Hyperbole Prattle

Christmas Past

2011-12-12T23:55:00.001-09:00

During this, our greatest Holiday Season of the year, our culture and values have changed through the years. Today, via the mass media, we are bombarded with the commercialization of Christmas. Although,it is an important business season for our economy, I maintain that there is a better way to market the season. I see parents getting stressed out to get their children everything that is on their Christmas list, despite the fact the majority of the Christmas season expenses are put on a credit card and paid through the New Year. Modern technology and the electronic generation adds to this since every child wants or thinks they need the latest electronic gadget on the market. Parents feel guilty if they cannot provide the things that their children request from Santa. Today, a parent takes their young child into the mall to see Santa Claus, they sit on his lap and have their picture taken, of course at a small expense to the parent.

I am not naive enough to believe we can return to Christmas Past, but like many things in our lives we can learn from the past and apply to the present. As a pre-teenager, I lived in a small rural community in western Colorado. Predominantly, it was a ranching and farming community. At that time, the population base was around 5,000 residents. Each Christmas, I thank my mother for teaching myself and my siblings the meaning of Christmas. But, I also thank the community for similar values. Today, in this community, in the center of town is the movie theatre, the Fox Theatre. The last time I visited the community, it was still there and still in business. As a child, the theatre always had a Saturday matinee, cost of admission was a dime. But, Christmas was very special. On the Saturday before Christmas, the Fox would host a free matinee for the children of the community. It would consist of two cartoons, the news reel, and a full feature movie. Following the movie, the lights would come on, Christmas carols would start playing, and then the Mayor would make a short speech and introduce a special guest, Santa Claus.

Santa would not sit in a big chair, he preferred to stand up with a Elf standing next to his side. He to, would make a very brief speech, highlighting important things like school work and listening to our parents. When he finish, those of us in the audience, would file out by row and proceed in line to meet Santa. As we approached him, he would extend his white gloved hand and shake your hand. As he chatted with you, his Elf would appear with a brown paper sack, a lunch bag nearly filled with a variety of candies and always some type of fruit, orange or apple. In later years, I learned about Santa's visit. The Fox Theatre would provide the Free Movie, the merchants in town contributed all of the contents of the bag by either donating cash or product. Following the meet and greet of Santa, we would return to our seats and a choir would come in and sing a variety of carols, with Santa leading them. At the conclusion, he would depart the theatre, step up onto the City Fire Truck, wait for all of us to clear the building and with sirens blaring head down the street from our sight. Years later, as an adult, do I believe in Santa? I do because I saw him through the eyes of a child, I touched his hand, and he spoke to me.

Walking home, the majority of the homes were decorated for Christmas, City Hall and every church would have a naivety scene, some them even having live animals at the manger. The homes would decorate with lights, but they did not keep time with blaring music, but every home would have an outside tree decorated. It always intrigued me, but some of these homes would have lights in the shape of a star in their front window. The stars would always be solid blue or gold. It was later that I learned that those stars indicated that they had a member on active duty if it was Blue. If the family had lost a member of the family on active duty, the star would be Gold.

A family of seven, my farther made a living of buying and selling horses to supplement his guiding and dude ranch business in the summer and fall. My mother would work in the local restaurants as a cook to provide additional income. She would start in early November and start preparing for Christmas, making candies, cookies, fruit cake, and reviewing or lists to Santa. We never got everything on our list, but she always insured that we had at least one gift from our list, two if there was a surplus of cash, and of course school clothes for the remainder of the school year. She made it possible and we never felt disappointed because we did not get everything we wanted. We got much more than she realized she was giving us. We established Christmas traditions that are still practiced in our home today.

"Merry Christmas To All"

Summer 2011

2011-09-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

The northerly winds are starting to show on a regular basis, marking the end of the summer and the changing of the season's. The fall season will be short lived and once again we will experience the onslaught of winter. The wild and domestic flowers have passed their prime, but we have experienced a great summer growing season. These pictures were taken at our home in Anchor Point, Alaska.

Front Yard Rock Garden

The Delphiniums experienced a great summer, three of the nine beds exceeded eight feet in height between 5/18/2011 to their peak the latter part of August. The ground cover at the base of the White Delphiniums are English Daisies.

We raised four varieties of Lilly's this season, a hardy flower for our conditions.

The Dahlias ~ this is the first year that I have attempted to raise Dahlias, although late bloomers, they were a great addition. A very sturdy plant that do well under our windy conditions since we live on a bluff

and susceptible to wind. Plan on increasing to several beds this next growing season.

My all time favorite ground cover flower, the Livingston Daisy. By planting them close, you can create a bed of blossoms that are vibrant in color and hardy. They are also known as "Sun Flowers" because they will close up under low light conditions and blossom in full color with a touch of sunlight. A great flower requiring very little maintenance.

Lilly

English Daisy

Lilly

Lilly Bed Combined With Plox, Columbine, and Fern.

Happy Birthday ~ My Good Friend

2011-03-30T00:05:00.001-08:00

This evening, I have sat and searched out hundreds of poems to best describe how I feel about a special friend of mine. Then it dawned on me, words of poetry cannot describe our friendship, our bond that has existed for the past nine years. Between, the two of us, we do not need to share the spoken word, our feelings for one another is expressed through our eyes, a slight movement of the hand, and from the heart.

You have been there, at times when I needed a friend the most. In grief at our loss, as the tears swelled, you would awaken from your nap, come to me and lay your head upon my lap. No words were spoken, but as your eyes look into mine, you were telling me that everything would be just fine.

Friend, you have done well. You were eager to learn, but more eager to please. We worked together for hours to learn to retrieve, as you progressed from singles to triples, I realized that you were training me. You taught me patience, by showing me heart. You showed me your ability to learn without threats of being hit or with a shock. In return, all you ask for was a little playtime with the ball, just you and me.

We have traveled thousands of miles, memories all good, the nights we spent camped out and waiting for first light. We have been fortunate because together, we were able to enjoy some great sights.

The past nine years have slipped by fast, but looking back old friend, we have had a blast. We have had some rough times, but we have also shared the good, with each event by my side you stood.

Happy Birthday To My Good Friend, "Dutch"

Dutch Harbor Dutchman ~ "Dutch"

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Date of Birth: March 30, 2002 ~ Dutch Harbor, Alaska

May 18, 2002

Our First Day Together

My Birthday Present

Anchor Angler, Anchor Point, Alaska

First Visit To Friends Home ~ Meryl Wolford

"Marking Retrieve In The Snow"

Anchor Point Beach Grass ~ Waiting For Release Signal For A Retrieve

Day At The Beach With His Buddy Ruger

"Playtime In The Snow"

Time Out To Play Ball

Great Alaska Earthquake

2011-03-25T14:45:00.001-08:00

FORTY SEVEN YEARS AGO THIS SUNDAY:

At 5:36 p.m. AKST, Good Friday, March 27, 1964 the second largest earthquake to ever recorded would strike the Alaska coastline. The major earthquake would last a duration of four minutes, reaching a magnitude of 9.2 on the Richter Scale. A vast area, predominantly coastline communities suffered the greatest loss of life and property. A total of thirteen individuals would loose their lives related to the actual earthquake. However, the worse was yet to occur. The Tsunami Wave came ashore following the earthquake, although the Tsunami varied in height from 27 feet to 8 feet. The loss of life and destruction of property was far greater than that created by the earthquake with a total of 113 lives being lost due to the Tsunami Wave.

Additional lives would be lost in Canada and as far south as Cresent City, California where twelve souls would loose their lives due to the massive wave.

EARTHQUAKE RECORDS

The largest earthquake ever recorded occurred at Valdivia, Chile on May 22, 1966 measuring 9.5 Magnitude.

Second Largest: March 27, 1964, Good Friday Earthquake in Alaska measuring 9.2 Magnitude

Third Largest: December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean, Sumatra, Indonesia measuring 9.1-9.3

Fourth Largest: November 4, 1952, Kamchatka, U.S.S.R. measuring 9.0

Fourth Largest: March 11, 2011 Pacific Ocean, Tohoku, Japan measuring 9.0

The following photographs were taken by my father,Vern Harrington on the Homer Spit, Homer Alaska.

(Front) Land's End Resort ~ Homer Spit ~ Homer, Alaska

Buildings ~ Homer Spit ~ Homer Alaska

(Rear) Land's End Resort ~ Homer Spit ~ Homer, Alaska

Fuel Farm ~ Homer Spit, ~ Homer Alaska

Fuel Storage Area and Buildings ~ Homer Spit ~ Homer, Alaska

Change You Can Believe In

2011-01-24T05:00:00.004-09:00

Now, this is "Change" that you can actually see with your own eyes. The two photos were taken the same day, January 19, 2011. That date should be familiar to you as it was the day that President Hu made his visit to the residence of President Obama. In the morning, a light graying of the hair. Later in the day when photographed with President Hu, he had washed that gray right out of his hair.

As with all of our Presidents, the daily stress of this office has a tendency to age them rapidly. This process goes with the job. However, hiding the signs of this stress does not really eliminate the factors of the stress. President Clinton discovered that smoking a good cigar would reduce his stress level.

The President is forty nine years of age, typically this is the point in a man's life that you can expect some changes. There are those that describe this process as a mid life crisis for men. First sign of this process is the desire to become healthier. The purchase of a "juicer" and making up all kinds of concoctions of a variety of fruit and vegetables is a sure sign that a man is looking for the fountain of youth. Then come the motorcycles, vintage cars, new clothes, new hair style, and yes, coloring of the hair in order to return to the age of their youth.

I am just a few years older than the President. Although, I have not had the stressful life of the President, I too am showing a little gray around the temples. Several years ago, I went to a costume party. For this particular party, you had to come dressed as you would in your younger years. I donned my "old" Navy uniform that I was issued when I joined the Navy thirty years earlier. Looking at myself in the mirror, the gray that was showing did not go well with the uniform. I got myself some of that instant youth looking goop and washed it through my hair. Drying it and combing it as it was in the 1960's, I was amazed that my hair looked worse than before I tried to restore my youth. You can hide the color of hair, but those little wrinkles in your face will not disappear.

The "graying process" has never bothered me, I consider it the "learned look" as well as being distinguished. The thing you must keep in mind is that you may wash the gray out of your hair, but at the same time, you also have to color your beard, mustache, arms, legs, chest, and any other area that hair happens to grow. The best thing to do is let it go and consider yourself lucky that you have achieved that position in your life.

Welcome To "Change"

2011-01-14T22:15:00.004-09:00

Recently, while having morning coffee at the Anchor River Inn, one of the regulars at the coffee clutch produced a email from a lady that lived in Anchor Point. Although, I knew of her, I had never overly indulged myself in conversation with her due to her radical political philosophy. She was a self proclaimed Democrat, very liberal in her beliefs pertaining to saving the environment, global warming, and destruction of our planet. She placed the majority of the blame on the timber industry and large oil companies.

Her email went on to explain her life after leaving Anchor Point. She moved to Sappho, Washington, a small community on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula. She purchased a small home and several acres in Sappho which is situated on the border of the Olympic National Forest. On the highest point of her property there was a very large tree. Wanting a better view of the "natural environment" of her land she decided to climb the tree.
As she neared the top of the tree, she encountered a Spotted Owl that attacked her because she got to close to the owl's nest. In her haste to escape the owl, she slid down the tree to the ground. Having her legs wrapped around the tree, she acquired a number of large splinters in the area of her crotch.

In considerable pain, she hurried to the medical clinic in Forks, Washington, about ten miles in distance. Arriving at the medical clinic, she demanded to see the Doctor on duty immediately. During his examination, she explained as to how she acquired the splinters. She went on to expound on her political beliefs as to her position on the environment, anti-hunting, and how much she admired President Obama.

The doctor listened to her with great patience and then told her to to wait in the operating room and he would see if he could help her and remove the splinters. The nurse assisted her in positioning herself on the table and placing her feet in the stirrups in anticipation of the removal process. After waiting for two hours, the Doctor reappeared in the operating room. The angry lady demanded "What took you so long, I am in great pain and very uncomfortable!"

A sly smile escaped the lips of the Doctor and then he went on to explain to her, "Well, I had to get permits from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Forestry, the Division of State Parks, and the Bureau of Land Management. She demanded why he had to do all of that simply to remove the splinters from her crotch! The Doctor again smiling to himself, replied, "Well, before I could remove any old-growth timber, which is the nesting area of "Spotted Owl" from a recreational area, I needed the required permits. I'm sorry, but due to the permitting process, Obama Care turned me down." The nurse will assist in helping you get dressed, have a good day. As the operating door closed behind him, she could hear him laughing and repeating, "How Do You Like The Change Now"

2010-12-21T21:34:00.001-09:00

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

Is It Really Christmas

2010-12-17T05:08:00.003-09:00

Ever wonder why the price of gasoline is so high?

This is a picture of a Christmas Tree at a glitzy hotel in the Muslim desert emirate of Abu Dhabi.

This particular tree is valued at $11,000,000 dollars. So you do not have to count zeros that is $11 Million dollars. The tree only cost $10,000 Dollars. The decorations was the expensive aspect of the Christmas Tree.
The 40 foot evergreen is located in the gold leaf rotunda of the hotel. The tree is decorated silver and gold bows, ball shaped ornaments, and small white lights. The necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry draped around the branches are what gives it a record value. It holds a total of 181 diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires, and other precious stones.
If you are planning a visit Abu Dhabi in the near future and make reservations at the Emirates Palace, for a seven day stay, your cost is going to be only $1,000,000, however, that includes the butler, and chauffeur driven Maybach luxury car as well as a private jet available for trips to other countries in the region. Oh, I would love to visit Iran or Syria during my Christmas vacation.
If you run short of cash, they also have ATM's, but it is a vending machine that pays out in gold! To find another machine like that, you will need to take the private jet to Germany!
What caught my attention is that Abu Dhabi is predominantly a Muslim country, why are they celebrating CHRISTmas?
However, a spokesman for the hotel answered that question. Asked if the tree might offend religious sensibilities in the United Arab Emirates? His reply was "It's a very liberal country"!
Might want to stop and asked some of the woman that live in this area as to how liberated they feel!
However, that is O.K., my little Christmas tree that has had the same ornaments on it for many years, it reminds me each year of Christmas past. Maybe, I will leave it up and celebrate the Muslim Holy Days.

Reflecting Back

2010-12-14T02:24:00.012-09:00

The Christmas Season is always a great time to reflect on the years that have passed. Tonight, while cruising this site, I came across this picture first posted on November 23, 2006. The photo was taken on Thanksgiving Day, 2006. We celebrated Thanksgiving as a family above the video store this particular year. Although, only five years has elapsed, I stared at it in amazement as to the transformation of each of the "little ones". Some may consider me as being verbose, however, when I look at this picture and see the transformation, all I can say is, WOW!

"FOUR GENERATIONS FOR DINNER"

I also came across this posting from December 23, 2006 which I have cut and pasted from the original posting on the blog site.

While on the subject of Christmas carols, recently a copy of a re-written carol was delivered to me, which I would like to share with you but the young artist wants to remain anonymous, as she is afraid that it may effect future Christmas gifts from grandma.

GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER
(Chorus)
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
While walkin' the Beach Road
You can say there's no such thing as Santa

But for me and Grandpa, WE BELIEVE!

She'd been drinkin' to much Zinfindel
And we begged her not to go,
But with her wine glass in hand,
She stumbled out the door and fell in the snow.

When the Park Ranger found her Christmas morn
She was layin' face down in the ditch,
There were tiny hoof prints on her back
and inciminatin' red paint marks on her slacks.

Chorus (Repeat)

We are all so proud of Grandpa
He's been takin' this so well
He is till watchin' football
Drinkin' rum and playing poker at the Inn.

It's not Christmas without Grandma,
All the family is dressed in black.
And we just help but wonder,
Should we open her gifts or will Grandpa want them back.

Chorus (Repeat)

Now the Turkey is on the table,
We are using Grandma's favorite china.
We will surely miss her,
But would someone pass the potatoes so we can eat.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
While walkin' the Beach Road
You can say there's no such thing as Santa
But for me and Grandpa, WE BELIEVE.

"The Last Stand"

2010-12-11T10:34:00.003-09:00

On June 26, 1876 , Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led two hundred mounted U.S. Cavalrymen and scouts of the Crow Tribe into the valley of the Little Bighorn. Splitting his formation, he mounted a charge against an encampment containing 1,800 Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors. The short lived battle that transpired would be called "Custer's Last Stand"
All members of the 7th U.S. Calvary would be killed in the valley or on the slopes of the surrounding hills during this engagement. There is one soldier that was never accounted for, his name was H.M. Harrington. Extensive searching by his family and the U.S. Army has never determined his status.
The picture of the above flag, known as a "guidon", with the distinctive swallow -tailed shape which is frayed, torn, and with possible blood stains is one of five that was carried by the 7th Calvary that day. It is the only flag that was recovered by the Army. Following the battle, those forces that were suppose to rendezvous with the main forces prior to the attack arrived and preformed the duties of the burial detail.
The above flag was found under the body of a soldier, according to the testimonials of the Indians involved in the fight, Corporal John Foley was attempting to escape on horseback, however, he shot himself in the head and his body covered the flag. All of the other flags were believed to be taken by the Indians.
Sergeant Ferdinand Culbertson recovered the flag and it became known as the "Culbertson Guidon" . Pieces of the flag, including one star was neatly cut from the flag, it is believed that different members of the burial squad took pieces of the flags as "war souvenirs".
After being kept in storage for many years it was displayed in Montana.
The Detroit Institute of Arts purchased the "guidon" in 1895 for $54.00.
The "guidon" was sold "because it did not fit with the museums focus on art" on Friday, December 10, 2010. A private collector purchased the "Culbertson Guidon" for $2.2 Million Dollars.
If you have never visited the "Valley of the Little Bighorn" and the site of "Custer's Last Stand", I would strongly recommend it. The field of battle and where each soldier or Indian fell in combat are clearly marked with crosses. You can cover the entire area from the trail system. The static displays in the museum gives you a good sense of how and why the massacre occurred. It is another case of some great American History that is now overlooked in your educational system.

Spirit Bear ~ Fact or Fiction

2010-11-26T12:37:00.010-09:00

In my best recollection, the year was the summer of 1954. After visiting Alaska during the winter, my father, Vern Harrington and by older brother, Tad Harrington worked for Shell Oil Company on the Alaskan Peninsula. This was the day of the early exploration in the wilderness of Alaska. Both my father and brother, even though he was a teenager at the time, were experience "horsemen" and packers. Their job with Shell Oil Company was to move the campsites from one location to another for the exploration crews. This was done with horses, which were leased from a homesteader in Homer Alaska by the name of Jack Dietz. The horses were then barged from Homer to the Alaska Peninsula (Old Harbor).

Moving the camp on a daily basis required them to work alone, ahead of the seismograph crews, most often by themselves. Later in the summer, my brother would move to a support boat that operated off shore for Shell Oil Company. My brother would be the radio operator on this boat, the M/V Tempest. This made my father the sole "packer" for the seismograph crews which almost cost him his life.

A secondary job that they held was to act as "bear guards" when they were working in the same area as the seismograph crews. In performance of this assignment, they did have to put down several Brown Bear that posed a threat to the crews and or horses. Keep in mind, that at this time these bears had experienced very little contact with humans and no contact with horses. Most likely, they considered the horses fair game as any other of their prey.

One of the bears that had to be put down, was a light colored Brown Bear, seeing a "blond" Brown Bear is common, however, this particular bear was almost a pure white in color. Unfortunately, colored film was not a reality and the only pictures taken were Black and White from an inexpensive camera. General Jimmy Doolittle, CEO of Shell Oil Company, visited the seismograph crews in the field, upon seeing the pictures, he turned copies of them over to Walt Disney Studio for their future use.

"Tad" Harrington ~ Alaska Peninsula ~ 1954

Recently, I saw this news clip on television and it made me wonder, if the folklore pertaining to
the "Spirit Bear" is correct or if perhaps there is a sub-specie of Brown Bear that are actually white or it is just a natural very light blond Brown Bear. The "white" bears filmed in the news clip are located many miles (800+) from the location of the "white bear" in the above picture. The possibility exists that if this is actually a sub-specie of the Brown Bear, although it would be a long distance, the possibility exists that there could have been a overland migration of the bears in the south to the Alaska Peninsula.

To view the news clip, click on the link highlighted below:

SPIRIT BEAR

TAPS

2010-11-14T19:18:00.004-09:00

The sounding of "TAPS" always makes me sad, but at the same it makes me pause and reflect upon the past and the meaning behind the music. We have all heard the notes of "TAPS" played on the trumpet, I have read the actual words to TAPS but until now, I have never heard TAPS played in it's entirety except for one time at the Marines Barracks #1, Washington D.C.

Quite, by accident, I found it recently, it is a beautiful piece of music played by a young lady that plays the piece precisely and beautifully.

Random Shots

2010-11-03T23:08:00.003-08:00

Having just recently returned from an extended driving trip, I had the opportunity to shoot so many pictures. Although my primary interest is Wildlife Photography, I also enjoy shooting pictures of old houses. I enjoy them, not only for their rustic features but also it makes me wonder about the people that once lived in these homes, their history, and their lives. I also saw a number of things that humored me. The trip also gave me an opportunity to observe first hand the economic conditions throughout the western states.

