Well... I said I'd be back with something more exciting, right?
This week has been a little crazy. The following is news that will likely appeal more to family and friends...
We started out week with calling J home on Sunday to take me to the emergency room with potential pregnancy problems. What we got out of it was four hours of exams, an ultrasound that showed the baby is doing OK, no explanation for bleeding or cramping, and a doctor who said "Well, sometimes these things happen. What will be will be . Have a nice day. COme back if it's worse."
Oh, and Beans caught herself a good cold while we were there, too.
To make sense of all that: so far, the baby is fine. Most of the physical trouble has stopped and things seem to be okay for now. I am still morning sick as ever, exhausted, and just trying to keep up. Oh, and I got a good long lecture about how I shouldn't be nursing Beans anymore now that I'm pregnant. That's fine, but the nurse doesn't have to live with Beans, either.
We tried formula for a couple days. What came of it was Beans refusing to eat, formula spit onto every item of furniture we own, and I even got a black eye. Beans decided that if I wasn't going to nurse her, she'd just start beating me in the face with blocks until I did. The current score? Blocks:1, Mommy's Face, 0, as in "goose egg". A good one. On my eye. And the little punk was terified by the sight of me with an ice pack on my face, so I didn't even get to ice it down.
Between the black eye, lack of sleep, and Beans on a hunger strike, we gave up on the formula.
Look, the stuff (formula) is disgusting anyway. And completely inferior to breast milk. AND, with Beans having a cold, she NEEDS the antibodies that my milk provides.
Some readers may not agree with the following statement, but it's my blog and I can say what I want, so here goes:
After very careful consideration abut what the nurse described as "risks to the unborn baby" by continuing to breastfeed (which are not supported by fact OR research, by the way, and completely refuted by La Leche League and even most pediatricians), this is what I've decided:
I can't make Beans-the baby who is already here- suffer (since she has made it clear that she's not ready to wean) for a baby who's NOT here and may or may not make it here.
God's gonna do what God's gonna do. And nursing or weaning my daughter isn't going to change that.
I think nurses forget that we don't get to be God, ya know?
So... Beans continues to nurse.
In compromise, we did start increasing her solid food meals and cancelling out what I call the "comfort feeding sessions".
So far, all is well.
AND MORE FAMILY EXCITEMENT:
Beans is walking! Yes! Not just a couple steps then falling down, but actually walking! She's very proud of her new skill and often uses it to manipulate any nearby grownup into giving her a treat. She's been spending the last few days toddling around the house, finding what kind of trouble lurks for someone who stands knee-high. A new favorite game is to toddle around the corner and say, "Oh! HI, mama!" and then giggle hysterically and toddle away.
OK. So for those of you who find that story completely useless and boring... well, sorry. But I DO have a family that needs to stay in the loop.
ON TO MORE EXCITEMENT:
Like that wasn't enough...
So, our sleepy little town was not-so-sleepy this week, and even made the news! J, beans and I were at the library the other day when a lady burst through the doors and warned us not to head back into town. She proceeded to tell everyone in the library the same, so we didn't take it personally.
Apparently, someone went bananas this week and headed to the Texaco with a shotgun. I'm not sure why, but they also blasted a handful of holes into the windows and walls, then proceeded to have a stand-off with police.
I guess most people would find that pretty exciting. Maybe I'm still jaded from my days as an inner city paramedic, but I mostly just found it annoying that I had to drive through a dozen or so side streets to find a way back home from the library.
Anyway, I hope the guy who shot up the Texaco is feeling better, and got his point across. Whatever that point was. The news didn't elaborate on his REASONS for shooting up the Texaco, just that he had done it.
I dunno. It DID occur a couple days after Moose Season opened. Maybe the guy was mad about his hunting trip?
****
We spent the rest of week doing things most people probably consider "boring". You know, housework, going to the playground, taking a couple short drives to see the leaves changing.
Fall is definitely here in Delta Junction! Not only is more and more snow creeping down the mountains (almost every day!), the leaves are beginning to fall. Yesterday's drive off base was a surprise of a golden carpet of leaves laying under the trees. The air is crisp, and starting to cool. Nights are in the 30s now, we wake once in a while to frost on the cars, and the afternoons are a balmy 60 or so. As much as I've been told it won't last long, I want it to! It's perfect weather, and hard to believe that frigid days are coming soon.
The moose are scarce these days, probably due to the fact that lots of people are in the woods trying to turn them into dinner. A habit I totally support and would be glad to relieve any hunter of excess meat, by the way. Especially since we won't qualify for in-state license fees until next year.
****
Readers, please don't think that I have forgotten to make mention of the Sarah Palin VP pick. Oh, I have opinions all right, BUT...
1. I haven't been here long enough to be considered "Alaskan", so my opinion likely won't matter much.
2. I probably stirred the pot enough with my breastfeeding speech above. I'll have to return some other day to discuss politics.
3. I am so confuddled by this year's election options that I am still undecided. I know, I know. I can't even believe I'm saying that. But either I've gone soft in my "old" age, or this tree-hugging business is really rubbing off on me, OR all the candidates pretty much sound like they are blowing a bunch of the same old political hot air. And I'm already sick of the mud-slinging. Are any of them EVER going to actually talk about issues? What their plan as President is going to be? All I know is this really has ruined my plans to watch mindless television in the evenings. Now I feel like I HAVE to pay attention.
Seriously, both sides have some good attributes. It's too bad we can't combine the best of both worlds and put THAT into office. Meanwhile, I'll just have to watch the debates and decide who's less, um, "full of it" that the other.
****
Alrighty then...
If my own week wasn't exciting enough, it seems like I've left all you readers with enough hot topics to cause some ruckus and excitement on my own blog.
Just so y'all know, I prefer to get my anti-Moose Nugget sentiments on the comments rather than my email inbox, unless you really are soliciting a response from me...
I've gotten a few of you shy readers putting your negative comments in my inbox. And while I really do love hearing from everyone, whether you agree or disagree with me, well... I have to say that I really respect people who are willing to put their opinions in the open.
All opinions welcome.
Really. I'm always up for a good conversation or difference of views. Besides, you might be able to enlighten me, or I, you.
OK. Enough of all that. I've got a crochet project I'm desperate to finish up and a sleeping baby finally giving me the time to do it.
Until next time,
Happy Moose Trails
Friday, September 5, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Busy Week
*Sigh*
I feel like I'm going to be eternally neglecting my readers here...
