Monday, May 26, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Breaking News....
Our tulips bloomed today and we have little purple flowers starting to show up in our ground clutter. It is absolutely beautiful today. 60 degrees with no wind or clouds. Squirt and I just got back from our evening walk and he is one panting puppy...literally!
Our first guests of the season left Sunday night. From the sounds of things they had a good time. However, I guess we scheduled too much for them to do as they LOST weight on vacation instead of gained. I felt really bad! More about our adventures when the pictures are ready this weekend.
The bears are definitely out now as evidenced by this article in the paper. It is sad the bear was shot and killed but it now associated food with homes and that is never a good combination. FYI, I am pretty sure they tossed the rug too.
Today's Alaska Daily News had a discussion of what to do when a moose dies in your yard. I particularly liked the suggestion to...
"Instead, property owners should haul their inedible dead moose to the dump ... Another option is burying the carcass in the yard..."
Now - there's a picture - Robert, Squirt and I trying to bury a moose in the yard deep enough every so dog, fox and wolf doesn't try to dig it up for a snack. (Now where did I put my backhoe?) I would probably go the "pay someone to do it" route.
I have had a couple people ask what we are paying for gas. Alaska now has the distinction of being the first state to average more than $4 per gallon...Yippee! We are paying $3.89 in Anchorage last I checked.
Our first guests of the season left Sunday night. From the sounds of things they had a good time. However, I guess we scheduled too much for them to do as they LOST weight on vacation instead of gained. I felt really bad! More about our adventures when the pictures are ready this weekend.
The bears are definitely out now as evidenced by this article in the paper. It is sad the bear was shot and killed but it now associated food with homes and that is never a good combination. FYI, I am pretty sure they tossed the rug too.
Today's Alaska Daily News had a discussion of what to do when a moose dies in your yard. I particularly liked the suggestion to...
"Instead, property owners should haul their inedible dead moose to the dump ... Another option is burying the carcass in the yard..."
Now - there's a picture - Robert, Squirt and I trying to bury a moose in the yard deep enough every so dog, fox and wolf doesn't try to dig it up for a snack. (Now where did I put my backhoe?) I would probably go the "pay someone to do it" route.
I have had a couple people ask what we are paying for gas. Alaska now has the distinction of being the first state to average more than $4 per gallon...Yippee! We are paying $3.89 in Anchorage last I checked.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
Our first blooming flower of 2008
Yes - this was disappointing since I tried to rip this out last weekend...
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Another Year ... Another City Wide Clean-up Week
Hopefully, many of you have visited our beautiful State and have fantastic memories of the views, wildlife and people. If you have, chances are it was not during or just after break-up because it is UGLY.
As far as I can tell, this is the one downside to living here. Just before spring and green fully arrive, we go through melt. Everything is wet and brown because of all the gravel used during the winter and the mud created during breakup. We also have LOADS of trash uncovered.
For some reason, many people believe it is OK to toss all trash out of their cars in the winter. I don't understand why - maybe because it is easily covered up with snow? Regardless - when the snow leaves - the trash is everywhere. From 27.5 gabillion cigarette butts to full size mattresses, passports to wallets, paper cups to sleeping bags, used shotgun shells to wine bottles...it is all there.
Of course, we don't want of our visitors to remember trash and we really don't want to look at it so for the last 40 years, the city has organized a clean up week. For one full week, they provide trash bag and free drop off at the land fill. The residents and businesses provide the labor and today was my day to pick up trash along the road in an orange safety vest.
Picking up trash gives you lots of time to think about things like how sore you are going to be the next day due to the bending AND how to reduce the trash problem with heavy fines, jail time and prison work crews.
I am thankful our employer is willing to participate and let employees volunteer to help clean up the city. It does make an amazing difference. It is just sad we need to do this each year when the solution seems so simple...
As far as I can tell, this is the one downside to living here. Just before spring and green fully arrive, we go through melt. Everything is wet and brown because of all the gravel used during the winter and the mud created during breakup. We also have LOADS of trash uncovered.
