Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Dec 17 2013 ~ Christmas beautiful Alaska

Hello Hello, so it's Dec 17 2013, I can't believe it.  Our kids are finished school in two days, for this year...=)
We have been busy around here, like always, with hockey, school play rehearsals, Christmas party's, cookie exchanges....and Christmas Shopping.
Canadian Christmas Party Dec 14 2013 - Snow storm again this year
 From Anchorage Daily News:
Update, 2 p.m. Sunday:
New snowfall totals for the recent storm, from the National Weather Service's morning update:
> Anchorage NWS office on Sand Lake Road: 13.1"
> Anchorage Hillside: 20.8"
> Lake Otis Parkway and 80th Avenue: 14.5"
> Girdwood: 26"
> Eagle River Nature Center: 13.4"
The 8.5" of snow the Weather Service measured Saturday at its Sand Lake office set a daily snowfall record with the most ever for Dec. 14, according to the agency's Facebook page.
Earlier story:
A winter storm Saturday blanketed Anchorage with the most snow it has seen so far this season.
The National Weather Service recorded 7.5 inches of snow late Saturday afternoon at Old Seward Highway and East Tudor Road. With snow still falling, the depth already topped the 7.3 inches recorded from the Nov. 10 snowstorm, said meteorologist Dave Stricklan.
Forecasters expected the storm to drop a total of 10 to 15 inches of snow on the city, Stricklan said. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory through 6 a.m. Sunday for Anchorage and the western Kenai Peninsula.
On the roads Saturday, heavy snowfall meant low visibility, but not necessarily an unusually large number of accidents, officials said.
By 5 p.m. Saturday, Anchorage police responded to 46 accidents, including one with injuries, 41 vehicles in distress and seven hit-and-runs, a police dispatcher said.
Troopers spokeswoman Beth Ipsen said roads were slick in Homer and Alaska Sate Troopers received a few reports of stuck vehicles in Soldotna. But overall accident reports were few, she said, especially when compared to those from the ice storms earlier this winter.
"Maybe people are staying home," she said.
At Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, traffic at the pick-up line remained steady, but the dining room was nearly vacant, said Megan McBride, customer service manager. Typically the restaurant is bustling, the waits are long and the noise volume is high, she said.
"The best indicator is, I can hear the music," McBride said. "On a Saturday night, that's very rare."
In Girdwood, Marc Vaugh described road conditions as "white-knuckle driving."
He said he kept an eye on a Seward Highway from his workplace window at the Tesaro gas station on the intersection of the highway and Alyeska Highway. He said he saw a plow truck pass every 30 or 40 minutes since he arrived around 1 p.m. Saturday.
"There's large volumes of traffic, it's consistently snowing, it's pretty bad," he said. "They're plowing as quick as possible, it's just one of those things."

Today my friend and I went to town shopping, and the views are so amazing it's so so beautiful here.  I tried to take pictures with my phone on the drive home, haven't looked yet to see how they turned out and I'm sure they didn't show the true beauty, I was seeing.

It's been really cold again, our cat wanted to go outside today, I put him out and I think his nose froze so it wasn't to much time until he wanted back in.

We are getting our Christmas cards in the mail and have received package from Friends and Family from Canada...now I hoping our packages arrive in time for Christmas.

Well have a wonderful night, I will check back in soon. 

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2013/12/14/3231472/snow-accumulation-saturday-highest.html#storylink=cpy

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Dec 5 2013 - Christmas Season in Alaska

  Tis the Season of Christmas here in Alaska.  Got my packages mailed yesterday and saw that I had to have them in to the post office by Tuesday to have them delivered by Christmas, so hopefully things work out, if not the kids will have an extended gift opening...=)  sometimes it's better with the little ones any ways.

  Sent Christmas cards as well, but cut back my list, on account of not working, and every thing gets more and more expensive.  And now with the internet, it makes things easier to communicate with everyone.

We have been busy doing the regular everyday things.  DS playing High School so busy with dryland and hockey practices, and then games.