OK. The truth is, on days J is home, we are REALLY busy. And the days he's not home, I am really busy, as Beans is getting more mobile and more strong-headed as the days progress. That's a fun combo with morning sickness, let me tell ya.
So... this past week in review:
J worked crazy amounts of overtime and finally made an appearance at home on Tuesday. Since Beans was too excited to sleep (and too grumpy to stay awake), we made a nice drive up the Alaskan Hwy... maybe about 60 or 70 miles. The drive is pretty, especially since the leaves are beginning to change color. The trip was a palette of oranges and yellows, with the occasional deep red shades of the fall fire weed stems and leaves. Most of the flowers are gone, and what's left looks like it's dried on the stem. The cow parsnip (NOT Queen Anne's Lace, as I had hoped it was) is beautiful dried, and adds a nice brown to the scenery.
Beans got a sufficient nap, we had a nice drive, and returned home to get domestic again.
So, I hope my boring tales of my mundane life doesn't deter you from reading. I love the mundane... there is a peacefulness in cleaning the house, doing the laundry, hanging the diapers on the line, and baking bread. Or sourdough pizza crust, as we did on Tuesday, anyway.
A lesson to any future bread bakers out there: sourdough has it's own yeast, ya know. So, if you add it to your pizza dough AND your usual amount of yeast to your recipe, you will come home with your bread machine close to overflowing. It made LOTS of pizza, so we shared the bounty with our neighbors, and it was nice to have company again.
(M- I miss you guys like crazy! Counting down the days until our next trip to town!)
I digress...
Wednesday we did go into Delta Junction for the Sullivan Roadhouse Garden Soup. Lots of local bakers and soup makers brought in their tasty treats. Soups of any and all varieties. Since for some strange reason I have been craving potato soup, I was relieved to find a huge steaming crock pot full of it, and helped myself to a good portion, along with some cheese bread. J was a little more adventurous, tasting halibut chowder, some sort of sausage soup, and a few others. Beans and I devoured out potato soup and were lucky enough to meet the chef, who was kind enough to share her recipe with me.
MMMMM..... and now, I am craving potato soup in homemade sourdough bread bowls. Seems to me that I know what's for dinner tonight!
Thursday was another drive up the Alaskan Hwy, since we wanted to stop in at Delta Meats.
Um, a meat processing plant is a REALLY bad place for a pregnant chick in her 1st trimester. I should have sent J in. We left empty-handed because no matter how much I really did want to try things like Yak or Buffalo meat sticks, I couldn't quell the morning sickness enough to get past the butchering sounds and smells.
But other than that, it was a pretty cool place.
*grin*
Friday, J headed back off to work. And in all honesty, Beans and I have been doing a lot of lounging around this weekend. Morning sickness is um, killing me.
You know, I'm not much for throwing up. Don't care for it, don't like to do it. Avoid barfing at all costs.
That's really hard to do when you are pregnant.
And I thought morning sickness with Beans was bad. Not sure if it's ACTUALLY worse with this one, but I will say this:
There's something about your toddler clutching your pant leg as you hurl yet another meal into the porcelain. Especially if your toddler is standing there CACKLING, or chanting, "Mommy, POOP!" as you send breakfast down the drain.
And if morning sickness weren't bad enough, the emotional toll of pregnancy is awful. I should add a disclaimer here. My husband would probably say that I'm moody enough when I'm NOT pregnant. Pregnancy really does seem to turn me into the Wicked Witch of the West. J is too kind to admit this, and just smiles kindly and says, "Baby, No! You're not mean! You're pregnant." It's sweet of him, especially when he says this after I've just told him that he's the world's worst laundry person ever, when he was just trying to help and accidentally put my wool pants (the only pair that actually fit me right now) into the dryer.
Oh, and I cry about EVERYTHING.
You think I'm kidding?
I was crying over a story that was read on Reading Rainbow!
(Um, it WAS a very touching story, but probably didn't warrant SOBBING.)
And for the record, Beans laughed at me the whole time I was crying.
Which DID kind of make me feel a little better.
*sniff*
Yep. And I cried when J offered to go to Fairbanks to buy me a new pair of wool stretch pants, since he (only slightly) shrank the pair that ended up in the dryer.
And when he brought home a box of Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop tarts for me when my normal dinner made me barf and I swore that pop tarts cure morning sickness.
(Oh please, sugar and food police, go away! I had to eat SOMETHING I could hold down!)
Yep.... who needs EPT or Clearblue Easy. My emotions have confirmed that this pregnancy is in full effect.
So....
I'm sorry to report mostly only the mundane this week, but my week has pretty much consisted of a couple of drives and, well... barfing. While Beans laughs in the background.
Not sure what's on the agenda this week, but maybe I'll be able to come up with something exciting to report about in my next entry.
Until then,
Happy Moose Trails!
I feel like I'm going to be eternally neglecting my readers here...
OK. The truth is, on days J is home, we are REALLY busy. And the days he's not home, I am really busy, as Beans is getting more mobile and more strong-headed as the days progress. That's a fun combo with morning sickness, let me tell ya.
So... this past week in review:
J worked crazy amounts of overtime and finally made an appearance at home on Tuesday. Since Beans was too excited to sleep (and too grumpy to stay awake), we made a nice drive up the Alaskan Hwy... maybe about 60 or 70 miles. The drive is pretty, especially since the leaves are beginning to change color. The trip was a palette of oranges and yellows, with the occasional deep red shades of the fall fire weed stems and leaves. Most of the flowers are gone, and what's left looks like it's dried on the stem. The cow parsnip (NOT Queen Anne's Lace, as I had hoped it was) is beautiful dried, and adds a nice brown to the scenery.
Beans got a sufficient nap, we had a nice drive, and returned home to get domestic again.
So, I hope my boring tales of my mundane life doesn't deter you from reading. I love the mundane... there is a peacefulness in cleaning the house, doing the laundry, hanging the diapers on the line, and baking bread. Or sourdough pizza crust, as we did on Tuesday, anyway.
A lesson to any future bread bakers out there: sourdough has it's own yeast, ya know. So, if you add it to your pizza dough AND your usual amount of yeast to your recipe, you will come home with your bread machine close to overflowing. It made LOTS of pizza, so we shared the bounty with our neighbors, and it was nice to have company again.
(M- I miss you guys like crazy! Counting down the days until our next trip to town!)
I digress...
