Monday, April 23rd - Happy Birthday to Chris!

Before I go any further with this entry, I just have to wish my eldest son a Happy Birthday!

I still find it hard to believe that I have children who are in their 20s. I don't feel old enough. (That's a good thing, right?)

I remember the day I brought Chris into this world. I was 19 years old and scared to death about not only childbirth, but about the years ahead. I think every parent feels that way when they have their first child. You don't have any clue as to what to expect. And I don't care how many puppies you've taken care of - it's not the same as caring for a little person. *grin*

Chris was born at 7:01pm on a Monday evening. I had been in the hospital since 1am that morning, just waiting for his very slow arrival. I can't say labor was all that much fun, but the minute I held him in my arms for the first time, it was as if life had truly just begun - for both of us. From that moment on, I couldn't remember a time when I didn't have him in my life.

Over the years, I have watched him grow into an amazingly intelligent young man. Chris is definitely someone you'd want on your team playing Trivial Pursuit! He may not have a PhD in one subject, but he certainly knows a lot about a lot of things.

Chris has a caring and compassionate heart. He is careful with his tongue and his actions; never wanting to intentionally hurt anyone's feelings. He has a witty sense of humor, and a smile that stretches from ear to ear. His laughter is contagious, and anyone who has the privilege to spend any time with Chris, will leave with an ache in their jaw from smiling.

I am so incredibly proud to call Chris my son. He was such a happy little boy, and we had many adventures together before his brother came along nearly 5 years later. And then, when he became a big brother, he was "mommy's little helper" and a wonderful role model for Brandon. He's still looking out for his 'little' brother, even though they're both all grown up now. Isn't that what brothers are for? I know I feel much better knowing that Chris and Brandon are together, looking after one another.

I don't like that so many miles separate us. I wish we lived closer and could spend more time together. But, despite the miles which separate us, Chris is always held closely in my heart and my soul. He is my firstborn. He taught me just how strong a mother's love can be. I am blessed that God chose me to be his mother. Happy Birthday, Chris!

Since I last updated, I've been busy! It's been beautiful outside, and I've tried to get out of the house as much as possible. I'm getting excited about starting a garden, and I've enjoyed spending time in in the garden department at the local home improvement and craft stores. I picked up a few bird houses for the yard - for decoration mostly - that I'd like to hang on poles that I attach to my septic tank vent pipes.

I made this animation using a photo I took of our yard when we first moved in. We have no grass at all. Up here, they builder doesn't usually landscape for you. Talk about an added expense! Anyway.. the septic tank and leech field area has these vent pipes, that I consider an eyesore (but necessary). I was playing around in Photoshop, and decided to design a yard and garden incorporating those vent pipes. I want to attach 1x1 boards (or small pipes) to the big pipes, using zip ties or some other fastener system. I want these to be tall, and I hope to attach birdhouses or yard art (flags, wind chimes, etc) to them. Because the septic tank is covered with a mound of dirt (the extra dirt keeps it insulated in winter), I want to create a raised flower bed to camouflage it even more. You can see more of my idea in the animated photo.

Last Thursday, I met a new friend at Alaska Coffee Roasters for a cup of coffee and some conversation. I met Paulette online in the Yahoo Alaska Living Group. She drove to Fairbanks from Syracuse NY, and when she arrived, she made a post announcing her arrival and asking if anyone wanted to meet. I emailed her and we set a time and place. Our coffee meet turned into a 3-hour *gab fest*! I had a wonderful time talking to Paulette and finding out more about her life and what brought her to Alaska. I admire her courage in making the long drive from NY to AK alone. Especially the long lonely stretches on the AlCan. Within days of arriving, she had a place to rent for her and her dog, and also a job. In fact today is her first day at the new job. (I hope you had a good day, Paulette!) I hope that we can get together again sometime. I really enjoyed talking with her.

Friday, I started my 3-mile walking routing with Sedona. Using this terrific online tool, I mapped out a route around my neighborhood. I thought I'd start with 3 miles, and try to do it twice a day. My hope was that Steve would join me on the evening walk, since we've been doing a mile walk around the block anyway. He doesn't seem very enthusiastic about the idea though. He doesn't mind doing the 1-mile loop around the neighborhood in the evening, so at least I can do 4 miles/day.

