It’s been one year since my coworker/friend died. It’s been about a week since my aunt died. And it’s been over a month since another family member died.
This time last year we were eagerly planning our trip. Many things, including myself, have changed. Amongst tragedy is the gift of realizing a tremendous support network. Thank you.
STRANGER VIEW … The Skagway News compiles notable tourist comments in its column “Heard on the Wind.” Ear blames the following on all those Outside weather maps that put Alaska in the Pacific Ocean next to Southern California:
“A tour driver pulled off the road at a photo stop on the pass after crossing the border into Canada. Everyone got out except a young woman and her father. She said to him, ‘Here, I thought Alaska was an island. Now I find out it’s part of Canada.’ ” See www.skagwaynews.com for the column.
Several years ago when I was going through a tough emotional time, a friend told me she would carry me through the tough times. I think of that often. I think the best medicine is the support and uncondtional friendship of a few special people we have in our lives. I feel very blessed to be able to say that those kind of friends are in my life.
Being in AZ brings us closer to a lot of people we didn’t get to see often, due to the distance of being in Alaska. I am having a great time enjoying visits from friends. I like showing them my new little world here. There is nothing like ‘girl time’ to make one feel better. It’s the best medicine.
Some of these are from a hike we did yesterday. It took us twice as long as it should have due to the heat. The trail ends above the cliff in the background. When we were almost back to the truck, we saw a surprise animal, a javalina.
This is so upsetting. And hugely disappointing. I, just my opinion, am thankful we have a president who doesnt easily fly off the handle and scream about this. I will do the screaming for him. 
All aboard! Ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaa!
Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay
Crazy, but that’s how it goes
Millions of people living as foes
Maybe it’s not too late
To learn how to love
And forget how to hate
It’s in the low 80’s and I am sweaty hot and feeling a sunburn coming out, even with my 100,000 SPF. And all I did was go to an outdoor art show that was actually in a shady area. I missed a second show by about 20 minutes but maybe I’ll catch that tomorrow.
I like to look at local art where we go. Sometimes the art is merely in the setting, such as historic neighborhoods, as seen in Charleston. It’s impossible to look at the red rocks of Sedona and not see art in every direction. This art show was sculptures and paintings. Alot of western themes, which would have fit in to the house I grew up in. I am not really into the cowboys and rodeos - I would rather see the horses they rode in on. Native American art is stunning. There were paintings of children that just mesmerized me; I wanted all those paintings. There was a life size sculpture of a horse that was unbelievable. I do need that until I get some real ones. And a big surprise: Dewey the library cat sculpture. If you don’t know who Dewey is, look him up. I was born in that town and he is an icon there now. I watched as children walked up to Dewey the sculpture and petted him. It was sweet.
There were paintings of every media, as well as amazing drawings in pencil, pen and even colored pencil. Landscapes, western themes, and horses. Horses, and horses and even more horses. It was horse art heaven. I got to meet the artist whose work I had recently admired online.
And there were dogs in real life. Maybe too many dogs. Every kind and mix I could think of. They were all well behaved that I could see, but it was kind of gross to see them relieving themselves next to sculptures and in front of paintings that are worth quite a bit of money.
It appears that the weather in Northern Alaska has not been favorable. Not much sun and too much fog. Days of such poor visibility that flying is either limited or only happening in breaks in the weather. That says a lot about the weather conditions up there-the planes and pilots fly in weather that would keep the rest of us homebound.
An update about my post last time: “Fred” has passed away. There is no news on the drug addict/thief/loser.
I haven’t been up to my normal walks for several days and last night made my rounds on the canyon trail. How surprising it changes in such little time. Grasses and a particular scruffy look tree that looked dead are now growing leaves and blossoms. The grasses are past ankle high already. How did that happen? The nearest lake is receding quickly and also giving me a surprise. There are trees and grasses showing that were previously underwater and not detectable. How does that happen? Yesterday a wind surfer was on the lake and it made a beautiful picture with rose colored boulders in the background.
Today I found a golf ball in the back yard. I wondered if that would happen. Today is one of the few days I have seen golfers out. They had their plaids on, driving their golf carts. Someone needs more practice if they are hitting into our yard.
It’s a blustery day today. We are having our third pet emergency since we have been in AZ. How does that happen? I hope to take in a local art show this weekend after this pet is on the mend. The vet must be excited we are here with all the trips I have been making. I haven’t had this many pet problems is such a short time. We all have spring fever I think.
Along this trip we have been contacted by strangers who found our blog. It’s fun to hear from people. And with that comes spam. We aren’t interested in making money off our blog. We aren’t going to advertise anything on this blog. So if you are a spammer reading this, don’t bother contacting me.
Birchwood, AK
