Early April on Temple Square--2012

We had a marvelous General Conference and the Temple Square grounds were beautiful. It has been a fascinating week as John and I trained a couple from Guatemala who spoke very little English and had no computer or typing experience. They are consecrated to do whatever is asked of them, even though he is still working full-time at a graveyard shift. They were so proud of their American citizenship and we were touched by the hardships they endured in their native land including having their young adult son shot and killed on the street before coming to America for a better life.

We have started indexing the 1940 Census. The images are clear and it will be good to help with this project because it will answer so many of our questions. It is incredible how many millions of new records from all over the world are becoming available free on FamilySearch.org.

We have watched the bridge over Main Street which connects the two blocks of City Creek Center and it was fun to actually go to the new mall.

There is a "city creek" water way which flows down the center of each block.

This is the view of the bridge from Macy's on the east side.

This is a view of Temple Square from the bridge on opening day, March 22, 2012. I went with Sister Sasine during lunch to see the beautiful new areas that we have watched being constructed.

The blossoms on the trees on Temple Square are exquisite.

There are many kinds of daffodils as well as countless varieties of spring flowers.

Trees in bloom with the Church Office Building in the background.

Looking across a flower garden.

The driveway to the east of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building has been changed to an entrance in the middle of the street so the old entrance has become raised planter beds.

We were surprised this morning to wake up to snow on April 6, 2012!

Even though the flowers were weighed down with snow in the morning, they were hardy and bounced back after the snow melted. Another lesson from nature in rebirth and resilience.

We are grateful for the privilege of being on Temple Square, not only with the beautiful gardens and buildings, but even more with the kind, beautiful people.