Around Anchorage, Alaska

Cold January

2012-01-21T21:07:00.000-08:00

I've been busy, out of town, etc and just haven't done a lot of photography lately. I wanted some shots of the frost before it warms up. I had a little bit of time before I had to be to my grandson Austin's 7th birthday party. So Macy and I headed out for coffee and a ride around Ship Creek.

To see larger photos, click here.

Wordless Wednesday 1/11/2012

2012-01-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

We've been pretty busy lately

2012-01-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

We're still getting over the holidays and getting back in gear for everything. We'll get back to posting regularly soon.

The last post of the year and my first

2011-12-30T23:21:00.000-08:00

While Dave is away, Macy will play.

It's tough being the dog of the house. You have to be cute, play nice, be ready to go out when they take you (it's +9° right now), don't make a mess, ahh you know the rest. And the pay, sheesh!

They complain about shedding. Drooling, OK. Drinking out of the toilet, OK. But shedding. What the heck can I do about that? At least I got hair to shed.

Let's go to Petco. They have that biscuit buffet. No. We go to the Middle Way Cafe and I have to wait in the truck. How about Pet Zoo? They have more Yummy Chummies than I've ever seen. NO. We go to Subway and you know where I sit.

Next year is the year of the dog. Bring you your slippers? Sure! How many pieces?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

Keeping an eagle eye on Santa

2011-12-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

I just finished having a great day with a good friend and we decided to go have lunch. On the way, this is what we spotted. I don't know if he was trying to get an early peek at his Christmas present or just making sure the jolly ol' man and his helpers were still hard at work.

Wordless Wednesday 12/21/11

2011-12-20T21:57:00.000-08:00

Beagle on guard duty

2011-12-18T23:16:00.000-08:00

The weather has been crazy. Tonight the wild was blowing pretty strong and it's raining. Macy was not happy with the trees and telephone lines swaying. Earlier it got up to 41°. Crazy!

Resting up for a busy week coming up.

2011-12-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday 12/7/2011

2011-12-06T23:38:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday 11/30/2011

2011-11-29T23:35:00.000-08:00

We've got some snow this month

2011-11-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

The recored for November I believe is 37 inches in Anchorage and we're approaching it but running out of time. It has been a snowy winter so far.

A bird that changed my life

2011-11-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 14, 2005 a first year snowy owl came into the clinic at Bird TLC. I just happen to be there, but at that time I only did maintenance, the website and fundraising. Cindy Palmatier was there alone, so I helped her examine the snowy. We found it to have a fractured right wing which required an operation the next day. To Cindy's surprise, I asked if I could observe and take photos. She said "sure, but if you pass out, you're on the floor until we're done". I never passed out and I have photos of his operation from start to end.

Sometime during his recovery, his wing turned just a smidgen on the pin causing his wing to be just a degree off from where it should be. This wasn't discovered until it had healed completely. The snowy can fly, but has to use a lot of energy. He also can't hunt well because of this. After weeks of evaluation, it was determined that he was non-releasable. The repair couldn't be corrected, so he is to be evaluated for being an education bird.

Cindy started working with him and he picked up on things fairly well. She decided he would make a great addition to the education program. Approval was received from USF&W and the search was on for a caretaker.

Bird TLC is one of a few organizations that's allowed to have it's volunteers house the education birds at their homes. I submitted my request to the Education Committee along with a mew design. I was selected and the design went to USF&W for approval. The design was approved and I was told to have the mew built before the first snow. I figured that to be about 2 weeks.

I spent every free minute during the time of year when the daylight hours got shorter and shorter. I had been a mechanic most of my adult life, so working with would wasn't the easiest thing for me to attempt. But after three and a half days, it was done. Now it was still up to USF&W to approve. After a few minor changes, it was approved.

Now I get to work with him at Cindy's house, she was my mentor. I was nervous as all get out, but I survived. After a week or so, Ghost the snowy owl came to his new home. After months of training, I got checked off on presenting Ghost and on March 29, 2007 I did my first presentation.

Since then Ghost has done around 50 to 60 presentations a year all over Alaska. Also during that time he's got whiter and whiter (and so has what's left of my hair). We've seen countless people from all corners of the world at his presentations. He has had two other presenters during this time, Beki and Erin. Erin still presents and Beki will return to presenting after she gets her degree.

A lot of things have changed around Ghost and me. Cindy is no longer the Director of Avian Care, but she's still an awesome presenter. I'm back to being single again. I present a great horned owl and a bald eagle in addition to Ghost. I'm very active with Bird TLC. It has a lot of awesome volunteers, a great new staff and they all try to fulfil TLC's mission to their best abilities.

