Friday, February 21, 2014

Back on Track

Thought for the day:  Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.


Okay, I've procrastinated long enough. Remember those posts I used to do about the states? Yeah, I know. It's (ahem) been a while. Well, it's time to get back at it. This project started a couple years ago, and the initial premise was to poke fun at some of the laws still on the books around the country, one state at a time. In alphabetical order. From there, it took on a life of its own, and expanded to include virtual tours and a smattering of historical tidbits. And from there, I got a little lazy waylaid sidetracked (sigh) lazy. But I'm gonna give it another go.

But first, WAIT! (Yeah, I'm gonna procrastinate a little longer.) I just wanted to let you know that from February 28 until March 6, the e-version of my book Hot Flashes and Cold Lemonade will be available on Amazon for the paltry sum of ninety-nine cents. Heck, you can't even buy a cup of coffee for that! Also, the e-book is FREE... with the purchase of a paperback version. Cool, huh? So if you haven't already gotten your paws on a copy, here's your chance to get it on the cheap. If ya would, would you please help me spread the word? Thanks. I do appreciate it.

Ready? Let's see, where was I...? Ah, yes. The last post was about Texas, so that brings us to the fine state of Utah, AKA the Beehive State. (I understand that's in reference to the worthy attributes of thrift and industry, not as a salute to the worthless hairdo of teasing and lacquer.)



Heritage Park: This is the place.
What can I say? Utah is to Mormons as Vatican City is to Roman Catholics. Or pretty darned close, anyway. More than 60% of the state's population belongs to the Mormon, or LDS (Latter Day Saints) church. That's largely due to the fact that on July 24, 1847, after enduring an arduous wagon train trek from Illinois with other Mormon pioneers, Brigham Young peeked out from his sickbed in the back of a covered wagon and announced, This is the place. And that place was Salt Lake City, Utah.

 Pioneer Day Reenactment
Thus began a mass migration of other Mormons from around the country... close to 70,000 in the first large wave.

 In commemoration of the arrival of those early pioneers, the state of Utah officially celebrates Pioneer Day every July 24, and many modern-day Mormons all over the world participate in annual reenactments of the original wagon train trek on that date. In 1847, the territory belonged to Mexico, which may be part of the reason it held so much appeal to Young. Utah promised them a new start, and a welcome refuge from the religious persecution they'd been suffering in some of the states. In Utah, Mormons truly found... and are still finding... their place. 


The Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City is one of the most recognizable structures in the state. It sits in the center of the 10-acre Temple Square, and took forty long years to build.








Before we go on to some of the beautiful sights in the state, how about listening to some beautiful sounds? Even those who know little about the Mormon church are familiar with the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Talk about uplifting music.



Here's a silly little tidbit. There's a city in the center of Utah called Levan. Know where the name comes from? It's navel spelled backwards. Cute, huh? (And it sure beats living in a place called Nottub Ylleb.) 


The world's first transcontinental railroad was completed with the driving of the final golden spike at Promontory, Utah. On May 10, 1869, that one gleaming ceremonial spike joined the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, and thus earned its place in the history books. Today, that historic moment is remembered and reenacted at the Golden Spike National Historic Site.


Utah boasts many beautiful natural stone structures. Check out this one. At  278 feet wide and 309 feet high, Rainbow Bridge is the world's largest natural-rock span.

Arches National Park contains enough unique rock formations to fill an entire blog post. Among other things, it has arches, columns, balancing rocks, and petrified dunes. This picture shows Delicate Arch, Utah's most readily recognized rock formation, and its unofficial symbol.


This photo, also taken at Arches National Park, shows some petroglyphs, or centuries-old Ute Indian rock art.





Before you start thinking the state of Utah is all about rock formations, take at look at this. Would you believe it's a library? The City Library in Salt Lake City has more than half a million books, subscribes to more than sixty magazines and newspapers, and has sixty-three computers with Internet access. This gorgeous 240,000 square feet, five-story building has a rooftop garden, and a 20,000 square feet skylight, which along with a huge five-story glass wall along one entire side of the building enables the building to be lit mostly by natural light. Wow, right?



The Gilgal Sculpture Garden in Salt Lake City is a rather unusual place. The stone-carved sculptures and engravings were created by LDS Bishop Thomas Child, Jr. in the 1940s, and they portray numerous Biblical stories, and his Mormon religion. Most unusual has to go to the Joseph Smith Sphinx seen in this picture.

