Spring is here

No matter what any says (and it really COULD snow some more), I prefer to believe that spring is here. I'm truly tired of winter and so ready for it be done. We did have a few snow showers, but what laid on the ground didn't stay long.

Since my return from Texas I haven't done a lot more than go to work and food shopping. My back has been bothersome since the trip and I'm not really enjoying going out and doing things that involve walking or standing.

I did, however, go to the Women's Event last weekend. My friend Dan was doing a demonstration on how to barbecue chicken. He and his wife Barbara bring in chicken at several different phases of the process and explain how it's done. Dan and Barbara are active in the Alaska Barbecue Association, and my friends Mae and Cindy and I love going out to talk with them while they're competing (and of course taste the final product).

Brushing on the sauce

Ready for judging. The box has to be perfect.

After Dan finished his demo, we talked for a few minutes, then wandered around the show. There were lots of shoes (most of them something I would never buy), lots of costume jewelry and other booths. The only thing I bought was a bottle of water.

Sunday morning I was up early and decided to drive by Creamer's Field. There were only about 3 or 4 dozen geese there, but I shot a few photos before heading off to the grocery store.

sitting goose


The guy on the right had such a cool attitude.

I'm walkin'

















I'm lookin'

This weekend the temperatures have reached the 50s and I think it's probably 60 today.

Life is good.

It's still autumn

Winter is still holding off. It's been a beautiful past few days - temperatures in the 50s and sunshine. They're calling for 50s again today, and my friends Mae and Cindy and I are planning a drive to no where in particular. I'll take the camera and see if I can get a few more fall shots.

Friday I got a new flat-screen television set, 37", which looks great in the living room. I really think anything much bigger would be a bit too much. It's much sharper than the old square one and the HD is great. My friend came over to help me set it up, and after breakfast, we headed over to Creamer's Field to see what was happening.

I was surprised to see a small group of Canada geese still hanging around. I thought they were all gone by now.

I also noticed the fireweed, though completely brown and cotton, is still standing tall. Fireweed is one of my favorite plants - I love it at almost any time of year.

fireweed in bloom, July

fireweed topped off and near the end

end of the road for this fireweed plant - I love how it contrasts with the aged dark wood of the fence








We are all reveling (except the snowmachiners and skiers) in the lingering warm temperatures of autumn. My little dog loves to sit in the yard sniffing the air. Occasionally he will run from one corner to the other. Twice Saturday, when we were moving televisions in/out, he escaped and ran off down the street. My arthritic back and asthma HATE this. We got him back, but I was winded and not happy with him.

Happy October to all. I'm hoping to get more photos today.