I came as a surprise to me last evening when the electorate of Nevada re-elected Senator Reid. I spent a great deal of time in the small towns of Nevada, most of them living ghost towns. So many businesses closed and house after house with a "For Sale" on it. Talking with the locals, I would have placed a heavy wager that Senator Reid would not be re-elected. Once again, I think the larger cities like Las Vegas and Reno played a major role in his re-election.

I cannot divulge the exact location at this time, I am seriously considering coming out of retirement and purchase a business in Nevada. In past trips, we have seen this business and now because of the economics, it is on the market. Nice mild winters, it would be a good trade off to live in Alaska in the summer and the deserts of Nevada in the winter. It has a small cafe, motel rooms, and a small bar. I did not stop or take a tour of the holdings but have since been in contact with the owner. I am now awaiting the details in regards to the profit and loss statements, what inventory is included, and of course the list of assets. It looks interesting, on a major highway with ample truck parking. Since my brother is a truck driver, I am sure he could push a little business in my direction for those driving the lonely highways of Nevada. I just hope someone does not see the potential before I can make a decision. It is not everyday of the week that you find a "Brothel For Sale"! Economics are so bad in Nevada the whorehouses are even having to close. Since seeing it, it has brought a lot of self indulged humor to the many miles of looking out the windshield. There were two big signs posted, one north bound and the other southbound. Did not see any cars or trucks parked in the parking lot.

The below picture, I know why the owners built this house at this location. It had the only trees that I saw in southern Wyoming for many miles!

Montana ~ Fixer Upper ~ Has a Nice Brick Chimney

Old Timers In Nevada Took Advantage Of Natural Building Materials In The High Desert ~ ROCKS (I Love Rocks) This is one of several that I found that was built into the bluff. Even has a two car garage built out of rocks.

This sign almost came home with me, I know a good location for it. It may be duplicated at a later date. It was located at a Rest Area, surely glad they tested the water and posted it. I have to wonder how many people stop there at night and do not see the sign?

The business community of Granby, Colorado also provided me a couple of days of humor.
I do not know who is in charge of their marketing, but one would think that one of these businesses should not be sandwiched between the other two. "Hey, kids go in and buy yourself a "Happy Meal" or a Foot Longer", I am going into this store and buy myself a "Happy Jug"! As big as the parking lot is, surely there is room for a "Pawn Shop" or perhaps a good location for an "Adult Gift Store" next to Burger King and Taco Bell.

In all seriousness, if you enjoy history or old buildings, spend sometime exploring Nevada from Las Vegas north to the Oregon border. It is a great place, desolate and miles of straight highway, but unique in it's own rugged way. I will explore it once again, perhaps my bucket list for next year.
Goldfield, Nevada which is located on Highway 95 just a few miles from Death Valley in California. It is a living ghost town. At one time, it was the largest City in Nevada during the gold and silver days, population 25,000 to 30,000. Today, ten or twelve blocks of empty buildings sit vacant, boarded up, remnants of the turn of the century. There is a two story hotel that takes up a half city block, peeking through the dusty windows, I could make out the lobby furnishings, including the front desk with the ornate wood trim. It was beautiful and sitting idle for many years. There is only a handful of businesses in Goldfield today, most of them doing business in antiques. I did find a little corner grocery store. Very little inventory but they did have a coffee pot. A lady was operating the store as I made my way to the coffee bar. There were two men much senior to me standing by the coffee bar, enjoying a cup of coffee. Both very helpful, showed me where the cups and sugar was at and even poured me a cup of coffee. I would place them in their late 80's perhaps early 90's. Both dressed in slacks, a dress shirt and pull over sweater. We struck up a conversation from my questions I posed to them about Goldfield. They were raised there as youngsters and have lived there throughout their life. One asked me if I had family, I replied that I did and told him of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. One of them replied that they had outlived their families. They recalled the glory days, the bars, saloons, brothels, and gunfights in the street. When I had came in, they were having a discussion on country western music with the lady that worked in the store. One of them asked me if I liked harmonica music. I replied that I did, that I had a friend in Alaska that played the harmonica but Bob had passed away. He asked me if I would like to hear a piece of music, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out this harmonica. His eyes stared into mine and he said, "I don't play that country stuff, I play classical harmonica". He commenced on his chosen piece of music, I watch his hand movements and lips coordinate the music that transpired, every once in awhile he had to pause long enough just to get some air into his lungs to continue. The entire time he played, he never look away from the eyes of his friend, as if he was seeking approval of how he was doing. Being classical, it was a very long piece of music, a good seven or eight minutes. Afterward, as we visited he asked me if I had recognized the piece, I got lucky as I did not know the piece, but I knew if had come from the "Big Band Era". He smiled, "young man, you are right, Tommy Dorsey made it popular, but the original composer was ..........." He told me all about the European composer who had written the piece. As I walked to the front counter to pay for my coffee, they followed me. At the counter, I shook their hands and once again thanked him for playing for me, it was very enjoyable. As I turned to leave, his friend came up beside me and whispered "thank you for taking the time to listen to him play and for the kind words that you said about him, you have made him happy man today." I considered myself the lucky one to have had the opportunity to meet them.
This is just another one of those reason's that I do not drive the Interstate Highway System, I do not want to be in such a hurry that I cannot spend a forty five minutes of my time visiting people like this.

My Dad Is A Veteran

2010-08-21T02:45:00.007-08:00

The clip that you just viewed was aired on CNN, typically considered to be on the liberal side of politics. My concern is why was this not verified and researched by our news media. Perhaps, we have become accustomed to the fact that what we hear on our evening news is verified and reliable information.

I had four Great Uncles from the same family (Baker Brothers) that served in World War II in the Europe. My Great Uncle Wayne Baker, went ashore at Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion. I also had a Uncle on my other side of the family serve in the same area of operation during World War II. Uncle Marshall Riley served in both World War II and the Korean War. I remember when he returned home and visited us, following World War II. I also remember when he visited us when he was being transferred to combat in Korea. I did not know my Great Uncles, but I have visited their grave sites in recent years, I have a great deal of respect for this generation of Americans because they answered the call.

I also hold a great deal of respect for the office of the President of the United States. However, I hold very little respect for President Barack Obama. He is a great Orator, when he has the teleprompter in front of him but can we always trust what he is telling us. I served under one Commander In Chief, which I had little respect for however, his leadership qualities surpass those of our current Commander in Chief.

In regards to the news clip aired on CNN, why didn't someone stop to verify the contents of his speech or call him on his misleading representation pertaining to his fathers tenure in the military fores during World War II.

President Obama's father was named Barack Hussein Obama, Senior. His date of birth was 4 April 1936 and he passed away on 24 November 1982.

His mother remarried, Lolo Soetoro (two additional aliases). His date of birth was 2 June 1935 and he passed away on 2 March 1987.

World War II commenced in Europe in September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. America would enter the war in later years. In the Pacific, America entered the war with Japan after they attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. For practical purposes, World War II ended in August on both fronts, Europe and the Pacific Ocean region.

If President Obama's father returned as a Veteran of World War II as he claims, his father set a new record as being the youngest veteran in our history. At the conclusion of the World War II his father had not reached his 9th birth date.

Giving our President the benefit of the doubt, I researched (took all of five minutes) his stepfather, Lolo Soetoro. He was a year older than Barack H. Obama, SR which would have made him slightly over ten years of age.

President Obama, you are quoted as saying, "I've got two daughters. 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals." I would consider a blatant lie a testimony to the lack of values.

I must admit, that I did not include the complete quote above, the entire quotation reads as follows:
"I've got two daughters. 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But, if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."

"Fruits Of Our Labor"

2010-08-19T23:52:00.018-08:00

Each morning, I find myself sitting on our front deck or on the bench in the rock garden taking my morning coffee and admiring the variety of flowers that are in blossom. The labors of last spring are now paying big dividends in every color and shape.

"Columbine"

Terry's Birthday Present A Half Dozen Years Past
"Lillies ~ A Gift That Continues To Give

"Lilly"

"Wild Lupine"

"Dianthus"

This is one of my favorites, the Livingston Daisy. Their colors are so vibrant, sunglasses are recommended to look at them. At night and cloudy days, they close up and when the first rays of the sun hit them, they pop open with a transfusion of brilliant colors. A hardy plant and when planted about six inches apart, they will then mat the ground in a blanket of color.

Bed of Livingston Daisies

Livingstone Daises

More Livingston Daises

These are the giants of our "rock garden, although the rainy and windy summer we have enjoyed this year, it has hampered their growth. We have a number of these in our garden, to date the tallest one is about seven feet tall. There is one white, that is just now forming the blossoms. In full bloom, it will likely peak out between eight and nine feet in height.

"Purple Delphiniums"

Poor little Riley James Harrington, Great Granddaughter, is not quite tall enough to "smell the flowers"

Closing Of The Day

2010-08-12T00:28:00.004-08:00

Despite the every day stresses of life, you know you have had a great day when the daylight slowly surrenders to night allowing you to reflect upon the day that you experienced. As the sun slowly settled behind the mountains on the Alaskan Peninsula, I sat and observed the Eagle family and ending to their day. Setting on the bluff, overlooking the river of my youth, my family fished the river below me as I watched the antics of the Eaglets.

"Parent Checking On the Brood"

"3rd Eaglet Going To Scare His Unsuspecting Two Siblings"

As the Eaglets settled down for a nap, I visited the Anchor River, finding my family fishing one of my favorite stretches of the river. The traditional method that my father taught me, now passed to the next two generations. I reflected upon this as I watched my Grandson, Son, and Daughter In Law building their own fishing memories.

My son, Heath has fished this river on his own, from the time he was in the 2nd grade, guiding fishermen before he ever entered junior high school. He has built his own legacy on the river, although he was won his share of large fish derbies, he fishes because be loves to fish and this is his home waters.

Arriving home just as the sun settled behind the horizon, the sky was slowly turning pink. My two pals, "Dutch" and "Ruger" and I walked out to the edge of our lawn on the bluff overlooking Anchor River.

We watched, as the pink slowly changed to yellows, golds, and oranges making the final transition to night. As I walked back across the lawn, I thought to myself,
"It Has Been A Good Day".

2010-08-09T00:00:00.002-08:00

When the wind and marine conditions finally subsided enough to allow us to get on Cook Inlet on Sunday, we found some fantastic fishing and the surprise of my fifty eight years of sport fishing. Fishing off of the Anchor Point Lighthouse in about 110 feet of water, we found some fantastic halibut fishing. Having boated the halibut shown below, which weighed in at 173 pounds and knowing this was enough fish to last us through the winter, I decided to see if I could not "mooch" up a Silver Salmon or possibly a late run King Salmon inbound for the Kenai River.

Rigging up my trolling rod with a Magnum Blade Cook Inlet Special, with a Chartreuse and Flame 50/50 Blade, I commenced mooching. We were consistently seeing both Silver Salmon and Pink Salmon jumping in this area. Growing weary of "mooching", I put my rod in the holder and just let the big flashing blade stream behind the boat, occasional breaking the surface with the tide running out. While watching the others fish for halibut, I sat drinking my coffee and harassing them for taking so long to catch a fish.

Fish On! No one saw the fish strike, but we could all hear my reel screaming as line was rapidly being stripped from the reel. Perhaps, I had got lucky and finally hooked up with that big King Salmon I had wanted all of my life. With assistance due to the pressure on the rod, two of us got the rod out of the holder. I had to sit and hold the rod with both hands as the rod tip bent to the waters edge. The others got their gear reeled in, started the boat and commenced giving chase after my King Salmon, hoping that I could get some additional line back onto my reel.

Catching up with the big fish, it decided to go deep and we hovered over the top of it just enough that the line would not touch the side of the boat, did not want to take the chance of loosing this fish! After 32 minutes of fighting the fish deep, I felt it starting to work itself back up to the surface, I reeled as fast as I could to recover my line and not allow any slack where it could slip the hook.

Once again, the fish hesitated on coming to the surface at about the twenty foot mark, since we were hovering close to the fish, we could pick it up on the fish finder which pretty much assured us that I had hooked into a big King Salmon. Hoping that it was tiring, one person got the net out that we use for King Salmon while the other two manned the cameras to capture the landing of the big King.

Again the fish went down to about 40 feet according to the fish finding, but not for long, he turned in an instance and headed to the surface, fast enough that the fish finder could not track his movement. By now, my arms were tired from the strain of the rod and reeling, there was no way that I could keep up with him as he ran for the surface. He broke the surface about 20 feet behind the boat, I stopped reeling in disbelief of what I saw. It was the fish that dreams are made of, but it was not a King Salmon. It was only after we got home and looked at pictures that we were able to identify the specie.

Breaking the surface, he was airborne four times, finally on the fourth jump he cleared the water about six feet and rolled to the left as he entered the water, the only assumption we can make is that he rolled in the slack line on his assent to the surface and snapped the line. The snapping of the line sounded like a gun shot, I was heart broken, but I also realized that it was one of those times in your life that you have to appreciate it, despite the outcome. The big fish that got away has been identified as a "Blue Marlin", why it was this far north is any one's guess. Perhaps, following migrating salmon runs to feed, similar to the Salmon Sharks, perhaps it is the warming the oceans and their migration patterns of the Marlin is moving north.

All, I know it was a great fish story and a great day on the water.

Ode To "Goldie"

2010-06-16T20:35:00.006-08:00

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---

Today, we had to let a friend slip away, a decision that was difficult to make, she now rests without the pain and suffrage of age. She was just a "dog" some would say, but to us she was part of our family, a friend that gave so much and ask for so little in return.

"GOLDIE"
June 16, 2010

"Goldie" was rescued from an owner that did not care for her by our daughter in law. When my son and his family moved from this area in 2002, "Goldie" remained with us and became part of our family. Although, she was an older dog when she came to stay with us, her heart was that of a puppy. We enjoyed her company for 6 / 7 years.

In our home, she had good friends, her best friends were "Ruger" and "Dutch". Between the three, there was never a quarrel over their personal dog dish or where they slept. Although competitive in sport, again their was never a quarrel if one got to the ball before the other. "Goldie" was the oldest but she was all heart. Her legs could not carry her as fast over the ground as the other two dogs, her lungs would not support the effort. But, in the water, she was the best swimmer that I have ever witnessed.

"THE THREE AMIGOS"
"Ruger" ~ Dutch ~ Goldie

"Just A Dog", there are those that feel animals do not have a sense of knowing when something is wrong. I have witnessed this sense in dogs on several occasions over the past few years, but never in the form that I witnessed today. Although, they have been close friends for years, they have always maintained their own separate sleeping areas and even rooms in the house.

Today, "Dutch" and "Ruger" remained in the area that the resting spot for "Goldie" was prepared in the meadow, her favorite place to explore and play. After we returned to the house, both dogs went to the place that "Goldie" has been resting for the past several days. She was aware of their presence, occasionally lifting her head to see them. They remained snuggled up to her for a couple of hours. In the years that they have been together, I have never seen them lay together this close. I am sure it gave "Goldie" the comfort that she needed as well as the comfort that it gave us as humans.

"Goldie"
May your spirit run free in the meadow,
Where the wild flowers grow.
Where we can share our past memories,
In your grace,
May the "ball" always bounce in your place.

They Are Champions

2010-05-16T22:45:00.002-08:00

In Anchor Point, Alaska we have just completed our 16th Annual Calcutta King Salmon International Tournament. If you are not familiar with a Calcutta Tournament. In this particular case, all of the boats entering the tournament are auctioned off the night before the tournament to the general public. The person that has the "high bid" on a boat and if that particular boat wins the tournament, the "high bidder" receives 50% of the funds generated by the auction. The boat or individual on that particular boat that weighs in the largest King Salmon will receive 25% of the auction funds. This amount is then normally divided equally with the other members on the boat. The tournament is restricted to one prize money for the largest King Salmon weighed in. The "one fish wins all" encourages catch and release of this great sport fish. The remaining 25% is of the funds is retained by the sportsman association to fund their "youth activities".

In the Sixteen year history of the Tournament, King Salmon in the 20 to 50+ pound class have won the tournament. Also, in the history of the tournament, only one boat has repeated as the "Calcutta Tournament" champion. The boat is the "Lauren A" skippered by Meryl Wolford.
However, that record was broken in the tournament this year when this same boat, skipper,and crew completed a "Three Peat". Meryl and his crew won the tournament in 2000 with a 31.1 pound King Salmon; again in 2006 they became the Champions with a 37.4 pound King Salmon.
This year, they achieved their Championship with a King Salmon weighing in at 30.5 pounds.

This crew fishes together every year, not necessarily to win the tournament but just to go fishing. They are all true gentlemen and sportsmen. I have known Meryl, for many years. I consider him as one of my best friends. He retired as a Sports Fishermen Guide a couple of years ago, however when fishing with him it was never a guide / client relationship. He always made you feel that you were on a fishing trip with a "buddy".

Meryl worked out of our tackle shop, the Anchor Angler on Anchor River for twenty three years. He was a "salmon troller" on Cook Inlet. During that time, we would book clients for him on a percentage basis. We never had a contract, our contract was a handshake. In that length of time and the hundreds of fishermen that we booked to fish with Meryl, we did not have a single complaint from anyone that fished with him. He is still the only man that I know that removes his hat when being introduced to a lady. He is "old school", a true gentleman. He is my friend and I feel very fortunate. He is a true "Champion" in so many respects.

Oh, Did I mention that it was just Meryl and I trolling off the beaches of Whiskey Gulch when I hooked up and landed the King Salmon of my "lifetime", a beautiful fish weighing in at 72 pounds.

2010 Calcutta International King Salmon Tournament Champions

Save Your Butts

2010-05-13T20:23:00.003-08:00

DISCLOSURE: To be fair and balanced, I feel that a complete personal disclosure must be made prior to your reading this posting. I am a Conservative, Independent Republican, Smoker, Tea Bag Supporter, WASP, and Butt Stripper. Other than that, I am basically a good person.

Although, I am a smoker, I do not recommend that anyone take up the habit. Once hooked, it is a very tough habit to break and as I am reminded each day, it is harmful to your health. However, there is a good side to smoking and everyone should be made aware of this fact. Smoking could also be a excellent way to supplement your daily income, if you collect "butts" for a proposed refund.

On this date, I read an article that was most interesting. According to a study conducted and published in the American Chemical Society bi-weekly journal, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, scientists have identified nine chemicals in cigarette butts (filter). Although, one chemical is so toxic that it will kill fish when discarded into a body of water. To eliminate this problem, I am normally a "butt stripper", I will discard the remaining tobacco and a little paper on the ground, but the filter goes into my pocket.

The chemicals that they have found in the filter portion of the cigarette after immersing the cigarette butt in water acts as a deterrent to corrosion and rusting. They applied the extracts to N80, a type of steel used in oil pipes and found that the chemical solution protected the pipes from both corrosion and rusting. They estimate that 4.5 trillion cigarette butts find their way into the environment each year.

Having discussed this discovery this morning, we had a panel discussion at our daily "coffee clutch" pertaining to accidental fuel spills due to pipelines being corroded. Although, these discussion groups have a tendency to become political, I came upon a concept that may well be a break through in regards to oil spill containment and clean up.

The "Tea Party" movement is spreading across our nation, concerned citizens about government control and the erosion of our democracy. To the Liberal minded folks, the "Tea Party" movement is a bunch of radicals and right wingers. The solution to improve their image in the eyes of all is simple. Currently there is a great concern, rightfully so, pertaining to the continued oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It was then that I developed a concept and asked for opinions from our focus group. There was laughter as well as comments made as to my level of education. However, listen to me and buy stock in the company that makes Lipton Tea.

My concept was that a simple "tea bag" when used in vast quantities could and would clean up a oil spill. Perhaps, you can understand why I was the principle recipient of crude remarks. I asked the nice waitress if she would please bring me a bowl of cold tap water, some oil from a can of lubricant oil under the bar, and a tea bag. I then applied a good solution of common table salt to the water to attain the salinity of typical ocean waters. Once stirred for a couple of minutes to dissolve the salt, I applied a liberal amount of 3 in 1 oil to coat the surface of the make shift ocean. Dipping the "tea bag" into the oil water and moving the bag through the water, the oil was absorbed by the "tea bag". Approximately 90% of the oil was collected in less than two minutes. I came upon this clean up system from reading a little history pertaining to the "Boston Tea Party", "Taxation with Representation". On December 16, 1773 a fleet of ships were tied up in Boston Harbor. Colony Rebels boarded the ships and threw all of the tea into the harbor. No oil slicks were seen in Boston Harbor for many years following this date.

Perhaps, by cleaning up the Gulf of Mexico with Tea Bags, a new light would be shed on the group of individuals that are frowned upon by the Liberals and Environmentalists. If you want to amaze your friends, you to can be enlightened by this home experiment.

Passport Required

2010-05-06T16:41:00.006-08:00

Most recently, the "God Enriches" State of Arizona has been been bombarded in the news media after legislation was adopted and signed into law by the Governor requiring proof of citizenship. Protest marches and threats to boycott this great state has come from all sides. Despite the fact that it is simply enforcing the federal statues that were adopted in 1952, known as the Smith Act. Those folks that crunch numbers and take the pulse of the nation on everything that occurs has polling data supporting that 60% of our nation and 73% of Arizona residents support the enforcement of the new law in Arizona.

