tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328606432024-03-07T15:07:25.366-09:00Trixie's Viewentotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-83453338888214624382009-12-30T18:21:00.000-09:002009-12-30T18:22:34.145-09:00Full Moon PoetryFull Moon by Robert Hayden<br /><br />No longer throne of a goddess to whom we pray,<br />no longer the bubble house of childhood's<br />tumbling Mother Goose man,<br /><br />The emphatic moon ascends--<br />the brilliant challenger of rocket experts,<br />the white hope of communications men.<br /><br />Some I love who are dead<br />were watchers of the moon and knew its lore;<br />planted seeds, trimmed their hair,<br /><br />Pierced their ears for gold hoop earrings<br />as it waxed or waned.<br />It shines tonight upon their graves.<br /><br />And burned in the garden of Gethsemane,<br />its light made holy by the dazzling tears<br />with which it mingled.<br /><br />And spread its radiance on the exile's path<br />of Him who was The Glorious One,<br />its light made holy by His holiness.<br /><br />Already a mooted goal and tomorrow perhaps<br />an arms base, a livid sector,<br />the full moon dominates the dark.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-75451949287131449092009-12-16T10:36:00.002-09:002009-12-16T11:06:22.455-09:00Wednesday Poetry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhmg49C7lFdvkzKEqDQ-9Bmr_A2oh83rh2Ut87Te56iean4E7ymustJdXXuBNTmYVgFYLfbr0vdP_HMWcs20Q5xGPs7Ep36POR3ANtr04vMvKOON-wY3yEyGGuo0bOkNGVM_VCA/s1600-h/P1120114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhmg49C7lFdvkzKEqDQ-9Bmr_A2oh83rh2Ut87Te56iean4E7ymustJdXXuBNTmYVgFYLfbr0vdP_HMWcs20Q5xGPs7Ep36POR3ANtr04vMvKOON-wY3yEyGGuo0bOkNGVM_VCA/s400/P1120114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415927731330921842" /></a><br />The Snowfall Is So Silent <br />by Miguel de Unamuno<br />Translated by Robert Bly<br /><br />The snowfall is so silent,<br />so slow,<br />bit by bit, with delicacy<br />it settles down on the earth<br />and covers over the fields.<br />The silent snow comes down<br />white and weightless; <br />snowfall makes no noise,<br />falls as forgetting falls, <br />flake after flake.<br />It covers the fields gently<br />while frost attacks them<br />with its sudden flashes of white;<br />covers everything with its pure<br />and silent covering;<br />not one thing on the ground<br />anywhere escapes it.<br />And wherever it falls it stays,<br />content and gay,<br />for snow does not slip off <br />as rain does,<br />but it stays and sinks in.<br />The flakes are skyflowers,<br />pale lilies from the clouds,<br />that wither on earth.<br />They come down blossoming<br />but then so quickly<br />they are gone;<br />they bloom only on the peak,<br />above the mountains,<br />and make the earth feel heavier<br />when they die inside.<br />Snow, delicate snow,<br />that falls with such lightness <br />on the head,<br />on the feelings,<br />come and cover over the sadness<br />that lies always in my reason.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-74546427776339550182009-12-09T11:41:00.001-09:002009-12-09T11:42:55.658-09:00Wednesday PoetryHardware Sparrows <br />by R. T. Smith<br /><br />Out for a deadbolt, light bulbs <br />and two-by-fours, I find a flock <br />of sparrows safe from hawks<br /><br />and weather under the roof <br />of Lowe's amazing discount <br />store. They skitter from the racks<br /><br />of stockpiled posts and hoses <br />to a spill of winter birdseed <br />on the concrete floor. How<br /><br />they know to forage here, <br />I can't guess, but the automatic <br />door is close enough,<br /><br />and we've had a week <br />of storms. They are, after all, <br />ubiquitous, though poor,<br /><br />their only song an irritating <br />noise, and yet they soar <br />to offer, amid hardware, rope<br /><br />and handyman brochures, <br />some relief, as if a flurry <br />of notes from Mozart swirled<br /><br />from seed to ceiling, entreating <br />us to set aside our evening <br />chores and take grace where<br /><br />we find it, saying it is possible, <br />even in this month of flood, <br />blackout and frustration,<br /><br />to float once more on sheer <br />survival and the shadowy <br />bliss we exist to explore.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-9929231808003653372009-03-23T10:46:00.003-08:002009-03-23T10:54:57.418-08:00She Has Erupted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2f8hrOqYgYNNFS__f_ew0m0KvafI0YTj6GgHaFETvKHIB_7eUVgrHWIAvW8AMHrwEyjfzZi-MIz4OMMfEvSeQt4RKyOd8B7t4awqypmzqnzrTvrj5nna8mhCkRX-JXwY78WJCw/s1600-h/NCT24hr_heli.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2f8hrOqYgYNNFS__f_ew0m0KvafI0YTj6GgHaFETvKHIB_7eUVgrHWIAvW8AMHrwEyjfzZi-MIz4OMMfEvSeQt4RKyOd8B7t4awqypmzqnzrTvrj5nna8mhCkRX-JXwY78WJCw/s400/NCT24hr_heli.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316456749678002306" /></a><br /><br />Have you ever wanted to see what a volcanic eruption looks like on a seismograph? Well, if you look closely at the above image, courtesy of the <a href="http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php">Alaska Volcano Observatory's</a> page on Mt. Redoubt, you can see five discreet eruptions.<br /><br />So far, we have no ash in Anchorage. Flights out of Anchorage and heading north, at this time, are not happening. As I have said before, ash and jet engines do not mix. Another interesting link to look at, again on the AVO website, is their <a href="http://puff.images.alaska.edu/watch_Redoubt.shtml">puff predictor</a>. What a wonderful tool! Please, Bobby Jindal, don't take it away!<br /><br />I would post actual pictures from my house of the volcano, except after a week of gorgeous, crystal clear weather, Mt. Redoubt choose a perfectly cloudy day to erupt. We will just have to make due with webicorders.