Green is My New Favorite Color!

Greetings Once Again from the Far North!

In true Alaskan fashion, I must admit that I had forgotten how absolutely dreary the weeks of "break-up" can be before summer.  I cannot even begin to describe the deep hues of gray and brown that abound at every turn, and the tree top tips with the earliest buds serve to tease us almost unmercifully.  And yet, with the ever increasing daylight hours and afternoon rain showers, slowly, but surely, we have begun to see life emerge again in this land of extremes.  Preparations for spring hunts are beginning in earnest.

Spring bear hunt prep, 2016

  Last week, thin sheets of ice still adorned our lakes; but within three days, the waters were free once again, seagulls soared overhead, and the open waters baited fishermen and boating enthusiasts alike.  There only remain a few days before people will actually be swimming in these waters!  I cannot even imagine!  Please don't get me wrong...I love a good swim on a hot day...but our hottest day to come for weeks will top out at 63 degrees -- hardly swimming weather, I would argue.
But fishing and canoeing...well, that I can get into!

First Canoe Trip of 2016
Lake Lucille, Wasilla

As you can tell, Ethan and I could barely contain our excitement with our first canoe trip of the season! I'm so glad we waited for Michael as we headed out for the first time.  What a day of memory-making! I foresee LOTS of educational opportunities on the lakes in our vicinity.  Alaska may never be the same! It is hard to tell from this photo, but I am pleased to report that the greenery has suddenly exploded onto our landscape.
It's almost as if the Lord has said, "Wait for it; wait for it; BAM! Here it is!"
The birch trees are alive with bright yellow and green leaves, which contrast beautifully among the ever-blooming spruce.  So, to ease the " brown break-up blahs," I have decided that momentarily, my new favorite color is green! I never imagined I could be so thankful for leaves on trees; except, I guess, for that time I lived in North Dakota, and we had no trees at all!  We are learning to be thankful - in all seasons, and in all things.  We tend to forget how truly blessed we are, and the simple pleasures of the past few weeks have been amazing reminders.

Day at the Dog Park

Puppy Love

In addition to the new greenery, the major increase in road construction, gas prices, recreational vehicles, trains, and tour buses signals us that tourist season is about to begin. That, and Little Miller's Ice Cream stand reopening! Homegrown Alaskans approach tourist season like transplants approach living in Alaska -- you either "love it" or "hate it" -- there is no in-between.  Personally, I am thankful for the tourists.  Certainly, the traffic is heavier, it takes longer to get from point A to point B, and prices increase for a few months.  But how could we assume that we have "claim" to this beautiful place and that it shouldn't be shared with others?  Alaska is at least twice the size of the state of Texas and sparsely populated -- and arguably one of the most beautiful "heavens" on earth!  Almost daily, the views can take a breath away and make grown men weep.  We feel honored to share it -- with friends and family -- that are able to make the journey.

Most recently we welcomed Mrs. Renae back to Alaska while she visited the newlyweds, Maddie and Alex.  There's something healing about making sure that your children are alright as they enter new phases along this path we call life. We hosted a small cookout out back -- nothing that rivaled the Rowan County bonfires of years ago -- but just enough heat to roast caribou brats and hot dogs. Michael used his creativity to build a homemade grill out of garden decor and unused dog crate parts! Ha-ha...when in Alaska...

Michael's Homemade Firepit Grill

 Ah...but then, using the better part of his good judgment, he decided we should let the flames burn off whatever was used to treat all of the grating BEFORE we put any food atop!  Thank goodness for fish grill baskets and marshmallow sticks!  If that weren't enough, before the evening ended, Ethan had bagged a squirrel although his Daddy only allowed him one shot.  From about 15 yards away and high in a tree, I'm sure that squirrel thought he was safe.  But within moments, Michael came into the house where we were already cleaning up saying, "Honey...I may have done a bad thing..."  He then proceeded to tell us how he had allowed Ethan ONE shot - not expecting that it would be a true shot. He provided loving guidance to Alex and Ethan while they skinned it, and Madison reminded them how to cook it on a hot rock in the embers.
"Tastes like chicken!" Alex exclaimed.

Squirrel...it's what's for dinner!

"We the People..."

In addition to embracing all that springtime in Alaska brings, we have been continuing our studies. Most of the time we follow a curriculum, but since our learning takes place year-round, it has been so nice to digress from the "plan" and learn about whatever we want, when we want.  Since much talk has been occurring about politics on a national scale, we have been able to use the latter part of this year to begin an in-depth study of our Constitution.  If you haven't read that document or our Declaration of Independence (in a while or ever), I would strongly encourage you to do so!  Every citizen should KNOW what is written in those documents, and if you do not...for shame! A yearly reminder works wonders and provides an insight into what our Founding Fathers wished for generations of Americans to come.  Enough of my soap box though...

Intently reading Confederate Navy pistol schematics

Not only have we been delving deeply into that part of our history, but a nice fella named Mr. Corso recently "forced" Ethan to put his technology and logic skills to the test. Mr. Corso works with Michael and is, by all accounts, a self-proclaimed "hoarder."  While digging through a recent hoard, he came across an 1851 Confederate Navy black powder revolver replica, completely disassembled. Guess who the blessed recipient of that treasure was?

Voila!  Completely Reassembled!

After fumbling for a while without success, Ethan finally dug up a schematic on the Internet.  YouTube videos were less than helpful, as all those pieces can get lost in the shadows of amateur film-making.  But the schematic?  Honestly I wasn't sure he'd be able to fully understand it and make out the markings.  Boy, was I wrong!  And does that smile prove it?!  It's that "Look what I did (without any help from you!)" smile.  I must say, it's a look I'm seeing more and more - the look of independence.  It is welcome, but bittersweet. You see, I have watched it in Alex, from boyhood to manhood, to new groom, to settled husband.  I have watched it in Andrew, from boyhood to manhood, to what happens next.  And, now...I watch it in Ethan.  Perhaps because I know this is representative of changes to come, it has made me severely nostalgic for days gone by. I am most thankful that they have moved (or are moving) from a dependence upon us to a dependence upon the Lord.  But I think most mamas like to feel "needed" from time to time, no matter what the ages of their children. 

Thinking on this I have a small request -- as the time stealthily moves along, consider my nostalgia and please heed these words: pay attention to all of the details around you -- they are fleeting.  Make memories whenever you can!  Love your families; and if they can't be close at hand, keep them close at heart.  We love and miss you all!  Always!

2nd Canoe Trip 2016, Finger Lake

Finger Lake, 2016

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to the which also ye are called in one body;
and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15