Today school is cancelled do to road conditions, icy here.  So DS has a few friends over to skating on the lake.  BRB  going out with my camera to get some shots....=)

Monday, November 25, 2013

Nov 24 2013 - One Month to Christmas

Hi everyone, it's warmed up a bit here this last week, with last weeks temperatures in the negatives F. it's was nice to see 25F today and Sunday. 

Our Lake is frozen, so Sunday we invited some friends over for our first skating of this season.  We had a lunch with Chili, Soup, Buns, Cinnamon Buns, brownies, cookies, and of course hot chocolate with marshmallows.  I think some Baylees went into a few of the adult cups as well....=)

Friday was a mess of a day with freezing rain, making everything like an ice rink, not fun.  After school activities got canceled for safety reasons.

Well I have been slow around here this year with Christmas .... but better get a move on ...

Kids are off this week on Wednesday for American Thanksgiving, then Black Friday ( it's started Thanksgiving now)  Bring on the holiday season....=)

Well just wanted to update, before we make it into Dec 2013
Have a good one, bye for now

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

11/12/13 it's Nov 12 2013

Hi Everyone, so it's a cold winter day in Alaska, we had our first snow fall on the weekend, about 4 inch for us and more in some areas.  

Yesterday we went to Remembrance Day at the base, here's a couple of pictures.

In Flanders Field poem by DD



Last night the kids played in the snow, while I took care of the driveway with the snow blower.


Carlisle hung out with his fellow Military at the VFW in Eagle River.


Well enjoy your day, winter has arrived here in Alaska... =)  It's so pretty with the blue sky, white snow...every where.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Nov 7 2013 - Happy Sweet16th Birthday to our Son!!

Just want to put a Birthday shout out to our Boy....16 today, boy has the time just flown by....so hard to believe.  But super excited seeing you develop into such an amazing young man....who just grew and is now taller then me. =)

OMG....Last night in the Northern Lights department, was amazing I haven't seen a show like that in forever.  I started taking pictures about 9:30pm Nov 6 2013 and finished at 3:00am Nov 7 2013, I could have stayed up all night but having to get the kids up for school, really hat me heading to bed and not looking out that last time to see the show.....The Northern Lights are addicting and they just draw you in.  DH was up most of the night he said hearing the sound of the sliding glass door, opening and closing....it was hard to take pictures of the whole sky, it was green every where, and I did see Dancing Aurora's at 2am when I had decided to go to bed, so I stayed up the extra hour, it's like a drug.  I wish I had someone to go Aurora light chasing...going on my own is just to scary in the dark, and not really knowing the areas that well.  Also thinking about my Pathfinder, not being able to start in the middle of the night after being in the cold for hours, just makes me think....but I so want to get out to different locations, getting sick of the same back ground in my NL photo's, here's a couple from last night.....=)


Well have a great day I'm thinking about a run in the cold, then shower, nap and heading out for lunch, then back home pick up DD, then heading to pick up the BDay boy and then meeting DH and going out for dinner.  Maybe a hockey stick shopping and then home for Carrot Cake .....  Take care

ps the lake has all got ice on it....now to wait for the skating/hockey time to begin...=)

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Nov 6 2013

So the cold has set in here in Alaska, and I'm super excited to see the Lake started to freeze up. Here's a picture from today....=)  Winter is on it's way!!


It's a beautiful cool, but clear day.  The news has been talking about seeing Northern Lights in the early morning tomorrow...so I can't wait....finally the weather has changed.  Alaska is breaking a lot of records, with rain, warmest Oct and who knows what else.  I guess it's a bit warmer then normal, but things are right on schedule now.  Last year we started skating on the Lake Oct 28th, and had a lot of snow for Halloween.

We will be attending Remembrance Day ceremonies on Monday here at the base and then to the cemetery.  DH has been busy working to organize the ceremony, and DD will be reciting "In Flanders Fields"




http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/in-flanders-field-copy-of-original-signed-001.jpg 
DS has worked hard to make it onto the JV Hockey Team at his High School, they had their first game last night, and with missing bodies, and after a great fight, lost to Colony.  They play on Friday and Saturday with week, so we are off to a busy season.

