Give a Moose a Muffin...

Reflecting...

2011-01-15T15:48:00.004-09:00

I judge days in Alaska by several criteria. One is whether or not Mt McKinley is visible when I head in for the day. The other is whether or not I see a moose during the day. One of the two makes it a good day. Both on the same day makes it a great day. Yesterday, I experienced a PERFECT day in Alaska. As I sat in a dog sled riding through the woods I reflected a bit on my time in Alaska. This year is starting out differently and it looks to be moving in a much more positive direction than the last few years of my life.

The last year was a bit rough financially. I had some unexpected bumps and continued difficulty finding a renter/buyer for the house in Minnesota. To say things were tight might be an underestimation. I look from pay check to pay check and plan what I can and can't do/pay based on that. I now will be getting a bit extra each month due to an error in how I was paid over the last two years; I have not been getting pay for carrying the pager like I am contracted to. I only have been paid for the time I was called in. So in addition to a bit more on each pay periods check, I will be getting two years of back pay for time on call!

I have been talking with a new realtor/friend and she found someone that might be interested in renting the house in Rochester. There is also a pediatrician from here in Fairbanks who was accepted into the pediatric cardiology fellowship at Mayo. The Human Resources person at her clinic and I are good friends. The friend is going to put a bug in the doc's ear about a place to live in Rochester. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel and the home I love so much back in Minnesota will again be alive with activity.

Relationships over the last year have been interesting. Letting go of the relationships in the past has never been easy for me. On the other hand, I am sometimes too eager with new relationships. A few came and went over the last year. The year started with a very scary relationship and I am grateful to be out of it. I was never hit or struck but words and threats can leave deep marks. I was courageous enough this summer to do many outdoor activities alone but I have always wanted to have someone to share those adventures with. It's early but there is someone new in my life that is making those adventures more enjoyable with his company.

Yesterday I took a friend with to go mushing with another friend from church. It was -15 out, the sun was shining brightly, the mountain was visible all day, and I saw 5 moose throughout the day. I ended the evening with a group of girl friends I cherish to the core. As the new year starts I find there to be a bit more peace. As we neared the house yesterday with the sled, my friend let me take control of the dogs. Maybe it's a reflection on the year to come...I'm at the "reins" and if I need to put the breaks on I have the ability to do so but I think this might be the year to let the puppies run!

Rewrite...

2011-01-04T22:08:00.003-09:00

This blog was initially created as a form of communication between myself and my friends spread miles across the country. For a while it became a venting tool. Then it became a log of new adventures in new parts of the country. Eventually, it became nearly abandoned other than my occasional HNT and my updated book list. Facebook, work, and travel all seemed to replace the outlet I had developed. I miss it. I miss writing. I miss the friends I communicate with mostly via an online media. I miss putting my thoughts to text. It's time to make a resolution and get back on track.

I do not know which track I will take. My motto for many years as been "I chose the one less traveled and that has made all the difference" along with "not all who wander are lost". With those words in mind, I'm sure it will end up a bit of this and some of that. Work is a bit off limits now that I'm a "federal" employee for the DoD. Alaska is becoming more of a lifestyle than just an adventure. I am still reading as much as I can get my hands on. There are some cobwebs to be dusted away and things that need aired out. I'll get to those too.

For now, I'm going to gradually work my way back into regular posts. I doubt I'll ever be a daily blogger but I going months without anything to share has not been enjoyable. I feel like something has been missing. Time to fill the void and find my voice again.

What I Read...

2010-12-31T11:45:00.002-09:00

This year was a bit slow in terms of my usual reading list. However, I am blaming it on being out and about too much. While I was grateful for all the time I got to spend playing in Alaska I was a bit overwhelmed with too many other commitments at time this year and a bit too much traveling and not being at home. This year's goal is to hit 50 but also to write my own again. I haven't journaled in forever and my blog has been horribly neglected.

I opened the year with a book I found on my sister's book shelf and ended it with the most long, drug-out book I have ever read/listened too. A few comments for those that might want to turn a page or too...

The Keeper's Son by Homer Hickam
Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger...This is a series I discovered near the end of last year that is written by a Minnesota author and all the books are set in Northern Minnesota. Just the setting makes them a good read for me.
Rowing to Latitude: Journeys Along the Arctic's Edge by Jill Fredston...Up there as a second place in my favorite Alaska book so far.
One Shot by Lee Childs
Proof Positve by Philip Margolin
No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
The Chopin Manuscript by Jeffery Deavers and others...first "serial" manuscript I read. First and last chapter by the same author but after that each chapter is handed to a new author with no previous knowledge and no clue of where it's going.
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson
Shutter Island by Dennis Lahane...Disappointed by the book AND the movie!
G is for Gumshoe by Sue Grafton
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
The Face of Deception by Iris Johansen
Blood Hollow by William Kent Krueger
The Bone Thief by Jefferson Bass
Shadows of the Koyukuk by Sidney Huntington as told to Jim Reardon...If you only have time to read one book about AK in a short time, read this one!
Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters by Peter Vronsky...Did you know that a female serial killer will go nearly 3 times as long as a male serial killer before they are caught?
The 9th Judgment by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
H is for Homicide by Sue Grafton
Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34 by Brian Burrough...Follow this book up with a trip to the Crime and Punishment Museum in DC, worth it.
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larrson
The Copper Bracelet by Jeffery Deavers and others
Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larrson
Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen
Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman by Jon Krakauer...Did nothing but make my blood boil and I WORK for the Army!
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian
I is for Innocent by Sue Grafton
Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman
Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood...Second worst book of the year but at least it was short!
Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo...May be a new favorite author. Main character is a former Amish woman who is now the chief of police in her home town. Lots of moral conflict.
Mercy Falls by William Kent Krueger
Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs
The Killing Game by Iris Johansen
Port Mortuary by Patrica Cornwell...Iwas so distracted the last two months of this year I nearly missed my all-time favorite author's newest book. Thank God it was Christmas vacation.
61 Hours by Lee Childs
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky...Ok, I can say I read it. Do I have to remember the "suffering" of reading it?

A VERY short list for me this year What happened?

New Year's Resolution...

2010-12-31T11:43:00.002-09:00

START WRITING AGAIN...both my blog and journaling. I need an outlet!

HNT...The prep begins

2010-11-24T21:17:00.003-09:00

Friends invited...Check
Groceries bought...Check
House cleaned...Check
Macaroni Salad...Check
Topping for brie...Check
Champagne, wine, brandy, scotch, OJ...Check
Sweet potatoes baked...Check
Two brandy pumpkin pies...Almost

It's my favorite night/day of the year! I'm cooking for my Thanksgiving orphan dinner.

Back in college I lived too far from home to go home for holidays like Thanksgiving and Easter because they were only four day weekends. I was never left alone in the dorm though. Multiple people had me at their houses for the holidays. I remember watching the Macy's parade wrapped up in huge down comforters at Coree's house only to discover the turkey hadn't been thawed. I remember Easter at Rhonda's house with the best home made strawberry shortcake ever with real half and half poured over the top. I remember breakfast of deer sausage and eggs at cousin Russell's house before a late Thanksgiving dinner. I remember after church dressed up dinner with Heather's family in the "old" neighborhood.

Now I'm older. Ever since I was married during graduate school I have returned the favor. I host an "orphan dinner" on Thanksgiving and Easter. I remember the first one in our apartment in Phoenix with yeast rolls that tasted like mom's but didn't rise. I remember Easter in the apartment in Helena with tables running from one side of the house to the other. I remember my first Thanksgiving in Alaska with the house still full of boxes and 23 people crammed into my little log cabin.

This year is a group of friends from work and outside of work, old and new. I'm glad they can share this day with me in my home. I truly feel honored to invite people into my home to partake in a day of thanks. I'm grateful for them all and I revel in the preparing their meal.

To you and yours...Thank you for your friendships, your memories, and may God bless you with a day to be grateful for! Happy HNT!

HNT...All Jacked Up

2010-11-03T19:10:00.004-08:00

Halloween isn't complete without a pumpkin carving. Note to self though, if doing something with tiny pieces DON'T get a pumpkin that is three inches thick! The little carving tools aren't deep enough on the first pass. Oh well. My witch didn't turn out to bad and I have enough pumpkin to chop up, boil down, and can to be used for pies and more throughout the year. It's a process but we'll see how it turns out. The 25 lbs of Honeycrisp Apples I boiled down made some crazy good applesauce.

Happy HNT!

Midnight Munchies

2010-08-26T21:23:00.008-08:00

Alaska finally has a sunset again. This was last week one night around 10:30 pm taken off my back deck. About 1 hour and 45 minutes later it was dark, completely dark. Finally, darkness at night and cooler temps. Both of these returning make for a much happier Moosekahl.

I have been tending my garden somewhat tenderly throughout the summer. I admit to neglecting it at times and I lost some spinach b/c of that. If you don't pick it while leaves are ready it will bolt. My bolted while I was in MT. I had a few things that aren't doing as I thought they would...cucumbers and red peppers. I can handle those things. Ruby likes to eat at the grass but she leaves the garden beds alone.

Remember the pretty Romanesco? Any form of cauliflower is a absolute favorite moose food. The temps at night have been getting cooler, which means moose are moving down from higher altitudes. My moose is back. Haven't seen it yet but it's been here. Can you tell how I know?

The moose likes the leaves of kohlrobi but doesn't like the veggie. Those are teeth marks!

This moose LOVED the Romanesco but didn't even nimble that pumpkin plant.

This moose really likes Kale. So much for kale in my Zuppa Toscana.

This moose left evidence behind.

Definitely not dog prints!

Becoming an Outdoor Woman....2010

2010-08-22T11:10:00.021-08:00

I was encouraged by several friends who have participated in the past to attend the Becoming an Outdoor Woman weekend sponsored by the Department of Game and Fish. I thought about it and decided it was a great way to spend a weekend. The weekend includes four workshop times with a very long list of class options. I was given a very nice backpack for a going away gift and while I have used it to travel I haven't actually tried packing everything I need in it to hike somewhere and spend a night. The first class I signed up for was Backpacking which included a lecture to cover gear and how to pack it as well as a hike and then a night in the woods, not at a campsite with "amenities".

Our instructors covered gear, food, training and more for us before we hit the trail. This was our trail buddy, Tessa. She was super excited she got to come along. Can you tell?

The original plan was to hike to a place called Inspiration Point. However, our instructors summed up the class and decided it might take be better to go to a place called Mitchell Point which was not quite as steep as the other hike. It was still a stunning view of the Tanana River Valley! I had to take a couple pictures looking over the edge just for Dad. He always worries about me in the high places I like to go to.

My pack was somewhere between 40 and 50 lbs full but I made it and actually felt pretty good. I also enjoyed it so I think I can get into this with a little more practice and a lot of training.
We hiked back off of Mitchell Point and then went even further down the hillside and into a clearing to make camp for the night. No maintained campsite, no platform. Just find a spot, smoosh the vegetation down a bit and make it home. It was actually really comfortable to have a bit of insulation and brush underneath the floor of the tent. I ended up sleeping like a log. I don't think I woke up once in the night.

The biggest challenge backpacking is cooking and eating. I had no idea where to start with that. We got to use various portable cooking devices like the JetBoil, PocketRocket, and Whisper light to heat water to add to Mountain House backpacking meals. The meals are good but they have some drawbacks. Each package is 2 servings so you either eat it all or have to pack out your garbage. Also some of them had really high sodium content. Overall, they tasted good though. I had Chicken and Rice and then we also made a raspberry crumble to share.

Our instructors had actually left some supplies at our campsite prior to us getting there so we were able to try out a few other things which might not be practical when backpacking but are definitely doable when car camping. Banana boats are a Girl Scout treat....Slice one unpeeled banana to make a slit. Stuff the slit with marshmellows and chocolate chips. Wrap in foil and throw in the fire. Very yummy. A few others tried coconut macaroons. Stuff a piece of chocolate inside a piece of french bread. Dip it in sweetened condensed milk and roll in coconut. Again, roast over fire and enjoy!

