An Old Gypsy Lady

19 hours and 21 minutes of Daylight

2010-06-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Ho Hum.. Its on its way of loosing our light close-- June 21 Sumer Solstice. Start of Summer???
Really!!!

garden in and growing had a great rain. now we need sunshine. Flowers blooming. Have an invite for a nice condo Dec. in South Carolina Hope I or (we) can make it. Sounds warm for December snow here.

Summer Soloist

Just another day

2009-12-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

snow day

Christmas Pluto

2009-12-13T10:26:00.001-08:00

WE are into December and so far a good winter soon it will be winter solstice and we start gaining our daylight slowly but at least gaining. Hope everyones Christmas is a great one and a very wonderful New Year. Merry Christmas

Pluto Dash

2009-11-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today is my oldest son's birthday. So Willis Happy Birthday I love you.
This is a new addition to our home. Pluto Dash is a Chihuahua lap dog and a little bark to let me know when someone is at the door. I can take him with me anywhere so don't have to have a dog sitter. He was fine under the airplane seat didn't make a peep. but made friends in the airport. little kids.
Our weather had been really nice but today clouds rolling in today. So our rivers are freezing over I guess winter is here. gotta find some project to pass the cold days.

getting closer

2009-10-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Had some beautiful things in the late summer. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises but the most beautiful was my grand-daughter Amie. She came in from the East going to college NYU. wonderful evenings we spent together. I just looked at her blog of the great picture of the moose. I had the perfect image of momma moose and her two babies and could not get everything set quick enough. but not often you get to see the behind of a two moose. gotta be different thats me.
We are getting things closed up for our trip. always jittery before flying. thats why I like to make reservations the day before or the day of flying is the best. but it doesn't work that way.

snow in the mountains getting close to our level. so I have to get a mind set for winter. guess my little fingers will be typing away all winter. a book in the making.

End of Summer

2009-09-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Finished up my garden today. Have most of my flowers put to bed. Looking forward to our trip outside for two weeks, too short.
My winter project is putting together a book so maybe in 10 years it will be done. Computers are flustering and I know there are simple ways and short cuts but I don't know them. So I loose things into space.
Another year in my life.

raining

2009-08-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

I just entered 3 photos in the state fair. one was the day lilies on my post and one of the owl and chickadee one of the colored smoke with the troops on the last day of basic training. awesome picture. It was a fast trip to town stopped by Wally world and picked up a couple of things one like windshield wash as I use a lot of that stuff when the big trucks pass.
Not much else is going on I walked to the swamp looking for blueberries..none.. guess I will have to drive up the pass. Amie will be here in a week so perhaps she will go with her Grandma and pick berries..
raining................

AUGUST!!!!

2009-08-01T17:21:00.001-07:00

My flowers for this summer. each summer is a surprise of what will come up and bloom. I had a few surprises this summer. The red poppy and the day lilies. I had transplanted the day lilies last fall so they are later blooming which was nice. So many are fading away already. Hope your summer was good.

SMOKING SALMON

2009-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

WE have been busy putting up salmon for the winter --,WINTER= Yikes!!==where did that word come from.??? Keeping busy while the fish are coming in. Catch, gut and cut up and wash jars or get the smoke ready. actually Grandpa does most of that I clean the fish and wash jars and can. It all turns out very good.
My flowers are in full bloom and some fading away. I have been collecting seeds to try and get a dirt bank started with wild flowers down at the boat launch.
The garden is producing and tomatoes are getting ripe but I have a feeling I will have a few green ones left to make salsa.
Kids came out to go fishing yesterday, they got 3, fixed a pot of bear meat spaghetti to feed the hungry crew when they came back. was so good to get my hugs from my son and grandson.
Raining today I started out to mow the lawn as the sun was out for a bit. It didn't look like it was dry enough to cut. I was going to weed eat. pulled the weed whacker out and was coming around the house and rain hit so I am in the house .
Big City tomorrow with a friend. and a Dr. appointment.
PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR PFC. BOWIE TO RETURN HOME (USA) SAFELY.

Flowers

2009-07-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful poppy. I was so excited to see it as I have planted and tried for years to grow one. I now wonder if it will re-seed and come up next year. My flowers are all blooming so beautiful and the nasturtiums are beginning to bloom which is usually in August. Does all this mean snow will too come Early????? Oh NO..................

Too hot

2009-07-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

I will speak for the baby Bird."Mommie" "Mommie" feed me so I can get strong and get out of this hot house. So we can start our flight over the ocean or over the Yukon where it must be cooler. This picture was taken a few days ago and the baby has gotten strong and flew the nest. good for it, as It is too darn hot. My garden is a month early and smaller. I put up my cauliflower and broccoli today and spinach. Guess I will go out and do a rain dance.

4 th July

2009-07-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wish you were here..Had a wonderful day feeding kids and grandkids and great-grandaughter. It was very hot 80 degree and have already chopped my broccoli heads.They did not get very big but were beginning to flower. Too early, but our summer has been hot and dry, and not so good with north growing plants. will do up cauliflower next week.
wanted to share the great granddaughter. She played in the water for hours, my plants got a soaking. Grandchildren are such a gift. We had a great dinner, Bear hamburgers and the trimmings, fire in the fire-pit. to help keep bugs away with the smoke.didn't need the heat we tried to keep it smoking. Hope your day was a great one also.

King Salmon

2009-06-06T20:37:00.001-07:00

After having King Salmon steaks for dinner sitting back watching TV stuffed. I don't know why the first one is so delicious. I guess because of the long winter.
My garden is growing and have so many flowers blooming will get photo's of those in a few days. We have sunny afternoons. Waiting for my grandson to get home from his army training just a few more days. The sunshine will be brighter.

Into Summer and Bugs!

