Beehive House Front Garden.

I've never seen such incredible Allium in my life.

The Beehive House.

Brigham Young's Residence and Office.

Summer Florals on Temple Square: Four

Bear Lake at Sunset: Sky Watch

This lake straddles the Utah/Idaho border. It is located high in a mountain valley, obscured from view until you come around the last highest turn. We arrived at Sunset.

Summer Florals on Temple Square: Three

Summer Florals on Temple Square: Two

Happy Birthday to the Best Mother the World has ever known! (Honestly.)

Summer Florals on Temple Square: One

Glass Detail

Above the doors in the Conference Center are these etched glass Beehives. 

Well in Hand.

It's not easy to be a mother, but the joys far outweigh the difficulties. This bronze is located in the main lobby of the Conference Center, along with numerous others. There is a fabulous collection of art located throughout the building.

Floral Decor.

A few of these incredible floral arrangements grace the main lobby of the Conference Center.

Sky Watch: A Waxing Moon . . .

on a perfectly clear evening in the mountains.

Steeple Fountain.

In line with the Steeple on the Conference Center is a fountain that cascades down the building. It is visible from both the inside and out, as the water runs directly over windows. The water can begin right at the base of the steeple, which is the small trough exiting at the open base on yesterday's photo. The day I took the photo, the water began farther down - which I'm sure is simply a measure to conserve water. On each level, bridges span the fountain area, making it possible from the outside to feel like you are in the middle of it. The sound of rushing water is very soothing to me, so I love that. Architecturally, I think it is one of the most interesting and creative things ever done.

Conference Center Steeple.

I think this kind-of speaks for itself. I was trying to catch those clouds in the background. I really liked how they were playing behind the steeple. At that moment, however, I learned that my computer had not erased my last roll - and I ran out of space on my memory card. It took me a few minutes to clean some room off - and thankfully, the clouds hadn't moved too much. 

McCune Mansion

This is one of Salt Lake Cities most well known old homes. The name is pronounced "Mc Yewn" - and most people have heard of it. I wasn't exactly sure where it was, until I parked my car right in front of it last Thursday. I'd love to go inside someday. Until then I'll have to comfort myself with the internet version.

The Eagle Gate.

The Eagle Gate spans "State Street" just North of "South Temple Street". Long before there were other buildings in the area, it served as the entrance to Brigham Young's property - I suppose like you would see at a large ranch or farm today. It has been replaced through the years. The current Eagle is made of bronze, weighs 4000 lbs and has a wingspan of 20 feet. The original Eagle was made of wood and is now located in a museum for preservation. Although no longer truly a "gate", this huge bronze structure serves as a beautiful reminder of the city's history. 

Foxglove

I spent the afternoon downtown on Thursday. I loved this bed of foxglove and found it very easy to get in close for this one. I was very happy with the results.

Flag Day

June 14th is flag day in the United States. She is known by many names, Old Glory, The Stars and Stripes, The Star Spangled Banner . . .

Bountiful Bench

In the valley just North of the Salt Lake area you find the city of Bountiful. This photo was taken from a spot high up on the mountain. The reflection of the Great Salt Lake appears as a white line at the bottom of the mountains in the photo.

Twin Peaks at Sunset

This was the view from my backyard on Sunday Night. Doesn't get much better than that - that's what I think anyway.

The Blues.

This is the fountain in the East foyer of the 10th floor. As I remember, there is an identical fountain in the West foyer which also serves as the waiting areas for the two restaurants, and the spot from which you can grab those fantastic view of the buildings on Temple Square. 

Detail.

One of my favorite things about the lobby in the JSMB is the lovely stained glass ceiling. There are a few other things that I'd like to get photos of, but that will take a little time. The chapel has one of the most beautifully carved ceilings I've ever seen. I'd love to show that to you one day. 

The "Old Hotel Utah"

Now called "The Joseph Smith Memorial Building," the old Hotel Utah has many uses these days. It is home to two restaurants and a café. There are large meeting rooms, a theater, a Family Search area for geneology. Wedding receptions are often held in it's many ball and banquet rooms. It is a lovely place. I love the photos in the Wikipedia article, which also has a lot of good information as well.

Magnolias

Here are some magnolia blossoms against the wrought iron fence of Temple Square. The building you see between the bars is the old Hotel Utah, now called the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I will be showing you more details of this building next week.

The skies were so interesting today.  There were a lot of clouds, but the blue sky beyond was just brilliant. There were these banks of clouds and then huge holes, nothing wispy about them.

Paz had a heavenly shot the other day, too. That photo was how I decided what to post today.

Tabernacle from Up there.

I had totally forgotten about this one, but I love this view of the Tabernacle. You can really see what the building is like. The green line of fence at the end there is construction fencing. They are doing some work on the walkways in that area - it is not permanent.

Conference Center from up there.

On May 1st, I showed you the numbers on the front of the Conference Center, which is the white building here. 

The View from up there.

It was a very busy day, and this is the first time I had a chance to post today. These are the Temple Spires from from the windows of the building I showed you yesterday. Someday I will get a lens that will allow me to really get up close and personal with all that incredibly carved granite. Until then, I am still very happy with this photo.

Once the Hotel Utah.

This is the building Claude was asking about yesterday. It's a fantastic Building, and I have quite a few photos of it to share, but today, I mostly wanted you to take note of the windows up at the top. The photo I will share tomorrow was from the that floor. They put you just about eye level with the spires of the Temple, and it is awesome. Also, just for reference, the photos of the hospital complex were taken from the windows on the other side of the building. The beehive shaped dome, is on top of this building as well.

Labor of Love

In April, I showed you the doorknobs in detail. This is what surrounds them. I think it bears repeating that this building was created almost entirely by artisans who were volunteering their time and expertise in the service of their God. It was a labor of love.

Claude mentioned a spot where you could get more up close and personal with the spires of the temple. I am planning to show you that building and the view from there tomorrow. It is one of my favorite places to look out on the city.

In case anyone is curious, here is a site which has photos of many if not all of the operating LDS Temples in the world. The larger site has much more more information, enjoy.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone.