Eagle River Inquirer

Sisters Retreat

2011-06-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here we are on Sunday morning ready for church. It's too bad we couldn't all be in the same shot. I had pictures in two places so stay tuned for more posts on our great weekend.

Just Dance 2

2011-06-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

No explanation needed on our version of Just Dance. We all took turns being the most coordinated (if you know what I mean).

National Park Cruise

2011-06-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Ray and I went on a eight-hour cruise out of Seward. This is one of the perks from my volunteer work downtown Anchorage. We have been on this cruise before, but still had a nice time. Ray saw a full breaching humpback, but I mostly saw fins and tails with my camera.

Polar Bear Rescue

2011-06-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

This baby polar bear was found near Alpine in North Alaska (Alpine is the field that Ray manages). At first they just monitored the bear to see if the mother would surface. After a few days, when the mother didn't show up, the fish and game asked Alpine to rescue the bear. She was lethargic, but skittish. Ray secured some food from Dead Horse that the fish and game thought the cub might eat. Ray was one of the first ones to try to feed the bear and get the cub transferred to the proper authorities. The cub was taken to the Anchorage Zoo. The people at Alpine named the cub the Native Alaskan version of Snowflake but the folks at the zoo didn't go for it. There is national protocal of what to do with a rescued polar bear, and the zoo is in the process of doing that now. She is on display at the zoo for about an hour a day. When we saw her, Ray said she had doubled in size. So it looks like she is going to make it!!!!

Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

The weather was gorgeous on Memorial Day. Anchorage has great bike paths, so we went for a ride which took us to Goose Lake. Can you believe this is Anchorage in May? Neither could we... This hideaway is near the campus of University of Alaska Anchorage. My rear end was severely challenged by the ride, but very enjoyable.

The Hike

2011-06-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great get together with the sisters. Saturday morning was beautiful so we decided to go on a hike above my house.
The creek was so high that we couldn't cross, so we went along the four-wheeler path, which wasn't that developed. It wasn't
bad until we ran into the mosquitos.

The Sistas

2011-06-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Glena Dawn showing off the gifts Jill brought us. The four of us at Teton Village admiring the view, and Sydney showing us that she isn't sure how to wear the bling chain she bought for her glass.

A Bad Idea

2011-06-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

We visited Teton Village. The weather was so great! My bright idea was to pose on the steps near the snow for a photo op. Glena Dawn was the only taker. When we stood up, our clothes were filthy. Jill and Sydney had to clean up our backsides with whatever we had in the car. We got a good laugh out of it!

A Night Out

2011-06-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here we are enjoying "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" in Jackson Hole. The play was excellent--Glena Dawn and I had the pleasure of no one sitting in front of us, so we had a great view. Dayna's friend from USU was there so took our picture.

A DAY AT LAGOON

2011-06-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

We made it a point to spend a few days together this summer. Our schedules are all over the place so we just fit in a short
trip to Salt Lake. We left Driggs at 6:00, picked up Bridger by 8:00, and went to Lagoon for opening at 11:00 am. I do rides that go straight

The Samuri

2011-06-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here is everyone but me going on the Samuri. I have to look away while it is going, but I got a few good shots. I did go on Wicked earlier in the day before I could talk myself out of it.

The Catapult

2011-06-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Bridger and Mason going on the Catapult--they thought it was great! No part of me ever wants to do that. Ray never is too far away from his blackberry. Here is taking a call from work.

Silver Fork Lodge

2011-06-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

The picture of me is pretty bad, but I'll include it anyway. You can see our lodgings. No real place to play a game of cards, but we were usually too tired by the time we got to our rooms.

Big Cottonwood Hike

2011-06-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

The river was raging. There was still at least three feet of snow in Brighton. We didn't have time to get to the lake, maybe next time.

2011-06-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Boondocks

2011-06-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

We went to Bookdocks on Saturday afternoon. It was hot which seemed so nice to us. We did the three pass which included golf, cars and laser tag. I guess I'm getting old because I lost everything. Actually Ray lost minature golf because he had to take a work call in the middle of the course and didn't finish. At least my score was improving and I was shooting par most of the time. Dayna hit the jackpot in the Monopoly game. She got 750 tickets which got them all gators which they named Cajun names.

Salt Lake Bees Game

2011-06-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night we went to a Bees game. It was really fun and went to the 12th inning before the Bees lost to the Fresno Grizzlies. We stayed at the Silver Fork Lodge in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton. Ray used to go to Brighton with his family when he was a kid. I have never been there. Ray thought he booked us at a B&B in Brighton, but it turned out to be this lodge. We weren't too impressed at first. Our rooms were above the restaurant and we could hear the people in the hall and also the restaurant when we went to bed. It turned out to be a charming place and we got a full course breakfast each morning which was delicious.

Never Too Old for the Zoo!

2011-06-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

At Dayna's request the last thing we did was visit Hogle Zoo. So many changes since we were there so long ago. It was really crowded but fun to walk around. After the zoo and grabbing a snack, we sadly put Mason on the plane to Alaska (summer job on the slope), and we drove back to Driggs. It was a great weekend and so nice for all of us to be together even for a short time.

2011 Iditarod

2011-03-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Get ready, get set, go! Time to make your predictions for this year's race. We were in downtown Anchorage
for the ceremonial start and it is so fun to see the dogs and drivers getting ready for the big race.
Ray thinks it is an annual event to go to the fur auction. He couldn't resist this red fox hat that I am
modeling. I hope it looks better on him than it did on me.

Hawaiian Vacation

2011-02-25T22:42:00.000-08:00

Nancee, Mike, Ray and I posing with Ray's yellow-fin tuna he caught. In the background
is Hula Girl the boat we went on. We didn't keep the fish as it was our last night and we had
plans to meet some people for dinner. So we gave it to the captain.

Kona Airport was interesting because there are no walls, only a roof. Wouldn't that
be a nice climate to live in? This also goes for the shops and the baggage claim area.

2011-02-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

World Botanical Garden near Hilo

We were looking for waterfalls, but found coconut island instead.

We had some great food here. Ray especially enjoyed the shrine dedicated
to the Green Bay Packers. I enjoyed the fish!

We got a chance to go fishing when we were in Kona. Mike & Nancee's friends (Mike & Carol) took
us out on their boat. Ray caught a yellow-fin tuna and I caught a beracuda which we turned loose
after the photo shoot. It was tons of fun. There were a lot of humpback whales in the waters around us.

2011-02-25T22:18:00.000-08:00

We visited Volcano National Park on the Island of Hawaii. It was
a surreal place with all the lava, but extremely interesting. The day after we visited
there was some new lava flow, but we didn't see it.

Check out this palm tree growing out of a coconut.

Our friends, Mike & Nancee Thurston. We were eating at
Bubba Gump's and it was delicious. The spinner dolphins were
playing nearby so it was extremely picturesque

2011-02-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

Did you know it takes three years to grow a pineapple

This is what happens when you make them fight for the food

A turtle sunning himself

Can you spot Ray and I catching the waves?

2011-02-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

Getting my piece of the action from the pineapple!

Dusk at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Funny story - We ordered a taxi to take us to the Arizona Memorial and look what showed up. It was a first for us.

Ray on the Missouri. Battleship comissioned during WWI, also served in Desert Storm. Surrender of the Japanese took place on deck.

2011-02-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

Beach at Waikiki

Samoan chant at the PCC

Laie Temple in Hawaii

Refreshing ourselves with a pineapple drink at our luau

Domestic Skills

2011-02-08T01:11:00.000-08:00

This is the quilt I made Ray to take to the Slope to keep him warm.

A Visit from the Bakers

2011-02-08T01:08:00.000-08:00

The dinoaurs were a hit when Austin, Luke, Megan and Tad paid us a visit.

Church Ball

2011-02-08T01:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the story, the single's branch had to recruit Dayna and her friend to play
on their team because they didn't have enough players. It was fun watching Bridger, Mason
and Dayna playing on the same team. The girls held their own.

Showing off their hats

2011-02-08T00:55:00.000-08:00

I made them all hats for Christmas. Yes, I made them take these pictures and they grumbled, but they smiled in the end.

2011-02-08T00:51:00.000-08:00

View over Teton Pass going toward Jackson Hole.

Big horn sheep and elk on the refuge.

2011-02-08T00:46:00.000-08:00

The family pingpong challenge. I used to be able to kick their trask, but no more.

2011-02-08T00:36:00.000-08:00

Baylei's hidden talent in juggling

Let's annoy one another, okay?

The happy couple--Baylei & Bridger

2011-02-08T00:28:00.000-08:00

You can see what a gorgeous day it was from this early morning shot.

No hanky panky!!!

Mason and Bridger enjoying the snow and the sunshine.

2011-02-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

A few shots of Ray and I to prove we were there.

I made Baylei (Bridger's fiance) this headband. You can see that it looks good on both of them.