Wednesday we did go into Delta Junction for the Sullivan Roadhouse Garden Soup. Lots of local bakers and soup makers brought in their tasty treats. Soups of any and all varieties. Since for some strange reason I have been craving potato soup, I was relieved to find a huge steaming crock pot full of it, and helped myself to a good portion, along with some cheese bread. J was a little more adventurous, tasting halibut chowder, some sort of sausage soup, and a few others. Beans and I devoured out potato soup and were lucky enough to meet the chef, who was kind enough to share her recipe with me.
MMMMM..... and now, I am craving potato soup in homemade sourdough bread bowls. Seems to me that I know what's for dinner tonight!
Thursday was another drive up the Alaskan Hwy, since we wanted to stop in at Delta Meats.
Um, a meat processing plant is a REALLY bad place for a pregnant chick in her 1st trimester. I should have sent J in. We left empty-handed because no matter how much I really did want to try things like Yak or Buffalo meat sticks, I couldn't quell the morning sickness enough to get past the butchering sounds and smells.
But other than that, it was a pretty cool place.
*grin*
Friday, J headed back off to work. And in all honesty, Beans and I have been doing a lot of lounging around this weekend. Morning sickness is um, killing me.
You know, I'm not much for throwing up. Don't care for it, don't like to do it. Avoid barfing at all costs.
That's really hard to do when you are pregnant.
And I thought morning sickness with Beans was bad. Not sure if it's ACTUALLY worse with this one, but I will say this:
There's something about your toddler clutching your pant leg as you hurl yet another meal into the porcelain. Especially if your toddler is standing there CACKLING, or chanting, "Mommy, POOP!" as you send breakfast down the drain.
And if morning sickness weren't bad enough, the emotional toll of pregnancy is awful. I should add a disclaimer here. My husband would probably say that I'm moody enough when I'm NOT pregnant. Pregnancy really does seem to turn me into the Wicked Witch of the West. J is too kind to admit this, and just smiles kindly and says, "Baby, No! You're not mean! You're pregnant." It's sweet of him, especially when he says this after I've just told him that he's the world's worst laundry person ever, when he was just trying to help and accidentally put my wool pants (the only pair that actually fit me right now) into the dryer.
Oh, and I cry about EVERYTHING.
You think I'm kidding?
I was crying over a story that was read on Reading Rainbow!
(Um, it WAS a very touching story, but probably didn't warrant SOBBING.)
And for the record, Beans laughed at me the whole time I was crying.
Which DID kind of make me feel a little better.
*sniff*
Yep. And I cried when J offered to go to Fairbanks to buy me a new pair of wool stretch pants, since he (only slightly) shrank the pair that ended up in the dryer.
And when he brought home a box of Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop tarts for me when my normal dinner made me barf and I swore that pop tarts cure morning sickness.
(Oh please, sugar and food police, go away! I had to eat SOMETHING I could hold down!)
Yep.... who needs EPT or Clearblue Easy. My emotions have confirmed that this pregnancy is in full effect.
So....
I'm sorry to report mostly only the mundane this week, but my week has pretty much consisted of a couple of drives and, well... barfing. While Beans laughs in the background.
Not sure what's on the agenda this week, but maybe I'll be able to come up with something exciting to report about in my next entry.
Until then,
Happy Moose Trails!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Why I Love It Here
Namely, Delta Junction.
So, Beans woke up pleasantly and I woke in a grumpy mood. Maybe it's the morning sickness, but I needed to get out. Plus, I found myself suddenly craving sour candy, and with the commissary closed, I found that I really truly NEEDED to go into town.
What I LOVE about Delta Junction: it doesn't take long to become "local".
Those of you who have followed along know I've spent most of my life in cities and suburbs. The closet thing I got to someone recognizing me in town was my high school principal. Or the local authorities. OK, OK, I wasn't that bad. (Though my mom would argue that point.)
I didn't realize how much I craved community connections until I walked into IGA this morning for my sour candy (and, um, left with a donut, coffee, two bags of candy, AND sour candy), and was actually recognized by half a dozen people who took the time to stop and say good morning and ask if we had gotten settled in yet.
This is where I want to give a nod to the breakfast bunch that eats at the Buffalo Diner every morning. You fellas (and gals) have no idea how much your welcome means to me.
Seriously, the way my morning was shaping up, I was in a BAD MOOD when I went to town. I was looking for escape from the mundane of my usual routine, and annoyed because J was called for still more overtime this week. I have no idea when I'll ever see my sweetheart again.
Having a handful of friendly people remember my face (if not my name) completely made my day. After a short cruise through town, I was actually ready to go back home to the mundane, ahem, I mean, cleaning and housekeeping.
It's not just IGA, or the Diner. It's going to the Farmer's Market and having a vendor remember you, remember where you're from, and chat a while with you. It's another "stranger" in the street who overhears your conversation about wondering what there is to do in town this week and she stops to tell you all about the things going on in Delta Junction. It's the librarian who actually likes her job, enjoys answering questions, and loves her town enough to fill you in on all the really great things to do.
You couldn't send me back to the city for anything, buddy.
****
In other news: the weather is definitely changing. The day time temps are cooling off, and it looks like we'll be in the 50s before too long. Snow is creeping down the mountains each day, and the ravens are coming in droves. (Think "birds flying south for the winter", only the ravens show up HERE for winter.)
Speaking of birds flying south, I did notice a couple of V formations today, geese, I think, making their way toward the south.
****
Not much else to report. Should have lots more adventures next week when J and I go gun shopping at Granite View (our sports store here) and stop in to see what "Garden Soup" is all about. And I'll be braving my first haircut in Delta Junction as well. (Before I offend any locals, I'm a big cry baby about getting my hair cut somewhere new... I would be trying to be brave in New York City or some fancy-shmancy place too!)
The good thing about a "bad" haircut in Alaska? No one cares, AND it's going to be under a hat all winter anyway.
Oh! Readers back "home"... if you ever want to check out Delta Junction, you can see our local paper at deltanewsweb.com
****
Alright! I'm off to bed down for the night. Until next time,
Happy Moose Trails!
So, Beans woke up pleasantly and I woke in a grumpy mood. Maybe it's the morning sickness, but I needed to get out. Plus, I found myself suddenly craving sour candy, and with the commissary closed, I found that I really truly NEEDED to go into town.
What I LOVE about Delta Junction: it doesn't take long to become "local".
Those of you who have followed along know I've spent most of my life in cities and suburbs. The closet thing I got to someone recognizing me in town was my high school principal. Or the local authorities. OK, OK, I wasn't that bad. (Though my mom would argue that point.)