2009-05-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

. The first picture was taken on a beautiful warm sunny day as I was going to see my Son. I looked over and the hay was being baled and Pioneer Peaks standing out so beautiful. I stopped and took this picture and just sat there and absorbed the beauty and the warmth of spring. May has been a beautiful month, finally the past two days rain which we needed so badly. Before the rain I put out my garden. so with this rain the plants are perking up and looking good. My flowers are beginning to bloom by August all will be in full bloom to enjoy for a couple of months than Old Man winter will be peeking in and out. So for now I will enjoy it all.

saw-whet owl and chickadee

2009-03-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Sometime the day can bring a wonderful surprise as just a few days ago Grandpa spotted this owl in the back yard. I managed to get up close and take this picture. It was a beautiful sunny day. Cold but sunny. The owl stayed around for a little while and than went flying off.
I watch the birds eating today lots of red-polls and chickadees, grosbeaks and grey-jays and wood- pecker. The chickadees really stay busy storing their seeds when it is going to storm. I filled the feeder three times today. So the snow comes.
I love to watch the birds and animals. especially some you don;t see too often.

STILL SNOWING

2009-02-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

The bottom picture showing the fence is my garden. I began to think spring may be around the corner. NOT the top picture is my garden today. the one with two little black spots showing. and the snow just keeps falling..

SNOWING

2009-02-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

Just snow

2009-02-19T21:10:00.001-08:00

Today it snowed all day so there is not much to write about. Life just goes on each day and have to make the best out of what we have and where we are.

Proud Dad

2009-02-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

Home

2009-02-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

It was a long flight, It was worth ever hour of it. It was so cool to watch the troops coming out of the trees out of the color smoke. What a surprise as everyone thought they would be marching down the field. Could not spot my grandson at that moment. It didn't take long to find him. What a wonderful re-union. Great young Man I am so very proud of him.
The sunshine was great and warm - BUT got home it was again-20 below 0 for the day and today it is snowing and warmer.
Oh well!! Spring will be here in 3 months.

Beautiful sunny day

2009-01-31T14:25:00.000-08:00

After our deep freeze and than the miserable warming trend (too warm for Alaska) Now the weather has settled down to normal temperatures +20 degree for a few days after 3 days of snowing. Of course Larry did a freight run yesterday in the blowing snow. Today is sunny and beautiful out He still has stuff to haul but likes to take a day in between each run. This morning I did a wonderful walk in the early morning, I have not been able to really do much walking. deep freeze and ice or deep snow. ˆIt has been a tough winter for me and the "dreadmill" is not like walking outside. My snowbirds sisters are on the move. South and West. lucky girls.I will fly East Wednesday to my grandson military graduation. I am such a proud Grandma and a proud American. I will try to do better on my blog in the coming months. Perhaps my life can get interesting again if my brain isn't frozen.

full moon tomorrow night

2009-01-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

The picture with the snow, look closely and you will see the baby moose laying down. Her momma has said good by to her. your on your own. I think she dropped the baby off in or yard. She eats on the Willows and hangs around. I just went out and took a picture of the moon which will be full tomorrow. Since it was so light with the moonlight I snapped a couple of pictures just for fun. when I got into the house and put them on the computer I notice the shadow of the baby Moose I did not see her standing in the yard.
With the full Moon we should be getting out of this deep freeze. It was -38 this morning but warmed up to -20 in the sun for a couple of hours. I just want warm .So I will go to the hot tub and warm me to the bone.

2008-12-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

dipping deeper tonight Happy New Year

2008-12-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

Had a great Christmas with family. now we are headed for the new year. and about all I can say is "ITS COLD' and supposed to dip deeper tonight. UH! Enjoy your warm weather...

2008-12-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know where my post went I had it all written out and all that showed was the picture! wow! Molly thinks every time she hears the snow-machine start she thinks she should go. That is why she is look out the gate. Grandpa is getting ready to go groom trails.

Why can't I go?

2008-12-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

Book Signing

2008-12-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

I went to my first book signing last evening. It was at the museum in the big city. We book people were set up upstairs all along the walkway. It was great. I had a wonderful time. Grandpa even got into the spirit of things. It was hard on him standing so long he walked and looked at the gifts all around.
but also talked to a lot of guys about fishing and hunting boating and snow-machining. So it was a good evening in spite of the bad snow weather and treacherous roads. We saw 20 or more cars that had ditch-dived and personally saw three do it. Grandpa is a wonderful driver so I felt safe. but never know about the guy beside you or in front of you or passing you. Today it is clear but another snow front coming in Wednesday.. Oh Boy!!!

snow -snow

2008-11-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

I went outside with my camera thinking this will be quick as the birds were flying all over one getting a seed and by the time it leaves another in its place. So in my house slippers I went out no coat, snapped the snow trees went over to the feeders and stood still. That always works. I stood and I stood kinda turning my head as I could hear the birds all in the willows chirping. Had my camera zoomed in and no darn birds! I waited my feet getting colder snowing on my head. after a few minutes I said forget it. I tried to take a picture through the window as by the time I got in the house it looked like bees swarming. only birds. inside did not work. I deleted all the pictures and put on my boots and hat and coat and went outside and waited .Finally I got one. They are quick little boogies. My camera is about worn out. I am hoping to get one with a long+ extension lens soon. Photography is another passion of mine. I hope I can remember all I learns in the photograph correspondence courses I took in the 70't! now thats a senior moment thinking. Hope you enjoy the little chickadee. They do sing pretty music when they are gathered in the Willows.
A marten has killed 3 of my chickens so I am down to three. I guess he was a hungry little thing and vicious also. I have a six foot high wire fence , around that, a three high foot chicken wire for the outside chicken coop. would be interesting to see how the marten did it. We know by the tracks around and around the chicken house that is is a marten. still snowing and I have a sink of dishes to get done. and a Moose neck in the pressure cooker cooking better go get things done.

