Winter Wonderland?
I guess the term “wonderland” depends on who you’re speaking to. Winter? Yes. Wonderland? The jury’s still out on that one. I happen to think the fresh snow is beautiful, and I usually welcome the onset of winter with a little bit of excitement. I love the pureness that the snow lends to the landscape. I love the contrast of blue skies against sugar-coated trees. I enjoy the sense of quiet that settles over everything, and the way you can hear your own footsteps amplified in the silence.
With that being said, I don’t particularly care for driving in winter - and especially early winter. In early winter, fresh snow covers ice patches and I find myself driving 10-15 mph under the speed limit, because I’m afraid of going off the road. Driving slow on multi-lane roads isn’t too bad, as those who are more confident - or are in a hurry - can go around me. But when I’m driving down a two lane road like Badger Road (which has sections like an ice skating rink), I’m much more stressed out - particularly when vehicles come up on my tail. I’ve had this happen to me, even when there are vehicles in the ditches on either side of the road! As the season progresses, and the snow doesn’t fall as much, the roads will become better graveled, and the small rocks will embed in the ice and create more traction.
Some of you reading may not realize that in Fairbanks (and perhaps all of Alaska?), we do not salt the roads. The salt does little to melt ice, as it’s too cold (imagine -30F to -50F). And if we could melt the ice, it would refreeze immediately and create even more driving hazards. While gravel does help provide traction on snowy roads, it also makes pristine windshields an incredible rarity. I think I have 4-5 dings in my windshield, and Steve has huge “bullet-like” indentations in his. We won’t replace the windshield until our vision is obstructed, because the odds are pretty good that we’ll get dings and cracks in the next windshield too.
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I had a lovely day with my friend Lisa on Sunday. I picked her up at 10am, so we could grab breakfast at The Bakery. Snow had been falling all night and was still falling as we made our way. Just as we got to the front gate of Fort Wainwright, we caught sight of a cow moose and her calf, making a meal out of small saplings in a grassy area. I was able to pull off the road and snap a few photos, but the snow was falling so heavily, that the moose look like brown *blobs* in a blizzard:
Despite the weather, The Bakery was very crowded. We did find a table almost immediately though and had a “hit the spot” breakfast of eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast. I have to say that The Bakery has become my favorite place to have breakfast. No matter how crowded they are, the waitstaff is attentive and there aren’t any long waits for the meal - even on a Sunday morning when the church crowd shows up. It’s not gourmet dining, but it’s filling and you can get in and out in less than an hour.
We both enjoyed the movie The Dutchess, but I wish it would have ended differently. It’s not that it had a bad ending, but because the movie is based on the life of a real person, the producer had to end it somewhere. It was one of those movies that ends with words flashing up under the characters, telling you how their life progressed. I didn’t want it to end!
I will say that the movie did incite me to do a search for more information about Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (born Georgiana Spencer, and from which family Diana, Princess of Wales, is a descendant). She was quite a feisty and forward-thinking young lady of the era. She was also an active political campaigner in an age when women’s suffrage was still over a century away. While the movie may not appeal to the men who read me, I think the ladies would enjoy it.
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On Monday, I decided to pack my camera and Sedona, and drive to Chena Lakes for a walk and photographs. The snow was still falling, but lightly. The sun was punching through the clouds in some areas, showing glimpses of blue sky. In other parts of the sky, the clouds were huge and billowy; even slightly dark and ominous in places.
I drove to the top of the flood berm near the park entrance, to take a photo across the sparse and wide expanse of the flood plain. The clouds were amazing!
I think the clouds look even moodier in black and white:
(Click to enlarge the following photos)
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“Forests, lakes, and rivers, clouds and winds, stars and flowers, stupendous glaciers and crystal snowflakes - every form of animate or inanimate existence, leaves its impress upon the soul of man.”
~ Orison Swett Marden ~ |
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Steve starts his 7-days off as soon as he gets home tonight. On the agenda this week, is to take his truck over to the Auto Crafts Center to get it a ‘physical’. We turned 75,000 miles on it this summer, and all those electronic bells and alarms that are programmed into new vehicles, have started going off.
Steve also plans to go fishing down on the Delta Clearwater River (near Delta) with our friend Gip. The Coho Salmon are running heavily, and this will be Steve’s last chance to go fishing - unless he decides to try ice fishing this winter.
Did any of you catch the first installment of “The Toughest Race on Earth. Iditarod” last night? We thought it was quite interesting and entertaining, and look forward to next Tuesday and part two. I’ve seen plenty of still photographs taken during the race, but actually having cameras mounted to the sleds provides such an exciting view of the action. After watching last night, I can’t wait for the racing season to start here in Fairbanks.