I didn't realize how much I craved community connections until I walked into IGA this morning for my sour candy (and, um, left with a donut, coffee, two bags of candy, AND sour candy), and was actually recognized by half a dozen people who took the time to stop and say good morning and ask if we had gotten settled in yet.
This is where I want to give a nod to the breakfast bunch that eats at the Buffalo Diner every morning. You fellas (and gals) have no idea how much your welcome means to me.
Seriously, the way my morning was shaping up, I was in a BAD MOOD when I went to town. I was looking for escape from the mundane of my usual routine, and annoyed because J was called for still more overtime this week. I have no idea when I'll ever see my sweetheart again.
Having a handful of friendly people remember my face (if not my name) completely made my day. After a short cruise through town, I was actually ready to go back home to the mundane, ahem, I mean, cleaning and housekeeping.
It's not just IGA, or the Diner. It's going to the Farmer's Market and having a vendor remember you, remember where you're from, and chat a while with you. It's another "stranger" in the street who overhears your conversation about wondering what there is to do in town this week and she stops to tell you all about the things going on in Delta Junction. It's the librarian who actually likes her job, enjoys answering questions, and loves her town enough to fill you in on all the really great things to do.
You couldn't send me back to the city for anything, buddy.
****
In other news: the weather is definitely changing. The day time temps are cooling off, and it looks like we'll be in the 50s before too long. Snow is creeping down the mountains each day, and the ravens are coming in droves. (Think "birds flying south for the winter", only the ravens show up HERE for winter.)
Speaking of birds flying south, I did notice a couple of V formations today, geese, I think, making their way toward the south.
****
Not much else to report. Should have lots more adventures next week when J and I go gun shopping at Granite View (our sports store here) and stop in to see what "Garden Soup" is all about. And I'll be braving my first haircut in Delta Junction as well. (Before I offend any locals, I'm a big cry baby about getting my hair cut somewhere new... I would be trying to be brave in New York City or some fancy-shmancy place too!)
The good thing about a "bad" haircut in Alaska? No one cares, AND it's going to be under a hat all winter anyway.
Oh! Readers back "home"... if you ever want to check out Delta Junction, you can see our local paper at deltanewsweb.com
****
Alright! I'm off to bed down for the night. Until next time,
Happy Moose Trails!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Finally, Our Latest Adventures
Phew! What a really busy couple weeks. Who knew that moving 90 miles could take so much time and effort? But at last, the landlord "stuff" is (hopefully) behind us. The PO Box had a slip in there today for a certified letter, so hopefully that means our rent reimbursement and fuel money is there, and we can really be done with this nonsense once and for all.
J is working insane amounts of overtime in this and recent weeks. 'Tis the season for firefighter overtime. *sigh*
But, that hasn't stopped us from having a handful of adventures.
Early this past week, our neighbor (another firefighter) was struck by the boredom bug and asked if we felt like panning for gold. Before you all start laughing, it's a very common hobby up here. And YES, people really do find gold. And sometimes, even cooler things like rubies and jade.
So, we packed up the rain gear. Not because it was raining, but because you'll have the best luck panning for gold in a creek. And a creek is wet.
We also loaded up some snacks, lunch, our neighbor's 12 gauge (in case of bears), and gold panning supplies, namely a shovel and some pans.
As a side note, I'd like to add that "gear" is a lot more cumbersome when you have kids. In addition to all the gear, we had to have the diaper bag. And the baby backpack. And toys. Ah... the list goes on.
ANYHOO... we finally had the van loaded up and cruised down the Richardson Hwy, toward Black Rapids. We weren't the only ones with a hankering for gold panning either. We passed several people digging up the creek beds and sifting through the silt in search of treasures.
We staked out our own spot a little past Bear Creek, and hiked upstream a bit. It was an easy hike, but stream crossing took some ingenuity. For starters, I wasn't exactly wearing waders. My (cute and useful) Columbia boots only gave me about 3 inches of water protection, and the creek was easily over the ankles to mid calf. With me wearing Beans in the backpack, and J piggybacking me, we eventually crossed the stream a handful of times to "a good spot", when we started our panning operation.
For those of you who want to know how the story ends: no, we didn't find gold. Or rubies. Or Jade. We DID find a lot of really neat quartz rock. We did get really wet and pretty cold. And we DID have a really good time. And I even found myself brave enough to go pee in the woods.
OK, it wasn't bravery, it was my pregnant bladder, but still, I went in the woods. Alone. Without the gun.
After everyone except Beans was cold, wet, and hungry (Beans was lucky enough to get to watch this operation from the backpack), we hiked back to the van. That's when we saw BEAR TRACKS!
Yep, real, live bear tracks.
And folks, they weren't there when we crossed the creek on our hike in!
I was slightly humbled by the sight, and realized that at some point in our day, we were most likely noticed by bears that we didn't notice at all.
Glad that I didn't become bear food (and really starting to worry that the bear might come looking for the peanut butter sandwich in my pocket), we loaded back into the van and decided to take a cruise to Paxson.
Before I go further, let me say this: Paxson is not so exciting. It's literally a gas station/roadhouse (with really expensive gas, too), out in the middle of NO WHERE. I think the Milepost said the population of Paxson was 67. As in 67 people. Total. But they were friendly people, and the drive was SPECTACULAR.
Seriously, any locals or future travellers to the Interior, it's a drive well worth taking. I don't know if words can describe it, but I'll give it the ol' college try...
Once you get past Black Rapids, the hills open up quite a bit. The mountains that were covered in birch and spruce are suddenly only covered in brush, or even barren. As you enter Rainbow Pass, you begin to see multicolored mountains, an effect of volcanic rock. The mountains are literally red, blue, green, orange. They very suddenly get taller and taller... so tall that you begin to realize that you really are only a teeny little speck on Planet Earth.
Not to get all "religious" on y'all, but under those mountains, there is no denying that a very great and powerful God runs the show, created those mountains, and left them there as a reminder that you are insignificant (and yet, somehow, we still mean everything to God!).
You get the distinct feeling that the mountains are swallowing you, and just as fast as these enormous mouths of rock came into sight, they all but disappear, opening up on a lake that stretches for miles.
I'm glad I had the Milepost with me, and that I gave up the driver's seat for the trip. Reading the Milepost revealed that we were just a few mile markers away from being able to catch a glimpse of Gulkana Glacier, where we stopped for a photo opportunity. (Pictures to come, I promise. One of these days.)
