Lunch and Learn Fort Douglas - June 11, 2011 at noon Lunch after, buy your own Check http://continue.utah.edu/osher/membership.php for details. 50 and over - $30 a year membership for 4 events for 3 terms and special lunch and learns...

Pioneer Craft House
500 E 3300 S
Salt Lake City UT 84105
801-481-7131
Admission: free

Yelp.com/events/salt-lake-city Click on title Trolley Square - for next cooking class (Pasta from scratch - April 10, 2011 10:00)

Abandoned Mines Meeting - June 28, 2011 West Jordan Library 6:00

Check sidebar for updated baggage fees - Southwest is still free for the first 2, Jet Blue for the first one...

Tours are available, for $5 per person, by appointment only for groups of 10-25 people. Contact Kathy Nielsen at (801) 533-0858 extension 104 at least two weeks in advance to arrange your tour. Utah Heritage Foundation offers free tours only during the summer months. Details are announced in May. Tours include the City/County Building above, McCune Mansion, Marmalade neighborhood...

Check SLC's Neighborhoods on Home Page and related articles on side bar.

http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=51523262 Print Salt lake Tribune's Art schedules... Party Bus $15 - load at Garfo, 1838 S. 1500 E., SLC - First Friday of the month....

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