Winter Storm Draco...Just In Time for Christmas!

School's cancelled, winter storm warnings are telling people to stay home, so Bobbie and I went to the Sheriff's office so she could apply for a permit to purchase firearms.  By the time I got home, the much anticipated "blizzard" was in full swing.  The wind was, and is still, the worst!  The snow is beautiful.  I actually love that part of it, but could do without the 50 mph wind.  Dennis and I have been enjoying our warm home, sitting in our sun-room watching the snow swirl and pile up.  It's so wet and heavy that the trees are covered.  Even with the ferocious wind, the snow clings to the branches, causing them to hang low. Our flag is the one colorful spot in the landscape.

On Tuesday, the Miller crew started on our new building.  Dennis had called the one-call to make sure there were no gas, power or telephone lines to avoid.  They marked the work site as "clear...OK to dig", so the first thing the crew did was set the poles.  Would you believe, they hit a big telephone cable!  All the neighbors from our place on down are now without telephone service.  We are so glad that we called the one call people.  I feel sorry for the guy that marked the site "OK" though!  They told Dennis yesterday that it would probably be several weeks before repairs are completed!  Glad we have cell phones.  I just wish that our cell phone reception was better here. 
I'm adding a few more pictures of the snowy views from our windows, and then I'm going to go light the Christmas tree and wrap some presents. 

Alaska, The Last Frontier!

Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau

I signed up for the Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour.  We went out in a small boat and saw lots of whales.  First we saw humpbacks, and while watching them spout off and dive, I noticed some dark triangular fins coming toward us from quite a distance.  Our guide told us that only about ten percent of the tours they take out get to see the "killer" orca whales.  We saw fifteen of them.
After the whale watching, we were dropped off at Mendenhall Glacier.  Our coach driver told us to synchronize our watches with his, and he would be back at 4:15 to pick us up.  He would take us back to our ship at 4:20.  First sign of a problem for me, I didn't have a watch! So, the shortest trail I saw was the trail to Nugget Falls, which the sign said was a 45 minute walk.  Figuring that if the average tourist could do the hike in 45 minutes, I could do it in less, I hiked out to the falls.  It was beautiful. In fact, it was so big and pretty I took lots of pictures.  As I hiked back, I wondered how long I had been out there taking pictures.  When I got back to the place the bus was supposed to pick us up, there was no bus.  It was 4:28.  Eight minutes....late! I missed the ride and figured I'd have to walk back to the ship, hoping I would find my way. But, another bus came and I hitched a ride back with them.  What a relief!

These guys played a lot of the old rock and roll from the 50's and 60's.  They did a lot of the early Beatles hits, and I thought they sounded great.
There were quite a number of musicians on the ship and all of them were outstanding.  

Still light at 10:45PM

I tried to stay up until it got dark, but gave up at 11:20PM and went to bed.  It was still light enough to see.  I was on the top deck again by 4AM, and even at that hour, I'd already missed the sunrise!  

11:15PM and still not dark!

4:00 AM

View of Decks 9 and 10 from the Viking Crown lounge.

 The crew decorated the ship in red, white and blue.  They had a nice 4th of July celebration (without fireworks).  One of the ship's crew sang the national anthem and it looked like the entire crowd was singing along with him.  There was thunderous applause at the end, and many folks were wearing their patriotic outfits.  We saw lots of red, white and blue everywhere!

Uncle Sam (one of the crew) was greeting everyone as they came into the Windjammer for lunch.  Mom got a big hug from him.




















 Our last look at Seattle as we headed back to Minneapolis.



The flight back was pleasant for the most part.  We did have some turbulence, and the landing was really rough!  I'm sure Jane wasn't really worried, but when she saw me snapping pictures, she put on the "nail biting worrier" face.

It was a great trip!  My first cruise, first commercial flight, first visit to Alaska, first time in Seattle, first time to Minneapolis, first time to see the Mall of America, first time through airport security check! 

I have more pictures on my Facebook page if you care to look.

Longest Day of the Year!

My daily vacation spot---a great place to relax and refresh!                                                                                                            

June 21!  It's the longest day of the year.  And what a beautiful day!  Travis and Gail came with the grand daughters, Kathy brought the boys and we splashed around for a while on the pond.  The girls were a little slow to warm up to the idea of swimming in water that doesn't smell of chlorine, but after a short while they were enjoying it very much.  I believe they plan to come again tomorrow.