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-41516602475016599512009-03-16T13:03:00.002-08:002009-03-16T14:45:50.664-08:00Volcano Un-Erupted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3361160094_9aa887e58d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3361160094_9aa887e58d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Sometime the end of January <a href="http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php">Mt. Redoubt</a> rumbled to life. It had been in state of repose, relative to active volcanoes. It hadn't erupted in many years. The national media picked up on it's activities. The state was at readiness for any issues arriving from an eruption. My workplace had contingency plans in place for routing aircraft due to an ash event.<br /><br />We maintained this level of vigilance and readiness for over a month. Activity slowly quieted down. Here in Anchorage, we were feeling a bit of relief, but also kind of jilted. It was like getting all dressed and ready for a night on the town, then your date never shows. Oh well. The <a href="http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/index.php">Alaska Volcano Observatory</a> down graded Mt. Redoubt back to a level yellow last Thursday. No ugly ash for Anchorage.<br /><br />Yesterday as the family drove to some friends' house, we had a chance to observe Mt. Redoubt. Hmmm....what is that large plume, going about three miles into the air? Ohhhhh....increased activity! We are now back up to an orange level. No one knows when or if Mt. Redoubt will erupt, however, with a level orange, there is a 24 hour watch on all the data and activity associated with this volcano.<br /><br />Why would we need around the clock surveillance on a seemingly remote volcano? When Mt. Redoubt erupted in 1989 a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 747 with 231 passengers flew through the ash plume. The ash took out all engines on the aircraft. Luckily, after falling for more than two miles the crew was able to restart the engines. Air traffic has only increased into Anchorage in the last twenty years. Ash and jet engines do not mix. So, we are back to wondering if we are going to get an eruption. If we do, I sure hope I don't have to go anywhere. <br /><br /><br />On another note, I am working with this yarn. What a lovely yarn, it is 80% suri alpaca and 20% silk. Yummy! The only problem is I cannot find anymore of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/3360338895_4bbb03f8e1.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/3360338895_4bbb03f8e1.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />If you have any tips where I can find one more hank of Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Baby Suri Silk, dye lot #83406, let me know!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/3361152100_1159732788.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/3361152100_1159732788.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-26978311193175492282009-02-14T10:44:00.002-09:002009-02-14T10:47:44.380-09:00<object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3206510&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3206510&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/3206510">Cook Inlet -Turnagain Arm - Portage Valley Timelapse</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user798051">Dennis Zaki</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />Wow! This is such a cool movie from <a href="http://denniszaki.com/">Dennis Zaki</a>. He's a photographer and film maker over at the <a href="http://alaskareport.com/">Alaska Report</a>. Enjoy the water and movement.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-27398870970497599732009-02-11T10:43:00.003-09:002009-02-11T10:50:14.685-09:00Dinner with Lupe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3251531184_48692446c4.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3251531184_48692446c4.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I am trying to get back on the blogging train. I am deeply sorry and I humbly repent for letting anyone down. Gee, it's just been an extra busy winter. I have been getting Zoey to workouts with a high school team and homeschooling Vivi now, too. Why don't the high school workouts happen at MY house? Hmmmm....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/3250703891_07bac587b9.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/3250703891_07bac587b9.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A few weeks ago we had supper with Guadalupe, the godmother of my children. Her wonderful husband, Kelly, was there, too. She gave the girls their Christmas gifts. Vivi's is this fantastic pink hat. She will not be parted from it, now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3250703827_9939d2a6dd.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3250703827_9939d2a6dd.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Lupe also unleashed her fabulous purple wig for all to enjoy. Needless to say, we had a grand time. And thanks to Lupe for the pictures. I had forgotten my camera.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3250703761_86a1bbfb34.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 97px; height: 130px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3250703761_86a1bbfb34.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-65797628847401454382008-12-11T16:18:00.003-09:002008-12-11T20:16:38.432-09:00Long Nights Moon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3101703178_8ba8748faf.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3101703178_8ba8748faf.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Welcome to the Celtic month of the Long Nights Moon! Gather your friends and family around the your hearth or kitchen stove, socialize, share stories and await the return of the sun.