ALASKA SUPPORTS ARIZONA

Although, you are required to show a U.S. Passport if driving into Alaska, via the Alcan Highway, once you arrive io the Last Frontier, you are free to drive the highways and byways of our great State. The single exception to that policy is the Kenai Peninsula. This pristine and beautiful area has become the playground of Alaska. This is particular true for those residents of our largest metropolitan area, Anchorage, Alaska. Traffic counts and other polling data indicates that the population of the Kenai Peninsula increases by 437% between the months of May through August.

Most recently, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the duly elected government of an area designated by borders enacted a similar program as Arizona. In all other states, except Louisiana, these designated areas are known as counties. Due to the increase in cost of maintaining highways, parks, and other recreational facilities the Borough Government has been forced into limiting the number of visitors to the area. Kenai Peninsula Borough Ordinance 32-2010 was unanimously adopted on May 5, 2010 and signed into law by the Borough Mayor on May 6, 2010.

Effective, May 10, 2010 any person not residing within the geographical location of the Kenai Peninsula must have in their possession a Kenai Peninsula Passport. Port of Entries will be established at the base Turnagain Pass on the Seward Highway and at each of the harbor facilities in Kenai, Seward, Homer, and Seldovia. All person's entering the Kenai Peninsula from these primary points must have in their possession the Kenai Peninsula Passport indicating their current address, place of birth, date of birth, and citizenship. Each member of the family is required to possess a passport. To acquire a Kenai Peninsula Passport, you must provide proof of evidence as supporting documentation to obtain the Passport. The cost of each Passport is established at $50.00 and is valid for two years. Senior Citizens with a current address in Alaska is entitled to a free Passport as all children under one year of age if accompanied by at least one parent.

Possession of the passport is for identification and residency status only. It does not preclude obtaining current sport fishing and hunting license, King Salmon Stamps, Campground Passes, including those required by federal, state and borough facilities, boat launch fees and passes, and any other cost associated with recreational activities as may be deemed necessary by federal, state, borough, and city governments. While visiting the Kenai Peninsula, dependent of which locality that you visit, you can can also expect to pay a Kenai Peninsula Sales Tax as well as imposed Sales Taxes by incorporated cities. These fees will very dependent on the area that you choose to visit, minimum Sales Tax that you will encounter is 2.5% to a high of 7.5%.

Although, to some these additional restrictions may appear to be excessive, however, it is a small price to pay for a visit to paradise. Enjoy yourselves exploring the beautiful, Kenai Peninsula.

Working / Retriever Class Dogs

2010-05-01T21:20:00.004-08:00

Have been spending some time visiting the marsh land at the mouth of the Anchor River in order to photograph the migratory waterfowl that frequent this area in the spring. Until today, I have had only the Mallard and Merganser Ducks to entertain myself.

Drove down to the parking area overlooking the "Scum Bag Hole", a flock of Merganser played along the edges of the river across from me. Since no other vehicles were around, I let my two assistants out to exercise. "Dutch" and "Ruger" were exploring the grass and finding all kinds of new smells and other items to explore. As I sat awaiting their return, I notice three heads popping up in the marsh grass about a hundred yards from where I was parked. Recognizing them as geese, I prepared my camera. I knew that to get a good picture, I would need to cross the open space and get in as close as possible.

I stepped from my truck and slowly made my way through the marsh grass in my "tenny" runners. Not totally prepared for the marsh mud that I would encounter to get close enough. I went as far as I considered it to be safe, from both spooking the geese and having to "mud wallow". It was then I spotted "Ruger" back at the truck. I called him and he came a running. If you don't know "Ruger" he has had no formal training as a retriever and slightly handicapped with having only one eye. I pointed the geese out to him and his instincts kicked in, he did not run, he slowly and deliberately walked towards the geese. Stopping occasionally in order not to spook them. I was so proud of him in the way that he was working.

"Dutch" seeing that we were playing, joined me just as the flock of three geese went airborne.

"Ruger" On Hold

"One More Step"

"Geese Launch"

"Fly By" Past My Camera Lens"

The Geese then circled out over the inlet and came right back in to land at the edge of a small gravel bar in the Anchor River.

"Water Landing"

Both "Dutch" and "Ruger" had watched them circle and come back in for the landing on the gravel bar. They were just making the decision as to whether they should make a swim for the gravel bar or not when the Geese once again launched. Again, they made a circle flight pattern and landed in the original spot in the marsh where they were first spotted.

They are focused on the Geese, they just don't know if it is worth the swim to get them to fly again.

Having two muddy dogs, I decided it was best to give them a swim and let the Geese go back to what Geese do best. "Ruger" and "Dutch" enjoyed their first ball playing in Anchor River for this season. I was so proud of them both, neither barked at anytime and they stayed focused on those Geese the entire time they were airborne. I am still anxious to find a pond of ducks or geese that I can turn "Dutch" loose to see his ability at "tolling".

Additional shots on this outing are posted on http://photosrh.bologspot.com

Give An Inch ~ They Take A Mile

2010-04-29T22:34:00.008-08:00

Prior to reading this posting, I would recommend that you read the previous posting on this site, dated 4/23/2010.

The Military Religious Foundation was the group that applied political pressure to the Department of Defense, in particular the U.S. Army to cancel the invitation of Evangelist Franklin Graham as the guest speaker at National Prayer Day ceremonies held at the Pentagon on May 6, 2010. Unfortunately, the U.S. Army or higher authority yielded to the pressure and canceled the appearance of Franklin Graham.

Today, in Denver, Colorado this same group, The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, is applying the pressure to have the above symbol removed and changed. This is the military emblem of Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado. The motto "pro deo et humanitate" means "For God and Humanity". "The cross, which has a pointed base is both an emblem of mercy and a symbol dating to the Middle Ages, when pilgrims carried a cross with a spiked base to mark the site of a camp."

Mikey Weinstein, President of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation said "that's a reference to the Crusades and could embolden U.S. enemies who want to portray the war on terror as a Christian war on Islam."

I really did not want to get into this "dog fight", but I am tiring rapidly of the daily onslaughts of America by radicals that are pursuing their personal agenda against our foundation. It is safe to assume, eventually they will get around to applying pressure to the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Flag Code provides that "No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy." In 1975, this code was amended to also allow the "Jewish Pennant" the same honor.

U.S. Navy Church Pennant

I would guess that eventually this same group will want to remove all of the "Red Crosses" from the helmets of our military medical personnel.

God vs Politics

2010-04-23T07:09:00.001-08:00

In front of our National Flag and the flag of the U.S. Navy, I took the following oath five times in the span of twenty years of Naval service. Years, that I am very proud of and hold no regrets for making the U.S. Navy a career decision.

"I, Stanley Harrington, swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

The President of the United States and each of our elected officials take a similar Oath, the "Oath of Office" when assuming the elected office to represent the citizens of our great country. The operative phase in both of these Oaths is "So Help Me God".

I am an American and I am tired of the constant attack by the minority of the population on the right to believe in the existence of God and even the use of the name of God. I am tired of the term "political correctness". I am tired of the constant barrage from those trying to remove the word, "God" from all facets of our life including our Pledge of Allegiance and Christmas.

It disturbs me that today, the one Department in our Government, that is suppose to remain free of "political correctness" has swayed and broken to the demands of the minority. The Department of Defense, in particular the U.S. Army.

Evangelist Billy Graham was known throughout the world as a spiritual leader, his Christian messages brought hope and light to millions of people of all religions around the world. He was the spiritual advisory to all the Presidents from Harry Truman to George W. Bush, with the exception of John F. Kennedy. President Ronald Reagan honored him with the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor. President Bill Clinton and Senator Bob Dole also bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal on him for his work, not only spiritually but also for humanitarian efforts. He was bestowed the honor of Honorary Knighthood Commander by the British Empire.

His son, Franklin Graham, followed in his fathers footsteps as an Evangelist. Franklin Graham was invited by the U.S. Army to speak at the Pentagon on National Prayer Day, May 6, 2010. A group, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, vowed to seek a restraining order against National Prayer Day if it were "polluted by someone as hideously Islamophobic as Franklin Graham." In 2001, following 9/11 Graham wrote in an op-ed piece, that he does not believe Muslims are evil, but he objects to the treatment of women in Muslim countries and Islam's "persecution or elimination" of other religions.

Today, the U.S. Army withdrew their invitation to Franklin Graham as the speaker for National Prayer Day. Although, Colonel Tim Collins is the Army spokesman, I doubt that as a Colonel, this decision was made by him but from someone else in the Chain of Command extending from Colonel Collins to the Commander In Chief.

In a statement following the announcement, Franklin Graham stated, "I want to express my strong support for the United States military and all our troops. I will continue to pray that God will give them guidance, wisdom, and protection as they serve this great country".

Franklin Graham has a son, his name is Colonel Kevin Graham, a member and graduate of the long gray line, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is serving his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, the recipient of several medals including the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat. May God be with him and to all those that serve their country.

Research Is Good

2010-04-16T10:32:00.002-08:00

Since January, I have been spending countless hours of researching a trip that I am planning for the Fall of 2010. I have a defined "goal" to achieve during this trip. I have traced and then re-traced my proposed route several times. Just when I am satisfied with my route, in my research I discover something "new" and once again have to make an adjustment.

I have always loved "rocks", needless to say one of my favorite places to visit is the canyon lands of Utah. Even if you do not like "rocks", the formations in this area will leave you breathless. I have been through this area several times, each time it is exciting as the previous trips. This area of Utah is not small, half the state is encompassed by these rock formations. Just a trip through this area is well worth spending several days enjoying the warmth of fall and the colors of the various rock formations

However, my research revealed something that I did not know about this area. One of many objectives of this trip is to photograph a Desert Big Horn Ram. I have been fortunate to photograph the Dall Ram, Stone Ram, and the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Ram, but the Desert Ram has eluded my lense. I was concentrating my research to Arizona and Nevada for this particular specie of sheep.

I was not aware that the range of the Desert Big Horn Sheep included portions of Utah, primarily in the "Canyonlands". I was delighted to discover that one of the larger concentrations of Desert Bighorn Sheep was in an area of Utah that is less than 250 miles from the community of my birth in Western Colorado.

How fortunate, that I will be in this area at the commencement of the "rut", the time of the year that the Rams will butt a few heads to gain dominance of the herd. The fall season of the year, spending a few days admiring the "rock formations", and the potential to see Desert Big Horn Sheep in this environment. Does it get any better?

However, I do have a "back up plan" my route will still take me through Arizona and Nevada in search of this elusive specie of wild sheep. I will not return to Alaska until the mission is accomplished.

Watch Out For Wildlife

2010-04-09T23:32:00.003-08:00

Continuing to do some research for my "Bucket List Photo Trek" trip this next fall. My route will take me through northern Wyoming from east to west. This will drop me into the northern portion of Yellowstone National Park. After making the trip through Yellowstone, I will exit into the Grand Teton National Park.

Leaving the Grand Tetons in my rear view mirror, I will drive southeast across Wyoming to get some Pronghorn Antelope pictures. This route will intersect with the highway leading into Rocky Mountain National Park in Northern, Colorado to get some elk pictures. The route through Wyoming will take me through the community of Lander, Wyoming. This evening, while doing some research on Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep, I came across the linked video.

It is on my route, I can only hope I will be fortunate to have a "close encounter", I would not mind a few dents in my Ford F-150.

Sinks Canyon State Park

Character Is A Big Deal

2010-04-01T19:28:00.012-08:00

In recent days, President Barack Obama signed the Health Reform Bill into law. Typically a large "dog and pony" show was staged for this historical moment. Vice President Joe Biden was given the honor of introducing the President. Following his introduction, he hugged the President and whispered in his ear "this is a big f_ _ _ _ _ _ deal". However, he forgot that the microphone was still hot and it broadcast his words around the world. The majority of the news media made light of the remark by simply stating that the Vice President made another 'gaff" and dismissed it. Later, when the President was ask about the "gaff", he laughed it off. He later had a tee shirt made up with the gaff and presented it to the Vice President.

Over the years, I have watched the "F" word become a commonly used word for both males, females, and our young people. I must admit, I have a very tough time with the wide usage of the word. Presumably because I was reared in a generation that this word was not used in mixed company. This word was never spoken by a girl, woman, and more importantly a lady. Kids, well we had better not even think of the word.

In later years, I grew up in the U.S.Navy, we, as sailors were known for our foul language, however, the "F" word was never used in mixed company out of respect. Into the early 1980's, if you wanted to get a good "butt kicking" all you had to do is drop the word in a bar or dance when a lady was present. There was always a tough "Ole" cowboy that would gladly do the honors for you or a grizzled old Navy Chief that would set you straight if it was a Navy bar.

Today, it is part of the vocabulary for both male and female in mixed company and used extensively by our younger generation. However, to see it uttered by the Vice President and laughed about by the President of the United States makes it questionable about their character.

President Obama has went out of his way to be recorded into history comparing him to President Abraham Lincoln. How would history have recorded President Lincoln if during his Gettysburg Address, if he would have uttered the words "this is a big f_ _ _ _ _ _ deal"?

If making a joke about the tasteless remark was not enough, the President then decides to take advantage of the situation. No doubt, he intends to make a few campaign bucks but his basic motive is to garnish enough votes to get re-elected. He had the young voters in his pocket last election because he promise "Change" this next time around, he is playing to their language. "Wow, if the President is cool enough to use the "F" word, I will vote for him".

This is the link the Presidents web site. Visit the site and see all the merchandise that he is hustling as if he were some type of Chicago street vendor.

It appears that this was not just a joke to him but an opportunity. It is evident that "BFD" is important to him as it is emblazoned on several items, including
this:
This ten dollar T-shirt is for sale on his web site for $25.00 plus shipping. I am sure the past Presidents, especially Abraham Lincoln, who was a great orator without a teleprompter, would be so very proud of President Obama.

ADDENDUM 4/2/2010 0543

Curious, I paid a visit to the Democrat Party web site. The headline on the Home Page caught my attention since it dealt with the title of this posting, "Character". The quote reads: "THIS IS NOT ONLY ABOUT THE COST OF OUR HEALTH CARE BUT THE CHARACTER OF OUR COUNTRY", President Barack Obama.

They also have a mini warehouse of "BFD" gift items and others that they did not leave anything to the imagination. "This Is A Big F _ _ _ _ _ _ Deal. They also have a selection of the BFD T shirt, autographed by President Obama.

The item that caught my attention was this "Organizing For America" Blanket.
The big headline title for this product is:

Organizing For America Fleece Blanket
$40.00

At least they are honest, they are "Fleecing America"

To My "Buddy" ~ Happy Birthday

2010-03-30T00:05:00.005-08:00

Dutch Harbor Dutchman
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Sire: Redventure's Artful Dodger
Dam: Nibiru's Molly
Born: March 30, 2002
Birthplace: Dutch Harbor, Alaska

"DUTCH"

My Buddy "Dutch", today is your 8th Birthday, the time has slipped past so rapidly. I chose you sight unseen based only on the observations of Jerry, the owner of your mother and father. I saw you for the first time on May 18, 2002 at the Anchorage International Airport, when I opened the kennel that you and your sister shared. Despite several other people standing there, you came directly to me and our bond was formed.

During the basic obedience and retriever training that pursued, I often wondered to myself, "who was training who". You always seemed to be several steps ahead of me and so eager to learn and to please. During these eight years, we have shared so many memories and have covered many miles. Disregarding the local trips around Alaska that we have made together, we have also traveled over 27,000 miles covering three provinces of Canada and eighteen states.

Most importantly, we have formed a bond between us that is built on trust and love. Whether it is just laying at my feet, using my foot as pillow, or your vocalizing your "toller howl" when I walk through the door after leaving you at home.

We have had some great times, but we have also had some very difficult times in the past eight years. During those times you were always there for me. In times of sorrow, when tears would fill my eyes, you seemed to always sense it, laying your head on my lap, looking up at me with those beautiful eyes, as if to tell me, "it will be all right, I am here for you". You have asked for so little, yet have given so much in return.

Happy Birthday "Dutch" ~ You Are Special

"Dutch's Mother ~ "Molly"

May 18, 2002 ~ Anchor Angler Tackle Shop

"Six Months Old"

Winter 2005

Winter 2006

Winter 2008

"Retrieving On The Anchor River"

"Let's Go Huntin"

"More Memories To Build On, In The Future"

My Country

2010-03-23T02:04:00.007-08:00

There are those that question, "why don't the younger people take more of an interest in government, politics, and vote?

I have asked myself those same questions, however, the answer become very clear to me on Sunday past. I was never so appalled and ashamed of my country as I was on Sunday evening. I saw the Constitution Of Our United States disregarded and trampled on the floor of Congress. Neither House of Congress nor the White House listened to the majority of America. "When no one listens why should we take an interest."

I shared similar feelings when President Jimmy Carter allowed our Embassy in Iran to be overtaken by radical Iranians. Fifty three Americans were held hostage for 444 days from 11/4/1979 to 1/20/1981. The hostages were released within hours of President Reagan taking the Oath of Office as President of the United States.

I also felt these same feeling on October 12, 2000 when the U.S.S. Cole (DDG67) was attacked in Aden, Yemen killing seventeen sailors and wounding thirty-nine others. The attack on the U.S.S. Cole was conducted by Al-Qaeda. Although an attack on a U.S. Naval vessel is an act of war, President Clinton made no response. Less, than one year later on 9/11/2001, Al-Qaeda struck again.

In my lifetime, these are the three times that I have been disappointed in my country, two in the time of attacks on U.S. interest and the third of the corrupt politics that have been displayed in both houses of Congress during the debate and passage of a medical bill that the majority of America are not in favor as it is currently written.

I have no problem with some type of universal health plan, however, take it one page at a time and get it right. First correct the government health plans that are already in affect; Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Medical Benefits. The same plan as designed by our leadership is similar to the plans in Europe, Canada, Massachusetts, and California. All of them having difficulty meeting their goals and currently the two states are on the brink of bankruptcy.

Perhaps, the last show in Congress will awaken America, but until we clean up the mess in both Houses of Congress it will be for naught. We need to go back to the basics of the Constitution with Bills being passed by simple majority, eliminate earmarks, and any other matter not pertaining to the bill in question.

The Health Bill that will be signed into law today by the President at an estimated cost of one trillion dollars to our national deficit also has a second Bill attached. The "rider" Bill will also be signed into law. No discussion, just attached, passed, and sent on as part of the major legislation. However, this particular Bill is only going to cost 61 billion dollars for student loans, with 4 billion dollars reserved for black colleges and universities.

It Is Time For America To Awaken

Kacehmak Bay ~ Homer, Alaska

2010-03-15T23:08:00.003-08:00

A beautiful winter day on Kachemak Bay. Typical of Kachemak Bay, float ice will build up on the leeward side of the Homer Spit. The Homer Harbor located at the tip of the Homer spit is the hub of the marine industry of Homer.

"Tip Of The Homer Spit"
"Where The Land Ends and The Sea Begins"

"Gulls Feeding In The Ice Field"

"Ice Field East Of The Homer Spit"

"Commercial Cod Boat Going To Sea"

Coast Guard Buoy Tender "Hickory"
Starboard Side To The Homer Dock

"Breaking Out Of The Homer Harbor"

"The Homer Harbor"

Blizzard of 2010

2010-03-08T20:05:00.002-09:00

For the past 24 hours, our little world has been designated by the National Weather Service to be the lucky ones to feel the wrath of a Blizzard Advisory. I feel very fortunate that they advised us in advance. Throughout the past night, we had winds hitting peak gusts of 50 - 65 knots with light snow as the low moved over us.

Come first light, the heavy winds calmed to gusts of 25 to 40 knots, however, this particular low was moving in a circular motion. In time, it would return with fury. For the past five hours, we have seen moderate to heavy snowfall with wind gusts exceeding 50 knots as the main low once again passes overhead. Whiteout conditions continue to exist.

The first thing you learn in weather like we are currently experiencing is to just "hunker down" and wait it out. Knowing that once it passes, you will have plenty of windshield time to move the snow from one spot to another. Currently, we have about seven inches of "new" snow if you can find a level spot to measure. Drifting is always a problem associated with snow and heavy wind, some of these are exceeding several feet.

The second thing you learn in weather like we are currently experiencing is to have a good woman to shovel the snow. What a tough little woman. I got cold just standing at the windows and taking pictures of her efforts. Looking at these pictures, reminds me that I have an item to add to my "To Do List" and that is to get her a new shovel. Don't get me wrong, when it stops snowing, I will do my part and put in 6 - 7 hours of windshield time as I plow our driveway, parking areas, and the family campground. I would do the decks for the "little lady" but I can't get the truck upon the decks.

If you have lived in Alaska long enough, you learn that you should never get between a cow moose and her calf or calves. They can prove to be more dangerous than a bear. However, there is one animal that is more dangerous than a cow moose with calves. That is a cow moose in her final two months of pregnancy. You do not have to look at her stomach or even her bag to tell if she is pregnant, just look at her eyes. Some say that all female species get this look when they are in the "family way", but I do not know anything about that. The morning following the taking of this picture, this cow chased our "visually handicapped" dog across the lawn. She happened to be bedded down in the trees, evidently to his right as he cannot see in that direction. He had not barked or even aware that she was in the area. She was just in one of her "moods" and at that point, anything that resemble the male specie was not safe.