2011-02-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

Bridger got a mask for snow machining. Santa also brought Mason a mask, but it looks more
like something the Boston Strangler would use. Actually, it was from Ray's closet stash of
North Slope Arctic gear. Mason also got a custom Alaskan knife and it turned out to be a grisly combination.

Christmas Morning

2011-02-08T00:09:00.000-08:00

Dayna, Mason, Bridger and Baylei checking out the spoils.

Christmas Eve

2011-02-08T00:03:00.000-08:00

Ray and Mason playing the toilet flush game with Quinten & Brodie

2011-02-07T23:55:00.000-08:00

Alan is putting the finishing touches on the spa mural.

As you can see, we have no manners. Put a napkin ring in front of them

and this is what happens.

Trip to Seldovia

2010-10-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

In early September I went with a group of ladies to Seldovia (across the bay from Homer) for a ladies retreat. They think I am some kind of tour guide because I volunteer to give out information to tourists in Alaska. They lovingly call me, "Cheerful Cherie's Charters". So I posted a few pictures from our trip and we did have a wonderful time.

Sights from our Camping Trip

2010-09-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

A few things we saw on our camping trip were a clock that stopped on Good Friday 1964 during Alaska's massive earthquake, the scenery around Kenai Lake was stunning, my new hat that I bought especially for the camping trip's no running water event, and the reds (sockeye) spawning in the river.

Let's Go Camping

2010-09-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

This was not my idea, but I went all the same. Ray wanted to go camping over Labor Day so we made a reservation at a campsite and went. I made him take the gun and keep it in the tent while sleeping. Alas, we survived and by the second night, I didn't think it was necessary to carry firearms. We did see some bear scat on the trail, but no sign of the furry beasts. The first night the skies were clear, but our neighbors were more concerned with partying than listening to the sounds of nature. We had to sleep with our iPods plugged into our ears to block out the neighbors outdoor speakers. The fuel for the lantern didn't fit so we had to go to bed early by the light of our flashlight. Then the rains began. We managed to have some fun which included shopping in Seward, went and saw the ugly nanny movie which seemed better than sitting in the tent for another night. We managed to find some fuel that would fit our lantern so we movied the cooler into the tent and played triple yahtzee. We were ready to come home and warm up, but the scenery was gorgeous even in the rain. The ultimate goal of the weekend was to check out the tent before Ray's pending moose hunt and we accomplished that.

Fond Farewell

2010-07-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

We were told on arrival about a sow with four cubs (something unheard of in a harsher environment--food wise I mean). They were on the beach as we left. But the time I got my camera out of the bag, this is the best I could do. The fourth cub is near the mother, its head just above the boat line.

Check one off the Bucket List

2010-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Ray and I got to experience something we didn't want to leave Alaska without doing. On Friday we took a seven-passenger plane out of Anchorage on a 1.5 hour flight over Mt. Augustine to the Kulik fishing lodge where we landed on their gravel runway. This leg of the journey was beautiful and not too choppy. When we landed, I realized I didn't have a big enough coat for the day. The lodge was beautiful and we got some hot drinks and snacks while we waited for the weather to clear in Katmai (pronounced cat-my). We got into a smaller float plane (4 passenger) and flew the last 30 minutes. This was a bit bumpier but not bad. Upon arrival, you go to orientation (bear school) and learn what to expect and what the rules are. Then we headed out to the platform. This is where we experienced our first harrowing experience (see next post). The platform is 1.2 miles away and there are rangers with radios talking to each other about bear movement. You cannot approach closer than 50 yards if you know they are in the area. But those bears seem to come out of nowhere and they don't have any control over bear behavior.

2010-07-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here we are at Brooks Falls, wow and did it live up to expectations. These bears have lived with a plentiful food resource and they have no anxiety about humans and the park programs keep the visitors informed with certain rules so it is nirvana for bear viewing. When we first arrived, we were walking down the trail and came upon a huge brown bear headed our way (walking briskly), and I pretty much froze and then we remembered we are to get off the path and give the bears right of way. The bear passed not ten feet away and another one close behind. It was a little unsettling, but great in retrospect.

The Pecking Order

2010-07-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

We spent enough time at the falls to know the pecking order. These three sub-adults caught the fish and then the big guy stole the salmon from them. They were ticked, and in the end they all lost the fish and another bear down river got rewarded.

Twins on the Beach

2010-07-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is what we saw when we arrived at Katmai. This sow and her two cubs were roaming the beach. We had to hold back until they passed. What a way to get started.