I've had a lot of support from friends and other volunteers. Even volunteers from other organizations and in other states. It's been an awesome 6 years and I consider myself one lucky fellow. Thanks to everyone that's helped along the way, but most of all, Thanks Ghost!

There's a lot of links in this story, but there are a lot more post about Ghost and me on the Bird TLC blog.

It warmed up yesterday

2011-11-20T00:28:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday 11/16/2011

2011-11-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

Always Thankful!

2011-11-10T23:28:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday 11/9/2011

2011-11-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

Viciously attacked by beagle

2011-11-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

After doing some volunteer work together, I asked Britt to do a few photos of Macy and me for bios.

Little did I know that I would be so viciously attacked.

It's OK, I recovered just fine.

Dogiversary

2011-11-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well Macy and I have made it through a week with only minor inconveniences. We've had a little time to adjust to one another, our habits or ones we (me) don't want to have. She's been going to work with me in the mornings, but I bring her home at lunch. I don't thinks she's use to an eight hour a day job.

On the good side, I'm taking more walks, which is something I've always needed to do. Macy doesn't seem to mind because most of the time it's at a new park. I guess before long they'll start to be a few repeats though.

Wordless Wednesday 11/2/2011

2011-11-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

I did it!

2011-10-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

I got a new pooch. Meet Macy. She's a 2 year old female beagle. The couple that had her is moving and can't take her along.

She's fitting into the house well so far. She loves kids, other dogs, walks, attention, head rubs, and lots of other things. She's been going to work with me and doing some sales calls. I figured if I couldn't warm my customers up, she might.

So far she's been a lot of fun.

Wordless Wednesday 10/26/2011

2011-10-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 10/19/11

2011-10-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Alaska Day

2011-10-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Alaska Day which is the day commemorating the official transfer of the Russian Territory to The United States in 1867. Alaska is the largest US State. It is larger than the smallest 22 states combined. The highest North American Peak is here, Mt Mckinley (Denali)

Alaska has vast energy resources. Alaska (including water territories) is larger than California, Texas and Montana combined

The A Team has retired in Egegik

2011-10-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

You always run into all kinds of stuff when you go out for a drive to do photography.

To Egegik

2011-10-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was very fortunate to go on a trip to King Salmon hosted by USF&W. In between presentations, I had use of a vehicle and used it to escape and do some photography. Taking Julia's advice, a new found friend, I went to Egegik.

Egegik water reservoir.

Julia gave me directions to Ralph's Road. It took me across the tundra to an old fish processing plant. It's still in use, but only seasonal of course. Well, some of it is still in use.

It's the far end of fall, so the colors are burning out. But you can still see what it's like around this abandoned building.

I didn't see much wildlife, but I also was on limited time. But the scenery alone was well worth the trip. It was great being able to see a part of Alaska that was new to me.

To view more of my photos around Egegik, click here. And of course, click on the ones here to enlarge.

Off to King Salmon

2011-10-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'll be in King Salmon this weekend compliments of Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge. USF&W will have me doing some education programs with Bird TLC ed birds and then I go play and do some photography. See you when I get back.

Wordless Wednesday 10/5/2011

2011-10-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Road Trip!

2011-09-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Going to Fairbanks this weekend! I'll be visiting with the Alaska Bird Observatory for their Owlpalooza and with some friends. I even get to meet some blog and fb friends. I hope to bring back some good photos. Have a safe weekend!

Wordless Wednesday 9/28/2011

2011-09-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

To Seward and back

2011-09-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

A handful of us from Bird TLC went to Seward on Saturday to release a few eagles. Afterwards it was time to go do some photography. It was overcast and sometimes drizzly, but the fall colors were awesome.

Britt's dog Cooper was awesome. He's one of the best travel dogs I've seen. Loves the beach and loves sticks.

We went to view Exit Glacier (between Britt and Verity). There's where the rain was and that's not unusual. Verity got to see her first glacier.

And then we went someplace special to eat. Just kidding, but we did do ice cream in Girdwood.
All in all an awesome day with awesome friends!

Bear ly ready for the weekend

2011-09-24T00:56:00.000-07:00

Actually I'm ready for an awesome weekend planned. However, this brown bear was a surprise this morning.

Click to see more photos.

Wordless Wednesday 9/21/2011

2011-09-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Why do I live in Alaska?

2011-09-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Take a look at Denali and I won't have to tell you.

Last Sunday was a beautiful sunny day and she decided to come out and visit.

Alaska's Veterans Memorial

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

On 9/11 I was staying in Trapper Creek for the weekend, and of course I got to go do some photography. I stopped at the Alaska Veterans Memorial which is located at mile 147.2 on the Parks Highway.

The Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) stayed behind to protect the state when the Alaska National Guard was mobilized during World War II. If it was a clear day and you stood behind the above statue, you would see that Denali (Mt. McKinley) was in view of their binoculars.

There are other memorials to military plane crashes, Alaskan Medal of Honor recipients, and others military events from around the state.

It's a nice peaceful place to honor our veterans.

Wordless Wednesday 9/14/2011

2011-09-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

9/11

2011-09-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

10 years later and this commercial still brings a tear to my eye. God bless those that are gone and God bless those who protect us all.

Sunny days bring out the kites

2011-09-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

The sunshine yesterday brought out the kites. Chances are we won't have many days like this left, winter is around the corner.

The sky was gorgeous and there was a slight wind.

Nothing like a day in the park taking it easy and flying a kite. It's like I told these guys, why work?

They definitely were enjoying the day.

Wordless Wednesday 9/7/2011

2011-09-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

My oldest son turned 30?

2011-09-04T23:07:00.000-07:00

Was 1981 all that long ago? It seems like only yesterday to me. I remember 1981 like it was last year. Nickolas Lloyd Dorsey was born Aug 28th. He was 9lbs 8oz and already out grew the clothes we got him to come home in. 3 days later he and his mom are coming home, I got laid off and my mom is coming to visit for a week. Yikes!

I still can't believe I have a son who's 30. I tease my friends saying his mom was a cradle robber. Truth be told, she is older than me, but only by 2 weeks. We've been divorced for over 20 years now, but stay in touch. For both of us, our kids were always number 1.

I do see a lot of me in him. He loves his kids (BTW, he made me a grandpa for the 5th time 2 days before his birthday), he likes to turn wrenches, he likes motorcycles, he likes trucks and he has my hairline.

Nick was meant to be a family man. He married a lovely girl Stacey, who already had 2 children, so he started right off with a family. Now they have 2 together and they are a lovely family.

I remember when I was stationed in Oklahoma and we went to a squadron family picnic. Nick had to be about 4. They had a bean bag race and Nick wanted in it even though he had never seen one before. He couldn't get a handle on jumping and going forward, but he wouldn't quit. He stayed at it until he finished. That was one of many, many times I've been proud of him. But that sticks out in my many happy memory files.

I can't cover 30 years in a blog post, but I can tell you one thing though. There has never been a day that he's disappointed me. Like all of us, as kids and young adults we had our ups and downs and so has he. But he's always over come all of the downs.

To me, he's my oldest boy, but he's a man I'm proud to call my son.

Wordless Wednesday 8/31/2011

2011-08-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

Near West Chester Lagoon today

2011-08-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

I went to West Chester Lagoon today during lunch and these guys were hanging out on the Cook Inlet side. They were having a good lunch and were there for some time.

They were close enough to the coastal trail that when a loud jogger or noisy bike came by they looked around.

It was humorous listening to people that stopped to watch guess what they were.

But my lunch hour was over so I had to get back to work.

Don't forget to click photos to enlarge.

Have you seen my mom?

2011-08-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

This young moose was seperated from its mom for a bit by a fence. Between the two they figured it out.

For more of my moose photos, click here.

Wordless Wednesday 8/24/2011

2011-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

I got tired of waiting on the rain

2011-08-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I had to get out. It's been raining quite a bit here the last week or so. My camera still had the new camera smell to it.

It's always a treat when you run into something you don't see everyday. This belted kingfisher was enjoying its view. It sat there for some time letting me take all the photos I needed.

Then of course my favorite reflection shots. The mallards were just napping in the rain.

This herring gull struck it rich. I'm surprised it's the only one there. A bunch of spawned out salmon, yummy!

This northern shoveler thought it was well hidden until I tripped upon it. It only kept an eye on me a few seconds and then was back to shoveling.

It felt good to get out. No pressing schedule. Didn't have to be any where's at any special time. Laundry still needs to be done, but oh well.
Don't forget to click on the photos to enlarge.

To see more photos, click here.

All the young dudes...

2011-08-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Fall is starting and all the young birds are still wondering what's going on. All of these immature gulls were just chillin' at Cuddy Park.

The geese are getting impatient. They're jumping from one pond to the next. They know that winter isn't far off.

Go figure you go out and get a new camera and after that it's raining most of the time. SHEESH!

Don't forget to click on the photos to enlarge.

Back at it again

2011-08-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

I got a new camera today. I went down to Stewarts Photo and got the Canon T3i and a EF70-300 lens. I had been without my last camera (T1i) for about 2 months. My truck got broke into and they got all of my gear. So with the tiny insurance settlement and a little that happened to show up in my savings, I replaced it with some updated gear.