For some reason, many people believe it is OK to toss all trash out of their cars in the winter. I don't understand why - maybe because it is easily covered up with snow? Regardless - when the snow leaves - the trash is everywhere. From 27.5 gabillion cigarette butts to full size mattresses, passports to wallets, paper cups to sleeping bags, used shotgun shells to wine bottles...it is all there.
Of course, we don't want of our visitors to remember trash and we really don't want to look at it so for the last 40 years, the city has organized a clean up week. For one full week, they provide trash bag and free drop off at the land fill. The residents and businesses provide the labor and today was my day to pick up trash along the road in an orange safety vest.
Picking up trash gives you lots of time to think about things like how sore you are going to be the next day due to the bending AND how to reduce the trash problem with heavy fines, jail time and prison work crews.
I am thankful our employer is willing to participate and let employees volunteer to help clean up the city. It does make an amazing difference. It is just sad we need to do this each year when the solution seems so simple...
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
The Bears Survived Another Outing
Nope - I don't have a new black bear sofa throw. However, I am sure he brought home approximately 200lbs of mud on the ATV, packs and gun boot. All of the colors had turned into brownish gray. .
The funny part about the hunt was after they parked the ATVs and went up a hill on foot, a moose came by the and left a "deposit" right by the quads. They are probably lucky the moose didn't gnaw on some part! (Unless, of course, the quads were already covered in mud and the discriminating moose palette doesn't eat mud!) I am just glad he got home safe and sound!
My hunt however was more successful. I have new shoes and Squirt received a gourmet biscuit at a new canine store in town for being such a good guard dog all morning!
Sunday, we made our first (of many expected) trips to the nursery. Our tomato plants, cilantro and mint are hardening off as I type. Our chives are up and ready to use plus I found the first poppy flower just so close to blooming. All this means is I spent the rest of Sunday in the flower bed cleaning out the dead brush from last year. It actually took us part of Monday to finish. Just a few more days and dingy winter will be gone!
The funny part about the hunt was after they parked the ATVs and went up a hill on foot, a moose came by the and left a "deposit" right by the quads. They are probably lucky the moose didn't gnaw on some part! (Unless, of course, the quads were already covered in mud and the discriminating moose palette doesn't eat mud!) I am just glad he got home safe and sound!
My hunt however was more successful. I have new shoes and Squirt received a gourmet biscuit at a new canine store in town for being such a good guard dog all morning!
Sunday, we made our first (of many expected) trips to the nursery. Our tomato plants, cilantro and mint are hardening off as I type. Our chives are up and ready to use plus I found the first poppy flower just so close to blooming. All this means is I spent the rest of Sunday in the flower bed cleaning out the dead brush from last year. It actually took us part of Monday to finish. Just a few more days and dingy winter will be gone!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Shhhhhhh! Be verrrrry quiet!
Robert's hunting .....Black Bear
Yes, I got up bright and early for a Saturday morning (although the sun was up), made a very spicy breakfast of hearty biscuits and gravy and waved goodbye to our hunter. Maybe we will have a black bear blanket by the end of the day.
Squirt and I will also be hunting today. We will be hunting for shoes. Apparently, the dry Alaska climate is hard on soles of shoes formerly used to a humid existence. I have had two different pair in the last month lose chunks of soles the size of gravel. Btw - this is very uncomfortable to walk on. Regardless, I had to put back change outfits twice this week because I didn't have matching shoes. Then I learned about the male bonding bear hunt....perfect timing for a shopping trip. Lookout mall, here I come...after my next cup of coffee.
Breaking News....
One of our friends still living in Houston is now a published author. He contributed to a book by Heather B. Armstrong a.k.a Dooce (of blog infamy). Congrats to Bill and the new book Things I Learned About My Dad
Yes, I got up bright and early for a Saturday morning (although the sun was up), made a very spicy breakfast of hearty biscuits and gravy and waved goodbye to our hunter. Maybe we will have a black bear blanket by the end of the day.