Utah boasts many kinds of museums. Seen in the photo is the giant beehive located inside of Discovery Gateway, a hands-on interactive children's museum, designed to please the young and the young-at-heart.

Other notable museums include the Alf Engen Ski Museum; the International Model Car Museum; the Browning Firearms Museum; the World of Puppetry Museum; and the Firefighters Museum. There are also numerous museums dedicated to natural history, fine arts, aviation, railroading, mining, and the American West and pioneer history.




What have we here? Looks like a big hole in the ground, and that's exactly what it is. But a special hole. This is Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine, the world's first (1904) and largest. And from what friends have told me, a fascinating place to tour.



This desolate looking place commemorates a sad chapter in American history: Topaz was a Japanese-American internment camp during WWII. (If you're curious about those camps, you can find a couple posts about them by clicking on the tag Gaman over there in my blog's sidebar.)



Zion National Park. Gorgeous, isn't it? [Credit: Doug Dolde]



At Timpanogos Cave National Park, you'll find three tourable caves, which are joined by man-made tunnels that were blasted back in the 1930s. And it doesn't just look cool. It is cool. The average temperature is 46 degrees F. (If you're looking for cold, head for the mountains. In the mountains near Salt Lake City, an average of 500 (that's five HUNDRED) inches of snow falls every year.


Here's the remains of a Hovenweep House, found at the Hovenweep National Monument. There, artifacts remain from Paleo-Indians from as early as 8000 B.C. These remains, however, are likely to be from the Pueblo Indians, circa 1150- 1350 A.D.



Ever hear of the Sundance Film Festival? Me, too, but I didn't realize it was held in Utah. Yep, and it's one of the largest independent film festivals in the U.S.

All you car buffs probably recognize this strange landscape. It's the Bonneville Salt Flats, famous for its five annual speed events, and for the many land speed records that have been set there.

Like the Great Salt Lake, this densely packed salt pan is a remnant of the Pleistocene Lake Bonneville. The lake covers 2100 square miles, and has an average depth of thirteen feet, and a deepest point stretching down to thirty-four. There's no water left at the flats, but there is bottomless excitement.

Care to get a taste of what it might be like to set a speed record on the salt flats?  Fasten your seat belts...


Whew! Quite a ride, huh? Okay, time to settle down, and take a look at some of those bizarre laws. Remember, all states have 'em, and even though they're on the books doesn't mean they're enforced. (Thank goodness!) So what laws are still languishing on the books in the fine state of Utah? Let's see...


  • No one may have sex in the back of an ambulance if it's responding to an emergency call. (Better tell 'em to pull over.)
  • It's against the law to fish from horseback. (Wouldn't you think horses and fly-fishing would be a natural go-together?)
  • It's illegal not to drink milk. (I reckon that's one way to keep those gassy lactose-intolerant people away.)
  • It's against the law to detonate any nuclear weapon. (You can have one, maybe for show? Ya just can't blow it up. Sounds reasonable...)
  • Birds have the right of way on all highways. (MEEP! MEEP! Especially road runners.)
  • A husband is responsible for every criminal act committed by his wife while she is in his presence. (So she does the crime, and he does the crime? How terribly chivalrous.)
  • It's a felony to persistently tread on the cracks between paving stones on the sidewalk of a state highway. (I guess they take that old step on a crack, break your mother's back stuff seriously.)
  • It's against the law to hunt whales.
  • It's a no-no to allow biting in a boxing match. (Mike Tyson better stay away, especially if he's lactose intolerant.)
  • Alcohol may not be sold during an emergency. (I know some people who consider it an emergency if they run out of booze.)
  • It's illegal to cause a catastrophe. (So ya better not drop the last bottle of beer.)
  • In Kaysville, you must have an I.D. to enter a convenience store after dark. (Well, that isn't very convenient, is it?)
  • In Logan, ladies are expected to act like ladies. It's against the law there for women to swear. (Not even to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?)
  • In Monroe, daylight must be visible between partners on a dance floor. (Sounds like the rule at the ol' '50s and '60s teen centers...)
  • It doesn't matter how perfect that snow is; in Provo, there's a whopping fifty-buck fine for throwing snowballs.
  • According to laws in Salt Lake City, it's illegal to walk down the street carrying a violin in a paper bag, and auctions may not advertise by hiring trombone players to play on the street. (No problem. Use a plastic bag, and give a tuba player the gig.)
  • In Tremonton, it's illegal to have sex in a moving ambulance, but if ya do, and get caught... the man is released. The woman, however, is punished, and her name appears in the newspaper. (So much for that aforementioned chivalry.)
  • In Trout Creek, pharmacists may not sell gunpowder to cure headaches. (If somebody eats gunpowder, do ya think his hair will grow out in bangs?)
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                                 Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

[The image of the nifty now clock is courtesy of the fine folks at perfectlytimedpictures, and the rest of the pictures came from good ol' Wikipedia.] 

