Alaska State Fair

FUN, FUN, FUN!
This state fair was similar to most; the traffic to and from was backed-up.  Unlike most state fairs, the people in the vehicles didn't seem to mind the wait.  The weather was perfect--sunny and in the low 60's.  The company I was with--what can I say?  AWESOME!!!  My cousin, Katie, her friend and neighbor, Julie, and Matt and I cruised the fair ground.  We looked at antiques, quilts, art, jewelry, clothing, livestock, reptiles, crafts, etc.  We ate...sorry, still too recent.  I cannot even THINK of everything I ate--fair food is dangerous!  I didn't get the chance, but it would have been fun to watch one of the oldest fair events--rat racing. (Yes, really!)

Quilt exhibit--thought you would enjoy this Jeanette!  (I have other close-up photos if you are interested.)

It must have been a tough competition--both pig and owner are fast asleep.

The cabbage weighs 63 lbs.  (This is for you, Diane!)

Just couldn't resist taking a photo of this booth!

Matt on his first ride!

Rides, people, mountains, games...

In line for one of the rides...note the girl's "fair hair".  This seems to be quite the business here--"fair hair" and face painting...

We are on our way out. Note the line to get in--smiles.

This will probably be the last entry for a bit.  Matt and I are heading home!!!!

Smiles,

Susan

Last days in Seward

Thought you might enjoy some photos taken during our last day at Seward.  It had been raining for days.  Then, on Friday, the sun came out--GLORIOUS!

Sunshine "burning off" the cloud cover.

Ditto

Downtown Seward

The wonderful little movie theater--the last movie we saw there was...Dang, what's the title for the latest Wolverine movie?

On our way north to Anchorage, the sunshine continued.  Everything was so green and alive! 

We are now back with Katie and her family.  It is great to see them again!  The sunshine continues, and I am giddy! Much to Matthew's chagrin, we will be taking a walk as soon as this is "published".  Tomorrow, we are going to the fair near Palmer.  The Alaska State Fair is well...I will upload pictures.  It is not like any other state fair I have been to.
Hope you are all having an extraordinary Saturday!
Smiles and love,
Susan

The locals!

Dang, this is hard!  Matt and I have met some wonderful people in this town; they will be missed.  We intend to come back in a couple of years…

Let me introduce you to some of these uniquely awesome people—

Seward Library

Our last day there, we listened to the short story "Brownies" by Z.Z. Packer.  I enjoyed it!  The story examined racism through the eyes of a young girl.  After the reading, Matt and I shelved and "neatened" the main collection of books.  It has been a great library!  We have checked out books and DVDs...(We really enjoy "Bones"!  I thought I had seen most of the shows in this TV series.  Uh, no.)  They also have a decent collection of "exchange books"--great to just read on a rainy day!

Meet Rachel and Kate!  Rachel is the volunteer coordinator, and Kate works both the library and museum.  Both exceptional women--smiles!

Seward Food Bank
(Totally supported by the community--no federal or state funds!)
Our last volunteer day there was Thursday.  Matt and I have been spoiled to be a part of these peoples lives--both the volunteers and the people who utilize the service.  These people live LARGE.  The experiences they've had, and the stories they tell...amuse, terrify, humble, wrench, and leave me most often in awe...

Shawn and Matt
Shawn's father started the food bank 40 years ago (give or take a decade), and Shawn continues the tradition.  He gave us our start at the Food Bank--THANK YOU!  

Jackie and Shawn
Jackie and her husband are very involved in the community, AND they are amazing outdoor enthusiasts! Jackie is a stellar example of a grounded practical Alaskan woman--AND she is gorgeous! SMILES!

Joe and Matt
Joe is an outstanding stocker.  He also works at the RV park (Seward Resort) where Matt and I were staying. A very friendly and generous man.
Matt is at the weighing station.  He had to note the weight of the bags going out--each household could have up to 10 lbs. of food a week.

Judy, Matt, and Mike
Matt and I were very fortunate to have these two in our lives.  We saw them at community events, at the senior center, and on the street.  They were a "local connection"--smiles.  They blessed us not only with stories and genuine friendship, but with some dang amazing gifts.Mike gave Matthew and I jewelry he made from parts of the animals he trapped and hunted--black bear claws, beaver tooth, and coyote teeth. BEAUTIFUL! Judy gave us parts of her life...Matthew got the counter her husband used in commercial fishing (Matt now sleeps with it!). She gave me a candle holder made from a bottle--unique and beautiful.  Thank you very much, Judy and Mike...smiles and love.