Of course the day you get new gear, there's a heck of a downpour going on. So there's not much time to go play and see what it can do.

So after work and some time at Bird TLC, my friend Grace and I went for a drive around Lake Hood. We got a couple photos, but called it a night. I'm sure I'll have plenty of chances for more real soon.

I still need to pick up some more stuff like a short range lens, filters, etc. We're on the camera gear recovey now.

Wordless Wednesday 8/3/2011

2011-08-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still alive

2011-07-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

I've been awfully busy though. I hope every ones summer is going good.

I don't want to use the crosswalk

2011-07-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 7/20/2011

2011-07-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow 2011

2011-07-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending the Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow again this year with my friend Grace. Participants come from all over Alaska and the lower 48. We're not Native American, actually Grace is from England, but all are encouraged to participate.

The regalia is always awesome and learning of their different heritages is great. The people are always friendly.

And it's a family affair.

Thanks again to Nancy and Jim for putting us up for the weekend. I hope my thank yous aren't wearing out, but it made for an awesome weekend.

For more photos, click here.

Wordless Wednesday 7/13/2011

2011-07-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Have a safe and Happy 4th!

Sourdough Biscuits

2011-07-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

My friend Grace and I have become fans of a local bluegrass band named Sourdough Biscuits. I first saw them last year when I was at the Kenai river Festival. I was the first one to buy their CD.

They play some of their own music and some by others. They're all very talented and put on an awesome show.

just about whenever they play in the Anchorage area, you'll probably see us there tapping our feet. This time was at the Silvertip Grill in Girdwood. We went to listen to them play and check out the Forest Festival.

Tonight Grace bought their CD and had the band autograph it. She'll be their biggest fan in the United Kingdom, when she gets home to England .

Wordless Wednesday 6/29/2011

2011-06-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 6/21/2011 Happy Solstice

2011-06-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

To Crow Creek Mine

2011-06-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

I went to Crow Creek Mine on Saturday for a presentation, but I got there early enough to do some photography first. It was first started in 1896, and it sure looks it. There's antiques all around for sure.

At one time it was the largest producing hydraulic placer mine in South Central Alaska. Now it's the largest recreational gold mining area.

There's area's to camp, clean facilities and a very friendly staff. They have a lot of displays of the equipment and vehicles used in the past.

I'm not sure I would want to use this hydraulic jack hammer all day.

How many of you have a shop that looks like this?

I would have liked to stay longer, but that gives me a reason to go back.

Happy dog, Happy girl

2011-06-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Britt lost her best friend Adak over a month ago and has been lost ever since. She tried a young husky mix that didn't like her cats and it didn't work out. That made her even sadder.

The local SPCA saved Cooper from the pound. He had a broken leg and wasn't being adopted. His time left there wasn't long. When they got Cooper back to their center, they thought of Britt. It's a perfect match. The SPCA is helping to get his leg fixed, and Britt is spoiling him.Thats' a good thing.

Cooper is happy and so is Britt because, I can tell by her smile.

Have a Coke and a smile!

2011-06-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 6/8/2011

2011-06-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

There's no cake like birthday cake

2011-06-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Friends Theresa and Chris son Sam enjoys his birthday cake.

I know I'm cute

2011-05-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Belle is a friend of mine dog who's patiently waiting for us to finish setting up for an event earlier this week. Belle has been on here before. She's to cute not to photograph and it seems like she poses for you.

Wordless Wednesday 5/26/2011 a day late :)

2011-05-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Arctic Terns say it is spring

2011-05-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

They don't travel all this way for nothing. Potter Marsh is alive and nesting is in the air.

Wordless Wednesday 5/18/2011

2011-05-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 5/11/2011

2011-05-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

When there's sunshine, there's kites

2011-05-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

I love driving around Anchorage during good weather. Spring is out and so are the people and so are the kites.

When the skies are beautiful so are the kites in the foreground.

The colors always stand out and they're always fun to shoot with a camera.

Wordless Wednesday 5/4/2011

2011-05-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

God bless the USA

2011-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sandhill Crane's

2011-04-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

The weather has been kind of blah for photography and just about anything else lately. The spring weather has brought some rain clouds and wind. You want to go out in a "T" shirt, but you better take a warm jacket.

Britt and I braved the chilly weather and got lucky down at Ship Creek. Right now it probably does look perfect to the sandhill cranes because the grass is starting to grow. It wasn't all that perfect for us. It got cold and we decided to move on. Someone turn on the switch for the sunshine.

