Re-Adjusting to the Midnight Sun

"Late" Spring and Midnight Sun Greetings to You All!

May 2015
10:30 p.m.

     During the past week, we have experienced an "explosion" of spring growth as all of the buds having finally returned to the trees and shrubs.  The color is an amazing green, that borders on being almost yellow.  Add to that the splashes of dark colored spruce trees, and it makes for an amazing backdrop!  We are very curious to see what happens during the shortened, but heightened, growing season here.

Moon Fall and Sunrise
5 a.m. May 14 2015

Ethan and I started our little family garden plots, and although the seed packets indicate 80-100 days until we see growth, we imagine it will be half that time or less - thanks to the midnight sun.  So far we have planted tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, cantaloupe, and watermelon.  Well, and Michael...he planted an avocado pit to try and grow an avocado tree! Too funny!  The midnight sun works wonders and creates havoc!  I cannot even begin to describe the effect that it is having upon all of us.  We had remembered how difficult it was to rest in the summers here, but we hadn't really remembered.  The pictures do not do the daylight justice.  Suffice it to say that we could sit outside and read a book without additional light at midnight now, then turn around and do it again at 5:30-6:00 a.m.  We will continue to gain daylight until June 21.  As a result, sleep is very elusive (except for Alex who could sleep through anything)!  Even little Ethan is having difficulty adjusting.  We all find ourselves awake at various intervals throughout the night with our bodies trying to convince us that it's time to rise -- even though it's only 2 or 3:00 a.m.  We think the adjustment may become the most difficult for Michael soon, as he will transition from day shift to midnight shift.  It may not really matter though, since we'll all be trying to sleep during some form of daylight!

Cantaloupe Seeds in the Ground

The new spring growth has also brought a plethora of wildlife back into our lives!  Moose abound EVERYWHERE now, and it has not been unusual for us to see them in the backyard and all along the roadways into town.  I'm trying to be careful, but I am so intrigued by the moose...they remind me of horses, except bigger.  Ethan laughs at me daily, especially when I say I'd love to try to "rope and ride one of those things!"  Earlier in the week we had a real "princess" come into the back yard.  She visits so regularly that Michael purchased 2 salt licks to try and get her to bed down in the backyard. That will be interesting in a few weeks when we have a puppy and a garden...!  At any rate, she came through as Ethan and I were preparing dinner.  We both went outside and stood on the deck and attempted to "call" her.  I don't like to brag, but Ethan and I are becoming master moose callers!  Well, he is at least.  He says I sound like a sick cow!  Every time he bellows, though, "all the single ladies" look his way! Ha ha! He actually got her to turn around and run back up into the yard.

Good thing we were on the deck!  Last time he did that he was on the front porch, and the moose cow across the street looked so intently at him that it scared him, and he ran back into the house!  Anyway...we started throwing carrots into the yard for "princess" -- supposedly moose like carrots.  Don't you believe it!  She dropped her nose, sniffed at those things, shook her head "no," snorted at them, and then walked off slowly into the woods as if she was too good for our carrots!  Can you imagine?  Our goal is to eventually hand feed a moose from the back deck!  If that encounter is any indication, we may be waiting awhile!

In addition to the moose, the migratory birds and mosquitoes have returned.  Since the sun doesn't seem to set, the birds' chirping is evident 24 hours a day.  We actually don't mind their songs though, and we are thankful to have the hearing capacity we do to enjoy them.  The only ones that may need to be wary are the woodpeckers.  Our house has evidence of previous summer visits, and Michael has given Ethan permission to use his bb gun to take care of any of those types of "pests."  So far, though, they are boring their holes in the trees.  The difference in variations of the bird species makes their sounds a welcome change from the crow calls and seagull noises.  That has been another odd feature of where we live.  You would think that in the mountains of Alaska seagulls would be the furthest specie of bird from here; yet because of our proximity to the Knik Arm they abound!

Skipping Rocks at Finger Lake

Noisy Goose Cafe

When not at home, we are able to view all of these lovely creatures at many of the lakes within Wasilla.  On the nicer days, that's where Ethan and I can be found after lessons.  Last week we traveled to Finger Lakes Recreation Area and spent the better part of the afternoon skipping rocks and watching the boats.  It's amazing to think that less than 4 weeks ago, that same lake had ice fishermen on it!  We also spent noontime on Thursday at the Wasilla Town Office Flagpole gathering with other citizens for the National Day of Prayer.  Sadly there were only about 10 of us, but what a neat experience.  We were able to meet other brothers and sisters in Christ.  One of the elders was a Native gentleman, and when he prayed, we couldn't help but weep.  He prayed for his kinsmen specifically, the Native tribes within Alaska, to come to a saving knowledge of Christ.  But it was his prayer for the millions of innocent lives touched by abortion and the addictions that plague the villages that truly moved Ethan and me.  The villages are so remote that addictions and abuse are allowed to run rampant with little intervention or assistance.  It was so sad to hear him describe that lifestyle.  After the prayer meeting, Ethan and I went to Palmer to check out another bucket list restaurant -- the Noisy Goose.  For those of you that have already visited...please, please, please accept our apologies.  The Noisy Goose is the best restaurant ever -- from food, to service, to decor, to $!!!!  Since we don't eat out often, it's taking us awhile to discover our faves.