Senior Center
This place was another joy!!!  Matthew and I learned so much from our wonderful friend and cook, Shirley.  Our friendship with her was instantaneous--fun to have that kind of spontaneous connection.  THANK YOU, Shirley!  Hope to see you in Scotland!  As for the seniors eating and "playing" at the center--THANK YOU!!!  What a bunch of amazing, funny, and supportive people!  You all made our time volunteering there an absolute BLAST!

Shirley and Matt
Shirley has been an amazing teacher for both of us!  Note--Matt is "fry cook"!

Ted, Shirley, and Matt
Ted is a beautiful teddy-bear of a man.  Thank you, Ted for the very kind card and all of your support.  It is appreciated!

Ron
Now, here is a man with stories to tell!!!  He too was a commercial fisherman and is a very proud father!

Dana and Ginny
Kookie--YES!!!   Dana is the director of the center, and Ginny manages the secretarial end of things.  THANK YOU ladies!!!  It was a blast to work for the two of you!

Friends met and instantly loved--

Jim, Matt, and Judy
Seriously, how can you NOT know these two are a stitch?!  I mistakenly said, "Hold it!", and they did.  Never mind that it was Matt's bum!  SMILES!!!  These two, in addition to having a wonderful sense of humor, are great conversationalists!  We discussed countries visited, experiences enjoyed, etc.  They are definitely family!  See you two in Texas!!!  (They LIVE in Texas; they are not "Texans".  SMILES!) 

These two own THE coffee house (shaped like a coffee cup).  Awesome young people who are soon to be parents for the first time!!  I imagine their son will be quite the connoisseur of coffee and all good things liquid caffeine!!!  Thank you for making Matthew and my mornings especially delicious!

Gwen
Gwen, thank you for your kindness AND for making the RV park BEAUTIFUL!  Hope to see you in Idaho!

There are so many others of whom I don't have photos--

Angela--The massage was great!  I only wish I could have gotten in the second time!

Women in the front office of the RV park--AWESOME!  Thank you for all of your help--saving the credit card I forgot, keeping our mail, reserving the kayaking trip, getting us good spots in the park, etc.

Cary--Wish I had time to talk with you more.  You are quite the library legend!

Dudes at the Mexican restaurant--MAN!  That was the hottest salsa I have EVER had!!  I thank you!  (My tongue wasn't quite on board for that"thanks", but it will get there! SMILES!)

There are many more people who touched our lives in Seward.  To all of you, thank you!  Matt and I are beyond fortunate.  See you again in two years!
To all of my "old" friends reading this, thank you for continuing to be a part of our lives...
Smiles and love to all the outstanding people!
Susan

The Black Bear video--promised and now delivered!

Got it!!!!
Adding the bear link--note the interesting behavior.  This pattern was repeated at least 15 times.  We ultimately moved on to watch some of the other animals at the Wildlife Conservation Center.  The voices--Matt, Tracy (my cousin's husband), and my Dad.

Extraordinary events!

Okay, maybe silly, but I was THRILLED to finally meet two Deaf men!!!  Matt and I had a great time yakking with both of them.  They were up from California working in a fish processing plant in Seward.  The one young man was hopeful; it was possible he’d be promoted to area supervisor.  (Maybe we will see him again when we return.)  I had an appointment, so we weren’t able to yak for long…I really missed the ISD students that day!  (OH, and today, we finally realized that one of the LDS missionaries, who volunteers at the food bank, is fluent in ASL!!!  His younger sister is Deaf.  Again, the opportunity to yak was short, but it was satisfying.)  It amazes me how connected I feel when I am signing with people.  Maybe, because it is such a small community, we more readily value each other.  I don’t know why, but I know I was thrilled and appreciated having the time to yak-a-bit.

As for the other unique event, only those of you who know me well will understand how improbable...I made Quiche Lorraine!!!  Yes, yes, I did!  Okay, Shirley, the cook at the Senior Center, had to tell me each step to take, but I was able to follow her directions and make something pretty dang tasty! (Or at least I think it was.  It had bacon, and so was off-limits for me.)  Looks delicious, doesn’t it?!  Lie, if you don’t agree.  SMILES!