<br /><br />Today I watched this Long Nights Moon rise over False O'Malley Peak, and found myself darn near run over on the raven super highway. Most of Anchorage's ravens were flying off to their roost in the Chugach Mountains. My camera and I were inadequate to catch their daily migration. Most were only ten feet over my head.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/3101704958_d4836f9e1d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/3101704958_d4836f9e1d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The moon was rising almost due north and on the other side of the house at the same time the sun was setting due south. I love this time of year, the stillness and quiet, at least when I can grab it!<br /><br />Today is also the day in 1531 that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe">Virgin of Guadalupe</a> appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico. Isn't she beautiful? I will light a candle to her tonight and gather my family around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9fIe5_jBTc6QK0fLj-eU7CXSugghUdpD8Ho9bmYb_3SKVi9LA12-B4xqhlcPYYS_6CoA1AWEq-YAnWerjiuEs0flP3KBg89-IfeP70_HcJ3mwhGUGtaO-f6tUBIP9bzDtHDj0w/s1600-h/lupe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 93px; height: 117px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9fIe5_jBTc6QK0fLj-eU7CXSugghUdpD8Ho9bmYb_3SKVi9LA12-B4xqhlcPYYS_6CoA1AWEq-YAnWerjiuEs0flP3KBg89-IfeP70_HcJ3mwhGUGtaO-f6tUBIP9bzDtHDj0w/s400/lupe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278767910042388114" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-70713625614949775002008-12-10T14:06:00.003-09:002008-12-10T15:55:33.750-09:00Sing the Praises of Charlie's Bakery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3097906261_149715ee76.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3097906261_149715ee76.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />For many years after moving back to Anchorage I mourned for real Chinese food. I wanted to walk into a warm, steamy restaurant and see women pushing carts of char sui bao and ching fun. Alas, all Chinese food in Anchorage that I could find was bastardized and americanized, with gooey sweet and sour. It was all overdone and over the top.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/3097908011_faaac854d7.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/3097908011_faaac854d7.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Then, about four years ago a co-worker whose mother is from Taiwan opened a door to happiness for me. Ahhhhh...... Behold the lovely shu mai above and the subtle chicken dish that tastes like there is honey and five spices in the preparation. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3097903851_533820c96d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3097903851_533820c96d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And below are nicely sweet, savory and sour crystal dumplings! I treated the girls to lunch at Charlie's on Monday. There are no women pushing carts around like at the fantastic Fook Restaurant in San Francisco, but Charlie's is a slice of heaven in Anchorage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3098737102_f4dbe5cd8d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3098737102_f4dbe5cd8d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />On Tuesday Vivi had gymnastics. It's not connected to Charlie's in any way, except we all enjoy it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3097910273_a70ee40003.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3097910273_a70ee40003.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Just a note, I was not laid-off, I took a voluntary leave of absence for three months so that a more junior agent would *not* get laid off. I am loving every moment of it and find that I have had even LESS time to myself. Sheesh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3097912909_39f3f3afbb.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3097912909_39f3f3afbb.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com259tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-35902685206585697762008-12-04T16:00:00.003-09:002008-12-04T16:53:58.409-09:00How Time Flies...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3082858781_8d93b508a8.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3082858781_8d93b508a8.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One would think that with not working my wage slave job, I would have oodles of time to post. Actually, it has been quite the opposite.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/3083692700_b6135f0976.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 455px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/3083692700_b6135f0976.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have been getting Zoey to all kinds of work-outs and range openings. I have been getting her to her play rehearsals. Yes, she is in a play right smack in the middle of the holiday season. She is a character in the Christmas-Yet-To-Come part of "A Christmas Carol." She is LOVING it. Check out the <a href="http://tbatheatre.org/">play</a>...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3083697290_0dff092f34.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3083697290_0dff092f34.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have been re-connecting with my friends, like Lupe.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/3083691830_a1dc646ab2.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/3083691830_a1dc646ab2.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have also been enjoying the view from my house.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3082851851_f3e57e2645.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3082851851_f3e57e2645.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And not having to drive in the snow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/3083685698_082b06bddf.