A lot of random thoughts

I've stayed pretty busy at work since my return from Arizona in June - so busy, in fact, that I missed the Midnight Sun Game for the first time in many years. I love this classic baseball game. Play starts at 10:30 p.m. and it's played entirely without artificial lights. But it was on a Thursday night and although I normally take the next day off, this year I couldn't do that. So I gave my seats to someone else for the evening. I hear they enjoyed the game, and that's what matters.

The weeks leading up to Father's Day were hard for me. It was so difficult to hear all the ads on tv giving gift ideas and realize that for the first time I wouldn't be buying a card and gift for my dad. I think of him every day and miss him so much. I would love to be able to talk with him, tell him what I spotted on my drives and hear his laugh again. I miss that I can't just call him out of the blue and ask "what was that plant that grew near the creek?" I miss his homespun humor and his wisdom.

Some mornings when the missing him is strong, I'll take the back way to the office. There are lots of wildflowers and occasionally I'll spot a moose or fox (so far this summer I've struck out on the wildlife, though, except for terns and ravens). Next to fireweed, the wild iris is one of my favorite flowers. They grow in profusion out there and I love seeing them along the road.

A couple of weeks ago my friend Mae and I had lunch at a local restaurant. We opted to eat on the deck (delicious meal, gorgeous sunny day that wasn't too hot, good company). I saw a large bird land on a pole near the far end of the deck. After a short while, it swooped down to the riverbank and returned to the pole, where it proceeded to eat whatever it had picked up. I checked with my friend, a wildlife biologist, who told me it was a dark phase, rough-legged hawk. We watched it while we enjoyed our meals. 

While we ate, we saw a number of boaters on the Chena River, a few in vessels with motors, others in canoes and kayaks. There was a small duck mostly just floating along. When a boat approached, he would swim out of the main channel of the river and wait out the boat in the grass along the side. When the boat passed, back he'd go into the river.

I went to the big July 4th celebration yesterday. Although it was cloudy and breezy, it was comfortable and it did not rain during the ceremony. I've been to some of those celebrations when temperatures were in the 80s and higher, and I was very uncomfortable. Yesterdays temps in the 50s-60s were very nice. 

I decided I would try to get a photo of the Air Force flyover. That's hard for me to do, as I'm never sure I'm fast enough. Those F-16s come in and out so fast they are hard to capture. I wasn't sure from exactly which direction they could come in, and the side I picked was wrong, so my first photo on approach only got two aircraft. My second photo got only sky. Finally, as they left the park, I got all three in the shot.

I'm a little like a kid when I see something like this (and fireworks). The celebration wasn't much different from those of the past 24 years. The speakers vary, sometimes there's no flyover and the Army provides a rifle team for salutes instead of the howitzers they used to fire. But the script has changed very little and there's still the Army band and the salute to the states, when the emcees read the name of each state and its nickname, each state followed by a rifle firing. It's very patriotic and I love it.

I decided to take a long weekend, so am off today and Friday. I've already done my shopping and will try something new today. I bought an electric pressure cooker. I'm going to cook up a pork roast and make some pulled pork barbecue. I'm looking forward to it. I also plan to make lots of soup this winter. I'm a soup lover and can't wait to try some of the hearty recipes I've found. When I was growing up, my grandmother used her pressure cooker frequently. I remember the enticing aromas in her kitchen - especially beef - and the delicious, tender meat that came out of it. 

Mae and I are all set for our train trip to Denali National Park in September. We used to go in May, but I prefer the September trips. The fall colors are gorgeous and it's a good way to end the summer.

It's a beautiful sunny morning here, with the thermometer saying about 50 degrees. I think maybe I'll put Buddy in the car and go to the car wash. He'll enjoy the ride and the car will enjoy the shine.

Happy July everyone. I hope your summer is filled with fun.

Arizona

I just returned from a trip to Arizona (and am I glad to be back here where it's MUCH cooler!).

My parents had six children; I'm the oldest. My sister Lora - 11 months younger than me - and her husband Howard moved from Pennsylvania to Arizona eight years ago. None of us have seen them since. We've worried about her, as she developed cancer several years ago. She has had a rough time dealing with the chemo, and her cancer did not respond well to it and is spreading.

When Leah - child #3, two years younger than me - told me she and Lucille - the baby, nearly 13 years younger than me - were flying from Pennsylvania to Arizona to see Lora and Howard I said I wanted to go along, inviting myself on the trip.

