Forty years ago to the day, I arrived in Barrow and Adeline finally had confirmed what she’d always suspected… her caretaker was nuts. But oh what a wonderfully nutty ride it was. I don’t know if I’ll be around to see the 50th anniversary so in case I’m not, to all those wonderful people in Barrow who made the ride so worthwhile and interesting, thank you. Quyanakpaq.
You know the ad I’m referring to
The one that blinks on your computer screen until you think you are going to have a seizure while the voice continually repeats that you are a winner. Number one – I already know I’m a winner. I do not need you to tell me that. Number two – I wouldn’t buy something that was being advertised in such an obnoxious way if I needed it to save my life. I’d rather die.
It was forty years ago today…
… that I left NYC and arrived in Anchorage. Best decision I ever made., even if I did spend my first night sobbing in hospital quarters while Adeline looked out from her carry cage in disgust at what I’d dragged her to. Little did she know that journey had not yet ended.
A package of Costco sponges
I have finally figured out that I use a Costco sized package of sponges approximately every 6.5 years. I don’t know what this says about me. But I’m pretty willing to bet my mother’s average would be nearer to once every six months.
Combat Driving – Alaska Style
As termination dust creeps down the mountains, I have to once again ponder that most puzzling of all Anchorage questions…What is it about drivers here that causes them to think that each new snowfall may finally be THAT snowfall. You know, the one where the snow is sticky instead of slick so they can speed up, slam on the breaks, take curves on two wheels and tailgate so closely they could reach out and change your radio channel for you, without any danger.
As each winter begins, drivers seemingly have to learn to drive in snowy, icy conditions all over
And it comes back to haunt us
The two hikers freed from Iran recently said that every time they complained about their treatment, they were told about conditions as Guantanamo Bay as the reason it was OK to treat them badly. If the US was doing it to prisoners, then Iran could too.
What a sad, sad commentary on how far we have fallen in the world. Iran can now use the way we treat prisoners to justify how badly they treat them.
Each year, there’s no way to save them
The mornings are colder and the flowers that still bravely face the day in front of my house are looking less and less enthused about life. Soon they will droop with snow and I’ll have to admit that they probably aren’t going to bloom anymore. Bummer.
Isn’t it slight possible…
… that this is just the dress rehearsal for my life and when I get to the real performance I’ll do much better? And be much thinner?
Happy 30th (x 2) JM!
I know you are reading this as you pack up to leave Dutch Harbor for San Diego today. And I just want you to know that I will buy you the biggest latte possible when you get in tonight to celebrate just how amazing you still are despite the number of times you’ve celebrated birthdays. I want to say that you should remember it’s not how old you are but how old you feel, only somehow I’m guessing it’s not the time to be saying that right now. Maybe AFTER you come back from Hawaii.
An added note
I saw a notice in bold print on my water bill that said if your bill was less than $2 to please defer payment until next month. I’d also like to add to that notice… please do not sit next to me, near me or walk by me until your water bill has dramatically risen.