Whoa, Halftime Already

Don't look now, but the first half of 2021 – the GOOD year compared to last year – is already done! I realize I was gone half of the month, but June flew by!

I must remind myself that even though June is done and the July 4th holiday is a few days away, summer is not half over. I always have that mindset, which is dumb. Our birthday-anniversary palooza week is always a wake-up to the start enjoying summer. And possibly start those projects we "meant" to do.

So far, I haven't gone kayaking at all (gasp!) or golfed nearly enough (especially compared to hubby). Nor have I returned to the backyard to play Terminator on the vines. Eeek. They're ALIVE and reaching for me. I did get to the backyard today when Carter got it in his mind to powerwash the back patio coming out of the basement.

Well, like the Peanuts cartoon shows, it can be a wet and messy job. And it was long, long, long overdue. I had to remove grass and weeds to find the edge of it. Then I discovered some railroad ties that were underground and must have served as a border for a long-ago sandbox. Well, I started digging around to expose all four sides. Got three done and my back was killing me. 

Yup. Feeling all my 50+ feels this week!

Helped the boy man the sprayer a bit, too, but that was also too much work. Did I mention it was 80-some degrees, sunny and humid? I'll blame that.

Anyway, we didn't finish because Carter was going to go visit some friends. So he will tomorrow. Thank god I have to work at my desk job all day. I was not made for that manual labor.

At any age. In any month. Goodbye, June!

Inching Along

I don't know who's praying for rain – still – but it's working. We got another inch in the past 24 hours, with 3/4 of an inch just this afternoon. It was just pouring.

The good news was that I didn't have to do the yard work I was merely pondering doing anyway. The bad news is that hubby's golf got canceled. Even though it's sunny now, I'm sure conditions are sloppy at best.

The weird thing is that after it was done raining and I went outside to look for a rainbow, I saw a foggy, misty cloud coming off our roof. Since we're at 98% humidity today, I wondered if maybe the garage was holding serious heat in contrast to the cold rain?? I don't know. I was not that warm out today so who knows?

My flowers are still drinking it in and not getting overhydrated yet. Mr. Deck Chair, though, is begging for some serious bonding time with me. I think Mother Nature will cooperate the next few evenings.

In the meantime, I will start going through my Alaska pictures. I made a little progress just looking through the eagle pictures from that one beach visit. I don't know if anyone wants to see 60-plus pictures of eagles, but I could share them on a future blog if you do! Eventually I'll get through the 3,000 other pictures, too.

Just like the rain gauge, I'll keep inching along.

 

Birthdays Never Get Old

Was glad I got to see my twin on Saturday for a little birthday cake. And no, this pictures is not from this past weekend. I won't remind you how long ago, but you can guess the decade from the groovy curtains and chairs, I'm sure.

So today we each celebrated in our own ways – both of us at our respective work places 4-plus hours apart and enjoying a treat or too.

Besides the re-entry into work mode (dang alarm clock), I had a great day. Had cake for breakfast, ice cream for lunch, enjoyed book club after work, then Mexican food for my birthday dinner.

After having La Taqueria cater two of the grad parties we attended this summer, we had to try it out! Muey bien! In other words, el yummo! Not really Spanish, I'm sure. Best part was that is with my two favorite guys – hubby and Carter, who got home for a visit this evening.

Obviously, if this was all that was left, we all agreed on the el yummo part!

Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes through cards, texts, and Facebook messages. I love birthdays. They never get old for me. My age might, but my day in the candlelight (lots of candles) is always special for me.

Muchas gracias for all the love!

Vacay Expiration Date

Sometimes the best plans come together when there are no plans. And that's why my last day of my much-enjoyed two-week vacation wrapped up nicely.

Wasn't going to do anything, then the neighbor wanted to walk around the lake. I was still enjoying my morning coffee but said yes before I could change my mind. Glad we did because I saw some more wildlife. Of course, I grab for the camera around my neck. It wasn't there like it had been the past 14 days. But I still caught an image with my phone...

These twin fawns were playing around just off the Lake Wazeecha walking path. I haven't seen an albino fawn before – just grownup albino deer – so that was unique. Fraternal twins like my twin and me!