Squirt and I will also be hunting today. We will be hunting for shoes. Apparently, the dry Alaska climate is hard on soles of shoes formerly used to a humid existence. I have had two different pair in the last month lose chunks of soles the size of gravel. Btw - this is very uncomfortable to walk on. Regardless, I had to put back change outfits twice this week because I didn't have matching shoes. Then I learned about the male bonding bear hunt....perfect timing for a shopping trip. Lookout mall, here I come...after my next cup of coffee.
Breaking News....
One of our friends still living in Houston is now a published author. He contributed to a book by Heather B. Armstrong a.k.a Dooce (of blog infamy). Congrats to Bill and the new book Things I Learned About My Dad
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Correction....
With the snowfall Friday/Saturday, this has now become the 6th snowiest winter on record.
It is a sloggy, mushy mess outside now. But at least the trees are budding!
It is a sloggy, mushy mess outside now. But at least the trees are budding!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
18+ Inches and still snowing! Where's Squirt???
The deck furniture...
Our front porch...
There he is! Barely able to see over the snow banks...
Our front porch...
There he is! Barely able to see over the snow banks...
Friday, April 25, 2008
11th Snowiest Season - not any more!
After a solid week of high 40's and low 50's, with all of the snow gone except the big bladed piles, I sit here blogging away in a blizzard.
Yes...
We have had another 10 inches of snow and expect another 5-6 before morning.
And this is a good...heavy....solid....wet snow. The kind that gives you an aerobic workout whether you are shoveling by hand or running the snow thrower around the drive.
Good thing Squirt got his summer haircut this morning at the groomers. He was actually shivering outside while shoveling snow. That is mostly because he stands and barks (explaining how I need to shovel differently) while I move the snow around so he can do his business.
And to think, we are getting 15 hours and 30 minutes of sunlight a day, our tulips, chives and poppies were green and growing. Hope it doesn't get too cold to set them back!
While out on our ATV trip to Sutton, Alaska last weekend, we saw lots of moose tracks and 2-3 bear dens. We weren't 100% sure they were bear dens, but if I was a bear, it is exactly where I would want to go for the winter. No one went in to check it out. However, the weather was beautiful and the trails mostly slushy snow. There were a couple of spots it was muddy and we were by the end of the trip.
Squirt went along with us but had to stay and guard the 4-Runner and trailer. It was kind of funny when we returned. Some person in a big, blue helmet opened the car door (me). He didn't know if he should protect or be happy.
Before this morning, Squirt was affectionately known as the "mud bug". His tummy was black from our walks and him throwing up mud when going through puddles. Now he is clean, white dog. Up until we take him for the next walk....then it will be back to mud bug status.
Our first set of company arrives 2 weeks from tomorrow...Hope most of the snow is gone or they will be surprised....and cold!
BTW - the bears are out and hungry!
http://www.adn.com/bearattacks/story/385220.html
Yes...
We have had another 10 inches of snow and expect another 5-6 before morning.
And this is a good...heavy....solid....wet snow. The kind that gives you an aerobic workout whether you are shoveling by hand or running the snow thrower around the drive.
Good thing Squirt got his summer haircut this morning at the groomers. He was actually shivering outside while shoveling snow. That is mostly because he stands and barks (explaining how I need to shovel differently) while I move the snow around so he can do his business.
And to think, we are getting 15 hours and 30 minutes of sunlight a day, our tulips, chives and poppies were green and growing. Hope it doesn't get too cold to set them back!
While out on our ATV trip to Sutton, Alaska last weekend, we saw lots of moose tracks and 2-3 bear dens. We weren't 100% sure they were bear dens, but if I was a bear, it is exactly where I would want to go for the winter. No one went in to check it out. However, the weather was beautiful and the trails mostly slushy snow. There were a couple of spots it was muddy and we were by the end of the trip.