McCALL REUNION

2010-07-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

It was fun getting together with family and catching up. Although a bit chilly at times, and the crows outnumbered the campers, everyone had a good time. We missed those that weren't there and hope they can be with us to make memories next year.

Fires & Baseball

2010-07-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Boys just love to make fires (and that includes Joe); also the Bingo prizes came in handy when it came to baseball. Looks like Heath has a future in the major leagues.

Hanging Out

2010-07-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Creative Juices

2010-07-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

A Fishy Tale

2010-07-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

You had to be there to believe this one! Mason caught a nice trout and even brought it back to camp. He usually just reels them in for the thrill of it and releases them. It is a rare event, if he even takes a picture of his catch. So Angie willingly guided Mason through the gutting process. I was so impressed with her skills. I knew she liked to fish, but I was surprised how well she knows her way around a fish. Bravo!!!!!

Say Cheese

2010-07-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

The sun finally came out on our last day. We had to leave early because of work commitments. We tried hard to see some good fireworks on our drive back to Driggs, but the best we saw were some backyard attempts.

Dayna is indulging me from her side of the tent with a big smile. It took three attempts to get a good, sturdy air mattress. We think the first one was good, we just didn't get it closed well enough.

Scooby Doo Crazy

2010-07-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dayna bought her a new sweet Scooby shirt, so we convinced her to put on all her paraphenalia for the picture!!! We went into the DI to look for Mason a bed and two different workers hit on Dayna while wearing her Zelda shirt. She can never enter the Deseret Industries with her Scooby shirt on because she will get stalked.

National Park Cruise

2010-05-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ray and I went on another Seward weekend over Memorial Day. This is a benefit from my work at the log cabin. Usually during the spring they give out fam trips to volunteers so we can experience their product. This is the one we chose. The weather was absolutely amazing and the scenery was too. The captain went out of his way to let us see as many things as we could. Captain Chris was the best captain I've had the pleasure of riding with. Ray and I ate at a restaurant the evening before our cruise and as you can see, it was about the best seat in the house. We had a clear view of the harbor and the docked cruise ship. The table was being held for a Monica, then when she was a no-show, we got her table. We had a little toast to Monica!! Hope you enjoy some of the sites from our trip.

Wildlife

2010-05-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

These are resident orcas that eat fish only. I took a lot of pictures, but I seemed to be in the wrong place at the right time. Also, the harbor seals sunning themselves were fun to see.

Aialik Glacier

2010-05-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

The glacier was amazing. Check out the kayakers and the harbor seals (including pup). What was even more amazing was the blue skies which this area almost never has. It did cloud up and rain later in the day, but most of it was magnificent.

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

2010-05-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Some of the beautiful scenery se saw throughout the day. It really was stunning!

Fox Island

2010-05-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is our last stop on the day. Fox Island is a place where you can go sea kayaking and eat at the lodge, or stay overnight. They have the best skipping stones I have ever seen on the beach. That didn't improve my ability to skip stones (about three bounces is my limit on a good day). Anyway we had a wonderful time this Memorial Day weekend.

Talkeetna

2010-05-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day for our outing to Talkeetna. Here we are with Mt. McKinley in the background. We couldn't have picked a nicer day--it was 60 degrees and that is summer weather around here.

Eating at the Rhodehouse

2010-05-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

Here are my friends Nancee, Elizabeth, Jodi plus myself enjoying some biscuits and gravy in Talkeetna. The ladies wanted me to show them the sites from my perspective of working in the ACVB in Anchorage.

2010-05-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

Witchy Night! Here are the quilters from my ward working on our Halloween quilts one Friday night in April. We had a lot of food and fun!

Our Weekend in Homer

2010-04-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ray was off work, the temple was closed for cleaning, so we just left town on Easter weekend. Rain and snow were threatened but it turned out to be beautiful weather. Homer is about four hours from Anchorage and a bit warmer. We stayed in this quaint B&B and just got out and saw the sites. Hope you enjoy our trip through Homer.

2010-04-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

A few sites around Homer. The Russian Orthodox church is in a village on the way to Homer. I still am working out taking a photo with so much snow (stay tuned). We went to dinner out of town and saw this very interesting post office/gas station/store combination. This area was homesteaded in the early 1900's.

2010-04-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a photograph class. These are my top pics for homework. What do you think?

2010-04-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

I also was a good sport and let Ray take a few shots of me. I'm thinking it is time for a dye and a cut on the hair (maybe tone down the red). It was windy so let's say that is my excuse. You can't tell from the pictures, but we wore our matching Naryanmarniftygas wind jackets. Isn't that precious!!!