Wordless Wednesday 4/27/2011

2011-04-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 04/20/2011

2011-04-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

Spring, where have you been?

2011-04-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

A beautiful spring day. 54° is always a good start. The migrating birds are making it back. It's spring when the Canada Geese are here.

The Golden Eye's are a favorite too! Mr and Mrs wouldn't pose together. They were too busy diving at different intervals.

Everyone loves the males colorization, but I always have liked the females too.

Wordless Wednesday 4/13/2011

2011-04-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

Spring along Ship Creek

2011-04-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

I took a stroll along Ship Creek last night with a friend to see how spring time was coming along. It was obvious that the birds believe that spring is here.

The ducks, waxwings, mallards and gulls were are in lets get mushie mood.

Of course it was a beautiful sunny evening with a gorgeous sky.

It was perfect. Spring is definitely in the air.

For more photos, click here.

Wordless Wednesday 4/6/2011

2011-04-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

We can't support our military enough

2011-04-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Back in the late 70’s I went to Ramstein AB in Germany several times with the Air Force and got to meet some of the local people. One couple called the United States the policeman of the world. At that time I thought that was kind of a strong assessment, but after our recent actions in Libya, I now agree with them.

For the record, I do think that Moammar Gadhafi has been a terrorist for decades and needs to be removed from power if not more. I’m glad that the U.S. took a stance where it backed out of the lead role from the military action against Libya and insisted that the UN take over. We’re already fighting two wars and our military is definitely spread thin.

The military is doing an excellent job. It is the most advanced military in the world and deserves all that we can give it. The days of war bond rallies are long over, but we can show support in many ways.

When I joined the Air Force in 1974, being in the military was not a popular thing. The Vietnam conflict was winding down and everyone knows how unpopular that war was. A lot was blamed on the military even though it was run by the politicians back in Washington. Vietnam Veterans never received the respect that they earned like their comrades do today.

Today I see young kids whose goal is to join the military. Their parents, family and community are behind them all the way. The military is marching in local parades, posting the colors at sports events among other things and rightfully getting applause from those watching. Politicians are fighting for the veterans rights to ensure they get what they’ve earned while they’re deployed and when they get back home.

There are some anti war protest from time to time, but not like in the 1960’s and 70’s. At these protest they say right out that the protest isn’t against our young men and women in the military, but the actual war itself. I have seen a few military funerals and the deceased are treated with the highest respect for giving the biggest sacrifice. Here in Alaska there hasn’t been any protest at these funerals. I would hate to see what would happen to the protesters if there was.

Our military personnel deserve all that we can give them to finish their mission while deployed and after they come home. We should also ensure their homes and families are protected and cared for while they are deployed.

They are doing it all for us, we should do the same for them.

Wordless Wednesday 3/30/2011

2011-03-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Wireless merger?

2011-03-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

This concern over the AT&T and T Mobile merger is a little over rated. I doubt that in Alaska we’re going to see much change if any. AT&T is the only national wireless company in Alaska. Verizon has announced plans to move here in the future but as of yet hasn’t set a date.

AT&T pulled out of Alaska about 8 years ago in a trade with Cellular One. What a horrible time in wireless history. Cellular One was terrible. Rates increased and service dropped. Customer service was next to non-existent. When AT&T bought out Cellular One we were warned of how bad their customer service was. I couldn’t believe it was worse the Cellular One, and it wasn’t. I’ve never had a problem with AT&T customer service.

I do feel that cell phone rates are high. I use a Blackberry Torch and use all of the bells and whistles. I’m changing companies where I’ll be working and probably won’t need all of them, but I’ll keep them anyways. Email and internet is all ways nice to have at hand. I can’t wait for 4G to make it to Alaska.

The charge for those bells and whistles I feel is a little high. I do have unlimited minutes, data, unlimited texting, bb service, roadside assistance and insurance. I think my cell phone bill is my highest utility bill. If it were to increase, I’d have to trim some of those services for sure.

It’s nice that I’m changing companies and I don’t have a company cell phone. All of my contacts go with me. They’re synced to my PC. That’s part of the reason why I got a quality smart phone. I guess it’s true when they say you get what you pay for.

If the merger goes through, I guess it will be up to Sprint and Verizon to raise the bar, to make the next big move. Like the airlines, mergers might be where it’s at for wireless companies.

Wordless Wednesday 3/23/2011

2011-03-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Click here to see more of my photos.

Being Charitable

2011-03-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

I am cautious when I give to charities. I’m sure everyone has wondered about some of their past donations.. You here of scandals, embezzlement, frivolous purchases and such, it makes you wonder how your money is used. I tend to stay with the big boys when it comes to national or international disaster relief. I feel I can’t go wrong with the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. I’m not saying it’s not safe to go with others, I just feel comfortable with them.