Smiles!!!  

I hope all of you have at least one positive extraordinary event this week!
Smiles and love,
Susan

Life in Seward

Hello!!!                               

Matt and I visited the Sea Life Center again this week.  The stellar seal baby, Ellie, had her first week in the big tank with Mom.  It was so much fun to watch the two of them swim and play. 

Meanwhile, Matt and the harbor seal played together through the glass.  Matt would swing his toy (a mini flashlight) back and forth against the glass, and the seal would follow it!  It turned circles to mimic Matt’s circles on the glass.  The interaction reminded me of the seals he played with in the surf at the Galapagos Islands.  The guide had never seen a seal play with a person as it did with Matt.  He really has an affinity with animals.  SMILES!  (Yes, I did catch the “play” on video, but I cannot seem to link it…sorry!)

 

Matt's playmate

Matt's playmates (resting) in the Galapagos (2008)

Ellie

The weather has become colder and wetter—rain and chill is more the norm now.   (Matt has asked to get out his long-sleeved shirts.)  The fireweed is only blooming on the top (the last blossoms to bloom); it is a clear indicator that summer is “over”.  It has been a terrific summer in Alaska.  The locals/natives all say that it has been the best one EVER!  The sun shone daily, and the temperatures were warm—some said too warm!  (It got up into the low 80’s. SMILES!)

A sunny warm day in Seward

The end of the fireweed; the end of summer

A chilly wet day in Seward--still beautiful!

Yesterday, we went to the community picnic—free food and entertainment!  They had Halibut, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, chips/rolls, and desserts.  YUM!  The natives’ performances and dress were similar to many I have seen in the “lower 48”.  The one unique item was the impressive raven hat worn by a drummer/singer.  (Maybe you can pick it out in the photo…)

Raven clan performance

Today, it is raining again.  Matt and I are finishing paperwork, emails, this blog entry, laundry, postcards, and our third cup of coffee—smiles!  I think we will hike up to Exit Glacier this afternoon.  (You learn to dress for the rain and keep going.)  Maybe have a salad at the grocery store for dinner, and then watch a movie before turning in tonight…A good day!

Hope this finds you all well and happy!

Smiles and love,
Susan

Fun and "really"?

Lucky!

Because of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby, we stayed at the Marathon Campground (on the bay/ocean)—thanks to Jim and Judy!  A beautiful place, despite the steady rain typical of this time of year; rain gear a MUST!

View of the beach from our campsite

View of our campsite from the beach

While walking into town (“spitting” more than “raining”), I overheard an older couple.  I am guessing both were octogenarians.  The man was leaning against a car and his, what I am assuming, wife was close to him steadying herself with a cane.  Both were watching the construction of the new dorms for the culinary school. 

“No, I SEE a man in a yellow shirt.  NO, I see a MAN in a yellow shirt.  THERE!  Yes, a MAN in a YELLOW shirt!”

I couldn’t help myself....as I came up to them, I had to support the man,  “Well, if it helps any, I see ‘im too.”  

We all chuckled!  Ahhhhh, sanity, check; I still have it!  (I am certain the gentleman felt the same!)

Now, another small-world-event—Matt and I moved back to the “resort”  (Seward military campground).  We begged for site #23---more room, a picnic table, and close to the bathrooms.  Later that evening—after our “clean” (van, bodies, and clothes), we meet the neighbors (a campground formality and sometimes joy).   SURPRISE!  Can you believe it?  They were also from Pottawattamie County, IA-- Council Bluffs to be specific!!! One of the guys was a responder to ISD’s first “lock-down-scare"!!!!  He is a friend of the man who dates Cindy Soppe.  (Sorry, we all know now!)  He also went to school with…okay, let us say it in unison—JOHN COOL!!!!  John, you will forever be the “Kevin Bacon” of ISD!!!!  Fun experience, and a reminder that we cannot leave our past!!!—SMILES!  (Happily).

Two-Lakes hike  (some trees and "green" for Jen)

Same lake--how clear!

Walkin' down 4th St. in Seward...yeah, really!

Volunteering with love

WOW!  I am so far behind…Everyday is filled with joy and wonder; the best days also incorporate “work”.

