In Madison
I arrived in Madison as scheduled, with no problems with my flights at all. The flight from Anchorage to Minneapolis (which is usually very uncomfortable because it’s long and often crowded), was lovely, as nearly everyone on board had an empty middle seat next to them. Being able to spread out some, made things so much easier.
Having interesting seat mates also makes the trip go by faster, and I was fortunate to spend the long flight conversing with a woman from Kodiak AK, who moved to AK about 3 years ago with her husband. She was flying to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to spend time with her elderly mother, who wasn’t well. The time just flew by, and when we got off and saw that we were connecting with our next flights in different terminals, we said goodbye as many Alaskans do: with a big hug and a promise to keep in touch.
Minneapolis to Madison was a quick flight and before I knew it, I was in the lobby and Becky was walking towards me. It was so good to see her. The boys were waiting for me outside (parallel parked) and since I had no checked baggage, we were on our way back to their place in no time.
I didn’t have too much of a problem with the time change (+3 hours) but did find myself staying up very late that first night in town.
Yesterday (Thursday), I met an online friend (Yvonne) who was in Madison on business. Yvonne is a wonderful writer and photographer who contributes extensively to the IgoUgo travel website. You can see her profile here. Check out her reviews and journals, if you’re an armchair traveler, or might be heading someplace she’s already been.
I’ve known Yvonne for several years online, but this was our first meeting face to face. We enjoyed muffins and coffee at the local Panera and although Yvonne only had about an hour, it was a marvelous visit. I look forward to seeing Yvonne again this summer when her travels bring her back to AK for an RV vacation.
Last night, I took the family to Olive Garden for dinner. We don’t have an Olive Garden in AK, and I was craving a bowl of Zuppa Toscana soup. We all enjoyed our meals and came home with *doggie bags* too.
Today, Becky is off from work, and she and I have plans to do some shopping - a girls afternoon! I’m really looking forward to it. I’m not a big shopaholic, but there are so many stores here that we don’t have in AK so I plan to take advantage of it.
Tonight, we’re meeting up with our old friends from Philadelphia and I can’t wait. I’ve got butterflies in my stomach with excitement! No matter how much time passes, when I spend time with Denise and her family, it’s as if no time has passed at all. These friendships are so special. I hope to take a bunch of photos.
I hear the kids stirring now, so it’s time to put on my chef hat and make us all some breakfast.
I took a few photos of the kids, but don’t have time to download them yet. Photos might have to wait until I get home next week.
Until next time…
If you didn’t bring an ‘extra’ bag to bring all of your shopping finds home with you then don’t forget to buy one! Wish we had an Olive Garden to go to…it always looks so good on TV. Enjoy your trip…..looking forward to the photos.
[Reply]
Comment by Jim Stark — January 15, 2010 @ 11:10 am
Your killing us…..you have photos but we can’t see them yet…..ugh
Thats ok lol
[Reply]
Comment by Liz McCollough — January 15, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
Susan, I just found your blog, and glad that you are still writing about Alaska. You were gracious many years ago in answering many questions I had about a trip to Alaska I made in 2006.
You have enriched many peoples lives with your photos and articles about Alaska, many thanks.
Speaking for myself, I want to say thanks too.
Best of luck in the future.
Bruce
[Reply]
Comment by Bruce Burnette — January 16, 2010 @ 6:09 am
I’m so glad to hear you’re trip has started off well. I hope it continues that way. But I’m sure as long as you’re with your family nothing could mess that up. I hope you have a great day! love ya. XOXO
[Reply]
Comment by Kayla Melton — January 18, 2010 @ 4:24 am
hello Susan,
My name is Michele and I live in Connecticut. I am in the midst of selling my home and I have been very very drawn to Alaska for many months now. I really really am considering moving there.
I am a widow, I have a daughter with a baby on the way and another that has autism and is 21. I have many questions about the work, the programs for disabled and many others in Alaska.
Throughout your blog several have mentioned you were very gracious at answering questions about Alaska. I was wondering if you would be able to do so for me.
If you can help please respond I would be ever ever so grateful.
Michele Centeno
[Reply]
susanstevenson Reply:
February 11th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Hi Michele and welcome to my blog. I’m sorry I didn’t respond in a timely fashion.
I don’t have a lot of information to share with you about programs for the disabled, but I am almost certain that someone in the Yahoo Group: Alaska Living (link here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alaska-Living/ ) might be able to provide you with some insight. The members of the group are from all over Alaska. Some have only come up in recent years, and others have been here for many, many years.
I also have a friend in Anchorage named Michael, who had a disabled daughter (might have been autism, but not certain) and I am going to pass your email address along to him, if you don’t mind, and perhaps he can answer some of your questions.
As for the work available here in Fairbanks or Anchorage, check out the help wanted ads in the Fairbanks Newsminer ( http://www.newsminer.com) and the Anchorage Daily News (www.adn.com). Unfortunately, many places will not even consider hiring a person unless they are already here - unless you are in the health care or teaching fields.
I hope to see you in the Alaska Living Group.
Take care,
Susan
[Reply]
Comment by Michele Centeno — February 8, 2010 @ 5:08 am