America Can Be Saved

2010-03-04T22:50:00.000-09:00

WARNING!!
The "Link" attached to this posting is 20 minutes in length. It is going to take some time to download and to view. I would suggest that you open it and while it is downloading tab the site and go about your "daily" Internet chores. Make yourself a cup of coffee and when it has completed downloading, sit back and watch the video without interruption. It is well worth the "watch" and perhaps some of your questions pertaining to our times will be answered.

I watched Glen Beck do this presentation on his nightly program tonight. I was going to paraphrase it in writing, but it would have lacked the "body language" and sincerity that he delivered to the presentation. For parents with children in the school system, perhaps his words will shed a little light.

THE OLD CHAIR

For me, he caught my attention with "The Old Chair" and my personal philosophy that history is very important in our lives. I to, had an "Old Chair" having inherited when I became the Leading Petty Officer of Third Division on the the U.S.S. Shangri-La. The "chair and I made a North Atlantic Cruise and one Mediterranean Sea cruise. When I transferred from the Shangri-La, the "Chair" went with me.
My "Chair" and I remained together for the next sixteen years in the Navy. We would have two shore tours of duty in Alaska, serve on two ships (U.S.S. Ponchatula and U.S.S. Coral Sea), making two Western Pacific cruises. It would transfer with me to Colorado on recruiting duty for the U.S. Navy and to an aircraft squadron in Whidby Island. Upon, my retirement from the Navy in 1983, the "Chair" also retired to my home office. For the next twenty years, it would sit behind my desk at the Anchor Angler. The "Chair" and I had over forty years together, both slightly worn but a lot of memories. I miss "My Chair", but I know it is in good hands as my youngest daughter has it in her home office.

Musical History

2010-03-02T22:07:00.005-09:00

As a child, about the time of the introduction of Elvis Presley, I recall hearing the "grown-ups" discuss the current problems of the world, primarily focusing on the younger generation. The most common remark was "the new generation are not worth a damm". Taking into consideration, these were the folks had survived "the Great Depression, World War II, and Korea. They were the "Great Generation" and have my deepest respect and admiration.

A few days ago, I heard a popular song and after listening to it for 4.5 minutes, I realized that I had only recognized a maximum of three words. With the electronic sound mixer in the background going at full blast and the vocalist sounding as if he had swallowed the microphone, I remembered the conversations of the "Great Generation".

Peaking my curiosity, I chose one uncommon subject and found a piece of music that was representative to my era as a teenager and "true rock and roll". I then looked at music in the near past for a song representing the present or 48 years following the release of my first chosen song. Perhaps there is some validity to music history as an indicator to the changing of times.

Click On Each Song And Form Your Own Opinion

1961

TODAY

Photo Trek

"Draft Notice"

2010-02-21T23:21:00.003-09:00

The Selective Service Act was signed into law in 1940 by President Franklin Roosevelt. The purpose was to insure that the military services maintained adequate numbers of personnel for national defense. This system of non-voluntary military service become known as the "Draft". Predominantly, the "draft" assisted the U.S. Army in their personnel requirements but on occasion the Department of Navy (U.S. Navy and Marine Corps) also received some assistance from the "draft" during World War II.

Prior to 1973, every young man that turned 18 expected to find his "Draft Notice" in the mail. Districts were set up in each state, normally using county borders as jurisdictions. A "Draft Board" was established for each district and citizens of the area would serve on the Selection Board. They would receive a quota each month. Once a month, this board would then select men within their boundaries to report for their physical examination and possible induction into the military.

I was one of those men. I was a resident of Homer, Alaska and received my "Notice of Induction". The only problem was that I received the "Draft Notice" in January 1964 and had been serving in the Navy since October 1963.

With the escalation of the Vietnam War in 1965, the war and the draft were the primary objects of the "War Protests" in the early 1970's. The United States become involved in Vietnam after the French left Vietnam. Commencing in the early 1960's, we were sending in "Advisers" to assist and train the military forces of South Vietnam. The war escalated following the "Tonkin Gulf Incident" in August 1964 when two U.S. Navy ships were fired upon by vessels from North Vietnam. In March 1965, President Johnson ordered our first military forces into Vietnam.

In 1973, the Selective Service System curtailed the "drafting" of men into the military, although the "Draft Boards" remained in effect. The military services commenced the "All Volunteer" military services and extra emphasis was placed in the recruitment of men and women. It has now been 36 years since the draft ended. However, it was not abolished. Today, all men are required by law to register for the Selective Service System.

Although verbose, I thought it important to touch on the history of the "Draft" before you listen to the music that I have linked to this posting. This song was #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1962. The "Four Preps" parodied several vocal groups . They satirized the "Platters", "Marcels", "Dick and Dee Dee", "Four Ace's", "Highwaymen", and "Dion". Although there are some great sounds and satire; what got my attention was that the "Four Preps" were able to forecast the civil unrest in our country during the height of the Vietnam War several years prior to the protest marches.

Enjoy Some Great Sounds By Clicking On The Link

"Four Preps"

Alaska Outlaws, Rebels, and Cons

2010-02-19T00:58:00.001-09:00

Recently, I was given a gift of a deck of playing cards. Like the playing cards that were used in Iraq to identify the bad guys, each of these cards represent an Outlaw, Rebel or Con Artist that is part of Alaska history.

The majority of them are politicians, of course Ted Stevens, Frank Murkowski, Don Young, Sarah Palin, and Wally Hickel are all honored with a picture and brief write up as to why they made the list. In my personal opinion some of those that made the list really do not belong on the list of outlaws, rebels, and cons. I am sure, the $80,000 that disappeared when famed U.S. Marshall, Wyatt Earp left Alaska, after living in Nome during the "gold rush" was just an oversight or banking error.

A few names surprised me that they had a card dedicated to them:

Seven of Hearts: Steve McQueen: On a fishing trip to Alaska in 1972, he was stopped by the City Police in Anchorage for speeding and laying down brodies. Resisting arrest, he was charged with reckless driving and spent the night in the 4th Avenue jail. The following morning, he posted bail and left the "Last Frontier".

King of Hearts: Robert Stroud: Migrating to Alaska at 18, Stroud fell for a prostitute named "Kitty". Stroud killed a man in Juneau for messing with "Kitty" and then killing a guard in the local jail. He was sent to the Alcatraz Island prison where he educated himself. He wrote several books and was considered an expert on canaries and a variety of other birds. He gained fame as the subject of the Oscar Winning movie, "Birdman of Alcatraz" starring Burt Lancaster.

Five of Spades: Captain James Waddell: Sent to Alaska by the Confederate States during the Civil War, the English Captain sailed the Shenandoah to the Bering Strait to destroy Yankee whaling ships. In June 1865, unaware that the Civil War had ended the Shenandoah destroyed 21 whaling boats crippling the U.S. whaling fleet. Learning that the war had ended, Captain Waddell evaded the Union warships to escape back to England.

The community of Homer had only one person represented in the deck of fifty-two. On the Three of Hearts, the terrible "Outlaw, Rebel, or Con" was the Eagle Lady, Jean Keene who passed away at the age of 82 in 2009. I would question the validity of why she is on the list, perhaps we should let the thousands of eagles that she fed each winter vote as to whether she was a "outlaw" or a "saint".

"I Like Ike"

2010-02-11T23:56:00.007-09:00

Yesterday, while cruising the isle of Fred Meyers, I happened to stop by a DVD Display, just to see if I could find something that would interest me. Enjoying American History, politics, and in particular the actor Tom Selleck, this particular video caught my attention.

Tom Selleck, being a very popular actor, I had never heard of this particular movie. In my own thoughts, I could not picture Tom Selleck playing the role of General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Despite having to shave his head, Tom Selleck did a very good job in his portrayal of Eisenhower and the decisions that he had to make in World War II. The movie was made for television in 2004 and aired on the A&E channel.

Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower, our 34th President of the United States (1953 ~ 1961) and the first President that I can remember in my youth. I can still recall his campaign slogan and the "Ike" buttons. They were red, white and blue and simply read "I Like Ike". Richard Nixon would become his Vice President.

General Eisenhower was sent to Europe as Commander of American Military Forces in World War II. He would become the Allied Supreme Commander for all forces in Europe. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was not thrilled and felt that his own popular General, Field Marshall Montgomery should be the Supreme Commander. French President Charles de Gaulle, preferred his own General to assume the command. The video does a great job of showing the interactions of these three men, finally agreeing that General Eisenhower would be the Allied Supreme Commander.

Under his leadership, the largest invasion force in the history of the world was planned and assembled for the invasion of Europe. It was crucial to keep the invasion at Normandy a secret from the Nazis. The mission was coded Operation Overlord. The invasion was to commence on June 6, 1944. That date was chosen to coincide with the moon and the tides on the beachhead of Normandy. To enhance their secret, they built a fictitious Army around General George Patton including tanks, aircraft, and equipment made out of plywood. The German's respected General Patton and felt that he would lead the invasion force from the south where his "fake" Army was holding.

The weather changed for the worse just prior to the invasion, General Eisenhower had to make the sole decision as to continue the invasion as scheduled or postpone it to July. Because the beaches were strongly fortified, the intent was to send in troops by parachuting and gliders behind the enemy lines to distract them from the invasion. Due to the weather forecasts, Eisenhower's Air Commander estimated that their fatality rate would be 70%. The movie and Tom Selleck does a very good job in portraying the "burden of leadership" and the consequences of their decisions. A small window of opportunity opened between the three storm fronts moving in, General Eisenhower ordered the invasion to commence. The airborne troops that went behind the lines suffered a 20% fatality rate. The movie does a good job of showing the interactions between General Eisenhower, Prime Minister Churchill, President de Gaulle, Field Marshall Montgomery, and even General Patton. If you enjoy history, you will love this movie, it was well done. Not a typical "war" movie, not a single shot is fired as it is the story leading up to the Normandy Invasion and "D" Day.

As a side note, General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Allied Supreme Commander was a five star general. A rank that he would hold after the War by Congressional Approval and titled General of the Army. In this status, he would never retire from military service. Upon his election as President, he had to resign from the military. Following his Presidency, his status as General of the Army was returned to him. Today, when you drive down the Interstate Highway, you can thank his Presidency. He established the Interstate Highway system for the sole purpose of having the ability to move military equipment and supplies faster. President Dwight D. Eisenhower passed away on March 28, 1969.

Transportation Tibits

2010-02-09T22:03:00.015-09:00

Like automobiles, the Golf Cart comes in a variety of models, colors, and configurations. I am seriously considering the purchase of one, if I can find a model that is equipped with four wheel drive and has a winch on the front bumper. I figure, I could have a "great time" driving my cart to my favorite fishing spot on Anchor River while other fishermen are having to walk. Although, practical; they are expensive pieces of equipment. However, I just recently discovered that you can get one free!

I was made aware of the advantages of the Golf Cart from friends that reside in Florida during the dark, cold, months of the year. They made me aware that everyone has a couple of these carts in their driveways. They are not always used on the golf course. These little carts are also utilized as primary transportation devices to the local shopping malls, restaurants, and those equipped with back seats are often seen at the drive in theatres. They are comfortable enough that my friends utilize their carts to drive between Illinois and Florida as the seasons change.

In my pursuit to purchase a "standard" Golf Cart the average price was $6,800.00 for a stock model. I have found it difficult to find one in Alaska. If I purchase one I will also need to pay freight or at a minimum of a "one way" airline ticket south and drive it back to Alaska via the Alcan Highway. However, since I have airline miles, that is also free. Driving backup the highway is also "free", having to stop at night for lodging, I will just plug it into an outlet in my room. So, now I have a "free" Golf Cart, "free Airline Ticket" and "free" power for my machine.

Now you are wondering how I am going to get a "free" Golf Cart". Unknown to me, however, I assume everyone in Florida knew about it. The "Golf Cart" is considered by the government as hybrid vehicle. This was a highly advertised promotion in "Golf Cart" states. Using the base sticker price of $6,800 per unit. Most of the golf cart manufacturers were giving a $2,500 rebate during the current economic conditions. That drops the price down to $4,300 per unit. Since the golf cart is considered a "hybrid vehicle" by the government and you are converting from a "fossil fuel" vehicle, the cost is deductible item on your federal taxes. So, you write off the $4,300 and reduce your gross annual income. Sweet deal! However, as usual, I procrastinated and this tax law incentive expired on December 31, 2009.

AIR FORCE ONE

Please be advised; prior to going online and searching for "official" information about Air Force One, you may have someone knocking on your front door, wearing suits and sunglasses. If you do search, I do hope you have greater success than I did.

There are 365 days in a year. During the year of 2009, Air Force One flew 160 days or 44% of the year during the first year of the Presidency Barrack Obama. Actually, when you discount the day that Air Force One buzzed New York City for a photo opportunity it only flew 159 days with the President embarked. In the first year of office, President Obama visited 23 foreign countries, three of them he visited three times. After his first year in office, he set a new record as being the most traveled first year President in our history.

It is very difficult to find out the expense account of Operating Air Force One. When doing so, you also have to consider that a minimum of one C117 also travels to haul the limousines and chase vehicles utilized in the motorcades as well as associated equipment including the teleprompters, security surveillance equipment, and furniture. On some flights, especially those involving foreign countries, a minimum of two fighter jets can also join as escort aircraft.

I did locate in several spots that the cost of operating Air Force One is $300,000 for a three day trip. Using that figure, I am assuming the average cost per day is $100,000. Keep in mind that is just for the "big" Boeing 747. The average cost for the operation of support aircraft is $30,000 per day. Disregarding the cost of the manpower that travels with the President as well as the "advanced" crew that travels several days in advance. Taking just the estimated cost of daily operations of Air force One and one support aircraft the cost is staggering. The 160 days that President Obama flew in 2009, the cost of Air Force One is $16 Million. The cost of the support aircraft, $4,800,000, for a total cost of air transportation of $20,800,000! The shortest route that Air Force One flew this past year was 150 miles. This trip consisted of a flight from Washington D.C. to Virginia so the President could address a Democrat Retreat.

Regardless of how you cut it, although it nice to see Air Force One touching down on some foreign runway, the yearly budget for this travel has to exceed $100,000,000 per year, when you include all of the minor details. However, I do understand that they are looking for ways to cut some of these costs, henceforth, all passengers, excluding the "First Family", will be paying $100.00 for each piece of checked baggage.

TOYOTA RECALL

No doubt, by now you have heard that Toyota Motors are having to recall a zillion of their automobiles, both fossil fuel and hybrids due to faulty equipment. Nothing to serious except some of them have a mind of their own and when you take your foot off the gas pedals, it fails to respond and you just keep going, faster and faster. Now they have discovered several other minor imperfections in the Toyota. Since the time these little cars showed up in America, seeing one on the road I wondered to myself what the word Toyota meant. On the pick up models I have seen the "ota" removed from the name to make it read "Toy".

Since the skirmish over the recall, I finally discovered the answer to my question of so many years. I still do not know the meaning of the word, Toyota except it is Japanese. However, I now know the origin of the word. In a recent press conference pertaining to the recall of the Toyota, the President of Toyota Motor Corporation made a formal apology to the consumer for the minor defects in his automobiles. His name is Akio Toyoda, grandson to the founder of Toyota Motors. Evidently, in their marketing analysis it was concluded that they should drop the "D" in Toyoda and substitute a "T" in it's place.

Henry Ford was proud enough to put his name on all of his cars and trucks! "Edsel" even emblazoned his name on his famous car, although they were ugly and a marketing catastrophe. Today, they are highly prized by the collectors. After the "Edsel" market collapsed, no one knows what happened to Edsel! He retired from the assembly line and retired to Florida, I think!

THAT IS ALL

President Reagan Debates President Obama

2010-02-01T04:55:00.007-09:00

WHAT IF A
DEBATE WAS
HELD BETWEEN
THESE TWO
PRESIDENTS?

PRESIDENT RONALD WILSON REAGAN
FEBRUARY 6, 1911 ~ JUNE 5, 2004
40TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
PRESIDENT FROM 1980 ~ 1988

1984 ELECTION RESULTS
Ronald Reagan Vs Walter Mondale
Popular Vote: 54,455,472 (58.8% Of Votes)
Electoral Votes: Ronald Reagan ~ 525 and Walter Mondale ~ 13
States Carried: Ronald Reagan ~ 49 and Walter Mondale ~ 1

PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA II
AUGUST 4, 1961 ~
44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
PRESIDENT FROM 2009 ~

2008 ELECTION RESULTS
Barack Obama Vs John McCain
Popular Vote: 69,456,897 (52.9% Of Votes)
Electoral Votes: Barack Obama ~ 365 and John McCain ~ 173
States Carried: Barack Obama ~ 28 and John McCain ~ 22

Both, President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama are both considered to be dynamic and motivating speakers. Each of them having their own personal styles of delivery and methods of delivery. Each of them are considered to be very skilled debaters on matters that are not scripted.

What if these two Presidents were to debate one another on the same topic despite the fact that twenty-one years has elapsed between their Presidencies?

I would recommend that you click on the two links below. Watch and listen carefully to each of them. Total time for both tapes is approximately 18 minutes. It will be the most interesting to listen from the past to the present time. I will guarantee you, it will be 18 minutes of time well spent.

Debate Between President Reagan and President Obama

President Reagan Debate President Obama

Perhaps, A Better Title For These Debates Would Be The Great Generation Vs. Current Generation
We Can Learn From Past History

Full Moon Prattlings

2010-01-30T19:02:00.001-09:00

"Global Warming"

Despite the fact that the latest polls indicate that 82% of those randomly polled felt that "Global Warming" was based on unreliable data, commonly referred to "B.S.". Despite the fact that 73% of the the scientific community feels that the data pertaining to "Global Warming" was misrepresented or manufactured, commonly referred to as "Double B.S.". Despite the fact that the Nobel Committee selected Egore (a.k.a. Al Gore) to receive the Nobel Prize for his discovery of Global Warming. The only thing that he did discover was a way to increase his annual earning from $3,000,000 to $93,000,000.

With that being said and done, I will go on record to support the theory of Global Warming. Not with data that can be easily mistaken in the interpretation but with pictorial fact. Currently, we are seeing record snow accumulation in Alaska. The "warm air" masses moving over the northern region and hitting the colder temperatures of the Arctic is creating these heavy snow storms.

Near my home a few days ago, this cow moose had to be rescued from the deep snow. On her annual trek from the high country to lower elevations, she was trapped in the deep snow. Immobile, they brought in snow mobiles to pack the snow down to allow her a walkway. They then moved the snow away from her so she could gain access to the "man made" trails. She was lucky, how many moose do we have to loose before we taken Global Warming seriously?

EAGLE VIEWING

Prior to reading this short article, I would recommend that you go to this link American Bald Eagle or scroll down to January 22, 2010 on this site for the article. Your next assignment, would be to click on this link, Homer News and read the lead in, front page article that appeared in the January 28th edition. Pertaining to the viewing opportunities and the feeding of the eagles. I have several pictures of the scene shown below, I have not published them in the past due to their graphic and disturbing nature. This picture was taken on the Homer Spit. Can you count the number of Eagles not being fed on the Homer Spit?

POLITICAL NEWS

This morning, while taking my morning coffee and staying informed on current events by watching the morning news, I was shocked by one particular news item. As you are aware, if you keep up with current events, our United States Attorney General announced several weeks ago that five terrorists would be tried in the civil courts in New York City. One of those being tried, with all rights granted to a U.S. Citizen is the mastermind behind the attack on 9/11.

It is assumed that his decision was approved by President Obama, at least it should have been. Upon the announcement of this decision an uproar occurred nation wide. However, only in the recent hours has this uproar reached a level that the White House can hear it. The Mayor of New York City, Governor of New York, and a number of leading Democrats are now insisting that no trials be conducted in New York City. There is also a movement to convince the White House to reverse their decision and try the five terrorists under the authority of a Military Tribunal instead of our Civil Courts. Remember, these are enemy, combatant, terrorists. They have no "civil rights" in accordance with our Constitution.

I want to see them remain in Guantanamo Bay and tried by a Military Tribunal. The one item that caught my attention on the news this morning is the budget that President Obama will be presenting to Congress for approval. In this budget, is a single line item requesting $200,000,000 (Two Hundred Million Dollars) for the trial and appeal process for the five terrorists in civil court.

I can guarantee a Military Tribunal is less expensive, the judge, jury, and lawyers are all government (military) employees on a fixed annual salary, security measures are in place in Guantanamo, and the secret documentation that our intelligence services have would not be made public. Cost of this trial, less than $200.00 if we buy new ropes to hang them with.

If the terrorist are to be tried in Civil Court, then let Osama Binnie Laden step forward, post their bail, pay for the lawyers, and provide them security.

If it was good enough for Remus Reid, Great, Great Grandfather to Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) then it is good enough for any and all terrorists that we capture. It is the only fair way to handle the situation, one that a terrorist can appreciate.

"Political Spin"

2010-01-25T23:46:00.002-09:00

The following information was sent to me. I have quoted it in the same format as I received it. I post it just to demonstrate how you can effectively "spin" just about any topic that you want to. The majority of our politicians have just perfected the process of "spinning"

"It all depends on how you look at some things....."

"Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in Southern California, was doing some personal work on own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing, train robbery in Montana, and escaping from prison in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor." "Reportedly, Remus Reid was apprehended by the Pinkerton Detectives for prison escape, train robbery, stood trial, convicted, and sentenced to hanging."