I hope you don’t get tired of seeing photos of Mr. Squirrel (or maybe he’s a she). I just love his antics around the bird feeders. I’m going to post the next seven photos at full posting size. I apologize if you’re on dialup and these take a while to load. This squirrel is the only one who lives in my yard in the winter (they are territorial and hang out on about an acre or so of land). As long as there are sunflower seeds, I doubt he’ll go anywhere. I don’t mind him stopping by.
As the snow was falling, Mr. Squirrel enjoyed the peanut butter I put out for him:
“Hmmmmmm…. there are seeds up there, but maybe there’s a better way to reach them”
“Let’s try this way”
“Nope… still too far away… I’ll go back to where I was”
“Ah… PERFECT! (What is that squishing between my toes?)”
“Oh shoot.. the lady with the camera sees me!”
I hear my husband in the garage - perfect timing! I hope you enjoy today’s photographs, and perhaps I’ll have some more to share over the next week.
Until next time…
Hey Susan!I really must start roaming around the area more! I think the pictures you took are right around the corner from our house. I have not had the pleasure of driving too far down Badger Road with the snow yet, but I do know that Nelson sure is fun now! I am like you, I drive slow and just try to get there in one piece. I need to start carrying my camera with me when I go out. Today I was driving down the Richardson Hwy and the moon was sitting just above the road, it was a beautiful site, I would have loved to have had a picture.
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Comment by Kerry — October 15, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
I found this fascinating!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgiana_Spencer
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Comment by Natalie Ford — October 15, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
Forgot to add, Diana was no actually her descendant but descended from her family:
“Among the descendants of her family are the present Duke of Devonshire (via her granddaughter), Diana, Princess of Wales (born Lady Diana Spencer), and Sarah, Duchess of York (via her illegitimate child Eliza Courtney).”
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Comment by Natalie Ford — October 15, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
I Love Mr. Squirrel
when my daughter was around 8 years old she started feeding the squirrels out on the balcony and slowing started placing the peanuts closer and closer to the door and before long they were running into the kitchen and then into the living room for their nuts and one day when the squirrel was inside she shut the door in hopes to catch the squirrel and make him a pet…OH MY the squirrel went crazy running around the house knocking everything down, breaking things…after the squirrel was tramatized Mindy did’nt want “any” pets at all….lol she is in H.S. now and wants to be a Vet 
Liz
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Comment by Liz McCollough — October 16, 2008 @ 2:40 am
Thanks Natalie for pointing out the slip-up in wording when referring to Princess Diana as related to Georgiana Cavendish. I corrected it. I found that information on the Wiki site too, but translated it incorrectly! Interesting indeed!
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 16, 2008 @ 3:33 am
Hi Liz! Mr. Squirrel brings me much needed diversion during the winter months. In the warmer months, he doesn’t come as close to the back door, as he’s gathering mushrooms and other items which are readily available throughout the yard.
I’ve wondered if he would come into the house (if I opened the door), but then I think of what would happen if he did - and Sedona got after him (she hates squirrels). Oh my goodness - that would be disastrous! I can certainly understand the havoc wreaked in your house that day!
Thanks for commenting,
Susan
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 16, 2008 @ 3:34 am
Hi Kerry! I thought of you the other day, as I drive Nelson home when I go to Chena Lakes. You live so close to such beauty! I wish I would have had your phone number with me. I would have seen if you wanted to meet up for coffee or something while I was out and about. I hope you’re doing OK on the roads. Just take your time. As the weather gets colder, the roads will actually get a little better - and people will get their winter driving skills back again.
Welcome to Alaska!
Susan
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 16, 2008 @ 3:48 am
I also watched the “toughest race on earth, Iditarod” & enjoyed it too. I always loved seeing the dogsled races while in Alaska, so I am glad this show will be on now. It will be strange to have our 1st snow-free winter in 3 years here. Beautiful Chena Lake pictures!
Mr. squirrel(or MRS.) is so cute, looks happy & healthy~Sara still talks about “her squirrel” in Alaska that lived in our backyard.
The Duchess movie sounds good, I will check it out when it goes to DVD.
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Comment by Heidi (NV) — October 16, 2008 @ 10:27 am
Hi Heidi! I bet you won’t miss the snow too much.
It was -5F here this morning! BRRRR! At least the sun is out now.
I couldn’t believe Chena Lake was already starting to freeze. I tend to plug my ears and forget that below zero weather shows up in October!
Take care,
Susan
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 16, 2008 @ 11:01 am
Hi Susan! Your squirrel pictures made me break out into a big ol’ smile. You make my day.
I know this is a few days back, but in regard to your winter get-away, my hubby and I are going to Hawaii too in Jan.! So are my son, favorite DIL, and twin grandbabies. I’ll send you a personal email if yo want to know more. 