Got a few Birthday's to announce, 
Oct 31 Derek, 
Nov our friend Rob and Tamara, Today My Brother, and tomorrow our Son will be 16....what do you say for a young man?  Not Sweet 16?  

Well I'm off to bake a carrot cake with raisins and cream cheese icing...my Son's pick for bday cake and also my brothers....yummy yummy   Have a great day, chat soon

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Oct 30th 2013

Hello there, so tomorrow it's Halloween, it's hard to believe.  I have just picked up my Christmas cards/Photo cards from Costco today and will be working on my chain letter soon.  I will be cutting down my mailing list from 50cards going out, at $1.10 each it's getting pricey.  Love that the internet helps keep families and friends closer then ever.

Today my friend and I went to the gym, I'm getting excited that I can run on the treadmill for 30 mins, I have been loving getting back on track.  Love it here we have such a close knit of friends (spouses) who want to get out and explore our beautiful area. 

It's been mild still here, can't believe it's 45/17c degrees today and our lake isn't even started to freeze, they are calling for snow on Friday.  I'm getting so sick of the weather, well thats not true, I"m getting sick of the clouds in the sky so I can't see Northern Lights.....grrrr  My kids are getting sick of my saying maybe tonight I'll get to see the NLs. 

I love this new link it has an Alaska Aurora Webcam....
http://www.ronnmurrayphoto.com/NorthernLights-AuroraCamera/AlaskaAuroraCam

Well with High School hockey in full swing, I have to go and pick up my son, Go Mustangs Go!!  Their first game is next week, fingers crossed they have a great year.

Have a great day, and Happy Halloween tomorrow if I don't get back...=)


Monday, October 28, 2013

Oct 28 2013 - Hello from balmy Alaska

Hi everyone, it's been some time since I have posted anything here on my blog, we are doing amazing and are busy busy like always.

DS has made the Junior Varsity hockey team this year, so he's happy about that, but that means I have alot of driving around from now until February.

DD is loving middle school and is keeping busy with playing the key board, hanging with her friends and our weekly Sunday skating.

DH is working, playing hockey and enjoying all Alaska has to offer.

I'm back to hiking, going to the gym, and having a great time.

Last year this date the lake was 7 inches thick with ice and this year, it's mild mild mild, so different from last year, fingers crossed we get a white Christmas.

Well just wanted to add a quick update to our life in Alaska, we are loving it here....=)

bye for now

Friday, October 4, 2013

Oct 4 2013 - Happy Fall day!!

Hello my readers,

  So sorry it's been a while, but it's a beautiful fall day in Alaska.  Just looking out my window as I write, it's so pretty. 
  We have been busy here with school back in full swing.  I have started going to the gym, and have started back to hiking with the Canadian Ladies.  Today we took a 4 hour hike...with some rests and photo ops. 
here's one of my high up the mountain.  We hiked the face of Mt Baldy, then walked the ridge line, which we are on here in the picture. then we hiked down the bowl of Baldy.  It was suck a beautiful day, so peaceful, my friend and I were singing the Hills are alive with the sound of music, from the Sound of Music Movie.

We are dog sitting for a Canadian family right now, it has been nice to have a dog, but still don't want one.  He's a cute Boston Terrier.  Here's a picture of him.  He's a ball of energy, and loves his ball.

Well that's all for now, got to go and rest my legs....and do some crocheting, have a great weekend.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Aug 30 2013

Happy Labour Day weekend to everyone!!   Been busy going to the gym with the Canadian girls posted here with us in Alaska.

Today went to gym with DH's and a friend, going to go again on Monday, then hopefully my parents will be here on the 3rd, with Vancouver Airport staff going on strike, hopefully they aren't affected.

Kids are back to school and are off to a good start.

I have been crocheting in the evening for something to do with the nights getting darker.

