Monday's Walk

Monday, October 4

Today, I took Eldon (my Grandson) to school at 7:45 AM, then drove into Downtown Ogden. I parked on 25th Street, just east of Wall Street. The sky was dominated by dark clouds with silver linings; my windshield wipers were needed on the way. The air was cooler, but not cold. After taking my umbrella from the trunk as a precaution, I locked the car and proceeded south on Wall, following the same route taken on Sunday.

As I began to walk, I sense the presence of God . . . I enjoyed about 5 minutes of singing to my Heavenly Father in a heavenly language, punctuated by expressions of praise and prayer in English.

I noticed several groups of people on both sides of Wall Street ahead of me. Recalling similar scenes in other cities, I guessed these men were waiting for opportunities to work. Soon I walked by three men of Hispanic origins. As I passed, I said, "Good morning!" Then I turned and asked, "Are you men looking for work?" They answered and nodded in the affirmative. I said, "I'm sorry I don't have work today, but may I offer a prayer for you?" All three smiled as one answered, "Oh, yes!" I offered a brief prayer to the Father in the Name of Jesus, asking for good money, good work, and good strength for all three. As I finished, I noticed that the one gentleman wearing a cap had moved that cap from his head to his heart! "God bless you!" I said, and turned to resume my walk. I was pumped!

As I approached the corner of Lincoln and 27th streets, I took note of a group of buildings that seemed to dominate the next block. I recalled noticing on Sunday that the parking lot contained numerous vans and mini-vans with exempt license plates. So I turned north on Lincoln to see what these buildings were. It was the Archway Center for Youth . . . the buildings looked like they might be dormitories. I will have to investigate this place further . . .

Turning again to the east on 26th, I walked to Washington and crossed the street heading north. I had just entered the block containing the Municipal Building and the aforementioned plaza, when my toe hit a raised block of sidewalk and I began to plunge forward! In two or three quick steps I failed to recover my balance, and found myself sprawled on the wide sidewalk! I paused to assess my pain and discovered nothing of concern. Turning over onto my seat, I felt a twinge in the left side of my ribcage. Looking around, I was both glad and sad to find that nobody seemed to notice my fall. I was glad because my embarrassment was limited. I was sad because I had no immediate witnesses to support my huge lawsuit against the City of Ogden! After briefly wondering why my Companion had allowed me to stumble, I arose, stretched, and resumed my walk, at a somewhat slower pace, thanking God that I seemed to be in one piece!

On Washington Avenue, I passed the Egyptian Theater, a center for drama, dance, and other arts. I recalled seeing this place promoted on the Ogden website. Ogden prides itself on the role of the arts in the community . . . recreation and outdoor sports is another source of civic pride.

I noticed several places offering lodging within my circuit. There was a Marriott of some kind a block or two off my route. I passed a nice Hampton Suites in a rejuvenated building, next to a convention complex. There were several older but nice hotels, and there were a few places that were not so nice.

Passing the Mormon Temple/Tabernacle complex, I was struck with the view of a white spire topped with a golden Moroni blowing a trumpet, all against the dark background of approaching storm clouds. I snapped an inferior shot on my cell phone and mused, "There's an angry storm over the Temple today . . . God, as you reign, rain down truth, mercy, and grace upon the religious institution that dominates so much of Ogden and Utah today!"

On 22nd Street I took note of a place that offers serious personal temptations . . . across the street, as I dared venture no closer, was the Farr Ice Cream Parlour! Recalling my visits to Ogden in previous years, I knew this place offered many calorie laden delights. Note to self: it's much safer to walk down this street in the morning, BEFORE they open!

Soon, my walk was completed as I walked south on Wall Street to 25th. I thanked God for a wonderful time! Once seated in my faithful Malibu, I rejoiced to find that the Starbucks in my mug was still hot!