Fairbanks, AK

We drove up to Fairbanks just in time to see fall creep in. Every season in Alaska is beautiful, but fall is just spectacular. The landscape comes alive with golds, reds, purples and blues. The colors are so vibrant, they just take my breath away.

I love birch trees. The trees in Alabama are okay but they pale in comparison to the birch.
I wish I could fill my whole property with them.


We met up with some friends at Creamers Field Migratory Wildlife Refuge. This used to be the site of Creamer's Dairy, which closed in 1966 due to changes of shipping and outside competition shortly after WW ll. Creamers Field is now a bird haven. It is a popular spot to watch many different kinds of birds on their annual pass through Fairbanks. Geese, ducks, cranes and songbirds make up most of the bird population. Sometimes, a moose can be seen lumbering over the field.
There are 2 miles of walking trails at creamers field. They are maintained carefully and beautifully.
My sweet little monkey is always careful to pick a flower *with* the roots attached so I can transplant his sweet gift.


While in Fairbanks, we went to North Pole to visit our church family. It was so wonderful to see
them and this part of the trip meant the world to me. They really are part of our family and I miss them terribly.


I was able to see a few friends who are very special to me. My friend Stephanie is such a caring, sweet and precious person. It was so nice to see her. I also saw a good friend who used to live across the street from me at Eielson but dang it, I forgot my camera and did not get a shot of us together. I guess I'll just have to force myself to go all the way back to AK to get one. Besides, I've been back in the Alabama heat for a week now and I'm ready to get out of here.



The drive back to Anchorage was just as beautiful as the drive up. Next stop, Denali.

Alaska, The Running Version

I took my good friend, Jamie's advice and went running on a coastal trail in Anchorage. This was one of the best parts of the trip. Lee and I ran six miles up and down one of the most beautiful trails I have ever been on. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I was thankful to be able to share it with the most important person in my life.


For once, I'll just be quiet and let the pictures do the talking.

Of Giants, Hula Hoops And Chocolate Dipped Bacon. Or As Some May Call It, The Alaska State Fair.

Isn't Alaska just breathtaking? Just look at the snow, the glaciers the endless miles of ice...... Well, at least that is what I was pretending it was from my seat in the airplane on the way there. Hey, it's a long trip. I have to entertain myself somehow.

This is the first of many chapters in the Alaska digest. We fit a lot into two and a half weeks and had a blast.

First stop, The Alaska State Fair.

Giants

Veggies grow so big in Alaska due to the nearly 24 hour sunshine and the rich soil. I am always astounded at how large they can grow. That is a lot of turnip. Soup anyone?


After the fair, some people donate their veggies to charity or give them to the city they live in for a giant Jack-O-Lantern. This year's winner is not sure what he will do with his pumpkin after the fair. He said he might just put it on craigslist.


Hula Hoops

My good friend's daughter said she would try the hula hoops if I would. Little did she know that back in the day, I was a hula-hooping queen.

All the kids joined in and out hula-hooped me. I just threw my crown on the ground and stomped on it. Getting old stinks.

Truly, I have no words. This was by far the most surprising part of the entire fair. You know I love me some bacon as well as chocolate but together? On a stick? That is enough to even scare me. No, I did not try it. Even though I was triple dog dared. I did try the deep-fried cheesecake but you know, I have to draw the line somewhere.

I let the boy try processed, refined and dyed sugar on a stick. Yes, it was as big as his sweet little
head. I had nightmares about cavities and ADHD for days after.


However, I did not let him have deep fried potato chips with processed cheese squirted all over the top. That was beyond scary.


I also held back and refused to allow them to get their hair dyed and cemented in various styles. I never let the kids have any fun.

Sweetness

We stayed with the most phenomenal family during our vacation in Alaska. I am very close with a wonderful homeschooling mom of three spectacular kiddos. I love her children just like my own and consider all of them family. Her three children are best friends with my three children. Our families are meant to be close to each other and we can't wait until that can be a reality. We just soaked up every second we could with them and had a wonderful time.


They had a great time at the fair and made a lot of great memories.

Payback

This is what happens when one goes on vacation for over
two weeks and forgets to have their lawn service come out
to mow, weed eat and prune everything perfectly for the duration.


Only, we don't have a lawn service and it was mowed and
trimmed perfectly a few weeks ago. The grass is out of control.
I may have to get a machete and search for my husband if he does
not come back soon.

Pictures from our vacation to Alaska will come as soon as the jungle is eliminated and
Lee has recovered.