Introduction

• Every year on the first of December as all eleven of our family sat around the dinner table, my father would proclaim: “In 90 days, it will be the first of March.”  Suddenly, we knew that winter would be a bit more tolerable. My eight siblings and I did not know that each of us treasured my father’s annual pronouncement until we reminisced as adults. Today, both the first of December and the first of March continue to be special.
• With my father’s death two months ago, which I referenced in my last post (https://wp.me/p8OLgC-A1), the first of March has become even more significant. Therefore, I memorialized the day with a visit to Layton Commons Park.
• I chose the park partly because it used to be the site of Verdeland Park, a complex of WWII clapboard housing. We lived there from 1952 to 1955 until my parents bought our own new house about a mile to the east. Much later Layton City removed the old Verdeland Park houses to make room for a city park. Even now, I feel at home there.

Layton Commons Park a Little after Noon

In northern Utah the First of March is special because from now until early June on we have alternating spring and winter, each lasting about three days. A big change from constant winter. The building here is Layton City Hall. When I lived in Verdeland Park, the city hall was a tiny white building near Main Street, and here was a 10-room elementary school. This lawn was the asphalt playground. Kays Creek runs along the left side of the picture. Of course, a tall fence kept us little kids from plunging into the creek during recess. Good thing! I probably would have been the first one in the water.

Kays Creek #1

This picture is similar to one, “The Three Stems,” I took about a year ago at the International Center, an industrial park west of Salt Lake City (https://wp.me/p8OLgC-jC).

Mystery Tree

This tree’s unusual shape attracted me. When my spouse saw this picture on my monitor, she immediately pronounced it as “ugly.” I have had some success in identifying trees in winter by examining their twigs, but struck out on this one. I am looking forward to the tree leafing out for more clues. If you know what kind of tree this is, please comment.

Kay’s Creek #2

As you can see March has come in like a lamb. We will see if March goes out like a lion.

Kay’s Creek #3

The golden brown branches attracted my attention. I find this picture soothing.

Endnote

Already I am thinking of a photography outing on the first of December 2021. Because that will be a Wednesday, the day I see most of my patients, going to Layton will not be possible. Instead, I will observe the first of December with an early morning outing in my own neighborhood.

Take care,

Dr. Mike