"The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory:"

Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada)

Judy Wallman contacted the Congressional Office of Senator Reid, to share her information with her cousin. The following is a excerpt of the letter that she received from Senator Reid's office:

"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic fund raiser held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

Watching Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev) since he became Majority Leader reaffirms my convictions that the "Acorn Does Not Fall Far The Tree". The backroom deals, ("Louisiana Purchase", "Corn Husker Compromise", and others to numerous to list") that he has cut in an attempt to get the medical bill through Congress would indicate that perhaps he has a little "larceny in his heart". But I am not here to judge ~ just to present the facts!

I have researched this information to verify the accuracy and authentication. You can do the same by clicking on Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada)

Not Meant To Stir The Pot

2010-01-22T23:15:00.000-09:00

Homer, Alaska ~ "The End Of the Road"

Up front, I was raised in Homer, Alaska and have considered it to be my hometown up to the time that I discovered Anchor Point, Alaska in 1959. A small "bedroom community" to the metropolitan area of Homer. I also do not intend this to be an article to "stir up emotions" or create any division of differences of opinions among the residents of Homer. Homer has always been a very united community.

A good number of years ago, a lady of seniority lived on the Homer Spit throughout the year. During the summer months, when Homer had a cannery row, she would gather fish scraps and freeze them for the upcoming winter months. As the winter winds blew across Kachemak Bay, the American Bald Eagles would return to the Homer Spit. Being the woman that she was, she would "thaw out" the collected fish scraps and disburse them to several feeding sites on the end of the Homer Spit on a daily basis.

Due in part to the "Eagle Feeding Project", on any given day you would see several hundred Bald Eagles on the Homer Spit. As time passed, a faction of the community complained that the great bird, that is the symbol of our country, was being made into a beggar for a few scarps of fish. A different faction complained that they could not go to the Homer Spit without getting splattered with the "waste product" created by the fish scraps. A third faction complained that with all the bald eagles in the area it was creating a "safety hazard" for aircraft utilizing the Homer International Airport. A fourth faction complained because they had nothing else to do at the time. The community was becoming "fragmented" due to the differences of opinions. At one time, even the acting Mayor of Homer was on national television carrying his "Eagle Bashing Stick"

Enough controversy was raised that in time the Federal Government intervened. It was their intention prior to deploying troops to "calm the atmosphere", they would hold a series public hearings on the issue. This aspect took a couple of years to resolve, meanwhile the lady continued to feed the eagles. The eagles were happy, the lady was happy, others that enjoyed seeing the birds were happy, and those that were unhappy remained that way.

In time, it was resolved that the "feeding program" would be permitted by the Federal Government, the program would be "Grand-mothered" in as long as the elderly lady could feed the birds. This created yet another controversy, as there were those that considered Homer as sovereign territory and not under the authority of the federal, state , or local government. Unfortunately the lady passed away and as the government agreed, the feeding program for eagles during the winter months was terminated. This is the second winter that the feeding program has not existed.

There is no doubt that the "feeding program" had a positive affect on the number of American Bald Eagles on the Homer Spit during the winter months. Enjoying the eagles, I traveled out to the Homer Spit to watch and photograph them. Although, I am not an authority on Bald Eagles, I can count and it would only be my uneducated guess that the winter population is approximately 11.3% of what it was during the feeding program. There are still enough eagles that you can enjoy doing a little bird watching.

In this weeks issue of one of the Homer news journals, in the "Things To Do and See In Homer" article was a picture and notation of the American Bald Eagle viewing opportunities that exist in Homer, at the Homer Landfill! Again, being uneducated, isn't that the same thing as garbage dump?

So, now instead of feeding the Eagles a supplement that is natural to them, we have them finding all kinds of neat things to eat at the "dump". I can just imagine what this foreign material is going to have on the digestive system of the eagle. Those that thought the eagles on the Homer Spit created a by-product mess on their cars, they have not seen anything yet.

It intrigue me why they would do an article advertising you could view and photograph the American Bald Eagles feeding at the "Sanitary Landfill". First, I visited the Homer Spit and got some beautiful pictures of the eagles. On my way home to my little "Shangri-La in Anchor Point, I pulled off the Sterling Highway at the "dump" to see how many eagles were hanging out.
I could not get a count, it is difficult to get all the eagles to stay in place while you get a head count. Perhaps, I should have had a "Eagle Bashing Stick". There was roughly twenty times the number of eagles at the dump than on the Homer Spit. They were double and triple parked in all of the trees, occupying them jointly with the crows.

Now, I do not know but did the City of Homer see the commercial potential of having "Eagle Viewing Area" within the city limits when the feeding program stopped on the Homer Spit. Their only alternative to get around the federal mandate was the "Sanitary Landfill" which was in place prior to the feeding restrictions but outside the City Limits of Homer. Could this be the reason the City of Homer annexed this area into the Incorporated City boundaries? Just a question, I do not know since I live in Anchor Point.

I would suggest that they close the dump to protect the American Bald Eagle, but then they would want to move it to Anchor Point and use some of our gravel pits to bury their trash. I do not know, but I bet they could lure some of those big birds away from the dump by opening up a "winter feeding station" on the Homer Spit.

One Tree At The Sanitary Landfill, Population At the Time Of The Photograph
Six American Bald Eagles and One Black Bird.

Two Trees, Four Bald Eagles Looking At Mt. Iliamna

Thank You

2010-01-15T17:30:00.004-09:00

The Beginning

(Click On Link Above)

Thank You

(Click On Link Above)

"Go Navy"

2010-01-13T13:36:00.003-09:00

There are those that consider our country as war-mongers and we spend excessive amounts of our resources in supporting a strong national defense system. It is seldom mentioned the amount of our taxes that is budgeted to the Department of Defense goes to humanitarian projects.
Regardless of what country is involved, whether it is a natural disaster or an act of terrorism, the United States military forces are always the first to respond and the first on the scene.
To wit, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the U.S.S. Carl Vinson (CVN-70), one of the largest nuclear powered aircraft carriers in our fleet and her task force are en route to Haiti to provide assistance. The Vinson will be arriving in the area on Thursday. Due to her size and capabilities, the U.S.S. Carl Vinson will provide rescue assistance as well as hospital facilities until temporary medical facilities can be established on shore. Countless number of military aircraft from all branches of the military will also be playing a role int he rescue operation. Two thousand U.S. Marines are also on their way to Haiti to assist in search and rescue operations.
Next time, when someone wants to "slash" the budget for the Department of Defense, you may want to consider the many roles that our military plays.

"Going To Hell In A Hand Basket"

2010-01-08T21:04:00.008-09:00

As a youngster, I vividly recall my parents when talking with friends would discuss the younger generation. Their discussions would conclude with the fact that "everything was going to hell" because of the next generation. They were members of the "great generation" and have my sincere admiration, appreciation, and gratitude. This was the generation that survived the "Great Depression", "Dirty Thirties", and World War II all in a span of 10 - 15 years. They held America together, a beacon of hope for many that legally migrated to our beloved country.

As a "kid", when I walked down the street and when memorial possession passed by, all cars would stop and yielded the right of way. Those walking, would stop, remove their hats if they were wearing one and face the hearse as it passed by. In the western Colorado community that I was raised as a young man, there were several parades a year. The parade was always led by mounted horsemen carrying our national emblem of freedom. In respect , as our national ensign passed by everyone removed their hats and placed their hat or hand over their heart. You never saw a sporting event that the National Anthem was not played, each time everyone removed their hats and again saluted the flag. This was the generation that had family and friends die for that flag. Each morning, as school started, we would rise from our seats, place our little hands over our hearts and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I recall, we had just got it memorized and someone came up with the idea that "God" should be included in the pledge. We learned the new version and no one complained, no mass demonstrations, no kids sitting in their seats declaring their rights were being violated, and no lawyers filing court cases trying to ban the word "God".

My parents were almost correct. Now that I have joined the "gray haired" generation, I can look back and think to myself that my generation did not do a bad job in keeping America as we found it. However, it was on "our watch" that the erosion commenced and we did not stop it. In my wisdom, I predicted it in 1973 and my theory has proven correct. However, that is a different and lengthy theory.

I recently saw a news article on television pertaining to the laborers in Mexico protesting a United States company. This particular company made bowling balls and accessories that support the the art of bowling. It is one of the major companies in the United States that produces this type of equipment. Because of labor contracts, high costs of labor, and taxes in the United States they moved their plants to Mexico. The communities in the United States that were supported by this manufacturing giant were devastated in the loss of jobs.

Building new manufacturing plants in Mexico, they put thousands of Mexico residents to work. This greatly assisted the citizens and government of Mexico. Perhaps, it even assisted the United States as it provided employment in Mexico and possibly reduced the number of "illegals" crossing our borders. No one in the United States benefited from the move, except possibly "Corporate America". Prices due to cheap labor in Mexico did not reduce the retail prices in America. Several years have since passed since that move to Mexico. Today, the employed residents of Mexico are protesting because this same company is now going to close their plants and move to China to take advantage of cheap labor.

Today, the country of China, which has not been a friend of the United States since the revolution, holds the mortgage of America in their hands. With our national debt escalating into the trillions of dollars, the majority of this money was borrowed from China. Our current administration does not appear to be concerned about the national debt, as long as the well does not go dry. Concern yourself with this fact, what will happen when China decides to recall and collect their debt service. What will be the concern when the Chinese Navy appears on our horizon with a naval fleet that surpasses our fleet, including aircraft carriers?

What can we do as a single American? It is apparent that a majority of our elected representatives have taken their eye off the ball. If you recall, some years ago a large shipment of dog food component was exported to the United States from China. A great number of dogs died from this contamination. Americans went wild and started boycotting dog food with this particular component. A couple of years later, toys started showing up in America that were made in China, again deadly because of the lead base paint. Rightfully so, Americans screamed bloody murder. The trend continues today, how safe are the products imported from China?

Now, if you have made it this far you are wondering to yourself, "what in hell does smoked oysters have to do with this article". Rightfully so that you ask that question. I love smoked oysters with a little cream cheese on crackers. I also love oyster stew, an old secret family recipe. Shopping locally, each time I go into one particular store in Homer I looked at the smoked oysters. They have several brands to choose form. Since the dog food scare, I have been checking labels. Each of the brands this particular store stocks, the smoked oysters are made in China! Now, I ask myself, if they cannot properly take care of "dog food", what chance do I have by eating oysters that they smoked and canned in China? I have not purchased any food products from China in several years.

On a recent trip to Anchorage I took advantage of my retirement and shopped at the commissary on Elmendorf A.F.B. I was a in hurry as daylight was approaching so I and my little cart was making a speed run up and down the isle. As I passed the spam, sardines, and tuna fish I spotted the oysters, smoked and canned oysters for stew. Recognizing the brand name, I threw a few into my cart and headed for the dog food department.

Last evening, while watching an old western movie I decided it was time for a 1:00 am snack. Smoked oysters and cream cheese sounded very good. As I removed the "Chicken of the Sea" wrapper off the can, mouth watering, I could not help but notice the labeling in small print. "Distributed By: Chicken Of The Sea International, San Diego, CA 92121 U.S.A." A good American Company. Then the second line appeared in my vision, "Product of China". There went my appetite for "smoked oysters", again! I could not resist checking the canned oysters for my stew as they were also carrying the label of this American Company. Thank god, they were not a "Product of China"! They are a product of "Korea", it did not say whether it was South or North Korea. Don't they make oysters in America anymore?

What can you do as an "American", only a small thing but could be effective. Start trying to boycott any products "Made In China" and at the same time, if it is an American company send them an email telling them that you are boycotting their product until it is made in the U.S. of A. I have and I will continue. www.chickenofthesea.com

My "smoked oysters" remain on the shelf, as I placed them back into my "goodie cabinet", I could not help but notice two cans of sardines packed in oil of which I had received as a Christmas gift. Yes, people do give sardines as Christmas gifts! They are not "Made In China", they are a product of Morocco! Did all of our sardines and herring move out of our coastal waters after eating all of the oysters?

"God Bless America" ~ We could use a little help.

Visit My New Site: http://photosrh.blogspot.com/

Why Celebrate Christmas

2009-12-25T00:30:00.005-09:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas morning has arrived in Alaska, soon Santa will be making his northward approach and his home. NORAD has done a great job this year tracking his voyage as he spreads his good cheer.

Myself, at 12:35 a.m. this Christmas morning, I have just finished wrapping up the last of my Christmas presents to my lovely wife. We have shared this holiday for the past forty-four great years. Through the years, our traditions have remained much the same as when we were "kids". Including my procrastination when it comes to wrapping Christmas presents. For the benefit of my children that know their mother and I have only been married 43 years. They are wondering how we could be celebrating our 44th Christmas. We shared the Christmas of 1965 together and were married in February 1966. We shared a "family Christmas" together, her parents and my family in our little log home in Alaska. It was the first "dinner" that our parents socialized with one another.

Although, I occasionally procrastinate concerning chores I do not enjoy, my wife is also not without fault. It has always been a laughing joke around our home, she has never seen a "box" that she did not like. Our basement looks like a warehouse for Mayflower Moving and Storage. We have little boxes, dress boxes, jewelry boxes, big boxes, and boxes that hold boxes. She also has a habit of collecting Christmas bows, after forty four years, we have bows! Each year, we add a few to the collection and the tradition continues, we have boxes and bows.

This time of the year, there are those that seek an answer to why we celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, to some it is just another day. In most cases our Christmas values and traditions are instilled into us as children. We discover the meaning of Christmas and expand from that. The question of the celebration of Christmas is complex and could be debated through eternity to find the answer. Does it need to be as complex as that?

It is good that my wife collects "bows", as I was going through the mass of ribbon and bows in our "bow box" to find the perfect bow, I came across an "old" Christmas letter that had been sent to us. As like the "bows", it had been stowed away in the box. As I read it once again after several years, the meaning of Christmas appeared before my eyes from the eyes of a ten year old. She made it so simple, so pure. It was her contribution to her family Christmas letter.

See hear, see hear Christmas is near
and look at all the presents,
I want to thank God for the things
he gave us!

He gave us a family
With great memories to remember,
he gave us great food which will
be laid upon us when Christmas is here.

He gave us our pets
which we take care of.
That's what God gave us!

I hope you all have a
good Christmas!!!!!

Devyn McLay, 2005, (Age 10)

Merry Christmas Devyn, I thank God that you are a part of our lives, this day and every day.

Dear Senator Begich

2009-12-18T22:39:00.002-09:00

I am taking this opportunity to post a duplicate of the letter that I emailed Senator Begich this evening. Currently, the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) is one vote short of having the needed 60 votes to pass the Senate. Voting is on party lines, a single exception is the Democrat Senator from Nebraska that is vowing to vote "No" unless the abortion issue is resolved in the bill. The Health care plan contains over 2,000 pages and no one except the "special committee" has seen the bill. All the Senators will have less than two days to read, understand, and vote on this legislation just because the "Executive Branch" wants it passed before Christmas. This legislation affects every citizen and amounts to over one trillion dollars in nation debt. I would like to see them take a little time, cool down, and spend the time on a bill that all can agree upon. Is that possible in Washington D.C.?

December 18, 2009

Senator Mark Begich

U.S. Senator, State of Alaska

Dear Senator Begich;

I would like to take this opportunity to wish both you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I am taking this opportunity to voice my concern in the direction that our beloved country has taken during the past eleven months. In my lifetime, I have never witnessed the politics that I have seen in Washington D.C. during the past year. The spectacle that I have witnessed is just not in the U.S. Senate, but also in the U.S. House of Representative with the Executive Branch being the worst offenders.

I have been a resident of the State of Alaska since 1956. I retired after twenty years active duty with the U.S. Navy. Two of my four children were born in Alaska; ten of my thirteen grandchildren were also born in Alaska, as were my two great grandchildren. Like your family, our family has roots in Alaska.

Our founding fathers formed this nation by writing a four-page document known as the Constitution. The principal of the document was simple; representatives would be elected to the Senate, House of Representative, and the Presidency to represent their constituents when enacting legislation. Although the lack of representation has been lacking over the past number of years, during this past eleven months it appears to have disappeared all together.

This is very apparent when one looks at the national polls for both houses and the Executive Branch. We, the voting public feel that we have been forgotten by our representatives. We continue to see legislation after legislation, amounting to billions of dollars being passed by both house and signed into law by the President. The national debt is at the point that my great grandchildren will be paying for the errors made in the past eleven months.

The national medical plan that is in debate at this time is a prime example of the ineptness of the current leadership and representatives. Again, all the national polls, whether they tend to be conservative or liberal indicate that the majority of the population of our country does not favor this legislation. In Alaska, the latest poll numbers that I saw was that 68% of the Alaskans were not in favor of this legislation. To compound the problem, Senator Reid is developing this legislation behind “closed doors”.

It appears that only a select few in the Senate knows what is going on with this bill. Senators are being bought off by “pork funds” attached to other appropriation bills for their vote. Senator Begich, I could care less if you ever bring the “pork” home to Alaska, just represent us as you have taken an oath to do. I have a great deal of respect for Senator McCain for not taking the “pork” home to Arizona. Evidently, his constituents are also proud as they continue to return him to the Senate each election.

To compound the problem, you as a Senator will only be allowed a couple of days to read and digest a bill before the Senate that contains over 2,000 pages of a new law that will affect every citizen of the United States. The current goal is to have this legislation pass in the Senate before Christmas. Common sense tells me that it is impossible to read, understand, and vote in favor of this legislation in a six-day period.

It is time for the Senators and Representatives to step up and set the example that their vote cannot be bought and that they will not sign every piece of legislation developed by the Executive Branch. Stand up, Senator Begich and let the leadership know that you represent the people of Alaska, not the Democrat or Republican Party or the President of the United States. It would be a “breath of fresh air” to actually see one of our elected representatives make this stand. Set the example and others will follow. Our founding fathers would be proud.

I encourage you to take this stand, remember the vote that you cast represents the Alaskans at home; it is not your personal vote. Strand up Senator Begich and vote “No” on the Health Care Plan until it is more clearly defined by a committee that represents the people, not the party, administration, or special interest groups. We would be proud of you if you took the stand.

Respectfully,

Stanley R. Harrington

Something You Have Never Seen

2009-12-17T02:55:00.003-09:00

Saw this young moose on the news this morning, it was seen in Delta Junction. I understand it has been seen several times but no one has got a clear picture of it until now. The mother of the calf has the standard coloration of a cow moose. I surely do hope it survives!

"Coffee Clutch"

2009-12-14T19:06:00.000-09:00

At times, when I listen to the "experts", I just have to shake my head and wonder whatever happened to common sense. The big "turn around" on global warming is one of the classic examples. The "Plumma" picked up on the misrepresentation of the facts, long before the experts admitted that their data may be "slightly flawed".

Speaking about flawed data, was it not "special" to see our President receiving the Nobel Peace Prize last week. Although the ceremonies were just held, he was selected to receive the honor last spring. Wait a minute, he had only been in office for a few months when he was nominated and selected as the recipient. Trivia question: How many Presidents have been selected to receive the Nobel Peace Prize during their first year in office? His selection for the Peace Award and Al Gores selection a couple of years ago for his efforts in stemming of Global Warming contributes greatly to the validity of the Nobel Prize selection process.

Since this is a "coffee clutch" posting, guess we should have something about coffee. "My name is Stan, I am a habitual coffee drinker". I love my coffee and most likely consume more than I should, but who is to judge. Do you think three or four pots of coffee is to much in one day? Coffee has never been a problem for me, except when I do not have any. My first routine each morning is to pour myself a cup of coffee. Normally, I will also have coffee just prior to going to bed for the night. Drink a cup of coffee and I can be napping in five minutes. No caffeine effect on me. However, in the past few days the subject of coffee has made the news. On Tuesday, 12/8/2009 there was a news article with a opening lead in sentence that read; "have a few more cups of coffee each day can reduce a man's risk of dying of prostate cancer". Hey that applies to me! In the test case, 50,000 men were in the study group from 1986 to 2006. In that group, 4,975 cases of prostate cancer was diagnosed but only 846 of those cases was diagnosed as aggressive cancer. Those in the aggressive cancer group, 87% of them were non-coffee drinkers.
In the same article, it was quoted as saying "A number of studies have found that coffee is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes. All good news.
However, the next day I watched an interview with a doctor that linked coffee with obesity. According to her studies, one cup of unsweetened, no cream, coffee was equivalent to five (5) hot fudge sundaes! Again, let's use a little common sense! Coffee contains no calories! However, according to her some type of proton hits the cell which normally absorbs and burns fat. Since there is no fat in coffee, it enters the cell and the cell cannot burn the caffeine, consequently you get fat. Yea, let me me a model for that theory, not only am I not fat, I don't even have a butt! I can provide a number of models that are very slender, weight proportion individuals that are very heavy coffee drinks. Perhaps those that hang out at the Hole In The Wall should be in that test group!

This is my 603 posting since February 2006. Earlier today, I did a little research on my "feed counter". Out of 602 postings, the posting that was most read was "Ugly Fish Contest" written on 1/24/09, 25% of visitors came to my site for that article. The second highest was, "Operation Wetback" written on 3/3/09. However, a posting wishing one of my daughters a Happy Birthday was most widely read from Pakistan! Readers from Japan rated the highest on the article titled "They Were Soldiers", a article pertaining to the invasion of Alaska during WW II and our "Alaskan Scouts".

