Optical Indigestion

In one of my favorite Alaskan stories, a visiting character to the state of Alaska said during a trip up the Inside Passage that he had 'optical indigestion.' I've never done that trip, but I can see it might fit almost anywhere up north. 

This is a mom and a calf close to the old Lamplight Bar Mrs. Mika used to own. I didn't get  a good photo of the calf. It was kind of annoyed with the hackles up! 

A friend and her husband and brother arrived to get a work bench from the shop. Dad would be glad to have it go to someone who really could use it. 

When my friend, Julie B, arrived from ANC to help me, we came upstairs to find another pair of moose in the yard! Right outside the window. 

It was neat to see them swim the lake. That isn't something you get to see very often. Even if you live on a lake! Bulls will swim it, but calves are a bit more nervous. They went across and were scared back to 'our' side by dogs at the neighbor's house. 

 Fall was so beautiful this year. The colors of red aren't as prevalent as gold, but they combined to create stunning tapestries of autumn. 

Dad had a hat in the garage and in it was a tall white feather. Probably eagle, not sure. I left it under the trees with the colorful leaves. 

A bit of June and the Fourth of July!

Moose from June. I saw these two on the 29th and dashed out to take photos. However, between the camera on our side and the dogs on the other, the pair spooked and they swam across the lake! 

 Later in the day, this bull showed up, He was a different bull because it was the same day and the antlers were more branched. I've not seen them around the last few days, but there has been a lot of neighborhood noise combined with the heat.

 He came up into the yard later, so I was able to get a closer shot of his rack.

I was privileged to help put some of these kits together today. Days for Girls is a mission changing lives one girl at a time. 

The fire department had the best parade feature. This rig sprayed the spectators with water! 

 Smoky was probably one of those who wished for a cooler day!

 Even Scoop was at the parade this year! (the Peninsula Oilers Mascot)

 These dancers were dressed like little Rosie the Riveters. They danced to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

 There were several old cars in the parade. After it was over, I noticed this one with the hood up on the side of the road!

 It was a very hot tiring parade. This little one was worn out!

 A beautiful memorial to our fallen hometown soldiers.

 And finally, Troubadour North!

This couple danced to 'Brown Eyed Girl'. They were sweet to watch. 

 Water was popular. The Nikiski Fire Dept (Station 1's temp read it was 80 degrees today!) had a sweet game using fire hoses to put out a 'fire'. When it was aimed properly, a lights would flash and a siren would go off.

So, there is the Fourth of July in Kenai! I hope you enjoyed it! 

On the lake

 I got out in the kayak this week, so I thought I'd post. As I am typing, I'm looking down at the floating pallets and there is a mommy with what appears to be a single duckling. She had two last night and at least 5 at the time of these photos. The ducks in the pictures, however, are a different family. I hope there are some babies left by the time Jon arrives. He's in or leaving Anchorage about now, so there might be a few. He did say he'd stop along the drive to take pictures. Stay tuned for photos from a NEW camera (he says he needs another battery and I'll have to find out where he can get one of those!). He took some around the house to practice and they turned out very well. Meanwhile, you have to see Alaska through my lens spotted camera!

When the babies are first born and as they grow, the families hang out in what we have always called the nursery. There is a mallard family in the photo below. The lily pads and the sparkling water often makes it harder for predators to find the young ones. But, they don't stay in that area and that is when death strikes. 

 These are golden eye. I'm pretty sure it is a male and a female. They sure made a ton of racket on the lake!!

There was a lovely play of the light reflections on this old tree. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out as well as it might have if I'd taken a video. 

 I was excited to spot the mallard family on the edge of the lake, I was a tad concerned because she didn't like the looks of the kayak and went around me into deeper water.

 Even the babies were checking out that giant odd orange bird floating along!

 The golden eye don't seem to care who is in their way. The mama had safely herded her family around me when the mating pair crashed into their flotilla! Mama was very put out and managed to keep everyone together.

 Later, it was quiet again and I was reading. Then, I heard crashing noise in the wood and looked up from my book to see the young bull! He was entirely unimpressed with my being in the lake. I wished he'd have been braver, a photo of a moose in the lake would have been cool!

 For being so large, they camouflage well.

 The pallets are favorites for the ducks. Grooming seems to be a land thing!

Later, about midnight, I heard splashing from the lake and spied one of the bulls wading past that area. He was moving too fast for me to snap his photo and the mosquitoes were fierce!

 We've had some spectacular sunsets, but I"ve been staying at the house. Too tired to leave that late, but I will once Jonathan arrives. I can't wait for him to experience our long days. He's only been here in July or September. I imagine the guys will probably NOT like having the curtains wide and the windows open a smidge. They aren't used to sleeping in daylight! Friday I had several out to help me with what cleaning, recycling, and tossing what was doubtful! It truly has been a blessed week out north. Looking forward to sharing it with my family. 

Those who Respond

It has been a few weeks since my last post. I had some stellar snow photos to share and never managed to get around to it. Snow is my absolute favorite thing. Ok, one of my favorite things. Like Maria, I have many!!!! Wind is not something I appreciate and the two combined make for dubious weather conditions.. As we were headed home today after one of mum's appointments, I slipped on the lethal corner as you approach Nikiski 1. It was practically text book. 

 I landed in the brand new feathery snow perfectly. If it was being judged, I might have gotten a rather good score! A 16 year old witness reported to his mom, 'Impressive! It was like she landed on a pillow.' The mom gave me a number for a tow truck and continued to text me off and on to make sure we were ok. (turns out she knows mom.)

 It doesn't look like it is too far off the road, but it was down in the ditch. We were not easy to see. The station was returning from a fire, the mom reported the accident, we were warm and safe. Mum sat reading til the tow truck driver arrived. I had to keep popping in and out of the car to tell people we were ok.

 This incredibly helpful man from Jenwar Towing took care of the hardest part. The soft snow cushioned everything and packed the engine full--not a thing was broken. I'm a bit annoyed by these photos, it wasn't that dark!!! Just blowy and snowy. And cold.

 When the tow truck arrived, personnel from the fire department arrived. They dug mom out and took her to the station to get warm. She got to visit with Terry, who works in the department and knows mum really well. (Janet corrected me on this, I should have asked more information before posting my interpretation. Insert sad face! LOL)

 Jennifer-she helped monitor traffic after getting mum out of the car.

 Freezing cold selfie of the daughter at the scene of the crime. I really wished I had worn long sleeves, I was very cold under that handy polar fleece. BRRRRRR. My boots are still soaked through and squished when I walked!!!!!

  It took quite a while to get it out of where it was tucked in, but by 445, we were free! I was able to drive it home and it seems to be ok. Full of snow, but working well. Friday mum has another appointment, if the wonderful woman from Katmai can get down from Anchorage! I'll take the car to Steve's, if it needs to be seen.

 We got to the house and the snow had filled the drive, mum's car made under belly prints as I drove!!!

 Much later, John, from next door came to plow. This photo is his son from the previous snow. I don't have one from tonight. I did notice, the drive is not quite as wide anymore!!! I only hope the new snow and wind doesn't fill it up again. I wish I could do something to thank this absolutely truly amazing family for all they do.

Help is found in many places. I'm so thankful to find them under every snowflake and bough. They are gifts. Some are trained, all are generous and willing to go the extra mile just because.