It's the tenth anniversary of 9/11. This morning we went to the Mormon Tabernacle. As it turned out, they had pre-recorded the service with Tom Brokaw, because he had other commitments on 9/11. Tonight we watched that recorded show, along with other 9/11 remembrances. It was sad, and poignant, but good to be among friends, and to share our remembrances. We all knew of losses. Ruth said that the the UK's military band always plays God Save the Queen at a certain hour each day; but the day after 9/11, they played the Star Spangled Banner instead! It was heart warming.
The performance we heard this morning will actually be broadcast on Feb. 12th, 2012, when the Tabernacle Choir will be away in Arizona. It was a beautiful performance, and it was fascinating to watch the five cameras and the playback screens to see how they were putting the broadcast together, with winter scenes interspersed between the video of the performers since it will be broadcast in February! The Tabernacle has such perfect acoustics. The 360 members of the choir, 110 members of the Orchestra at Temple Square, and the 11,623 pipe organ - the 12th largest in the world, made for an incredible experience. Though I had been to Salt Lake City as a child, this was my first time, as well as Judy and Ruth's, in the Tabernacle and Temple Square. It was very special to have such knowledgeable guides as Scott and Julie Fisher who showed us the Tabernacle, Temple Square, The Lion House and Beehive House, the incredible gardens and fountains and answered our questions about the Mormon faith. What a wonderful introduction to the heart of Salt Lake City.
Driving around Salt Lake City was surprisingly easy. What a civilized city, with broad avenues laid out to be wide enough for mule teams and wagons to be able to turn around in the street, and u-turns are still allowed today! After lunching, we drove up to the This Is The Place Heritage Park where Brigham Young decided that they had gone far enough and the Mormans settled and built Salt Lake City. It is a beautiful Memorial park, and the Heritage Park with original houses and buildings removed and rebuilt in the park. We took a little train ride around the Heritage Village. The bronze recreations are moving- the monument on the plaza with the 60-ft- high "This Is The Place Monument," the hand carts used by families too poor to own oxen and a wagon, the National Pony Express Monument, and others. To my great surprise there was a Dinwoodey Cabinet and Chair Shop built in 1858, with a chair on the roof to advertise Henry Dinwoodey's trade. My grandfather, father and brother all did/do beautiful wood work. For those of you who may not know, my maiden name is Dinwiddie. I wonder if there is a connection? Scott has certainly inspired me to try and find out. His home is filled with the tangible results of all the incredible genealogical work he has done on his ancestors. It has been a memorable day spent with warm, caring people. Scott and Julie have been consummate hosts. We shared a lovely dinner with their beautiful family and met their darling grandson, toured their lushly landscaped acreage, watched TV together. As soon as we get our loads of wash out of the dryer, we'll be off to slumberland.
I am having trouble downloading my pictures tonight, so I will put up the blog without them, and add them later when I succeed. I may be maxing out the 8 gb card. I'll try a new card tomorrow as we leave Salt Lake City and head due south heading for Zion and Springdale, UT. We plan to stop and see the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs north of Cedar City. Hopefully tomorrow night will be an early one for us all, including your faithful blogger!
No comments:
Post a Comment