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/3083685698_082b06bddf.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-53367970486774684122008-11-04T11:32:00.002-09:002008-11-04T14:14:35.685-09:00What Did You Do Today?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3003166245_41a31bfa2c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3003166245_41a31bfa2c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Centre of equal daughters, equal sons,<br />All, all alike endear'd, grown, ungrown, young or old,<br />Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,<br />Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love,<br />A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother,<br />Chair'd in the adamant of Time.<br /><br />Walt Whitman</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3004006030_cc803226ac.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3004006030_cc803226ac.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I am amazed at all the early voting, all the long lines, all the folks that spending their free time waiting to cast their ballots. Amen! <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/3004010518_162d5c0c33.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/3004010518_162d5c0c33.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Our sleepy little mountain precinct was a buzz with kindergarteners in gym class, but quiet for voters. We went at lunch time, not a huge rush then. The young poll workers assured me that there had been a rush before work and as parents dropped their children off for school. I thanked them. Both girls remarked that these were not the usual cadre of retirees. Things are a changin'. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3003222459_2206ebcc61.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3003222459_2206ebcc61.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Zoey was excited to go voting with me, Vivi helped color in the circles. I always take my girls voting with me, but this was the first time they were excited. They can sense the charge in the air. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3003254103_bc631b44bc.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3003254103_bc631b44bc.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-4989764910300809102008-11-02T17:29:00.002-09:002008-11-02T17:30:10.621-09:00Lines and Contrast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2998025142_6950e8e182.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2998025142_6950e8e182.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-47379041900864766752008-10-18T15:58:00.003-08:002008-10-18T16:26:33.353-08:00Heard in the Hood<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyEjed2P89Ybx8ndCesfBR3b66XRcuhdUNnDu8aDZrdVGKKodoqRCXvJ507pp-TMkSPdvvAz5oTKiQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Vivi and I were browning meat for stew today. She opened the sliding glass door to let some smoke out (we have no hood over the stove) and came running back. She was exhilarated and scared at the same time. She heard something, but wasn't sure what it was. So, I stepped out onto the deck to hear a wolf calling.<br /><br />I have heard wolves here before, but never in daylight. It is amazing. I've been scoping for him, but have yet to get a visual. When Tom comes home from Hatcher's Pass, he and I may walk down there and see if we can see a moose kill or something.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-35965523666275638802008-10-09T12:34:00.001-08:002008-10-09T12:39:30.745-08:00Any Ideas?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID6aC10pDzc4yJ0kQl-sRnOWeUBlwZQQCwYonLcYtnLH9mhulbTfLUiooq0QLpQQDolKTv7yuZCzgGBiF3oscLNj_V4GUtJDU8fxRbbiUqEGL3aalZxkSlB0QeI1RmPWqbsEcTg/s1600-h/troosevelt.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID6aC10pDzc4yJ0kQl-sRnOWeUBlwZQQCwYonLcYtnLH9mhulbTfLUiooq0QLpQQDolKTv7yuZCzgGBiF3oscLNj_V4GUtJDU8fxRbbiUqEGL3aalZxkSlB0QeI1RmPWqbsEcTg/s400/troosevelt.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255256003659525074" /></a><br /><br />Vivi wants to be Teddy Roosevelt for Halloween. This has been her dream since about April. Any ideas how I can pull this off?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKp8nGAmRw0_FQFmeamXNAvmD12AONUYufPVFtdjCaa3sa3N829ZsZWU1sWLhiVBEankGzyGnVqWBQbtGp-MrsVTqx66kKtmCvLHpzHqhikPA-AZcFzx5fnr2y4e6WgoCgLfeKQ/s1600-h/TeddyRoosevelt35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKp8nGAmRw0_FQFmeamXNAvmD12AONUYufPVFtdjCaa3sa3N829ZsZWU1sWLhiVBEankGzyGnVqWBQbtGp-MrsVTqx66kKtmCvLHpzHqhikPA-AZcFzx5fnr2y4e6WgoCgLfeKQ/s400/TeddyRoosevelt35.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255256012296363250" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-31500612192550215532008-10-07T10:32:00.002-08:002008-10-07T10:43:42.938-08:00Two Days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2921582749_e097823616.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2921582749_e097823616.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Two days ago my world looked like this, lovely fall in Eagle River Valley.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2922435194_e822273be2.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2922435194_e822273be2.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />There were several chickadees on my deck vying for sunflower seeds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2922438806_36b7928131.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2922438806_36b7928131.