Columns 2013

A child of the cold war

Posted on by admin

I grew up a child of the cold war. America and Western Europe were good, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), China, Cuba and all other communist countries were bad. South America and Africa had not yet really come of age on the international scene. It was a black and white world. Democracy good. Communism bad.

We learned that in Russia, the government spied on its own people. There was always a collective gasp of horror at that statement. Imagine, a government that listened in on its own people. The rulers of the USSR claimed that if you were

Continue reading →
Scribblings

The next phase

Posted on by admin

So long as they thought Snowy was visiting, BuddhaBubba and Carm were fine with playing with him and having fun. As the reality has sunk in that he’s not leaving, they have grown less amused. Since they are 9 and 11 and he’s 2 or 3, the energy level in the house has been raised quite a bit. BB and Carm’s response to that is to get on their pillow beds scattered throughout the house and watch with only slightly veiled disdain as Snowy bounds happily about shaking squeaky toys in his mouth. So long as he doesn’t touch Santa,

Continue reading →
Columns 2012, pictures

Rummage Sale and New Book – a bonanza

Posted on by admin
image

Don’t forget the Bird TLC rummage sale on our property off Old Seward above Potter’s Marsh. It runs from 9 to 3. Lots of birds to amuse you and lots of goodies to buy.

And as if that’s not enough, my newest book Coming Into the City is officially out for sale. You can order it online at http://www.alaskabooksandcalendars.com

Note to family… yes, you have to pay for it. My birds need me to pay for their kibble so you have to pay for the book.

Continue reading →
pictures, Scribblings

Meet our new family member – Snowy

Posted on by admin
image

With a name like that, he was meant to be part of our family. He’s a part Peke and a part god knows what. And he’s a bundle of joyful enthusiasm despite a difficult early life. You can see from the way Carm is lying by my side that he’s thrilled. Actually, BuddhaBubba should be the one complaining. Carm and Snowy quickly did some male pair bonding. BB spent the afternoon asleep on the couch trying to ignore their boyish antics. The birds… well, they are calling their lawyers to see just how many dogs I’m allowed to bring into

Continue reading →
Scribblings

the joys of retirement

Posted on by admin

Had old Barrow friends over a few nights ago. Started out with dinner at the Korean restaurant I love so much and then back to my house for drinks. We all managed one drink and stayed up until 10:30 before we started to fade so badly it almost turned into a sleep over. This was not the way we dreamed it would happen when we all worked and fantasized about late night mid-week parties with no responsibilities to get us up in the morning. Sigh.

Continue reading →
Scribblings

A conversation with a bank

Posted on by admin

Conversation with Wells Fargo

Me:  I transferred money to my son and he hasn’t received it yet

Them:  Since you transferred it after 8pm Pacific time it won’t credit until today’s postings

Me:  I’ve transferred money before, at all hours of the day, and he’s gotten it instantaneously

Them:  Well, that shouldn’t have happened

Me:  How can we make it happen?

Them:  I’ll have to put you on hold

Bad Music

Them:  I’m going to transfer you to our transfer department. (Yes, they really said that). They should be able to recall the transaction, then you can send it again

Continue reading →
Scribblings

That feeling of wet

Posted on by admin

Got into bed a few nights ago and realized I’d forgotten to brush my teeth. Got up and went to the bathroom sink without putting my slippers on. Stepped on the little rug in front of the sink and it was soaking wet. Turns out that when BuddhaBubba gets up in the evening as we watch TV and goes into my bathroom, it’s not to get a drink of water… it’s to empty the last drink out on my rug.

It’s a good thing I love that dog so much.

Continue reading →
Columns 2013

We’re paying the hockey coach how much?!!!

Posted on by admin

In China, when they want to create a class of athletes to challenge the world, they put them in a school specifically dedicated to athletics. They don’t pretend the school is a university dedicated to the transmission of scientific or literary knowledge. Their universities are not training grounds for semi pro and professional sports teams. Their universities are focused on learning. If you ever wonder why the Chinese are rapidly overtaking us as the world’s leading economic engine, you might ponder that.

I realize that any questioning of the decision by the University of Alaska Anchorage to pay a hockey

Continue reading →
Scribblings

No, no, no!

Posted on by admin

The weather was just getting back to my comfort zone and bam! today is another scorcher. Does no one in the universe understand that this is Anchorage and we are NOT supposed to be this warm. C’mon goddess, get it straight. Alaska cold. Florida hot. How hard is that?

Continue reading →