Happy New Year

I was making deviled eggs for our New Year's celebration and look what
I found - twins!

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Beautiful!

Tater Goes Vampire

Drive By

This is a drive-by update.

Tater has dyed his hair black. I'm surprised that it looks nice. Plus that whole vampirish look is in right now (thanks to Twilight). At least he didn't go pink!

Ranger has been enjoying leave. He has been sleeping in late, visiting friends, and a pleasure to have around. He even went shopping for the family Christmas tree today. He did a good job picking one out and he carried it in all on his own.

Strummer has been composing his own music. It's not bad- in my completely unbiased opinion. I really enjoy seeing him so passionate about music.

Sgt. Dad is on his way home. He's been missed. It will be really great to watch him interact with Ranger- soldier to soldier.

Ranger brought a fellow soldier over today to do his laundry and enjoy a home-cooked meal. I made chicken wings (Ranger's favorite). I also made Christmas Cookies. I think that's only the second time in my adult life!

As for me, I made a new friend this week. She has twin baby boys. They are about 3 months old and SO adorable. Her husband was away also and she needed help, so I went over to help her out at bedtime. It was so exhausting but nice. I enjoyed holding, feeding, and rocking the little guy. They were good babies but still, two babies and one mama is a lot of work. I'm glad she asked for help.

So, that's it. I'm off to bed. It's a long week but, happily, next week is short and then VACATION time! Whooo Hoo!

Worth Staying Up For

Ranger is on his way! I just gave his his wake up call (it's 3am for him, 11 pm for me). He's got to catch a bus to Atlanta for the airport and he'll be here tomorrow afternoon! I'm am SO excited! It's really a shame that Sgt. Dad is out of town. I *think* Sgt Dad will be back on the 18th. These military guys- too much travel.
Sgt. Dad is in Japan for a training exercise. He was pretty excited about getting to go back there. We really enjoyed our time there. I'd like to go back sometime but if I had to choose between visiting Japan again or someplace new- I'd pick new. We are trying to save up airline miles so that *maybe* I can go with him to Thailand in February. Probably it won't work out but it's fun to dream.
Strummer is really enjoying his guitar lessons. Tonight I went in to observe; I hadn't done that since his first couple of weeks. I can see that he really is doing well and he really admires his teacher. I'll try to catch a little video of him playing one of his favorite songs. (I realize I'm totally biased)
Tonight I turned in my last paper for my English course. What a relief! I did not enjoy this class at all and it was a real effort for me to complete my work. I don't have any more English for the degree I've chosen- yippie! I'm planning on taking Math this spring. I think I'll actually enjoy it because it will be a challenge. Sgt Dad and I are planning on taking the placement test when he gets back. I hope we'll place at the same level. I'm counting on him to help me and it will be much better if we are in the same course.
Anyway, now that Ranger has been roused, it's time for me to hit the sack!
See ya!

Huh?

How can this winter wonderland not put you in the mood for Christmas?!?

Awesome News!

Well, I couldn't wait until I get home tonight to post this message (and I'm on lunch so don't worry- my ethics are intact).

Ranger got orders to be stationed at Fort Richardson! Wooo Hooo! He elected to leave RIP training because after being there and learning more about the Rangers mission, he decided that it isn't really what he wants to do. So, he requested to be stationed here; and sure enough, he was! He will be here by December 10th. I'm so excited about it. I was worried I wouldn't get to see him for his birthday or Christmas but now I don't have to worry. He'll be here!
I guess I may have to rename Ranger since that isn't his goal any longer.
I'll have to think on that for a bit.

Tater Lost a Bet

So, Tater bet a friend that the Bills would win their game last Sunday. Unfortunately, they lost. On the other hand, the rest of us got to enjoy Tater in full-on pink! Oh yes, my 17 year old son wore a pair of pink women's pajamas to school for the day. The ensemble was completed with a tiara, pink teddy bear, and pink tutu. Needless to say, everyone knows Tater now and he will be featured in the year book. Apparently the girls ate it up. Tater says that quite a few girls told him he looked good in pink! I'm sure you will all enjoy Tater in all his pink-ness!

In other news, Sgt Dad is coming back from Thailand a few days early. I can't wait. Here's a picture from the elephant ride Sgt Dad enjoyed while in Thailand. So exotic! I'm jealous.

Ranger is doing just fine. We hope to have updates from him soon regarding his permanent assignment (of course in the Army the meaning of permanent is relative).

Sunset. 4:30 pm

Jack-o-lantern

Why I'm happy today.