Food Bank—the first distribution day after “the move” was a GREAT success!!!  Consumers and volunteers all enjoyed the spacious, more easily cleaned and stocked area.  Jackie was especially pleased that 20 plus consumers could be in the building simultaneously.  (At the old facility, during inclement weather, people had to wait outside until there was enough room for another group.)  I am SOOOO happy for this community program; the new digs will do well!  For the next two Thursdays, we will be able to support this group...definitely, not long enough!

Library—Matt and I finished organizing the boxes in the basement.  Today, when we came in to work, we broke-down cardboard and started with the “sale” materials.  Tomorrow we will bring up additional items (books, magazines, tapes, etc.) and organize the “for sale” shelves.  The library is a new building, and the community is divided—“beautiful” OR “definitely not”?  Despite that argument, Seward locals and visitors all agree that it is a wonderful library.  (Kudos to the library staff!) 

The tiles remind me of the Northern Lights...Yes, it is a "modern" building; I love it!

Senior Center—COOL BEANS!  We started work there today!  Matthew and I “wash dishes and assist the cook as needed”.   Matt was in his element!!!  (THANK YOU Katie R.  and Liz G. for working with Matt at the Micah House in CB!  Matt felt proud and able because of YOUR support at that volunteer opportunity!)  Shirley (the cook) THANK YOU for allowing us to work with you!  We had the best time today!  Happily, we will be able to work there 6 more days.  After that, Dana (the director) hopes to have more a permanent volunteer.  Whoever fills that role will be fortunate.  Judy and Jim—THANK YOU for recommending us!!!  I feel very honored to be your “token daughter-in-law”!  (Again, I am overwhelmed by the generosity and friendship offered so genuinely and easily…thank you.)

I owe you all a picture of the mural on the side of the senior center--Fun!

Isn't it fun?!

Considering the RV...

August10, 2013

I had to email Sportsmobile awhile back—

There was a warning label on my driver’s-side visor; it stated that I shouldn’t be sitting in this particular seat while the vehicle is in motion.  I emailed a photo of the warning label to the guys in Texas; they reported that they almost wet themselves laughing!  It certainly was the wrong warning label, and they assured me that I SHOULD be sitting in the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion.  (Seriously, not that they needed to tell me that, but I am happy they found their mistake fun!)

Makes you wonder where they thought the driver SHOULD sit!

There is an issue that is not as easily remedied. (For the above concern, I just ripped off the label so as not to confuse any future driver.)  I would like to change the horn on this huge piece of equipment. (Okay, it is only 19’, but it feels huge.)  Now, when you lean on the horn, it makes a very weak, strangled “beep”.  Seriously, a child would beg to have a more effective horn on his or her tri-cycle!  Well, last night, while camping on the beach, we watched a cruise ship come in and dock…I want the van fitted with the same foghorn on that baby!!!  I am telling you, I could clear streets with that horn!  Pedestrians would be cured of constipation!  Runners would break speed records!  The van would FINALLY get the respect it deserves!!!  (Instead of the giggles it receives when I “slightly toot” irritation.)  I am a bit concerned, however, I think mounting “the horn” to the van might be a slight issue…There may also be laws to consider…Hmmm, well, not that I would use it, but my middle finger still extends…

I want the foghorn on this ship!!
Note the wood remnants of the small harbor in the foreground (pre-1964 earthquake/tsunami) 

Seward--work, fun, and creativity!

Tuesday Matt and I worked with the other volunteers setting up the new food bank.  I was surprised that there was so much to do!  (Blame that on being naive!  Dad, I have even more respect for what you do with the food bank in Ottumwa!)  Organizing displayed food and the food in the storage area was both challenging and rewarding.  Thank heavens, Jackie (the “director”), was there to set some guidelines.  I like to organize, but I had NO clue how to organize food.  (Those who have been to my home know how little food I have, so organizing it was moot. This was a new experience.)  The men (including Matt) moved the heavy freezers and refrigerators.  At the end of the 8-hour day, things were set.  *Heavy sigh* Thursday, we’ll see how it goes (opening day), and tweak as needed.

It was a wonderful day—good exercise (brain and body), and Matt and I met even more good people!!

Jackie—THANK YOU for your guidance!

Shawn—THANK YOU for the opportunity to volunteer!