I wish I had someone to go see chick flicks with, but I have to wait until hubby is busy with other things, then I’ll rent the DVD. I look foward to seeing “The Duchess”. Thanks for making me smile today! Hugs, Lea Ann
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Comment by Lea Ann — October 16, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Hi Lea Ann! I have to admit that I do enjoy my squirrel friend’s antics. I find myself becoming distracted by him, and staring out the window at him for 10-15 minutes at a time. It’s a good distraction though.
How cool that you’re going to Hawaii too! You definitely should email me and give me the details!
Take care,
Susan
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 16, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
Hi! Your blog and your pictures are fantastic (as you know). We love the pictures of Mr. Squirrel and imagining what would happen if Mr. Squirrel managed to get into your home with Sedona at her heels and the cat hiding somewhere.
We also are looking forward to the next “edition” of “The Toughest Race on Earth, Iditarod.” We watched it twice this week just in case we missed something the first time (we recorded it).
I finally started my blog and am figuring out how to use Photobucket. However, my blog is nowhere near as professional-looking as yours!
Once again, your blog and your photographs are more than fantastic!!
Just me
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Comment by Carmen Moore — October 16, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
Hi Carmen. If that squirrel ever got into my house, I’m sure he’d wreak more havoc than Sedona chasing him! I don’t even want to imagine that.
We really enjoyed the Iditarod show too. I’m so glad we have a DVR so we won’t have to miss any episodes either. It was really exciting to see the action from the trail.
I hope Steve and Gip catch some fish today. Steve’s still sleeping (it’s only 5:30am), but he’ll probably be getting up soon to pack up his gear.
Talk to you soon,
Susan
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 17, 2008 @ 4:34 am
Thank You so much for all the picture postings and the detail of your everyday life. I look forward to reading every posting of your journal. I just moved to South Carolina from Florida and I wish I could have just kept going North…All the way to Alaska!. I miss it so much, but you bring it back to me everytime I read your jouranl and look at your beautiful photography… Thank you again and keep up the good work! Stay warm! Christy
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Comment by Christy — October 17, 2008 @ 5:17 am
Hi Christy and thanks for commenting. I’m happy that my journal and photographs bring back good memories for you.
Today, the morning started at -8F at my house. A little bit chillier than your part of the world! I wouldn’t mind a few warm breezes right about now.
Take care,
Susan
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 17, 2008 @ 7:45 am
Take all the time you need while driving those slippery roads Susan! Safety first!
That movie does sound like a great one to go see. I enjoy stuff like that. I love Mr. Squirrel! He’s just way to cute and the expressions are priceless. I could just imagine a squirrel getting into my house with two golden retrievers and two cats! Oh my! I am going to go put some peanut butter out for the squirrels here, we have a few faitful fellas that empty our feeders every day here!
We watched the Iditarod show too, can’t wait for the next episode. It is very interesting to get a first hand look into what its really like out there! What a great idea and a ‘high five’ to who ever thought of making a show out of it! Enjoy the days with Steve home. Stay warm, too!
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Comment by LynnMN — October 17, 2008 @ 10:25 am
Hi Lynn,
I can guarantee if you put out peanut butter, you will become the ‘party house’ of the squirrel community! The peanut butter attracts the gray jays too, and I’ve noticed a couple of the chickadees enjoying a taste now and then. I bet the high fat content is good for them in keeping them warm. I just hope I don’t end up plumping them up so much that they can’t lift off anymore!
You’ll have to let me know how the peanut butter works for you. I also picked up a mix of bird seed that had fruit and nuts in it, and it was gone in no time. Definitely a favorite for all the birds - to include the woodpeckers. Unfortunately, it’s pricey so the next time I buy it, they’re only going to get it once in a while as a special treat! (Maybe Christmas *grin*)
Talk to you soon,
Susan
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Comment by susanstevenson — October 17, 2008 @ 10:45 am
Absolutely beautiful pictures! I get to Alaska every year, and love all the time I amthere. Been there only one tome in winter, it is sooooo peaceful at the cabin, just to walk at night, you can hear the sky talking! have a good day! Willow
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Comment by willow — October 22, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
I think that the squirrel is adorable and I find your kindness in caring for this little one ~ heartening.
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Comment by Suzanne Allen — October 26, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Mr Squirrel is one of my favorite visitors in the winter. Then again, I love all my furry and feathered friends. The feeders are right out my sliding glass doors, so I can enjoy them from my sofa. They make me as happy as I make them in providing food for winter.
Take care,
Susan
[Reply]
Comment by susanstevenson — October 26, 2008 @ 2:31 pm