2010-04-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Ray is being an extremely good sport letting me take some pictures of him. He took a little peak into the Salt Dawg Saloon to see the dollar bills pinned all over the place. It is a landmark on the Homer Spit.

Iditarod

2010-03-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

The ceremonial start of the Iditarod begins in downtown Anchorage. We picked a spot outside of town along the trail to watch a few teams go by. There were 71 dog teams that began the race so you could stay and watch for hours. We just saw a few. The official start is the following day in Willow which is about an hour from Anchorage. Then we went downtown for the fur auction, carnival and snow sculpture. I find it really amusing how the locals embrace a carnival at this time of year so I took a picture of some kids enjoying a ride. It was about 20 degrees. Way too cold to be strapped into a thrill ride.

Fur Auction

2010-03-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

We felt right at home in our fur hats at the fur auction. Ray enjoyed bidding on an arctic fox pelt. There are some very interesting hats and coats as you can see. We especially liked the wolverine coat in the first picture.

2010-03-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ice Sculpture Championships

2010-03-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

We went to Fairbanks this past weekend to enjoy our 2nd annual trip to see the ice sculptures. We had a great time last year so we decided to go again. This time we invited our friends, Jeff and Carla, to go with us. The thing to do is go see the sculptures during the day and then go at night to see them under the lights. We were not disappointed because they were simply amazing. Fairbanks had a warm snap about a week ago, so there were a few that had suffered because of the warm temperatures. The temperatures averaged between -12 degrees to 18 above which is cold but warmer than last year. We were smart enough to have our hand and feet warmers ready and enjoy some hot chocolate at the warming hut and heated port-a-potties.

2010-03-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

We had some fun around the park by riding the sleds down the icy runs and posing for some pictures.

2010-03-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

We went back at night to see the sculptures under the lights. It was cold but so beautiful--around -10 degrees.

2010-03-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

FUR RENDEZVOUS 2010

2010-02-28T23:31:00.000-08:00

After the outhouse races, we walked around town to see the Native Alaskan crafts, carnival including rides and the fireworks. It was kinda chilly, but you can see that we had a great time! None of us were brave enough to get on the ferris wheel at 20 degrees.

FUR RENDEZVOUS 2010

2010-02-28T23:15:00.000-08:00

There were some pretty entertaining entries in the outhouse races. It was so crowded at the start that I wasn't able to get any decent pictures.

CHRISTMAS 2009

2010-01-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

We really did have a great time being together this Christmas. Can't figure out how Bridger can sleep like that. He got a new suit and doesn't mind telling us that he is the bomb! Ray bought nerf guns for everyone to battle and they certainly did!!! Ray is checking out his new Driggs 2010 calendar to celebrate their centennial.

More Good Times

2010-01-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

Opening of Gifts

2010-01-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

The book Dayna gave to Mason needs no explanation. I am showing off my sweet wool mittens (for those cold Alaska nights) and Bridger is modeling his short sleeping attire by the newest addition to our collection Butt-Flap Two Feathers!

Hot Fudge Sundaes

2010-01-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, Kerry and Kelly came to Driggs. We had a great time playing games and visiting. While there we had some ceremonial banana splits in the famous Veda dishes and had a laugh. Mason says he doesn't get it, but I informed him that you had to be there. This is an inside joke for family members!!!

Palmer Alaska Celebration

2010-01-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

I helped a lady from my ward decorate a room at the church in Palmer. They bring in 1,300 nativities with different themed rooms. It gets bigger every year. The day we decorated, some ladies came in and cook lunch for all the workers. I took a few pictures, but they don't do it justice. Ours was a military theme and it was really good. The whole church looked amazing. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. The goofy Santa pictures are from the rest home where we kept looking for the gingerbread display, but didn't see much. This is how we entertained ourselves.

CHRISTMAS 2008

2010-01-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

While in Driggs this Christmas, I came across some pictures that I forgot about. About the game, Dayna gave it to me as a gift, but we say, "Smart Ash". It just makes us feel better! Mostly we are just showing off our goods, but I especially like the picture with Maizy because she looks so cute. When Bridger was at home recently by himself, he made the comment, "now he knows why I wanted a dog". That house can get pretty lonely. Right now it is -12 degrees in Egle River and I'm kinda grateful that I don't have a dog that has to go for a walk a couple of times a day.