Sunday, (Father's Day) we gathered at the swimming hole for some family fun. All the guys enjoyed the raft. 

Both Wyatt and Zach had games this evening.  Wyatt's team played well and won, which was very exciting.  The opposing team had been undefeated until tonight. Zach's team also had a win. Go, Hawks! Baseball is winding down.  Wyatt has only one game left and then their tournament.  Zach's team has five or six games left, most of them home games, so we'll not have to travel to watch.
Happy anniversary to Travis and Gail!  Sixteen years ago, we were attending their wedding.
Also, it's a big birthday for my cousin, Nanci. And it's also my brother in law's birthday! 

Hay Day!

We baled today.  It was a perfect day, we had a great crew, and the counter said 357 bales.  After all the hay was stacked in the loft, some of the crew enjoyed the water.

Gage, Trace, Rick, Zach, Blake, Cole and Donnie

Wyatt's Celebration #10

More fun in the water.

Memorial Day Pictures

We played in the water much of the afternoon and then had a wiener roast.

 Memorial Day 2012




Wyatt.
He played catch with Zach, rode his dirt bike,
went swimming, boating and  here he is just
resting and enjoying a cherry Pepsi.

The fun yaks were very popular. The water was perfect, and the sun was hot.

There were a few dry spectators.




 They enjoyed the shade and watching the antics of the kids in the water.  We stopped for food and then the sky started getting dark.  Looked like a storm coming.  We played until we heard thunder, and then everyone helped pack up. We all left just as the first few drops of rain began to fall.  We enjoyed the day and were also very happy to get the rain, since we do need it!

Sky was getting very dark!

Why Did The Chicken Cross the Road???

.... And that, my friends, is why the chicken crossed the road.

First Day of Summer Vacation!

School's out!  Summer vacation officially begins today.  We have lots of plans and much to accomplish before school resumes on August 22.  We'll be seeing many baseball games, as both boys play.  I'll be cruising Alaska, spending a week with family on the Lake of the Ozarks, and a trip to Wisconsin, plus a few special occasion dates and some spontaneous short trips.  Bobbie and I are considering another destination undetermined "Sib Trip".  I have several landscaping ideas in addition to the dry waterway project I've dreamed of for a few years. I figure mowing and weed control will be an option should I find myself with nothing to do. I'll be documenting my summer activities with photos here. Ready, set, GO!

Building Docks

We've made good progress.  Three sections are finished and on the water with one more to do probably tomorrow afternoon. 

Hey Diddle Diddle....

Did you know that rabbits swim?  Today, while mowing near the pond I saw baby rabbits swimming!  I suspect that they'd been hiding in the tall grass when startled by the mower and took to the water to escape.  I had never seen a rabbit swim and would never have expected to see such a sight.  In fact, I believe I'd have been no less surprised to see a cat with a fiddle, a cow jump over the moon, a little dog laugh, or a dish run off with a spoon.  Rabbits swimming!  What you see when you're not carrying a camera! 

Pond Fun

"If a picture paints a thousand words..."
Need I say more?
What a fun day!





Maybe I should mention that these pictures were taken on April Fool's Day. After a fine Sunday dinner at Mom and Dad's we all played in the water! Pretty unusual to have such warm weather so early.

Destination Wedding Site ... Reasonable!

 Polliwog Beach!

 Are you planning a wedding? Consider getting married on the beach!  Polliwog Beach has a nice sandy shoreline, lovely clear water, picnic tables and a dock.  With special arrangements, you could even have the wedding party paddle away in kayaks.  With the beach rental, you also get valet parking, an open campfire, hot dogs, buns, chips, marshmallows and cold pop.  Wedding cake is not included in the price, but we will provide wedding cake and mints for extra fees. Kayaks are available for rent.  No extra charge for the polliwogs in attendance. Call soon to book your reservations as we expect to fill our calendar very quickly!

Beyond the Sunset....

Such beauty! Every time I see the beauty of creation I consider our Creator! Praise Him!






Our ponds are at very low levels, but we have already enjoyed being on the water several times. We paddled on March 16 and several times since. April Fool's day was very warm and sunny and we spent the whole afternoon swimming and paddling around in the kayaks.
We purchased the supplies to start building the dock yesterday.
Just 30 days of school left, and then off for the summer!

Happy Birthday to Tyler...

Thirty eight years ago, we were full of joy and excitement about our new baby boy! He was the cutest baby ever, and we loved him so much! As a matter of fact, we still love him "so much"! Happy birthday, Tyler!