106 comments:

  1. A sweet post my dearest friend. I miss you!! Thanks for not making a joke about Mormons...it gets old. although the belly button was gag of a laugh!! bwahahahahahaa...

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    1. Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I'll make fun of just about anything, but not noigiler. That's too personal.

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  2. I LOVE that library.
    And the rule that birds have right of way on the highways is one I would support. As I would the ban on trombone advertising...
    Thanks Susan, I have missed these gems.

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    1. Me, too! With budgetary restraints putting the squeeze on most of our (much much smaller) state's libraries, it's nice to know such a gorgeous library exists.

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  3. Utah certainly is a beautiful place, I love that library, but those laws are weird, illegal to not drink milk? I'd better stay away, I hate the stuff.

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    1. Isn't it? I love all those rock formations, and the LIBRARY! Yowza. Looks like a place to spend the day. It's been a looooong time since I spent time in a class-act library like that.

      HA! Maybe you could stick with milk shakes,

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  4. Didn't make it to Utah when I drove across the US. But some of those pictures are familiar - I was taken back to the amazing stacks in Monument Valley (couldn't get a drink there, either!)

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    1. You've probably visited more states than I have! (I KNOW you've been to more countries...)

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  5. Everything I hear about Utah sounds beautiful... my baby sister lived there for about 5 years...

    Little known fact for you Susan... I am a Latter Day Saint, I loved this post ... I always enjoy reading your blog :)

    I had to laugh at the laws on the books... someone needs to clean those up... I think the oddest one is about the ambulance... here's my question... how many incidents did they have with this issue that they have two laws on the books... kind of funny.. lol

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    1. It does sound beautiful, doesn't it? I've never been to that part of the country, but maybe some day...

      Little known fact back atcha... my younger son and his family are LDS, too. Between his, hers, and ours, they have nine children, and when I mentioned that to a friend one day, he said, "What? Are they Mormons or something?" (laugh, laugh laugh) I said, "Yes! As a matter of fact, they are!" The look on his face was absolutely priceless.

      Good question. I wondered the same thing.

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  6. When I was in fifth grade, I had to did a report on copper mining. All these years later, as soon as I saw that picture, I knew what it was. Oh, and I'm still laughing about hair growing out in "bangs." Thanks for a morning smile!

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    1. Isn't it interesting the things we retain from those reports and term papers we did in school? (Do kids even do term papers anymore?)

      My pleasure to start you day with a little corn.

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  7. I think I've read too many of these state laws you publish....they're starting to make sense.

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  8. I would love to visit Utah someday. I especially would love to do some hiking there. And I must add Arches National Park to my domestic Bucket List :)

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    1. If you do a Google search for images of Arches National Park, you'll be ready to go there NOW!

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  9. I prefer Nottub Ylleb. Most of us on this side of the pond think of Utah as the home of crazy, bible thumping, polygamists. We ARE right, aren't we?

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    1. Well, that would certainly be a "uniquely" named place to live, anyway.

      A lot of people on THIS side of the pond think that, too. The truth is, polygamy hasn't been part of the LDS church for a long time, except for those rogue splinter group characters whose lives get far too much attention. Crazy? Nah. Bible-thumpers? Some are, some aren't. No more than in any other religion, I guess.

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  10. Dear Susan,
    the laws: again very funny! Isn't there a state far away from the USA which has nuclear ... mumble, mumble --- things just not to use them as weapons? I drink a glass of warm milk to soothe myself.
    I bought your beautiful book for the legal -Kindle - price, and enjoy it - and it is worth its full money!

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    1. Dear Britta,

      Thank you, dear lady, for the sweet comment about my book. That should keep a smile on my face for a while.

      Delete
  11. Been to Utah many times (since it's right next door). Zion canyon is gorgeous, as is Arches and Lake Powell.

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    1. How wonderful! The sights in your part of the country are soooo different than what we see on the east coast.

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  12. I'd love to visit Utah someday - Zion seems like one of the most beautiful places on earth. But the whole no sex in the back of the ambulance thing would be kind of a drag.

    I hope your sale is a huge success! That's definitely a steal for your book.

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    1. Yeah, me, too, but I know what ya mean. A little siren and flashing light action might spice things up nicely...

