A NIGHT AT A UTAH JAZZ BASKETBALL GAME

We had another unusual evening: a night at the Utah Jazz game in a private box.

It was Mark H.'s birthday and he invited us with three other couples from our ward to go to a Jazz game with him and his family. Markie is particular whom he invites and they have a three page list of friends and Gayle P. said he spent a couple of days deciding whom he would invite. He has always been a friend. I used to take him on rounds at Sinaii Hospital when they visited us in Michigan.

So we piled into a large van and went to the Delta center, now the Energy something center where there was a massive crowd. Here is a picture of that Russian player going up for a shot.

We went up to the box on the fourth floor, located exactly at half court. It is of course a very cool private box with many seats, a hostess, security guards, and lots of food. Jon H. also has four seats on the first row on the floor at half court.

When we got there we found President Monson, (who goes to every Jazz game when he is in town and just loves basketball), was there greeting everyone. He is usually there with his a member of his family but he was there to greet Mark H. as well. He said to me, "Hi Doc!" and we chatted. It was great to see him there totally relaxed and so enjoying the game of basketball. I can't imagine the huge load he carries on his shoulder every minute of his life. He was great visiting with everyone in the box and cheering on the Jazz

At half time, the Jazz Mascot, a fuzzy Bear, came to the box and silly stringed everyone and hugged everyone including me. That is what I call a Bear Hug! Here is Mark getting attacked. Then there were pictures and here is Mark in the center; some of you may recognize the other two.

There is such a sideshow during the game. At each pause, time out or whatever, those energetic cheerleaders take to the floor and dance all over the place. The Bear Mascot is also doing things constantly. The successful University of Utah football team, the only undefeated team in all college football walked out on the court and the crowd went nuts.

They have these other stunts as well: people from the 'all you can eat meat Brazilian restaurant' came out with a hind quarter of beef and one guy with a big machete carved off slabs of roast and the cheerleaders gave plates to the lucky ones in the crowd. They were even flipping pieces of meat to the fans. The Mascot Bear had a gigantic sling shot and shot four footballs with all the signatures of the University of Utah football team into the crowd. There were many other antics and the whole thing had a Roman Coliseum air to it.

Well it was a blast; today we leave for Spokane, WA

Alles Gute.. Oma und Opa