Beans snoozed comfortably while J, myself, and our friend chatted and took in the scenery. Our new friends are as avid about loving Alaska as we are, and we exchanged stories of the few adventures we have already undertaken and the many that we want to. Our new friends are also avid "Moose Patrol" junkies. *grin*
And the moose along the way back home from Paxson were amazing. We passed 7 or 8 (that we saw).
We returned home much later than we planned, tired, muddy, and glad for the trip. The evening ended with a beautiful sunset (we are finally having real sunsets, and at a decent hour!) and dreams of our next gold panning adventure, when we hope to really strike it rich. (Don't worry, J's hanging on to the day job!)
***
The following day was a trip to Fairbanks. And now that I live in Delta Junction, I REALLY hate going to town. I elaborated on our trip by the old North Pole house last post, so I won't rehash that nonsense. The rest of the day was exasperating... shopping for things we needed, doctor's visits, the works. I had every intention of stopping by to see my friends in North Pole on the way home, but by 5 pm, we were STILL finishing up our shopping and everyone was tired and grumpy and ready to go home. (Sorry M! My next trip up is Sept 9th and I DO plan on stopping in then!)
***
I was almost relieved when J went to work the following day. I was exhausted and Beans desperately needed her routine back in order. We chilled out for a couple days, then made our way into Delta Junction for another adventure on Saturday.
Nothing too exciting... we went with my neighbor (the wife) to the library, the IGA (where you can get a coffee), had lunch at the Drive In, visited the Farmer's Market, then since Beans dozed off in the car, we drove down Clearwater Road and the down the Rich Hwy to Black Rapids. (Just because). With lots of gal pal chatting and beautiful scenery, the time passed quickly.
Of significant note was a HUGE Bull Moose (we actually say two of them on our drive). The first one was enormous, and we nearly mistook him for a tree, until we noticed he was moving. His rack was probably the size of the front of my minivan. AMAZING. And just right on the side of the road. The other "little" guy still had fuzz on his antlers, but was an impressive sight, nonetheless.
***
In Other News:
I came face to face with a moose the other night! I wandered out our back door onto the deck and found myself within 6 feet of TWO of these amazing animals. The smaller of the two took off in a sprint toward the tree line, while the other acknowledged my presence with a half hearted snort, a glance up, and then went back to munching on my neighbor's chickweed. I figured I was somewhat safe on my deck (even though the moose WAS able to rest it's head on the deck floor!), and snapped a few photos and stood in awe of this creature.
Honestly, there is no way to do justice in a description of these animals. They are huge, powerful, skittish, unpredictable, and even then, when they are chewing up your lawn and only giving you a bored look from time to time, amazingly docile and peaceful animals to be around.
****
More News: One of Bean's beloved goldfish (we had him for 3 days) had the take the porcelain plunge. Yes, "Callie" (named for her calico coloring) had to be flushed away this morning, as she was found belly up in the tank.
Don't worry, 10 month old Beans was in no distress over the loss. In fact, she laughed hysterically as poor Callie went around, and around, and around in the bowl before finally being swept away. (OK, I guess on some level, a goldfish swirling to it's grave IS kind of funny!)
Callie was quickly forgotten, and "Bub" (named because it's a word Beans can actually say), the remaining fish, is still alive and well. For now, at least.
****
So, no idea where this coming week's adventures will take us. J is working more overtime, then he claims he is going fishing. Hopefully he brings back something good for supper.
Meanwhile, on MY agenda is to find somewhere around here to get a haircut.
Beans is hopefully going to get the hang of this tooth cutting business. She has two top teeth poke through in the last 24 hours, and it looks like her canines are following close behind. EVERYONE in the house will be sleeping better if those teeth would just come on through.
I DO know that Delta Junction's Sullivan Roadhouse is hosting the Garden Soup this Wed, and I DO plan on making it into town for that. This will also be the last week for the Farmer's Market, finally closing up for the winter. Lots of other adventures planned, meanwhile, I have several crochet projects that have been neglected this week, and I've got an itch to get back to them...
Until next time,
Happy Moose Trails!
J is working insane amounts of overtime in this and recent weeks. 'Tis the season for firefighter overtime. *sigh*
But, that hasn't stopped us from having a handful of adventures.
Early this past week, our neighbor (another firefighter) was struck by the boredom bug and asked if we felt like panning for gold. Before you all start laughing, it's a very common hobby up here. And YES, people really do find gold. And sometimes, even cooler things like rubies and jade.
So, we packed up the rain gear. Not because it was raining, but because you'll have the best luck panning for gold in a creek. And a creek is wet.
We also loaded up some snacks, lunch, our neighbor's 12 gauge (in case of bears), and gold panning supplies, namely a shovel and some pans.
As a side note, I'd like to add that "gear" is a lot more cumbersome when you have kids. In addition to all the gear, we had to have the diaper bag. And the baby backpack. And toys. Ah... the list goes on.
ANYHOO... we finally had the van loaded up and cruised down the Richardson Hwy, toward Black Rapids. We weren't the only ones with a hankering for gold panning either. We passed several people digging up the creek beds and sifting through the silt in search of treasures.
We staked out our own spot a little past Bear Creek, and hiked upstream a bit. It was an easy hike, but stream crossing took some ingenuity. For starters, I wasn't exactly wearing waders. My (cute and useful) Columbia boots only gave me about 3 inches of water protection, and the creek was easily over the ankles to mid calf. With me wearing Beans in the backpack, and J piggybacking me, we eventually crossed the stream a handful of times to "a good spot", when we started our panning operation.
For those of you who want to know how the story ends: no, we didn't find gold. Or rubies. Or Jade. We DID find a lot of really neat quartz rock. We did get really wet and pretty cold. And we DID have a really good time. And I even found myself brave enough to go pee in the woods.
OK, it wasn't bravery, it was my pregnant bladder, but still, I went in the woods. Alone. Without the gun.
After everyone except Beans was cold, wet, and hungry (Beans was lucky enough to get to watch this operation from the backpack), we hiked back to the van. That's when we saw BEAR TRACKS!
Yep, real, live bear tracks.
And folks, they weren't there when we crossed the creek on our hike in!
I was slightly humbled by the sight, and realized that at some point in our day, we were most likely noticed by bears that we didn't notice at all.
Glad that I didn't become bear food (and really starting to worry that the bear might come looking for the peanut butter sandwich in my pocket), we loaded back into the van and decided to take a cruise to Paxson.