I had chosen to have a campsite for the weekend b/c it was $25 cheaper and then that money covered the $10 rental for my next class, Rappelling. Because of this, I was up at 6:00 am , broke camp, repacked the backpack and hiked out of camp to go back to the main area and set up my tent again at my designated camp site for the rest of the weekend. This was my road out at about 6:20 in the morning. I was hiked out, reset up, and to breakfast at the mess hall by 7:10 am! Not a bad start. How come it's never that easy to get up and moving on a Monday morning when it's work you are headed to?

I had three more classes ahead of me and the stories will follow. We were at Lost Lake Boy Scout Camp which was a phenomenal site with wild flowers, berries, peaks, rivers, and a lake to enjoy. I truly love where I live.

HNT...Home away from home

2010-08-18T20:15:00.004-08:00

I have had a wonderful home away from home on my camping adventures. And it won't be an adventure if I didn't take pictures to share!

I have absolutely no idea how this picture happened but I didn't delete it b/c after looking at it I liked the "creepy" factor to it. This was night two at the Becoming an Outdoor Woman weekend. I was in my tent and asleep by 9 pm! I was beat! You can see the bags under my eyes even in this crazy shot!
I am loving my Eureka two person tent. I just need to figure out a few more weekends to use it yet this summer!
I'm tucked in for the night without the dog on this trip. Makes for a lot more room plus I only had a #50 backpack so not a lot of space to haul extras. I slept like a log this night though. And yes, you can still tell how chewed up my ankles are from the prior weekend plus all the new ones.

Happy HNT!

Taylor Mountain Caribou

2010-08-09T21:13:00.008-08:00

The evening on top of Taylor Mountain is up there with the Iditarod on my Alaska experiences. The view was amazing and it was the first time I have seen more than one or two wild caribou at a time. Well worth the drive up the trail road to get there. Taylor Mountain is off of the Taylor Highway just south of Chicken, AK.

This was just one example of the enormous bull caribou walking next to the truck.

There they go.

Just beautiful!I could have sat all night watching this group.

WOW! BOW is amazing

2010-08-08T20:39:00.003-08:00

I had a phenomenal weekend at the Department of Game and Fish Becoming an Outdoor Woman course. There will be plenty more to follow in terms of pictures and I have more from last weekend's Chicken trip too. However, I'm beat and am going to head to bed very soon. This was a shot from my Rappelling course. I think I have a new hobby!

Chicken, AK

2010-08-05T22:32:00.021-08:00

Last weekend was time for another Alaska adventure. I had been on call for two weeks in a row and in one week saw nearly 100 patients. R&R was much needed. This summer's to do list included Chicken, AK and Valdez, AK. Chicken was the most inexpensive of these options so Chicken it was. Ruby and I left Fairbanks at 2:00 Friday afternoon.

Chicken, AK is 276 miles down the road from Fairbanks, north of the AlCan Highway. It is a former mining town home to around 400 people at it's peak. It was made famous in the book "Tisha" about a school teacher who went to work doing her best with the miner's children. Her school house still stands. The rest of the area is now a tourist attraction on the Taylor Highway as one heads north to Dawson Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada, home of the Klondike Gold Rush and tales by Jack London.

If one lives in a town called Chicken, one must have a sense of humor. The community was named as such after locals wished to name the community after the main food source, "Ptarmigan". Ptarmigan are a small grouse like bird which cooks up similar to grouse or pheasant. However, the locals could not come to agreement on how to spell Ptarmigan and settled for "Chicken". Chicken it has remained.

I have a new backcountry tent and a friend helped me find the perfect riverbank camp site.The river noise drowned out anything else and I was below the main bank so no one could see me. The morning view out the door was gorgeous.

On Saturday morning I began a side trip to Boundary, AK which continued on to the Canadian border. It was only an additional 45 miles. The landscape was awe inspiring. I had no clue this mountain range existed. The area is home to the Yukon-Charley River National Preserve. The entire area around Chicken is crisscrossed by rivers feeding into the Yukon. In fact, for the last several weeks most of this gravel highway has been closed to travel secondary to severe flooding and washed out roads.

The area doesn't have a lot of trees once you get high up but the wild plants are still abundant.

This is the gas station at Boundary. Sometimes there is gas and sometimes there isn't. George, a "local" originally from New Jersey operates a catch me all store that includes a cafe, a few spare parts, gas, and coffee.

This is one of the old original cabins of the area.

George directed me to Davis Dome. In former years thousands of caribou called this area home. It is miles and miles of rolling hills covered in tundra brush, cranberries, blueberries, and forget-me-nots. Ruby and I called it a good spot for lunch. The absolute quiet is mind boggling. It reaches a spot in your soul that doesn't get touched very often.

After a day of exploring along the road, Ruby and I tried our hand at gold panning. I sat along the river swishing and draining for an hour and a half without much luck. It was nice to sit and do a mostly mindless task while sitting in the sun along a bubbling stream though.

This is downtown Chicken. Local Sue runs the Emporium, Liquor Store, Saloon, and Cafe. If you are looking for a wide selection of Alaska books, this is where to stop. She has a wonderful collection and she is featured on her own post card too! Signs of the gold rush remain. An old gold dredge sits along one of the rivers. Many come in the summer to pan and there are even a few fully operational dredges elsewhere along the river.

Mosquito Fork was home for the weekend but camping elsewhere would have done nothing to decrease the level of bugs. I think the locals should have named the community "Fly" when they failed to spell "Mosquito".

Before a nice lunch Ruby and I went to the Post Office to mail a few postcards. Robyn is the local post mistress and while I heard a lot about here I didn't get to meet her since I stopped in on Sunday.

This was great weekend and I have more to share. I got to see migrating caribou and have more amazing pictures of rolling mountains. Ruby had just as big of an adventure. Ten miles before getting to Chicken she jumped out of the window at 35 mph and got herself a bit of road rash. She played hardcore though and ten miles out of town on the way home I could hear her snoring from the back seat. That's one tuckered woofer!

HNT...Biten in Chicken

2010-08-04T20:56:00.007-08:00

This weekend I went on a solo camping trip to Chicken, AK. It's a former mining town of up to 400 people at one time in history. The permanent summer population is around 17 and in the winter 6. I pitched my tent along one of the many river banks. It didn't matter that it was Mosquito Fork...the entire area was infested with mosquitoes after over 6 inches of rain. To say I got bitten in an understatement...

Look what I grew!

2010-07-27T14:08:00.004-08:00

I saw this vegetable at the Farmer's Market last summer and this summer I just had to try to grow it :) It's called Romanesco. It is sort of a cauliflower and it is sort of a broccoli. I planted six of them and two never grew but the other four have been getting bigger and bigger leaves on them since the very first week. Today I went outside to check on the things (got stung by two different bees in the process) and discovered they are growing. Are they not just the strangest looking plant ever but at the same time just crazy cool?!?!

Adventure Planning

2010-07-25T19:25:00.009-08:00

I don't recall many things about my marriage anymore that were good. As they say "hindsight is 20/20". However, there was one thing my ex-husband introduced me to that I will forever be grateful for. In October 1998 he drove me to the top of Going To The Sun Highway in Glacier National Park. A life long love affair began. That spring he took me to Yellowstone National Park on my very first camping trip. The love affair only deepened. In the five years we were together we spent many a night under dark star filled skies. I had never camped growing up. Once I was introduced to it, it was infectious. The marriage grew into something I didn't recognize but the love affair with the great outdoors continues. As a wedding gift to ourselves we bought each other new sports sunglasses and a Kelty 2 person backcountry tent. We spent five nights of our honeymoon in this tent. We camped at Many Glacier campground in Glacier National Park and did day hikes every single day. I saw my first grizzly bears on that trip. I didn't shower for five days on the trip. The Kelty Crestone 2 person tent is truly a tent for two ONLY if you truly know the person you are sleeping in it with. Two years later when the cheating bastard walked out on me, I could have cared less that he took the TV and DVR with him. The idiot took my Kelty tent and left me with no means to go camping.

Eight weeks later I graduated from PA school and needed to study for my board exam. My house was filled with pictures of the two of us on our wedding day. It was not a very conducive environment for studying. I was also scared to death to go camping by myself. I HAD to pass the boards though and I COULDN'T let him take all of "me" away. Dear friends loaned me a tent and I packed a cooler of food along with a backpack of study materials to head to Glacier. Half way there the park closed due to forest fires and still I wouldn't turn around. I found a state park near Big Fork, MT and I spent three days in my borrowed tent outlining the blueprint for my exams. I ate cold food and went to bed when the sun set and got up when it came up. Two weeks after my first solo adventure of camping I took my boards and became a certified PA.

After passing my boards, I spent money I didn't have and bought this cheap tent from Target. I then made my first solo trip to Glacier National Park. I didn't sleep a single wink the first night and I was convinced every sound I heard was a bear about to eat me alive out of my tent. The next day I hiked myself into exhaustion and then set at Lake McDonald Lodge journaling until I could barely keep my eyes open before returning to my tent and sleeping like a baby. Since then, I have solo camped several times in Glacier and my friend Rachel has kept me company on many more trips. Now Rachel is working at Sperry Chalet at the peak of Heaven in Glacier and I'm living in Alaska. Who would have guessed?

Last summer I did day trips about Alaska solo and entertained my aunt and a friend for two weeks but stayed in hotels. Alaska is big and wild. The animals are big and wild. The people are unique and sometimes wild. I wasn't sure enough of myself to take to my tent and camp. This summer, I know more. I know more people. I have a bigger to do list and less funds. Camping is what I can afford this summer. I'm home from a trip to see friends and family with summer time to enjoy yet in Alaska. I'm ready for the next adventure.

Friends talked me into taking a course sponsored by the Department of Game and Fish called "Becoming an Outdoor Woman", fondly referred to as BOW. It is a three day, woman's only weekend of workshops ranging from various fishing courses to boating classes to big game hunting to backpacking and climbing. I have a really nice back country 40 lb custom fit backpack. I have flown with it as luggage but never hiked with it. Therefore, the first class of the weekend for me will be Back Country Backpacking. The Great Outdoors Target tent is a great tent. It works for car camping. But when all packed it's heavy. Nearly 10 lbs packed up. Ten lbs packed into a back country pack takes up too much space and weighs too much.

While on vacation I went online and began the hunt for a inexpensive, one to two person, lightweight back country tent. EUREKA!! I found one. My new Eureka two-person back country tent packs down to just over 4 lbs in half the space the Great Outdoors does. It was waiting for me when I got home. Next weekend I am taking it on it's first adventure. Ruby and I are going to the Alaska metropolis of Chicken! Ask Lime what she thinks of the not so frequently asked questions link on the Chicken homepage. The summer population booms to an official 17 according to the US Census but the website says up to 50! There are still operating gold dredges, a few bluegrass festivals, a big river, and some odd Alaska adventures to be had there. I'm going for a T-Shirt.

Tonight I had to make sure I still remember how to set up my tent. They both went up and I think I'll be okay. They will both be always present in the back of the SUV and I don't know which one I'll sleep in next weekend but in two weeks the Eureka will fit snugly in my pack for my back country hike.

Adventures to be had, there are!

Saturday night crafting

2010-07-17T22:09:00.003-08:00

Summer Saturday's have been rainy for the last month. Monday morning rolls around and it's gorgeous outside minus the forest fire smoke. Today was no exception. Around 200 am this morning it started raining. It kept raining. I got up at 9:30 and it was still raining. I poured a cup of coffee and crawled back into bed to read. Somewhere around 11:00 I fell back to sleep and got up again at 1:00. Ruby and I went into town to get groceries and then get her nails trimmed. The sun was shining and it was nice out.

