"Porpoises Follow Sounds..."

Humans have Blackberrys, that you can't eat; Wii, iPods, M3 players, computers, cell phones, Blue Ray, on and on...

My daughter and I were talking about GPS – Global Positioning System for directions. Part of the family was going on a trip and we bought a unit. How nice it is to program it and sit back and watch the scenery, which is the problem. You don't pay attention to signs, landmarks, and rely on the "voice." "Turn around and go back to the highway." Turn in 1000 feet… If you want to do the same route again, you have to start over from a map or use GPS again. "I love them because I can use all the help I can find."
After programming telephone numbers, if the phone "goes down," you are scrambling for a number. Call your friend – Oh, wait a minute – "I don’t have the number." Price of technology…

My oldest granddaughter was in her teens when we went on one of our road trips. I purchased my first cell phone to be able to keep in touch with the rest of the family while driving to a family reunion in Breckenridge, CO. (My supplies included a cooler with two pans of frozen lasagna and packages of hamburger buns from the thrift store.)

We drove up Parley's Canyon and took Highway 40 / 191 through Vernal - Land of the Dinosaurs. (They have a world-renown quarry/dinosaur museum in Vernal and is very popular with children and adults.) Crossed over to Colorado and drove across the western side of the state. Stopped at places along the way before arriving in Breckenridge without any problems. Other than Chenille was hungry, and we followed a Dolly Madison "donut truck" with a big Twinkie on it.

Our condo was high on a mountain about 9000 feet and several of us had to adjust to the altitude. I drove my brother and his wife back to town for sightseeing and checking out the shops! But had to cut it short, as I didn't feel well and went back to the condo. Two of my aunts, three of brothers and wives and my granddaughter and I enjoyed our time together. Much laughter, played cards, and always had an abundance of wonderful food except I burned the toast. My brother kidded me about my "cooking."

We left Colorado on our way home and somehow I was "turned around" and became lost in a small town in UT. I never heard the end of that one. So I called on my phone, "Help." My family lovingly says I am directionally challenged and I fully agree - the stories my granddaughter could tell you... But all I have to say is "Do you want to go with me, and we are off on another adventure?" 3/27/10

Salt Lake City

“THE FLAVOR OF SLC NEIGHBORHOODS”








 Have “hands - on” experiences exploring SLC’s neighborhoods… Did you know Salt Lake City has five older neighborhoods with unique characteristics - family-owned casual dining and/or local eateries, local festivals, walking tours for free or $3.00 a person…?

First neighborhood is Downtown - First on the list to explore is the Downtown area, a business district centered on Temple Square:

 Caputos’ Market and Deli – 314 W. 300 S., SLC, UT. is owned by a father and son. They have locations on 15th and 15th and the U of U.

Prepare for a wait during the lunch hour. I walked through the door, and my eyes feasted on thousands of meats, gourmet cheeses, honeys, chocolates, fresh local pasta, oils, on and on from Italy and southern Europe.

My only problem was deciding which ingredients to order for my sandwich or salad. Caputo sandwich? Greek Salad? “Decisions – decisions.” I sampled varied selections of cheeses, meats, and oils which are available. “The employees were eager to help me make a decision and answer my questions.”

 The other half of this business is a specialty foods market - "Outstanding Retailer of the Year". 300 kinds of chocolate bars, in house salami maker..
 Have you seen a cheese cave? I was drooling as I looked through the hugh glass wall into the cave. In front of me were 200 kinds of cheese, and the cave is only one of a select group in the country.

EVE – New Year’s Eve – In the heart of Downtown – 175 E. 400 S.  Locals and guests enjoy a New Year’s celebration: 3 days and nights of revelry - called "EVE" featuring more activities, Live music…
Current updates are on www.eveslc.com.
 Includes everything from Children’s activities, musicals and dance parties, active sports, and a spectacular finish with fireworks.
 Check for  current admissions e.g. last year, all activities could be purchased for $10/day, Children 10 and under are free.
Take Trax to EVE (Downtown hotels and restaurants are offering EVE packages and special pricing for the three day event.)

Second neighborhood is Capitol Hill – From the steps of the Capitol, I have a full view that encompasses the entire metro area, and the Great Salt Lake glistening to the west.

 Capitol – modeled after the Nation’s capitol – When you enter the rotunda, the ceiling of the rotunda is beautifully painted with clouds and seagulls paying tribute to the state bird.
 Pioneer Memorial building – home of the Pioneer History museum and replica of the Old Salt Lake City theater
 Visit Alfred McCune Mansion – 1901 Main Street, SLC – Historic District Walking Tours - Check for article on Mansion..

Capitol Guided tours – 9 AM – 4 PM Mon – Fri - Free
Open M – F 8 AM – 8 PM Sat and Sun. 8 AM – 5 PM

Third neighborhood is Marmalade on the western slope of Capitol Hill –
I love that name. It invokes colorful images of jams; the streets are named for the fruit trees that were imported such as apricot, quince, and almond.
The streets of the Marmalade Historic District were all named for the fruit-bearing trees planted by the area’s early residents. While you won’t see orchards in the Marmalade District today, you will enjoy a charming neighborhood of historic homes in a wide variety of architectural styles.
Highlights of the neighborhood include some of the city’s oldest adobe homes, rare local examples of the Carpenter Gothic style, and the onion-domed 19th Ward Chapel. Join Utah Heritage Foundation for a stroll through Salt Lake City’s early history on the west side of Capitol Hill.
One picture at top of page of decor - cat, flowers on front porch In Marmalade District.
Cucina’s Deli – 1026 2nd Avenue, SLC, UT 84103 Phone –801-322-3055Gourmet sandwiches and salads made from locally grown ingredients, House Sandwich, Greek salad…

A surprising number of vintage residential buildings*:
 1850s to 1860s adobe houses listed on the Registered historic places
 1884 Thomas Quayle Gothic Mansion – Neighborhood is bordered on the north by 300 N. and south by 500 N…

Utah Heritage Foundation Tours* – $3.00 @ person – Check site for current fees
One hour walking tours – April – Oct. as scheduled

 Avenues - larger houses built during the silver boom
 Governor’s Mansion – 603 E South Temple, SLC Take the 40-minute tour of the impressive Mansion decked out with Christmas lights. Free
Tuesday and Thursdays – Check Utah Heritage Tours for info...

 Greek Festival – Sept., next to the Greek Orthodox Church
Eat Greek dolmans, gyros… “Listen to the lively Grecian music as the dancers arrayed in their colorful costumes swirl around the stage.” Check out the booths with jewelry, scarves, and pictures…

Sugarhouse is one of the oldest neighborhoods founded in 1853 – 10 minutes from Downtown SLC. It was named for a sugar mill that never came to actuality, as the machines didn’t make the journey from France. Houses are unique and very much in demand. The neighborhood has been revitalized, but maintains its distinctive personality.
Home to the largest park in SLC that is used year round for walking, picnics, gigantic fireworks show, and sledding in the winter… 11/19/2011
Check tabs on First page – SLC’s Neighborhoods - Coffee and Teashops / Sugarhouse area