Living in Alaska - Life in the Last Frontier

Hard to believe that the summer is considered over for most. It’s definitely over here in the interior, where the leaves are changing over in record numbers, and we wake to morning temps in the low 30s. Fortunately, our afternoons remain beautiful and warm (50s and 60s).  And we’re in our 2nd week (or is it 3rd?) of sunshine!

I didn’t welcome the month of September with much excitement. September 1st was the second anniversary of my mother’s passing, and remembering her was the first thing I did upon waking.  With her birthday coming on the 7th, this entire week has had a few sad moments.

My mother is always with me…

My mother lives inside my laughter. She’s crystallized in every tear drop.

She’s the place I came from, my first home. She’s the map I follow with every step that I take.

She’s my first love… and nothing on earth can separate us.

Not time, Not space, not even death will ever separate me from my mother. I carry her inside of me.

The big news here in Alaska has been the selection of Sarah Palin by John McCain for his running mate. I don’t discuss politics in this journal, because I believe that political views are as personal as religious beliefs.  With that being said, the political forums I’ve been checking out are full of vile name-calling, and personal attacks between commenters, with only a handful of truly diplomatic debates/discussions. How does hatred help?

I’ve also read a few slurs against Alaska and the folks who call Alaska home. Of course, most of these remarks are borne out of ignorance about the state and its people, and that’s totally OK. The more people who think we’re unintelligent, gun-toting, moose hunters - the less people who will want to come here to live. I’d personally like to keep my elbow room intact. *grin*

I’ll be glad when the election is over.

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This past Sunday, I did a portrait shoot of a family who have a son graduating high school next year, and whose husband/father is preparing to deploy to Iraq. Steve worked with Phil in the army, and Denise has been reading this journal for a while now. It was a pleasure to photograph their beautiful family, as well as their son’s girlfriend - who will also be graduating in May.

I had some challenges as the sun was straight overhead and shining brightly. Too much bright sunshine casts shadows and washes out colors. I took Steve with me for assistance, and he did an awesome job manning my light reflector. I’m so glad he was there! Here are a few photos from that shoot:

Later in the afternoon, we had their family over for a BBQ. On the spur of the moment, I invited our friends Abby and Bo to join us too. Steve cooked up burgers, hotdogs, and salmon, and we served all the fixings too. We had a great time chatting and hanging out - and stuffing ourselves full of delicious food.

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Yesterday, I met my friend Karen for lunch. It was good seeing her, as always. I drove to her office at the Tanana Valley Hospice Center, and had to smile when I saw the two photos she purchased from me, displayed in beautiful frames and hanging in her office.

She asked me if I would donate a print to their November fund-raising auction, and I am quite happy to help! I can’t say enough good things about hospice care. Very loving and compassionate individuals cared for my father in his final days, and stood by ready to care for my mother, if she would have become well enough to be released from the hospital.  Karen is a remarkable woman, with a huge heart. I am blessed to have her in my life.

After lunch, I took Sedona to Creamers Field for a walk, and to photograph the beautiful golden leaves of our birch and aspen trees.  Fall is in full-swing here, and the colors in the afternoon sunshine were absolutely stunning. Coupled with the yellow and gold, the fireweed is a deep red - making every view a treat for the eyes. There are still quite a few geese here, as well as some cranes, and the ducks are in their element splashing in the wetland pond. The reflection of the trees is magnificent!

We walked the Boreal Forest Trail, and the canopy of gold and yellow above us cast a warm glow on the boardwalk and surrounding vegetation. I was surprised to see that the mosquitoes are still being pesky. I was hoping the chilly morning air would kill them off. I came home with quite a few bites - mainly on my head, where my hair is parted. They’re buggers, but they didn’t ruin my walk.

Our yard is awash in color, as most of our trees have already turned. The plants that Celeste left me are thriving and are such a beautiful addition to our deck. The birds visit the “condo” bird feeder regularly, and keep both me and the cat entertained.

Steve and I finished laying gravel along the back and one side of the house. Steve is allowed to take as much gravel as he wants from the mine, and we decided to lay a path of it around the perimeter. When it rains, or when the snow melts, the water that drips from the roof splashes in the mud and dirties the house. Also, in the winter, the ground here is beneath the eaves - and doesn’t get any snow cover. It turns into a slippery mess in the winter, and a muddy mess in the spring. This should help keep the majority of dirt and mud to a minimum.  Now if only we could find the time to sow a lawn. *sigh*

The sunflowers growing in my yard are just about to open. The sad thing is that they will probably die before they bloom, with the cold weather we have in the morning.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I get to see at least one bloom before it’s too late.

Tonight is Steve’s last night, and then he’ll be off for several days. He told me the colors up at the mine area are brilliant. We’re going to take a drive up the Steese Hwy on Friday - probably to the Davidson Ditch area and the White Mountains. The views from the higher elevations are always stunning, and if the leaves have already peaked there it will be even more beautiful. I just hope this glorious weather stays with us.

This Saturday (and next Sunday) are supposed to be active for aurora viewing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we have clear skies. This is the best time of year to view the northern lights, as it’s not too cold to stand outside for long periods of time and enjoy them.  If you’re local, keep your eyes to the sky!

In closing (in the event I don’t update beforehand),  I want to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to John in Texas! John’s birthday is on the 6th. He’s going to be 75 years young! John, and his lovely wife Shirley, have been reading my journal for years, and always remember my and Steve’s birthday, and our anniversary, with lovely cards and emails. We’ve never met in person, but it has been a pleasure corresponding with them over the years. Shirley’s birthday is also in September - on the 17th. Like Steve and I, they often celebrate their birthdays together. So, even though it’s a bit early - Happy Birthday to you too, Shirley! {{Big Birthday Hugs}}

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“…Do you know the origin of that word ’saunter?’ It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, “A la sainte terre,’ ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers…” ~ John Muir