4:00 rolled around and it got really dark outside. The rain started with a burst of thunder and the heavens opened. I gave up on the TV because it was so loud on the tin roof I couldn't turn the volume up loud enough to hear it. The lightening got really close and there as one crack of simultaneous lightening and thunder which literally shock the house. I shut the windows, turned on the lights, and started working on some cards. The storm only last for about a half hour but with it and the intermittent cloud bursts over the last 24 hours my garden water holding tank is now half full.

July 1st was the start of the new catalog for Stampin' Up with new colors and new stamps. I used the new set Apple Blossom to make these two cards. They were fun! Now I have a few notes to write to all those that I got to spend a little time with while I was home. Tomorrow going to try to grill out with some friends, maybe the sun will stay out. If not, I can always work on a few more indoor projects.

Senses

2010-07-11T12:35:00.003-08:00

I'm taking the time to stay home this weekend. My original plans at the beginning of the week were to head to Denali National Park this weekend to camp at Riley Creek Camp ground. By Friday my suitcases from vacation were still on the bedroom floor fully packed. I decided maybe I should stay home and catch up. I have my suitcases completely unpacked, all the bedding washed and put back on the beds, and now I'm sitting with my feet up enjoying the things my senses are taking the time to feel.

The last three days have been extremely hot for Alaska summers. When I was in SD it was 100 degrees with 20 mph winds. I was looking forward to being back in the North country. Well Friday it hit 90 degrees at my house. So much for that theory. This morning has made that all better. I'm in my bathrobe enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee. I can hear the rustle of the leaves outside with a light breeze. I can smell the wet grass from last night's light rain which brought a break in the temps. I can feel the breeze on my bare legs. The sun is out and the day is bright. My animals are lounging around with me. Spread out and enjoying the breeze as it rolls through the house.

I think I'm going to leave today to my senses. Days like this confirm why I love living here.

HNT...Sisters

2010-06-30T22:30:00.000-08:00

Guess which set of gams lives in Alaska...
Happy HNT!

My girls

2010-06-29T20:16:00.006-08:00

People have asked me if I came home for anything special. The answer is yes. I came home to work Grandma's Marathon. I started working the finish line medical tent after a college friend died at the finish of the Chicago Marathon. This year was a bit rough because we had a death in our tent; not my patient but that of another volunteer I know well. The other reason I came to visit was for these two little pumpkins! I came at Christmas to "babysit" Miss Quincey because in spite of being born on my birthday I didn't get to see her until she was over a year old. Well, Miss Q has a brand new baby sister, Kenley Grace, who I had to come see as well. I have spent the last few days doting on these little ones.

Quincey has always loved books but now she "reads" them to herself. She found both Spot's for me when I asked her where Spot was. She is also in a front facing car seat since I was here at Christmas. Much easier to hand her french fries that way. We went over the pass today to drop her off at Grandma and Grandpa's camp site so her mom and I could go to lunch.

Quincey didn't take a morning nap so she was a bit indecisive about what to do come the time to leave her. She was appropriately distracted by her farm animals.

After lunch at the Windbag with a huge piece of mud pie, Heather and I went back to the house and this is how i spent the afternoon. Not a bad way to spend vacation at all. Kenley loves to be held and snuggles. She makes really cute little baby snores too.

She is just starting to be able to "smile" for us at 4 weeks old. There is a near identical picture of the above of Quincey when she was that age. She was a happy baby this afternoon and after a midafternoon bottle she feel fast asleep propped up in the corner with her hands daintily crossed. These girls will steal a few hearts! I love them like real nieces.

Vacay!

2010-06-28T08:28:00.005-08:00

I am definitely relaxing on this trip. Made it to Duluth MN for Grandma's Marathon and went to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate my sister's birthday. I have followed some big rivers on this trip too. This is the headwaters of the Mississippi but I followed the Yellowstone River across Montana and yesterday crossed over the Missouri several times on my way to Great Falls.

It's not vacation without a few favorite foods. Harvest Moon Brewery now bottles their Beltian White. It goes great with a really greasy pizza from Howard's in Helena. The pictures don't do the puddles of grease justice. Sat watching movies with Os while eating and drinking last night. Awesome!

There's sheep in them there hills...

2010-06-14T22:14:00.009-08:00

I always seem to get great hind view shots of mountain critters. These three lambs were intent on mowing through the spring green stuff. They are Dall Sheep. They remind me of the Rocky Mountain mountain goats in Montana but they aren't nearly as friendly as the goats that hang out at the top of Logan Pass in Glacier. I had to use some serious zoom to get these pictures.

Friday Night Slumber

2010-06-13T20:32:00.003-08:00

After beginning a cleaning spurt I curled up on the couch Friday night to watch Snow Falling on Cedars. This is what ended up surrounding me. Three sleeping critters. Montana was up behind me asleep but I couldn't turn around without waking him if I wanted a picture. Aren't they just adorable!?

Toklat River

2010-06-13T15:32:00.014-08:00

I shared the bears with you but there was a lot more to the trip in Denali over Memorial Day weekend then bears. No lions or tigers but a little river adventure was had. The bus service was only running from the park entrance to the Toklat River stop but I wanted to go. Rich, the OR nurse, who came with the group joined me. There is a ranger station and a bookstore at the stop, otherwise a lot of river. Rich and I ate lunch on the bank of the river and then took off down the river bed. But not before I put my thinking hat on. Caribou antlers are a lot easier to hold up then a full moose rack.
The river is very muddy because of all the glacier melt and the debris it pulls with it but fresh water streams feed into it all over. Makes for a "confluence" of pretty colors. Either way, both types of water are really cold at this time of year. Trust me, I tested it out.
As always, I had to spawl to take some rock bed pictures. We did out best to use them as a path but there were places it was just easier to step in the water.
I was good and avoided the edge that was being cut out from underneath by the more rapid moving river vs the fresh water streams. This time of year the bears hang along the river beds to dig up roots b/c the higher elevations are either still covered with snow or full of brown vegetation. Look at the shadow of that big bear just up the stream from me!

Once we got to the bridge we had to come up to the road to cross. No way I could walk across rapids like that. We debated continuing along the shore to get way back to cross but that might have taken a bit more than a day. There is a shot of the "way we came" but you can't see the bridge because it is around the hill at that point. We kept walking until the next return bus with available seats came by.

What made the weekend so much fun was the people I shared it with. Nurse Rich road with me while my friend Yvonne and her family carpooled behind us. Another family stayed at a resort in Denali Village and three families camped at Riley Creek. Every night we met at the camp ground to hang out and share our day's adventures. A final family joined us both nights. This momma moose and a very new calf roamed through extremely close. She went through one campsite the second night taking out chairs and such before bedding down with her baby right in front of the camp ground bathrooms. Those with RV's were lucky :)

On the final day the forest fire smoke moved in. This was at about 11 pm on the last night we were there. Lots of smoke accumulating in the sky. By morning it had spread through the whole valley making it dark and smelly. This past week's worth of rain has taken that out of the air but hasn't helped much with actually stopping the fires.
There were more creatures along the way. They will come next. Hope you are all having a great weekend.

HNT...Eating to go

2010-06-02T20:26:00.017-08:00

Summer in Alaska has officially kicked off. Last Friday a group of us from the hospital trekked to Denali National Park and were blessed with clear skies, views of "THE" mountain, and plenty of animals. A trip into Denali National Park is easy courtesy of the shuttle buses which run the length of the park road. Private vehicles are only allowed in to mile marker 15. An OR nurse joined me and the two of us got up early on Saturday morning to take the bus to Toklat. Early and weekend means only one thing for me...COFFEE!

There is a small village of shops outside the park and the first stop was the 24 hour Subway for coffee and sandwiches to take with us. This is me quite happy in spite of it being 8 am on a Saturday morning (check out all the daylight) in line to board the bus.

Food is not available inside the park. If you plan on being hungry you pack it in and you pack it out. I was well prepared. In addition to the Subway sammies I had Mike & Ikes, licorice, bananas, Dots, and my homemade assorted "trail mix". Dried bananas, cranberries, sunflower seeds, nuts, mango pieces and more. Perfect midday snack.

Rich and I got to see lots of wildlife along the way. Here are pictures of all the grizzly bears. I think we saw a total of 9. I was excited because there were several blondes in the mix instead of the usual dark chocolate. Of course, it's spring and they are hungry. This was the first time I got to witness a newly turned over field of divots from bears digging up roots. They can cover some serious ground. Beautiful creatures.

No lions or tigers but bears galore feeding on spring greens and me happy with coffee and trail mix. Happy HNT!

HNT...Getting a little dirty

2010-05-26T21:27:00.008-08:00

I have had so much fun outside in the last week. The weather has turned to spring nearly overnight. One day last week it was 40 degrees and gray. The next day it rained. On the third day all the buds and grasses and all things in Alaska turned green. I received a rose plant and a gift card to a local nursery as thank you gifts for teaching confirmation class at my church. I went to the nursery and used every last penny of it to buy flowers and garden veggies. Then I set to work getting dirty. These were some of the first pots I put together. It felt good to play in the dirt. Really good. Happy HNT!

Bedtime Meme

2010-05-24T21:22:00.003-08:00

I'm procrastinating going to bed because I just can't bring myself to go to bed before 9 pm on a Monday night. Lime posted this and I thought I would give it a try.

1. Name 2 things you have done under the covers in the last week.
Dreamed, rolled over on a cat

2. Do you know what a woobie is? Do you have a special one?
I have a collection of woobies. Currently have a hand made one from the outpatient floor desk clerk that was presented to me before I left MN.

3. What prompts you to pull the covers over your head and hide from the world?
A lot these days

4. Firm or soft?
Firm! A bed should not swallow you.

5. Silk or flannel?
Flannel

6. Lights on or off?
Make it dark...really dark. Hence the insomnia this time of year in all day daylight Alaska!

7. Fan or no air?
Fan

8. Completely dark or nite light?
See above!

9. Windows open or shut
They are now open and will remain so until probably September.

10. Sweet dreams or nightmares?
Crazy vivid, all over the place dreams

11. PJ’s or……
Depends...

12. Set bedtime? Never

13. What do sheep count when they can’t sleep?
Hay bales

14. What does your alarm clock sound like?
102.5, Country radio station

15. White noise or music
Neither

16. TV or IPod?
Neither...a book and then lights out

17. Can you recall a pleasant dream you’d like to share?
The other night I dreamed I was back at Carroll doing another Search retreat. That was sort of nice.

18. Under the covers or outside the covers
Half and half. I like to burrow but then stick a leg out to act as my thermostat.

19. Insomniac or sleep angel?
Insomniac

20. What is your favorite sleep aid for those tossin’ and turnin’ nights?
A warm shoulder to curl up on

21. Morning person or night person
Mornings were created by the devil! I'll stay up all night

22. Bedtime snack?
Nope

23. Hot or cold room
Cold

24. Bedtime ritual?
I always read before I turn off the light no matter how tired I am. Might be half a page but still something read.

25. Twin, Queen, King, Bunk or Futon
Slatted sleigh bed, size queen

26. Socks or naked feet
Nekkid except for happy socks from Lime sometimes.

27. Bedroom door locked or unlocked?
Usually wide open

28. Tent or hotel room
Yurt, this was Lime's answer but I might have to agree. The resort in Seward has yurts you can rent but if not available a tent is perfect.

29. If you could be bored to sleep, what would bore you?
Medical journal articles.

30. Prayers or mantra?
Prayers

31. What was the worst nightmare you ever had?
Too many to count!

32. Please share any ideas on how to stop a person from snoring.
I’m all ears.

Move them to the couch and cover your head. They aren't going to stop.

33. If one purely pleasant thought could ensure fast and sound deep sleep for you every night, what would your one thought be?

Knowing I'm not alone when I wake up in the morning

34. How many hours do you normally sleep?
Not nearly enough ever!

35. Thunderstorms or quiet starry night?
Thunderstorms

36. Warm bath or hot shower?
Hot shower

37. What is the craziest thing that ever happened in your bed?
Uhm...plead the 5th

38. Name a song you could fall asleep to.
Anything Enya

39. Who last told you a bedtime story?
It's been a while, can't remember.

Okay, it's 9;30. I can talk myself into bed now.

