3 Legged Race

Folks in Valdez really celebrated Independence Day each year and in this photo my little sis, all in red, is doing her part to make it down the length of the street designated for the 3 legged race. It was probably 1953 and the streets were still dirt. I think both wood buildings in the background were bars and a little to the left, but not pictured, was a grocery store, owned by Bill Egan, the future first governor of Alaska. If I remember correctly, they sold the best bread which I think was made there. Possibly Bill's brother Truck. owned one of the bars in the picture.

After taking a good look at what the kids are wearing, that picture could have been taken today.

Those few years in Alaska when I was a kid will always be some of my best memories.

Copper Center Lodge

Copper Center Lodge, in Copper Center, Alaska hasn't changed much in the amost 50 years since this picture was taken. I never stayed there, but my sis did, thanks to bad weather on her way from the airport in Anchorage to Valdez for Christmas.

Thanksgiving 1960

I kinda think this was our 1960 Thanksgiving dinner. Dad had died suddenly the year before which is why I don't see him in the pix. Mom is at the head of the table with her back to the window, my sis is in the striped top next to her and I am next to sis in the white blouse. Our younger sis only managed to get her nose and one eye in the pix. :o)

We always got together with our cousins on special occasions, which was easy, as they lived within walking distance from us. Driving distance if carrying something heavy.

Mom was good about inviting other folks who had no family to come join us and they always got one heck of a meal as she and her sis, who is seated next to her, were fantastic cooks. No wonder I had such chubby cheeks. :o(

Old Valdez

This picture was taken in the early 50's. It is terribly blurry, but does give you a good idea of how the town was layed out.
I found a few more slides of Valdez. but they are so dark that I have not been able to scan them. I think I will try projecting them onto a screen, then taking pictures of them with my digital camera. Anything to keep me from doing the things I should be doing.

Ennio Morricone

Ennio Morricone is one of my favorite composers. No doubt it's because of the oboe and flute and of course the wonderful strings. If I weren't trying my darndest to play the flute, I would love to learn the oboe. We have only one oboe in our orchestra so don't allow her any excuse not be at reheasal and will definately drag her off her death

bed for our concerts.

Gabriel's Oboe
Cinema Paradiso
Once Upon a Time in America

Christmas Slippers

My Dear Family and Friends,
With our current economy, Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:
You need four maxi pads to make a pair.
Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.
The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.
Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.
Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most
Aesthetically appealing), etc.
These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.
I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the
nifty slippers for yourself....
Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each
one of you.

Geese

More happy geese enjoying a tranquil setting. As I skirted their territory, I made sure to avoid the squishy green globs they so generously deposit. I hope that it's good fertilizer.

Boats Galore

The fog finally lifted yesterday and the sun shone so people were out walking in the almost 60 degree weather. My route usually takes me past this dock and of course I never leave home without my trusty camera. One pocket for camera and one for radio.

Growing up, I would never have dreamed we'd have those things small enough to pop in a pocket.

I loved listening to the "soaps" on the radio as a kid when I was sick and dreamed of having a radio the size of a wristwatch so I could listen in school. Today, I download a few of my favorite talkshow segments on my matchbook size mp3 and off I go. My dream for the future is that cars will have a skin that can convert light to energy and we wont have to worry about oil ever again!!!! If I don't croak any time soon, I think I will get my wish.

Waterfront

It's so foggy this morning that I can barely see the other side of the street, let alone the bay. It was the same yesterday until later in the afternoon. Hopefully the fog will burn off as the day proceeds because I am a sun lover and it makes me really cranky when I feel like I am in a cave !!

This picture was taken about a week ago when the temp. was in the high 50's. I see the fellow who owns the net shed and dock to the left, plus the small area with the grass, has really made it look like a park.

The marina on the right is new and replaced the one that burned a few years ago.

Enough House

When they made the movie "Enough", starring Jennifer Lopez, they filmed part of it here in the harbor. This house was one of her hideaways. It's about a woman who discovers her husbands philandering ways and spends most of the movie in nomadic flight from his hot-tempered brutality. Bankrolled by her estranged father, she protects her young daughter, but knowing she must face the inevitable showdown with her husband, she buffs up with self-defense courses and eventually beats the snot out of him. It’s a revenge fantasy that’s guaranteed to please.

Those of us who lived near the filming, enjoyed watching them transform the house with all things fake, plus the night shooting where they used a giant helium balloon to help with lighting.

Such a lot of time and money spent on what was just a minutes worth of screen time.