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And moose in the yard, browsing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2921592905_a01b37606c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2921592905_a01b37606c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We now have snow, actually sticking. We have been plowed twice. On Sunday evening I could not get out of my neighborhood since every ding-dong in the Anchorage bowl with bald tires and no studs decided to come look at the pretty snow. About 9:30p the temperature dropped enough to make driving down a safe adventure. We would not have left, except Zoey had been at a youth group activity. We were three hours late to pick her up. Thank heavens for good friends. As we were driving down we saw about a dozen abandoned vehicles. It was like an M. Night Shyamalan movie, or the rapture or something. The winter driving debut of the new Honda CRV is extremely positive. Not to be overlooked Tom, who had the foresight to get my snow tires on on Saturday. YIPPY!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2921598567_5535d6c051.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2921598567_5535d6c051.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So, with all this winter weather, what is a gal to do? Why, make suet dough for the birds. I also made a fantastic beef stew for us people, but I didn't get any pictures of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2921601145_232d1ce26e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2921601145_232d1ce26e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-66059354360182434772008-09-28T14:59:00.004-08:002008-09-28T15:02:53.726-08:00Guesses?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2896100995_8693163870.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2896100995_8693163870.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />While I worked in a grey warehouse on Saturday, my dear husband and children got to see this guy (or gal) across the street on the phone wires. Any guesses who this is?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2896103671_68d177ee7e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2896103671_68d177ee7e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He also got to see a Northern Shrike pick up and fly away with a vole from around the swingset. I am so very jealous. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2896105249_5687738443.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2896105249_5687738443.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-49529389307668693532008-09-25T12:02:00.002-08:002008-09-25T12:13:52.724-08:00Autumn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2887625773_4bc1953d62.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2887625773_4bc1953d62.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Autumn is definitely here. The snow is coming down the mountains, the leaves are turning and falling. As a family we have been chasing belugas, following the tides on Turnagain Arm. Things may finally be slowing to a dull roar, or at least finding some equilibrium. We are finding our routines for school work and work-work. Ahhh....<br /><br />Of course, these tenuous habits can be easily subverted. Say, when both the children get strep. There has been just a wee bit more sleeping and popsicle eating than usual.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2888454344_6e6fd26c9d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2888454344_6e6fd26c9d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Vivi reached a milestone on Tuesday evening. She lost her first tooth. She was shocked and amazed. Even today she will walk up to me, smile and ask if I see anything different. Oh how I love her heart!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2887621697_e1feef6b07.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2887621697_e1feef6b07.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />She and I and Tom went for a drive on Sunday. We spotted Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, Common Snipe, Beluga Whales and Red Salmon. Vivi even showed off her great upper body strength and control. Sheesh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2888458888_0f514319a7.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2888458888_0f514319a7.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-20255881238558683172008-09-08T11:44:00.003-08:002008-09-08T19:03:48.052-08:00Six, Six, We are Six<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2840172775_bd1a4654f4.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2840172775_bd1a4654f4.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />September 5th was Vivi's big day. The birthday girl requested breakfast in bed and so Zoey and I accomodated her. She had granola with milk, strawberries, and orange juice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2841017806_e312a2c604.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2841017806_e312a2c604.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Zoey and I baked a cake and in the evening we all headed over to Pepere's house. We like him involved in all the family celebrations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2841012390_e959bbc66b.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2841012390_e959bbc66b.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Vivi enjoyed opening her loot, playing with her new Littlest Pet Shop sets. She really likes her super light weight, super small, and super pink binoculars! She is stoked about those.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2840923810_7f74428e0d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2840923810_7f74428e0d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Vivi's godmother, Sarah, stopped by for a quick birthday hug, kiss and a little cake. She recited the poem from below for Vivi. She is so thoughtful and sweet. I think we will keep Sarah!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2840161685_bd83e076b6.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2840161685_bd83e076b6.