It's snowing!

Mail Time

So, I got this very odd package from Egypt in my work mail today. It seems to be a booklet detailing the etiquette of Islam and a tract inviting me to join. It's especially strange that it was sent to me specifically and not to every person here. It is an interesting read though.

Haunted

This evening Sgt. Dad and I took our youngest two sons and one of their friends to a haunted house in Wasilla. It was SO scary. They say it's for 12 and up but I think maybe 14 or 15 and up would be better. It was long and creepy. Lots of scary characters jumping at you, very, very dark, and you just never knew what was coming. We found out a bit too late that they only allow two people to start at a time. I made Sgt. Dad go by himself. However, he got stuck in a spot, so we all ended up going through together. It did make it less scary and there was less room for the ghouls to move around. They had some really great ideas for maximizing the fear factor. I wont spoil it for my local readers who may venture out there. I do recommend it- if you like to be scared. I am scared enough and wont go back- this year. My boys all want a turn to go through with me because I scream like prepubescent little girl! I refuse to go with Sgt. Dad alone because he just helps terrify me more.

It was worth the fear for a memory that will last us all forever.

Here's a link to the Haunted House's Webpage. Click Here

Target arrives in Alaska

Today a friend and I went to the Grand Opening of Alaska's first
Target store. We had a snack after thoroughly inspecting every aisle.
We get this most unusual straw. Do you see how the end got crimped
with the paper?
Anyway, Target is my favorite department store. I'm so happy to have
one here! On top of that, my second favorite, Kohls, is set to open at
the end of March!

Actual Video of Ranger Firing a Javelin

WARNING: this is actual video and I'm not sure if the language from the soldiers is "G" rated. Please preview before allowing children to watch.

Moose Herd

So, on the way back home from grocery shopping we spotted a herd (is that the right term?) of moose. There were five in all but I was only interested in this bull. I didn't get a very good shot- again, I'm kicking myself for not having my good camera- but I think if you click to enlarge the photo you'll be able to see his rack. I guess I'll have to get back in the habit of keeping my camera on my person!

Twin Moose

Sgt. Dad and I were on our way to go grocery shopping (yes, I did manage to drag him along and yes, this is a very rare event) and we spotted these young moose grazing right next to the road. I rolled down my window to snap this photo with my phone. It's too bad that I didn't have my real camera. I was probably within 10-15 feet of these moose. I wasn't foolish enough to get out of the van though. These were taken from the safety of my seat!

Do you see what I see?

Yes, that is snow in the forecast. I'm not ready!

Isn't Fall Beautiful?

Ranger bowling

My Collection

About nine months ago, or so, I brought a small coffee pot into work. I really enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee in the morning. Since I started doing this, I always buy Kona coffee and it has this nice brass clip to keep the coffee bag closed. I never threw away the clip because I thought it might be useful for something. I haven't found a use and I haven't thrown out a clip and now I have this nice little collection of clips going. An obsession has been born!

This isn't my first foray into obsessive collecting. You see, in my last job I removed A LOT of staples. One day I thought to myself, "I wonder just how many staples I remove in a day?" So, I kept them all in a little pile. At the end of the day, I was surprised how many there were. Which made my little mind wonder, "How many staples do I remove in a week?" So, I piled them up for a week, which led to a month, which led to the entire time I worked there. In fact, when I left, my replacement (Mom) inherited the task. I had started keeping them in an empty tissue box. By the time I left, I had about half-filled the tissue box.

Which leads back to the topic of this post. I wonder how many clips I'll collect in my time at this job? How much coffee will I have consumed? Such silly things occupy my mind........

A new paint job for my home away from home.

Explanation

I found this video which will explain way better than I have what the Javelin weapon is that Ranger has been learning:



He was the top student is his class and was able to live fire the weapon last week. He said a friend recorded the event and should email it to me or he'll post it on YouTube.
Once I have access to that, I'll post here for you too.
Here's a live fire video:

Update on "My List"

So, some time ago, I posted this list of things I wanted to do in Alaska. So far, here's my progress:

1. Go Panning for Gold
2. Go Camping & Salmon Fishing
3. Drive Through Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier, AK
4. See the Northern Lights
5. See the Start of the Iditarod
6. Go to Denali National Park
7. See Glaciers
8. See Moose, Goats, Bald Eagles
9. See the Pipeline

I guess I've got a good start but time flies. I need to start making plans to complete this list.

Are any of you coming to visit? I'd love to do some of these things with family and/or friends!