Well I will talk to you later,

Monday, August 26, 2013

Aug 26 2013

Hi everyone,

It's been busy the last bit with getting ready for school and starting school last week, going to the gym, and getting things ready for winter around the house.
Winter check List:
Windows washed-check
Lawn Mowed and Weed Eated-check
Christmas Lights up
Both cars Oil Changed-Check
Truck in to Garage
Get winter gear out for the snow...=)
 
 

I have seen two different nights with the Northern Lights already this season.  Hoping for alot more.

DH and I watching the show

I have been crocheting we have been having a bit of rain but the weekend was amazing and the State Fair is on until Sept 2nd

I haven't been keeping up my 365 day Photo challenge.....=(   but still taking pictures

Well thats a quick update, hope everyone is doing great, take care.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Aug 11 2013~ Happy Sunday everyone!!

Good Morning to you all, it's another rainy day so far, but we need the rain, here in Alaska we have been having a lot of forest fires because it's been so hot.  We are back to our normal weather for Aug.  Because we had the rain we were able to have a fire last night, we had s'mores, we have been on a Burn Ban for some time.
Us ...DD missing she was at a sleep over
We haven't been doing much, started back on a fitness/diet again....need to do more, but scared of bears/moose so will stay off the trail for now.  I don't want to meet one of them on the trails....I only have bear spray and don't want to use it...=)

Well have a great day, bye for now

Monday, August 5, 2013

Aug 5 2013 ~ Beautiful Summer



Hi Everyone,  it's been a beautiful summer, one of the best Alaska has had in a few years.  The kids have had a lot of fun swimming in the lake.  We have had our friend and her daughter visit from MR, BC Canada.  We did alot of fun things when they visited.

Christmas in July ~ Canada Chocolate bars and Timmy's coffee/donuts  YUMMY!!

kids hanging out with Smokey the Bear

Outback for dinner
So now we are getting back into the school mode...school supplies bought, just need a backpack, the kids go back to school Aug 21st.

We went to Hawaii for a family vacation, it was amazing but alittle to hot for out liking.  Here's a few pictures.







so many pictures...but this is a sneak peak.

Bye for now until another day...=)   Hope your enjoying your summer...=)

Saturday, July 6, 2013

July 6 2013

Good Morning everyone,
Up on a rainy Sat, the warm Alaska summer has been and has left the state.  It was an unusual warm summer here, and we enjoyed the lake to the fullest, with the kids swimming just about every day.  I even ventured out one day for a swim.
So we have been having going away parties for fellow Canadians heading back from their tours, and we have been welcoming the new Canadian's as well.
We are expecting our friend and her DD at the end of the month, so we are excited to spend time with them.
School will start back mid Aug and then hockey is going to start up again.  Boy does time fly.  Aug 1st we will have been here in Alaska, one year.
Well have a great day, we are heading to a good bye party tonight and need to go shopping and make some appies for tonight.


going to make:
http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/bacon_wrapped_bread_sticks/
and maybe try some Fried pickles:
http://www.copycatrecipeguide.com/How_to_Make_Texas_Roadhouse_Fried_Pickles

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

July 2 2013

So I can't believe we are going into July, looks like our nice weather has disappeared.  Yesterday we had an amazing Canada Day with Alaska Canadian's and get to celebrate July 4th in a couple of days.  Tonight I heard on the news that our fire ban had been lifted but to use a fire ring.

I just got back from a canoe/boat ride, of course when I take my camera on a eagle hunt I see nothing....=(   oh well can use the exercise....I'm so lacking in this department....=(

Well I will write soon have a great night.... =)

Friday, June 28, 2013

June 28 2013 ~ Rainy Friday

Hi everyone, so it's a rainy day here in Alaska, well not really rainy...it's sprinkling, compared to rain in BC.  So I'm sure this rain will not help the forest fire ratings.  I hope our summer isn't over...but the weather doesn't look good for the next week.
I have been working on pictures almost every day....missing a few....but on the days I take pictures I don't take one....there's always alot so I think it all works out.
We have been having some big feeling earthquakes, 2 the other night.  I'm sure there are more but when your busy you don't usually feel them.
The kids have been busy in the lake swimming most day, so it's been nice to see the sunshine.

