A Rare Sight

This is a sight I've not seen very often in the past 2 and a half decades. Viva La Retiremente.

He read the book so we could talk it over! 

Terrific Tuesday

My day began by sharing a beautiful Alaskan sunrise with Arielle. We do not take this for granted. The sun is rising at a "normal" hour, an hour when we can enjoy its rising.....soon it will be rising at  0300.

Arielle was checking to be sure I was on tap to watch Benny today. He was sad to see his Mom and Dad leave for work, but bounced back quickly when I invited him to help me with laundry. 

We came upstairs for a bit and Benny was happy to play with Auntie. The keyboard is usually turned off. Stacia likes to practice with headphones and has only recently begun to practice without them. I really like HEARING the music. Benny was thrilled with the discovery that the big toy in the corner makes NOISE.

How quickly he can turn on the scowl! Shoot this new generation may take the Gherkin scowl to a whole new level. 

 He was not happy when I showed up as he was SURE I would make him stop playing. In truth, I didn't. I just wanted to photograph the moment.

Yuuki whines. Look closely and you'll see Benny sweetly "shushing" her. 

While Benny napped, I worked out and showered. He LOVED his hamburger at lunch. The phone camera couldn't catch it fast enough, but after each bite, he threw his hands in the air and celebrated.

I continued to wrestle some particular challenging passages in 1 John 5 and then left for Bible study. Stacia made dinner again - Apple meatballs and rice.

Nolan's Promotion

Nolan began working at McDonald's in July. He was a part time hire working 30 - 40 hours a week within a month. A month after THAT he was scheduled 40 hours a week, during the off-season. He routinely works overtime.  They began to train him in all areas, which means he's often the go-to guy to call when others call in at the last minute. He's received positive feedback.

 Nolan began the process of becoming a manager at the end of last year. Background check complete. Tests studied for and passed. Extra training completed. Last night he came home with his new uniforms.

Gone are the tight shiny black pants with the yellow and red trim, as well as the hat! He added a dress shirt, looser pants, a magnetic name tag and tie! Looking sharp. He's now considered a full time employee,  and got a another nice raise with the promotion.

He is being trained to be the opening manager - meaning he will once again have his weekends free. This schedule will work well with college classes. We're proud of you, Nolan.

Between Two Moose

I woke up with a swollen knee. I suspected this would be the case after all the sinking and twisting on our snowy walk to Willow Lake. What could make a better Monday than relaxing in a recliner with ice and Netflix? 

These girls, however, don't like reclining. I heard the bundling up going on and got the camera ready. I love that they can grab Benny, step outside, and make fun memories. 

Benny, Arielle & Stacia

They headed to the "sledding hill" and I noted a moose off to the right in the woods. 

Stacia's become fairly Alaskan. One moose didn't overly worry her. She knows they stay in their own spot, and usually aren't interested in us. 

Arielle is more cautious - she's a mama.  I could tell she was calculating distance and escape routes.

But wait - a second moose on their left. 

NO ONE would think it wise to be between two moose...at least we don't.  This is a bit too much moose to tangle with if they were to get agitated at the humans.  This is an iffy time of year. We are told to beware of mama moose. The on moose is the year old baby from last spring. Is she still protective? I don't know. They still hang out together....and one would be unwise to hang out between mama and baby - because she may feel threatened when she is done eating. We give them space.

Their snow fun was cut very short.

I am thinking it's time to plant seeds. Last year was disheartening and there is so MUCH snow....but it IS March. I probably need to plant some seeds.

47th Iditarod - 1,049 Miles

Ground was too crazy to attempt a tri-pod - Michael took the photo

Saturday was the ceremonial start to the 47th Iditarod in Anchorage. We went to it several times when we were stationed here. It was fun....but this year.... Josiah, Jamin and Nolan met us after church and we drove out to Willow for the "Official" start of the Iditarod.  We liked it better....I liked that they were running down the chute, across the frozen lake and off...instead of down 4th street to a park.

We weren't 100% sure where to go, and we got a late start from church.  Michael dropped the kids and I off at a small airplane hangar on the lake and went to find a parking spot. Jamin led the way across the drifts and onto the lake. The 3rd time I sunk in snow above my knees and felt lake overflow.....I called it quits. I told them I would walk back to the road and along the road to the start. Alex came with me. The rest headed across the lake. We all met up at the start.

The dogs are so eager to get run. They love it.  Josiah got a great video, but I can't figure out how to share it from Facebook. 

There are 35 men and 17 women and teams running the race this year. There are several former champions, rookies, 20 year olds...my favorites were Lance Mackey and a 65 year old woman. Quite a bit was made of this woman's parka. It is designed as a kuspuk.

Lance Mackey is a crowd favorite. He's battled cancer and is running this year to have fun, "because I can."  Lance won the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod both from 2005-2009 - winning each four years in a row. I got a video of his start, but we didn't get any photos. 

The dogs run across Willow Lake. 

 

Crowd watching was almost as fun as race watching...folks had sleds, snow machines, walkers, wheel chairs, ATVs....it was an Alaskan event.

This group made me tear up.  The gal in the white parka, looked to be in her 60's,  has a harness and long handles tied to a  sled. She pulled her mom, in the sled, and her dad walked behind, steadying mom. That's dedication and love.

We loved the excitement and energy in Willow.  They mentioned the trail was lined with fans all the way to the first checkpoint. There is talk of  us going much earlier next year,  possibly finding a place out on the trail....taking the ice fishing tent and heater....a cooler.....

I can't get this song out of my head.....

Ladies Bowling Party

I don't always post photos of friends on the blog. I would never want to infringe on another's privacy.....but if I don't put them here, hey won't get printed with the rest of the blog. LOL  Saturday the women of MAG gathered at North Bowl.  We had a fantastic time.  I hadn't bowled in decades and even *I* had a great time. Jennifer (below right) planned this gathering for us.  I appreciated being able to attend without any responsibility. LOL I look forward to the other events she is planning for us.

Britney & Jennifer

 Lindsey and I are co-team lead of Gather Women's Ministry

Rebecca loves her snazzy shoes

Kali, Yasinta, Tabby, Brittany, Britney

 Brittany humors my wish for an action shot. LOL 

 Ally and Sandy 

Tabby, Rebecca, Brittany

  

Nora is on the Women's Ministry Team

Stacy, me, Nora

Now that I've finished this post I realize - WE HAVE NO PLANS TO MOVE IN 2 YEARS AND I WON'T NEED TO HAVE NAMES MATCHED WITH FACES FOR MEMORY PURPOSES.

Harriet's Saturday

The professionals came over, Robert and Sandy. My man and woman are new to dealing with Chicken Killing pests. I was ready to lead the girls on another adventure when I hard them talking. 

The trail cam caught a rodent on it.....they put more bait in the traps. They saw weasel tracks the first day and are sure they'll catch it yet.....

I thought it may be safer to stay in the chicken yard and give them another day to try to catch the fiend.

Meanwhile, I'll continue to guard the yard.