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />When I was One,<br />I had just begun.<br /><br />When I was Two,<br />I was nearly new.<br /><br />When I was Three,<br />I was hardly Me.<br /><br />When I was Four,<br />I was not much more.<br /><br />When I was Five,<br />I was just alive.<br /><br />But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.<br />So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.</span></blockquote><br /><br />By A. A. Milne<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2841024144_8f2766325f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2841024144_8f2766325f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Grammie had me get a new gymnastics suit for Vivi. I found a perfect pink, sparkly one. She wears it quite a lot! She loves her new gymnastics identity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2840174869_9766677d2a.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2840174869_9766677d2a.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2840193047_2cb4361097.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2841031486_0809829f9f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2840193047_2cb4361097.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2841031486_0809829f9f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Arriving in our mailbox on her birthday, as if planned, is a lovely set of gifts from <a href="http://susankwilliams.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>. I was so touched. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2841031486_0809829f9f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2841031486_0809829f9f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Susan made bracelets for Vivi, Zoey, and me. She also gifted me my very first pair of hoop earrings! I love, love, love them. Thank you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2841035142_163b442092.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2841035142_163b442092.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2840168613_a658cd8c5e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2840168613_a658cd8c5e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they lovely? Vivi's bracelet even has the most fantastic butterfly fimo beads. What a great find in bead land. She is sleeping in it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2840164937_7784009b24.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2840164937_7784009b24.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-89402450241530622462008-09-04T11:48:00.002-08:002008-09-04T11:50:35.650-08:00The Last Day of Five<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/2539418294_b2b98917eb.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/2539418294_b2b98917eb.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Nope, I am not ready for tomorrow. I am not ready with a birthday cake, I have nothing wrapped, I even have to work. Mostly, though, I am not ready for this little spark, this amazing kid, this mysterious imagination to be six. Nope, not ready. Sigh....entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-46371171139928585372008-08-24T20:30:00.003-08:002008-08-24T20:37:22.321-08:00Gifts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2795479406_bffc7feb45.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2795479406_bffc7feb45.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />What more could a girl ask for on her birthday than to have a bear on the knoll?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2794636137_1a07fd1aff.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2794636137_1a07fd1aff.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Thursday Zoey, Vivi and I watched this fellow for quite a few minutes. He is about 1/2 mile away on Cranberry Hill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2795481484_c2b5f1602c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2795481484_c2b5f1602c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He was foraging for berries and grubs. The blueberries are late, as is everything else. Even the <a href="http://www.adn.com/life/story/503528.html">bees</a> think this summer has been too cool. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2795477348_c09b152389.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2795477348_c09b152389.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After work the sky put on a great show. The shimmering water is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Hood_Seaplane_Base">Lake Hood</a> and Lake Spenard; the busiest float plane airport in the world.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-44687729227440248562008-08-19T10:23:00.002-08:002008-08-19T10:56:30.104-08:00Au Revoir, My Zoom-a-room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2778976356_7077095faf.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2778976356_7077095faf.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It was lovely Saturday night when I left work. I started my Subaru and made my customary phone call home. Since we live a ways from town, I always call before I come home to see if we need anything from the market. Tom had reached his limit on the kitchen sink and had ripped it out. He asked if I could stop at <a href="http://www.fredmeyer.com/homepage/index.htm">Freddie's</a> and pick up a few parts. We also needed milk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2778117593_79816d5255.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2778117593_79816d5255.