Before I go further, let me say this: Paxson is not so exciting. It's literally a gas station/roadhouse (with really expensive gas, too), out in the middle of NO WHERE. I think the Milepost said the population of Paxson was 67. As in 67 people. Total. But they were friendly people, and the drive was SPECTACULAR.
Seriously, any locals or future travellers to the Interior, it's a drive well worth taking. I don't know if words can describe it, but I'll give it the ol' college try...
Once you get past Black Rapids, the hills open up quite a bit. The mountains that were covered in birch and spruce are suddenly only covered in brush, or even barren. As you enter Rainbow Pass, you begin to see multicolored mountains, an effect of volcanic rock. The mountains are literally red, blue, green, orange. They very suddenly get taller and taller... so tall that you begin to realize that you really are only a teeny little speck on Planet Earth.
Not to get all "religious" on y'all, but under those mountains, there is no denying that a very great and powerful God runs the show, created those mountains, and left them there as a reminder that you are insignificant (and yet, somehow, we still mean everything to God!).
You get the distinct feeling that the mountains are swallowing you, and just as fast as these enormous mouths of rock came into sight, they all but disappear, opening up on a lake that stretches for miles.
I'm glad I had the Milepost with me, and that I gave up the driver's seat for the trip. Reading the Milepost revealed that we were just a few mile markers away from being able to catch a glimpse of Gulkana Glacier, where we stopped for a photo opportunity. (Pictures to come, I promise. One of these days.)
Beans snoozed comfortably while J, myself, and our friend chatted and took in the scenery. Our new friends are as avid about loving Alaska as we are, and we exchanged stories of the few adventures we have already undertaken and the many that we want to. Our new friends are also avid "Moose Patrol" junkies. *grin*
And the moose along the way back home from Paxson were amazing. We passed 7 or 8 (that we saw).
We returned home much later than we planned, tired, muddy, and glad for the trip. The evening ended with a beautiful sunset (we are finally having real sunsets, and at a decent hour!) and dreams of our next gold panning adventure, when we hope to really strike it rich. (Don't worry, J's hanging on to the day job!)
***
The following day was a trip to Fairbanks. And now that I live in Delta Junction, I REALLY hate going to town. I elaborated on our trip by the old North Pole house last post, so I won't rehash that nonsense. The rest of the day was exasperating... shopping for things we needed, doctor's visits, the works. I had every intention of stopping by to see my friends in North Pole on the way home, but by 5 pm, we were STILL finishing up our shopping and everyone was tired and grumpy and ready to go home. (Sorry M! My next trip up is Sept 9th and I DO plan on stopping in then!)
***
I was almost relieved when J went to work the following day. I was exhausted and Beans desperately needed her routine back in order. We chilled out for a couple days, then made our way into Delta Junction for another adventure on Saturday.
Nothing too exciting... we went with my neighbor (the wife) to the library, the IGA (where you can get a coffee), had lunch at the Drive In, visited the Farmer's Market, then since Beans dozed off in the car, we drove down Clearwater Road and the down the Rich Hwy to Black Rapids. (Just because). With lots of gal pal chatting and beautiful scenery, the time passed quickly.
Of significant note was a HUGE Bull Moose (we actually say two of them on our drive). The first one was enormous, and we nearly mistook him for a tree, until we noticed he was moving. His rack was probably the size of the front of my minivan. AMAZING. And just right on the side of the road. The other "little" guy still had fuzz on his antlers, but was an impressive sight, nonetheless.
***
In Other News:
I came face to face with a moose the other night! I wandered out our back door onto the deck and found myself within 6 feet of TWO of these amazing animals. The smaller of the two took off in a sprint toward the tree line, while the other acknowledged my presence with a half hearted snort, a glance up, and then went back to munching on my neighbor's chickweed. I figured I was somewhat safe on my deck (even though the moose WAS able to rest it's head on the deck floor!), and snapped a few photos and stood in awe of this creature.
Honestly, there is no way to do justice in a description of these animals. They are huge, powerful, skittish, unpredictable, and even then, when they are chewing up your lawn and only giving you a bored look from time to time, amazingly docile and peaceful animals to be around.
****
More News: One of Bean's beloved goldfish (we had him for 3 days) had the take the porcelain plunge. Yes, "Callie" (named for her calico coloring) had to be flushed away this morning, as she was found belly up in the tank.
Don't worry, 10 month old Beans was in no distress over the loss. In fact, she laughed hysterically as poor Callie went around, and around, and around in the bowl before finally being swept away. (OK, I guess on some level, a goldfish swirling to it's grave IS kind of funny!)
Callie was quickly forgotten, and "Bub" (named because it's a word Beans can actually say), the remaining fish, is still alive and well. For now, at least.
****
So, no idea where this coming week's adventures will take us. J is working more overtime, then he claims he is going fishing. Hopefully he brings back something good for supper.
Meanwhile, on MY agenda is to find somewhere around here to get a haircut.
Beans is hopefully going to get the hang of this tooth cutting business. She has two top teeth poke through in the last 24 hours, and it looks like her canines are following close behind. EVERYONE in the house will be sleeping better if those teeth would just come on through.
I DO know that Delta Junction's Sullivan Roadhouse is hosting the Garden Soup this Wed, and I DO plan on making it into town for that. This will also be the last week for the Farmer's Market, finally closing up for the winter. Lots of other adventures planned, meanwhile, I have several crochet projects that have been neglected this week, and I've got an itch to get back to them...
Until next time,
Happy Moose Trails!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The End of Landlord Woes? Please?
Well, hey, y'all! Let's see if I can actually get a few minutes this week to give some updates on our progress here...
First, the home front: we are settled in the new place and made a trip to North Pole and Fairbanks yesterday to finish up our duties as tenants there. Um, we arrived to "fix the fence" as demanded by landlord and get the remaining items we had in the shed to discover that "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SLEEPING IN OUR HOUSE". And it wasn't Goldilocks, I can tell you that much.
Yup. Someone else has already moved in. Funny, because WE paid rent until the end of September. AND, we were instructed by landlord that we could not disconnect the power or be reimbursed for our fuel oil until Sept 1st, when our notice expired.
Hmmm.... yeah. I'm pretty kind and loving, but I draw the line at paying for someone else's utilities, or letting someone live for free in a place I've paid for, ya know?
So, a couple calls to the landlord (who tried to argue the point), the power company, and putting a friend on standby to possibly siphon out our fuel oil (oh yes, I CAN be mean!)...