Bear

2008-11-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

This is one of Charlie's bears. Picture was taken in the summer time. The bear is now hibernating. Kinda what I am doing.

winter

2008-11-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

How would you like this teddy bear to snuggle up to? winter is here. snow cold and snow and cold. I have been busy cleaning out boxes and closets and trying to get "Stuff" I don't need out of here. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.. I have been blessed with a great family and friends.

Winter Friends

2008-11-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

Todays is my oldest son's Birthday its "Happy Birthday" to a great man that I love very much.
Winter is here and our winter friends pass through often. Coffee time for the other friends who drop by.

God bless America

Vote Tomorrow

Frozen boat launch

2008-11-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

Winter has a cold grip on us. It is freezing the rivers tight and when we get some snow the rivers can be traveled on. Will be time to take the snow machines out and go for some riding. Oh thats Grandpa's line. We have been watching a Ruffed grouse all day in the Willows patch. She has been hanging around eating the twigs of the aspen and willow. It is always nice to watch an animal in the wild. We also had a black bear passing through several nights. smashing our neighbors trash cans. dug in my compost the tracks were around the chicken house but no sign of trying to have chicken for a snack. Our neighbor next door saw a grizzly two nights ago crossing the road in front of them on their way home about a half mile from here. I'm hoping the bears are going to their winter dens. Maybe they are waiting for the river to freeze so they can cross without getting wet!!perhaps we don't have enough snow to den in yet.!! who knows, with the world changing the animal world is slowly changing also. Our grandkids will certainly live in a different world than ours. Hopefully for the better.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Its that time again!!!So hope its a great one for everyone.
Its been cold here - degrees and the river is freezing up getting ready for the snow-machines to rumble. Pa took the snow-machine down the back trail (on land) today to check the river a little farther down to see how the river was freezing up. He can see a long way from top of the hill and by that can see where the river is freezing first. One of those guy things.
Me,!,Well have been walking and just doing things in the house. Sent 3 boxes to Iraq for service men and women. things they can use to help make their day better. I hope.
My grandson leaves for boot camp in 14 days. . He has grown into a fine young man . Makes a Grandma so very proud.
Time to hit the hot tub and soak away the old aches and pains of winter.Tonight -10 degree outside and 102 degree in the tub makes a nice mix..

Snow-snow

2008-10-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

This wonderful man tries to lift my winter blues. The flowers are beautiful looking out to the snow falling. It has snowed all day today. I did some beading. I peeled on a piece of diamond willow. and that has about took the whole day I guess I could say daylight to dark. which is getting shorter every day. I need to go for a walk so its bundle up time and go for it.

Monday

2008-10-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

Was a beautiful sunny cold 12 degree day. Have snow but not enough to snow-machine yet. No backing out of winter now its here. Our electricity was off for about 4 hours last night since we are at the end of the line that seems to happen quite often. No hot tub last night. but its ready tonight

Snow

2008-10-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Well it did it-snowed 3 inches last night. guess we are headed into winter.

Home

2008-10-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Arrived home after 20 days of running around visiting. Seems I was in the car more than I was resting. I visited my daughter and grandchildren, then on to see my sisters, than on to see my son and grand-daughter and than back down and around to stay with my daughter for a few more days. -trying to get some rest. The weather was HOT altho I was not out in it as I was in the A/C car and A/C house or A/C Casino, The Casino (boat) was a Birthday gift from my Son to me a wonderful dinner and Casino evening. It was fun. and very enjoyable to eat, talk, cry and laugh. My daughter and I spent evenings talking and laughing and usually cooking and picking up after the two little ones and seeing the teen once in a while when she emerged out of her room.
It was a nice 20 days. My little sis was my driver so we spent a lot of time laughing and talking. (with a bit of good wine) We did stop at another Casino and left four dollars with them. I'm a big gambler.
I got home in time for the second frost and finished up my garden and putting outside stuff away for winter. Don't know if I am ready for another winter here. Mexico sounds so nice.. BUT>>>>>>the snow-machine engines are ready to hit the trails.
Just talked to a friend--Charlie the Bear Man said it snowed at his Lake today..thats just a few miles away.. Am I ready for this?

2008-09-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

My grandson enlisted in the Army - August 4- 2008 - America offers so many opportunities in so many forms. He has always from the time he was a little boy wanted to be a solider. I am so very proud. He will be able to go to College while making the Army his chosen career. What a great country we live in and our service men and women keep it safe. They are a very brave."Lets all keep them in our prayers"

Alaska is very excited about our Governor possible being the V.P. of the wonderful USA. I know she will make a great V.P.
She has set an example to million of children " You can do anything you want to, with dedication and honesty and lots of hard work.
When she made her speech at the convention and it showed her proud Momma and Daddy tears stream down my face. I could see the pride they felt for their Sara. I knew Mr. Heath when he was teaching my son Billy in the 6th grade. Mr. Heath was the best teacher I ever knew (beside my Mom). He was strict and the kids listened to him and learned what he taught. He was respected by all his class. When I voted for Sara as Governor. I told folks If Mr. Heath raised his children as he taught the children in the class room I know she will be great as a governor. Family is important in life and I have been lucky to also have a great family.
I bought the book "Sara" when it first came out, its a great book. Really all the media would have to do is read it and know all there is to know about her life.-- I guess thats too easy.

2008-09-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

We are such a scattered extended family. I wouldn't have it any other way. It certainly gives us places to fly and visit. A great reason to really go. What better way to know you have a love one at the end of the trip. I love family. I love travel. Sometimes you just gotta say I am going. The veggies are all caned and frozen, stuff put away for winter and even had a sunny break to mow the yard. Then there are times when no one is there to meet you but you know its a great planed vacation and thats OK too. I hope to have that one again before its the final- final approach for me. Mexico again!! I recommend the sunny beaches. and the wonderful people you meet along the way. Senior moments creeping in. !!!! ...

