The Art of Living in Thanksgiving

Illustration from N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims

"Thou hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if Thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise."

--George Herbert

As I reflect on my many blessings this year, I have decided that it is a true gift to live in Thanksgiving daily.  These past few months have brought so many things to my life.  I have entered a world of cancer patients, and those who care for them.  I have been overwhelmed by kindness, competence, generosity, nurturing, gifts, compassion, empathy, advice, and laughter.  Overall, I have found much for which to be grateful.  I have always been told that I could choose my own attitude in my life, but for some reason, I have always had a long list of rationalizations as to why I really was not in control of my own attitude.  Or rather, I was constantly justifying my bad attitude.  But I notice the more grateful I am, the better life is, and so living in Thanksgiving daily is something worth pursuing.  I hope you all have a wonderful celebration with people you love, and that blessings will surround you and wash over you throughout this day and the upcoming year.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Footnote - Movie Review

The movie - Footnote

"Footnote" is a Joseph Cedar film that was nominated for an Academy Award in the best foreign language film category.  As it is now available on DVD, I checked it out of my local library to view.  Billed as a comedy, it looked like it had potential to fill an enjoyable evening.

Son and Father - Talumudic scholars

"Footnote" is the story of a father, Eliezer Schlotnik, who devoted his entire career to studying word changes in various Talmudic commentaries, painstakingly tracing through texts, and coming up with a complete, early version of text.  Meanwhile, a fellow scholar finds the actual early text, publishes, and essentially negates Eliezer's entire life's work.  The elder Schlotnik is an eccentric, and seemingly bitter man.  He has always wanted the Israel prize (the top award for scholarhip), and has been an applicant for 20 years, but has not ever won.  His one claim to fame is that he is mentioned in a footnote in another scholar's publication.

Meanwhile, Uriel is also a scholar and professor, and is nominated for the Israel prize.  In an odd turn of events, the Eliezer is mistakenly informed that he has won the Israel prize!  Imagine his happiness and validation after all of these years.  However, the award was really intended for Uriel, the son.  What is a son to do?  The committee wishes him to inform his father.  Despite their rocky relationship, Uriel cannot take away this happiness, and feels that his father deserves the prize after all of his hard work over the years. Enter the dilemma:  the committee informs Uriel that either he must inform his father and claim his prize, or forfeit his right to be nominated for the coveted Israel prize in the future.  Uriel faces an agonizing decision. The committee will not do the paperwork for his father to get the award, but will sign off on it if Uriel submits it.  Uriel makes his choice, sacrifices his own future, and does the paperwork.

Although there are some quite comedic scenes, particularly as the committee meets, this is more drama than comedy.

Eliezer sleuthing out the truth.

Ever the scholar, Eliezer reads over his nominating paperwork carefully.  And notices something.  He researches and examines, finding in his son's writings the same word choices and patterns that are in his nominating paperwork.  As the truth unfolds, we wonder what Eliezer will do.  He knows it is not his prize.  He knows what Uriel is doing for him.  As the movie ends, Eliezer is going up to accept his award.  He has one more shot to admit the truth...what will he do?

This movie seemed a bit more like those short stories you read in high school English classes than a typical comedy.  However, the acting is solid, the characters are believeable, as are the family relationships, and this movie will hold your interest and creates a surprising amount of tension.  Rated PG, it runs for 106 minutes, and is in Hebrew with subtitles.

So what happens at the end?  Your guess is as good as mine.  Although I longed for Eliezer to do the right thing, and honor the sacrifice of his son Uriel,  I saw nothing in Eliezer's character throughout the film to make me believe he would do anything but walk right up there and claim his prize.  And maybe he deserved the prize after all his years of work.  I couldn't find a satisfactory ending in my own mind.  This movie will make you think, however, and is worth a look.

Rocky Shores and More - Hogle Zoo

Rizzo the polar bear at Hogle Zoo

Rocky Shores opened at Hogle Zoo in June 2012.  It is a new section of the zoo which features bears, seals, otters, and more.  A large portion of the exhibit is filled with water, creating more natural environments for the zoo's residents.