Sunny Adriatic

Paulo is back in Croatia and busy fishing with one of the local fishermen.

They fish for food for the fish in the pens. As of yet, he hasn't told me what they are.

It's hard to imagine our commercial fishermen going shirtless in November when they go out.

The more I look at the picture, the more I think a visit to the island of Brac might be a really good idea!!!

Windows and Roof

Saturday the bay was filled with an array of spinnackers of every color imaginable which makes this lone sailboat look rather unexciting.
I thought maybe a shot in front of the new house by the boatlaunch would add a little interest. The roof and windows are on/in and it looks like it's ready for whatever winter brings us.

Vincie's Cap

Found this picture of the Avalon the other day that I took when my youngest and I had gone for one of our occasional walks to the Skansie place.

How nice it must have been to have their own dock and ways right outside the back door when there was work to do.

It looks like Antone and Vincie were repairing the front of the pilot house and if you look at the fellow on the bow, you will see Vincie in his white cap. He had never come to terms with the fact that his hair was gone for good , and was never, ever seen without his trademark cap.

Restoration Complete

It took a long time, but the house is finished. The good news is that the gal who restored it, grew up in it. The sad news is she passed away soon after moving in.

Theresa Malich Mueller was only 58 years old, had spent most of her life teaching, and once retired, she and her hubby were thrilled to be able to bring back to life the home where she grew up.

For reasons none of us will ever understand, she was taken way too early from those who loved her. Our prayers go out to her family and past students who made it through tough times because of her "you can do it" attitude. We'll miss you and your boundless energy Theresa :o)

Lookin Good

Things are lookin good along the waterfont. The "dirty" dirt has been hauled away, "clean" dirt spread in it's place, plus a healthy dose of grass seed and whatever that stuff is that keeps it where they put it. With the warm weather we have been enjoying, it should soon be a lush green.

Crabby Couple

Would I love to have just one of those crabs for dinner.

They had spent the day with grandpa and father and were headed into Petersburg, Alaska for one terrific meal.

Understanding Look

I loved this picture. Two old friends speaking with their eyes and I am sure most of us know what they are saying.

President-elect Obama

Congratulations to our next president. Our prayers go out to you and your family.

We have come a long way since I was young. And that is good.

Rossi For Governor

Yesterday was an interesting day. It started off with a visit to my friend's Dr. for a follow up on his CAT scan. Then to lunch, he had a hot turkey sandwich and I had a hamburger, then it was off to the Dino Rossi rally. Dino was there to meet and greet folks and give his stump speech. 8 years ago I voted for Gore, 4 years ago I voted for Bush and this year I realized I have become pretty much republican, though I do vote for a democrat if I feel he/she is a better candidate. Why anyone would want to put themselves through what politicians go through unless there is a really big payoff or they are saints is beyond me!!!

On the way home from the rally we stopped at the humane society and checked out the many cats and dogs. There were all kinds of every size, color and breed, but the one that caught my eye and was already spoken for was a beautiful male Golden Retriever. He understood every word I said to him and would have squeezed through the chain link fence if it had been at all possible. I didn't get up close to or carry on any kind of conversation with the many pit bull mixes. There is just that look in their eyes that sends me in the opposite direction. There were lots of small dogs, but I have never liked small dogs. Maybe it's that awful high pitched bark or maybe it's because you can't pat them on the back without bending over as they walk beside you.

High Tide

I got a kick out of this picture. It was taken over 20 years ago, early in the morning, of my youngest, in front of the Skansie net shed. We knew there was going to be an especially high tide and thought it would be fun to walk down and check it out before school.

The tide came up over the bulkhead and onto the lawn. Kinda cool!!!

Fall Colors

The colors of fall are in full glory. This was a much nicer October than last year when Paulo came to visit, leaving his warm mediteranian climate for what seemed like endless rain and cold.

From beginning to end, the month of October had four new-cycle sunspots. August had none at all and many believe the less sunspot activity, the cooler the climate and we have seen a very inactive sun with much cooler weather. Personally, I think "man made" global warming is a bunch of nonsense and all about politics, but I do think we should do all we can to keep our environment as clean as possible for future generations.

Trick Or Treat Time

Grandkids have arrived and are in search of treats. One is Barbie Princess and the other is a dalmation dog. Kids and parents were blessed with a warm, dry evening and even with the talk of tough times, there were lots of treats for everyone. I am just sorry I didn't have more kids come to the door, cause there is an awful lot of left over candy and guess who will do her part in getting rid of it :o(