28 June 2010

Conference time ....

Hey All. Yesterday was a visit to the hot springs and the ice castle -- very interesting and very Alaska. A young bull moose walked right through the hot springs grounds -- I got lots of pictures. Also got to see sled dogs and trail-ride horses there, so I got my animal 'fix'. Sorry, but I can't post pics from this computer -- not sure when I might be able to again, but for now it's just text (*boring!*). Conference starts this morning -- 8-5:30 for the next three days -- YEA!

26 June 2010

Oh, yeah .....

And I forgot to mention, it really doesn't ever get dark here! That's why I am up in the middle of the 'night' sending email and posting on my blog .... the sun is still shining. And I'm not kidding! ; )

Yep .... it's so beautiful here!

I am having a FANTASTIC time in Alaska! I have spent the last three days touring the area between Fairbanks (central AK) and Valdez (Prince William Sound/south AK). We toured a salmon fishing boat, a self-sufficient community, talked to a young-ish couple who live off the land, toured the pipeline, looked at lots of cool plants and birds, have seen a MILLION beautiful scenic vistas, saw one grizzly bear ! and several moose ..... and have eaten incredibly good food (and lots of it). MAN, I have had a great time already! Tomorrow is free, then it's back to a packed schedule full of fun. More details later! klt

17 June 2010

And if you are wondering where I **will** be soon ....

You might want to check my blog more often for the next month or so, as I will try to post information about my travels. I will be heading to Alaska next week and will be gone until mid-July. I hope to take a lot of pictures and have great fun adventures!

Here's the abbreviated version of the itinerary: Fargo to Fairbanks, tour of Valdez and vicinity, tour of Denali and vicinity, Juneau over July 4th, inside passage ferry, then Seattle back to Fargo. I am really really REALLY excited ..... !!!!

Oh, yeah, and a tree fell on my house ....


This happened back in May -- it's all turned into firewood now (and a lot of brush for my next bonfire -- YOU'RE INVITED!). Didn't hurt the roof (primarily because the roof is already in pretty rough shape ...).

I cut up all of the parts that were on the house (and car) all by myself!!!!! Good friend Johnny helped with the main trunk part, plus he dropped the next box elder in the row, which as you can see in the pic, was just WAITING to fall on the house next.

Look how cute my garden shed is now that the tree is out of the line of sight! A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!

Oh, yeah, you might be wondering why my car was parked in the drive rather than in my spanky swanky new garage?? Well, I had been out and planned to go out again later so just parked in the driveway. Despite the fact that there was a branch larger than my calves (yes, Carole, those are LARGE!) jammed into the ground less than 2' in front of my car, there was virtually no damage to the car at all. I lead such a wonderful charmed life!!!

Babies on the farm ....

Wondering where I've been hiding?? Well, here's a couple of clues .....















OK, so that's three clues. 1. playing with baby lambs on the farm, 2. playing with adorable puppies on the farm, and 3. canoeing the Mississippi River and relaxing with friends.