Spring planting

2010-05-23T15:33:00.021-08:00

After accomplishing all I did this weekend, the above is where I will be spending the rest of the day. The weather has been spectacular this weekend. I took full advantage of it. Earlier in the week I had planted a few flowers. Over the last two days, I finished the flowers and did the garden beds. Now, I will put my feet up, cross my fingers and toes, and hope it all grows.

My landlords made four raised garden beds when they lived here. I'm going to see what I can get to eat out of them. This one has Romaneso (a spikey cauliflower/broccoli cross) and pumpkin in it.

I have two different types of spinach here. A regular variety and then one that climbs.

I ate sugar snap peas straight from the garden as a kid. We will see how they do.

Also giving red pepper, zucchini, and cucumbers a shot

Two plants of Roma tomatoes and one regular sized.

I couldn't leave the deck without something. I filled three rail baskets with blue and purple petunias with purple and pink verbena. The bees and wasps are very happy.

I also planted several bushes to be permanent. I have always been partial to bleeding hearts and hope this one does well. I love the smell of lilac bushes too so I planted two of those in the front of the house underneath the kitchen window. I can't wait until they bloom and fill the house with their fragrance. The last bush was the European Rose bush the confirmation students gave me as a thank you gift last weekend. It is in front of my front step.

I have always liked flowers that drape. I bought a silent auction basket of garden things last year and included was this coconut basket. In addition to some wave petunias I found the above vine. I can't remember the name but they are already making flowers.

I decided to do a few herbs as well. In this pot I have curry (the taller plant) and Greek oregano.

Sweet basil, lemon basil, and cilantro are in this tray.

Summer Food

2010-05-21T19:51:00.004-08:00

In the last week the ice has gone out of the river, the trees are fully leafed and the sun is out nearly 24 hours a day. That means flip flops, gardens and grilling. One of the things that has been neglected of late is me. I need to get myself back on track. That starts with taking care of me. That means eating better and taking time to exercise. Tonight I grilled pork tenderloin with pineapple and serrano peppers along with a spinach, strawberry, and kiwi salad. Thought it looked sort of pretty. Tasted wonderful!

HNT Anniversary...in the beginning

2010-05-19T21:07:00.003-08:00

just for you Os! you can't really see it all that well in this picture (mostly due to the distraction of a very sexy Jude Law gazing at you) but I had a nasty bruise developing at the base of my 3rd and 4th toe from having dropped a bottle of shampoo on my foot in the shower. The toe ring is permanent, been there since May of '02. And yes, Os you don't even have to point it out, I have Hobbit-like toes.

Can't believe it has been 5 years since we started posting half nekkid pictures on the internet. Now, half nekkid has been hugely elaborated on and widely interrupted but I have followed the initial intentions of the project. My first picture was of an injury (there is usually always one) plus my latest read. So tonight, to recreate the image I offer you the other foot with an injury taken this week as I planted my flowers. Yup...that's my foot. Nothing a shower, a bandaid, and some hydrogen peroxide couldn't take care of. Reading material came later that night.

Head Above Water

2010-05-11T19:30:00.003-08:00

The title of this sculpture at the ice park was "Head Above Water". I am barely there. My blog has been left alone since getting home from Nome because I have been too busy treading water. It started with a sinus infection that knocked me out of work and caused a bit of drama because of that Then a relationship ending that wasn't healthy and was getting scary. Then a financial windfall followed by pitfalls. That is where I'm at as of now. Treading...waiting for a chance to float instead.

I love being in Alaska. I love what I do for a job. If the rest of life could fall into place all would be well. Until then, I'll keep treading. I have many things to be grateful for but at this stage of my life I need to have more than that. I need to have "things" together. I don't feel like I'm there. Over the last three weeks I have done lots of thinking, lots of adjusting and more than usual working on getting there. I have a lot of things to work on.

I'll tread through and when I have less to complain about and more to share I will. I'm keeping the book list up to date. I need to take pictures of all the scrapbooks I've been working on. At least those things give me a bit of piece of mind. I'll be around. I promise.

To Safety

2010-03-22T15:20:00.015-08:00

On Saturday night it was a beautiful evening to take a snowmachine (that's Alaskan for snowmobile) to Safety, AK. Safety is the last checkpoint on the Iditarod trail before the final 22 miles into Nome. We made this year's trip a little Carroll College reunion. We left Nome and followed the trail all the way to Safety. These markers along the trail led the way.

The sunset across the trail along the Bering Sea was spectacular that night. This was taken from about 5 or so miles out on the trail. Simply amazing.

From the top of Cape Nome you can see forever in all directions.

Our goal was to get to Safety and have a cheeseburger with a beer. We left as soon as Celeste Davis, this year's Red Lantern last place finisher, crossed in town but by the time we made it the Roadhouse was already boarded up and closed for the season.

Matt, Kamey and I are giving Danielle a "peace sign". Really, that's what we're doing in our seal skin mittens.

Kamey let me drive home; all bundled in parkies, seal fur, and ruffs with goggles and boots. It was such a perfect night for a ride.

The Iditarod trail lit by late night sunsets as we get ready to start home.

We had a slight "adventure" on the way home. The last few miles of the trail cross over the road in several places. Matt and Danielle were in the lead and I zigged when I should have zagged. Kamey and I made it home and after 15 minutes still no Matt and Danielle. Poor Matt and Danielle, bless their hearts, drove all the way back to the creek to make sure we hadn't fallen through open water. We at least left our backpack on Matt's Prowler so if they made it back before we did they knew we were safe. We met up again about 2 miles out of down and Matt and Danielle both let out audible sighs of relief. Sorry, guys!

So here are Matt, Kamey, and myself after completion of the FARTHEST north Carroll College Reunion. We have a wonderful evening on a beautiful night in an amazing place. Thanks Matt and Kamey!

Coming down Front Street

2010-03-19T13:20:00.009-08:00

Standing on Front Street in the middle of the night watching teams come in is a wonderful experience. Aren't they just the cutest with their booties and harnesses on?

Sebastian Schuenelle had one dog ready for a nap. He was asleep on his line waiting for his owner to say it was time to go.

Sebastian is known for his crazy hair. It's so funny! He's a big lovable, German who lives in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.

The doggy finally figured out it's easier if you just lay down.

We were up early on day two to greet Aliy Zirkle. This is her stepdaughter, Bridget making sure the dogs get a little snack after a great race.

Marcy made sure they got a bit of attention too.

This is Kamey and I with lead dog, Dingle. He's adorable and super sweet.

Mushing on

2010-03-19T13:06:00.006-08:00

This year St Patty's Day fell in the middle of Iditarod week so the three of us went out in true Irish style. We had our own bottle of green food coloring and Benny, the bar tender at Breakers, set us up with headgear and beads. It was a great night for friends and we saw several mushers come through as well.

On the Road again, Just can't wait to get to Nome Again!

2010-03-16T20:50:00.012-08:00

I'm made it! I'm in Nome AK for my second Iditarod Experience. I planned this year's trip a bit differently. I will be here until Monday of next week at 9 pm. I have a good chance of seeing the Red Lantern cross. I made it in time today to see the winner cross. It was Lance Mackey for the fourth year in a row and I'm not a big fan of him as a person but his dogs are amazing. I also got to see Jeff King cross on his birthday in third place. I very much like him as a musher. Yet tonight will be Ken Anderson, John Baker (practically a local here), and Hugh Neff (easy on the eyes). This is my favorite week of the year in Alaska. I am staying with Kamey, a great friend from college and meeting up with a few new and old friends. Enjoy the pictures!

Comments

2010-03-07T17:10:00.001-09:00

So I finally make the commitment to getting my blog going again and they my comments go funky. SO...Comments ARE working but you have to click on the individual posts to bring it up by itself to leave a comment. It's a bit cumbersome and Os has spent a long time trying to get it to work. He found someone else who posted they were having the same problem. Until someone comes up with a solution you have to select the individual post you are reading and want to comment on. Then comments work just like they use to. Thanks, Nic

Piles

2010-02-27T10:07:00.004-09:00

I'm staying home this weekend. I have piles everywhere in my house requesting serious attention. Outside the house there is a pile of garbage bags to haul to the transfer station. Inside the house there is a pile of clean laundry to be folded. Inside the closet is a pile of dirty laundry to be laundered. Inside the dishwasher is a pile of clean dishes to put away. On top of the desk is a pile of mail to be sorted through. On top of the bar counter is a pile of tax documents to be organized to mail to the account. On end of the bar counter is a pile of packages to be mailed. On the dining room table is a pile of almost completed journal covers for my confirmation students needing the covers decorated. Next to the bed is a pile of books finished waiting to go to the used bookstore. On the floor next to the bed is a pile of new books waiting to be put on the bookshelf.

This weekend's goal is to diminish piles.

PS: I know my comments are disabled. Os is suppose to work on that for me tomorrow after the symphony mayhem is over.

Scrappin' Retreat

2010-02-21T18:47:00.016-09:00

We made it! Mt Aurora Fairbanks Creek Lodge was our destination for the weekend. I scrambled to load everything after work and we made it to the Lodge by 6 pm. It sits on top of peak and you have a clear view of Mt. McKinley when the skies permit. The outside looks rustic and abandoned but it is a true treasure on the inside. The Birdsall Family has operated it for many years and it is a hidden wonder in the hills around Fairbanks. This is Daisy, the resident Golden Retriever. She greeted all of us when we arrived and that spot on the floor is "her" spot. When she moves away from it you can tell because the polish on the hardwood looks different there.
The idea behind a scrapbook retreat is to gather with others who have the same interest in scrapbooking, haul all your stuff to the get away location, and do nothing but scrapbook. This retreat as one additional objective. EAT as much as you can of Brenda Birdsall's cooking. The meals were incredible. Friday night we had steak tips with mushrooms, real green beans dripping with garlic and butter, the biggest baked potato I have ever seen, homemade dinner rolls, real blue cheese dressing and dessert included various crumbles (I had the pumpkin and the rhubarb) with vanilla ice cream!

Justine and I stayed up until 4 in the morning scrapping but when I caught the whiff of the homemade cinnamon rolls at 8:00 on Saturday morning I couldn't possibly go back to sleep. I got up, showered, and got down stairs just in time to enjoy a raisin cinnamon roll smothered in freshly made cream cheese frosting. Combined with a couple cups of good strong coffee it was the perfect start for another day of crafting.

I signed up for this retreat through a Creative Memories consultant I met at my church. Her grandson is in my confirmation class. Turned out she has been doing this retreat twice a year for many years. I first found out I would know a couple people there. One of the doctor's wives has been going plus my confirmation student's mom. I was talking about the retreat over Super Bowl Sunday and my friend Justine got super excited too. She is new in town and didn't know anyone into scrapping. We asked if there was room and we got to be roommates for the weekend and get to know each other better. It was great to bring her along as well as to meet all the other wonderful women there.
Mt Aurora Fairbanks Creek Lodge was a great destination for the weekend being only about 20 miles from my house. Like I said, the exterior looks very rustic but the views on the inside and from the front deck are unforgettable. The weather could not have been any better. We had the windows open in the great room most of the weekend and the temps were nearly 50 degrees. I stretched on the front deck on Saturday morning barefoot with the sun shining bright onto the old wood.

You already met Daisy. She wasn't the only dog for the weekend. Meet Brandy. Brandy is a Bernese Mountain Dog who works as a service dog for a new friend I met at the retreat. Brandy's owner is Laura. Turns out Laura and I have a lot in common with our love of Alaska and the Iditarod. Laura is working the starting line in Anchorage and then is flying to a check point to aid with the race there. Laura was working on an album full of Brandy pictures. You say "cheese" to this dog and she actually poses! What a cutie!
The weekend was a wonderful retreat from the usual activities of house cleaning, laundry, and such. I got 15 pages done in my Alaska summer vacation album. Justine worked on both a big album and a little mini album about her son's heart surgery. We got to know each other as well as some new great women from the Fairbanks area. We will be back up there in October for the next scrap weekend! See ya there!