Well that's it for today, heading out for dinner soon, take care and have a great long weekend to all our Canadian Family and Friends....Monday we are having a party with DH's work for July 1st, then I guess we will celebrate July 4th as well....=)

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

June 25 2013

Oh my our summer is flying by, we have had warm warm weather, last week it cooled off a bit but today it's back to being warm.

DD took golf lessons and had a small tournament, and now DS and I are taking a couple lessons.
The kids have been doing a lot of swimming in the lake, and enjoying every minute of it.  Seems so weird to be swimming on the lake so soon after the ice has thawed.  But it's a shallow lake with not much movement.

We had our friends retirement party here, he was in the Canadian Military for 24 years, and now are on their way back to Newfoundland. We wish them luck and happiness on their new journey.  Going to miss them.

We also had the farewell party for families leaving us here in Alaska and heading back to Canada.  We will be having our Canada Day party soon.

I hope the weather staying nice for when our Canadian visitors come our way.  Fingers crossed.

Well we are busy .... sorry I haven't been writing more... summer is here.... take care

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Jun 9 2013 ~ Happy Birthday to my Grandma!!

Hi everyone, it's my Grandma's bday today, wish I could be there to celebrate with her but I just talked to her and it sounds like she had an amazing day.

It's been nice the last few day, that's probably why I haven't been posting the last few days.  The kids have been enjoying their summer days, swimming and canoeing on the lake, if not riding their bikes.

I'm just looking out the window here by the computer and it's full of bugs, not sure what kind they are...but it's kind of gross to come in the screen door, because it's full of bugs as well.

It's a warm down by the lake even today, so summer is definitely here.  I planted some flowers the other day, and they seem to be doing well, flowers are starting to bloom. 

DH is in Vegas with some guy friends, so I hope it's not to hot for them....it's like double the temp for them.  His friends are golfing, I can only imagine how hot it is.  Hot fun in my books.

kids having fun at the lake.
Well that's all for today Happy Sunday to everyone.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

June 5 2013

Happy Hump Day!!  Mid week already in June, can't believe it.  It's a beautiful day here in our neck of the woods, we have some clouds, but really not that bad.  So with waking up at 10am, the days just seem to fly by.
On the weekend we went to the Farewell party for the Canadian families leaving for Canada on their next posting or retirement.  It was misty rain, but the kids had a wonderful time. DS stayed home sick, we have been sick on and off since school ended.  Hopefully we are all over it.....there's things to do.
Yesterday I had to set my alarm clock to get up in time for the Canadian Ladies coffee, we had a really big turn out, sometimes I wish others wouldn't go to our coffee shop on Tuesday mornings....=)

We ended up renting a room, seeings how it was a going away coffee with lots of people, we had 17 then 4 more, so it was another party.

So after I stopped to get some dirt and plants, I can't believe how much things cost here for plants....highway robbery.  I came home and planted them, DD helped.  Then the kids went out for a canoe ride.  DD ends up swimming in the lake.  It's still a big cold for my liking and the lake isn't really my swimming kind of lake.  But they had fun.




Later we ran out of propane, so I headed to town, stopping at the first gas station to see if they had propane and they did, nice and close....=)  for future reference.  So we get ready to make steaks and the propane starts leaking and the propane hose freezes up.   I hear the lecture about why didn't I go to town. Instead of the Mama and Papa place.  Well it just had a bit to much propane....it all worked out.

DH left for Vegas with some guys, so he should be having a great time, he's the trip photographer, because he's not a golfer.  I'm missing my Camera already.

Oh ya, been trying to keep my 365 day challenge going, it's so hard.  Some days there's nothing to take a picture of, and then the next day I take tons.  So I'm doing my best.

