I'm Back

All too soon my time in Texas came to an end. Landing in Anchorage late Thursday night the cooler temps felt refreshing after the "heat" of Texas. Spent the night in a 40 dollar motel room as I needed to pick up some new skis at REI the next day. Not sure what this says about me but I seem to sleep better in the cheap places. When Max and I travelled to Montana a few years back we stayed in one 24 dollar room in Fort Collins, Colorado. Definitely not the Ritz, but adequate. And you seem to get a more interesting mix of neighbors.

Made it to the cabin by noon on Friday. While I had been forewarned it was still a shock to see the snow melted off the roof and deck and the driveway a solid sheet of ice. Guess I'll have to be extra careful till spring. Great to see the mutts and be back in my own space.

Unfortunately my camping trip was cancelled due to a friends water heater blowing up. Since I didn't find out till late, my sled was already packed. Will try to schedule something later this week or weekend. Got to try out the new skis!

Was mid 20's yesterday so I was surprised this morning to find the temp was sitting smack dab on zero.

Visiting

My visit draws closer to its end. Just spent the night enjoying the good company of my friends Paula and David, and a scrumptious crawfish casserole to boot. Watched as much of the inauguration festivities as I could stomach, no offense intended. Just seems sort of a forced artificial gaiety. Oh well, given the tasks ahead of him the new Prez deserved the break.

Will spend the day packing and getting ready for the trip back to Big Lake. Tonight we have "reservations" at Johnny Carina's for some nice Italian food.

Go Figure

Well, I guess it was bound to happen. After spectacular weather for a week, a cold front moved in last night dropping the temps down into the 40's. More cold weather is expected tomorrow and later in the week. Couple with the end of the severe cold in Alaska, it may actually be colder here in Texas tomorrow than in Big Lake, Alaska. WOW!!!

Spend Monday night at the lakehouse. Seems strange to be back. I had trouble remembering where things were at first but it gradually came back to me. Surprised to find out that I can get an NBC station out of Louisiana now so ABC has some competition at last.

In addition to having colder weather, Texas also surprised me with my first Eagle siting of the new year. Trying out the new camera today I saw a bald eagle battling the strong north winds and a few pesky shore birds. Hopefully, this guy or gal is nesting nearby.

Heat Wave

Hit 80 yesterday. What a change. Have been in shorts since I got here. The weatherman is predicting a cold front by tomorrow with temps expected to drop into the upper 40's. Oh no, what will we do? Bring the dogs and plants inside? Bundle up in our coats and sweaters? Or maybe just continue with the shorts for a few more days.

By the way, an article in the Huston Chronicle today discussed the global warming crisis. Looks like it might be more myth than crisis. I guess its one of those things that only time will tell.

While I am enjoying my stay down south I still find myself checking on the weather back in Alaska. I will not say I miss 40 below but there is something about the cold that makes the mundane exciting. I find there is a sort of still beauty that exists in the extreme cold, especially on clear moonlit nights. I will be more didligent in trying to capture this on film when I go back.

Sunshine, Blessed Sunshine

Tuesday's rainy overcast skies gave way to a glorious sun filled Wednesday. After knocking around town with Dad, I spent the afternoon sunning by my brother's pool. Just me and Old Red, an adopted Tomcat, soaking up the vitamin d like a couple of Miami Beach schmucks.

By the way, thanks Ted. Hearing that its still miserably cold in Anchorage makes my sunshine even better!

YEE HAW

After spending most of Sunday night in the Anchorage airport, I finally made it to Texas Monday afternoon. Temps are a balmy 50ish. A drastic change from 40 below.

Glad to see family and friends after being away for six months. Not sure my youngest nephew appreciated the reindeer sausage I brought. Maybe it was more my "implication" that Santa's fleet of sled pullers was no more.

Congrats to McCoy and the rest of Mack's boys on their win over Ohio State. A very entertaining game.

FINALLY

Looks like we finally bottomed out...at least for awhile. After staying at or near the minus 30 mark all day, last night's temperature only reached 34 below. Predictions are for the severe cold to hang around for a few more days and then warm up slightly by weeks end.

Spent the day getting ready for my departure. House is clean, sheets are fresh, wood is stockpiled, and I am ready to go!