I do donate all year long, but I keep it local. The ones that tear at my heart usually get into my wallet. Kids and animals are the usual ones. They both get sick and injured usually through no fault of their own, but through us adult humans.

The biggest cause I support is the rehabilitation of wild birds by the Bird Treatment and Learning Center here in Anchorage. Most of the birds they get in are sick or injured by some type of human interaction. Birds that are electrocuted on power lines, caught in traps, hit by a car, got into some type of toxin discarded or even flew into a window. Last year they took in over 50 bald eagles and over 600 other types of wild birds. Over half of them were able to be returned back to the wild. The rest were placed in facilities to where they could be used for educational purposes or passed away.

Their volunteers work at their clinic every day of the year. They also take their education birds around the state of Alaska to schools and different organizations, teaching people about the species and the dangers presented by man that they can face. They do all of this with no government funding. They do it with donations from individuals like you and me and some corporations.

I support them with both time and money. I see what a supporter’s money goes to and I’ve never seen a dime wasted. With a small and extremely talented staff, they perform the unthinkable. They piece the largest and smallest birds back together so they can have a second chance. I’ve seen three people struggle to hold an eagle while it is cared for and one person struggle to handle a chickadee because it’s so small. No matter what the species, they all get an equal chance.

There are many good charities out there and they all have a good cause. You need to pick one that is right for you. Money is tight, so I try to make it count. Bird TLC gets my money because they make a difference. Make sure whoever you donate to makes a difference. I don’t do it for a tax break; I do it so they get a break.

Wordless Wednesday 3/16/2011

2011-03-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Bohemian Rhapsody

2011-03-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

These guys are amazing to watch. They're Bohemian Waxwings

and they are all over Anchorage this winter.

They congregate in large flocks and eat the frozen berries from the trees during winter. They are the largest species of waxwings.

Click to enlarge the photos and you see that they have really cool plumage. I describe them as very stylish bandits.

To learn more about Bohemian Waxwings, click here for a really informative site.

And as usual, click here to see more of my photos.

Tax Time!

2011-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Like many people, I am anticipating a tax refund this year. But I don’t expect it to be a lot. At my part-time job, my pay was a little less last year. It’s partially based on commission and sales were off for 2010. For the amount of taxes that I do pay, sometimes I feel that I’m financing my military retirement pay.

I am a procrastinator when it comes to filing my taxes. I wait at least until April 1st, but I do file it on line. It just feels like I’m doing it at my own pace when I wait to file. I have waited until the 15th and even filed extensions, but that’s when I knew I had to pay a large sum.

I have used tax advisors in the past, but it’s hard to find one I feel like I can trust to give me good information. I’ve consolidated my investments and even my 401k is all in one location now. At one time I had four different 401ks out there from different jobs over the years.

The IRS has relaxed some over the years, but there was a time when I thought they had way too much power and no sympathy for the little guy. I was going through a divorce when I was a young buck sergeant in the 1980’s. All of a sudden I had no dependents and owed a lot of taxes for that year. I made payment arrangements with the IRS, but later that year they changed their mind and wanted it all right away. No matter who I talked to at the IRS didn’t matter, there was nothing they could do. So I decided to visit U.S. Senator Ted Stevens’s office and plead my case. His staff came through for me and my payment arrangement with the IRS was back on track. After that, I called him Uncle Ted like all of the other Alaskans. We won’t talk about what I call the IRS.

Alaska doesn’t have a state income tax or a state sales tax. The revenue from oil production takes care of that for now. I’ve lived in other states where you had to file your state return about the same time as the federal return. It felt like double dipping to me and I never felt like I got my return on my dollar.

Everyone says that Uncle Sugar needs to get his share. I like to hang on to my share as long as I can.

Give me an AAWWWWW!!!!

2011-03-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

To see more of my photos, click here.

Wordless Wednesday 3/9/2011

2011-03-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.davedorsey.net/

To see more of my photos, click here.

Spring break?

2011-03-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Spring break will come and go without notice this year. The recession might be over, but the rising cost of goods is not. I stopped this morning and filled my gas tank up. The price was $3.65 a gallon. I drove by the same station after lunch today and the price had gone up to $3.75 a gallon. Any kind of trip by vehicle will have to be a good one, if and when I decide to take it.

Traveling by plane won’t be any less expensive this year either. Several years back when the fuel prices spiked, the airlines raised pricing accordingly. When the price of fuel went down, they didn’t adjust the price down a penny. Now with it going back up again they are raising the prices because of fuel. If it continues to rise, don’t be surprised if there’s some big shake ups in the airline industry.