Mom's Birthday

2008-09-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

September 1-
1906-2006

"Like branches on a tree we grew in different directions yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other"

Memories

2008-08-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Memories are captures in an image that will be forever in my heart.

Peas and Taters

2008-08-25T15:31:00.001-07:00

Its that time of the years, leaves are beginning to turn and vegetables are to be harvested. I have gathered and frozen a lot peas and still have blooms on the vines ,peas you take out of the hull and snow peas. I just took my neighbor who sells most of my books a basket of snow peas.My next door neighbor came over the other day and picked a basket of snow peas to cook and freeze. I dug these potatoes because I was walking on the vine gathering peas. so I eliminated three hills of taters. I won't dig any more until the frost gets the vines. I haven't harvested any cabbage yet. The heads are as large as basketballs now and still growing. I'll have cabbage, kraut and more cabbage. I always plant too much Cabbage, I suppose my neighbors will like too. My neighbor is going to the pick-your-own farm with me when the zucchini is ready (the last frost got mine the end of May) I hope I can get her to stop by the state fair for a couple of hours.
The Carhartt Brothers are playing music tomorrow night at the fair I would love to go (I know the band) besides everyone needs to wear carhartt's and that just fine with me. (Alaskan -Men's tuxedo /woman evening attire.) I will be in black.

VOTE TOMORROW...Will a change of guard make any difference?

Cauliflower

2008-08-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Freezing Cauliflower this afternoon, been out in the garden pulling weeds and picking some peas and this Cauliflower is the one I picked today got one more in the garden and that will be finished , peas are next. The Cabbage is growing and the Brussels sprouts and Potatoes will stay in the garden until first frost.
I hauled dirt for another Poppy bed and ordered some more poppy seeds. Hope to get them to grow next summer....summer..
The two baby chicks are getting their feathers and are feisty. Soon I will introduce them to the other chickens. So they can all winter together. Sounds as if my water is boiling. gotta go freeze up the rest of the cauliflower.

Molly

2008-08-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Molly peeking around the corner of the door, asking if she can come in. Molly in..She is such a sweet dog. and has mellowed out so much since I got her. she now walks beside me without a lease and heels and sits when walking. altho I have not met another dog with her off the lease so I don't know what she would do. Today started out rain but is sunny now so thats a cue to go fro my walk with Molly..
We ate the green cauliflower last night really good has a sweet taste. I had to bring all of them in as they were ready to use. I hope one will keep good enough to the 20th to take to the State fair. Have my krazy-quilt (wall hanging) finished. Pa wants me to enter it in the fair as it is pretty unusual but haven't decided yet.
Truck has arrived with building supplies for Saturdays river run so gotta go take care of that.

2008-08-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

The cauliflower (it is a pale green down in the wrapped around leaves in the picture it looks white but is not) is the one of 6 that is growing in my garden, Have been trying to figure out what type it is. I think it is a Romanesco type. It is very interesting to me and all my neighbors. So we are all watching it. Perhaps I will have a tasting garden party.
The flower with the bumble-bees is a wild Arnica. I dug some up at Moose Creek many years ago and they do spread like a daisy. Very beautiful.
Have been busy canning salmon. I caned up 48 pints Tuesday and Wednesday was little town day for supplies and Thursday was big city day for VA appointments for Gramps. Today I am freezing white cauliflower. Have already frozen up all my broccoli.
Peas are coming on and Cabbage and Potatoes growing. First of August. where has our no summer gone?

WHAT IS THIS?

2008-07-26T16:43:00.002-07:00

I have searched the internet and came up with a natalino romanesco Cauliflower . altho their picture is greenish yellow. mine is purplish green. Is it the same.? and different color because of growing conditions or weather? My green house lady friend had never seen one. I bought the starters at Lowe's and the tag had nothing like this suppose to be white cauliflower. All my neighbors are watching this thing grow and wondering if its editable? I am thinking of entering it in the fair. just cause I can!!!
The web page says its French. They grow in France and sold in the markets in France. DOES ANYONE KNOW??????The first picture is off the net the next two is my mystery cauliflower.

2008-07-26T16:43:00.001-07:00

I knew I had to do it

2008-07-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today turned out to be a nice day and I put on my big girl panties and was outside about all day. Well maybe it was my car-hart pants. I smiled at the Sun-God and I blessed our cool weather and rain too. Said I was sorry I know we needed it. It was good for my broccoli and cauliflower. So I picked some spinach -froze up 3 meals. and Broccoli I have lost count and 3 meals of cauliflower. I still have lots in the garden I will freeze up tomorrow and Sunday. Monday I have to get ready for fish. We have our subsistence permit for 30 reds, that will be enough to smoke and can. The fish are running heavy so hopefully it will be a good day for Larry and the fish-wheel.
I shoveled 5 wheel-barrells of dirt to my new flower bed also. This morning I had to go out early to the chicken house and get the rooms separated as the baby chicks hatched yesterday and I had to separate the other chickens from the momma and chicks. Two eggs out of three hatched. They are so cute. The two are doing really well running around eating and drinking water but Momma hen stays really close to them. She is a good Momma Hen..

I am tired and ready for evening .

RAIN__RAIN

2008-07-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

!!!YEEKS!!!!!! NOT YET ------ TERMINATION DUST!!!!!on the Mountain tops!!! Yep! its true.. I think I will just crawl in a hole until next spring.

2008-07-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

2008-07-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Rain Rain Rain----I guess we needed it. I think we have enough now. We need some sunshine.
I have been working on my crazy quilt. you know a crazy woman working on a crazy quilt, makes it crazy and this rain is making me about half crazy so me and this crazy quilt is working good together.