Seals and a sea lion occupy this area of Rocky  Shores.

It is great fun to watch the animals below the water where they can really show their grace and skills.  When I visited, the seals spent almost all their time in the water.

Harbor seal swims by at Hogle Zoo.

Rizzo the polar bear was great at photobombing, providing wonderful picture opportunities for waiting parents and children.  Rizzo swam countless loops, and would "spyhop" up behind the children, letting parents include her in their family photo.

Polar bear poses for visitors.

Also new to Rocky Shores are three young grizzly bears.  Their habitat also includes a water feature, some shelter, and logs and obstacles for them to utilize.

Grizzlies at Hogle Zoo.

One thing I noticed in particular during this zoo visit, is that zoos play an important role in rehabilitating and preserving injured animals.  At the bald eagle enclosure, I noticed that their exhibit is open at the top.  Why didn't the birds fly away?  At least in one case, the answer soon became obvious.  One of the eagles who resides at the zoo has a damaged wing, preventing him from returning to the wild.

The eagle on the left is missing a huge part of his left wing.

One of the giraffes was missing part of a tail.  Although I don't think that really impacts her quality of life much, it was interesting to note that zoos play an important role in caring for vulnerable animals.

Giraffe with stumpy tail.

Hogle Zoo is currently constructing another new area that will be African themed.  I look forward to the return of lions to the zoo.  

We wandered over to see some of the smaller animals.  What zoo visit would be complete without a shot of my favorite resident?

Golden Tamarin at Hogle Zoo.

Tiny, active, and photogenic, the golden tamarin is one of my favorites.  Did you know that the father does much of the childcare?  I love these amazing little animals.

One-legged chicken.

At the bird enclosure I found another wounded resident.  This chicken gamely hopped around on her one good leg.

Spoonbill at Hogle Zoo

I also enjoyed seeing this spoonbill.  This large bird looks ready to dig with that bill!  Unfortunately for me, captive birds cannot be added to my birding life list.  It's a beautiful bird nonetheless.

Beehive at Hogle Zoo

Containing some of the smaller residents, I spied this beehive tucked away off the path.  Have you seen it in your visit to the zoo?  I wonder if the zoo harvests the honey.  Next time you visit with your children, maybe you could have them see if they can find the beehive.

Rizzo the polar bear above water.

Hogle Zoo is open all year, closing only for Christmas and New Year's day.  Although I often think of it as a summer destination, keep in mind animals may be more active in cooler weather, and it's more comfortable for the humans, too!

If you go:  Hogle Zoo is located at 2600 East Sunnyside Avenue in Salt Lake City.  Beginning on November 1, winter hours will be from 9am to 4pm (grounds stay open until 5pm).

Check out what else you can see at Hogle Zoo!

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Autumn

Great Blue Heron

Since it is National Wildlife Refuge Week we decided to head north to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge to see the fall migration.  About a week and a half ago, I checked the bird count on the refuge's website, and saw certain birds were at the refuge in the thousands.  However, days later, oh how things had changed!

Ducks in the distance

The ruddy ducks, northern shovelers, and other birds that had been listed in high numbers had all but disappeared on their journey south for the winter.  We could see a large number of ducks in the distance, but they were keeping to an area we could not access.  Even with our binoculars, we could not positively identify most of the ducks we saw.  Duck hunters were in the area, and some had quite a brace of birds, but they were scarce for us!

Long-billed Curlew

Fortunately, some birds stay at the refuge all year, and other birds were still passing through..  We spotted some birds familiar to us from our previous visit (like flocks of red-winged blackbirds), but also added some new birds to our list like this Long-billed Curlew.  We also saw pelicans flying overhead and sunning on an island in the water.

Clark's grebe

New this time for me was a view of this Clark's grebe.  It differs from the Western Grebe in that the black on its head does not extend below the eye.  Both types of grebe were present in the water.