      Thanks!

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  13. You always--always, always--make me laugh. Love these quirky state laws; how come Mexico doesn't have any? Guess our lawmakers got their sense of humor extirpated or som'sing :D And wow, Utah looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing this :)

    Guilie @ A Hop Within A Hop: The A-Z Theme Reveal!

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    1. Thanks! (I love your photo... it looks like you're a laughing kinda person.)

      But hold on there! I don't think ANY country is exempt from stupid laws. For example, in Mexico, it's against the law to tell anyone, "Have a nice day!" (I'd be in reeeeeal trouble...)

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  14. That was fabulous. And Gilgal? I've been wanting to go there for a long time, and you just reminded me of it!

    Pearl

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    1. You smartie! I never even heard of Gilgal until I did research for this post... but it does sound interesting.

      (Good to hear from you again!)

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  15. Good thing they outlawed whale hunting! That could've been a real problem.
    I've been through Utah and it's a beautiful state. Didn't remember that's where the spike for the railroad was pounded though.

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    1. You betcha! It'd be darned near impossible to strap one of them to the hood of a pick-up.

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  16. Hi Susan .. crumbs loads of information ... not sure I'd not need a University Degree to remember it all ... I loved the library ... and the fact there's all that natural landscapes around; while the Sundance Film Festival in Utah .. never knew that; and then that cold - I think I'll give that cave a miss ..

    Fun aspects to Utah state ... cheers and have a happy weekend .. Hilary

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    1. I figured most of us would be fans of that library. (I'll bet you have some dandy ones in London, too.)

      Cheers, and a happy weekend to you, too!

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  17. Utah is another state that I have never visited... but, wow, those rock formations are gorgeous. Of course if I visit I will have to give up all that gunpowder I've been eating for my headaches. Oh no...;)

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    1. Nah, you're safe. You can bring your medicinal gunpowder with you... but the pharmacists there can't prescribe it to you. Not for headaches, anyway. Maybe if you had a blockage of some kind...

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  18. I have never been to Utah, but my well-traveled children have all had that opportunity. They have told me that it is one of the prettiest places they have been. They never told me about the wales, though. Perhaps they did not see them because the unobtrusive mammals was hiding behind
    the red rocks.

    One has to wonder what the people who were writing these laws were smoking or sniffing.

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    1. HA! Yeah, I'm sure that's the case. Lots of big rocks there for the whales to play hide and seek.

      Yep, you've got that right.

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  19. BTW, I love your froggy. I also love to see the green grass behind him. I have not seen anything but white for a month and my frogs are all buried deep in the snow.

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    1. Thanks. Isn't he adorable? And all decked out in his colorful wool, too.

      You have GOT to be ready to send winter packing. Of all the things I miss about living in Maryland, the endless months of snow ain't one of 'em.

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  20. LOL. Oh, but you missed Crystal Hot Springs and Park City and the SKI SLOPES. (How could you miss the ski slopes?) Did I mention Antelope Island? Or high adventures in the Uintahs? (Yeah, I totally grew up there.) There's such a culture of the arts cultivated there that nearly everyone has been to an opera or ballet, and more than 50% of the population plays a musical instrument or sings. I do kind of miss that part of it.

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    1. Oh, I'm sure I missed LOTS of stuff. (Not just in Utah, but on all the other states I've covered so far.) But it's always fun when someone comments about some of those other things, and puts a more personal touch to the info. Like I LOVE the info about the cultivation of the arts there. Thanks!

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    2. My pleasure. I love learning about all these places, and you did a wonderful job covering SO much. =)

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    3. Thanks. It's fun, and I always learn so many new things while researching the states.

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  21. That was a fantastic read. Those laws are as outdated as they are ridiculous. Isn't polygamy legal in Utah? Now there's a law that need outlawing. The library is amazing, but it only six-three computers? And those rock formations? Spectacular!! North America really has it going on. have a sweet weekend. Cheers!!

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    1. No, bigamy... and by extension, polygamy... isn't legal on Utah. Those who choose to have multiple mates legally marry one, and "spiritually" marry the others. Until recently, there was also a law banning cohabitation, which was intended to put an end to that practice, but I think that law is being reconsidered.

      You have a super weekend, too! Cheers!

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  22. Great post! I've been to Utah and somehow managed to miss most of those attractions. And fortunately, I never went whale hunting in the Great Salt Lake.

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    1. Thanks! You never went whale hunting? Me, neither. Somehow, I don't think my 40-pound test line would do the trick.