2008-07-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Leaf and raindrops --It has rained all night and all day and may just keep it up for a few more days unless the wind changes..not likely. I am busy doing -just doing. Went down to the river when grandpa took some friends fishing. Yes! in the rain. The river is still running really low. Should be coming up by tomorrow.
Not much going on here in the North at this moment so will say "Adios"

2008-07-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

WEll! $250.00 tow and a $1,800.00 repair job this Math does not add up. Bad Day.

2008-07-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

some days boating are worse than others. This was not a good day. I believe rocks and sandbar got in the way while towing a boat.

2008-07-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

The swallows are getting ready for their flight south. This picture is the baby sitting looking out for days. I watched Momma come and try and coach the baby to fly. She would feed it to get it healthy. for about 3 days the baby looked out to the big world. One morning I was out under the bird house weeding and I look up to see the baby take its first flight., hoping it would keep flying, it did not. It landed in the driveway. I went over picked it up put it in the yard in the daisies Some bird babies land out of the nest on the ground its called fledging. Its when they are not ready to fly but think they are. (kinda like teen agers) They also have to grow the right amount of plumage to fly. I looked every morning to see if it was still alive and one morning there were two babies. They had gotten up on the branch of a flower so I knew they were getting stronger. I watched as the parents feed them every day, myself glad there were no cats in the neighborhood watching hope they would be safe. wishing I could help. They became stronger every day and one morning I checked and they were gone. So the babies and parents are ready to go..Sometimes I see 20 or 30 flying in the sky above the yard I would guess they gather the flock from all over the neighborhood before taking off to go South. What is your opinion?
Sunny today with white fluffy clouds. Grandpa is headed to Heweitt Lake with about 5 stops along the way to deliver a few barrels of fuel and lumber, a couch and some wire. Myself--gotta find something to do I guess watch my garden grow and try and get some weeds pulled out of the flowers. I have the weeds under control in the food garden. I also will pull and put up second growth of Rhubarb to freeze up. So guess I will have a busy day after-all.

2008-07-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

My garden is growing- I have been moving dirt for a strawberry bed-transplanting- for next year. It is rainy the past two days we needed it. Life is good.

2008-07-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

As I was coming home yesterday from shopping in town I saw the Mountain out. I hurried to a place where I could stop and take a picture. Sometimes I can see the top and by the time I get to where I can see the whole mountain the clouds have covered it, that has happens so many times. so quick. Yesterday I was lucky, but not lucky enough to have a better camera to take far away scenery. I would love to have a long lens. I am thankful for what I do have. The mountain is so awesome even after seeing it thousands of times over the years it still amazes me. Is it because I wonder what is on the other side???
Have a safe 4th of July. We have been blessed with such a great country to live in and our freedom to celebrate our holidays.

2008-07-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

Went to the big city today for V.A. appointment --early had to leave here at 6;30 so that was getting up at 5;30 AM. Made it today because with CRS we both got up yesterday AM and was getting ready to walk out the door and realized it was not ;July 1-...duh!! We were back home by noon. So I am behind in my sleep and grouchy!!!., It was 38 degree this morning but turned out to be a beautiful day and I have been out talking to my plants they are enjoying the sunshine.
Must be time to cook Grandpa just came in so I will say good-night

2008-06-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

"THE LAST FRONTIER' Happy Birthday Alaska .Its been 50 years of Statehood.
Alaskans celebrated last night watching the Judd's perform at Elemndorf Air Force Base in Anchorage and it also was shown all over the world. Alaskans lived up to their rowdy image. Hope you caught it on your T.V. thats how I watched it. They put on a great show. Today the Thunderbirds will be flying over Anchorage putting on a great show I am sure. I live too far to attend but will also watch part of it on T.V. A lot of stuff is going on in Anchorage for the birthday celebration. Statehood was 15 years old when I first arrived. I have seen lots of changes in the last 35 years.
Today is the yearly homeowners meeting. Grandpa is on the river as last year and gets out of going so I must go to see what is going on or changes being made. Cloudy again today and rain yesterday evening. I don't have to water the yard or garden so thats good.

2008-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

I don't own any horses this was such a beautiful unique picture I had to put it on my blog. The horse belongs to a friend of a friend. My friend owns the colt from this horse. I guess thats the correct way to put it. I really wanted my Texas Dancer friend to see this picture she living in Texas has been around horses a lot. This one (the horse) lives in Utah. Anyway no matter how I put it all Its is so beautiful.
Today is a beautiful warm day. I got up at 5:30 AM (went back to bed) I looked out it was 38 degree. When I got up at 8:30 it was setting on 70 degree. I cut some high weeds today and went to the P.O. came home ate a $2.75 avocado for lunch -half of it Grandpa ate the other half. Yesterday I gave Molly a bath (my dog) She had ran with a neighbor dog and played in the silty river so it was bath time when she came home. She needed a bath anyway and brushed as she is shedding.
My garden is looking good. Potatoes are up and growing. Looks as if I will have a lot of cabbage again this year.
The hosta plants are looking good after transplanting. If they make it through the winter it should be good.
gotta go--Hasta-la-vista

2008-06-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

A little rain, a little sun, makes my garden say "This is fun"
of course long days helps too. I got 6 Hosta plants yesterday, so today I need to find a space for them. Ok, so I went a little crazy walking among the plants yesterday. I don't go to town very often - Gas $4.46 gallon- usually my sister is up here and we go green-houing really often and get our fix. but not this year she is in the mid-west remodeling her house. Grandpa is going to Hewitte Lake again today -long run. Today is going to be a so-so day clouds and sun more clouds than sun but will take what I can get--as it is getting closer to seeing the white stuff. UG! Can I drag Grandpa to Mexico in October? oops that was a silly senior moment.- gotta go plant before I forget what I need to do.