Well, the landlord wanted "to make a few calls" of his own to verify that is is indeed unlawful to move someone in while we technically are still paid through AND to make us pay power when he has another tenant. He soon called back, significantly more humble and not yelling anymore to tell us he'd be happy to refund our rent from Aug 16th (when the new folks moved in) and get a check to us for the fuel measurement he took the last week we lived there. And oh, yes, while waiting for him to return our call, I contacted GVEA (the power company) and had the power disconnected. Don't worry, I was nice enough to give until the following day, so the landlord could tell his new tenant they had about 24 hours to turn their own power on, unless they WANT to be sitting in the dark, cold house without running water. (The well is electric pumped.)
Yeah... I'll be glad to have all this over and done with. What a bunch of maroons.
*sigh*
OK, I was REALLY hoping to have time to tell you all REALLY exciting stuff, like how we went gold panning, found bear tracks, and made a gorgeous scenic drive to Paxson- and seriously, the moose count on that trip was incredible- but Beans is looking at me saying, "Mama, POOP!", and,um, she means it.
Off to clean up Bean Nuggets.
Back later to update if I can.
Until then, Happy (and hopefully not as stinky as mine) Moose Trails to y'all!
First, the home front: we are settled in the new place and made a trip to North Pole and Fairbanks yesterday to finish up our duties as tenants there. Um, we arrived to "fix the fence" as demanded by landlord and get the remaining items we had in the shed to discover that "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SLEEPING IN OUR HOUSE". And it wasn't Goldilocks, I can tell you that much.
Yup. Someone else has already moved in. Funny, because WE paid rent until the end of September. AND, we were instructed by landlord that we could not disconnect the power or be reimbursed for our fuel oil until Sept 1st, when our notice expired.
Hmmm.... yeah. I'm pretty kind and loving, but I draw the line at paying for someone else's utilities, or letting someone live for free in a place I've paid for, ya know?
So, a couple calls to the landlord (who tried to argue the point), the power company, and putting a friend on standby to possibly siphon out our fuel oil (oh yes, I CAN be mean!)...
Well, the landlord wanted "to make a few calls" of his own to verify that is is indeed unlawful to move someone in while we technically are still paid through AND to make us pay power when he has another tenant. He soon called back, significantly more humble and not yelling anymore to tell us he'd be happy to refund our rent from Aug 16th (when the new folks moved in) and get a check to us for the fuel measurement he took the last week we lived there. And oh, yes, while waiting for him to return our call, I contacted GVEA (the power company) and had the power disconnected. Don't worry, I was nice enough to give until the following day, so the landlord could tell his new tenant they had about 24 hours to turn their own power on, unless they WANT to be sitting in the dark, cold house without running water. (The well is electric pumped.)
Yeah... I'll be glad to have all this over and done with. What a bunch of maroons.
*sigh*
OK, I was REALLY hoping to have time to tell you all REALLY exciting stuff, like how we went gold panning, found bear tracks, and made a gorgeous scenic drive to Paxson- and seriously, the moose count on that trip was incredible- but Beans is looking at me saying, "Mama, POOP!", and,um, she means it.
Off to clean up Bean Nuggets.
Back later to update if I can.
Until then, Happy (and hopefully not as stinky as mine) Moose Trails to y'all!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Finally Settled
Ahhh.... home. A lot of people would say "Home is where the heart is". I agree. I also think home is where you can sleep without rodents chewing through your walls, smelling diesel fuel when you wake in the morning, or waking to the sound of your smoke detector going off when your heat kicks on.
Yep, we are "home". We got moved without too much trouble and had the help of several other firefighters. I love the new place. It's not the "cabin" I eventually want, but the three story townhouse-styled home is a good trade.
Beans and I have been up to many adventures. She loves the new place as well, and made me realize that you don't really have to "teach" a 9 month old to go up the stairs. They somehow know how to do that, and pretty much anything else that can inspire heart attacks in parents. Going down is a lesson that still needs to be learned. Meanwhile, I'm getting really good at catching her when she tumbles.
In addition to the stairs, Beans is a big fan of screaming in the basement. Ok, before you people think I've locked her away down there, the laundry is in the basement. And she discovered quickly that her shrieks of joy echo off the walls. Um, even funnier is our neighbor's puppy, who hears her shrieks and answers back with yips of his own. Most days while doing laundry, Beans and the puppy are having conversations through the walls, while I secretly hope no one is calling the MPs about a baby screaming in the basement.
Speaking of MPs... I got a stern lecture about the speed limit on base. I think I was doing 17 in a 15 mph area. The lecture lasted a good 5 minutes. I forgot those guys could be um, jerks.
ANYHOO... we've spent the better part of the last week trying to organize things and put things away. There is a lot of room to stretch out in the house, and I must admit that my decorating savvy works better in small spaces. I have no idea what to do with most of this space!
So, I did the next best thing to decorating, and chose an ample size room in the house for all my sewing junk. Yes, I have my very own room for sewing now. And since the door shuts, I can leave it as messy as I want.
Yes, I usually prefer a pretty tidy place, but there is something about chaos in the sewing room that makes me feel so much more productive.
MOOSE PATROL:
Holy Moose on the Loose, Batman! We see moose almost every single day. Every morning I wake to fresh moose tracks under our windows. It's a pretty frequent event to be "surprised" by one of these large creatures when you wander outside. One little fella was hanging out in the parking lot by my van the other morning, and only took off when neighbors started driving in for lunch.
****
Speaking of neighbors: so far, we like ours. The neighborhood is full of kids, the parents are all friendly, and the ones without kids want them. A nice place for a little one. Beans has (of course) already made friends and made every mommy in the neighborhood fall in love with her.
****
So, we've spent the last couple weekends poking around town. Delta Junction has a lot of summer activities and we really enjoyed the small Farmer's Market where I found a new apron and some Strawberry Bluebarb Jam (strawberry, blueberry, and rhubarb). Um, YUM. Perfect on my homemade sourdough bread!
We also found that yard sales are a great way to meet some of the locals. And get some killer deals. A special nod to my friend Susan... I will soon be experimenting with that desire to get into photography! I picked up a Minolta 35mm camera with all the extra lenses and filters. I still have to muddle through the instruction manual and start "playing" with my find, but it was a killer deal at a yard sale.
I had gone yard sale-ing with one of my new neighbors and her little puppy, and we stopped at the Drive-In for lunch on the way back to the base. Oh, I will miss the Drive-In over the winter! They will be closing soon.
