Summer in Salt Lake City

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

A walking tour of Salt Lake City is what some of us decided on for Saturday. We haven't explored downtown much since we moved back and not by foot much at all. It's been on the list of things to get to. The forecast was 90s for highs so we headed out late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. (Yes it's a "dry heat" but hey, that's hot)

The tour commenced in the car whilst the driver (aka me) wandered around downtown looking for a place to park. This took a long time. Imagine a long, long time of me making discouraging comments about my ability to locate such a spot, the other drivers, and the unfortunate placement of detour signs. I am so not the person for that job. I can't spot the spots until I am right up past them. Easily overstimulated. Poor sense of direction. Just not my strong suit all around. So the parking part was not fun.

The walking with the camera part was more fun. It always is. : ) We started from west Temple Square.

Checking directions and where to find the Apple Store and dinner.

We spent some time shopping at City Creek which is about as lovely as it gets. Feels way more like a European market town than an outdoor mall. BUT it has West Elm and Anthropologie. Win, win. I found two books we are going to talk about more this week at Anthropologie of all places. I am a little obsessed with them. More to follow.

Walking towards the Salt Palace.

The Capitol Theater is being reno'd and the sidewalk opposite was as well unfortunately. Such a fabulous facade even if I can only share a peek of it. It was just cotton candy colored wonderfulness. Like a vintage carousel on a wall.

Oldest and youngest sons : )

We stopped for dinner and then walked back to the van. It was absolutely ideal weather by then. Balmy without a hint of breeze. That meant the reflecting pool at Temple Square was able to do its job nicely. After waiting for it to settle again after a certain 10yo tossed a pebble in. ; D

There is never enough time when you see your adult kids. This is the pain of this stage of life as opposed to the sheer exhaustion of the early years of parenting. It's what causes old moms to say all those annoying things about cherish the moment and these days are over too fast and blahblahblah. We know it's annoying. We can't stop ourselves. The words tumble out of our mouths even while our inner younger mom selves remember exactly how exasperating those comments were. But for real, y'all. You become greedy with these moments that once seemed to defy all laws of time passage.

These were my moments this weekend. They are over now but they were wonderful.

everyday miracles

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human”

Tim Hansel, You Gotta Keep Dancing

yee-haw!

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

One of the highlights of the summer was daughter date with Alannah to the rodeo. As you approach the fairgrounds your heart beats a little bit faster. Boots and hats at every turn. Flags flying and music playing. Everything that's good about Americana was there in abundance.

We went on military appreciation night and they did not disappoint. Mounted flag bearers from all branches of the military rode in. Skydivers brought in the various branch flags.

And Old Glory.

By the time we got to the riderless horse I had to put my sunglasses back on. After 30 yrs with the USAF and now several more as an Army mom, I am a puddle by the time the anthems are over. It's just a lot for a heart.

We were treated to an incredible show with a fabulous emcee and clown duo. And even better music selection.

And those faces. : )

We left the park after dark, totally pumped up. It was one of those nights that renews your faith in your fellow man.

Scotch Eggs

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Scotch eggs have been a favorite since we had them in England though we have not made them up since we moved back. We rectified that with this paleo adaptation which was every bit as good. I will tell you my cheater version though. I used Jimmy Dean natural breakfast sausage in place of making my own. Easy peasy.

I'm hungry now. And it's Friday. I need to plan these posts better. ; D

the small moment

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

"Whether one looks at a star, a child, a moment of sorrow, or a time of gladness,

blessed is the ordinary.

I believe the small moment is the carrier of God's more endearing gift, and that it must not be permitted to slip away unsavored and unappreciated."

Gerhard Frost

Noticing and savoring lately….

Summer at Hickory Hill Farm

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Before this summer is completely over I am determined to document the things we have seen and places we have been together. I'm serious. Gonna try anyway. First stop…Wisconsin.

When we were in Wisconsin we were able to catch up with an old school friend. About the same time we left the Rockies for our European adventure some years ago, Gretchen left the Rockies to create a new life for her family back on the soil she grew up on. Back in the day her parents had farmed this land and sold Shaklee vitamins to my husbands folks. She inherited their love for the natural world and the great outdoors. When both parents were gone she had a vision to bring the old homestead back to life as a modern market farm and is working hard to do just that.

It is a year round effort to cultivate Hickory Hill Farm. Nothing goes to waste. In the spring they tap the sugar maples for syrup. Summer time they hit the farmers markets with organic veggies, eggs, edible flowers and wild-gathered herbs. In the fall they harvest corn, spelt, and wheat. Winter brings fresh cut pine and dried roots to the market stalls. In between there is weeding, mending, reparing, building. It's just awesome. It's a lot of work. A way lot. Food, it's a miracle truly.

Once upon a time I thought this was my destiny. It turns out I was wrong but it is super inspiring for me to follow Gretchen's journey. She is amazing. So glad we were able to visit in person.

And, people? If you have never looked out over a lush, central Wisconsin valley and smelled the veggies and grain ripening in the heat or felt the rain pelt down from heavy clouds overhead, you don't know what you are missing.

It was good to be back.

on grace

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

It has been a week since I have posted. Surely it is not for lack of stories to share. My photo albums are full to bursting, we have read beautiful books this summer, gone many exciting places – even in the past week, and back to school preparations are beginning. This has also been a very sober season. There are multiple novenas going daily for various intentions among those we love dearly.

Big, big, stuff God is asking of our friends and loved ones right now.

What can we do? We become Aaron's holding up their arms. This is the very definition of loving – to come up on either side and help your friends "remain steady." This is what we all need. That and the assurance that we are equal to the challenge. Perhaps this is always at the root of our fears. We look ahead to where our journey is leading and we know quite honestly that, as we stand at this moment, we do not have what it will take. Truth is, we don't. God in His economy doesn't issue us graces a minute before they are needed. (Personally, I will just say right now I have had words with Him about this policy.)

If you haven't already heard Corrie ten Boom's story about her father explaining how grace works maybe it will bless you too:

"When you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?"

"Why, just before we get on the train."

"Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need, just in time."

Just in time. No matter what it is He is asking of us.

Just don't run out ahead of Him.

(side note: It cannot be coincidental that the other story that has been so influential in my life was about a trip to Holland. Because I am a slow study, it is probably not coincidental that when I was an exchange student in high school I was sent to….

wait for it…

Holland.

yep. True story. No coincidences in this life. Just a loving Father who pursues us tirelessly with grace at the ready.)

a number of nights

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

“Every summer there are a number of nights, not many, but a number, when everything is perfect. The light, the warmth, the smells, the mist, the birdsong – the moths. Who can sleep? Who wants to?”

– Fredrik Sjoberg

Reminding us that even in the darkness there is beauty.

Feeding Grandma’s Chickens

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Where I come from houses are white and barns are red. Not always, but very often. It just seems the way it should be. My mother-in-law's farm is such a place, Wisconsin perfection with mown lawns and flowers planted near the barn doors. On summer evenings it is idyllic. The little girls loved peeking inside the big red barn with her and visiting the hens.

Nor rural sights alone, but rural sounds,
Exhilarate the spirit, and restore
The tone of languid nature.
~William Cowper

A Presidential 4th

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

My story telling is out of order, which is par for me, but it seemed a perfect day to share the Rushmore visit. This group of our kids had not been before so we made a little detour in our travel plans to make it happen. We ended up visiting on a picture perfect day.