That Is All ~ Time To Go Get A Cup Of Coffee

Above The Clouds

2009-12-11T22:01:00.000-09:00

Again today, I spent the majority of the daylight hours in pursuit of a Bull Moose, the score remains the same. Today, out of frustration I would have taken a picture of a Cow Moose, if I had seen one.

However, it was an interesting day to take pictures. The lowlands of Kenai Peninsula were shrouded in thick fog the majority of the day. However, reaching the higher altitudes of Skyline Drive and Ohlson Mountain Road in Homer, I found cloudless blue sky and sunshine. It was a beautiful day if you stayed at the high elevations.

Skyline Drive Looking Across Kachemak Bay
(Homer and Kachemak Bay Is Somewhere Under The Fog)

Ohlson Mountain Road Looking Across Crossman Ridge
and Kachemak Bay

Looking West From Ohlson Mountian Road Across Cook Inlet
Ohlson Mountain Floating In The Clouds

Ohlson Mountain Cabin By the Road
How Many Winters Has This Cabin Survived?
I Remember It Being There When I Was A Kid!

"Wynn Garage"
Ohlson Mountain Road ~ Homer, Alaska

It Was A Good Hunt

2009-12-06T21:04:00.004-09:00

I pulled out of Anchor Point at first light on Sunday morning for a "photo shooting" expedition for wildlife. It was a good day, no sooner had I left my home and I recalled a quotation from my son, Shane. One day after a morning of Silver Salmon fishing one of the ball players that played on his team ask him, "did you catch any Silver's this morning?" Shane simply replied, "No, but I caught a beautiful sunrise!" That is how my day started as I pulled out of Anchor Point.
The sun was just starting to break the horizon and I knew it would be a good day.

Sunrise ~ Anchor Point, Alaska ~ December 6, 2009

A few minutes later, the sun kissed the tip of Mt. Iliamna,

I could not resist taking a shot at a "close up kiss"

My "photo safari" would take me to the headwaters of the Kasilof River on Tustamena Lake. From Tustamena, I decided to venture further north and stopped just short of crossing the Moose River. From Sterling, I would turn east and go to the headwaters of Swanson River hoping to find both Moose and Caribou. What a great trip, found some very interesting places to visit this next summer on the Swanson River Road. I must admit, the sighting of "wildlife" was very limited, in total I saw one cow moose. Wanting to shoot something, I shot my dog, "Dutch", he always likes to pose for the camera.

In total, my photo safari took us 213.6 miles but it was successful, a great show awaited us as we turned south on the Sterling Highway to head home.

Sunset Over Cook Inlet ~ December 6, 2009

Sunset Over Ninilchik ~ December 6, 2009

As Darkness Settles ~ Happy Valley, Alaska ~ December 6, 2009

Rays of Sun and Winter Darkness Mingling ~ December 6, 2009

The mission was not accomplished, no wildlife pictures were taken.
However, one must ask themselves in situations like this; Was the trip a waste of time? I can only simply reply, "No, it was not because, I was fortunate to catch both the sunrise and sunset"
That is all that one can ask for.

Lurking In The Woods

2009-12-05T22:24:00.002-09:00

As a child growing up I was often told that "monsters" lurked in the woods and their diets consisted primarily of small children. As I entered my teen years, I was brave enough to go deep into the woods and survived. Now that I am in my "Golden" years, I am a skeptic that such "monsters" exist. That was until 2:32 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2009.

I know that my children will perhaps think the "old man" is slipping a few gears and will likely start talking about having me committed. However, I assure you, I know what I saw and now my concern is that of my grandchildren and great grandchildren. They venture into these same woods on a daily routine during the summer months and occasionally in the winter. I make this posting only to warn them of the dangers that do lurk in the woods at the "Hole In the Wall", our family recreational site.

Following the recent heavy snowfall, I spent the day on Thursday plowing out the recreational area. With me, I had two dogs, "Ruger" and "Dutch". At the entry to the "Bowl Area" of the campground, a large patch of alders were weighted down with the heavy snow load. As I pushed the snow down the driveway, each time I would pass that patch of alders, "Ruger" would growl. Throughout the day, I passed this spot a hundred times either going forward or backing up to catch a blade of new snow that had to be moved a quarter of a mile. "Ruger's" growling persisted, each time I would scold him for the annoyance.

After plowing for a couple of hours and drinking several cups of coffee, I parked in the "bowl area" to admire my job, stretch and let my buddies have a chance to run around and enjoy the campground again.

As soon as "Ruger" hit the freshly plowed snow, he headed for the alder bushes that he had been growling at. About the time that he hit the alders, I heard a loud scream and the constant barking of "Ruger". The scream was unlike any that I have ever heard, at first I thought to be a wounded rabbit but the growl was too deep. When "Dutch" heard the commotion, he went back inside of the truck and crouched down on the seat. I made an attempt to call "Ruger" off of whatever he was upset at, but he was not paying any attention to me. The growling and screaming continued, as I picked the shovel out of the back of my truck and walked towards the alders.

Due to the snowfall, I could not see inside of the alders and "Ruger" was on the backside of the clump of alders. With a wide swing with my shovel, I smacked the alders to disperse the snow. It was only then, I saw what "Ruger" was upset about. When I first spotted the animal, it had it's back to me, then turned and stared directly into my eyes. Being that close, the growl or scream was only intensified in volume, the glaring eyes, and wide mouth. I could hear "Ruger" but could not see him. I retreated backward very slowly a few feet and then turned back to my snowplow. What little part of the animal that I saw, it looked to be eighteen inches tall, gray in color, and big mouth lined with rows of white teeth.

Retrieving my camera in one hand and my shovel, I returned to the alder patch. Turning on the camera and pushing back the alders with the shovel, I could not see any sign of the animal that I had previously seen. "Ruger" continued his constant barking and growling so I knew it remained in the area. Moving over to an area where the snow had fallen from the alders and was deeper, just as I approached the spot, the animal which I will now refer as the "snow monster" came up out the snow. He was so fast when he surfaced from the snow pile, again looking me in the eye, growling, and snapping his jaws together. I did manage to get off two quick shots with my camera, before he darted deeper into the alders. It appeared that he was standing upright on two feet, however, I later discovered by looking at the tracks in the snow he was four footed, although the front two feet were smaller than the hind feet.

In just a few seconds, I caught a glimpse of him leaving the alder patch in the direction of the "Moose Wallow" and again I saw him as he cut across "Grannies Gulch" trail and headed towards the "Buffalo Wallow" with "Ruger" in hot pursuit. They both disappeared into the deeper alders on the side bluffs of the bowl. His hindquarters were taller than his front shoulders, which was the reason that I thought he was standing upright when I first saw him. In the deep snow he left clear tracks, the front two feet were a couple of inches smaller than the back feet, however, each of them had five distinct toes. However, after putting the pictures on the computer, I discovered that the toes were predominantly claws.

I returned to the site where we first saw the creature or monster, it appears he or she had a den in the bank of the hill under the roots of an older tree and a old log. Fresh blood was in the area with tuffs of white hair, which I am presuming was from the Snowshoe Hares that inhabit the area. Whatever it was, it was definitely a meat eater.

I could still hear "Ruger" barking at the monster on the bluff behind the "Bear Den" and "Wolf Den". It was only after I returned to the truck and started the engine that "Ruger" finally called off the hunt and returned, stopping occasionally to look over his shoulder.

After viewing the pictures on the computer, I returned to the campground on Friday. This time, I came prepared, I carried a shotgun with me. I do not know if I would have shot it, but I would liked to have known what I encountered. I checked out the area, I found two additional den areas. The first behind the "Duck House" in the old log pile, again there is blood and white hair. In this area, I also found some "scat" that had particles of bone and hair in it. The second den I located was on Bear Creek Trail, about mid way up the bluff under a large boulder. This site was also littered with the same evidence but the snow was packed down and it appeared that the foot prints were much smaller than the original tracks that I saw. It is possible that we have at least three of these creatures in the area or perhaps a mating pair.

I have no concept of what it was. I have to assume by the defensive posture and gestures it directed towards me the only reason it did not attack was my size. I also think that "Ruger" has possibly had contact with it previously because he was not in any rush to attack it. The entire time, he remained back a safe distance as to where he could escape. As quickly as he responded by growling and barking when we first arrived in the area, even from the truck seat, further confirms my suspicion that he has knowledge of the animal.

I am concerned, with my "grandchildren" and great "grandchildren" playing in the area as I am not convinced it would attack a smaller person or smaller pet animals. Over the next couple of days, I will check the area on a daily basis and possibly even set up a "baiting area" that I can observe from the "Water Tower". Please inform your children of the existence of this creature or creatures and insure we keep a watchful eye when they are playing in the area.

I have researched everyplace I can think of on the www and have not found anything relating to a creature of this appearance. For now, we will just call it a "Snow Monster".

Winter At Home

2009-12-03T23:42:00.002-09:00

Despite the work that it creates, Alaskan winters cane be quite enjoyable, it you stop long enough to enjoy the landscape.

Front Yard At Home

The Feeding Birds Are Expected To Shovel Their Own Deck and Roof

Rock Garden Where The Flowers Were In Bloom A Few Short Weeks Ago.

More SNOW Pictures At The "Hole In The Wall" Site.

Anchor Point Dump

2009-12-01T20:21:00.002-09:00

December 1, 2009 with just a dusting of snow on the ground in Anchor Point, we finally got our first big dump for the 2009 Snow Season. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon we watched as rain drenched the area. At three thirty and a slight decrease in temperatures, the rain quickly turned to snow. At 5:30 pm, we had a beautiful blanket of snow measuring seven inches in depth. Since that time, the snow continues to fall and pile up on my once bare driveway. I watch the Doppler Radar in anticipation for the passing of the low front, however the end is not in sight. I really do not mind, plowing snow is actually fun but shoveling the decks and sidewalks is work. I guess that is why the little lady has always done the decks and sidewalk while I plow. How I wish she was here to enjoy the snow and be able to participate come first light.

Picture Taken At 6 PM Without A Flash
Entry Driveway To My Upper Parking Lot

Back Yard ~ Picture Taken at 8:00 PM With Aide Of
Night Vision Feature On My Camera

Questions To Keep Me Awake Tonight

2009-11-28T01:40:00.001-09:00

It is 1:40 a.m., Alaska Standard time and I am still pondering the following questions in my thoughts.

1. Where was Tiger Woods going at 2:25 a.m. when he had his accident backing out of his driveway?

2. Why did the city of Anchorage, Alaska have the official lighting of the "Holiday Tree" and not the official lighting of the "Christmas Tree"?

3. How can a U.S. Senator read 2,072 pages of a proposed Health Bill in three days and understand it enough to cast a vote when I cannot understand two pages of the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B and still not comprehend the difference and their applications to my situation?

4. Why are Thanksgiving Dinner leftovers better than the original dinner?

5. Why did the Denver Broncos look so good by soundly defeating the New York Giants on Thursday night after loosing their previous four games?

6. Why do Senior Citizens, even those in their 80's and 90's have a monthly premium deducted from their Social Security for payment of Medicare Part B or is it Part A, refer back to question #3?

7. How did Michaele and Tareg Salahi get through the Secret Service protection and Security at President Obama's State Dinner for India Prime Minister Manmohen Singh? How did they get up to the President and shake hands with him without someone saying, "Who are these people? Why would they want to get a picture of themselves posing with Vice President Biden?
For that matter, why didn't the Vice President ask them, "Who are you people"?

8. Why did it take our Commander In Chief four months to make a decision in regards to his Generals recommendation for an increase in troop strength in Afghanistan? I thought I heard him state during the campaigning process that he supported the action in Afghanistan, it was a war we had to win, and he would rely on the recommendations from his field commanders. I guess we will find out on Tuesday.

9. Why would anyone want to convert their personal medical insurance over to a program that is adopted and managed by our government, refer back to Question #3?

10. Why did I drink that last cup of coffee at 1:00 a.m.?

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T10:07:00.003-09:00

Whether You Are Having Turkey For Thanksgiving Dinner

Wild Turkey's ~ November 2009

OR

If You Choose To Cook Your Goose

Canadian Geese ~ November 2009

Save Some Room For Pumpkin Pie!

Wishing All Of You A Very Happy
Thanksgiving

You Never Know What You May Find

2009-11-21T18:52:00.002-09:00

Been spending several hours for the past couple of days going on photo hunts for respectable representatives of the Bull Moose. With winter coming on, time is limited as they will soon start slipping their antlers. Seeing a number of cows and calves, but the big Bull has been elusive. Did spot one yesterday, although I could tell he had horns, even with the aid of binoculars I could not judge the size.

However, the great thing about photo hunting, in an attempt to get as close as possible to the target, you often find things that you are not expecting. That was the case today when I stumbled onto this specie. Seeing this specie, let alone having it stick around long enough to get a picture is unusual. He did not seem to mind me, he let me know not to intrude any further by his hissing and growling. After clicking a few pictures of him, he was gone as fast as he had appeared.

CANADIAN LYNX

ANCHOR POINT, ALASKA 11/21/2009

Smarther Than A Fifth Grader

2009-11-14T23:56:00.003-09:00

After watching wildlife my entire life, I am convinced that they are not only smarter than a 5th grader, they are more likely smarter than any of us in the human race. When I use the term of "wildlife" I am also including the species of birds and fishes. When you consider, they can predict the weather and move from one area to another to avoid foul weather without the aid of televised weather reports or Doppler radar. The majority of our waterfowl and a wide variety of species of birds will migrate thousands of miles twice a year without the aid of a map, chart, or even a GPS. Our salmon species will go to sea as fry and return to their parent stream 2 to 6 years later, again without the aid of navigational devices. Yet, our wildlife, fish, and birds are often called stupid, "stupid is as stupid does".

On my recent trip, I saw a great example of just how smart our wildlife is. In an area that I was visiting, Deer Season had just open but only for the specie of Mule Deer. Hunters were running all over the country in their flame orange vest to keep from getting shot. During the hunting season, if you are using horses in your hunt for packing, it is best to tie "flame orange" survey tape to their manes. This is done to protect them from getting shot by some hunter who can and does mistake a horse for a deer or elk. Even the wildlife are aware that a lot of hunters in the field cannot properly identify one specie of animal from another nor their legality in regards to size of horns or sex. During my trip, since Mule Deer season was open, we found this Whitetail Buck, that made sure all hunters knew what specie of deer he was. Yet, we call them stupid!

"I Am NOT A Mule Deer, I Am A Whitetail Deer!"

(Scroll Down)

Home Sweet Home

2009-11-14T00:40:00.001-09:00

This afternoon at 1:30 p.m., we completed our road trip of six weeks. It was a great trip, so many sights that I have captured to memory but at the same time, I managed to capture 1,527 memorable images with my camera. Some images like the early morning sun gracing the tips of the Rocky Mountains, the sound of a half dozen bull Elk bugling at the same time, or a sunset over the prairie, or a band of four Rocky Mountain Big Horn rams standing side by side drinking from a clear mountain stream cannot be captured on a camera. These memorable moments are reserved as once in a lifetime opportunities. I would be remiss if I did not include the birth of our 15th grandchild (including our two great granddaughters) as being the most memorable part of our trip, Shane Rolland Harrington.

Our trip this year took us 11,524.9 miles to complete. We visited the western provinces of Canada, Yukon Territory, British Columbia, and Alberta. In our travels, we visited Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota. We also had the opportunity to visit seven National Parks in Canada and the lower forty eight. We also visited a countless number of wildlife refuges and wildlife wilderness areas.

We did our part in contributions to the local economy along our way as well as supporting the oil industry by using 737.13 gallons of gasoline. In our travels, our most expensive gas was in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory at $4.549 per gallon (converted) with the least expensive gas found in the town of my birth, Montrose, Colorado at $2.389 a gallon. However, we did get by with one oil change and I need to get a new bulb for my left turn signal. Really do not need it, I have been a conservative all my life and have a tendency to always go right. I escaped with only only speeding ticket!

Surprisingly, leaving and returning to Alaska the largest city that we drove through was Anchorage, Alaska! Even the capital of Nebraska, the city of Lincoln is smaller than Anchorage. During our entire trip, we drove less than 200 miles on the Interstate Highway system even then it was because we had no choice as there were no side roads that would have bypassed them.

I have so many favorite places, however the Black Hills of South Dakota would rank very high on my list as favorites. The pine forests, rock formations, history, and wildlife that is found throughout this area is fantastic. Included would be Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, and the Little Big Horn. So much to see and do, I intend to return there again and spend several days just exploring this area. Perhaps, I will see my rams once again.

Although, my principal interest in photography is taking pictures of wildlife.While driving the Alcan Highway, and noticing that the history of the highway is disappearing rapidly. The old Lodges that use to dot the highway and played a vital role in years past when you drove the highway. Today, so many of them have been closed, deserted and slowly deteriorating due to age and climate. I decided to start taking photos of them, so many of them I remember as a child when we would drive the highway in the 50's. Since then, I decided to start a second photo journal and photograph other old buildings. There has to be so much history behind each of them, the families that lived in the old homes or the old barns that were the pride of some rancher or farmer. Each one, although old and deteriorating, still has a quality of uniqueness and beauty.
During our trip, I have captured over one hundred shots of old buildings. I have also found they are easier to photograph than animals, they don't move.

"Home On The Prairie" ~ Kansas ~ Highway 99

Barn and Silo ~ Dorchester, Nebraska
(Note the round Silo is constructed of brick)

"First House"
First House after you enter Alaska from Canada

Tok Junction, Alaska

2009-11-11T19:32:00.003-09:00

We fueled up and departed Whitehorse, Yukon Territory under the cover of darkness but expecting good light within the following forty five minutes. From Whitehorse about twenty minutes, we saw a familiar sign warning us about wildlife on the highway. This particular sign was for elk. I have heard of the large Elk herds in the Whitehorse area, however, my many trips over the highway, I had never seen a single Elk in this area. This was a subject of discussion for a few minutes between my wife and I. Within the next three miles, we came across a small herd on both sides of the highway. Unfortunately, the lighting was not good, it was still pre-dawn but I did manage to get enough proof that Elk do exist in the Whitehorse area.

This particular herd consisted of cows and calves with a few small, spike horned bulls.

But then, I noticed a tree branch that was not quite right with the scheme of the landscape. I call this series of three shots:

"Eyes In The Fog"

Could only get a quick count as he moved between the trees and out of sight, but was at least a very respectable five pointer, perhaps a "Royal"

Hopefully the storm that is forecast for tonight will pass through Glennallen as projected. We will be on the road from Tok inbound for Las Anchorage after good light ~ earlier projected time of arrival may need to be revised slightly due to storm.

Fort Nelson, Bitish Columia

2009-11-09T19:57:00.002-09:00

Been to Ogallala, Nebraska ~ did not get a chance to visit much with Claire Allen as she was with Bob, but I will tell you that she is not as pretty as she once was.

I have now crossed the Powder River and well north of the Yellowstone, our new ranch that the boys have named "Hat Creek Ranch", not a prettier place have you ever seen.

I understand that from my previous posting of the picture of "Hat Creek Ranch" that there are those individuals close to me that still doubt my word. They are still assuming that "Hat Creek Ranch" is a fictional place from the mini series, "Lonesome Dove".

You have to believe, what you see and you read! Dutch can fully appreciate the moment and enjoys listening to the stories of "Lonesome Dove".

Tonight finds us well north of the Peace River at Fort Nelson. On our southward journey, we had a little problem in Fort Nelson at our motel and swore we would never stay in Fort Nelson again. However, we found a very nice motel, almost good enough to holdup in for the winter. A beautiful day of driving, little snow to start out when we left Prince George but cleared up nicely by the time we hit the Alcan at Fort Saint John. From the time we rolled out of Prince George until we pulled up in front of our motel room, we had driven exactly, to the tenth of a mile a total of 500 miles. Tomorrow morning, we will be on the road again, just before first light as tomorrow is the big day that I have been looking forward to. Between here and Whitehorse, YT is the best section of the highway to see a wide variety of wildlife. Hopefully, I have a second rendezvous with some big Stone Rams. When we hit the road,the engine will not even have time to get warm and we will surpass the 10,000 mile mark on this trip, we now set at 9,997, again to the tenth of a mile. The last couple of days has been a little disappointing on seeing wildlife but have seen some beautiful country.

Analyzing the data tonight, the number of rpm's we are generating multiplied by the number of revolutions that our wheels make; taking into consideration that they will revolve slower in heavy snow or faster on black ice; and barring any unforeseen circumstances like avalanches, road closures, or customs not allowing us to enter Alaska; it is projected that we will roll into Las Anchorage, Alaska at 1639.34 on Thursday evening.

Yes, I watched the Denver Bronco game tonight and will make no comment - but I believe!

Hope, Birish Columbia

2009-11-07T19:06:00.001-09:00

Hat Creek Ranch

The Powder River is to the south of us as we continue to make our way to the north. Spending the night in Hope, British Columbia tonight before we head up the Frasier River valley.

Have a great puzzle for you to figure out from this posting.

We spent the past evening in Kalispell, Montana leaving there this morning at first light which occurs at about 0730. We traveled 103 miles into Idaho and then entered Canada. Today, we drove 523.6 miles bringing our total up 9,104.5 for this trip. We crossed three mountain passes, each one requiring me to go into four wheel drive and down to low gear several times due to the snowfall. We passed through a beautiful region which happens to be the largest grape producing area in Canada for fine wines. This region also boasts of some of the finest apple, peach, apple and cherry orchards.