Also, Sullivan's Roadhouse is about to harvest their gardens and host the local "Garden Soup". They make several different types of soups from their harvest and serve it with fresh bread. I'm looking forward to it, if we can make it there.
***
Speaking of winter, snow is coming down the mountains FAST. it reached the foothills sometime this weekend. it won't be long before we are seeing the white stuff on the ground in Delta Junction.
Temps are hanging in there though! Upper 60s in the day (most days), and 40s at night.
***
So, overall, life in the Junction is peaceful and calm. There is some dissent brewing with Former Landlord, who (in my ever humble opinion) is a ninny. But since all of us already knew they were ninnies, there's no point going into it. The biggest thing is they are still arguing that they think we were wrong to move out. And rumor has it that they found another tenant, so WHY are they still griping about this??? Maybe just to annoy me. *grin*
****
There is other news, readers, but I am waiting for good timing to mention it. I'll leave it to your imagination, but a hint: I've been feeling a little under the weather for the last 2 months. In about 7 more months, I should be feeling much better....
Meanwhile, I've got to think of a good blog name for the new little nugget.
VERY Happy Moose Trails to all of you!
Yep, we are "home". We got moved without too much trouble and had the help of several other firefighters. I love the new place. It's not the "cabin" I eventually want, but the three story townhouse-styled home is a good trade.
Beans and I have been up to many adventures. She loves the new place as well, and made me realize that you don't really have to "teach" a 9 month old to go up the stairs. They somehow know how to do that, and pretty much anything else that can inspire heart attacks in parents. Going down is a lesson that still needs to be learned. Meanwhile, I'm getting really good at catching her when she tumbles.
In addition to the stairs, Beans is a big fan of screaming in the basement. Ok, before you people think I've locked her away down there, the laundry is in the basement. And she discovered quickly that her shrieks of joy echo off the walls. Um, even funnier is our neighbor's puppy, who hears her shrieks and answers back with yips of his own. Most days while doing laundry, Beans and the puppy are having conversations through the walls, while I secretly hope no one is calling the MPs about a baby screaming in the basement.
Speaking of MPs... I got a stern lecture about the speed limit on base. I think I was doing 17 in a 15 mph area. The lecture lasted a good 5 minutes. I forgot those guys could be um, jerks.
ANYHOO... we've spent the better part of the last week trying to organize things and put things away. There is a lot of room to stretch out in the house, and I must admit that my decorating savvy works better in small spaces. I have no idea what to do with most of this space!
So, I did the next best thing to decorating, and chose an ample size room in the house for all my sewing junk. Yes, I have my very own room for sewing now. And since the door shuts, I can leave it as messy as I want.
Yes, I usually prefer a pretty tidy place, but there is something about chaos in the sewing room that makes me feel so much more productive.
MOOSE PATROL:
Holy Moose on the Loose, Batman! We see moose almost every single day. Every morning I wake to fresh moose tracks under our windows. It's a pretty frequent event to be "surprised" by one of these large creatures when you wander outside. One little fella was hanging out in the parking lot by my van the other morning, and only took off when neighbors started driving in for lunch.
****
Speaking of neighbors: so far, we like ours. The neighborhood is full of kids, the parents are all friendly, and the ones without kids want them. A nice place for a little one. Beans has (of course) already made friends and made every mommy in the neighborhood fall in love with her.
****
So, we've spent the last couple weekends poking around town. Delta Junction has a lot of summer activities and we really enjoyed the small Farmer's Market where I found a new apron and some Strawberry Bluebarb Jam (strawberry, blueberry, and rhubarb). Um, YUM. Perfect on my homemade sourdough bread!
We also found that yard sales are a great way to meet some of the locals. And get some killer deals. A special nod to my friend Susan... I will soon be experimenting with that desire to get into photography! I picked up a Minolta 35mm camera with all the extra lenses and filters. I still have to muddle through the instruction manual and start "playing" with my find, but it was a killer deal at a yard sale.
I had gone yard sale-ing with one of my new neighbors and her little puppy, and we stopped at the Drive-In for lunch on the way back to the base. Oh, I will miss the Drive-In over the winter! They will be closing soon.
Also, Sullivan's Roadhouse is about to harvest their gardens and host the local "Garden Soup". They make several different types of soups from their harvest and serve it with fresh bread. I'm looking forward to it, if we can make it there.
***
Speaking of winter, snow is coming down the mountains FAST. it reached the foothills sometime this weekend. it won't be long before we are seeing the white stuff on the ground in Delta Junction.
Temps are hanging in there though! Upper 60s in the day (most days), and 40s at night.
***
So, overall, life in the Junction is peaceful and calm. There is some dissent brewing with Former Landlord, who (in my ever humble opinion) is a ninny. But since all of us already knew they were ninnies, there's no point going into it. The biggest thing is they are still arguing that they think we were wrong to move out. And rumor has it that they found another tenant, so WHY are they still griping about this??? Maybe just to annoy me. *grin*
****
There is other news, readers, but I am waiting for good timing to mention it. I'll leave it to your imagination, but a hint: I've been feeling a little under the weather for the last 2 months. In about 7 more months, I should be feeling much better....
Meanwhile, I've got to think of a good blog name for the new little nugget.
VERY Happy Moose Trails to all of you!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Where in the World is Moose Nuggets??
*Pokes head in*
"Hi!"
Yep, we are still alive. We hit a few snares in the road which led to not having Internet for a few days, but I'm back, with my faithful companion, Beans!
We are busy trying to get settled into the new place (which feels like heaven, compared to the squirrel infested dwelling we left)... but I WILL be back this week with all kinds of tales from Delta Junction about our adventures in moving.
Right now, though, Beans is protesting and The Ol' Ball and Chain (um, I mean, my loving husband) is also whining. One of them is cutting teeth and the other wants to be fed. I have to figure out which is which.
Hope all my readers are doing well! I've sure missed given y'all the moose poop scoop!
"Hi!"
Yep, we are still alive. We hit a few snares in the road which led to not having Internet for a few days, but I'm back, with my faithful companion, Beans!
We are busy trying to get settled into the new place (which feels like heaven, compared to the squirrel infested dwelling we left)... but I WILL be back this week with all kinds of tales from Delta Junction about our adventures in moving.
Right now, though, Beans is protesting and The Ol' Ball and Chain (um, I mean, my loving husband) is also whining. One of them is cutting teeth and the other wants to be fed. I have to figure out which is which.
Hope all my readers are doing well! I've sure missed given y'all the moose poop scoop!
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