2008-06-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Alaska Summer Solstice--At least 19 hours of daylight..It was 42 degree this morning it warmed up and we have had sunshine most of the day, with a shower of rain for just a little while. That was really nice. I hope summer is really here. Flowers are blooming and garden is growing, we had our first dinner of fresh broccoli out of the garden tonight.
My friend brought me this pink flower already blooming (she works in a green house) wish I could remember the name of this beautiful flower. I had blue and purple flowers blooming in my cottage garden so this pink really livened it up. The iris are also beginning to bloom.
I have harvested my rhubarb and froze it up in two cup baggies. We have had two fresh rhubarb crunch desserts. from Mom's cook book. It is so good. also one rhubarb and strawberry pie.
Gotta close this off and get out in the beautiful sunshine.

2008-06-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

WOW- Yesterday. One full day of sunshine. Guess Spring is here thats the good news. Fish and Game closed the Deshka River for Kings, thats the bad news. cause I didn't get a king.
I wrenched my lower back bending down to place some straw in the chicken house. I barley made it back into the house sniffling. Pa said I walked like I was strapped with a 44 mag. on my side. So its in the house this afternoon, eating snickers instead of pulling weeds. Will be better tomorrow.

2008-06-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

I think the Dandelion is a beautiful flower especially when very little else is blooming in the spring. NOW they want to take over the whole side of the yard. still pretty. Grandpa fixed the deck for the umbrella shade. Now if we could get some sun to use it. Next is the beautiful Tundra Rose. I have about 6 bushes that are in a young stage. they will be so beautiful when they bloom in a few years.
I have been out fighting with the mosquitoes. They won and I am in the house. Will check them out later and go back outside. I watched a butterfly this morning. I wanted to get a image, but it just fluttered around and around never landing.
The sun is playing hide and seek today. A much better day than the past week. 'HACE SOL' (the sun is shinning) Am I correct in spanish ?

2008-06-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Dad's Day

"Quiero esar contigo para siempre"

My Man

My Man, darn ole Junk Yard Man
He leaves just before the break of light
Comes home dog tired at night

He is grease and grime up passed his chin
But he always comes in with a big, big grin

He grabs me around to kiss me "HI"
Leaves a mark of grease above my eye

I wouldn't trade my Junk Yard Man, for
all the lily-white hands in the land.

He smashes them old junkyard cars
with a crusher to and fro.
He is up to his ass in the Alaska snow.

He always comes home happy as can be
That's perfect Happiness, because he is coming home to me.

loh-1974

He is retired from this now and into boating. He always has a smile and always ready to help folks out and most of all he was the Greatest Dad to our children.. (and now Grandpa). Just a Great Man. " I want to be with you forever"

2008-06-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

I took this picture on the way to the city, Actually It was a pit stop off the highway. one of those emergencies.I thought it was kinda a cool picture.
Today was a beautiful day. SUNNY and HOT for about an hour. Now the clouds have rolled in again. Not much going on around here. My plants perked up for a while I wonder if they will mature. Here we are in a week, into Summer Solstice. We will began to loose light. With all the cool weather we had the long days did nothing for the spirit. I may as well gear up for another winter.

Silently

Your eyes met mine, our love is said in silence, in mind we are one.
No vows, no word, have kept our head clear. We know our love has no fear

You take my hand, so silently hold, we dream our dreams, to no one they will be told.
Our life is ours to please you and me, to our hearts we need no key.

Good Night World

2008-06-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

First picture was taken in the city
I also painted the deck and painted some deck in around the hot tub. This Granny is tired.

New Deck

2008-06-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

It has been cold for a week, no sun, my plants are still shivering. Today I decided to plant my clover on the back yard where I re-did it after the loader made big deep ruts so I filled in the holes and top soiled it and raked it and I had left it that way because the hot tub circuit board went out and I knew the repair man had to walk on the dirt. I waited to plant until that was finished, that has been 4 days. The tub had to be drained and while it was empty we turned it (where it should have been to start) and I cleaned it. In all this time Pa built a deck that was a whim of mine. If you will notice the location it means less grass for me to cut so perhaps next year I will have another whim wawawawa. So I ask myself why am I planting the back yard. To cut? duh! I decided to plant short white clover. Hopefully I won't have to cut that. In all this week has been busy and late nights. We attended a memorial for a friend in the city, long drive. Next day back to the city for a VA appointment. got home and did some chores and back to town for a meeting. So I am whooped. Back to planting the clover. I no more than got it planted the sun decided to show its self. I watered the clover and decided to place straw over it to keep the moisture in. The sun went away and clouded up again. Our clouds have not had any rain. I am watering the shivering plants do not have to do it often.I hope Spring really shows up soon or just go right into Summer? Even the bugs are hiding.

2008-06-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem when my youngest son was in his late teens.
He is a "Free Spirit"

2008-06-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

There is a time

There is a time to rock and roll, also a time to save your soul.
There is a time to love and a time to hate, also time to take a break.

Your heart is young
your passion is strong
Some of the things you do are wrong
Just..
Slow it all down
Stop living so fast, the beautiful things in life is going past.

Take time to watch the rock and roll
Go slow with love and it will grow
Your heart is young and it will hurt many a times
Take some time for God to bless your soul
Then you will rock and roll.

You will watch the sun come up and watch the moon go down
someday with a beautiful lady you have found.

Take time to reach your dreams and goal
There is plenty of time to rock and roll.

loh/1982

2008-06-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is a bumble bee on the Alaska bluebells. It was busy today buzzing around looking for nectar. Cool again today My plants still shivering but the long day light helps them to grow. I notice some growth every day and things beginning to bud and bloom. I love this time of year altho I'd like for it to be warmer, but no bugs and thats good. Can't have everything we want.