After getting all those steps, I relaxed this afternoon and hung out in the sun for a bit at my neighbor's across the street so we could catch up. That was nice. I was trying to stay away from the computer. Because once I really start looking at vacation pictures, I'll be into it for days!

Late this afternoon, we delivered a meal to hubby's parents and visited with them a bit. Then, on our way to the golf course, Jim's buddy texted him about golfing so we invited him and his wife to join us.

We ladies were pretty rusty, but we had fun so that's what counts. (And yes, did use one "birthday week mulligan" because I could.) It was a terrific way to eek out the last minutes of vacation fun. 

Not looking forward to setting the alarm for the morning. But Mr. Camera probably needs a vacation now!

Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Sleep

We should always listen to our bodies, experts say. So when I awakened at 8:30 a.m. and my body said, "Nope, not yet," I went back to bed until 11 a.m. and logged 12 hours in the sack. Apparently jet lag is a thing after all.

And constant rain all afternoon and evening didn't help either.

Good thing we didn't have much going on today. Also good thing we live in the middle of the state so when my twin was "in the area" watching her grandson compete in a trapshooting event, she and her hubby could stop by.

Perfect timing, of course, since our birthday is only two days away.

Since I have not had energy to grocery shop (or make a list), I quickly ran to Walmart to pick up a carrot cake. That's one of our mutual faves. And though I was picking out candles for our 35th birthday, apparently I put them on the cake backwards and we're 53. I hate when that happens.

Hopefully our wishes come true even if we are still 25, er 52, until Monday! 

It was nice to visit before they headed for home – I know that 4-hour drive well – and hubby and I headed to a graduation party. I think it's our last one of the "season." I guess that means our social calendar is opening back up.

Or in my case, my sleep calendar. Sweet dreams!

Alaska Day 10 :: Sisters R Home

As of midnight last night, the sisters going wild were done and home – with all three of our t-shirts in the laundry soon after. Thanks again to my friend Cindy for helping me create these. They were a conversation starter more than once – and helped us keep track of each other when we got distracted by moose, pretty mountains or overpriced souvenirs.

I was slightly worried about my shirts – and suitcase actually – getting home. In our first night on the trip, I tried to pull up my very heavy suitcase onto a step so I could carry it to the third floor of our hotel. Nope, no elevatory. And nope, said my suitcase.

R-r-r-rip! The handle that helps you wheel it through the airport broke. Like came straight out with the plastic holding it in place breaking, leaving sharp shards of plastic inside the lining. It has survived so many miles and looked the part. Hubby said to trash it and get a new one. I was tempted. That gaping hole wouldn't make it through airport security too easily. But then I had an idea...

Duct tape to the rescue! Rather than buying a new suitcase at Walmart, I knew where their decorative duct tape was sold, so I spend $4 on that instead and fixed up the hole. No would suspect anything untoward in rainbows and unicorns suitcase! And no one would steal it either. So we were off!

First, we had to say goodbye to Ed.

Thanks for the 1,186.7 miles of memories, Ed!

It was time to exit the Last Frontier.

I had hoped to sleep on the plane, but there were little ones who didn't want to sleep during the 4 hours and 35-minute flight. Dang. Was grateful my niece Caryn picked us up at the airport, took me to my car at the hotel from the previous week (seems like months ago) and I could hit the road to Rapids by 8:30.

No offense to Ed, but little Black Betty Deux was so much easier to handle. Still, by habit, I was saying, "Help me watch for deer, Ed!" I did see more deer between Minneapolis and Rapids than I saw of any other wildlife in Alaska!

Was grateful to arrive home safely at the stroke of 12 and fall into my heated bed (thanks, honey) for a good night's sleep after an amazing, amazing, amazing, not enough amazings, vacation! And grateful I had a deep-tissue massage scheduled for today. 

Traveling isn't just rough on old luggage, folks!

Alaska Day 9 :: The Home Stretch

Since we stayed up until midnight on summer solstice,  we decided to wake up before the crack of dawn today to watch the sun rise. 

For the record,  the crack of dawn is 4:15 a.m. in Homer, Alaska. Uff da. But so worth it.

Then, of course, the beauty of vacation is that we could go back to bed. And we did. 