I prefer not to burn up all of my vacation time at one shot. I like breaking it up and taking a number of long weekends. Time off is essential to me. I have a lot of things I prefer doing when off the clock. Most of it usually means a trip out of town, but things might get reeled in a little closer to home.

Winter is still in full swing here in Alaska. I believe we hit the high of 11° today. For the next week it should be in the mid 20’s during the day and single digits at night. Even though the first day of spring is in 2 weeks, it really won’t feel like spring for about another month and a half. But once the snow is melting and we start to get other colors besides black, gray and white, there will be no time for setting still.

The daylight hours are longer now and getting longer every day. Right now we have about 10 ½ hours of daylight and gaining about 10 minutes of daylight a day. When winter starts to break up, the sun is out most of the day, the birds migrate back, the colors come alive and I will too!

Wordless Wednesday 3/2/2011

2011-03-01T23:32:00.000-08:00

Fur Rondy 2011 Day 3

2011-02-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

Even though the windchill was cutting through you, there was some awesome sled dog racing going on. It was definitely worth dealing with the weather to see the race.

I missed day 2 of the sled dog races because I shot the dog weight pull. I missed some good racing that day, but it was worth it.

Most of the action was happening on Cordova Street and 4th Avenue and then at the finish line. Egil Ellis was the winner and well deserved.

The weather didn't keep the crowd away either. The temperature again was about 20°f, but with windchill it was about 4°f. I think the kids tolerate it better than the adults.

There's still lots of Rondy going on. Check out the schedule of events by clicking here. I'll be out and about checking more of it myself. Also, be sure to have your Fur Rondy pin on so the Rondy cops don't bust ya.

Also, the Iditarod starts this Saturday March 5th. I'll miss the start due to the real job getting in the way.

Thanks to Britt my photography buddy for tolerating me yesterday. You can see her Rondy photos by clicking here. You can even see photos from day 2.

For more of my Rondy photos, click here.

World Championship Dog Weight Pull. Fur Rondy 2011

2011-02-26T23:17:00.000-08:00

It was a pretty sunny day, and the temperature was around +20°f. But with the wind blowing, the wind chill temp was down right cold. That didn't stop the crowd or the dogs at the 43rd Annual World Championship Dog Weight Pull.

There was action all afternoon long. These dogs came to pull and it showed. They were full of pep and energy. There were dogs of all size, shape and color.

I wasn't the only Popsicle there, but no one else was leaving until it was over.

I couldn't make it to the sled dog races that were going on the same time, but I'll be there tomorrow.

If you want to know the outcome of the dog weight pull or the standings in the dog sled race, go to www.furrondy.org .

To see more of my photos from today, click here.

If you live in the Anchorage area, go get your Rondy on!

Fur Rondy 2011 Day 1

2011-02-25T23:23:00.000-08:00

Some serious sled dog racing going on starting today in the streets of Anchorage. The World Open Sled Dog Championship and Fur Rondy 2011 kicked off today.

These photos were taken near 15th & Cordova Street, not too far from my home.

22 dog teams started downtown on 4th Avenue and made their way trough town, into the back country and then back downtown to the finish where they started.

It's a 3 day race and 25 miles a day. Lots of excitement, fast dogs and plenty of action. Teams had any wheres from 12 to 18 dogs.

Tomorrow I plan on being at the 43rd Annual World Championship Dog Weight Pull. You can count on plenty of photos.

For more photos of today's race, click here.

No school snow days!

2011-02-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

Well it's warming up and getting ready to snow. Right now it's +25°f. We're supposed to get another 3 to 4 inches and then the temperature will be in the low 30's. Just in time for the start of Fur Rondy, a fun annual winter event. I'll be out in it and getting some photos for sure.

Watch this video if you want to see how serious they are about the World Championship Sled Dog Races.

Fur Rondy Trailer 2011 from susan l trussell on Vimeo.

To see more of my photos, click here.

Wordless Wenesday 2/23/2011

2011-02-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

Excuse me, but do I have a magpie on my butt?

OK, I know this is supposed to be wordless, but I gotta tell you some stuff.

Note that the moose is reaching over an 8 foot fence. It's standing on a snow pile from a parking lot that was plowed. Standing there she can reach where the others couldn't.
Click on the picture to enlarge it. Notice the magpie is collecting hair from the moose? It's getting ready for nesting season.
Notice the moose doesn't care?

OK, now I'll shut up.

Price check please!