Packed for the weekend

2010-02-18T23:02:00.003-09:00

This weekend I am doing a one night scrapbook retreat. I would like to have been able to do the full weekend but prior commitments for Sunday won't allow it. Here is what it takes to go away for a weekend of scrapbooking. Cases, bags, and boxes of all sorts of things to be creative! The retreat is at a mountain lodge and according to an acquaintance who has gone in the past the food is phenomenal. Homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks in between. My goal is to start AND finish my scrapbook from the two week Alaska vacation I took this summer. Wish me luck!

HNT...Making Tracks

2010-02-17T20:49:00.002-09:00

Not quite half nekkid but I could have been it was that warm out when i was out snowshoeing this weekend. instead of big, thick wool socks I was able to wear these little moose anklets inside my boots as I trekked through the woods and across the lake on Monday in Willow, AK. I love snowshoeing. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed making tracks in fresh snow. Happy HNT!

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind

2010-02-16T22:00:00.002-09:00

I had a wonderful weekend but on Thursday the whole weekend could have all been over. I let Ruby out as soon as I crawl out of bed so I'm usually about half asleep when I open the door and let her out. I usually take a little glance though to make sure she's ok. Thursday morning I was at the door in my bathrobe and heard her enthusiastically run down the front porch steps, make her sharp right hand turn and literally heard her come to a skidding stop followed by a growl/bark combo.

I stuck my head out just in time to see and HEAR a momma moose shake her entire body and huff at Ruby as she got herself ready to protect the calf moose standing right behind her. I could HEAR her breathing and shaking. She was about 2 yards away from Ruby and about 3 yards a way from me standing on the porch.

I eagerly and with a squeaky and quivering voice started calling Ruby. She didn't bark any more and she didn't move forward but I had to call her several times before she high tailed it back to the front porch. She did a little "I got pee" dance for the next few minutes as I tried to shoo the moose. Momma came around the deck and looked over the rail into the dining room but I tapped on the window and made enough noise she and her baby took off.

Ruby was quite relieved when I was able to let her back out so she could take care of her business. Thursday night, we eagerly packed up our stuff to take off on Friday morning. I'm glad it was without a moose print on her forehead.

HNT...Weekend getaway

2010-02-11T21:21:00.002-09:00

It is time for a "me" weekend. Thanks to the kindness of a friend I am heading to Willow, AK to stay in their cabin for the weekend. It's about 4.5 hours south of here, just north of Wasilla. So to start the weekend I stopped in and got a pedicure. The last one I had was back in November. So tomorrow morning I'll load up the dog, some books, a journal and my snowshoes to head to the Willow House as we affectionately call the cabin. I'm looking forward to the escape. Happy HNT!

Mush on...gone to the dogs

2010-02-10T18:54:00.015-09:00

I have not forsaken my blog but I may well be going to the dogs. I hit the ground running on January 4th with a return to work and have filled the weekends in between with a multitude of Alaska winter fun. I have spent a significant amount of quality time with Ruby after all of her excitement while I was away on vacation. She continues to have her love for annihilating stuffed toys. My latest try was a Gallatin Grizzly from Westpaw Designs out of Bozeman, Montana. Within 24 hours his hind leg was amputated and just yesterday the squeeker finally came out. Now Ruby doesn't seem as interested in him. But she hasn't tore apart any of her new Zogoplex throw toys!

Alaska is beginning to "warm" up. Last year January saw three weeks straight with days -40 or colder. When I got off the plane last year on January 2nd it was -56! This January has been surprisingly warm and pleasant allowing for some outdoor fun. Outdoor fun in Alaska in winter is not complete without mushing. I have been busy teaching confirmation class at the church I found and two Sunday's ago the confirmation class and a few others were invited to my friend Gloria's house to go on a ride. Gloria's daughter and I went to Carroll together and now found each other at the same church. While only two of my students came along, we had a good group and a great time.

You can't mush without a little pre-mushing lesson in how the brakes work in case of an emergency. Sled dogs follow a few commands, "Gee" means to the right, "Haw" means to the left, and any version of "Let's go" sets them running. They don't know the words "Stop", "Slow down" or "whoa". They just run.

So if you need help the helper comes and puts one foot on the break while you swing one off. You don't take your second off until the helper is leaning over the handles and ready with their second leg to stop and hold on!

This is Jack. You may remember hearing about him this summer when my friend Megan was here. I almost adopted Jack but Jack took to getting off his chain and running the neighborhood. Jack makes a good sled dog as long as he is in the back.

I was the last person on our loop so I got to ride from the vehicle to home. About 10 feet after this picture was taken Gloria told me I wanted to drive. Not, do you want to drive, but "you want to drive". So we did the brake trade off and I got to drive the team. Wishes I had a picture but we had left everyone else behind.

One of my students took this picture as we got ready to take off. I could have road or drove for miles. A truly amazing experience I will be sure to repeat. Thank you Gloria!

This past Saturday was the kickoff for the first of two LONG sled dog races. The Yukon Quest is a 1,000 mile race between Fairbanks AK and Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Each year the race alternates the start and this year was our turn. 24 teams of mushers took off from downtown Fairbanks and came through on the Chena River through post. We got together for a day on the river with all kinds of fun.

The tent had a wood stove in the middle of it, we had Arctic portable grills, we had two bonfires, we had hot chocolate and peppermint Schnapps. We made hot dogs, had cookies, and all kinds of treats.

This is musher Brett Sass in the #12 start. He was behind Lance Mackey. Sometime I'll tell you what I think of Lance Mackey. Maybe next month when I'm in Nome for the Iditarod.

This weekend I am taking Ruby and we are going to Willow, AK. We are going to stay at the same cabin we stayed at in October for the Murder on the Train weekend. It will just be the two of us, my snowshoes, a camera, and a few books/journals. Should be a nice get away. Maybe I will get myself motivated to get up to date on the year.

2010 Getting to know ya

2010-01-06T19:05:00.004-09:00

I was tagged by Rachel on facebook but am going to share my answers here. Steal if you like!

Happy 2010! If you've been tagged or you are reading this, you have the honor of copying all these goofy questions, writing your own response, and tagging 25 other victims. You have to tag me so really you just need 24 more people. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you!

1. At what time did you get up this morning?
The alarm went off at 6, I got up at 7:15 am

2. How do you like your steak?
Medium and smothered in sauteed mushrooms

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
New Moon

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Criminal Minds

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Back in Montana

6. What did you have for breakfast?
Coffee and fig newtons

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike?
Tapioca pudding

9. Favorite place to eat?
The Windbag in Helena

10. Favorite Dressing?
Blue cheese

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive?
Toyota Rav 4 sport

12. What are your favorite clothes?
PJ pants and hoodies

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
New Zealand

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
Usually 1/2 full

15. Where would you want to retire?
Montana

16. Favorite time of day?
Night

17. Where were you born?
South Dakota

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Football

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?
??

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?
???

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
???

22. Bird watcher?
Nope

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night person

24. Do you have any pets?
Three cats and a dog

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
Nada

26. What did you want to be when you were little?
A doctor

27. What is your best childhood memory?
Riding in the tractor with my dad

28. Are you a cat or dog person?
Bring 'em both on

29. Are you married?
Nope

30. Always wear your seat belt?
Always!

31. Been in a car accident?
Yes.

32. Any pet peeves?
Putting the toilet paper on with the roll coming off the top instead of the bottom

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
MEAT!

34. Favorite Flower?
Yellow Roses

35. Favorite ice cream?
Vanilla

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Wendy's

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Once the first time, twice on the written's in Alaska last year.

38. From whom did you get your last email?
Angie

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Lowe's

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Nope

41. Do you like your job?
Yes

42. Broccoli?
Definitely

43. What was your favorite vacation?
San Diego, Montana anytime

44. Last person with whom you went to dinner?
Scott

45. To what are you listening right now?
Cake Boss on TLC

46. What is your favorite color?
Green or orange

47. How many tattoos do you have?
1

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz?
Don't know

49. At what time did you finish this quiz?
7:10 pm

50. Coffee Drinker?
How else do you get through the day?!?!?!

Pages Turned in 2009

2010-01-01T11:38:00.002-09:00

This year was new and exciting for me in so many ways. It was my first January to January in AK and I found myself enjoying it immensely. It wasn't without its challenges but that is for later. With countless adventures to be had my reading list wasn't nearly as abundant as it has been the last few years. I find it a bit ironic that I started and finished the year with a dog book while adding my own dog to my life. Here is the list that I finished this year...

Marley and Me by John Grogan
The Secret Lives of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Pandora Prescription by James Sheridan
Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner
The Shack by William P. Young
Daughters of Juarez: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border by Teresa Rodriguez
Water Witches by Chris Bohjalian
One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odessy by Sam Keith from the journals of Richard Proenneke
Bones of Betrayal by Jefferson Bass
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
Forever Ours: Real Stories of Immortality and Living From a Forensic Pathologist by Janis Amatuzio
From Dog Sleds and Float Planes: Alaskan Adventures in Medicine by Jean Persons, MD
Anatomy of Deception by Lawrence Goldstone
8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
The Archangel Project by C.S. Graham
First to Kill by Andrew Peterson
Sepulchre by Kate Mosse
Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Through Yup'ik Eyes: An Adopted Son Explores the Landscape of Family by Colin Crisholm
Now & Then by Jacqueline Sheehan
Iron Lake by William Kent Kruger
Boundary Waters by Willia Kent Kruger
The Ugly Ducking by Iris Johansen
And Then You Die by Iris Johansen
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
206 Bones by Kathy Reichs
Intern Blues: The Timeless Classic about the Making of a Doctor by Robert Marionby
The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
Murder at 40 Below by Tom Brennan
A Skating Story: My Story by Dorothy Hamill and Deborah Amelon
E is for Evidence by Sue Grafton
F is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton
Merle's Door: Lessons from a Free-thinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
Twisted by Andrea Kane

Notables for the year included The Secret Lives of Bees, The Shack, One Man's Wilderness, and First to Kill. I was highly disappointed in The Pandora Prescription and it took some serious dedication to finish the Twilight Series. I discovered several new authors which I enjoyed including William Kent Krueger who sets his mysteries in Northern Minnesota. Of course, I continue to be fascinated with Alaska stories of life,adventure, and lessons learned. I have found myself caught up in a couple new series which I told myself I wouldn't do but now I'm haunting the used book store picking up the copies I need to complete the lists. The list is smaller this year by about 20 books but the real life adventures had between reads were exceptionally worth it!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T19:02:00.000-09:00

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

I do believe...

2009-12-17T20:33:00.001-09:00

...in Christmas miracles.

Yesterday afternoon the kennel owner where Ruby use to stay decided to come out and see if she could find Ruby. Ruby was again curled up on the front step and after a couple laps around the house, Roxanne threw her coat on the ground for Ruby to smell. Ruby came to her and she was able to get her in her van and take her home. Ruby is safe and sound at the kennel free of charge until I get home.

Thank you to all that said prayers, went out to the area and looked, or forwarded messages to friends to look. It is much appreciated and I will be so happy to see my pooch when I get home.

HELP

2009-12-15T10:07:00.003-09:00

Ruby ran away on my housesitters last night! They let her out to potty and she didn't come back to the door. Took off instead. Friends looked for several hours and saw her running through the woods down the road once or twice but couldn't catch her. PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE say some prayers for Ruby to let her know it's okay to go home and that even though mommy is gone she misses her horribly and wants her there when I get back!