Office window with a rare sunbeam

ACUs

A Favorite

Fly By

So, I never updated you all on my trip to Georgia.
Sgt Dad and I really enjoyed flying down there and seeing Ranger graduate. It was really nice to see that he did not regret his decision. There is a calmness about him and a sense of purpose. Ranger has talked about military service since he was a very young boy. I guess somewhere deep down, I always knew that one of my boys would follow in his father's footsteps.
Ranger was offered the opportunity for another school and took it. He's been in Javelin school for the past two weeks. This is some kind of shoulder held rocket missile. Once fired the operator (my Ranger) uses a computer control on the unit to guide it to the target (usually a tank-scary!). Ranger told me that the top student in the course would get to fire the weapon upon completion of the course. They can only fire once because the missile costs over $80,000! Well, my Ranger can really do amazing things once he sets his mind to it and he is the top student and will get to fire the weapon. He was pretty excited about it. Me too! I'm really happy seeing him enjoy what he's doing and setting goals for himself and then attaining those goals. I mean, I'd love for him to choose a safer career but he's happy with what he's doing. What more could a mother ask for? He's a responsible young man on a decent career path with a sense of purpose. I'm worried about his safety but happy that he's happy.
Back on the home front, Sgt Dad has been in Thailand for some kind of planning conference. He doesn't like the food. Weird! Maybe his slight head cold has made everything taste bad. Tater misses having his own car. However, he's finally buckled down and started caring about his school work and so far is on track for honor roll. Strummer is doing pretty good this year too. He is really enjoying his guitar lessons and dreams of being a rock star. As for me, same old, same old.
I think I feel like the whole time we're here is just a holding pattern, waiting for Sgt Dad's retirement and the boys graduation. I feel like we're on the precipice of a huge change- and we are. We are only two years away from Sgt. Dad's military retirement and then ?? It is going to be such a major change. I have to admit that I'm a bit apprehensive. I'll be sad to leave Army life behind. There's a comfort to the structure.
Well, that's all the news and ramblings for tonight.....

And the Army Goes Rolling Along

Graduation

So, we're down here at Fort Benning to attend Ranger's graduation. It's been great seeing him after so long. He looks really good and seems so grounded. I think he's happy with his decision.

Yesterday was the "Turning Blue Ceremony". All the new soldiers are given their infantry badge for their uniforms and a blue cord that they wear with their dress uniform that signifies that they are infantry. The picture nice one of Ranger marching following the graduation ceremony.

You know, I think he actually has grown taller during his time here. He seems well trained and confident. He also has learned to eat anything that is put in front of him. I'm amazed. Before he left all he ever wanted was pizza, chicken wings or burgers! He gained 20 pounds but I have no idea where he put it because he looks as slim as ever. His face is slightly more filled out but he has to have put it all into muscle!

During the graduation ceremony today they put on a small simulation. It included gun fire (blanks), smoke bombs, and armoured personnel carriers. The soldiers came through the smoke as if they were approaching an enemy encampment. They played that sappy music from the Army commercials. It was really awesome. Except, as a mother, I kept thinking that very soon that will be my son, the pavement will be sand and instead of adoring families in bleachers, he'll be approaching armed enemy combatants and when they are ready to pull out in their multi-million dollar armoured vehicles that not every soldier will be unharmed. As an American, I was proud, they looked excellent, well trained, and ready. As a mother, I was worried that it might be my son who has to be carried off the battlefield. Needless to say, this has been an emotional day for me. I am proud of my son and his bravery and his choice to serve his country and protect us all. I just wish that the battle he was entering was as clear-cut as when we fought the Nazis. And most of all, I pray that it will all be over soon and ALL our boys (and girls) will be home, safe and sound.

Creative Response

On a previous post I asked for help in identifying a plant. I received several responses but the most creative was this painting my Gramma H. did for me. As you may be able to tell, I've framed it in a floating frame and it now adorns my office wall. I love it! Thank you so much, Grandma! It means a great deal to me!

Edit: You might notice the beam of sunshine- this is a rare sighting here. Most of this "summer" we have not had actual sunshine. Almost every day has been overcast.

In Case You Missed It....

My "little" sister has made a big announcement. In case you missed it, click here for the post on her blog where she reveals what's new in her life.
She has always been one to make her announcements special!
I can't wait. I am hoping to be able to earn enough airline miles to go out for a visit in the spring.
Here's hoping!

Why you should proofread. I couldn't help it!

