Today is Earth Day, a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. I found a quote online that I feel is perfect for Earth Day:
“There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” ~ Marshall McLuhan.
We can all do our part to save energy, conserve water, recycle, and make environmentally protective choices. Every little bit helps. I want my grandchildren and g-grandchildren to have a beautiful earth to enjoy!
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The geese arrived in Fairbanks last week. Each day more arrive. The fields at Creamers still have piles of snow in places, but there are also puddles and plenty of grain and seeds to welcome the spring arrival of the Canadian Geese. There are cars in the parking lot again; folks sitting quietly, watching the geese peck and honk and squawk and chase each other. What a joy it is to see the geese again. The sandhill cranes will be arriving next. Spring has definitely sprung!
I took Sedona for a drive to Chena Lakes last week. The lakes are still frozen, but there is slush around the edges in places. There were ice fisherman out on the lake, which I was surprised to see. I don’t know if I’d be so willing to go out there with the weather warming as it has, but I’m sure they’ve been doing this long enough to know when it’s too dangerous to go out there. I hope!
I was thrilled to see the willow catkins blooming (aka pussy willows). That’s always a first sign of spring, and brings joy to my heart. Skies were a deep cobalt blue and the soft, white, *furry* catkins against the blue backdrop were just beautiful.
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On Thursday, Steve and I made the decision to cancel our trip to Homer after news that Mt Redoubt erupted again. I am so thankful that we did, as the volcano has erupted several times since then, and has been spewing ash up and down the Kenai Peninsula. Then, to make matters even more dangerous, avalanches closed the Seward Highway near Girdwood - the route we would take to Homer. If we would have gone, as planned, we’d no doubt be stuck in Anchorage right now - with no way, or desire, to continue our trip to Homer.
We are both very disappointed, but also glad that we made the decision to cancel.
You can read more about Mt. Redoubt at the Alaska Volcano Observatory website here: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php
So far, there has been no ash showing up in Fairbanks. Fairbanks is about 400 miles from the volcano, so we’re relatively safe - however if the winds shift, we could see trace amounts. Ash is bad for engines, mechanical equipment and lungs, as the particles have sharp edges. This is not good for anyone with breathing difficulties (I have asthma), so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t reach the interior.
We’re considering a trip to Homer during Steve’s time off in April, although the eagles will not be active then, as they will be nesting. We originally booked a gray whale watch out of Seward in April, but that was canceled because the highway into Seward will be closed for bridge repair. We just can’t win! I hope these early season disappointments don’t continue into the summer months. We’re scheduled to return to Homer in July, and go on a bear viewing trip to Katmai while there.
So, with Steve off for the next few days, I’d like to at least take a scenic drive. I’ve got cabin fever and the temperature has been above zero with a lot of sunshine lately.
Until next time…
I lost the past week somewhere. I’ve been sleeping late, not sleeping, being lazy, running errands, and basically just trying to get back into the ‘groove’ of everyday life. I still don’t feel like I’m out of vacation mode (also known as ’slug mode’), but little by little, I’m getting there.
Happy Valentines Day! If you have a special person in your life, I hope you have a sweet, romantic and loving day today. If you don’t have anyone special, make sure you be good to yourself.
Valentines Day is not a special day in our house. I don’t need flowers or chocolates or a card to know that Steve adores me. He shows me that every day. But I have to admit I let out a little “squeee” last night when he came home from work bearing roses. He also had his face covered in kisses, which he certainly seemed to enjoy. It was such a surprise to receive them - unnecessary, but nevertheless a very sweet gesture.
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