2011-02-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

I got my driver’s license in 1973 in Maryland and the price of gas was .52 cents a gallon. It’s ironic that today I filled up the gas tank in my truck and regular gas was $3.52 a gallon. I don’t have a 1967 Firebird like I did back then, but a more fuel efficient Dodge and I don’t joy ride near as much as I did back then. I doubt that in 1973 that I could afford to pay $80 to fill up a gas tank.

The price of coffee, sugar and you name it are going up left and right. It’s going up so much that it’s making the national news every day. Consumer pricing is up 0.4% in January. OK, the recession is over, so start raising the prices? I’m fortunate to be getting a paycheck, but it’s not getting any bigger. More people want a part of it though. At least my vanilla latte’ hasn’t gone up in price.

It’s tough for the American consumer right now. Statistics show that only 71% of Americans can live within their means. When I got divorced in 2009, I had a feeling that there was going to be tough financial times ahead. First thing I did was pay off all of my credit cards. Then I started paying all of my bills online through my banks bill pay program. It was amazing how much money I saved and how I could see where my money was going.

I shop hard now for big ticket items. I use to always use Alaska Airlines for out of state travel. I get their air miles through credit cards, grocery purchases, cable TV, you name it. I also only fly on American made aircraft, so the shopping takes a little bit now. By shopping online, I saved $400 on round trip tickets to Maryland on Continental Airlines and Boeing aircraft. Sorry Alaska Airlines, $400 is $400 to me. You posted $250 million in profits last year, I didn’t.

The days of .52 cents a gallon for gas is gone. No more .05 cent candy bars or $1 movie tickets. We would love to have those days back, but it’s sad to say that they are gone.

I haven’t turned into Ebenezer Scrooge, but I am watching the cost of the things I buy now or in some cases, use to buy.

Wordless Wednesday 2/16/2011

2011-02-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

On a clear day in Alaska

2011-02-15T00:51:00.000-08:00

Click on photo to see a LARGER version.

Thanks NASA!

The Envelope Please!!!!

2011-02-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

This year I pick none of the above. I haven’t been to a movie at the theaters in several years. I can’t even remember the last movie I saw away from home. I can’t get into high priced soda, popcorn or candy. I also can’t deal with people kicking the back of my chair, ringing cell phones (oh I forgot to turn it off) or the lack of a pause button for when I must leave to use the facilities.

If the movie is that important for me to see, I’ll rent it and watch it at home. That’s of course after I buy a CD player, DVD player, Blueray, Wii II or whatever I need to watch a movie and have some kid hook it up for me.

I went on the Oscar website and checked out what and who was nominated. The only movie I heard of was True Grit, and that’s because I saw it 45 years ago. Jeff Bridges is a heck of an actor, but he’s not The Duke. If I think of True Grit, I think of John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn, not Jeff Bridges. The Duke took the Oscar home. I wonder if Jeff will.

Of all of the actors nominated, I only recognized 2 names. None of them are bigger than life like Bogart, Bacall, Fonda, Bergman or Grant. Say those names and I see a face, a character or a movie. I’ll even start saying lines from some of their movies. Say the names of this year’s nominees and I won’t know what you’re talking about.

Do you have a line that sticks out in your head from this year’s movies like Jack Nicholson in The Shining with “Here’s Johnny!” or Bogie with "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." True Grit doesn’t count “little sister”, because it’s a remake.

Hollywood lost me. I don’t know when or why, but it lost me. I guess I’m stuck in time. If I want to see this year’s best, I’ll turn on TCM and watch it from my Lazy Boy while enjoying my ice tea and corn bread. That’ll be my Oscar-watching party.

An interesting day Around Anchorage & Wordless Wednesday 2/9/2011 with a few words

2011-02-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

Moose were everywhere this morning. This one is outside Denali Elementary, which is almost downtown. Is he sticking his tongue out at me? Is that little girl sticking her tongue out at me? Sheesh!

These gals were near West Chester Lagoon. Notice the collar on mom? That helps Alaska Department of Fish and Game track their movements. It's amazing how much moose move around town. If you get the chance, watch Moose on the Loose on Animal Planet. My hero, now retired, Rick Sinnot and Jessy Coaltrane of ADF&G is highlighted. They show how they have managed to keep wildlife like moose and bear in an urban setting without major issues.

This guy had a comfortable spot to watch and be out of the way. What was that song, "Up on the Roof"?

A gazillion Bohemian Waxwings were attacking the trees in the neighborhood for about 5 minutes and then they were gone. This is just a small group of them. It was neat watching them swarm, stop, swarm, stop and then they were gone.

I'll get that last berry

2011-02-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

To see more of my photographs, click here!!!