This sign was posted on the front of the gas pump. Oddly enough, I was on my way to my first class in Technical Writing, which is a course designed to prepare people for on the job writing.

It should serve as a testament to us all: Proofread and don't totally rely on spell check.

My iPhone. I don't know how I did this.....

How Tater Entertains Himself.

More bars in more places.

I guess I watch too much tv.

Disappointment but Later a Good Surprise

Well, yesterday I missed Ranger's phone call. I was so bummed. He won't be able to call for a while because he's in his final field training exercise. However, I got a letter from him in the mail today and he told me that I could find a picture of him online. It took Sgt. Dad and I both to be able to recognize him. Can you believe that I had a hard time identifying my own son??? He's changed A LOT! Enjoy this photo of him.

Sometime tomorrow I'll update on our visit with Sgt. Dad's parents. We went on a glacier sight seeing cruise and through the famous tunnel to Whittier. More on that adventure and the photos tomorrow.

Matanuska Valley Glacier II

So, we visited the Matanuska Valley Glacier. The boys didn't appreciate it but they will when they're old and realize what a rare treat a glacier is to see. We found the same crevasse from the last visit and it's about twice as big. Sgt. Dad doesn't believe me and I didn't take the right photos to accurately compare the crevasse. Also, half a dozen of the pictures that I took today didn't record properly. I'm so disappointed. Enjoy this photo of the family walking across the top of the glacier.

Guess Who's Coming for Dinner?

Sgt. Dad's parents have arrived for a visit. I haven't taken pictures yet but I will and get some posted soon.Our plan is to take them to see the Matanuska Valley Glacier today. Possibly we'll stop in Palmer for the flea market and local color. The forecast is for scattered showers. It doesn't look like we'll be blessed with nice, clear weather for their visit. It's really unfortunate because on the clear days Alaska is stunningly beautiful. On these cloudy, rainy days there isn't much difference from Rochester.
Other good news, we've got our tickets and hotel and car reservations for our trip to see Ranger. His graduation is coming right up. Unfortunately, we couldn't afford to take our younger two sons but Ranger will make a trip home sometime soon and they will be able to see him then. I can't wait to see my boy again.
That's about it for now. Time to hit the showers and get ready for the day. (yeah, I know it's almost noon)

Happy Birthday Strummer!

So Strummer celebrated his 15th birthday. His girlfriend came over and we had a backwards birthday. What is a backwards birthday? Well, we started by opening his gifts. He got an AC/DC sweatshirt and XBOX microphone, and a a game from his brother, an All American Rejects shirt and decal from his girlfriend, and a micro amp from us. He loved all of his gifts. We then enjoyed cake and ice cream. Then we had dinner- pizza and chicken wings. It was fun doing it all backwards and watching Strummer enjoy his. I couldn't help but remember that I met Sgt. Dad right after my 15th birthday. It's so strange that now our youngest child is that age.

Don't he and his girlfriend look so sweet together?

Technology Facilitates Visit

Well, you all know how much I enjoy technology and today was just another of those days that made me to happy to be able to enjoy these modern conveniences. Ranger has a pass this weekend and he went to the PX to video call me. So, I happily logged on and was SO excited to see my oldest child- LIVE! He looks so much like his father. Here's a picture I grabbed from our web call. It's not very good but you'll be able to recognize him. He looks really healthy and surprisingly happy. What a great day!

Flag in a Beautiful Sunset

I bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth!

So, absolutely nothing has been going on. Sgt Dad has returned, Strummer and Tater are just fine and Ranger is too.
Here's a joke that actually had me laughing out loud:

On the first day, God created the dog and said: 'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.' The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?' So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.' The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? T hat's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?' And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said: 'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun! , have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.' The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?' And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: 'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'
But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?' 'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Letters

Ranger's letters home have been dropping off lately. He's been busier later these days. He says they've been doing alot of weapons training and urban combat training. Anyway, in his letter today he included a web address for pictures of his unit training. I couldn't pick him out in any of the photos. I guess his aversion to photographs has carried on into the military. Maybe you'll be able to pick him out.
Click Here for Training Photos