2010-01-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Cooking in the Garage

2010-01-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

Picture Bridger craving a deep-fried turkey for a couple of years while he was in New England, then his dad satisfies his craving on Christmas Eve. If you've never tasted turkey this way, you don't know what you are missing. I've never heard it endorsed by Martha Stewart, but it is better than any other preparation method I've seen her demonstrate.

Alaska State Fair

2009-11-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

The highlight of the day was the cabbage weigh-off where a new world record cabbage was crowned. You have to see it to believe it!!!

2009-11-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

We were entertained by the lumberjack show with the pole climbing and log rolling. The pig races were also a hoot.

The Quilts

2009-11-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

Quilting is big in Alaska. A lot of people like to spin their own wool as viewed by the demonstration. One popular but cheap type of wool is from dog hair. Kid you not, I bought a little item for my miniature collection from a ball of dog hair wool. I've never felt sorry for a mouse until this one. People would bet (for a fundraiser) to see which color hole the mouse would crawl into at the end of the spin. A lot of money was raised, but that looked like one disturbed mouse.

2009-11-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

What would visiting the state fair be without eating one totally obscene food item? I can't remember if it was worth the calories!

2009-11-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to post some pictures from the Alaska State Fair for a while. It was an absolutely beautiful day. The giant vegetables were a hoot. Plus they have categories for homemade booze and veggie animals.

National Bird

2009-10-14T00:12:00.000-07:00

Often on the drive from the Driggs house and town, you can see these birds on the power lines. I had my camera recently and stopped to take their picture. They come back every year and it always fun to see them.

PUZZLER

2009-10-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

Dayna started this puzzle when I came home in May. She was still working on it when I left in July. She finally completed it before I came home this time and I thought we might have to eat Christmas dinner over it, but finally convinced her that it had to go. So we took a picture for the record.

2009-10-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Dayna indulged the parentos on a drive through Grand Teton National Park to see the leaves and look for elk. When we finally gave up seeing any, we found a herd across from Teton Village on the way back to Jackson hole.

Go Aggies, Bengals and Broncos

2009-10-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

While in Idaho recently (we went to get the Driggs house ready for the pending winter weather) I took the opportunity to check up on our three college students. They are all doing great. A few things to note is Dayna's very 70's pink sink. She has a pink and blue bathroom to go with it. Here she is with her roommate and best bud Laura. Bridger promises me that Idaho State is upgrading the closets in his room (also the window coverings and desks). I had better wardrobes in most of my moves. It doesn't appear to interfere with his social life. Here Mason is posing in his dorm room. Dayna loaned him the camo bedding because it just didn't work with her new pink environment.

GO WYOMING

2009-10-13T23:36:00.000-07:00

The entire family went to cheer on the Wyoming Cowboys when they played Texas (ranked #2) in Laramie in September. The first half was amazing and then the real Texas Longhorns showed up and put a damper on the party. We were proud of the Pokes as they played a pretty darn good game against a national power. Ray ran into two buddies from his graduating class.

2009-10-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

This is the day in August that I had my colonoscopy. It was an absolutely beautiful day and Ray convinced me that we should get in the car right from the digestive center and take a drive to Coopers Landing because he heard from the guys on the slope that the Reds were running. Salmons are a fascinating breed of fish. Hopefully you can see the red in the water. As they make their way from salt water to fresh water and their breeding grounds, they bodies change color (notice the green head) and some get a hook nose and hump back. Pacific salmon die after they spawn and it creates a whole ecosystem. I had fun just sitting in my lawn chair watching them spawn. Ray was fishing for Dolly Vardens and trout that follow the Reds up to their spawning grounds. We stopped for the sunset on the way back to Anchorage and you can tell it was worth the wait. Plus we were treated to dall sheep on the slopes on the drive back. Alaska really is a beautiful place.

Denali National park

2009-10-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from Denali, Talkneetna and where I volunteer at the Log Cabin in downtown Anchorage. We had such a nice time when the kids were here. Hopefully, they enjoyed it as much as Ray and I did.

Smith/Palmer Reunion 2009 - Heise Hot Springs

2009-07-17T00:53:00.000-07:00

Marshmallow Dodgeball & Water Balloom Volleyball

2009-07-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

T-shirt Painting Annual Event

2009-07-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

Mikki was a saint as she patiently helped those that wanted to paint a t-shirt. She kept her cool no matter how many came unannounced.

Everyone Seems to Enjoy Painting T-shirts

2009-07-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

Horseshoes Anyone

2009-07-17T00:31:00.000-07:00