Rob, Cindy, Cameron, and Noah—THANK YOU for lunch, your acceptance/friendship, and energy (it rubbed off!)!

Basically, thanks to everyone who volunteered that day.  (Sorry, can’t remember everyone’s name.)  Matthew and I felt useful and blessed to be involved with such a generous and vital group of people.

This noon (Wednesday), Matt and I went to the adult story hour at the library.  The librarian read The Best Girlfriend You Never Had by Pam Houston.  It was definitely a memorable story—I loved her “turn of phrase” and description.  There were only a few of us there; luckily, Jim and Judy were two of the group.  They are hosts at one of the campgrounds in the area, and they made some suggestions for how to get a space this weekend.  (There are few camping sites available—it is the VERY popular Salmon Derby this weekend, and everyone and their brother/sister is comin’ in!)  The prizes are numerous and impressive—a new truck, thousands of dollars $$$, etc.  We may end up in Moose Pass (north of Seward) Friday through Monday. **(Jim and Judy found us a place for the weekend--dry camping on the beach. SMILES!)

Just met Rachael (librarian in charge of volunteers).  Matt and I will, starting tomorrow, organize the Children’s Activity Room in the basement.   Hmmm, I am sensing a “theme of need”—“organization”.  So, we have that to look forward to tomorrow.  SMILES!! 

Thursday--a few hours into organizing at the library

Tonight, we met the thespian group and made masks—cool beans!  Matt and I worked on his—didn’t get all of the painting done, but had a fun time being creative together!  Went out to eat afterwards—awesome restaurant—Salmon Bake.  Their motto—“The beer is cheap and the food is lousy.”  Neither were true—smiles!

Matt and his half-completed mask

Salmon Bake Restaurant at closing time--rustically cool!

Seward--the next batch of days

August 5, 2013

Working at the food bank was good!  Matt and I started at the new building—moving furniture, cleaning walls and floors.  Helped bring over the first group of shelves from the "old" building, and started stocking them. This is a non-denominational, community-funded food bank, and as such, I have been fortunate to meet a unique variety of warm and wonderful local people.  Great to see a community care for its own!  Matt and I will work there again on Tuesday to hopefully complete the move and have everything set. The food bank is open every Thursday 3:00-6:00.  Each of the 100-150 people who need food are allowed to “shop” and take home 10 lbs. a week.

ANYWAY, as soon as we finished at the food bank on Friday, I got a call from Tracy.  He and Olivia had just gotten into town!  We all had a great time walking around, eating a late lunch, and shopping.  Olivia bought herself XtraTufs (note photo)—THE Alaskan rubber boot.  It is quite the fashion statement here! Interestingly enough, they do look VERY cute with breezy summer sundresses!  Katie was able to drive in later that evening, and so Tracy started a campfire, and we yakked!  Unfortunately, the rain started in earnest; Matt and I went back to the RV.  (Thanks for the ride Tracy!) Next morning it was “spitting”, but we still went out for breakfast, and then wandered the beach to find quartz.  My cousin, Olivia, loves rocks too!!!  Decided to ride around a bit to check out some of the local area. We did not get to the prison on the other side of the bay, so Matt and I will explore there another time.  Katie, Tracy, and Olivia all took off early afternoon to get back to Anchorage.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the visit dear cousins! MUCH LOVE!

Olivia and her new XtraTufs--cute!

Oh, while hanging out with just Olivia and Tracy, we did go up to see the last “chute” (a treacherous “path”) on Mount Marathon.  Seward is quite famous for this mountain run scheduled during the July 4^th celebrations.   I remember being here with Nancy in 2000—we watched as dirty, bloody, totally damaged people ran into town from the mountain.  Many of them had their socks and shoes duct-taped to their feet and calves.  Not that it detracted from their overall abused look—dang! 

If you are interested in more visual information--scroll through the photos on this site:
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/slideshow/photos-mount-marathon-race-2013

Mount Marathon-you can see the running trail.

The last "chute" the runners come down before sprinting in to town.

Most of this weekend it has been raining and chilly.  Matt and I have played games, watched our new addiction (“Merlin”—a British series), cleaned the RV, did laundry,  sent emails, talked with the people in the RV area, etc….Man, it does sound like a normal weekend!

Smiles and love to all!

Susan

King Salmon after spawning...not much time left.

Walking the beach looking for quartz