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  23. Utah is one of the few states I've never been to. Seems I've never had a reason to get up there but it does look like a nice state to drive through on my trips back to Oklahoma. Maybe next time since I seem to have memorized California.

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    1. Sure, you should give it a ride-through the next time you have the opportunity. (Just don't get caught hunting whales!)

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  24. Wow remind me never to get married and go there
    Would not want to be responsible at my lair lol
    One big arse temple too
    Seems much there to view

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    1. Yeah, if you don't wanta be responsible for a criminal wife,
      It'd be best not to take her there to start a life.

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  25. Huh. I never realized ambulance sex was such a problem in Utah. The things I learn around here... *grin*

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    1. Yep, there's no end to the useless information you can pick up around here.

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  26. Look at that, you've piqued my interest in a state I never thought I'd want to go see. Nothing against it, it just wasn't on my go-to list. That library alone would make it worth the trip...and then the arches, wow, those are nice!

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    1. Yeah, that library, on top of the natural beauty of the landscape, makes the place a real draw for me, too.

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  27. Very cool post. I had to listen to the choir twice. So beautiful.

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    1. Thanks. Yeah, I think that choir could make "Happy Birthday" sound amazing.

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  28. I learned to ski at Snowbird. It was amazing--great slopes and so beautiful.

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  29. I've never been to Utah, but every time I see pictures of those stone and rock formations, I want to go. My boss went there during his vacation last year, to go hiking in the national parks. When he got there, the government shutdown happened. He may or may not have done some trespassing...

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    1. With all those formations, a place like Utah must be like Heaven for your "rock star" boss. (I wouldn't blame him if he DID do a little trespassing...)

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  30. Well thank goodness for the safety of the Utahnian wales. The national parks in Utah are on my must-visit list, so thanks for showing me what else might be of interest while I'm out there.

    Lemonade only 99 cents! Such a steal.

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    1. Absolutely! Gotta save those Utah whales; they're practically an extinct species around those parts. Very neat that you're planning a trip to Utah. You'll have to take a LOT of pictures.

      Yeah... I hope lots of people decide to "steal" it!

      Happy weekend!

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  31. Oh Susan....I'm here from Elephant's Child because I read your comment. So YOU'RE one of the first to buy the Kindle version. They had that for sale before I gave them MY okay and it was formatted hideously!!!

    Some people complained to Amazon and got the updated one free. After fighting with Amazon and the publisher and completely covered in humiliation, the newer one came out within six months and is fine except for five typos. I am SO sorry.

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    1. Hi-ya. A few weeks after I'd ordered it, I found it had been corrected, but for whatever reason, it didn't work when I tried to get the updated version. I figured it was because it was past the two-week period after purchase, or whatever. Anyhow, I will give it another go. I see you've been getting some terrific reviews. Congratulations! No need to apologize. If other people were smart enough to get the updated version, I evidently did something wrong.

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  32. I loved Utah and would like to see more of it. Bryce and Zion were fabulous parks. I found Salt Lake City intriguing - but the whole Mormon thing kinda weirded out Ray. I said, "You can't be converted unless you want to be." I just liked visiting the tabernacle,etc. We blew it in Park Cities - should have stayed one more day and done the summer bobsled run. What a rush, and we didn't do it. Regrets...that's one of them. Have a great weekend

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    1. Ooooh, a summer bobsled run. That sounds intriguing... and not nearly as cold (or fast!) as a winter run.

      You have a super weekend, too.

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  33. Illegal to walk down the street carrying a violin in a paper bag in Salt Lake City? Now THAT'S a non-violintown.

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    1. I guess they're peaceful, dude. After all... they're in favor of non-violins. (sorry)

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  34. Flippin' heck,Susan! You sure do write long postings. And yep, I skimmed, ahem, I thoroughly read the whole thing :) Now then, Utah, home of the Jazz and Real Salt Lake.

    I got to go check out Logan. See you there, Susan.

    Gary :)

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    1. HA! Sorry if it's too long, but skimming is absolutely acceptable. I'm glad you're here, even if ya don't read the whole thing And all that Jazz...

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  35. I have been to Utah several times to the National Parks. Beautiful.
    Not sure how you find all the bizarre laws you post but they crack me up !

    The Square Ones send woofs
    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Lucky you! But then, you see some mighty beautiful scenery right outside your window, too...

      WOOF! and a scratch behind the ears to the little cuties.

      Cheers. Have a super weekend.