I walked it on Friday, but missed walking on Saturday because I had things to do. I went again on Sunday, and then this morning I walked with my friend Karen. Karen and I are going to try to do it together a couple of times a week; I'm glad for the company.

Saturday afternoon, I stopped by to visit my friend Celeste and to see the cabins she and her husband have been working on. They're really beautiful, made of log, with spectacular views of the woods. Initially, they were building the cabins to rent out to visitors to the area (vacation rentals), but have since changed their minds about being tied to a hospitality business - especially in the summertime. They'll be selling the cabins instead. It was nice being out in the sunshine chatting with Celeste, although the big mosquitoes were already out and making a pest of themselves. At least they're easy to see and wave away when they're big and slow. The little ones that will be out later in the season are the real pests.

Saturday night, Steve and I met up with my friend Abby, her husband and their family (they have two sons). We decided to eat at Boston's. It was my first time meeting Abby's family, and Steve's first time meeting Abby and the boys; he had met Abby's husband in the commissary a few weeks ago. We really enjoyed spending time together and getting to know each other a little bit more.

After dinner, I asked Steve to take me by Creamers Field because I had heard the geese had arrived! This is another indication that spring is here, but the real sign will be when the sandhill cranes show up. We watched the geese for a little while before driving over to the farmhouse where two swans were enjoying a small pond.

There were many people out watching the birds, and quite a few walking the path through the fields. Unfortunately, the big 'bomber' mosquitoes were out too. I even managed to take a picture of one on Steve's sleeve. I hate these nasty buggers! Here are some photos I took at Creamers Field:

After our visit at Creamers, Steve and I drove up to the overlook at UAF so I could take some photos of the range, which looked beautiful in the late afternoon light. That's Mount Hayes standing tall in the photo at right. (Look at the huge mosquito on Steve's sleeve! YUK! I hate mosquitoes more than anything!) Little black spiders have been showing up in the house too. I sure love spring/summer, but I'm not real thrilled about the insect world coming back to life.

On the way home, Steve and I stopped by Chena Slough a couple of miles up the road from our house, to watch people fishing. Steve said they're probably going after arctic grayling. The arctic grayling is a cousin of the trout and is usually caught with a fly. I asked him if he wanted to take his rod out and try his hand at it, but I think he's been so spoiled by summer salmon and halibut fishing that nothing else excites him. I know he'd feel differently if we had to catch our dinner each night.

Remember the little herb garden I planted on March 1st? Look how pretty my herbs are now! I just love looking at this container of green; it really brings my spirits up and makes me more excited to get started on our yard and garden.

Speaking of the yard, Steve and I spent quite a few hours out there yesterday (Sunday) pulling dead fall and brush out from under the trees in the front yard. Steve built a bonfire to burn off the dead wood and dried out spruce boughs. I could see the gleam in his eye as he lit up that pile. What is it with men and fire? It's as if he was 10 years old all over again. He just loved tossing debris on it and watching the fire get bigger.

It was hard work pulling the loose stuff out from under the trees, and a lot of stuff had to be cut smaller with the chain saw (Steve's newest toy). We only took care of portions of the front yard, and still have a lot more to tend to. I can't wait to get started in the back yard. I want to get my garden started and sow some grass seed too. The flat of pansies I started a week or so ago hasn't germinated yet. I hope they're OK and not duds (or that I did something wrong). This will be my first time growing an entire flat of flowers from seeds. If they survive, I could see myself doing this a lot more as time goes on. Maybe even in my own greenhouse someday.

The snow is pretty much gone now. There are still a few patches in the backyard, but they are few and far between. In the snow's place has come mud. Despite kicking off our shoes when we come in the front door, the mud and dirt has a way of finding its way into the house. Thank goodness we have wood floors and don't have to worry about dirty carpets. As you can imagine, the mop has been working overtime.

GO TO APRIL