I called Lora to see if she could handle another sister and she said she would be glad if I could make it. So, I contacted Alaska Airlines and made reservations. The trip was scheduled for June because Luci is a teacher and had to wait for the end of the school year.

Leah, Luci and I met at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and picked up a rental car to drive to Yuma, a 3+-hour drive. Luckily, our planes were only about 15 minutes apart, so timing was perfect. We were on the road about 11 a.m., missing rush-hour traffic.

The heat - already in the 90s - hit me as soon as I walked out the airport doors. Thank goodness for air conditioning!

As we left the airport and headed for the interstate highway, I looked out the window and saw Tempe Diablo Stadium, where the Anaheim Angels train in spring. It was the very first stadium we visited for Spring Training in 2000 and was one of my favorite stadiums that year. So I did what photographers are told not to do - I shot a photo through the window while we were driving.

I pretty much did that for the entire trip. We did make a few stops, but as we wanted to get to Yuma at a relatively early hour, we didn't stop for every vista.

I've been on the drive from Phoenix to Yuma several times, and remembered how very brown it was - it still is. I think I've been spoiled in PA and Alaska, with all the green.

But the desert, despite its lack of lush greenery, has a beauty all its own. The saguaro cactus had buds on top and there were creosote bushes, other short brush and a few palo verde trees.

I love the green bark on the palo verde trees.

We pulled into Yuma about 3 p.m. and checked into our hotel, then phoned Lora.

After settling in, we set the GPS for Lora's address and drove over there. How good it was to see her after all this time. We got the hugs over and started talking and catching up.

I took a few photos of the exterior of her apartment.

We talked a while, had supper, and because we were all tired, Leah, Luci and I went back to the hotel for an early night.

The next day we picked up Lora and Howard and went to the Yuma Territorial Prison. Read its history at  http://azstateparks.com/parks/yute/index.html. Unfortunately, it was closed on the days we were in Yuma, so all we could get was photos of the top of the prison for a nearby parking lot. I visited it on an earlier trip to Yuma, but was looking forward to seeing it again. Maybe next time . . .

We also saw a Native American (Quechan tribe) mission, but couldn't get into that either. 

It was a beautiful chapel.

We did some shopping, then dropped Lora and Howard off so we could all spend the hot afternoon in relative comfort and rest. Luci and I hit the hotel pool for a short while, but the air-conditioned room beckoned and we went back indoors, where I napped for a short while. 

We had supper at a steakhouse (great rib-eye!), then decided to meet for breakfast in the morning and a drive to the desert. 

The drive to the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands took us past Yuma Proving Grounds, an Army installation. These are outside the gates:

We drove for a short while and found the BLM lands where a lot of snowbirds - Northerners who leave the cold to spend winters in warmer climates - park all sorts of campers and tents they call home for the winter months. (http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/camping.html)

Lora and Howard spent a good deal of time in these areas, in a tent at first and later in a camper. Amenities are sparse and the land is rather barren. There's not much shade. On the plus side, they took up rock-collecting and found a number of interesting specimens. They also watched wild burros and made a number of friends who also camped at the areas.

 The rocks piled up were where  one camper had his campfire.

A pano of the area - note the different colors on the mountains in the background.

We all looked around and found a few interesting rocks, but nothing worth much money. After a round of sister photos, we headed back to town and lunch. On the way back we drove past date groves and Howard pointed out the dates growing down from the top of the palms.

 

Unfortunately, our trip was ending. Luci had to get back to PA and we wanted to get to Phoenix before the evening rush hour. We said goodbye amidst hugs and tears.

We got to our Phoenix hotel about 3:30 p.m. and checked in. Phoenix seemed hotter to me because there was absolutely no breeze - at least we had a small one in Yuma that helped to offset the heat a bit.

It was a wonderful trip. I always enjoy spending time with my sisters, and it was so good to see Lora again. The only downsides were having to leave and the oppressive heat. It was over 100 degrees every day, and I'm known for complaining when the mercury goes above 75. I think Leah and Luci didn't mind it, because it lacked the humidity they have in 90+-degree temps in PA. I DID mind it. Sweat would drip off my hair onto my ears. I could be out for less than five minutes and be sweating. It was 76 when we arrived back in Fairbanks, and it never felt so good!

It's trips like this one that make me wish Alaska were closer to PA. I'd love to do more road trips with my sisters. It was worth the heat to spend time with them.

Note to self: Stop schrunching head into neck - you look neckless!

Happy summer everyone.