Officially Family

2009-12-01T20:14:00.004-09:00

A few weeks ago I introduced you to Ruby. We had some trials after that introduction. She decided to have some potty issues. She would do her business outside, come inside, and 10 minutes later sneak away and do her business AGAIN in the house. She wouldn't eat in the morning. The cats wouldn't sleep with her near by. I talked to friends about it, I talked to the kennel owner about it, I talked to her previous family about it. I was ready to take her home. But every time I even thought about it I would get tears in my eyes. There was no way I could make that drive back to the kennel.

So I buckled down over the week of Veteran's Day and put her to a strict schedule. I didn't feed her at night and she figured out you better eat in the morning. I put her out as soon as we woke up in the morning, let her eat, and IMMEDIATELY took her back outside. When she pooped outside I jumped up and down like a school girl yelling "good dog, good job Ruby" and graciously offered up the doggy biscuits. At night I took her out immediately upon getting home and 20 minutes later made her go outside again. I held each of the cats and cuddled, petted and coo'ed until they relaxed. Two of the three are totally cool and back to normal. In fact, I swear Montana was cuddled up with Ruby when I rolled over last night. Romeo is trying...he will hang out in the same room. I can get him to lay in bed spooned up against me for an hour or so now without Ruby standing there breathing on him the whole time before he scoots off the bed.

After the two weekends in one week I emailed the kennel owner to ask if I could have one more week with Ruby as she seemed to be turning a corner. I had at that point a week without an in house potty accident. I wanted to see if we could keep going. Sometime in the middle of that extra week Ruby let out a big sigh and settled in. She startled chewing on her rawhides, she continued to be potty accident free. She stopped pacing. She was eating good.

A week ago yesterday I emailed the kennel to say I was officially keeping Ruby. She is officially a family member. Ruby will be a part of Christmas. Now, I'm going away for the holidays but I have a house sitter lined up and ready to stay here with the critters. Over the long weekend I put up the Christmas tree. The cats love it because they can crawl up into it I thought it would be nice for the housesitter to have a holiday filled house. Ruby had to check it all out!

Ruby knows there is a cat in that tree. She just can't figure out how to make herself fit!

Tonight I was busy cutting away on card pieces when I looked over and saw Ruby curled up with one of the cat's toys. This little snowman has become one of her favorites. She had it all tucked in with her. Hugging it, licking it and I swear I heard her call it George!

HNT...40 cards!

2009-11-25T23:02:00.002-09:00

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all the through the house,
The critters were restless

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving, when all through the house

All the creatures was stirring, even a fly;

The stuffing ingredients were all tucked in the fridge,

Awaiting a warm oven to be tucked in;

The kittens were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of wish bones danced in their heads;

And mamma in her jammies, and slippers too,

Had just settled down for a long winter's night,

When out on the craft room there arose such a clatter,

That she sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the paper cutter she flew like a flash,

Tore open the package and threw up the stash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to cardstock below,

When, what to her wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature glue dot, and eight tiny scissors,

With a little ole ribbon, so shiny and bright,

She knew in a moment it must be time.

More rapid than eagles her fingers they flew,

And she cut, and trimmed, and tied bows two by two;

"Now, Cardstock! now, Designer Series Paper! now, Glue dots and Trimmers!

Now, Textured paper! Now Stickers! Now, envelopes to match!

To the inside of mailboxes to the top of the mantel!

Now send away! send away! send away all!"

With the tote full of cards, and envelopes too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the table

The swishing and clipping leading to scraps in a shamble.

As she drew in her hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And she laughed when she saw him, in spite of herself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave her to know nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled stamped all the cards; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and oh' what sight, not even Thanksgiving and cards done up tight!"

Yup, that's right. Christmas cards in process the night before Thanksgiving but only because of a Dec. 5th workshop on the horizon! Happy Thanksgiving and Happy HNT!

Family visits while in AZ

2009-11-01T13:11:00.008-09:00

My trip a couple weeks ago to Arizona for the Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery Annual Meeting was a bit of a trip down memory lane. I went to graduate school in Mesa. I had all the intentions of going out to the old school to see what has changed, what's been added, see who is still there. That didn't happen but I did get a change to meet up with family that is down there and that I don't get to see very often. However, I have to say after meeting up with everyone, I feel old. Toby and Shayne are both taller than I am! And there hair is almost longer than mine!

Toby was just a little boy when I left 6 years ago! Now he's a teenager in high school with punk rock hair and skinny jeans! Those deep brown eyes hiding back there are still "my Toby's" though!

Lee, Susie, and Toby met me at Eva's in Casa Grande. It is the best little Mexican place ever! Just to mention that it was about 100 degrees while we were standing outside to take these pictures. WAY TOO HOT! And they are in jeans.

I packed skirts and halter top dresses for the whole week. Took one pair of jeans and one pair of dress pants. Only wore the jeans on the flight to and from the desert! But I sure am sporting my AK tan, uh?

My mom's niece, Teresa, and her three kids still live in the Phoenix valley as well. They humored me and drove up to the hotel to meet me for dinner. They even let me chose Outback Steakhouse as our place to eat. It's sad when you use to travel and go to "local" places for dinner at these conferences. Now, I crave chain restaurants. Sad, uh?

Shayne, Shelby, and Sherydan are all doing very well. Sherydan is getting close to graduating high school, Shayne is taller than I am and plays soccer nearly full time, and little Shelby has turned into a championship level swimmer. Where did time go?

I kept the heels on just so I didn't look totally short! And for the record, Shelby asked to turn the heat on in the car after dinner. I am such a Northern!

What da ya think?

2009-10-30T18:44:00.003-08:00

Meet Ruby. Ruby came to stay at the house tonight for the next two weeks. She's a 7 to 9 year old chocolate lab that I am thinking of adopting. She is a big ole lover that is completely mellow. She's curled up on the couch next to me right now and Reggie is standing guard on the kitchen table. He hisses when Ruby walks but and the other two cats haven't come out yet. I'm hoping by morning they will all four be curled up on my bed sleeping in late with me.

I have been looking for a dog since this spring when my landlords gave me permission. I found a few I liked but none that were "just right". My boss found Ruby via his kennel while I was gone in Phoenix and talked to them about letting me try her out. I spent some time with her there last weekend and agreed to trial her. I picked her up after work, picked up a few things at the pet store, and now we are hanging out. Movies, supper, and a little kitty lovin' hopefully is in store for the night!

Wish me luck!

Good curling...

2009-10-13T21:39:00.007-08:00

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I joined the Fairbanks Curling Club during their September Open House in order to join three other coworkers on a curling team. Yes, the former Olympic sport..Curling. There is a lot to learn, way more finesse involved then I thought, and it is fun. Last week we won, tonight we lost. But whenever you start and finish a game you wish each other "Good curling". It's the Arctic version of "Aloha!"

As the weeks go on, I will pass along some lingo but for right now the "target" is known as the "house" and the green line in front of it is the "hack". Just a couple pictures from tonight's game.

Scenery from the weekend...

2009-10-12T15:22:00.008-08:00

Thanks to a fellow coworker we had a wonderful cabin to stay at for the weekend trip to go on the train ride. This is the few from the front of the Willow House as they call it. It's a great family cabin with a grand piano, running water, and a smooth as glass lake. Can't not enjoy this sort of view.

It was hard to take pictures of everything else along the way but we did make a 45 minute stop atop Hurricane Gulch which made for some great shots. Leaning out the window and looking down was amazing!

Murder on the Train

2009-10-11T21:16:00.015-08:00

This weekend was the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce's annual Murder on the Alaska Railroad trip. Seven of us from the hospital decided it was due time for a little girl's getaway weekend. Friday morning we loaded down the minivan and cargo carrier for the 5 hour drive to Wasilla. I will be posting pictures of the scenery later but here we are all ready to go on Saturday morning for the 8 hour train ride. Ladies of the night, lawman, and outlaws all aboard!!

We were surprised to find how few people had dressed in costume but those that did seemed to go over the top. What's your vote? Guy or gal?

The master of ceremonies for our train car, Tombstone, had adult games planned for a few hours of the trip. Four of us had to melt an ice cub without using our hands or mouth.

Angie sacked out with her Dramamine but I'm not sure what Jen found so funny!

These passengers fit the bill for the themed Wild West Ride as well!

The Murder event was acted out by a cast of 5 and this young lady was the innocent, sweet niece of Aunt Gerdy but boy, she sure wanted her portion of Aunt Gerdy's Gold Mine. Did she kill for it?

Or could it have been the charlotte of the family, Chasity? Turned out to be the gals brother because Aunt Gerdy put her hand on his Butterfinger. A bit cheesy but we made if fun and are glad we all went!

One more game before we rolled back into town. A T-shirt relay but you had to hold the hands of the person you were transferring the shirt too while your teammates did the moving!

16.4 seconds got it done for our team!

But unfortunately these fine ladies took second to a team that watched our technique and did it in just over 13 secs!

Only had one minor delay on the this train ride...at $7 a drink the man in white managed to get himself into a bit of disorderly conduct trouble. We had to wait 45 minutes in Talkeetna for State Patrol to come pick him up. Yup, he's in handcuffs!

September in AK

2009-10-03T18:53:00.015-08:00

I am not sure where to start with the month of September but fall came and went during the first three weeks of the month so I thought I would share a drive home on a beautiful fall day. The first snow fall of the year this year was on September 22. September 21st was the one year anniversary of my arrival to the Great North and the 29th was the one year anniversary at the hospital working for the United States Army. Where does time go, uh?

Ok...I knew mushroom harvesting as a past time up here but who knows which ones are good and which ones aren't. Never expected them to sprout up right in my driveway. Just exploded more like it; displacing rocks and leaves and all. Crazy but made for cool pictures!

My drive home is beautiful on pretty much any day. The drive to work is nice to and on a clear day I can see Mount McKinley clear as day even though it's 200 miles away.

Backside of Birch Hill. On a clear day Mount McKinley is at the very right edge of the hill towering through the clouds and above all else.

The colors were gorgeous but it's weird when the first hint shows up the second week of August and is in full color like this by the second week of August.

Dr. Sexton, Dr. Meyer, and I took advantage of a glorious day and tried our hand at 9 holes on post. We didn't lose any balls into the Chena River but did into the trees!

She lives!

2009-09-30T21:14:00.002-08:00

No, I didn't get pulled away by a run away dog sled team. No, I did not get mauled by a bear and drug into the woods. No, a rampaging moose did not take me out.

I was simply way laid by a broken AC adapter and when one only has a laptop at home, having a power connection to an outlet is an important thing. If it had been repairable it would have been a week without my computer. Unfortunately, it was not able to be saudered as the adapter had broken free of the motherboard inside the laptop. This being Alaska, simply "ordering" a part is not so simple. I made the request for expediate shipping. In spite of the 3 to 5 day arrival guarantee, it took 9 days. At least once they had the part, it only took one day to put it in.

I am officially "connected" again and have spent since Friday getting myself caught up with emails, Facebook, blogs, and general online activities. My blog has been horribly neglected and I have no clue where to start with all that has happened and all that i have been thinking about in the last month. There has been a lot to ponder in the absence of my computer. I'll get it out soon as I can!

Clear skies in Denali...

2009-08-23T18:32:00.024-08:00

A night at the Denali Hotel, $99. These two rail cars are actual homes. The third one you can't see is the "lobby". I highly recommend it; clean, friendly, fridge and microwave, wi-fi and close to the Park.

Wilderness Access Center at the entrance to Denali National Park. Entry point to fabulous travel through an amazing place!

Bus ride on Toklat Shuttle $14 per person...who needs the fancy tour bus when you get to see all this from the regular shuttle?

Digging up roots for lots of energy...

Caribou don't cool off very well. This one's trying to catch some shade.

This one is just a little guy. He's got some growing to do.

Destination reached...Toklat River. Only thing there is some outhouses and a National Geographic Bookstore sent up in a big tent.

Brenda and I tried to make a set of antlers but they are from the same side of a head. Don't quite match up.