Squirt went along with us but had to stay and guard the 4-Runner and trailer. It was kind of funny when we returned. Some person in a big, blue helmet opened the car door (me). He didn't know if he should protect or be happy.
Before this morning, Squirt was affectionately known as the "mud bug". His tummy was black from our walks and him throwing up mud when going through puddles. Now he is clean, white dog. Up until we take him for the next walk....then it will be back to mud bug status.
Our first set of company arrives 2 weeks from tomorrow...Hope most of the snow is gone or they will be surprised....and cold!
BTW - the bears are out and hungry!
http://www.adn.com/bearattacks/story/385220.html
Saturday, April 19, 2008
50's this coming week -
There goes all of the snow for good this year!
Amazingly enough, we had the 11th snowiest winter on record during 2007 - 2009. 91.9 inches of snow was the official measurement in town. We should have had more as we are higher in elevation...and I had to shovel more than people living at lower elevations! It didn't seem like 91 inches. Last year, with 69 inches, was quite a bit deeper. I guess this winter just started later and we had more melt days in between big accumulations.
However, the last few days have been absolutely beautiful. More than 15 hours of bright sunshine and above freezing. The geese stopped by the park strip across from the office building this week on their annual migration to the Slope. They are so loud while honking about the latest gossip regarding what happened over the winter down South. When I told Robert about the forecast 50s starting Monday, his response was - time to open the windows and turn on the fan. My perspective is we need to get the shorts out and maybe open 1 window.
The deck furniture came out of storage and is ready to go for that first warm evening enabling us to dine outside. In less than a month, the animal babies and tourists will start showing up! Our first set of company this year arrives May 10th. Our second set on June 5th. I am so excited to have them come. Not only is it fantastic they are visiting, it gives us an excuse to take vacation from work and do Alaskan things!!!
Amazingly enough, we had the 11th snowiest winter on record during 2007 - 2009. 91.9 inches of snow was the official measurement in town. We should have had more as we are higher in elevation...and I had to shovel more than people living at lower elevations! It didn't seem like 91 inches. Last year, with 69 inches, was quite a bit deeper. I guess this winter just started later and we had more melt days in between big accumulations.
However, the last few days have been absolutely beautiful. More than 15 hours of bright sunshine and above freezing. The geese stopped by the park strip across from the office building this week on their annual migration to the Slope. They are so loud while honking about the latest gossip regarding what happened over the winter down South. When I told Robert about the forecast 50s starting Monday, his response was - time to open the windows and turn on the fan. My perspective is we need to get the shorts out and maybe open 1 window.
The deck furniture came out of storage and is ready to go for that first warm evening enabling us to dine outside. In less than a month, the animal babies and tourists will start showing up! Our first set of company this year arrives May 10th. Our second set on June 5th. I am so excited to have them come. Not only is it fantastic they are visiting, it gives us an excuse to take vacation from work and do Alaskan things!!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Poor, Little Camaro...
It had to spend time in the snow and cold yesterday! The 4-Runner needed a 75,000 mile service (not something you want to wait on) and when I made the appointment, most of the snow as gone and it was getting in the 40s during the day.
Then over the last week, our house had about 12-14 inches of snow and it turned cooler again. (For example, it is 8 degrees right now but a perfectly clear and beautiful morning! ) On top of that, right after we put the Toyota in the shop, it started snowing - hard- at the house again. Luckily, non stuck on the streets and while the Camaro spun tires a few times, it did fine.
I KNOW it was ready to sleep in the garage again last night!
How about that Mario Chalmers (KU Basketball clutch shooter) on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week. Hooray for the Big 12 winning the tourney and congrats to Mario for the role he played. Amazingly enough, Mario is only the second Alaskan to be on the cover of SI. The first was Tommy Moe, a gold and silver medalist in the 1994 Olympics for downhill and Super-G.
One other sports note this week...Sports Illustrated named the 25 Toughest Athletes and Lance Mackey (Iditarod and Yukon Quest winner for the last 2 years) was number two on the list. Congrats to Lance for his newest accomplishment!