Weekly Update

Well, not much went on around here this week. Work, home, sleep, repeat. Sgt. Dad left for a training exercise in California. I guess that's the only news. He was scheduled to leave sometime next week but plans changed and he had to leave early. He said it was 104 degrees at 7 pm the day he arrived. Compared to the low 50s we've been experiencing here- that's quite a shocker! He said others who had arrived from AK earlier in the week had been passing out from the heat. I remember last summer, after we'd first arrived here in AK, we met a National Guard member from Nome. The temperature that day was around 70 degrees. I was almost cold- to the point of debating whether or not I wanted to put on a sweater. She, on the other hand, was complaining of the heat and was perspiring. It's amazing to me. Having just moved up here from NY, I felt the weather cool, yet she felt it HOT. Fast forward to this summer and I'm more acclimatized. I mean, it hasn't feel hot enough to me to make me want to wear shorts and I still at least carry a sweater every day but I'm not shivering. Ranger is about half way through his training. He seems to be doing well. He doesn't sound like he regrets his decision. He seems to enjoy firing his weapon. I guess all those hours playing Halo and Call of Duty have paid off a bit.
Tater is enjoying his freedom but having difficulty understanding curfew and the need for it. He's a good kid though and really doesn't give us much trouble.
Strummer is doing fine as well. We've been pestering him to spend more time practicing his guitar as his lessons aren't cheap and we want to see him progress. He does really enjoy it. It's hard for him because he wants to be able to play like a pro despite having only had lessons for a few months.
Did I mention that I moved my office location? I now have this great window and my plants are in love with it! They have grown so much since I've moved! I have one plant that I can't identify. I'll have to post a picture of it and ask for help. I'd like to know how to best care for it.
So, that's a the news that's new (I know that's so cliche!).
Bye for now!

Matanuska Glacier

Well, Sgt. Dad and I went to the Matanuska Glacier today. We wanted it to be a family trip but Tater had to work and Strummer begged off so he could clean up for his girlfriend's visit tomorrow afternoon.

So, we took off on our own. We hiked right up to and onto the Glacier. It was kind of warm today, 77. Probably the hottest day since we moved here. Neither of us had ever been to a glacier before. It felt really nice when the wind blew across the ice. We selected a couple of small souvenir rocks along the hike to the glacier. Sgt. Dad enjoyed feeling how cold the water was. I was fascinated with the natural clay. I was thinking it would have been cool if I could have brought some back to make something out of it. Somewhere along the glacier we found a hole in the glacier where a fair amount of melted ice was flowing down a crevasse. It must have gone down 100 ft or more. It sounded like a huge river flowing under there. I'm not sure if there was or not, it could have been echo from the ice. Farther away, we saw people climbing the ice but I had no desire to try that. Maybe some time Sgt. Dad might go back and do that. I was satisfied with taking photos from reasonably close to solid ground. Hopefully we'll be able to take one of those tourists cruises to some of the grander glaciers at some point. At any rate, this was really fun and I'm sorry my boys had to miss it.

This is the crevasse with the water flowing down. It's not easy to see but it goes VERY deep down. I was too afraid to lean further over for a better picture.

This is a tight shot of the higher part of the glacier. I missed photographing the brave person who was rappelling down the face of the glacier moments earlier.

Cottonwoods Attack!

Traffic Jam Leads to Rare Sight

So, I was pretty bummed that I was running late getting home because of an accident on the highway. For those of my readers who aren't from Anchorage, there is really only one way out of town and when there's an accident, it doesn't take long for it to back up and spill backwards onto the roads leading to the highway. Fortunately for me, I don't live out of town and can get off the highway and drive through Elmendorf Air Base to get home. Those who live out in the valley get to enjoy the highway parking lot until it clears and they are able to continue on home.

Anyway, on EAFB (Elmendorf Air Force Base) there is this long, wooded road that goes between the BX/PX and Fort Richardson. I frequently see moose along this stretch of road. So, when I spotted a truck pulled over and the driver staring hard into the woods, my now somewhat jaded to the moose sighting self thought, "Man, don't back up the road during rush hour for "just another moose"." Fortunately, I'm not that jaded and I looked into the woods to see what he saw. Am I ever glad I did! Here's what I saw:

A Black Bear Sow and Her Three Cubs!!!

I've heard this is a rarity. Apparently black bears don't usually have three cubs. If I didn't know better, I would have approached and tried to touch them. They look so gentle and playful. The cubs were crawling all over each other and their mother. I was sorry when they wandered off down the path because I didn't dare follow to photograph them further. I think I got a couple of good pictures though.

Enjoy!

Basic Training Art

Airshow

So, we caved and went to the airshow after all.

Last Minute cont....