We rounded out the week with a Mother's Day luncheon at church on Saturday, and Ethan and Alex were such troopers!  They happened to be the only men there, but they were gracious enough to play along with the "girly" games and crafts.  They were even gracious about the petite finger foods, dainty desserts, and homemade lemonade.  Alex helped me do a flower pot craft, and Ethan helped me almost beat Alex at the word search game.  We planted marigolds, but I think the pot got tipped upside down when Ethan and Daddy brought it home.  Michael said he tried to get everything back inside, but if the marigolds don't sprout, we'll replant them.  Marigolds are said to keep the mosquitoes away.  If there is much truth in that I will surround the house with marigold plants!

We are preparing now for Michael's birthday, and are excited to be receiving guests again next week from the mountains of Virginia!  Alaska may never be the same, but it will certainly be in photographs!  We love and miss you all!  Praying that you are safe and having wonderful adventures wherever the Lord has you!

Until Next Time!

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14

"A Man Can Really Breathe Up Here...and By the Way...I'm Going to Be a Lumberjack!"

Well...our house guests are gone, and a sad sort of loneliness came to take their places.  We so love having visitors, but their exits remind us of family and friends that are so very far away.  There have been many times when we have seen such magnificent views that particular people have come into our minds, and we want to share them so badly. Oh, how we wish we could bottle those views and send them to you!  In just one week, the gray and brown hues that have been our palette for weeks have suddenly burst forth into the most vibrant yellow-green color.  Moss that bathes the forest floors feels spongy beneath our feet and leaves a fresh air fragrance in our nostrils. A Cooperative Extension agent told us during a class in early August that a "mossy floor is a sign of a well-oxygenated area."  We are "well oxygenated" here!

Springtime in Alaska!

We are all excited to be back outdoors, hiking and getting into any shape besides the "round" ones we found ourselves in after our long winter.  During a recent hike to Thunderbird Falls, we were amazed at the change in the greenery, which almost seemed to occur overnight.  We were also amazed that none of us were congested, had sore throats, or pollen-covered cars as a result of the sudden change of season.  Ethan breathed deeply in the midst of the woods and innocently exclaimed, "Ahhh...a man can really breathe up here (in Alaska)!"

Thunderbird Falls

I have to be honest, though...given the full parking lot, numbers of people hiking the trail, and just the general excitement, I expected more than what we saw at Thunderbird Falls.  Now before you throw something at your computer screen in an attempt to hit me via cyber space because I'm an ungrateful slob, hear me out.  Our family likes to hike, and we've seen amazing sights -- every time.  But I'm accustomed to the waterfalls in the NC State Parks -- you know, the The Last of the Mohicans and such.  So once we got to Thunderbird Falls, I wasn't exactly ecstatic -- especially since I had NC waterfall expectations and knew that my poor arthritic knees were going to have to climb out of this canyon.  I didn't want to admit it, but my real issue was that my pain threshold didn't match the sight at the end, so disappointment (and my agingness) crept in.  There I go, showing my human side again...oh, well.

Trail to Thunderbird Falls

As we headed home (in the midst of my pity party), Michael had a random idea.  He has those quite regularly recently, and I believe they are little nudges from the Holy Spirit, divinely inspired to get us all (well, me...to get me) in the right frame of mind.  Thunderbird Falls is only one of many areas close to home that we've been anxious to visit.  After visiting there, Michael suggested we try Eklutna Lake since it was on the way home.  Ethan and I were game, so we headed the 10 miles into the mountains.

OH, MY WORD!!!! Can you say, "Please forgive me for being a bonehead, Lord?" and
"Thank You for giving my husband such wonderful ideas!"
Eklutna Lake is a miraculous place that inspires so many feelings. 

The first 1/2 of Eklutna Lake
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD which made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2

My first feeling was guilt -- at my own unappreciativeness of God's creation.  My second feeling was completely overwhelming, something that happens quite frequently here -- overwhelmed that the God Who created such beauty could be concerned about every facet of my life and love me unconditionally -- even in my humanness!
What a blessing that is!

