Outdoors

I grew up in Michigan, where the really crusty snow crunched under our boots, the top layer could harden to be a walking surface or you could find yourself fence posting, you know when then one leg goes in real deeply.  That lopsided position lends itself to immediately darting eyes to see if anyone is watching.  Whether or not someone is watching determines the method of leg extraction.

There could be this, "Oh, shit." This could be accompanied by the hand to the snow slap right next to you.   You can be be rest assured, there will be no smile on your face.  Usually, though, someone saw you go in.  They appear most grateful especially if you were walking in front and marked that fence post spot for them. 

You'll hear, "Hate it when that happens," from the person behind you.  They will graciously offer a hand, which makes matters worse if you grab it and start the lopsided lunge.  "No thanks," we say and start the grunting, pushing crawling out exercise.

What really stinks if in within two ro three steps, you go in again.  No formality at this point, just sheer pissy attitude.  It is not uncommon in snow country to see someone walking in that upright, then lopsided manner for quite aways. 

I walked on crunchy snow here in Alaska today and thought about how beautiful the fallen snow is and just how much we'll go through to spend time with it.  The blanket of silence, quiet and peacefulness that rests on the earth.  I have to add, not so nice when it stops for its rest before it hits the ground, right on my windshield.

Happy TGD

It has been awhile since I have written, however, I found this experience one that sat me down to do so.  I picked up the chair of the board where I work on Tuesday night.  I waited with her at baggage in the small airport and she said, "Wait, I have to get my turkey."

I asked her if she always traveled with a turkey and I received that look.  So, I watched for the red luggage her turkey was in.  I took it off the line, it was very heavy, and rolled this large suitcase, holding a turkey to my car.  She explained that she might have gotten weathered in while staying in Anchorage and she had to be sure her turkey was going to thaw on time.  She was flying from Anchorage, staying in Homer for the night, and flying on to Port Graham the next day.

I brought her to her hotel and she asked if I couldn't take her turkey home so that it could stay outside in the cold for the night.  I lugged it out of the back of my car, since I do have bears and did not want to explain the missing turkey.  I put it in my nice shed, the suitcase, for the night.  The next day I lugged it back out to the car and went to pick up our board chair for breakfast.  So far I had pulled her turkey to the car, pulled it out of the car and put it in the shed and pulled it back to the car.

We finished her TGD shopping in Homer in that there are really no large grocery stores in the village in which she lives.  I drove her and her turkey, her holiday groceries and her other luggage to the airport to bush plane into her village.

It was my last time to lug the turkey luggage as I placed it in the airport for loading on the bush plane.  I think this Alaska gig is really interesting.  I hope you all had a great holiday.

What a Weekend

I would have to say that long walks on the windy, cold beach, warm food shared with a friend, gatherings centered around music and laughter and crisp, cold weather all make for a weekend happy camper.  I had conversations this weekend that are secretly imagined and rarely realized.  How fortunate for me.

Today, it is very windy and the pilots are checking conditions.  I will be flying out at 10:00 to Port Graham and returning either today or tomorrow.  This all depends on weather conditions and specific situations. 

I am able to carve out in all this newness, spaces for me.  My home is my sanctuary; I allow only positive energy.  My body has become an exercise for me in loving acceptance of the aging process.  I also feel an awe and wonder that I can still lift a television if I want to.  I can work out hard and I can do things to stay strong.

I have encountered some scary situations on my job here and am realizing that I nearly let fear consume me.  The flights have their own fear factor and then the rural remoteness and situations I came here to address add another element.  My Creator did not bring me this far to leave me now; I get that today.  I didn't feel that so much in the middle of the night.  Weird, how the light of day brings more of a peace to any situation.

So, I ask for your prayers of support and I ask that you do something incredibly kind for someone today.  That someone can be you. 
Peace.

A Typical Day in Homer, Alaska

I was sitting in Two Sister's Bakery with my friend yesterday and we decided that we needed winter pedicures.  We might be in Homer, AK, however, we thought this service could exist near us.  We saw a woman walk in with lovely makeup, nicely done hair and fashionable clothing.  Keep in mind, she stood out.  This is Alaska.  We knew we could ask her about pedicures.  I think you see where this is going.  She kindly looked at us in our Patagonia jackets, rubber boots, headbands, wind pants (we had just come from a walk on a windy Alaskan beach) and announced, "I am a skin specialist and I work here in Homer."  Michelle and I looked intently at each other's flushed from the wind faces and announced we could probably use her services too.  She didn't disagree.

She pointed us in the direction of the Toe, Tips and Waxing place for our pedicures, gave us her card and reminded us to call.  We finished our lunches and merrily made our way to the Toe Lady.  She was too busy to see us since it seems she books solid.  Who knew how popular pedicures would be here in Alaska?  She is the only service provider in a large area.  She told us that she helps people with health problems and such and that doctors as far away as Anchorage refer clients to her.  We took her card and decided our time would next be spent best getting library cards.  Alas, they were closed on Veteran's Day-- we sincerely thanked all soldiers, discussed how precious our freedom is and with this reminder and headed on to other adventures

Suffice it to say, we explored, walked, romped, played, talked and enjoyed that freedom that had been hard won for us.  It was fun.  Tomorrow night a group of new buddies are having a game night.  Tonight Michelle would like to go clubbing.  We have three to choose from.  Bars stay open in Homer until 4 a.m. and I swear this place is like Northern Exposure on steroids. 