California gulls

The gulls were everywhere, including lining the roads.  One of the highlights for me was the abundance of Great Blue Herons. They stood on the roadside, often on one long leg.  As our car approached, they would lower their leg and prepare for flight.  We saw at least a dozen during the 12-mile auto-tour loop.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron in flight

We also spotted over a dozen Northern Harriers.  These large predators glide low to the ground over the weeds to spot their prey.  We saw one eating a mouse by the side of the road.

Northern Harrier eating a mouse by the road

Northern Harrier in flight

At one of the observation decks we saw what looked like owl pellets.  They may have been from some other large bird.  Birds cough out these pellets containing the remains of their meal that did not digest.  My husband kicked one open on the decking, and we could see small animal bones leftover from a meal.

Bones in an "owl" pellet.

Near another observation deck, the mud was drying into a beautiful geometric pattern.  The autumn reds and golds of the weeds and grasses contrasted with the deep blue of the sky.

Patterns in the drying mud.

Before we left, we stopped to picnic in the parking area at the beginning of the loop.  A skunk ambled past the restrooms and our vehicle, and began exploring the grasses.  We stayed safely in the van until the skunk was past spraying distance.  If you go visit the bird refuge, keep an eye out for other wildlife.  In the spring we saw otters and a badger. This fall, we saw the skunk.

Skunk takes a stroll

Read more about our spring visit to the bird refuge here.

Also, see Birding in Utah Part 2.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Autumn

The weather during our October visit was perfect, and the scenery was beautiful.  Even if we were not there during a big migration week, we enjoyed our visit and added several birds to our list.

Admission to the auto-tour route at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is free.  The loop is open year round, but does close at times due to flooding or snow.  It is advised that you call ahead to check the road conditions.  The population here changes constantly.  We are anticipating the return of the tundra swans who pass through the bird refuge every spring and fall.  Bald eagles will be coming soon, too, as the weather gets colder.  Unlike many of the other birds, the eagles come to Utah for the winter.

If you go:  You can reach the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge from Salt Lake City by traveling north on I-15.  Take exit 363, Forest Street in Brigham City. At the end of the off-ramp, turn left and travel west until you reach the auto-tour route.  You will pass the visitor's center just west of the freeway.

Public Art at Hogle Zoo

Polar Bear Sculpture at Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo boasts some new pieces of art, along with the traditional favorites.  This bear sculpture is in the new Rocky  Shores exhibit.  Rocky Shores opened during the summer 2012, and features a polar bear, grizzlies, and seals.  It is a great addition to the zoo.

Nautical decor in Rocky Shores

Rocky Shores is decorated in a nautical theme.  If you visit, make sure you look up to take in the displays.  The ceilings are hung with buoys and nets, and sometimes an animal mount or skeleton hangs above you.  Quotes on the walls add another artistic touch.

Quote on display at Hogle Zoo

Visitors have enjoyed previous art installations.  The giant elephant that plays music and "sneezes" water on young guests is a summer favorite.  One of the advantages of public art is its interactive nature.  Kids can touch the sculptures, or climb up for a photo.

The rhino is a popular photo spot.

As I wandered around the zoo, I started looking for more examples of art.  Some are easily visible along the walkways, but other art objects are tucked into quiet corners.  It adds a wonderful dimension to Hogle Zoo to have these little touches along the way.

Pagoda at Hogle Zoo

This little pagoda is a long time zoo resident.  I wonder how many people have even noticed it, though, as they herd children from one animal exhibit to another.

Wooden Wheelbarrow

This wooden wheelbarrow seems a bit out of place in the Asian Highlands, but it has a rustic charm.  My personal favorite of the new sculptures at Hogle Zoo is this graceful, granite seal.

Seal in Rocky Shores

The next time you are walking around a public space, take a few moments to look at the art on display.  Watch the kids climb on a sculpture, read a quote, or enjoy the design of a fountain.  I think public art is a gift to everyone, and enhances the visitor's experience.  Art is all around you!

Mother bear and cubs

If you go:  Hogle Zoo is open year round, but is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.  As we head into winter, the admissions hours are from 9am to 4pm, with the grounds closing at 5pm.  Hogle Zoo is located at 2600 East Sunnyside Avenue in Salt Lake City.