Springtime woes and dog shows

I love spring and summer - everything is greening up, looking fresh and the warming air is so pleasant - and full of pollen. I've spent the past 13 days sniffling, coughing and downing antibiotics and steroids in an effort to knock the sinus infection out. While the cough still persists, I am feeling better.

I missed a couple days of work because I was getting only about 2-3 hours of sleep a night. I did work Thursday, then took a long weekend Friday.

Saturday I ventured out to the annual dog show with my friend Cindy. Our friend Nancy, from Anchorage, breeds, raises and shows golden retrievers. They are beautiful dogs, with long silky hair and a quiet demeanor. I always enjoy the show. There are so many kinds of dogs (and people) there. And I dream that my Buddy were as well-behaved as these dogs. :(

There were dogs of all sizes -

 

and all textures -

 

some were alert and curious -

and some not so much -

We watched some of the obedience training - Buddy will NEVER reach that level! As always it was good to see Nancy and chat, and watch all the dogs. I always fall in love with several of them. It was a good way to spend the morning.

Today I will reflect on all those men and women who died in service to our country. May we never take their sacrifices for granted.

This week green is my favorite color.

Happy Mother's Day to all moms.

34 years and birds, birds, birds

April 28 is the 34th anniversary of my arrival in Fairbanks. It was early evening, a gray overcast day.

As we drove down Airport Way to Fort Wainwright, our new home for the next three years, I was almost as depressed as the dreary evening. Spots of dirty snow, nearly black from auto exhaust, lay in small clumps in shady areas, and there was trash everywhere. I wanted to cry at the rundown-looking place and couldn't imagine how long those three years would seem.

Several weeks later, after wondering why everyone was talking about the ice on the Tanana River at Nenana; after Cleanup Day and after extended hours of sunlight, suddenly the town looked beautiful. The river was free of ice and the town free of litter.

Now, 34 years later, that black snow is no longer ugly. It signals the end of a long winter and the coming of breakup and summer. Like everyone else, I follow the ice on the Tanana because it is another harbinger of spring. (It went out April 23 this year, an early breakup.) Cleanup Day is May 5 this year and families, groups and individuals will be out picking up the trash. By then, much of the brown grass will be turning green and there will be green on the trees on the surrounding hills and in town.

Fairbanks has changed much in those 34 years. During my first ride (and many subsequent ones) down Airport Way, there was little to suggest what it would be today. Fred Meyer West, Sears, the old KMart building and numerous other business did not exist then - just large wooded lots. Denny's was a place called Augie's. It had a sister (brother?) restaurant on the Old Steese Highway, now gone, called Jeffrey's. Pioneer Park was then called Alaskaland (I still use the old name frequently) with a zoo that was home to just a few animals including a couple of bears and a young moose, among others. Second Avenue was home to numerous bars, many of which were removed to make room for the Springhill Suites hotel. What is now ACS on Cushman between 3rd & 4th avenues was a Woolworth's store. They had really good lunches and the best milkshakes in Fairbanks. Sears back then was a catalog store - you went, ordered what you wanted from the catalog and didn't see it before purchase. They carried only a small number of items, no clothing. There were certainly no coffee stands at the intersections.

My attitude toward Fairbanks has also changed. This is my home. I love the town and the people. During my first summer, I discovered how beautiful this town is. I met people, some of whom are still my friends. I appreciate the beauty of Fairbanks - occasional views of Mt. McKinley; the rest of the Alaska Range; fireweed; flowers and summer gardens; the historic buildings, the wildlife and the friendly demeanor of everyone I see.

One of my favorite springtime activities is going to Creamer's Field to watch the birds. Like the ice break-up and the black snow, the waterfowl are another sign of spring, stopping on their northward migration.

In an effort to lure the birds away from our airports, officials and volunteers plow the big field and scatter seed for the birds to eat. And it works. There are frequently several hundred geese, ducks, cranes and other birds getting their fill of the free meals. I rarely go out without seeing others there, all with binoculars and/or cameras. Local schools take their classes there on field trips. The same thing happens in August, when the birds stop there on their flights back south.

I was out Sunday morning to find 6 pairs of swans, too many geese and ducks to count and one lone sandhill crane. I'm off work today, so drove over to Creamer's at 6 a.m. to see what the birds are up to. Many of them were off flying somewhere, so there weren't as many as there are sometimes.

Both Sunday and today, I was able to locate the crane for photos, but I did have to look hard to see him. The poor thing kept calling and calling, but got no response from other cranes. Hopefully his friends will arrive soon.

