My Wall of Photos

First Friday went very well. I had the opportunity to meet and chat with folks in the community - something I really love. I also had the opportunity to meet some of the other members of the Interior Alaska Photography Club (IAPC), and see their beautiful photos. While I only sold one matted and framed print at the show, I've received orders for four more as a direct result of the show. Of course I'm pleased by this, but most importantly I'm pleased that I had the opportunity to present my work, and discuss my passion, with folks who love the scenery of Alaska as much as I do.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my dear friends who came by to show their support. Karen: It was wonderful to see you, and I will definitely be coming by your new office to check out your red chairs. Gip and Carmen: You have always been such great supporters of me and my passion. I appreciate that so much! Celeste and Randy: Thank you for not only coming by to say hello, but for allowing my husband to tag along with you for dinner. Next time, I expect to see Randy's art hanging on the wall with the rest of the group's. And Christine: It was a pleasure to meet you. I do hope we can get together for coffee or lunch sometime. And for anyone who is reading my journal for the first time, as a result of meeting and chatting at First Friday, "Welcome"! You made the event very special for all of us.

The Grange, North Pole

First Friday Guests

Last night, Steve and I went to the ice park to view the sculptures under their colored lights. We also wanted to make sure we had a chance to see the sculptures before they melted. The weather has been unseasonably warm, and while we are thrilled to hear the snow dripping off our roof, it hasn't been good news for the ice park.

We had a few errands to run ahead of time, and when we left the house, the sun was just about to dip below the horizon. The sky was striped in red and orange and pink - absolutely beautiful. Steve pulled onto the frontage road so I could take a few photos.

Ice park visitors came out in droves last night - to include several Princess Tour buses full with tourists. I like that the interior is seeing an increase in tourism in the winter. It's good for business and gets the word out that Fairbanks is a great place to visit at all times of the year. I hope someday to bring my kids up here during the winter. I know they would love seeing the ice sculptures, dogsled races, and the northern lights.

Many of the multi-block sculptures which I photographed in the making, were already showing signs of breakage and melting. It's sad to see them suffer under the warmth of the sun - especially since so much work went into them. I'm glad we made it to the park when we did, as today was another warm day.

	Kiddie Slide	Main Entrance

Yesterday, we had two new visitors to the back deck and yard. They were most interested in the suet cakes I have on the baker's rack on the deck, and hanging from a tree. It's been months since I've seen a downy woodpecker, and I don't think I've seen a pine grosbeak since last spring. From the internet:

One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches."

Pine Grosbeak

Downy Woodpecker

Pecking hard!

Next weekend is Chatanika Days, complete with outhouse races, human bowling, snowmachine races, and snowshoe races. We plan to go on Saturday. I hope this lovely weather continues.