Visiting Alaska Veterans Memorial again

While on a trip to Denali,  I stopped again to pay my respects. Still plenty of snow, so the walking part was short.

For such a young state, there's lots of military history.

I'll return in summer and we'll cover a lot more for sure.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend and remember what is for.

I need a really low interest loan or a sugar momma

I went to McKinley Princess Lodge this past weekend and between presentations I went photo hunting. Look what I found.

Should I take this one with the beautiful view

or the fixer upper?

 

Are you sure it's spring?

Well, the migration is in full swing. I got merlin's yip yipping at me.

Swans and ducks are swimming by the highway.

The Knik River is starting to break up.

But Macy says the rest of this white stuff has to go away.

Something about Sandhill Cranes

When I went to visit accounts in Wasilla today, I took a detour to see if the cranes were migrating through off Old Trunk Road. 

These guys don't know how to share.

They were coming and going like airplanes at an airport.

It was a nice sunny day, but chilly because it was windy. 

Before long the field was full of them.

All the time Macy was patiently waiting.

Spring snow

We've got over a foot of snow in the past few days. We got fooled last week with higher temps and the snow starting to melt off.

The real spring must be getting closer.

The sunsets are great!

Macy has been working like a dog lately, but she still wanted to get out.

Last night we went down to the Anchorage Boat Ramp and caught the TOTE ship North Star coming into port right a sunset.

And then tonight we went to Point Woronzof. Nothing but pretty skies right now.

 

On his own time

I didn't catch his name. He was at the Anchorage Boat Ramp when I arrived to take some sunset photos. It was cold and a little windy. He was cleaning up after people who didn't do what they were supposed to do themselves. Scoop the poop! Clean up after your own dog!

Thank you sir!

Hold this light for me please.

Even though the temperature was around 29°, this mature was soaking up the sun. The sun reflecting off of its white head was a real challenge photographing. There's also an immature in the background just playing in the thermals. It was too far off to photograph though.

I stuck around for a while and it never left.

Out the bedroom window

Today was one of those days that was beautiful outside, but you had so many chores to catch up on inside. I'm changing the bed linen and was getting ready to vacuum, when I heard what sounded like a bunch of George Jetson cars outside. I looked out the window to see dozens of Bohemian Waxwings raiding the trees behind the house.

They were every where's and buzzing from tree to tree, some were on the roof tops. They were devouring whatever berries that were left. When some would fall from the tree, they would go to the roof tops to clean them up.

They remind me of little bandits with that black band that covers their eyes. They're getting their loot while they can.

 And all I had to do was open the bedroom window and shoot, with my camera of course.

 

When did I stop being bullet proof?

If you've read my blog any, you know that I'm retired Air Force. In 20 years I've seen a lot, some good and some bad. The good you remember in your heart and the bad you let go. You didn't let things effect you, especially emotionally.

Your kids start growing up, getting their drivers license, dating (we won't go there) and lots of other things. You know that I tease Cassie that's she's my favorite daughter. Well, she's my only daughter. But she is my favorite girl. I've never been good at relationships, but Cassie found a place in my heart that no one else can get to. I have two fantastic sons who are my favorite sons, but Cassie is my favorite daughter.

Then your kids start having kids and before you know it your fireplace mantel is covered in photos and grandkid related nick knacks.

 

 You now have 6 grandkids. Four more favorite girls and two more favorite boys and the list is getting bigger. They all tug on your heart and put a gleam in your eye. You're always happy to see them, but can't always understand what they are saying.

Cassie, Trinity and Harmony's airplane just took off twenty minutes ago. The Army is moving them to Maryland. Ironic that Maryland is where I started at. I won't get to see them as often anymore, no last minute lunches, coming over for dinner, etc. I will go and visit, but it can't be often enough.

 

I still feel that I'm bullet proof, but I haven't had a dry eye since I left the airport.

 

2013 Open World Championship Sled Dog Races.

It felt good to get out on Sunday to get some photography done and see some good sled dog sprint racing. I missed two days of racing due to other commitments and not feeling well.

The weather was perfect. In the mid 20's is not too cold and not too warm for sled dog racing. Count the tongues, you can see how happy the dogs are.

The people you meet on the trails are the best. They are excited about the races and everyone has a story.

I couldn't hear much of Greg Taylor's cell phone call, but it sounded important. Never saw a driver behind a dog team on a cell phone before.

Even though these guys were competing for a $70,000 purse, they were very friendly. They would wave or say "Hi" or "Thanks" when you rooted for them.

Next weekend is the Iditarod!

For more photos of Sunday's races, click here.

Every now and again, an old friend comes to visit

While working out at the flight center, this handsome fellow sometimes comes and watches while we work. We don't know if he's a previous resident coming for a visit or handout.

He's been visiting for at least the last 4 years, sits on the electric pole and watches us come and go about our business.

Sometimes he even escorts us down the road. Today while driving there, I couldn't see him, but saw his shadow on the ground next to me as I got closer to the building.

 

Sorry for the long break. Our winter has pretty gloomy until lately. We're finally getting some good snow and things have brighten up.