We arrived into Hope, BC after dark at 5:30 pm, we would still be on a pass if it was not for a trucker that led us down the mountain allowing us to follow his fresh tracks in the snow. We also picked up an extra hour driving time today by passing from Mountain to Pacific time. Total driving time, eleven (11) hours and 523.60 miles driven, yet we are only 76 miles north of the Canadian border. How did we do that?

Red Lodge, Montana

2009-11-05T17:42:00.009-09:00

Had a little confusion on the trip today, despite "Suzie" GPS readings and maps, we found ourselves a one hundred miles north of where we were suppose to be, however, we have crossed the Powder River. A total of 429.7 miles today although my original travel plans called for 342. We have seen Montana a couple of times today but now settled in for the night at Red Lodge, Montana. A nice, small community at the base of Beartooth Pass (10,947 feet).

Being always prepared, I am driving a Ford F-150, with a recent oil change, four wheel drive, and four studded tires on the pavement. I feel very secure in driving any place in Alaska and the Alcan Highway with this rig. With that said, believing in the 7 P's, I checked my Doppler radar site and weather station this morning. Our destination and the gateway to Yellowstone Park was clear and expected highs in the upper 50's. Arriving in Cody it was 64 degrees. It then came it came to our attention that Yellowstone Park roads were closed for the winter. However, the most northeast entrance was open to the northwestern entrance and remains open all winter dependent on snow removal. Realizing we were not going to get in the park from Cody, WY we headed north to our present location. Our plans was to pass through Yellowstone during the early morning while all of the wildlife was out of hiding. Still cannot believe closing roads for the winter when it is +60 degrees! If I agreed with that policy, I wouldnever get back to Alaska!

Tonight after settling in, I decided to go find some back roads to take "Dutch" on a leash free play period and see if we could spot some elk or deer. Heading towards Beartooth Pass, one mile from our motel I could not help but notice a flashing yellow lighted sign. Beartooth Pass Closed! Since this is our only access, we have options ~ drive an additional 200 miles to get partial access to the park or mark it off the list of which we will choose the latter since we were in the park a month ago.

Re-route plans are now underway but I still refuse to go through Edmonton or Calgary, so we will be headed northwest across Montana.

We did drive a hundred miles of Interstate Highways today, I still hate them but between Spearfish, SD and Buffalo, WY we saw 1,000, maybe 2,000, perhaps a few more head of Antelope. The only problem, those constant nagging signs along the Interstate "No Stopping Unless It Is An Emergency". I had to pass so many good shots today but I did catch a few does at a pullout area.

Ten Sleep, Wyoming

More to this story, but best told in person. Thought this old cabin on the banks of Ten Sleep Creek deserved to have it's picture taken. I would love to know the history behind this house and those that occupied it over the years. The walls are dove tailed log and very tightly fit together. It is located on the outskirts of the community of Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

February 27, 1943

Came across this old mine west of Belfry, Montana on our way into Red Lodge. At first glance, it was just a great shot of an old mine but then I found the historical marker. They have left the old buildings in memorial of the Smith Mine Disaster. The worst mining disaster in the history of Montana. Three men escaped and the remaining seventy four lost their lives on that date. The mine was never re-opened and the remains of many of the men are still entombed.

Traveling Days Get No Better

2009-11-04T18:25:00.006-09:00

Although we spent a lot of time today, looking in awe at what we were experiencing, we still managed to record 336 miles. Spending the night in Spearfish, South Dakota. Clear sky and temperatures in the high fifties. Coming across the badlands of South Dakota we did get to see some antelope, deer, and prairie dog colonies. Seeing the variety of Indian Reservations in the area was quite interesting. Had hoped to stop in Harrington, South Dakota just to say we had been there and perhaps discover a little family history. Although it is listed on the map, GPS "Susie"denied any knowledge of a town by that name. However, looking on the map we knew it was very close to the border of Central and Mountain Standard time. Again, the map showed the community off the main highway just a few miles, however, we did not find any sign or access road leading to Harrington, SD. Stopping in the next town for coffee I asked the sales clerk if she knew where it was, she had never heard of it yet it was within ten miles of this community. However, she pointed out the coffee table and said one of those "old men" would know. All of them very friendly and had heard of it but never been there. Fortunately, one of them did have some information. Use to be a grocery store in Harrington run by the O'Neil family but it had been closed for ten years. Nothing there any more except the old buildings. As how the name was derived for the community. According to this man, Harrington had a small ranch there but was also caught being a horse thief. I am sure that I do not share any genes with the founder of Harrington, South Dakota.

We made our first visit to Crazy Horse Monument just south of Mount Rushmore. If you are ever in the area, it is a must see. All government funding for this project has been turned down, it is being constructed by contributions and a modest entrance fee. To see everything, plan on spending a full day as this location also houses the Indian Museum of North America. Thousands of items to review and study with hundreds of original photos of the great Chiefs that lead the various tribes.

Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear invited sculptor Korezak Paderewski to carve a statue of Crazy Horse because of his dedication to the Native Americans. Korezak started work on the mountain in 1948 and only $174.00 to his name. He passed away in 1982, still working on the mountain. Today, his wife, children,and grandchildren continue the effort. When completed, it will show Crazy Horse sitting on a horse with his hand reaching out in front of him. Only the front shoulders and head of the horse will be carved. The reason the hand it stretched out is from a quote by Crazy Horse, "My lands are where my dead is buried". It is the world's largest mountain carving. Is is 563 feet high. The head of Crazy Horse is 87.5 feet tall. The feather in his hair is 44 feet in length. His arm will have a total length of 263 feet and his hands are a size 33 feet. His arm is the level area below his head. The white outline on the rocks is the 45 foot ear and 16 foot eye of the horse. The hole in the mountain is the space between the arms of Crazy Horse and his horse.

We were very fortunate to be there on the day that they had a scheduled blast, over 25 thousand tons of rock were blown away in less than a minute.

This was our second time to visit Mount Rushmore in two years. It deserves to be visited each time you pass through this area. It is an inspirational visit each time you see the faces on the rocks or visit the great American History museum, not only how the mountain was carved but why these great Americans were chosen to grace the mountain.

The "icing on the cake" for today occurred just a few miles from Mount Rushmore. I once again was in the right place at the right time and caught a heard of Big Horn Sheep. A half dozen stayed on the cliff out of my reach, however four of the largest rams came in and I was able to shoot them without using a telephoto lens. These four big rams had buddied up, evidently something that they do prior to the rut. I have to admit, half my shots are useless, I had a little buck fever and was shooting as fast as I could before I lost them. The shots I messed up on were the four rams drinking out of a small stream. I don't care who you are, when you see four rams of this size, either hunting or with a camera, you are going to get a little "buck fever".

Come first light, we will be heading out for Wyoming. Will likely spend the night in Cody, Wyoming so we are lined up for Yellowstone National Park the following day.

On The Road Again

2009-11-03T17:32:00.002-09:00

Once again, we are on the open highways and byways of our great U.S. of A. following a eighteen day waiting period in Lincoln, Nebraska for the birth of our 15th Grandchild (including our two Great Grandchildren). It took a few days longer, but we finally waited him out a few days past his due date. Well worth the wait and definitely the highlight of the trip. Shane Rolland Harrington, 7 pounds 10 ounces. He carries the first name as his Uncle Shane and his middle name was the middle name of his Great Uncle Henry Rolland "Tad" Harrington. Baby, mom, and even Dad are all doing fine.

During our wait in Lincoln, we had a chance to get out and explore the area. So much history to see and learn in this area. We had several day tours out of the area, one particular day we traveled about three hundred miles, however we went from Nebraska, to Iowa, followed by Missouri, then to Kansas before returning to Nebraska. To some, that is no big deal but when you are from Alaska you need to put it in proper prospective. That same distance traveled in Alaska will not even get us to Mt. McKinley from our home.

Tonight, after driving 336 miles we are in Valentine, Nebraska just a few miles south of the South Dakota border. We took a north by northeast course today, but before this trip is over we will be cutting back to the southwest by west, before we turn to go back to our north by northwest course until we hit the eastern foothills of Washington when we will turn north and head for home. Going to be a little longer trip home than normal. Although, at this point we have now accumulated 7,323 miles on this trip. Not that many miles will be added on tomorrow as we have a full day of sightseeing. The primary sites will be the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore but the Black Hills is so beautiful, we will likely take several side trips. Planning on staying in Deadwood City, SD tomorrow night. I heard that they may have a few casinos, not that I would indulge in this type of activity.

This among thousands of others in Nebraska needs to be mentioned. This is the Johnson County Courthouse in Tecumseh, Johnson County, Nebraska. It was constructed in 1895 and still being used today. Johnson County was named in Honor of Colonel Johnson. While serving in the Army, Colonel Johnson was in combat against Chief Tecumseh. Following the Indian Wars, Colonel Johnson retired. The community as well as the county was going to be named after Colonel Johnson, however, he requested out of of respect, that the community be named Tecumseh in honor of his former combative foe. Beautiful architecture using a combination of brick and stone. However, each small town you pass through in Nebraska, you are likely to see buildings of this stature, either government buildings or churches.

I have added a couple of shots to my Wildlife Album, both of which would be classified as trophy animals.

White Tail Buck

Royal ~ Bull Elk Basking In The Sun

A Great Day

2009-10-12T20:32:00.002-08:00

Pulling out of Granby, Colorado we were looking forward to our drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. We had heard that we would have a great opportunity to see some Elk. After a twenty mile drive, we arrived at the gate to the entrance to the park, only to discover a sign that read, Road Closed Ten Miles ahead. We figured that the ten miles would not be as good as the total forty mile drive, but we were going to have to back track so we decided to go as far as the Park Rangers would allow. Going in we did see a cow and two calves cross the road in front of us. Reaching the road block, we turned around to retrace our route.

Catching a glimpse of a herd of elk quite some distance from the road, we pulled over to at least look at them through the binoculars. One single elk stood of by itself, assuming it was a bull I got out of the truck to see if I could telephoto shoot him. It was a long shot, about four hundred and fifty yards. By rules, you cannot leave the highway to take photos or I would have stalked him. Then I heard a sound that I have not heard in many years, the bugle of a Bull Elk. It is such a great sound, then an answer to that call, then another. We were there for at least twenty minutes and the bugling continued. Most of them sounded like bulls back in the timber trying to entice the cows that was with the bull in the meadow. The bugling and grunting was great. The bull I shot from a long distance turned out to be larger than I estimated. By enlarging the photo I was able to count at least six on each side to make him a "Royal" with the possibility of being a seven pointer.
Back tracking to Granby, we then decided to drive north on Highway 125 and 14 which would take us through the Roosevelt National Forest on the northerly border of Rock Mountain National Park. "Susie" was working with us and told us to turn onto a county road which was gravel. Fearing she had made a mistake, we stopped and looked at a map and it was a short cut to Highway 14 from 125. This part of the state was flat and nothing but sagebrush, but the shortcut was only twelve miles and would save us forty, so we decided t take it.

Being raised in Alaska, I have seen thousands of Moose, bulls, cows, and calves. But what I saw today was amazing. We were in an area where it was 60,000 acres of sagebrush and rolling ridges. Over the ridge comes a Bull Moose, just wandering through he sagebrush and not in any great hurry. We sat and watch him for fifteen minutes, he never changed his pace or his course, a stand of Aspen Trees. If "Susie" had not taken this direction, we would have missed a opportunity that we will likely never see again in our lifetime. He was a decent bull, again had to do some long distance shooting to get a picture of him.

For those that think perhaps I had forgotten Terry and drove off without her, this is proof positive that she is still with me.

"Dutch" is also still tagging a long, enjoying the trip and all the new sights, smells, and sounds.

Having the highway blocked to us in the Rocky Mountain National Park in some sense was a good break. We saw some of the prettiest country and canyon driving that we have seen the entire trip. If you have find yourself in Fort Collins, just north of Denver, Highway 14 is a must trip. I will return to this area, not only for the scenery, wildlife, but a beautiful small, crystal clear trout stream. On this route, we spotted this old cabin. I could not resist stopping and walking the property, if this cabin could only talk the stories it could tell. For those readers of the "Hole In The Wall", I have a couple of more pictures posted on that site of this cabin.

As we headed for Nebraska, we also had the opportunity to visit the community that my wife's father grew up in, Raymer, Colorado which is also referred to as "New Raymer" on some maps. Being a small town, one cafe only we stopped to see where we could find some information since he graduated in 1939. The lady told us they had all the class photos on display in the community building. It was closed at the time, but she gave us the keys to the building, only in a small town would someone be so trusting. We did see his class picture when he was a senior in high school.

While in Raymer, I decided to get some work done on my truck, but this is the only garage I could find! When was the last Studebaker built?

"Welcome To Nebraska"

As of this evening, we are in Sidney, Nebraska just a few miles north of Raymer, Colorado and the home of "Cabela's with 4,863.2 miles behind us on this trip. It is a straight line drive from Raymer, Colorado to Sidney, Nebraska. Flat land driving with a speed limit of 70 miles per hour. Three miles into the State of Nebraska, I am following a pick-up truck at the same rate of speed. I check my rear view mirror and much to my surprise, there was a car following me with flashing red and blue lights. I pull to the right yield to him, but he pulled up in back of me. A nice officer, asked he if I knew how fast I was traveling and I honestly replied between 70 and 75. He then told me that he had me tagged at 75. No big deal, normally they will give a little at five over the limit. It was only then he told me the speed limit in Nebraska on that road was 60 miles per hour. Inviting me back to his car, he ran me through his computer, no traffic violations in ten years. Commended me for that feat and then wrote out a ticket to me for breaking the speed limit. Cost $123.00

So as a word of warning, if you are crossing from Colorado into Nebraska, watch for speed limit signs and their changes. He had a nice little trap set up as neither my wife nor I have any concept where he came from, he was not alongside the highway.

However, I hope the highway fund will find good use of my $123.00 because we were going to stop by Cabela's tomorrow and drop several hundred dollars on new fly rods and reels ~ now I will just tell them that I am "just looking" because I cannot afford it after my ticket. If my grandchildren are reading this, I was wrong, I did break the law, I will pay my fine.

"On The Road Again"

2009-10-11T18:05:00.004-08:00

After a three day rest period in Montrose, Colorado we are once again on the road headed for the Midwest. Although, it was a 72 hour rest period, not more than ten hours of sleep was accumulated. However, we had some great visiting time with family. All of my nephews were in the high country getting ready for opening day of Elk hunting season. However, we also got out and visited the high country and the site of a "little angel under a tree". It had been 43 years since my last trip over Owl Creek Pass, beautiful, rugged country. While visiting the high country, evidently the deer moved to the valley. One evening, within a distance of one mile of the Miller homestead, we saw at least 60 deer. All of them Doe's and fawns, but in a couple of weeks, the Bucks will start showing up. The deer seemed to be enjoying a corn field that had not been harvested and the adjoining alfalfa field.

As our entire trip has been going, we had a little change in our travel plans and routes. Although, originally from Colorado we have never visited Rocky Mountain National Park. We are now poised to strike at first light as we are in Granby, Colorado. We got information from a professional photographer that if we wanted Elk pictures, this was the place to be. Driving only 316 miles today, however in that distance we crossed the divide of three mountain passes, each of them exceeding 11,000 feet. It was my first trip over Berthoud Pass, I now know why truck drivers like to avoid it. At one time, we had over six highways on our GPS screen but it was just one road and a bunch of switchbacks. Looked like a piece of ribbon candy.

Little Red School House ~ Closed and Abandoned
Leadville, Colorado

Came across a nice herd of about 30 - 40 had of Bighorn Ewes and Lambs today, but once again the Rams remain in exile for another couple of weeks

Change Is Good

2009-10-07T19:41:00.004-08:00

The great thing about traveling with us, everything is subject to change, including routes.

Had an easy driving plan today, jump into and cut across the panhandle of Utah and enter Colorado at Rangley. Easy drive into Montrose from there if you go over Douglas Pass. However, just a touch out of our way to go through Flaming Gorge, beautiful area. Then Dinosaur National Park, disappointment the center where all the bones and information is at is closed for remodel, scheduled to open in 2011. Of course, that was coming from a lady ranger. When I asked her about wildlife in the park she old me I could expect to see a few Pronghorn Deer. Not familiar with that specie, I asked her if she meant Pronghorn Antelope. It was then she informed me that they were all the same!

The major change in plans was that we cut across northern Colorado to Craig, hoping to see some Pronghorn Deer. We turned south at Craig and down to Rifle. At Rifle, instead of going to Grand Junction, we went east to Glenwood Springs so we could visit Redstone Castle. Privately owned now and tours given only on Saturday and Sunday. We came over McClure Pass into Delta and finally arrived in Montrose. To late in the evening to roust the family, so we are camping out at a motel for tonight. Great trip today, the drive from Redstone Castle up though the Crystal River canyon was some of the prettiest country we have seen this trip. Fall colors are just past their peak at lower elevations.

The age old question that has bothered mankind, Does a Bear poop in the woods? I have no concept, however, I captured proof that young mule deer bucks do poop in the woods! In fact they squat like a little girly deer!

This mama Mule Deer, just wanted to get her babies away from mankind and they followed her lead.

I knew in time, if I were patient, I would get the Pronghorn Antelope that I wanted. Finally caught up with him in northern Colorado. He gave me a great pose, over his shoulder look exposing the size and shape of his horns. The blog picture does not do the shot justice, can't wait to get it home and put it on glossy paper and do a little cropping. Click on the picture to enlarge it to full size and it will show in more detail.

A Week On The Road

2009-10-06T19:13:00.005-08:00

Rolled out of Dillion, Montana at 0600 this morning, an hour before daylight. Had to dodge a few deer and antelope, but a little drive with two big cups of coffee, it was a great way to wake up. Gas prices are not the only thing we see that are falling. The temperatures have also dropped. Saw the coldest day we have seen since last winter this morning, a balmy 16 degrees! It was a beautiful clear day, but even then it was 25 to 34 degrees in the Yellowstone.

We pulled into Green River, Wyoming this evening after driving 462 miles, it has been a long day but a good day. Tomorrow, we will visit Flaming Gorge in Utah and Dinosaur National Park before arriving in Montrose in the evening. Saw a tremendous amount of beautiful country today, some areas that I had not expected to be as nice as it was. Also had the chance to see some famous trout fishing rivers including the Madison, Hoback, and the Green River. Anytime you visit the Yellowstone, you can expect a enjoyable time, it was no exception today although we did see very little wildlife. A number of buffalo, wife had a close encounter, and a few cow elk. We came through the west gate and out the south. I think I prefer the north gate route and go out the east gate. Although we saw just a a sprinkling of wildlife inside Yellowstone, we made up for it the remainder of the day. A lot of deer, but no bucks (hunting season is open), another coyote, a couple of distant elk herds and somewhere between 1 and 600 antelope. Several nice antelope bucks, but they are hard to get a good picture as they are very spooky - unless a female is involved. We had a great show this morning, four bucks chasing one female and she outran all of them. We watched them for a half hour, as we pulled away they were still running in circles. It was captured on video.

A Visit To Yellowstone Without Seeing "Old Faithful" Would Be Wrong

The Peak "Grand Teton" Which The Park Is Named After

With Hot Water From The Steam Pots, Warming

The Madison River, These Geese Figured They Had

Flown Far Enough To The South.

The largest of the Antelope Bucks that I have Seen On The Trip,

But There Is Always Tomorrow

Big Sky Country

2009-10-05T18:52:00.003-08:00

Enjoyed a sunny day in the "Big Sky Country" of Montana. Only picked up 409 miles today and fell short of our destination, but it was a great day. Changed travel plans several times and took some of the smaller secondary roads. Today, we have driven 3,089 miles from our home driveway. Spending the night in Dillion, Montana and will continue on to Yellowstone National Park come first light.

Not only did we have a chance to see some beautiful mountainous country today, but really enjoyed the big pine forests. Discovered a lot of beautiful fishing areas, very impressed with the Bitteroot River and tomorrow we will take a look at the Madison River. Saw a good number of deer today and late this evening crossed a large cattle ranching area that also had a lot of Antelope and one coyote trying to sneak upon a couple of them. Also saw several flocks of Wild Turkey's, including one single hen with a brood of chicks. The chicks were about the size of domestic chickens. Thoughts of Thanksgiving crossed our minds.

Spent some today learning a little history of the American Indians, visited the site where the Nez Perce camped after fleeing Idaho. It is also the site of the Battle of Big Hole. Thinking that they were safe after fleeing Idaho,the Nez Perce camped. Several warriors wanted to back track to see if they were being followed. Chief Looking Glass made the decision that they were safe and the Army would not follow them. On August 9, 1877 the U.S. Army under the command of Colonel Gibbon attacked the camp. Both sides suffered losses, the Nez Perce went into the Yellowstone and then headed north to Canada. Colonel Gibbons did not follow due to his losses. Prior to reaching Canada, the Nez Perce were captured although a few did escape into Canada including Chief Kicking Horse.

Twilight Shot Of Three Deer Giving Me The Slip ~ Chief Joseph Pass

Antelope Between Jackson and Bannack, Montana

Good "ole" U.S. OF A.

