A Special Memory -- Last month I spent several days in Idaho Falls visiting my Mom. One afternoon as I was driving from the extended care facility to my sister's house I was lifted from my down feelings when I saw this marquee. Could it be? The very first outdoor movie place I ever went to was still standing and still showing first run movies? Sure enough it has been in continuous existence for over 50 years and has ridden the tide from almost nonexistence to the current resurgence. This particular Motor Vu is very close to the house we lived in when I was very young. The area surrounding this place used to be primarily agricultural. Think -- Idaho potatoes. Today it is mostly commercial (light industrial). The site itself is weedy just as it has always been. There are cars parked beside to sign with For Sale signs in their windows. The sun was very bright that day so I was not able to get a good picture of the screen and its support. The picture on the left shows the ticket gate and the picture on the right is from the exit. I remember when we were little wanting to go early so that we could play on the swings and slide which were right in front of the screen. The concession stand was also a very special treat for us. Here we are at the entrance to the Sky Vu which is also located in Idaho Falls. My earliest memories of a particular movie I saw was here. This was where I first saw Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It is amazing how much has changed yet how much has remained the same.

Trigeminal Neuralgia-- Oh God, What a Pain! I have had this problem for over three years now. Last month I even had a procedure that was supposed to correct the problem. It hasn't. The pain is unbearable. I move my lips and am immediatlely in a sucking positition with incredible pain. I have a pain in my face almost constantly and this is after having what is called gamma knife proceedure. I can take a lot but something has to give !!!!!

Beautiful August Day--

Yesterday was a particularly beautiful day here. I drive over to Point Defiance at least once every week to take in the scenery but I have only been to the zoo once several years ago when we went to Zoo Lights in December. On that visit we only saw a goat but the lights were incredible. So, yesterday we decided to go and just visit the animals. Point Defiance Zoo is an award winning zoo and is not big. It is located on an incredibly beautiful spot of this earth. We saw tigers, penquins, beluga whales, walruses, musk ox, puffins, monkeys and Puget Sound sealife. We also saw a six year old beaver on a leash enjoying a walk around the zoo. He even went up and down stairs.

Here are some pictures to share our experience.

There were bright flowers everywhere.

Sumatran Tigers

This tiger is beautiful. This is a young male who is a recent addition to the zoo. Since the day was quite warm we caught him cooling himself in this corner. I couldn't believe how close I was. I apologize for the reflection.

We also looked for a long time for the female tiger who was out in the habitat. Finally, we we able to see her laying above a little creek bed and in the bushes. It is truly amazing how well she blended into her surroundings.

These flowers are in their last days of the season.

Pictures of life in the Puget Sound --

These creatures are from different parts of the Sound which is unique in its salt water and fresh water composition.

This walrus was very hard to capture with the camera. He was very fast and more interested in playing than posing.

As we were leaving the zoo we were reminded of just how special this place is.

Mount Rainier, the Sound and Zoo Entrance as seen from the parking lot.

All in all, a beautiful day!!