Today was our "back to the beginning" travel day. Were on the road from Homer by 10 a.m. and headed to Anchorage and beyond. It was a tough drive for Ed. Winds gusting crazily the whole time, plus rain showers. We surpassed the thousand-mile mark, too. He's the man, er van!

We did make a few stops, naturally. 

Even on cloudy days the Kenai River in the Coopers Landing area was gorgeous!

Saw another glacier or two at scenic overlooks, too.

Stopped at the Funny River by Soldotna. Saw this sign and thought we'd see a moose. 

We didn't see him but we saw he's been aggressively pooping anyway.

When we were close to Anchorage,  we stopped at the Potter Marsh area and saw one feeding. In the distance. Barely captured an image. 

And he's barely growing his antlers, but it counts as a bull moose. Finally.

We're parked at a campground just outside Wasilla,  where we have to returned in the morning. We also have to figure out how we're fitting 9 days of life back in our suitcases!

At least we have pretty views again!

Probably mentioned this before, but there are no shortages of pretty views -- or potholes -- in Alaska. Sorry about that last one, Ed.

Good night one last time from The Last Frontier. 

Alaska Day 8 :: Holy Spit!

 

After blogging last night, we ended up staying up until midnight to celebrate the longest day (aka summer solstice) and it was still this light out!

We had an unexpected treat (like every other day, it seems) when the moon came out while the sun was setting. Again, my pictures do not do justice to the beauty that is Alaska.

Today was a relaxing day on the Spit. Ed logged less than 20 miles as we drove up Homer hill to see the full Spit and give him a shower!

Hard to believe we're camping at the far end if that skinny, 4-mile land mass. And yes, that is our view 24/7.

In this view from up there you can see part of a glacier, too. (Upper left side.) Short sleeves because it was 57 and sunny much of the day.

Other than that, we just watched fishing boat traffic, walked around the Spit, did some shopping,  sight-seeing, and eating. Got ice cream (duh) at Lickety Spit and freshly caught halibut in the form of fish and chips for dinner tonight.

A few photos of our relaxing day...

Yup, I've lost weight on vacation! Oh, and grew a tail.

Maybe our supper?

Definitely not this one. He's fake and doesn't smell at all!

Stopped at the infamous Salty Dawg Saloon. 

Left a memory there.

During a low-tide walk, I saw Patrick but no SpongeBob. I've never seen a star fish this big and this close to still living!

The harbor/marina was plenty busy. So many tourists on the Spit, too!

But still haven't seen a real live bear yet. Either they're all in Wisconsin or this bear spray works amazing just sitting in the cupholder in the van.

So we'll just continue to put the wild in wildlife all on our own! 

Last night in Homer then make our way back to Anchorage area tomorrow. We don't fly home until Thursday so I'm guessing I'll have a few more highlights to share!

Alaska Day 7 :: Summer Solstice Scenery

After yesterday's rain, we deserved the longest day of the year to be sunny, summery, and scenic. And it was! A gorgeous drive from Seward around the Kenai Peninsula and down to Homer. Lots of surprises along the way.

Since the sun was shining, we got to explore the Seward harbor before leaving town.

Working remotely??

I thought maybe this Robyn boat was an early birthday gift, but hubby said I had to return it.

Lots of terns at Tern Lake!

When we drove past Coopers Landing, dozens of folks were socially distanced in their waders so they could fly fish. 

That was fun to watch for a bit.

Further down the road we saw momma moose and...

Her calf trying to get to her. Traffic stopped but the baby went back the way he came. I'm sure they were reunited in no time.

We don't just stop for moose, we stop for life-sized ice cream cones, too. Yum!

A little town called Ninilchik was our treat. Lots of fishermen coming in at the end of the day. And dozens of gulls and EAGLES at the beach. I was in seventh Heaven. 

Warning: You may see some raw fish here!

The eagle has landed!

Made it to Homer!

We'll be camped right here at the end of the Homer Spit the next two nights. Homer is breathtakingly. Mountains across the water in every direction!

Saw some more feathered wildlife too!

There's no mistaking the call of the loon!

And just one more Homer scene before bed...

Have I convinced you to visit Alaska. This has definitely lived up to the dream vacation Renell and I hoped for, so far!

Happy Summer Solstice!