2009-10-04T20:13:00.007-08:00

Mount Robson ~ Jasper National Park

We are back in the good in the United States. It is so nice to know what the speed limit is and you do not have to be mathematician to figure out what the gas pump is telling you. Tonight, we are in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Since my wife is addicted to "Desperate Housewives" we drove the 551 miles from McBride, British Columbia today.

It was a good trip, we stopped on a regular basis so "Dutch" and I could scout out some future fishing trips. We saw so many beautiful, small and fishable rivers today. In comparison of the three access routes to the Alcan Highway starting in Dawson Creek, this route is the most spectacular in regards to the length and scope of the terrain.

I love the mountains and "rocks" in general. The mountains of Jasper and Banff National Park are spectacular. Their ruggedness and rock formations make them unique.

This particular picture is unique, it was only when I put it on the computer did I notice the ladies face on the mountain. I do not recall the name of the mountain but I read all the informational boards at this site and nothing was mentioned about a face. I hope one of you can see it, I am known for seeing faces on mountains, especially when I am until sedation.

The only disappointment today was the lack of big game animals that we had expected to see. But, that is wildlife viewing, sometimes you see, sometimes you don't! We did see a good number of deer outside of the parks.

On the last mountain pass, on the downward side we saw a herd of Big Horn Sheep just below timber line. It took me about forty minutes and ten rest stops but I got within shooting distance. I was disappointed that no rams were with them, but the ewes and lambs were very cooperative and undisturbed by my intrusion. I got above them and got shots of them coming up the slope, I was within six feet of them most of the time. Two curious lambs, I really wanted to adopt them, they were quite inquisitive about me.

Tomorrow, we head south with our next National Park being Yellowstone and followed by the Grand Teton Park. We will be visiting them on Wednesday. Tomorrow we will explore Montana and Idaho from the secondary highway systems.

"Blue Belle From Hell"

2009-10-03T16:04:00.004-08:00

After driving 584.7 miles from Whitehorse, YT to Fort Nelson, BC, yesterday, we looked forward to a good night sleep after a little dinner. We checked into the Blue Belle Motel, the same motel and room that we stayed in two years ago.

Completing my nightly logging and blogging chores, I settled in for a long nap at 10:30 pm. At 11:oo pm, I was awakened by the new tenants upstairs, talking loud and stomping around. I am a patient person and knew that they to would settle down in a little time. At 11:30 pm, their guests arrived, after several loud bangs on their door and a lot of yelling, it was finally answered. Then the screaming started and what I assume was a fight between the men. At midnight, I was still being patient. In short time, I realized I was wrong and picked up the phone to call the office. Registering my complaint, the desk clerk said he would handle it and move them. When the phone rang upstairs, more screaming commenced and it sounded as if one of women was being beat up. After twenty minutes, it continued. It was at this point, we decided to "check out". After loading our luggage, I called the front desk to let them know we were leaving with no answer. Again, being patient, I walked over to the office. Evidently the manager was peeking out the window and saw me coming as he opened the front door. His response, "didn't they quiet down", my response to him, "no, we are checking out and want a refund", not only the $114.00 that we paid but also the extra $23.00 they charged for "Dutch". He agreed and even turned on the gas pumps so I could top off the tank. The next motel, 20o miles down the road in Fort St John.

We drove through the night, arriving in Fort St John at about 5:30 am after dodging a few deer and a snowstorm on Pink Mountain. Deciding that it was useless to kill the day in a motel, we took a short cat nap in the truck. At 7:00 am, we topped off the gas tank and headed to Prince George planning to check into a motel and rest the remaining day. A beautiful drive from the Alcan into Prince George, beautiful agricultural area along the Peace River. A very large population of Whitetail deer, but the bucks were all hiding.

Arriving in Prince George, we once again decided to go onto Jasper Provincial Park, just another 200 miles. One hundred miles later, we came into McBride, British Columbia. The cutest little town, very neat and clean. Just a hundred miles from our destination, we decided to call it a day. The day ended after driving 632.2 miles since midnight last night and 2,129.5 miles from Anchor Point.

Tomorrow, we go into Jasper Park and then directly into Banff Park, a trip that I have been looking forward to for the past two years. It should be great and maybe, I will even take some pictures!

If the posting was to verbose, in short if you ever visit Fort Nelson, BC, I cannot recommend staying at the Blue Belle Inn.

Continuing South

2009-10-02T20:44:00.001-08:00

The third day on the road was a long day, made the run from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory to Fort Nelson, British Columbia. According to my onboard assistant, "Susie" and my F150, that is a total of 584.7 miles. We are now 1,497 miles from Anchor Point. Tomorrow will be our last day on the Alcan Highway, will not be seeing Mile Post "0" as we will turn south at Fort Saint John.

Being doing a little data collecting regarding the economy during this trip. It appears from the data collected that the economy in the lower forty eight is worse than in Alaska. I base this strictly on personal observation. I have noted a large number of U-Haul trucks and trailers coming north yet in the southbound direction, I have only seen two or three at the most. The number northbound movement is large enough that you cannot help but notice. It appears that the population of Alaska will be increasing.

Had great drive today as we passed through the most beautiful part of the Alcan trip and also the area that always have the largest wildlife sightings. During this part of the trip we saw Moose, Caribou, Elk, Sheep, and of course the Buffalo. Did not get a chance to "picture shoot" a ram, saw several small rams, ewes, and lambs. Still would like spend several days exploring this 100 mile stretch of the highway, perhaps that will be a future fall trip just for that purpose. Continued to have a variety of weather patterns including a heavy snow storm on top of Summit Pass. It was a good day.

SIGHTS FROM THE HIGHWAY

~ Buffalo Herd Resting ~

Toad River Elk Herd

"The Whirl Pool " Laird River

Winter Comes Early On Summit Pass

A Sad Past

2009-10-01T19:05:00.010-08:00

I am currently on my 15th trip over the Alcan Highway. Two years ago when I made this trip for the first time in many years, I felt a little remorse that it was not the same as I remembered as a youngster.

The Alcan Highway was an engineering marvel, built during war time to provide a transportation route from the lower 48 to Alaska. The highway was built in record time by the U.S. Army, contractors, and local labor from the communities scattered along the route.

I made my first trip over the highway in the spring of 1956, seeing the country from Colorado to Alaska from the back of a truck.

Today, as I travel the highway, I cannot but notice and feel remorse at all the old lodges, gas stations, and cafes that have been closed. The majority of the old places that I saw as a child are now abandon, boarded up, and slowly dying of neglect. These structures and businesses were essential to the development and traveling the highway.

Times have changed and the history being erased. The highway has been re-routed in so many places, time and expediting is now more important. The lodges along the highway flourished in the days past. Today, with larger gas tanks, fuel economy, and a highway that can safely be driven at 55-75 mph. A full tank of gas will now take you from community to community. In the past with top speeds 0f 30 t0 45 mph, smaller gas tanks, less economical engines the drivers depended on the lodges as refueling stops. Today, the motor homes roll past their doors requiring no service. The lodges were not only essential for driving the highway, when you made the trips enough times the owners become your friends and always welcomed you.

But the modern times has also had an affect on the smaller communities, much like the Interstate Highway system in the lower sates.

"The Forgotten Alcan Town"

Champagne, Yukon Territory

The history of Champagne, Yukon Territory dates back to the early 1800's when it was a trading area for not only Canadian Indians but also Alaskan Indians. The area remained as a trading post until 1942 when the Alcan Highway was constructed through the community. Many of the residents in the area worked on the development of the highway.

I remember Champagne as a child, several things remained in my memory including hub caps, sod roofed buildings, and Indian burial houses. Several years ago, the Alcan Highway was diverted away from Champagne. Today, a simple little green sign sits along the highway that says "Champagne". Today, I left that highway and took a short trip back into my past and a trip into the history of the Yukon.

The hubcaps I remember from my youth are still there. In the days of old, the Alcan Highway was littered with blown tires and hubcaps that had fallen from the cars and trucks due to the bumpy, gravel roadway. If you were a seasoned driver of the highway, if you found a hubcap and it did not fit your rig, you put it in the vehicle and dropped it off in Champagne. The garage walls were filled with hubcaps and in time poles were erected to hold the excess. They are still there today, a prominent sign stating that they are not "For Sale" is also displayed.

Signs Of The Past In Champagne

Two Of A Dozen Sod Roofed Buildings Dating Back To Pre-Alcan Highway

On my first trip, I recall holding my baby brother, who is now in his 50's and my little sister standing in front of a Indian burial house in Champagne. I have this picture in my collection at home, this is possibly the same site. There has to be so much history at this site, however, out of respect we did not intrude.

This sign was attached to one of the many old buildings in the small community. It caught my attention that perhaps it would be a good one to put on display in our family campground, the Hole In The Wall.

It was a great visit into the past, I feel fortunate that it had existed as I remembered.

Day Two ~ Whitehorse, YT

2009-10-01T18:30:00.006-08:00

Terry Standing Tall Cotton

Yukon Cotton Tree

On our second day, had a relative easy driving time between Tok and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, 386 miles. Had an opportunity to witness just about each type of weather condition, cloudy, sunny, snowy, drizzle, rain and more sun. Once again had the opportunity to meet one of the Canadian Custom officials that lacked any personality and professionalism. Paperwork was all in order, after looking at Dutch's Health Certificate the next question was; Where is the dog? My response: In the back looking out the window at you! Next, What else do you have under the canopy in the back? Suitcases!; What else? Clothes; What else? Cooler of junk food; What else? Tool box and emergency equipment; What else: That is about it; Have any guns? No; How much ammunition do you have: Is that a trick question? Never did make her smile!

It was evident today that Canada has a predator problem! Perhaps an aerial hunt is in order, the only wild game that we saw today was two Wiley Coyotes. In the event you are wondering, this is one of two postings for today.

Let The Journey Begin

2009-09-30T17:30:00.000-08:00

The "Welcome To Anchor Point" sign is in our review mirror as we head north by northeast prior to turning south by southwest to the smaller states "outside". After spending the night in Las Anchorage, we were on the road shortly after first light heading for the border. Found our first sign of winter as we passed through the country of Sheep Mountain. A light dusting of snow overnight. Only in Alaska can you drive a hundred miles and find a change seasons. The fall colors give away to the coming winter once you have passed through Palmer.

The moose population looks good. The last time we made this trip, we saw one moose on the round trip from Anchorage to Dawson Creek. The first day of this trip, we saw two so that looks like an increase in population of 100%. This young bull cut in front us, he would not stop long enough to get a "posed" picture.

Although the lakes in the north country are starting to freeze over, the Swans are still sticking around. Saw a several "gaggles" of them. I am assuming they hang together in gaggles.

"Dutch" is loving the trip, new sights and new smells of Indian River. Beautiful little stream, just about right to check out the Grayling fishing.

Arriving in Tok early in the afternoon, we decided to drive around town and check it out. That took about 5.5 minutes. However, we decided to stop for the day, get plenty of rest, and read the Canadian Dictionary so we do not have a language barrier. We are now 526 miles from Anchor Point. As normal, you will get a shock after you leave the Las Anchorage gas stations at $3.239 a gallon. Just to be safe, we topped off the tank in Glennallen at $3.719 a gallon, 180 miles north of LA and .48 cents difference in a gallon. That is o.k., it is just preparing us for the Alcan and computing litres to gallons.

Come first light, we will grab a "to go cup" and head for the border destined to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

Alaska Was Just A Territory

2009-09-24T22:45:00.000-08:00

When I arrived in Alaska for the first time, I was just a child but the memories of the 1950's are vividly implanted into my memory. They were good years, I feel very fortunate to have learned my values during this time frame. Alaska was rugged, remote, and required a family to work together to survive. At the same time, you enjoyed personal freedoms like no place else.

I was just graduating from the 8th Grade in Homer, Alaska, when my father and mother leased the restaurant at the SilverKing Lodge on the Anchor River.
The SilverKing Lodge was originally built by Mr. Clark Peterson who had homestead the property extending from the present day Slide Hole Campground to the forks of the Anchor River. At the location of the current Slide Hole Campground was the original homestead house of Clark Peterson.
Mr. Peterson decided to leave Alaska and put the SilverKing Lodge on the market. It was purchased by a lawyer from Anchor, Alaska by the name of Gene Saxton. Mr. Saxton was still practicing law so he hired his brother in law, Clarence "Smitty" Smith to mange the Lodge.
In 1959, having no desire to operate the restaurant, they leased it to my parents in the spring of 1959, the year that we would relinquish our Territorial status and become the 49th state.

The Lodge consisted of the restaurant, general store, guest cabins, and gas pumps. Behind the lodge was a open "lean to" filled with saw dust. Buried beneath the saw dust were blocks of ice that were cut from the cake ice during the breakup of the Anchor River. If a visiting fisherman wanted to buy some ice to keep his fish fresh, a water hose would rinse off the saw dust to produce a beautiful block of ice.
I have always been a lover of "Bing Cherries", I recall in the summer of 1959 the manager that still operated the store brought in a lug of cherries to sell. They were sold, not by the pound but per cherry. One nickel for a cherry!
My family took over the restaurant in mid May 1959 and would operate it 24 hours a day throughout the spring and summer months. It was a family business. My mother would cook the day shift, I worked with her washing dishes and waiting tables. My brother Larry came home form attending college in Colorado and would cook the evening shift with my brother Don washing dishes and waiting tables. My father would take the graveyard shift as the cook and brother Tad would wash dishes and wait tables. His wife, Mary Jane would babysit the younger children.

Interior of the Silver King Lodge Restaurant
1959

Sitting At the Counter: Little Sister Patricia and Little Brother Bill
In The Background
My Mother Cooking ~ Proof That I Do Dishes On Occasion

Enlargement of Sister Pat and Brother Bill

In the top picture, you will see the menu boards tacked to the wall. After a very successful summer in the restaurant, I can remember hearing my father tell my mother that we had made $10,000 that summer. When you enlarge these signs, the clearly indicate the difference between "yesterday" and "today."
A Sampling Of The Posted Menus:
16 Oz. T-Bone ~ $4.00
Shrimp Dinner ~ $2.00
Mixed Seafood Dinner ~ $3.00
Salmon Steak ~ $2.00
King Crab ~ $2.00
Halibut Steak ~ $2.00
Trout Dinner ~ $2.00
BLT Sandwich ~ $1.00
Pie ~ .40
Hot Chocolate ~ .25
Milk ~ .25
I did have to laugh at our Coffee Sign:
"No Charge For 2nd Cup Of Coffee when Served With
Pie, Sandwich, Or Meals;
Otherwise
2nd Cup: .1o Cents
Warm Up: .10 Cents
1/2 Cup: 10 Cents
A Little Bit: .10 Cents
One Drop: .10 Cents"

It was a long summer, but also a time to explore and learn the Anchor River and build many fond memories of my youth. It was also the year of the "flood" of homesteaders to the area of Anchor Point. With statehood looming it was known that the "Homestead Act" would become history. That particular summer I remember the homestead families of the Hansen's, Charleton's, Anderson's, Lewis's, Tietjen's, Presley, and Wilson's moving to the area.

In the fall, my parents would decide to return to our little ranch in Colorado for the winter. They would sub-lease the restaurant to a family by the name of Lucky and Betty Platt who had recently moved to Alaska from California. Through the years, the Lodge would have a variety of person's leashing the property. Gene Saxton would later sell the property to the State of Alaska for the development of the Anchor River Recreational Area as we know it today.

Prior to the sell of the Peterson Homestead to the State of Alaska, a one acre lot was sold to Arnie Murto across the Beach Road from the Lodge. Upon the sale of the property to the State of Alaska, Arnie Murto purchased the lodge building from the state and moved the building onto his lot. His intentions was to move his bar, the Scandinavian Inn, from the bluff overlooking the river and location of my current home. During that winter, it was set on fire and partially burned. The following spring it was demolished and hauled away. The only thing remaining was the sign, "SilverKing Lodge" which was partially burned. This was given to me by a friend who had saved it until the year that I opened the Anchor Angler Tackle Shop.
My family would return to Anchor Point the following spring and open our fishing cabin as a business. This was located on the Anchor Point Beach Road just a half mile from the location of the SilverKing Lodge. "Harrington's Fishing Shack" was the first tackle shop and sports fish processing business in Anchor Point. Our family would operate this business for several years, following my departure to join the Navy my parents operated it for a few more years before selling this business. Since that time, it has went through several owners and was operated under the name of "SilverKing Tackle Shop".

She Never Lies

2009-09-22T21:01:00.004-08:00

I am the very proud owner of a Garmin Street Pilot C330, although our love affair almost came to an abrupt halt last night. She came very close to being labeled as trash! However, after a cooling down period, I remembered that she took me on a 12,000 mile trip without a single argument, but better yet without getting me lost in some major cities.

Pending another long road trip, I thought I would treat her to a set of "new" and "updated" maps to insure that we were both working on the same highway. It sounded easy enough to go to the home page of Garmin and for a few dollars, download a set of new maps into "Suzie".

If you are a proud owner of a Garmin GPS, I would now suggest that you go buy a new one if you want to update your maps. Don't get me wrong, I like the product and it has worked well for me. However, their web site is terrible. After several attempts to download the required software in order that I could download maps to my computer and then to "Susie", I finally got to choose the maps that I desired. Really had no use for any other than North America!

After paying my "fee", I was ready to download. Hesitantly, I hit the "download" key. The download page appeared. Only one choice to make, "Continue"! No advance notice, no warning of what you were getting into until the download commenced. I thought to myself that it would take perhaps an hour to give "Susie" a new make over.

This is the point in the evening that "Susie's" life came close to expiring. The download screen informs me now that I have spent my money that the map file is 2.02 GB. I am on DSL so that is no big deal until I noticed the amount of time that was projected to download. The estimated download time was 18 hrs 56 min 45 seconds at a warp transfer rate of 38kb/second.

It was approximately 24 hours ago that the ordeal commenced. The download was finally completed at 7:36 pm this evening. Then it took another hour to feed it to "Susie" from the computer. The good news is that "Susie" is sitting here next to me, her "makeover" was successful and she just took me on a trip from my home to somewhere in New York City.

She is now ready to travel and assist me through some very beautiful country. She had better not screw up or I am going to ditch her for another. "Susie" and I will keep you posted in our travels. Perhaps, just perhaps "Susie" and my wife will get along better on this trip and keep me from having to choose sides as to you is right on that highway change that is coming up in .5 miles.

Sunday At Home

2009-09-20T23:03:00.001-08:00

After a busy summer and early fall, I finally spent a full day at home, well at least the majority of the day. Some would be content on sitting in the recliner and watching a little professional football. I would have like to but my "Daily To Do List" kept nagging at me. So I spent the day:

1. Had morning coffee on my deck in winds gusting to 30 knots
2. Enjoyed, but sad that the leaves were falling like snow flakes
3. Enjoyed the company of our three dogs as each of them returned from exploring the property to sit beside me.
4. Enjoyed my second cup of coffee while catching up on the news of the day.
5. Enjoyed my third cup of coffee while reviewing a change in future travel plans with my wife, Revision #4
6. Enjoyed my fourth cup of coffee, tuned in for a few minutes of a football game. Then the guilt set in.
7. Took my fifth cup of coffee in a "to go cup" and escaped to my workshop.
8. Overwhelmed by the disorganization after a busy summer and most of the tools being at the work site.
9. Spent the next hour pre-cleaning and preparing to move tools home from the work site.
10. Took the "ole snow plow" and headed to the HITW to pickup tools.
11. Full pickup load of tools that needed cleaning and organized.
12. Refilled my "to go cup" with coffee.
13. Commenced cleaning all of the tools and wiping them and their cases down with WD-40 for the next four hours. Found two extra hammers and tri-square that do not belong to me.
14. With the aide of my wife, returned to the HITW for the second load of tools, consisting of ladders, chop saw, table saw, and a very heavy generator.
15. Wife was kind enough to brew another pot of coffee and help unload one very heavy generator.
16. Spent the next hour cleaning the chop saw and table saw while enjoying a cup of coffee. I must admit, I did not clean the ladders.
17. Next two hours, re-organized the work shop and organized and stowed all the tools.
18. Set on the front steps, enjoyed my 8th cup of coffee and mentally debated myself why I have to have everything so organized.
19. To distract my thoughts, played ball with the three dogs.
20. Had a very nice pork roast dinner and a chocolate carmel malt while I watched the second half of the Dallas / Giants football game.
21. Fell asleep at the end of the third quarter. Woke up in time to watch the final four minutes of the game.
22. Made myself a cup of "instant coffee" and sat on the deck to enjoy the late evening and watch the dogs at play.
23. Noticed that the air compressor was still sitting on the deck of the workshop, unclean and not in it's proper place. Wondered to myself, how I could have missed that.
24. Contemplated on completing the task yet tonight, but then reconsidered to put it on tomorrows "to do list".
25. Checked my email and blog site list to see if anyone had posted.
26. Finding nothing, checked the Doppler Radar and tomorrows weather report.
27. Using a new site I discovered, I revamped a scheduled trip to discover that you only save 200 miles if you drive the Cassiar Highway to Prince George, BC instead of the Alcan Highway.
28. Debated myself on which highway to use, this will be my 16th trip over the Alcan and I have never driven the Cassiar. Less services on the Cassiar but country that I have not seen? Thoughts to ponder.
29. Did a variety of "computer chores"
30. Made another cup of coffee and decided to make a posting.
31. Don't know why I am not sleepy.