All in all - a banner week for Alaskan athletes in the headlines!
Then over the last week, our house had about 12-14 inches of snow and it turned cooler again. (For example, it is 8 degrees right now but a perfectly clear and beautiful morning! ) On top of that, right after we put the Toyota in the shop, it started snowing - hard- at the house again. Luckily, non stuck on the streets and while the Camaro spun tires a few times, it did fine.
I KNOW it was ready to sleep in the garage again last night!
How about that Mario Chalmers (KU Basketball clutch shooter) on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week. Hooray for the Big 12 winning the tourney and congrats to Mario for the role he played. Amazingly enough, Mario is only the second Alaskan to be on the cover of SI. The first was Tommy Moe, a gold and silver medalist in the 1994 Olympics for downhill and Super-G.
One other sports note this week...Sports Illustrated named the 25 Toughest Athletes and Lance Mackey (Iditarod and Yukon Quest winner for the last 2 years) was number two on the list. Congrats to Lance for his newest accomplishment!
All in all - a banner week for Alaskan athletes in the headlines!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Mother Nature isn't ready for Spring
Obviously....
There was snow in the forecast yesterday. It started about 9:00 am and quit about 10 inches later (according to the news)....
And it is now snowing as I type...another 5-7 inches (according to the news last night).
Yesterday was the first 2 shovel day we have had this year and with all of the snow gone off of the deck and out of the yard, needless to say I was surprised.
So is Squirt!
There was snow in the forecast yesterday. It started about 9:00 am and quit about 10 inches later (according to the news)....
And it is now snowing as I type...another 5-7 inches (according to the news last night).
Yesterday was the first 2 shovel day we have had this year and with all of the snow gone off of the deck and out of the yard, needless to say I was surprised.
So is Squirt!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Summer's Comin'!
How do I know???
Because the Mat-Su Outdoors Show was last weekend which we attended to tune up for the THE GREAT ALASKAN SPORTSMAN SHOW this weekend.
I actually enjoy walking around the shows and looking at all of the toys. There's usually some really fun vendors such as the Garlic Gourmet or the Pampered Chef that I occasionally buy things at (which reminds me - I need to go to the ATM :) ).
Robert missed last year due to a business trip so he was ready. He stopped at every other booth looking at guns, rafts, clothes, waders, etc. He now has new cammo for the moose hunt. (BTW - the hunt has now extended to caribou and black bear. Still waffling on the brown bear.) I am excited to introduce him to the show this weekend. He will be amazed at the parking problems alone.
The coolest thing about last week's show is they had a Great Horned Owl there who was in rehab after being hit by a car. He was so pretty and his eyes so intense. Talking to the handler, I'll bet that is the same type of owl that is living in our neighborhood. I hope he visits the show this weekend and I have the opportunity to watch him again.
Because the Mat-Su Outdoors Show was last weekend which we attended to tune up for the THE GREAT ALASKAN SPORTSMAN SHOW this weekend.
I actually enjoy walking around the shows and looking at all of the toys. There's usually some really fun vendors such as the Garlic Gourmet or the Pampered Chef that I occasionally buy things at (which reminds me - I need to go to the ATM :) ).
Robert missed last year due to a business trip so he was ready. He stopped at every other booth looking at guns, rafts, clothes, waders, etc. He now has new cammo for the moose hunt. (BTW - the hunt has now extended to caribou and black bear. Still waffling on the brown bear.) I am excited to introduce him to the show this weekend. He will be amazed at the parking problems alone.
The coolest thing about last week's show is they had a Great Horned Owl there who was in rehab after being hit by a car. He was so pretty and his eyes so intense. Talking to the handler, I'll bet that is the same type of owl that is living in our neighborhood. I hope he visits the show this weekend and I have the opportunity to watch him again.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Unusual Aurora Perspective
The Aurora.
I've seen pictures and heard about it. Know where to go to watch it for a weekend trip, but I haven't seen it yet.