To the left in this picture is a caved out little valley with a cabin in it. Adolph Murie spent 6 years in that cabin researching the wolf population in the park. His wife, Margaret, wrote about much of their time in AK doing research. Some of my favorite books about the state. This is the East Fork River.

Don't eat these ones, they are toxic...
Lunch at Subway cost us about $7 a piece.

Not a bad place to stop and eat it, uh?

After getting off the shuttle to eat at the East Fork River we decided to just hike up the road until the next shuttle came by. It was a beautiful day!

We got on the next bus and not a mile up the road was this momma grizzly with two cubs eating berries. Amazing...

Cubs...

Wait Mom! We are coming?

Last stop before calling it a day was to hike the river walk along the Salvage. 2 miles round trip...

Just taking a little break, she made the whole loop!

And the best part of the entire day? Clear skies to see THE mountain....Mount McKinley in all her glory...PRICELESS!

Riverboat Discovery

2009-08-21T20:54:00.012-08:00

After a lazy day at home and a morning ride out North Pole, the three of us gals took an afternoon trip down the Chena River to the mouth of the Tanana. Before leaving, Brenda posed for a shot on the back of Susan Butcher's Iditarod winning sled.

We couldn't have asked for nicer weather when we rolled out on the paddle boat.

A bush pilot takes off from the shore line of the Chena next to the boat.

Several dogs from Susan Butcher's famed sled dog line. Unfortunately, Susan is no longer with us, after passing away after a battle with leukemia. Her kennel is alive and well though.

This is the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers. One is glacier fed and therefore comes with a great deal of sediment in the water. When they meet it takes a while to dilute out.

Mouth of the Tanana River.

The inside of a portable fur lined tent.

A local woman still practices the art of fur work. This is a beautiful woman's winter parka. The patterns, furs, and stitching all tell a story about the woman, her family, and her tribe...

This is a close up of the "sunshine ruff" around the hood of the coat...

The back of the parka. Again, the distinct patter is specific to the tribe.

Hitchin' a ride...

A salmon wheel used to catch fresh fish off the river throughout the salmon run.

Alaska Adventures continued at home

2009-08-15T11:49:00.018-08:00

The first week of the trip was pretty wet and rainy but we headed back to Fairbanks at the end of the week and caught clear skies along the way. This is the Nenana river valley just north of Denali National Park

Once we got back to Fairbanks we had one day of just being lazy. We slept in late, went to work related picnic and overall just didn't do much. The following day though we had to head to the North Pole! Santa was on vacation that day but we still did a bit of exploring.

Aunt Brenda and Susan posing with the elves.

Susan made friends with a polar bear!

Brenda and I played Santa and sat in his chair for a bit.

A trip to the North Pole isn't complete without a ride in the sleigh!

Kenai Penisula: Day 4

2009-08-09T21:21:00.017-08:00

5:30 am came really early on day 4 of our trip but this was waiting for us.

We joined a group of other eager morning people (after I took off my "I don't do morning" pj's and dressed in sweats and a water proof jacket!). This nice fellow was from Iowa. His wife stayed at the hotel to sleep in and then update their travel journal. Susan was ready to go though!

Capt Justin, born and raised in Wasilla, was swift with the bludgeon. One of my 6 salmon that I caught in 30 minutes did this to him! Nice look, don't ya think?

The command when we caught one was "Fish on!". Brenda had a fish on about the same time four other people did. Rule...just don't reel in more than the 18 inches of lead you got and leave the fish in the water or it will break your line!

Not a bad day for silver's on Resurrection Bay. 6 silver salmon per person, total time from first catch to last catch...1 hour 10 minutes.

After a fast morning of fishing, we came back in for some halibut and then a scoop of Maui Waui! Super yummy!

The next stop was at the Iditaride experience at the Mitch Seavey place. Mitch's father helped Joe Reddington, Sr found the Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome in memory of the famous Serum Run. That day his son Travis showed us around the place. Future racer right there!

This little blonde stole everyone's heart. How can you not love a face like that?

Susan and Brenda are strapped in for our 2 mile sled dog ride!

Travis is hooking up a team of 16 dogs to lead us through their flooded woods. The day prior the place had to close because severe floods took out their road. These dogs were so ready to run. You should here a lot of 85 dogs howl when they want to be picked for the next ride!

And we are off! Susan accused me of looking like a little kid in a candy store....I think she was right.

Good run, team! Back to the dog lot for a rest and treats!

In spite of the rain and mud, these dogs get hot even with a short run like we did. This guy has already accomplished an Iditarod run. This past year dad Mitch, son Dallas, and Dallas' wife Jen all raced in Nome. I saw Mitch and Dallas cross and then helped Dallas size out a vest he purchased for his wife. She finished the day I flew home. This year Danny and Travis, the younger boys, will be racing qualifiers to compete in future Iditarods.

We made one last stop before heading up to Anchorage. The Seward Sealife Center is a beautiful facility. This seal was playing in front of his "fans". He really wanted the fish that was being handed out in the pond next to him :)

The puffins were my favorite creatures on our sea cruise the day prior but getting a picture of one is quite difficult. The avairy at the Sealife Center is set up like a rookery (where sea birds come to mate before returning to their life on the water after giving birth). This is a horned puffin. Very funny, little bird!

Kenai Penisula: Day 3

2009-08-08T16:47:00.002-08:00

Day 3 started with heavy rains and rough seas but in spite of a small craft advisory our tour company was headed out. We boarded the Kenai Star for an 8.5 hour wildlife and glacier cruise.

Before hitting extremely rough seas outside of Resurrection Bay we came upon a hump back whale. Hard to get great pictures when they don't make a big dive but that' s him stickin' out of the water with the mist from his blow hole.

I learned a few things on this trip. Alaska waters have jelly fish in them. I had no idea! This is a called a Lion Jelly because of it's orange color and mane like fringe with long tenticles.

This is a much more delicate jelly called a Moon Jelly. When found in large groups the water will actually glow slightly green from the birefringence. Very graceful little critter...

A little cove marking our return to calm waters after Brenda and I hurled in our little barf bags out on the ocean. Sea sickness is not fun!

Our destination for the day was Aialik Glacier. What a beautiful piece of nature. The pictures do not do it justice. Standing on the bow of the boat listening to it calf and crash into the water was amazing and has been a life long dream of mine. Truly amazing!

Debris from Aialik Glacier's calfing into the water

The peak of the central high point.

The colors within the ice are amazing too. Not a lot of words to describe all this!

Stellar sea lions taking a break from the rough waters to dry themselves on a rock.

They are very funny creatures on land but really do have the ability to climb about those sheer rock walls to hang out above the surf.

Home sweet home...We spent the two nights in Seward, AK at the Van Gilder Hotel. One of the original historic buildings in town down. Even they weren't safe from the rain...the third floor had a bit of rain damage our first night and we got moved to the second. Both rooms were very victorian and very cozy. Would stay again for sure!

HNT: Trekkin' across Alaska

2009-08-06T11:33:00.009-08:00

A good pair of Keen's will take you to many wonderful places. Mine have previously trekked through Glacier National Park, Eagle River Wisconsin, and more. Over the last 12 days I have explored new parts of Alaska with my aunt and a family friend. What a time we had! The daily recap will continue after HNT but here are a few places we went...

East Fork River near Adolph Murie's cabin about 40 miles into Denali National Park...

We had such a beautiful day!

Toklat, Denali National Park, Alaska.

Off with the Seavey dog team for a sled ride! 16 dogs have a lot of pull...

Bloody catch!

Silver salmon trip in Resurrection Bay, Seward, Alaska. 6 silvers in 30 minutes. Not a bad day of fishing...

Kenai Penisula: Day 2

2009-08-02T22:15:00.005-08:00

Day 2 started with sleeping in late and then beginning the journey back to Seward. Duncan's and Two Sister's were suggested to us for breakfast. We settled for stuffed french toast with cream cheese, berries, and whip cream at Duncan's before picking up snacks at Two Sister's.

Very homey diner type place with great service and amazing food!

This is the glacier across the bay from Land's End Resort in Homer, AK. I will have to look up the name before I add it to a scrapbook.

We arrived in Seward, checked in and went straight for seafood. My aunt's friend greatly enjoyed the creme brulee and I highly recommend the bottle of Chardonnay...Aurora, made in Australia but owned and operated by an Alaska family.

Kenai Pennisula: Day 1

2009-08-02T00:10:00.009-08:00

This past Monday began a nearly 1400 mile journey across Alaska. I left Fairbanks on Monday morning around 6:30 am and picked up my Aunt and her friend at the Anchorage airport 6 hours later. The rain started in Talkeetna south of Denali and has continued throughout the week. The Kenai Pennisula has had a record number of consecutive days of rain. Amazing! So lots of fog and lots of cold but it was still a sight to see.

Moose just past Turnagain Arm. There is a baby tucked in there somewhere!

Portage Glacier between Anchorage and Seward

Ice chunks floating in the water.

Turnagain Arm as you leave Anchorage

Turnagain Arm

Sort of ironic to see a fishtailed trailer called "Fist Tails". Made for a slight delay on the way from to Homer but everyone was okay.

Slept in my first Murphy bed ever. Cozy room but it worked.

Homer was wet and rainy but driving across Homer Spit to the Land's End Resort is an experience. If you go past the end you went too far! We saw moose and bald eagles on the drive down. Slept like a rock that night with the sound of sea gulls and the waves lapping the beach. Not a bad first day!

Homer-bound

2009-07-26T13:51:00.005-08:00

Vacation is about to officially begin. Once I get through an enormous stack of back logged charts that are 100% my fault for not doing the two weeks prior to my board exams. I would have gotten more done this week but with nightly softball tournaments Monday through Thursday it didn't happen. So it is 2 pm on Sunday afternoon and I'm doggedly working my way through my stack. I will have to go into work to then put them into the work computer system. Then I'm going on an Alaska roadtrip!

Tomorrow at lunch time my Aunt and a coworker from her job are flying into Anchorage. From there we will begin an Alaska adventure. Yes, I live here but I haven't explored any of the southern part of the state. That's the "pretty" part you see on TV and such. We will have a scrumptious lunch at the local pizzeria in Anchorage called the Moose's Tooth...great pizza and better beer! It's where I celebrated lasts Friday at after the test. We will then head south to Homer, AK. Home of the Salty Dawg Saloon and miles and miles of ocean. We may or may not do some fishin' while we are there.

A night in Homer will do us good and then we are off to Seward, AK. We will make sure to check out the Marine Life Center before our second day takes us on a 9 hour cruise of the Kenai glaciers with whales, sealions, seals, and more. Glacier calving will be the highlight for me...I can't wait to hear the crash of the breaking ice as it falls into the bay. Could be a bit chilly though.

We will relax in Fairbanks after driving home on Friday for the long weekend. Monday afternoon we will start the slow drive back to Anchorage with a two day delay in Denali National Park. Some light hiking, bus rides to the end of the road, and a dog sled adventure await. Should be fun...now to finish these darn charts!

Homer Spit...We are staying at the tip of that piece of land.

Bald Eagles abound thanks to conservation efforts of locals.

Snow capped shoreline near Seward.

Incoming Glacier straight to the Bay!

HNT...who knew?

2009-07-22T21:55:00.002-08:00

"Who knew?" That was the response I got when the girls came to pick me up for the party on Saturday night. I wear scrubs three days a week. That's typically what they see me in. When we get together to scrapbook we are all in sweats and such. They didn't know I had THOSE! Doesn't my new dress for under $20 shown them off well? Happy HNT!

Consumed

2009-07-20T22:56:00.002-08:00

The last five weeks I have been consumed. Consumption is not a good thing. They once named a deadly disease "consumption". It takes over ever waking and sleeping moment. It causes you to toss and turn. You doubt yourself. You question your abilities. You become consumed in all aspects. I was consumed by the preparation for my PANRE. The PANRE is a standardized test required by the NCCPA to be taken by all Physician Assistants every 6 years to maintain our national certification to then allow us to be licensed.