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I drove the few miles from the airport to the market, everything seemed fine. I did notice a little steam coming from the grill, but it had rained earlier. When I got to the parking lot and turned to get into my spot, the car acted funny. It made loud, metallic clunking sounds and it seemed like I was driving over big river rocks, like a hesitation and then a go. I went in and did my shopping. <br /><br />When I got back, there was some fluid on the ground. Hmmmmm.... I fired her up, tried to back out and the sounds and feelings from before were there and bigger. I pulled back into the spot. The car parked in front of me was leaving, too. I let her back out then I tried to pull through, thinking maybe it was limited to backing. No doing. I did not feel safe driving home. Thank heavens for cell phones. I called Tom and waited about twenty minutes for him to arrive. I was very grateful to have a little knitting tucked in my work bag. <br /><br />Tom and I walked around the car. We found a big puddle of transmission fluid, cherry red and slick. Yuck. He jumped in, made it halfway around the parking lot without incident. I was thinking "Oh, great, it will only act funny for me, with no witnesses. Grand!" Finally, it started clunking for him, too. We took anything of value out of her and left the Subaru for the night.<br /><br />We knew we were going to get a new (or new to us) vehicle this year, we just were hoping to do it on our terms. The Subaru was on it's second engine. This second engine had leaked oil from the get go, one cylinder was down to half compression. However, we had never had any transmission issues at all. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2778968470_0480651d84.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2778968470_0480651d84.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Sunday we went back to the scene of the crime. Tom drove the Subaru to the shop. They are hopefully going to buy it. They told us when last we were in that they would like to purchase it. That will give us a bit of a down on the next one. There we pulled everything out of it. Of course, I had a load to go to the ASPCA thrift store. Zoey and I talked about all her memories from the Zoom-a-room. We got that car when she was two and for a long time that is what she called it, her Zoom-a-room. She also had great fantasies about it being a lander/explorer like on <span style="font-style:italic;">Lost in Space</span>.<br /><br />Vivi cried, she is not as good with change as Zoey. She had all her stickers on her window. She was rather upset. <br /><br />To bribe Vivi we drove along Turnagain Arm, looked for belugas, had burgers and IPA at Chair Five in Girdwood. Sigh...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2778114851_67b8677b14.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2778114851_67b8677b14.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Now we are down to one car, waiting for the first paycheck of the school year, limping by. If I promised to mail anything to anyone, or do some favor or chore, it may be a little while longer. Sorry!<br /><br />I am just really grateful that the Zoom-a-room had the grace to kick the bucket in a parking lot in the fall with no children. It could have been much more awkward with stressed out children, loads of snow, below zero temperatures. Thanks for the timing, Zoom-a-room.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-47692700174376814162008-08-14T21:00:00.003-08:002008-08-14T21:16:05.653-08:00Puffin On Through<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2763966137_1936ba66df.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2763966137_1936ba66df.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It has been such a crazy busy six weeks. <br /><br />Zoey was in theatre camp and played Titania in a Midsummer Night’s Dream.<br /><br />Vivi was in gymnastics camp and got invited onto the competition team.<br /><br />My car is dying a slow, painful and expensive death.<br /><br />Our fridge quit for about a week. It healed up once Tom figured out the problem. <br /><br />The powers that be at work decided that we needed a re-model and to change some practices in the middle of our busiest season and while understaffed. Also, there are some serious power struggles going on there, they do not effect my job except that all the managers are trying to put their stamp on something and look highly effective.<br /><br />We are tying the record for coolest and cloudiest summer since 1915. <br /><br />Let's just say some wine has been going down at our house.<br /><br />I did have the last week off and we were going to go to Portland, but <a href="http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Kasatochi.php">Kasotochi Volcano</a> out along the Aleutians decided to send up some ash. Many, many flights to and from the lower 48 were cancelled. So, we just stayed put. Darn! I could have used the nice summery 80F+ degrees Oregon had to offer. <br /><br />We did go to the <a href="http://www.alaskasealife.org/">SeaLife Center</a> in Seward. The girls were thoroughly engaged. They had different speeds and desires, so Tom took Vivi to all the mammals and Zoey and I stayed in the aviary. It was near closing time and there were no cruise ships in port, so it was quiet. We had the place to ourselves. Zoey made friends with a tufted puffin named Dorrie. <br /><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2763962299_55279bfe38.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2763962299_55279bfe38.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2764802624_465d1b1959.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2764802624_465d1b1959.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2764798544_fc50d9a5f1.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2764798544_fc50d9a5f1.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/2763954605_285b304224.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/2763954605_285b304224.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2764795484_bb7f35ea4c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2764795484_bb7f35ea4c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2764792886_abf713a224.