2008-06-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

My bird water bowls
I have this outside plant hanger and it turned out to be too flimsy for hanging baskets. So I thought I could
hang some bird water bowls for my birds. I looked at the store for such a thing. Could not find anything so I junked and made my own , This is two wooden bowls hanging with small rope. Larry sawed a groove so the rope would not slide. and now this is the results. The cost $3.00. I am happy and the birds are happy. They actually use them.
I just watered my plants. They are still shivering from the cool weather we are having. Hope we get sunshine again soon.
I hope we get some Kings (Salmon) for our smoker soon also but they are slow getting into the rivers or they are not too many returns. Guess will have to wait and see.
I ran into a friend today that is up from the lower 48, Randy D.. He is a great guy and it is always such a pleasure to be around. We both pulled into a parking space side by side at the same time. I like those kinds of surprises, it just makes my day.
Today I went into Palmer and got my hugs from my grandson-and a big hug from my Son who was now home he had been working out of town on a job. So I had a great day today.

2008-05-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sometime our children travel very far into distance lands, sometimes they only go short distances. Where ever they travel my love is always with them and I encourage them to do the very best they can: some one once said:

Life is a game-play it
Life is a challenge- Meet it
Life is an opportunity-Capture it

This poem was written for my oldest son years ago

A Son

Goodbye my son with eyes so bright
like stars making their way through-the night

Your growing up years have come to an end
and out in this world I must send

Remember my love always holds strong
and all of Pa's teachings and you'll never go wrong

Now into this world you are ready to go
you'll be covering ground like a blanket of snow

The road are long and disappointments are there
but as my Son you will handle them with care

When you are far away and alone at night
look up into the heavens for your guiding light

We will love you and always be very proud too
because you became a man that is only you.

2008-05-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

My garden is in, the sun has been warm and long days. We had hooligan for dinner last night so next will be the mighty King Salmon. We hope to get some smoked up for winter, I hope my garden will grow and produce nice veggies. I enjoy the sunshine. Larry enjoys freighting the river. Its now evening and hot tub time and evening relax.

2008-05-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I stood very still and snapped and snapped for this picture and many more I was trying to get one where the birds were kissing. Really! I finally gave it up and this one was the best.
I also planted my garden and knowing it was a week too soon my Zuk's and beans and marigolds got nipped with frost. The cold weather plants did fine. I know better than to plant before June 1 but its so hard not to "toil in the soil" with 60 degree sunny weather and the plants roots were coming out the bottom, so many excuses. Our weather will be cool a couple more nights then we suppose to dip only into the 40't..I won't replace the zuk's or beans I will just go to the farm and get them when its picking time. I did replace my flowers. So I will watch thing grow, look for flowers that will come back from the winter cold. Watch the birds nest and have their little ones in our 5 swallows nest boxes. Watch the robins and chickadees. I also have a wild hare comes through eating the clover. hope thats all he eats. I guess its finally spring.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Have a Safe Memorial Day and say a prayer for all our troops. They are serving our country, keeping us free. Keeping us safe
God Bless each of them..

2008-05-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Our sunshine went away so far today. Everything around here is just bla! I planted some flowers yesterday and they need the sun today. It is 40 degree and with no sun it is cool. The Swallows are making nest in the 5 bird house we have in the yard. I don't know where the Robin is making her nest usually in the car garage, I have been watching so far I can't see where. The Robin landed in the yard yesterday pecking at the ground and then went to the water bowl and took a nice long bath and then flew off. The Swallows have their moments flying around and around in the sky above the yard. I also have a few Chickadees around making nest close.I love to watch the birds and love to hear them singing.
We need our sunshine back.

2008-05-21T21:03:00.001-07:00

The picture was taken in TEXAS I forgot to say..that..

2008-05-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

I got this picture from a friend of Larry's he worked with on the North Slope. I think it is so cool so I thought I would share it. I hope it shows the picture. I think I did it correct.
Today was beautiful and I have a dirt nail manicure. I have been putting a few plants out but covering them with a bucket each night. flowers.. No veggies yet ;I have been holding off (but its hard to do) until June 1.. Larry has not hauled anything yet, but has done two rescues. With Gas at $4.06 a gallon and I heard it went up again today.. I don't think Larry will be too busy. I just want warm weather for this garden diva and I am happy. I love being outside but keep forgetting visitors will be here soon (the great Alaska bug's).UH! I planted a "Hosta" I hope it survives. and a beautiful plant called Viburnum Japanese snowball. Hope it makes it..Its hot tub time so its a good night for ;now.

2008-05-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well! that didn't work..got to go outside and think.

2008-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

/Users/lucilleheater/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2003/03/17/100_1602.JPG
Sometimes I wonder how I do this stuff. I messed around with the iphoto trying to get a picture, when I clicked and remembered maybe I can just drag! this is just a test. a totem pole.
We'll see what appeared when i push post!
Today is a beautiful day I have been setting my plants out to their location each day to harden them off. Yesterday I was bend over weeding in the flower garden and Molly my dog, gave this loud hound bark of hers. I looked up and here was this Moose about 6 feet from me.. the Moose was sniffing or about to chomp my Cosmo's. I yelled she just looked at me. I waved my arms and yelled and she just looked at me. I open the gate and let Molly out to chase, instead she got chased. The Moose and Molly went around and around chasing each other finally the Moose gave up and went into the woods. I just know when I plant these plants, that Moose will be back for a late lunch. I look at my shrubs every morning hoping the Moose hasn't had a late nice supper. This is not fun when you work so hard and then its gone in one big bite. especially for a Grandma . Grandpa says just let it go. but I like flowers!!! guess I can go back to hanging baskets. Keep them on the fenced in deck of Molly's and she can protect them./Users/lucilleheater/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2003/01/17/100_0725.JPG

2008-05-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Cell phones are great in many ways. I talked to my daughter off and on last week as she was driving to Dallas. It help keep her awake and it help me to know she was safe. She returned back to her home safely but tired. As we talked I told her about a poem I had written many years ago for her. She is older now and wiser, aren't we all. the poem still comes from my heart.