So, we had a great drive down to Kenai. It was so pretty. We didn't see a single animal though. I was disappointed. When we finally found an RV/Camp ground with room, the clerk told us as we were walking out the door, "Be careful, there's been a grizzly hanging around here." Part of me thinks it's a joke they play on the city folk- just to see us squirm. The realistic part of me knew that she wasn't lying. This is bear country. Needless to say I was spooked. I told Sgt. Dad to back into our camping spot and leave the keys in the ignition and that if he heard anything that even sounded remotely like a bear to jump up and tear out of there! We could go back for the "stuff" later! No bear sounds were heard though. However, we did learn something about van camping. An air mattress is very cold! Next time we'll bring a heavy blanket for insulation! We had to turn the van on for heat during the night.

When we got up in the morning we drive down the highway for breakfast. It was a quaint little lodge with homemade bread and home fries. It was really good. We drove on down the highway a bit further to try out luck at "combat fishing". Sgt. Dad decided that he'd save his combat for military use and we left without even casting a line one time. Besides I was really scared of bears. There were signs all over warning of bear activity and what to do should you "run" into one. I saw an awful lot of fish and fish guts lying around- looked like bear bait to me! Of course, Sgt Dad walking behind me on the wooded trail, growling, didn't do anything to calm my jittery nerves!

All in all, it was fun and I'll do it again. Next time I think we'll try fishing at night, since the sun is up almost all the time, it won't be as bad as it sounds. I have a plan too- I'm going to look for the burliest Alaskan carrying the BIGGEST gun and keep close. After all, the heaviest weapon I carry is my cell phone. I'm not sure that throwing a cell phone at a grizzly would be much of a deterrent. Do you?

Last Minute

So, Sgt. Dad and I took off for the Kenai Peninsula on the spur of the moment last night. One of his friends asked us to fish with him today and rather than drive 2+ hours in the morning,we jumped in the van and camped out. We left the boys at home and the van made a great camper for two.
More later..........

Calling All Writers

Okay, so Ranger has been regularly writing to me. He says he's very bored at night and has asked for letters. So, Family and friends- if you don't have his address and want it, please email me or call Mom and Dad or call me and I'll give you his address. Even if all you do is mail him the comics page from the Sunday paper. (I'm not 100% sure they will let him have it but they did say we could mail magazine articles- maybe the comics will count)
He is doing well in basic but he doesn't know what to do with himself in his down time. He even mailed me a picture he drew, "for the refrigerator". He hasn't done that in probably 10 years!
In other news, Sgt Dad and I are scrounging up the $$ to fly down for Ranger's graduation. We will likely fly into Atlanta and plan a visit (albiet short) with the family there. So all my Georgian family- be on the lookout for a phone call and a visit in early September! Unfortunately with all the prices skyrocketing these days and Tater and Strumming being in school then, we'll have to come by ourselves.
That's it for now. Write please!

We had hope the Miss South Carolina fiasco was an anomoly.

Remember when the young Miss South Carolina was interviewed and it was SO bad? Here's a reminder:


Well, she just may have a twin, read on:

9AM Mexico: Hey, We Warned You!

CSR, on speakerphone: And where would you like this order shipped?
Secretary: 123 Main St.*, Los Alamos, New Mexico.
CSR : We don't ship out of the country.
Secretary: That's fine, but this address is in the country.
CSR : No, you said to ship it to New Mexico.
Secretary: Yes, New Mexico is a state in the US.
CSR : Sorry, but we can't ship out of the US.
Secretary: Do you have a supervisor I can talk to, please?
[Long pause.]
CSR supervisor: This is Tim. Can I help you?
Secretary: I hope so, Tim. Your employee doesn't seem to understand that New Mexico is a state in the United States, and so refuses to ship me your product.
Supervisor: Well, that's true. We can't ship out of the country. I'm sorry ma'am.
Secretary, raising her voice a little: Have you never even heard of the state of New Mexico? It's one of the big, square ones? It's right between Texas and Arizona? It's one of the 50 United States?
Supervisor: I'm sorry, it's just our policy not to ship out of the US.
Secretary: Tim, let me get this straight. Your company is going to lose a $14,000 order because the people in your customer service department are too moronic to know or comprehend that the state of New Mexico is a part of the United States?
Supervisor: Yes, ma'am. That's our policy.
Secretary, completely exasperated: Well, I guess there's nothing more to be said, is there?
Supervisor: No, ma'am. Have a nice day.

Los Alamos, New Mexico

Overheard by: New Mexican

via Overheard in the Office, Jun 16, 2008

I'm scared for the future of this world........

Hearts

I spied these heart shaped flowers outside the DMV. Does anyone know
what plant this is?