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2764792886_abf713a224.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2764807514_885cbb7012.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2764807514_885cbb7012.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2763948527_07428a0539.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2763948527_07428a0539.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-75521732269082896252008-07-07T16:04:00.003-08:002008-07-07T21:00:18.052-08:00How Dirty is Dirty?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2648147226_490028e03c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2648147226_490028e03c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday we went on a bike ride along the shores of <a href="http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/aktrails/ats/anc/eklutna.htm">Eklutna Lake</a>. It was a bit damp with some showers for about the first two miles of the trail, but then it dried up. The sky was overcast, but there was no wind. We had a gorgeous reflection of the mountains on the turquoise lake. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2648117398_7523edf596.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2648117398_7523edf596.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We rode with another family, friends of Zoey's from <a href="http://www.mightybikes.org/">Mighty Bikes</a>. Besides having a fabulous daughter named Hannah who is Zoey's age, they have a nine year old daughter who can ride! She was great. Her name is Zoe, too. I didn't bring my camera on the ride, it was too bulky, so no pictures along the way. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2647284679_0058b6e94a.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2647284679_0058b6e94a.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Vivi rode on her sticked together bike and won the Dirtiest Biker Ever contest. Doesn't she look fantastic? A lovely patina of glacial silt can do wonders for the skin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2648113962_829c2740ae.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2648113962_829c2740ae.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Tom is my hero for riding nineteen miles to the airstrip and back with a <a href="http://www.trail-a-bike.com/product/trail-a-bikes/">trail-a-bike</a> and Vivi. We all rode the nineteen miles, just the rest of us did not have the add bonus bike and biker.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2648110932_18705d9a35.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2648110932_18705d9a35.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Believe it or not, all the clothes have come out sparkling! I was exceedingly doubtful when I started the washer, but have been pleasantly surprised.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2648136337_24031ba06e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2648136337_24031ba06e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This just in...our comrade-in-arms Gerry passed along these last three shots. We ALL enjoyed the ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2648132885_93061c74da.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2648132885_93061c74da.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I love how Vivi looks transcendent here. Despite all the mud she really enjoyed her ride. Thanks for the photos, Gerry and Kathy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2648964862_8a383a93e6.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2648964862_8a383a93e6.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-65172163910004793602008-07-04T13:32:00.003-08:002008-07-04T13:42:03.373-08:00Twig Wishes You A Happy Fourth of July!Here in Alaska we have a little <a href="http://www.alaskazoo.org/">zoo</a>. They have interesting Arctic and boreal animals including Amur tigers and snow leopards. The zoo has a very folksy feel, with little split rail fences, gorgeous flowers and a lovely woodland setting.<br /><br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=55430" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=a5b181424c&photo_id=2637584780"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=55430"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=55430" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=a5b181424c&photo_id=2637584780" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br />They even have several kinds of birds, all injured and flightless now. There are two ravens who are a hoot to watch. One raven loves twigs, so Tom and Zoey will place twigs in a place where this raven can snag them. They have named the raven Twig. Here is Twig talking to us. Sorry for the guy who comes up mid-way through and needs to talk, too.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32860643.post-30944025208140241502008-07-03T00:33:00.001-08:002008-07-03T00:36:54.966-08:00Really, She Does Make Noise!<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=55430" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=086f1aaac0&photo_id=2633564010"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=55430"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=55430" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=086f1aaac0&photo_id=2633564010" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Sorry for the technical glitch on the last try. This is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muskox">musk ox</a> momma calling to her cute baby. When I heard her at the zoo, my back was turned and I could not believe until I actually saw her make this noise that it was the musk ox. Check her out, I am sure you will be amazed.entotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765602736333069178noreply@blogger.com9