U.S.S. Utah Silver

Okay - I wasn't going to do another blog post before Christmas, but I think this is pretty neat.


The Battleship U.S.S. Utah was christened on December 23, 1909 by Mary Alice Spry who was the daughter of Governor William Spry. It is tradition that the state donate the silver service for its namesake battleship. The cost of the silver was $10,000. Governor Spry asked for all the school children in the state to donate 10 cents each and they would have their names recorded in a book stored at the capitol. The book is still here with the who's who of Utah kids from 1909.


There was some controversery about the silver because one of the platters depicted Brigham Young who was a known polygamist. There were even congressional hearings.


It is also tradition that in time of war, the silver is sent back to the state for safekeeping. Had this not been the case, our silver service would be at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.


Monday night was the last holiday party, and the small group was served on our very own state silver.

Merry Christmas!

 

Economy Snowman

They just end up looking like this anyway.

 

 

 

Bell Choir

I don't really feel like I have a bucket list, but there are times when I feel like I've crossed things off that should be on a bucket list. Things like riding in a helicopter are easy to put on a list, but some things, like climbing to the top of the capitol dome or landing in an airplane on the interstate, are a bit more elusive to brainstorm before you get to do them. I guess those would fall in the category of added-and-crossed-off.


One of the things that I've always wanted to try was playing in a bell choir. Every time I see the Tabernacle Choir break out those silver bells, I think how much I'd like to give those a shot. So a few months ago, when one of the ladies in the ward invited Mary to play in a bell choir, I volunteered myself to be an alternate if they needed one. They were a bit short on ringers, so I weaseled my way into the choir.


It's funny - when you're in charge of playing all the notes, a dotted quarter note followed by an eighth just isn't that difficult. When you are only in charge of the eighth note, for some reason things get more complicated. I can play quite a few notes on the bassoon, but when I have a C in my left hand and a D in my right, for some reason I turn into an idiot and play the wrong note.


Our last performance is tonight, and while it's been tough to juggle it along with every other December thing, I'm going to miss playing.

Heather's Tea Party

Heather hosted a very fancy tea party at Elizabeth's Tea and Bakery Shop. There were shelves all around the shop that had ceramic tea pots and figurines.

Capitol Dome

A handful of us went to the top of the Capitol Dome today. I'm not really good with heights, but I took enough buddies with me to put a good face on even though my stomach was a little squeamish. JP came with me, and when he puts his pictures up, I'll add a link.

Piano Recital

Yes, it's that time of year again: piano recital. This year was particularly stressful, so I was very relieved to have it over. Scott was wonderful to take pictures for me:

Steven played a Martha Mier arrangement of We Three Kings.


Ellie and Scott played a Jingle Bells duet -- they were so cute!


Anna and her two best friends performed a perfect trio


Becca did well and looked very pretty.


Tommy just walked around. At least he was mostly quiet.


Relieved to have it over.


Ellie wanted her picture taken with Bingo, the Kindergarten bear (think: Flat Stanley)


It was great fun. The best part, I think, were the chocolate pianos I made for each student. Pictures to come.

That Mary . . .

. . . she's always taking me to the fanciest parties.

 

Zions Bank

One of these events got me onto the eighteenth floor of Zions bank. Fabulous view of the temple and the downtown area of SLC. I'm building up courage to ask Uncle John to see if he can get me on the roof so I don't have to take pictures through the windows.

Salt Lake Temple

The old Tabernacle

The Capitol Building

and the Angel Moroni in front of the refinery

hmmm