Denali Park Trip

The weather for our trip to the Denali Park area was just perfect.

Denali could be seen from miles away, which is not always the case.

As we drove into higher altitudes, I got to see snow which has not melted yet. In May, no less!

Some of the rivers and streams were also still frozen in places.

Much of the brush was still brown but by the end of the week things were starting to "green". The train coming thru was very colorful against the drab background.

We were lucky to see lots of different animals. I did not have the best camera for the animal shots. Maybe I need to invest in a camera with ZOOM before the next trip. This is a moose.

Caribou grazing close to the road.

A squirrel in a spruce tree or maybe a fir tree.

A grizzly bear in the distance where I hoped he would stay.

Rabbits literally lined the road. You could have caught one with a dip net out the car window.

A redheaded bird walking down the road.

If you look closely at the center of the picture you will see two white spots which are Dahl sheep. They were high on the side of a mountain.

Approaching Anchorage

What a wonderful trip to Alaska! The above picture was made during the final approach to Anchorage. The snow on the mountains was gorgeous out the window of the plane. But the best sight was of the four people who claimed me at the baggage carousel and the tight hugs and such sweet kisses from my darling little granddaughters. What a welcome!

Then we were off to Wasilla with a slight detour thru Wendy's to feed a starving Mammaw and get french fries for the girls who had already had supper. Needless to say, it was a late night for all of us which spilled over into over a week of upset nighttime schedules for me and for the grands. With the sun still high overhead most of the night, I was wired and ready to go. It would not do for me to have daylight all the time. I would never sleep.

On Saturday, I was treated with a fantastic road trip to Denali Park (Mt. McKinley). I will write about that trip later in case anyone is reading this besides myself. Don't want to bore anyone with lenghty details.

Doggy Beauty Shop

Fancy got her summer cut today. Isn't she just the cutest thing?

Another Booth

I just got home after opening a second booth at Grannie's Attic. It seems I have become addicted to shopping for the booth and my living room was overflowing with boxes. What a wonderful hobby for me. It takes very little creative talent which I am very short on. And I am having FUN!

I Love My Dog

Ramblings

It seems here lately that my energy level has been, well, non existent. So after a visit to the doctor and a change in blood pressure pills, I am beginning to see a glimmer of life out of the recliner. The weather this week has also contributed to a new "spring" in my step. Maybe I can sow some wild oats this weekend!

My summer is shaping up to be different from what I am used to. I am going to be blessed with my nephew's fiancee for the summer. It will be a real change for me to actually have someone to talk to at night around here. Hope I have not turned into grumpy old "Maxine" and Lauren will enjoy her stay. I know it will be nice for me to get to know her better.

And now for the big news . . . . . drumroll please. . . . . another trip to Alaska is in the making!!! I have been missing my four Alaskans rather severely the last few weeks so with the help of Uncle Sam's rebate or whatever it is called, I'm off to the frozen land this month. Since it is still snowing out there, I have invested (no exaggeration) in a down jacket to take with me. We hope to go north and see Denali up close this trip. That would be awesome. I talk to the girls almost every day but it is not enough so I'm off once again. I just wish I could bring them all home with me.

Yard Work

Got the sticks picked up and the front section mowed today. Hopefully, tomorrow I can run the sweeper over that part and then get the north end done next.....in between rains. I love the look of my yard right after it has been mowed. Wish I had finished while the sun was up and the pictures would be prettier. Maybe tomorrow.

My Boring Life

I'm at home with the sinus crud that is going around and waiting for 8:30 so I can call the doctor. One of those miracle shots would be wonderful.

Not much has been happening lately. Fancy has settled in and is the best little companion in the whole world. She is just a little lovable bundle of pure joy. The only negative is not getting to sleep in on Saturday. She is right on schedule with needing to go outside. But she likes our recliner naps as much as I do.

May will be a great month. . . . . Alaska here I come! If I was retired, the kids would be in for a big change. They would have a permanent house guest. At least they are safe for another four years. Maybe I will summer with them and winter in Arkansas.

Got to get ready for the doctor.

My Gas Gauge

OUCH!

Awhhh, the Gutt Was Voted Off