Well have a great day, take care

Friday, May 31, 2013

May 31st 2013 ~ Summer has arrived

Hi me again, our summer is here in Alaska, it's amazing what a few sunny warm days can do....our trees are getting greener along with the grass, and the ice melted while we were away for the weekend.  If we had a garden I'm sure it would be loving this weather.

I have been down, not feeling well the last few days. but I'm on the mend, but still cold.  Our house temp says 65 inside....it could be a bit warmer....=)  warm clothes and tea are still on my list of must haves.

Today we went to a CAN-AM hockey game, it was a great game, with us Canadian's winning.  I took a few pictures so I'm working on them now. 

Tomorrow is Saturday another busy weekend, hopefully the weather holds for the weekend festivities.

Well that's all for today, have a great weekend

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

May 27 2013 ~ Memorial Day Weekend

Friday we left town for a camping adventure with our Canadian friends posted with us here in Alaska, we went to a town called Sterling.  We usually tent in Canada, and with the cool temperatures here, we decided to rent a cabin.  It was wonderful and the weather was a lot warmer then I thought it was going to be so didn't pack summer wear. We had alot of fun, hanging out, fishing, roasting Smores.....and so on and on....=) 

We got home today and most of the ice is melted from the lake, but a bit in the shaded areas.  Across the lake at the Picnic Area it was packed with people.  DS after catching fish, headed out with the boat and fishing rod, when we got home today, but didn't get anything. 

DD's been sick on and off this weekend, so hopefully she's better tomorrow, alot of late nights and junk food didn't help I'm sure.

So School's out for the Summer head, not sure what we will be up to, but I'm sure it will go fast.

So as I'm typing this it's 11:36pm and it's not dark yet.  it's so weird and screws with your mind, but it's better the darkness that's for sure.

I hope to keep this up over the summer, but I'm sorry if I don't....sometimes LIFE gets in the way of Blogging.

Have a great night I'm off to bed.
Cabin we rented   Outside view

Inside view

Lake is melting at our place

Friday, May 24, 2013

Monday, May 20, 2013

May 20 2013

Red Wings are playing in 10 mins....Go Wings Go!!

Had a busy couple of days, with snow on Friday and Saturday, playing some poker with friends...well DH did, I just sat around shouting the %$*@, DH came second in the first game.

Sunday we slept in, I got up at 10am, with the sun going down so late, I'm having trouble getting to sleep.  It's crazy.  Kids are finished school on Thursday, can't believe that.  I guess with the snow, it still seems like winter around here.  =)  So snow is again off the grass, still in some shady areas, so hopefully this is spring.

We went hiking/Geo Caching on Sunday, just to some local trails, not far from our place.



We found 2 of the three Caching, will have to find the third another time...to many Muggles (not Geo Cachers).

We finished off the night with Shrimp and pasta for dinner.

Today I did running around, dropping off recycling, we are going to get it picked up at our house, but haven't' gotten around to it.  Way different recycling here in Alaska, so we have more garbage here then when we lived in BC.  Oh ya and no deposit or Recycling Fees, or GST...pop is pricey here though.

It's another beautiful day here in Alaska, washed the car and will wash the other one when DH gets home from work....okay well maybe tomorrow....the game is on....=) I guess it's light until about 11pm so I could wash it after the game...=)

Okay have a great day

Saturday, May 18, 2013

May 18 2013

Just seeing the sun popping out after our snow day yesterday into the night and earlier today....we got 2 inches or more, our grass and trees are covered again with the white stuff. 
We set records for longest snow season....last year they broke records for snowfall.


It's looking beautiful outside so bright you have to wear shades.  Wonder how long this snow will last.

School is out for the summer on Thursday, it seems so early, especially with the snow. 

Just watched our Detroit Red Wings win in the second round of the playoffs against Black Hawks....they are heading to Hockey Town for 2 games.

Well have a great day, Long Weekend for my Canadian friends...=) 

April 2024

 It’s passed midnight on April 7, 2024….it’s way passed my bed time.  Not really, I have been staying up way to late and then sleeping in. I...