First, I can't believe it's been six years since I took the first one. The whole period of a couple months around that time of my life is a blur. To say it was stressful would be an understatement. My husband had left me, I had no money, I had no job lined up, and I didn't know what was next. This time my stresses were minor...the Army forgot to pay for my plane ticket and I didn't find out until I went to check in for my flight. The hotel sent me to the wrong room that wasn't cleaned yet. The testing center wasn't open when I got there extra early on Friday. Those things seem so minor now.

Second, I didn't feel like I had put the time into studying that I needed to. I laid in bed the night before the test thinking to myself all the stuff I didn't get too. I laid in bed the night after the test second guessing all my answers. The difference between recertifying for the first time is that it's all fresh in your head from school and you don't have anything to do but study. This time I had to go to work, go to softball, take call, etc. I couldn't sit for hours and hours and outline things.

Well...a mere three days after taking the test I got my results. I passed! I am nationally certified to practice as a PA for the next 6 years. No more studying cardiology and nephrology for another six years! What a relief! The consumption is over!

HNT...Berry, Berry good

2009-07-15T20:28:00.004-08:00

Last night I came home to find a second story screen window popped off and had a head count of TWO instead of THREE kitties. Montana was AWOL. I spent nearly two hours in the yard last night calling for him and searching through the grasses for him in case he was hurt and couldn't come to me. Around midnight last night a game of kitty Marco Polo began and I found my kitty in the raspberry bushes. Yeah, didn't know I had raspberries in my yard. I have LOTS of raspberries. All along the south side of my house and to the north of my storage shed. Thick bushes loaded down with berries. So today after reminding kitty he can't go outside and making sure the screen was secure, I went outside for some treats. They don't get as big as the ones you buy in the grocery store but they are packed with sweetness. I'm going to take a shower and have some fresh berries on ice cream for supper. Happy HNT!

HNT...climbing up

2009-07-08T22:30:00.002-08:00

I took a little time to enjoy the view when I made it to the top this weekend at Savage Rock in Denali National Park. Truly a national treasure and only a 2 hour drive down the road! A good pair of Keen's and a sense of adventure is all you need! Happy Trails...Happy HNT!

It's smokey here...

2009-07-06T23:28:00.003-08:00

Smokey was at the parade but a few hours later the REAL smoke settled in. With all the natural, undeveloped land across the state many forest fires are either unaccessible or uncontrollable so they are let to burn. Burning they are after a week's worth of lightening across the state. The smoke settled in thick through the Interior this week. My friend Megan and I went to Denali today but the mountains were failed in soot. It made for some interesting views though....

HNT...a girl's best friend

2009-07-02T15:36:00.003-08:00

8 years ago this month I said I do. Six years ago last month it all came on done. I have been through a lot since then. I have grown and matured. I have reflected and don't cry about it anymore. But I hadn't gotten rid of the ring. It laid in my jewelry box for the last 6 years through 3 or 4 moves. This past Valentine's Day (the anniversary of when he first cheated on me) I finally pulled it out of the drawer and took it to several jewelers. At the time, the offers weren't what I wanted. As much as I wanted to let go, I wanted it to be done fairly.

A couple weeks ago a friend and I were shopping for Alaska jewels and went to a different store. I happen to have the ring in my purse still so I turned it in to them to see what they could do for me. When I got back from Chicago, I stopped back in to see. They were the first jewelers who agreed to pay me for both the gold and the diamonds. I could take a cash value OR have TWICE cash value in store credit.

This is what I decided on....

My first set of diamonds that I purchased for myself. I picked them up about 10 days ago and I haven't taken them off since. They sparkle and swing and catch the light. Aren't they beautiful?

Happy HNT!

Midnight Sun Baseball Game

2009-06-22T01:40:00.016-08:00

Checkin' the clock to see if it's game time yet! First pitch is 6 minutes away!

Not sure why the picture is sideways but that was the sun just before the National Anthem!

The competitor came all the way from Lake Erie to take on the Goldpanners.

GAME ON!

Midnight Sun! Complete sunset was still about 50 minutes away.

GAME OVER! GO GOLDPANNERS!

Home at 2:00 AM! Yes, that's pink clouds and daylight still AFTER sunset!

Midnight Sun Festival activities

2009-06-21T19:35:00.020-08:00

Summer Solstice is a big deal in the land of Northern Lights! Those of us who chose to live this far north endure some interesting weather. The cold in the winter is the least of the strangeness. Cold is cold. But all day dark and all day light are a unique experience. I did okay adjusting to the dark b/c I've always lived in areas where I went to work in the dark and came home in the dark during the winter months. For me, it was easy to adjust to. Now, going to work in the daylight and coming home in the daylight, and being called back in during the middle of the night in daylight are a whole new experience. On Thursday night I drove home from the ER after taking care of a patient and needed to wear my sunglasses. It takes some getting use to and can play games with your mind when you think it's time to go to bed. But it's ALSO an excuse for a weekend long PARTY!

Saturday night of Solstice weekend is prime time for the Midnight Sun Fun Run. A 10K is started at the college at 10 pm and finishes in Pioneer Park. The hitch...if you start the race in costume, you have to finish the race in costume.

Here are the stats from the night before. The numbers are a little rain soaked but the sunrise was at 2:57 am and sunset was at 12:47 pm. Just two hours of "night" but night doesn't get dark. Think 2 hours of dusk!

This was before we were wet. It was raining but only barely. Julia and I posed for a shot under the arches before it got really wet.

This is Julia's husband, who was up to visit. Doesn't he look freezing? It was pouring rain around 9:00 pm and continued until almost 11.

It warmed up as the night went on. Anyone want to guess what time this is? It was around 11:00 pm. Those are the finishing shoots for the runners and we were "people movers" to keep the line going so there wasn't a back up at the finish line.

This pink flamingo made it with all her feathers intact but very heavy....

The Runaway Bride crossed with his bouquet and then waited for his love one while shivering. We saw him later at Denny's and someone had given him a coat.

Hey Dad! This was fun, but I've got my jammies on and I'm ready for bed!

These two had a few beers along the way but they made it. Giggling while they crossed. Notice Julia's t-shirt. It's THAT wet!

I was a bit worried about the mermaids shells but they stayed on the whole race.

Just b/c I wasn't running didn't mean I couldn't play along in the fun. I added my lovely 80's costume jewelry to my volunteer t-shirt. This is me still making sure runners are going through just at the stroke of midnight!

Today downtown hosted the Midnight Sun Festival. The streets were lined with fair food vendors and local artists. I was excited because my friend Vicki and her family were in town so I met them this afternoon. I had my obligatory chocolate covered frozen banana (it was so much easier to eat without all the crew back in Rochester making fun of me!) and great Thai food too.

Vicki's daughter wanted her face painted. She sat so still...

And came out with a moose on her face!

There were three stages of entertainment to be had as well. This stage had belly dancers dancing to the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack.

Last night before the Fun Run we stopped by Creamer's Field and found a flock of heron's hanging out. I just thought they were pretty.

Midnight Sun Festival

2009-06-20T13:31:00.001-08:00

Check it out! This weekend is Summer Solstice and time for the Midnight Sun Festival!

HNT...Sexy Softball Socks

2009-06-17T22:06:00.001-08:00

THOSE are socks you just gotta love! Unfortunately tonight I made it to the bottom of the fourth and had to go to the ER to take care of a little kiddo that fell off her bike. It was dusty and windy enough though that they did get just a little dirty. Little kiddo is back in one piece, I'm home, showered, and off to bed! Happy HNT!

HNT...Brother, Can You Spare Some Change?

2009-06-10T22:15:00.007-08:00

I traveled to Chicago last week to attend a week long review course to prepare for the national board test I must take to maintain my certification as a Physician Assistant. We are required by law to maintain 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for our boards every 6 years. It seems hard to believe but I have been a Physician Assistant for 6 years this September! The review course is very intense but I have chosen to specialize in Orthopaedics for the last 6 years and the exam is based in Primary Care. Therefore, a review course was in order. Between Monday at 7 am and Friday at 12:30 pm I completed 42 hours of classroom time and an additional 10+ hours of at home testing. When it was all over, a friend from Minnesota met me for the weekend and we took in a show at Second City, etc near downtown Chicago.

Second City has been the start for multiple comedians including the likes of Gilda Radner, Jim and John Belushi, Chris Farlee, and even the janitor from Scrubs! Second City, etc is a secondary stage is the building around the corner. The show was entitled "Brother, Can You Spare Some Change?" and included rehearsed skits as well as several improv skits. We even got an extra 40 minutes at the end for them to "practice" on us. Can't tell you the name of the building but it starts with "PA"...what I hope to still be after July 17th when I sit for the recert exam!!!

We were the second people in line and were waiting outside the main doors to be seated close and personal.

This is the stage backdrop. Can you tell house close we are?

The two young ladies at the table next to us were nice enough to take a picture for us.

Now...Can you tell how close we were. That's our table and the edge of the stage! I had to remove my leg for the show but we were THAT close. Before the night was done a special performance was made by crack detective "Johnny Hanson" who was roped into the skit by the talented crew. I personally think he did a pretty good job!

Happy HNT!

Ahhh...red meat!

2009-06-04T19:00:00.005-08:00

When I travel for work I focus on the foods of the area. When I come to Chicago that is beer and red meat. They know how to make a great steak in this city! I have been a slave to room service while test taking all week but tonight was special. I still have a test to do but a friend lives close by and we were going to get together no matter what. And that we did. Dana picked me up and took me to the RAM. It's a steakhouse chain that brews their own beer. The 14 oz Gorgonzola crusted New York center cut and the 24 oz Beltian Wit were perfect.

They gigantic Mud Pie for dessert was pretty darn good. And the company was superb! Thanks for a night of relaxation, Dana! It was good to see you again!

HNT...Look good, feel good, do good

2009-06-03T19:38:00.007-08:00

When tackling 43 hours of continuing medical education focused on passing your boards with 4 nights of 120 question take home tests, one must boost their confidence somehow. I like wearing skirts. I don't get to wear skirts very often. I've worn a skirt to class every day and settled into my short robe every night to work on these nasty exams. Gotta love it! Too bad you can't tell how tight my hamstrings feel from sitting for so long...Any one want to come rub them down for me....Happy HNT!

And the earth moved under my feet...

2009-05-29T23:10:00.003-08:00

And thankfully the walls did not come tumbling down. The cats and I were sitting on the couch this evening watching a dvd of season 2 of Lost. The cats went flying and momentarily the entire house began to shake while I was chatting with a friend back in MN. The kitchen appliances on top of the cupboards were rattling, the pint glasses were chinking, and the pictures moving a bit all for about 15 seconds. There was a brief pause long enough for me to tell my friend we had an earthquake and it started again for another 15 to 30 seconds. It was strong enough to make me get a little nervous and goose bumped! Officially it was a 3.72 on the Richter scale and was about 15 miles from my house, 6 miles under ground. Insane!

I'm alive...

2009-05-24T11:44:00.004-08:00

I've been around but so busy for the last few weeks. I was on call and got my butt kicked with 12 + hours of OT mostly in the middle of the night so my blog has been sorely neglected. Here is what I was doing on Thursday night though! I had a bull moose hanging in the back yard chewing on the bushes. I stood on the deck for a good 30 minutes watching and taking pictures. He didn't even really seem to care that we were there.

HNT...Thursday night jam

2009-05-07T23:34:00.003-08:00

Os had a little post about album covers. This isn't the actual cover but it's the design on the box set with ALL the covers inside. Happy HNT!

It's here...

2009-05-06T21:35:00.002-08:00

The 8th James Patterson Woman's Murder Club book out! And I'm going to try to win a free copy...you should give it a try too!

It had to go somewhere...

2009-05-05T22:46:00.003-08:00

All that ice that rolled out of here so fast had to go somewhere! The town of Eagle, Alaska was swept along with the ice chunks. Circle, AK is the next stop along the flow...wish them luck.