The pictures of this place can never do justice to its majesty, and now I have another new favorite place!  We spent nearly an hour there, just walking, looking, crying, wishing we could close our eyes, then open them again, and you all would be right there with us.  When that didn't happen, we decided next time we will bring lawn chairs and just sit there -- like a bunch of yahoos on logs, not really watching anything in particular, but trying to take in everything!

Ethan found every rock and stick he could to toss into the lake.  What is it about boys, sticks, rocks, and water?  His brand new size 9 (yes, I said 9!) men's tennis shoes are completely ruined from the trek.  And he would tell you, "It was worth it!"  That seems to be his newest quote.

Even today, as he learned how to chop wood and is now feeling such pain that he cannot bend properly or lift his arms higher than a few inches he quips is a raspy whisper, "It was worth it!"  We think the raspy whisper is for effect to increase the potential for sympathy.  It works.  So this week, as we are finishing up some of our core subjects for this school year and rounding off our field trip circuit, he has learned the following:

1.  Mossy Green Means the Air is Clean

2.  His Daddy Loves His Mama, Even In the Midst of All Her Drama

3.  Following God's Lead Even Disappointments Succeed

4.  When Mama's the Fretter, Mountains & Water Make Everything Better
and his favorite lesson...

5.  Regardless of My (Ethan's) Sore Back, I'm Growing Up to Be a Lumberjack

Until next time, I encourage you to find the hidden treasure
 in the midst of disappointment.  It is in the disappointment that we meet the Lord, that we cry to Him, and that He works wonders.  Praying for and thinking of you all!

Love,

Your Alaskan Family  

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..."
Ecclesiastes 9:10a

Finding the One Whom My Soul Loves

The Files Take Alaska!   

The Files have invaded Alaska, and with them, their sweet Madison has transitioned from being "Alex's girlfriend" to being "our future daughter-in-law."  I would like to tell you that we were all "surprised" by this turn of events; however, we have all been in cahoots with Alex for more than a month now.  Miss Madison was the only one who was completely "in the dark" about his proposal plans for her during this visit to Alaska. Even Ethan was in on the action, and only once did he give us occasion to feign heart attacks when we thought he was going to tell her.  Boy, did we all breathe a sigh of relief when all he shared was that Alex hadn't obeyed all of the traffic laws earlier in the day!

The Proposal

Monday, April 27, 2015, dawned early and rainy. Alex's original plans included a stop at Beluga Point (Madison's favorite sight seeing destination), followed by a quick stop at the Tesoro Station on the Seward Highway for snacks, before continuing on to the Conservation Center.  The closer we all got to Beluga Point, the more anxious we all became -- all, that is, except for Madison.  We were fortunate enough to see moose, mountain goats, and eagles on the way there, but the crisp temperatures, high winds, and rain clouds forced Alexander to "hurry" his plans more than we think he originally intended.

As they approached one of the higher look-out points at Beluga, he allowed her to move further ahead of him as he slowly reached into his pocket where he had safely hidden her ring.  It was a precious few moments from that time until she said, "YES!" and we were so thankful to have been a part of their special day.  We were only there as "the photography crew" -- but what a blessing!  In an earlier blog I posted about the importance of "keeping our eyes wide open" so we wouldn't miss those precious moments.  That was definitely a memory we will not soon forget!

The weather continued to turn yucky, but even the rain clouds couldn't chase away both of their sunny (and grossly giddy) dispositions!  Once we stopped at Tesoro, we made a game changing plan that proved to be an even greater memory and one of my favorite highlights of the Files Taking Alaska!  Due to the weather, Michael suggested we search out Portage Glacier instead of visiting the Conservation Center.  We all shrugged and said the typical, "OK...whatever," and away we went.  Most of the trails near Portage were still closed for the season, and Michael (very uncharacteristically!) was not carrying any type of "protection" for hiking.  Keep in mind...this was NOT the original plan; but we learned that from now on, guns are not optional! We could have hiked to the actual glacier had we been better prepared -- so we WILL be prepared next time!

Once the women overruled the men from hiking more than mile into the Alaskan wilderness without weaponry, a new idea emerged.  Having driven so close to Portage Glacier, we were but a tunnel drive away from Whittier, Alaska.  Since none of us have ever been to Whittier, it was time to make some memories on the Prince William Sound!  For those of you that don't remember, I'm a bit of a claustrophobe; and guess what?  The tunnel that individuals must use to get into and out of Whittier is an existing train tunnel -- 2.5 miles long (the longest in the world!) -- and is currently used by vehicles and trains (you take turns with each other!)  As I am screaming, "Are you kidding me?" my dear, sweet husband is giggling -- no guffawing! -- as we drove into the tunnel.  I think Mrs. Renae would have let me reach out and hold her hand if she wasn't eyeing the light at the far end so intently.  Meanwhile, Michael and Mr. Johnnie were taking snapshots, laughing, and attempting encouragement with the phrase, "This is cool! Now this is cool!"