Daughter

A beautiful brown eyed baby girl I had that year
Happiness you brought me, memories I hold dear

A tom-boy in your teens
I thought I would never get you out of those blue jeans

Your school days seem to be filled with fun
but then you got the urge to run
away to some far away town
and Hippy friends you soon found

But those few days were only for thrills
than we moved way up in the Alaska hills

You thought you would never see the city lights
but finally came that graduation night

Now you have grown up into a fine young girl
making your way in this old world

You get out what you put in
for a beautiful brown eyed girl
Fun has just began

loh

She has grown up into a beautiful lady, a beautiful daughter and now has a beautiful daughter of her close to the age that I wrote this for her Mother. Oh! to survive the Teen years.
I can say truthfully I had great teen age kids, We survived and had fun that has been long ago. I now watch my grandchildren grow. What a blessing. God has truly blessed me.

2008-05-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

Camping out in Alaska
I don't do concerts but Elton John fans do. One lady camped out 57 hours to be the first one for a ticket for the "Rocket Man"s second concert. The second concert sold out in one hours and four minutes. each to their own. Right?
If this was Elvis concert I'd probably be camping out too, waiting for the "King". I know that is not going to happen so I will settle camping on a river bank waiting for the "Kings" to come swimming in.(The kind you smoke). or just bake.
Larry had his first boat rescue for the season. A friend of ours boat motor stopped and he floated into a sweeper ( a tree hanging over the river) in swift water, and this was swift water. A sweeper can do just what it did take the boat under and you with it, our friend hung to the tree in water for 45 minutes, a boat came by and rescued him and took him home to dry out. He was close to hypothermia but he is be OK. Larry got the boat rescued so all is well.

2008-05-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

All my children have contacted me wishing me a Happy Mom's Day.
So my Mothers Day has been great and loving.
Larry gave me a beautiful card and will fix dinner tonight.
I am a very lucky woman

2008-05-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day

My Mom

1906-2006

My Mom has gone to the heavens above
She left knowing she was loved

Days are happy. Days are sad
Happy Days
I know she is with God and Dad
Sad Days
I feel all alone and my heart is heavy as stone

I miss my Mom she was always there for me
But she said take your wings and be free

Fly my little girl, she would say
make your life happy each day

She taught me how to sew and patch
With beautiful colors to match

She taught me how to clean and cook
But the most gift of all she taught me was
how to read a book

I love you Mom

LOH

2008-05-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yes it is cold

2008-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Come on its not that cold!

2008-05-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

Break up in Alaska . Spring is on its way

2008-05-06T17:57:00.001-07:00

After a long winter. Alaskans were ready to party. Elton John Tickets sold out in 58 minutes for his concert at the Sullivan arena.
He scheduled a second concert.

2008-05-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a poem I wrote not long ago called

Grandchild

A letter from a Grandchild
means so very much
It makes a Grandma's day
seem brighter she can feel the long distance touch

You may not know what it means
in your everyday life to write a note to Grandma
as she reaches for her shaw
she smiles and sits in her rocking chair
she knows your really care

She sits and wait for the mailman
she knows a letter is on its way
she sits and reads about your life
how happy you are today

Tears of happiness stream down her face
she places your letter in her notecase
all the letters are placed nice and neat
your letters to her are a special treat

A letter from a Grandchild
to Grandma is a way
she knows you love and think of her every day

Grandma is old and getting grey
her life gets shorter by the day
she has the memories of you that no one can erase
she keeps the memories of your smiling face

loh/08

2008-05-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is Gramps and his Barge-his love of water -rivers and oceans.

2008-05-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

I rescued Molly out of the Wasilla dog pound 3 years ago, She took a long time to settled down, as she had 3 owners before me her first year of life. I am sure it was because she likes to run. We have a nice fenced in yard for her and of course she is a house dog so she has the run of the house. She was chipped, tagged and housebroken when got her and somewhat trained. She has mellowing out a lot this past year. I can now walk her without pulling my arm off. UNLESS she sees another dog and then she goes ballistic. We are working on that one. She is a very sweet loving dog.

2008-05-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is Molly, my stubborn Catahoula, she runs with the wind very fast. but she is also a very loving protective dog.

2008-05-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

2008-05-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

I did it! hope I can remember how!!! Got to go to the Post Office- A 16 mile round trip..Gas at $3.81 gallon. when I return I will try something else. For and Old Gypsy lady learning is so much FUN.

2008-05-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

2008-05-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday and sunny here in the North. I want to publish my boat trip from Wshington to Alaska journal of last summer as I have lots of cool pictures so this I have to learn how to do.
Gramps is gearing up for freighting the Yentna river altho its still frozen but beginning to open in some places.
break-up is here with mud everywhere, still some snow in the yard. I just checked my raised garden and could dig in it. It will be ready by the end of May to plant.
I am putting together a trip to Honnah, Alaska about July to get our fish for the winter. We plan to take our Van R/V on the ferry from Haines to Honnah. Our boat friends are there now getting their boat out of storage. Will be interesting.

Friday I visited my great-grandaughter Destiny, she is a beautiful little girl. bronz skin and big brown eyes.Almost a year old and starting to walk. I remembered a poem I had written in 1978 when my first Granddaughter came in my world. I wrote it for my son:

Birth

God gave you a life
He trusted you
He made you one of the chosen few

God gave you a life
In your arms it lay
He trusted you to guide its way

A beautiful child
It has become
Rest your head
Your work is well done

God gave you a life to love and care
He blessed your life
With some one to share.

loh

I am trying

2008-05-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog so I have a lot to learn and for an old lady that ain't easy..