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  36. Another incredibly interesting post, as always. I've been to Utah twice - - but long ago. I recall it as being beautiful and clean, with polite people (I hope it hasn't changed). Zion National Park is fantastic.

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    1. Thanks! From what I've heard, all the parks in Utah are fantastic, but especially Zion.

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  37. What beautiful choir music. I'd love to visit Utah. I'm very interested in its landscape.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the choir music. So many of their songs are on YouTube, it was difficult to narrow it down to just one.

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  38. LOVE the new header! A yarn bombed frog. He's gorgeous.

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    1. Thanks! I'm glad you like him. Me, too. Every time Iook at him, all snazzy in his yarn, I've gotta smile.

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  39. I have always wanted to visited Utah, Sus. We almost did last summer but our plans were changed at the last minute. Those natural stone structures have just had me enchanted for years through pictures.

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    1. Well, since you live a lot closer to the state than you used to, my bet is you'll be visiting it sometime soon. Maybe this year.

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  40. Years ago we went skiing in Park City, Utah. I would've preferred to do something less risky like go to the Sundance Film Festival. It was beautiful though. Love all of your photos, especially Kermit!

    Julie

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    1. HA! I think I'm much better suited to a film festival than somersaulting down an snowy hill with boards on my feet. But at least you lived to tell about it. I'm not so sure I would.

      Yeah, I love that frog, too.

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  41. Fascinating post! I've never been to Utah, but I hope I get to visit there one day. Thank you for visiting and following my blog. Happy Sunday to you!

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    1. Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

      Thanks for visiting me, too, and welcome aboard!

      Delete
  42. I've been to Utah a few times. I was there last summer. It's pretty.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. What? Are you half hobo, kiddo? Just kidding, but you sure have visited a lot of states. That's super. Maybe some day...

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  43. Good to know about the ambulance. So much for my dream career as an EMT in Utah :)

    I've been to Utah, visited Four Corners, Monument Valley, and Hovenweep, but it's been a while. In fact I think I had blonde hair at the time. I must now go read your post on Massachusetts. I may be breaking laws without even realizing it.

    VR Barkowski

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    1. Yeah, for some reason, that law seems to have put the damper on a lot of interesting plans...

      Here ya go. If you want to check out the laws in MA, check it out:
      http://susan-swiderski.blogspot.com/2012/01/minutemen-and-magic-mushrooms.html

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  44. I really enjoyed living in Utah while I was there. There's tons to do, and that library in SLC is amazing!

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    1. Oh, neat! I didn't realize you'd lived in Utah. Lucky you, to have been in that library.

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  45. Illegal not to drink milk. I wonder if there is an official milk-drinking time?

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  46. Just had to look in my Atlas to find out where Utah is. Between Nevada and Colorado, right? Thanks for the interesting stuff. We hear a lot of US states mentioned on TV over here but I can't always picture where they are.

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    1. Yep, but don't feel bad. Most Americans couldn't place all our states in the proper place on the map.

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  47. Utah has some of the most beautiful land scapes in the West. And the people are kind. The economy is strong. Thinking of moving there.

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    1. If you move there, you'll share some pics of those beautiful landscapes on your blog, right?

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  48. Great post, have driven through Utah, but not stayed. Photographed a double rainbow over the desert! Then promptly lost the film!


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    1. Oh no! Now, you're gonna have to go out and find ANOTHER double rainbow! (A piece of cake, right?)

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  49. Great post, beautiful photos. I wish I could see it live!

    Nas

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  50. You are in my wheelhouse with those southwestern pix! Where I grew up, the little tiny ravine across the street where we kids played was chock full of petroglyphs. Real, live, ancient, unprotected petroglyphs. Thousands and thousands of years old. I took my kids back there recently and yep, still there, still unprotected. I suspect no grownups (except me, and I'm not a grownup, really) know about these things.

    I BOUGHT YOUR BOOK. See? Publicity works. It was $3.99 but of course an absolute steal at that. Did you know it's also a prime book? I could have borrowed it for free but it's YOU so of course I bought it.

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    1. Oh, wow! It must have been amazing for you and your friends to have your own secret stash of ancient petroglyphs... AND to be able to share them with your children now as an adult.

      THANK YOU! I really appreciate your support, and hope you enjoy the book.

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  51. Hey Susan, you won an eBook copy of The Murder House send me your email and I'll get it right out to you. You'll enjoy it! Congratulations!

    yolandarenee(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  52. Loved this post. It gives me such a good insight into American culture. Many thanks. That was a fun post.

    Greetings from London.

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