Whittier, Alaska
Housing for Most of It's Nearly 300 citizens
No Kidding!

And...truth be told...it WAS cool! And amazing, wonderful, awesome, magnanimous -- pick your favorite adjective!  The uber, creepy tunnel ride was necessary for some of the most amazing views we have seen thus far.  We rode through the small port town of Whittier, which is only open approximately 2-3 months each year.  I would HIGHLY recommend that you each google Whittier, Alaska.  Currently only about 300 people reside there, and most of them live in a 14-foot apartment complex that was built by the US Army many years ago.  In fact, Whittier used to be an Army post, and there were two such structures, but the Army "moth-balled" one of the buildings when they exited Whittier many years ago.  Don't worry...we had to look up "moth-balled," too.  The dictionary defined "moth-balled" as "machinery or building(s) that are no longer used, but that are kept up for future use."  Don't you believe it!  The only  thing the "moth-balled" building could be used for is a scary movie prop!  Mr. Johnnie said he would like to go inside; Ethan said he would never go inside; and Michael said, "I think I see someone inside!"

We made our way to the far side of Whittier and found where the glacial water melts into the Prince William Sound.  It was actually possible to walk from the shore down onto the rocky beach and into the Sound.  Mrs. Renae had on her waterproof boots and was the only one who purposefully got wet!  I won't tell you who actually fell into the water from all the excitement!

Madison pulled her camera out and exclaimed, "THIS is my favorite Alaskan view of all time!"  To which poor Alex dropped his head and said, "Ahhh...I should've waited to propose here!" We all laughed then played the great tourist part by taking lots of pictures!!! We were able to make it back through the tunnel without having to wait an extraordinarily long time.  The tunnel actually closes at 10 p.m. each day now, and if you don't make it out you are stuck in Whittier -- "NO EXCEPTIONS!" the sign states!  Within the next three months more than 700,000 visitors will pass through there.  It was definitely an eclectic little place and since we were the only ones there, it was a veritable paradise!

Making Memories in Whittier, Alaska

The next few days went by in a blur, filled with Facebook posts, Madison blog updates, wedding dress shopping, registering, and wedding planning in general.  I was not aware, but apparently it is now "necessary" to have your own wedding website.  Madison has taken that additional "stress" in stride, and actually I can understand how something like that would make it easy for bride and groom, as it eliminates having to answer the same questions dozens of times.  In the midst of all of the "fun," though, Alex has had to work and finish exams.  That hasn't been his favorite, but today wrapped up his final exam and presentation, so he is good to go until next Fall.  And... I so appreciate the File ladies letting me tag along to the bridal store.  Since I will only ever be the "mother of grooms," that was such a nice treat.  I'm not certain Renae and I were much help though, as Madison is one of those rare young ladies that looks great in any style of clothing -- there weren't any of her picks that we didn't like!

Hiking the Butte
Palmer, Alaska

And now, we are sadly preparing to say our temporary farewells (Lord willing) to the File family. We know they are anxious to get home to familiar surroundings (especially their grand daughter Whitley), but it seems as if they only just arrived.  We were thankful for changing weather (as rain rolled in each afternoon, and there was only one day of hail); and we were able to get some great walking/hiking in at Hatcher's Pass, the Palmer Hay Flats, the Butte, and just around our neighborhood.

Ethan Atop the Butte

Before Alex and Madison said their goodbyes this afternoon, we took several engagement photos in case they are not able to coordinate any additional pictures over the summer.  Because Alex had to travel into Anchorage for an exam and presentation today, we were limited on photography backgrounds.  Leave it to the Lord to "show up and show off" when we least expect it.  As we were winding down photos so Alex could get ready for work, Madison poked her bottom lip out and said, "I'd really like to go somewhere with a big mountain or have something Alaskan in the background." It was as if the good Lord said, "Cue the moose..." because a large female moose meandered into the bog where they had been taking pictures! Literally!  We couldn't decide if we should stay or run!  So...we stayed, but poised ourselves to run!  And...we were able to get some pretty amazing shots! Only in Alaska!

Alaska Engagement Photo with Moose Photo-bomb

Please pray for the Files as they return to North Carolina on a red eye flight tonight.  And please continue to pray for our Andrew.  He is currently in this midst of final exams at Lee University through early next week before traveling to North Carolina for the summer.

Missing you All!
Until Our Next Adventure...



"It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go..." Song of Solomon 3:4