Robert was an invited artist at Zion’s Bank Show 2009. It was held on November 5, 2009. It is the kick off art event of the Christmas season. Food and art could be found on 8 floors of the 18 story Zions Bank Building in downtown Salt Lake City. What a fun event! This year we were on the 14th floor with a great view of Salt Lake City rising. We didn’t have too much time to admire the view though, Robert and I were busy talking to the many people who attended the event. I love art shows. It gives us a chance to run into friends new and old. I’m always amazed at how small the world can be.
Blue Ravine
Robert’s newest giclee print, “Blue Ravine.”
I went to the doctor today with my fingers crossed. I’ve been going to physical therapy and have been diligent about doing my exersises for my shoulder. He looked at my scar and my x-rays and said “you can go on a bike ride and I’ll see you in 3 months.” He didn’t know how close I came to giving him a hug and a kiss. I came home, promptly put on my bike clothes and new helmet, pumped up my tires, grabbed Robert and we went for a ride. It felt great, I wasn’t even nervous until Robert got close to me and then I had visions of flying over the handlebar . It will be awhile before I’ll be drafting. The Dr.’s final advice to me was “Be Careful!” Believe me, I’m taking that advice.
We heard snow was coming to the canyon. Robert and I decided to take advantage of our last warm day by hiking to Lake Blanche which is up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was a beautiful day. The sun filtering down through the trees turned the reds and golds brilliant. We were on our way down when Robert stopped and said “look there is a moose.” I peeked through the bushes and there was a female moose and her yearling about 20 feet off the trail calmly eating next to the stream. I mentioned to Robert that I had just read that more people are killed by moose than any other wild animal. He then said “Oh hey, there is a bull moose.” I was just moving over to take a look when all of a sudden we heard this low moaning sound. Robert said “Oh my gosh, here he comes!” and he came crashing through the bushes at a trot right towards us. We took off running down the trail. My mind was going over “do we stop and look him in the eye?” “Do we scramble up a tree?” It didn’t matter I wasn’t going to stop until I heard the moaning stop. We ran for a long ways. When we stopped my knees were shaking. I guess he didn’t want us messing with his lady!
The name of Robert’s newest painting is “Wild Turkeys.” A title a day late!
Robert’s latest painting. In my impetuous way I’ve downloaded it without knowing the correct title. Robert isn’t home, he isn’t answering his cell phone, so here it is without a title. That will come tommorrow.
Fall is creeping up on me and I’m still stuck in summer mode. Maybe it is because the weather has been very un-fall like or maybe it is because I wish it to remain summer until my collar bone is completely healed. I’m anxious to get back on my bike and take just one more ride before the weather turns cold. I’m so jealous of Robert, out riding around without me.
On the good news front I am out of my sling! I started physical therapy which I shall rename personal torture. Wow! After 7 weeks in a sling my arm cannot move and it hurts to move it as much as having surgery. How can that be? I just read an article about Lance Armstrong and 8 days after surgery for his fractured clavicle he was riding his bike. Yes I know, I have been reminded by my Doctor that I’m not Lance Armstrong!
Robert has been painting as well as riding his bike. I will post his new work as soon as I figure out how to use his new camera. He just got this great Canon rebel xsi, but now I need to take a class just to figure out to download the images.
Lake Catherine Pass
Saturday after the bike race Robert and I headed farther up the canyon to hike the Lake Catherine trail. It was a beautiful late afternoon hike. On the way down we happened upon 3 bull moose with full racks munching on the willows.
2 of 3 moose
Our waiting spot
Saturday Robert and I went up Little Cottonwood Canyon to watch stage 5 of the ‘Tour of Utah’ bike race. We positioned ourselves less than a mile from the finish. We were wondering if the racers would come by in a pack or if they would be coming one by one. It was a beautiful day. The forecast was for 100 degrees in the valley, but at 8400 feet it was only in the 80’s. Well, I should say that it was a beautiful day for us. We were next to a mountain stream, standing in the shade. The riders were out in the sun, riding on the hot asphalt. The first riders to come by were the 1000 warriors, the citizen riders who were doing it just for fun. It didn’t look like fun. They were at the end of 90 grueling, hot miles and they looked like it. One rider stopped, laid his bike down, took off his shoes and socks and put his feet in the cool water. “Just what I needed” he said as he hopped back on his bike and headed for the finish. After an hour the mood began to change. First to come by were the motocycle policeman, blocking the road to protect the riders. Then the sponsor cars, team cars and media cars. Right behind the last media car was the first racer. He was booking it! Making a 9% grade look easy. The guy in the media car shouted out his name, Alex Howes, and he was going to win this stage. He was at least 30 seconds ahead of the rest of the riders. One at a time number two, three and four went by. Then the support cars came by covered with logos and topped with high dollar bikes, followed by more riders and more support cars. We cheered for each rider. They were close enough to reach out and touch. Bike racers are amazing athletes.
Alex Howes, leader
Robert and Sam left at 4:00 a.m. for the Wind River Range in Wyoming. They are on a week long backpacking trip with some friends. Instead of his fishing pole Robert packed his painting and sketching supplies. Every other year, he has tried to fish but ended up laying down his pole and picking up his camera. Sam assured us that he would spend enough time fishing for the both of them!