I have another day off, however, Michelle has to work today so I'll study for my license exam, go for a walk at the beach and gear up for perhaps a wild night.  People play here.  Whew.  I had two months of being alone in my cabin whenever I wasn't in the village.  I trusted the Creator that fun, loving, good, caring people would be revealed to me right here in Homer.  And it is so.

Made It

Sunny skies.  Great landing.  Exciting wondering what might be over the mountains.  Lots of snow in the village and people seem happy in the sunshine.

First Real Flight Delay

I called the airport and they said that they have a very narrow band of opportunity to make it out to the bush today.  We are "trying" at noon were the words that he uttered.  I'm on that "trying" at noon flight.  How fun is that?  Does that mean we hit these bumpy, crazy turbulence and then we turn around when we can't push through?  I guess I'll just have to write you later regarding the turnout today.

I think I really like snow.  I know it's early in the season and I'll get sick of it in some time.  I just love the cold, crisp air, the silence.  I am already too warm in layers of garb and so am backing off a bit.  I think the adjustment makes this cold more fun for me.

I know the summertime here will be amazing and I'm making plans now to really enjoy myself.  There will be kayak adventures, exploring Prince William Sound, Halibut Cove, Fairbanks, huge parks, glaciers and who knows what else will be out there.  I'm heading out to catch my flight.  Say a prayer.

What a Great Day

I met a coworker when I first arrived in Anchorage who has since left our organization.  The great thing is this:  she moved here to accept a different position.  She is funny, fun and trustworthy.  People loved working with her and it is so my gain that she moved here.  We met today at my cabin for conversation, the first fire in the woodstove, lots of laughter, my cooking (she liked it) and a great, rousing game of Scrabble.  Funny thing is she had firewood in her truck.  She said she's always prepared for a bonfire.  She is hoping to find a man to date here and has wanted to live here for years.  I am so glad she is here.  We are making plans for both Thanksgiving and Christmas and I feel good about that. 

I started my morning taking photographs of breathtaking views from my front steps.  I placed many photos on this blog and on Facebook.  I went through old photos and found pictures of times where I was so happy.  I'm thinking of duplicating haircuts from those times.  I am encouraged that I can get back in shape from foot surgery.  I know that I really did love being outdoors pushing that snow around with my new shovel.  I didn't even wear a coat.  I think my Michigan blood is returning.  I got kind of soft in Oregon.

Then, I was chatting with a new person in Anchorage via a site and we discovered that we both come from Michigan, have the same degrees, are the same age and are both Virgos.  We laughed throughout the conversation at all of the similarities.  She's interested in visiting Homer and thinks my cabin sounds grand.  Two Virgos can be very neat in the same place:)  I hope that she and perhaps her friends feel comfortable coming down from Anchorage to enjoy this great cabin.  I am enjoying building a social network in Alaska.  It's good to do so before winter sets in. 

My guest today kept telling me these things:  This is such a great potluck house.  This is such a great place to play games.  This is such a great place to have friends in for the weekend.  Your family needs to visit to see this place while you live here. 
I couldn't agree more.

Okay, here's a few haircut options.  Votes please.

 I saw this picture of a model in a magazine.  Do you like her haircut?

I like this model too.  She's hugging a childhood tree friend.  What about her hair?
These were the best pictures I could come up with.  I am also working on gaining her athletic build as well.

Photos/The Cabin

 The Polar Bear Sleeping in my Kitchen

 Kitchen Table

 Self Explanatory

 Side of House

 Furnished Cabin with Kitchen Bookshelf/Books Provided

 New woodstove

 Otter picture over woodstove

 Living Room Furniture/Nice Taste

View from top of stairs coming down from the kitchen

Photos/Cabin Views

 View off from my front steps/small shift in angle and complete color change.

 View to the right off from front steps October 8, 2010

 View from my bedroom window

 Front of cabin/photos out front taken from top step.

 Front kitchen corner

 Back of house

 I used my new shovel

My driveway winds all the way out to the house in the picture/they're on the main road

Snow Photos

Photos/Ocean

Photos/More Beach

 Wave just a day before the snow

 Hmmm. 

 Someone I met in Alaska

More kelp

Photos/Snowing Has Started

 Hat and face mask compliments of Pat and Barbe Outfitters

 Opened my kitchen window for this shot...brrr.

 Just a start to front yard white.  Much deeper snow tonight.

 My boss, Jim, and my first snow flight

Loading the plane and yes we're all cold

Photo Time/Nanwalek Beach

 Kelp

kelp

Photo Time/Food Prices Alaska