An Olympic Torch – and ruined carpet.
24 years ago, the 2002 Winter Olympics were hosted in Salt Lake City. At the time I was living just one block from the torch route. It was a big deal and so exciting and many people in my life – myself included – were so caught up in the grandeur of such a fascinating […]
Waiting for Late Season Snow.
A special report issued just this last Monday by the National Resources Conservation Service noted that snowpack levels measured this winter across the state of Utah are among the lowest recorded since the SNOTEL measuring equipment was installed in 1980. Utah’s water system is built around mountain snowpack as delayed storage. Typically, snow falls in […]
Ernest Shackleton – and unfavorable conditions.
On March 9, 2022, the New York Times published this incredible news: “The wreck of Endurance has been found in the Antarctic, 106 years after the historic ship was crushed in pack ice and sank during an expedition by the explorer Ernest Shackleton. A team of adventurers, marine archaeologists and technicians located the wreck at […]
Remember Alexander?
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day was written by Judith Viorst and published in 1972. It is named after her own third son, Alexander, who really did have brothers named Anthony and Nick. And it quickly stood out because it did something unusual for children’s literature at the time: it let […]
The question Darren didn’t ask.
One of Darren’s most embarrassing moments happened over 50 years ago, and he still thinks about it. Seriously. It was the End of the Year 6th Grade Field Day. A big deal. Darren, being the “star” athlete that he was, was competing against the other 6th grade class’s candidate, a boy who Darren knew was […]
The Blanket Billboards.
Driving around Utah, it’s hard not to notice how many billboards are advertising blankets. So. Many. Billboards. And I have questions. How much money goes into all that advertising? Who decided blankets needed this much attention? When did blankets become such a competitive thing? Why does this feel so concentrated here? I can’t find a […]
Backing up Blind.
Several years ago, my brother and his wife were moving back to our home state after some schooling. I was standing with our Dad on his long driveway while my brother tried to back a huge moving trailer into it – straight and clean. He was struggling a bit to get it into position. I […]
Three-lane Future.
Do you have a minute? It’s a weird week, so you might have a minute. I’m going to walk us through an imagination exercise. There is no pressure, I just want you to explore with me. Ok? Ready? We’re going to imagine three parallel tracks our lives could take from right here, right now. For […]
Snickerdoodles – and staying.
Every single time I make Snickerdoodles for some sort of gathering or event, someone says “Snickerdoodles are my favorite!” Every. Single. Time. Snickerdoodles are unique because of (at least) three things: Cream of Tartar for that distinct tang. A cinnamon sugar coating. And crispy edges due to a 400 degree baking temperature. To whom do […]
You’ve Got Mail – and a case against clever.
One of my very favorite Christmas movies is You’ve Got Mail. And right now you’re saying “Sally, that’s not a Christmas movie” — but stick with me. I asked the internet what elements make a movie qualify as a Christmas movie and here’s what it gave me: Now, I admit that #1, arguably the most […]