In case you missed it in the news, the astronauts got a pretty cool picture of it earlier this week.
http://www.adn.com:80/life/alaskana/story/354408.html
I am sure the mushers in the All Alaska Sweepstakes are getting a great look if the skies are clear. The old record is 72 hours and 14 minutes from 1910. If things continue as they have over the first 1/2 of the race, that record will be almost cut in half.
Amazing...
I've seen pictures and heard about it. Know where to go to watch it for a weekend trip, but I haven't seen it yet.
In case you missed it in the news, the astronauts got a pretty cool picture of it earlier this week.
http://www.adn.com:80/life/alaskana/story/354408.html
I am sure the mushers in the All Alaska Sweepstakes are getting a great look if the skies are clear. The old record is 72 hours and 14 minutes from 1910. If things continue as they have over the first 1/2 of the race, that record will be almost cut in half.
Amazing...
Monday, March 24, 2008
The bears are waking up!
Last week, I saw an article in the paper about the bears waking up. Sure enough - we went to the Wildlife Conservation Center this weekend and watched them play in the snow. Now is the perfect time as the Center makes sure they are fed and it is cool enough for them to actually play instead of sleep all day...
Look - I found my toes...
See - here they are!
Time for some wrestling
And then there's the goofy ravens. These birds were hanging out at the caribou feeding trough about 3 feet away from the animals. They are so big - however they appear to be on the eagle food chain. We just haven't had enough eagles come back to town yet to get rid of the ravens for summer!
Look - I found my toes...
See - here they are!
Time for some wrestling
And then there's the goofy ravens. These birds were hanging out at the caribou feeding trough about 3 feet away from the animals. They are so big - however they appear to be on the eagle food chain. We just haven't had enough eagles come back to town yet to get rid of the ravens for summer!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Happy Easter!
Spring is coming.
The Nenana Ice Classic is in full swing (can't forget to turn in the winning ticket sitting here on my desk).
The ravens are moving to the country or wherever ravens go in the summer (hooray!)....
The bears are waking up ...
And Whittier, Alaska (just south of here) received 3 feet of snow Wednesday and expects another 4 feet if they don't have it already.
OK...maybe Spring is still a few weeks away!
The Nenana Ice Classic is in full swing (can't forget to turn in the winning ticket sitting here on my desk).
The ravens are moving to the country or wherever ravens go in the summer (hooray!)....
The bears are waking up ...
And Whittier, Alaska (just south of here) received 3 feet of snow Wednesday and expects another 4 feet if they don't have it already.
OK...maybe Spring is still a few weeks away!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
It's 29 and sunny - what should we do???
Open the house up of course! Get some fresh air in here!
It has been an absolutely beautiful weekend. Two sunny days creating a lot of melt. Today we went skiing at Alyeska - WOW - it doesn't get any better!
(OK, OK..it was a little icy and I fell...no I crashed mid green slope...I am going to have a very colorful bruise just to the side of my kneecap tomorrow. It is already forming. I think I will have a ski shaped (long/thin) one on the opposite shin to match it.)
Back to the sun! Either today or tomorrow, we will hit 12 hours of sunlight. In 3 short months we will have 20 hours of sunlight and the rest dusk. We are gaining light at the rate of 5 minutes
and 45 seconds a day.
Glad we got our fishing licenses Friday!
It has been an absolutely beautiful weekend. Two sunny days creating a lot of melt. Today we went skiing at Alyeska - WOW - it doesn't get any better!
(OK, OK..it was a little icy and I fell...no I crashed mid green slope...I am going to have a very colorful bruise just to the side of my kneecap tomorrow. It is already forming. I think I will have a ski shaped (long/thin) one on the opposite shin to match it.)
Back to the sun! Either today or tomorrow, we will hit 12 hours of sunlight. In 3 short months we will have 20 hours of sunlight and the rest dusk. We are gaining light at the rate of 5 minutes
and 45 seconds a day.
Glad we got our fishing licenses Friday!
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