It appears it will be another pleasant sunny day today. I think Buddy and I will enjoy some outdoor time. He loves going outdoors and sniffing the air to see what's in the neighborhood, and I love sitting on the porch watching birds at my feeders and life going by.

Happy breakup everyone. Greenup is coming soon!

It's breakup!

Breakup is finally here. The snow in my yard is melting and the sidewalk lake is back. I put in a temporary bridge and am able to get to the car and back without getting my feet wet.

Saturday I shoveled some of the snow away from the sidewalk and further into the yard. That usually helps keep the water level down. I also cleared off the porch of all snow and it's almost ready to enjoy. I still have to wash and rinse the benches, but my back is screaming at me to do that later - maybe next weekend.

I got out the folding lawn chair and sat on the porch for a while yesterday, totally reveling in the sun and warmth while Buddy ran around the yard enjoying all the smells.

I got up early today and drove over to Creamer's Field about 6:30. There were a handful of geese and two pairs of trumpeter swans. I shot off a few shots, but only had my pocket camera so the zoom wasn't as good.

There's still a lot of snow and many of the little ponds were iced over at that early hour, but the geese were making lots of noise and there were several pairs flying in and out.

I love when the birds return - it's a sure sign of spring.

After Creamer's I went to Fred Meyer and did my grocery shopping. It's now 12:30 p.m. and I've also completed the laundry and made dinner (baked chicken & broccoli spears). The leftover chicken is packaged into lunch-sized portions and I've got my salads all packaged for the week. All I have to do is grab and go.

It's been a productive weekend, in spite of the fact that I really didn't do much yesterday. All I have to do now is take Buddy out and enjoy my porch.

Happy breakup.

Pennsylvania

It's been a month since I lost my dad and I'm missing him so much. I phone back to PA every Saturday morning, and I'm constantly thinking of something I must remember to tell him.

While his passing makes me incredibly sad, and I still cry sometimes when I see his photo or something that reminds me of him, I'm glad he's no longer in pain.

While I love Alaska, I also love Pennsylvania. Liverpool is a very small rural town. It's a pretty, placid area. My parents' house looks out over the Susquehanna River and it's just peaceful.

I got my scrapple fix, and even managed to bring some back to Alaska. Although I've had some since my return, I'm portioning it out so I can enjoy it when I get the urge for some.

In addition to being able to be with Dad before he died, I'm so grateful for the time I was able to spend with so many family members. We're from a large family - 6 kids - and all of us were there except one sister. She's in AZ undergoing treatment for cancer and couldn't make it in.

While I was there, my sister (in-law) Karen saw to it that I was able to get out now and then, as I didn't have a rental car. We went shopping and Karen, my brother John and I took my mother out for lunch at Red Lobster (Mother's favorite restaurant).

She took me to see the play at our local high school. My little sister Luci was the director and my niece Meghan was the lead. When I was in school, we just did simple plays. These kids do musicals! This year they did "Seussical the Musical." Meg was the Cat in the Hat.

The girl who played the Grinch was also great.

The entire cast was terrific. Some of those kids have great voices. It was a really good evening, with some laughs and a few tears when we saw a note in the program from Grandma and Grandpa (my parents) wishing Meg lots of luck. 

I spent a lot of time in my dad's chair on my family's front porch, watching birds and enjoying the springlike weather. There were some days with rain and temperatures in the 40s, but there were also days where the thermometer reached 60+. It was a good place to sit and reflect, and cry.

I also spent wonderful times with my sisters and my nieces and nephews. Two of my sisters and I went to order flowers for the memorial service and stopped for lunch at a local restaurant - great crab cakes and a very nice day with them. I wish I lived closer so I could spend more time with them. My sisters are amazing women and I love being with them.

I had the opportunity to spend time with nieces and nephews, some of whom I haven't seen in many years. I met the wife and soon-to-be wife of two nephews and totally enjoyed talking with them. What wonderful young adults they've become. The worst thing about living in Alaska is being so far away from my family. I missed all the years they were growing up, with just short visits over the years.

Now that I'm back home and settled back into my routine, I'm so happy to see breakup is on the way. Snow is melting, dripping off the eaves. The main roads are clear. The sun is shining. I've started moving snow off my porch so I can begin enjoying sitting out there. I made a pretty good start, but still have to get it off my benches. Soon I'll be out there for my morning coffee!

Happy Spring everyone.