I just got back from Texas!

AND Alaska! The top two states in size in five days...not bad.

Yesterday I flew into Dallas after a six hour flight overnight from Anchorage, Alaska.

I was a little delirious due to lack of sleep and all of a sudden it hit me that I was in Texas. I said out loud, "I'm in Dallas...I'm in TEXAS." I was only there for about an hour, but I managed to navigate my way to my gate by using something they call Skyflight (picture a tram), and do some shopping, call Kelli, and soothe my stomach.

Funny that I was so excited about being in Texas since I just spent four amazing days in indescribable Alaska. Kelli and I figured out that on our first night there (Thursday) we were up until 6 am Iowa time. The clock in Alaska was only showing 3 am, but my body knew better. I don't know how I did it, but I managed to stay awake the whole three hour drive home so that Allison wouldn't fall asleep driving. I think it helped that it was still light enough outside to see the outline of the mountains and the water. It was so amazing even at night, so broad daylight was going to be sweet.

(This is a picture of Grotto Island. We saw it on our boat tour. It is home to sea lions and puffins and other fun birds.)

We slept until noon Alaska time, and set out for a walk on the town of Seward, Alaska. This was our first look at the mountains, water, greenery. This first day was overcast and a little cold. The next three days were bright and sunny. All the regulars at Kenai Fjords National Park told us that our days there were simply amazing for weather. Maybe the most beautiful they've seen all summer? It's arguable. Allison works for the park giving boat tours and leading hikes, and working in the visitor center. She knew so much, and I feel like I took home with me about half of the information she's carrying around in her head about Kenai Fjords NP. It was great to go on vacation and learn so much. I bought a book about the park to help me remember what I've learned.

So, my favorite things:

• On our first day there we found a gazebo by Resurrection Bay. The three of us read some scripture and talked and prayed. Connection is great. I discovered the truth that when we're believers the type of conversation that uplifts us the most is when we can discuss the things of the Lord. This is us by that gazebo. It's funny that this picture was taken at like 10 PM.







• On our second day we went on a boat tour. I was looking forward to this the most. We got to see FIVE whales. Four of them were Humpback whales and one of them was a Fin whale. We were very privilaged to see a Fin whale because it is the second largest whale (after the blue whale), and they are rarely seen because they can dive very far down, and stay under water for 45 minutes sometimes. We were in the cabin getting ready for lunch when all of a sudden the boat stops and our captain, who was very energetic and informative, told us we were fortunate ones. He spotted the spout from like a mile away, and rushed to catch a peek of this whale. He had no idea where it would turn up, but God was good and we spotted the arch of his back many times. I hear we got a great view because they rarely breach or fluke. The Humpback whales, however, were much more active. Once we saw a mom and a calf feeding (see picture at right). They come up and skim the top of the water and take in hundreds of gallons of water. When they go back under the surface they skim the water through their baleen (like on Finding Nemo--did you ever notice the lack of teeth?) which filters out the nutrients. Later we saw a Humpback playing in the kelp, and then two more Humpbacks who were breeching (like in the picture if you click on the name above). Other wildlife: puffins, stellar sea lions, murres (the penguins of the north), and a sea otter (this is exactly how we saw our little sea otter). One of my favorite things on our tour was seeing the Aialik Glacier. It's a tide water glacier that was calving This was just amazing to me. It was so loud when the ice hit the water. I liked navigating through the ice covered waters. It reminded me of Titanic and it sounded cool when the ice hit the boat. Also a little frightening, but our friendly captain assured us all was well. The waters were so calm for our tour, and our captain told us we honestly had a great day for a tour: calm waters and lots of sitings. The tour lasted about 6 hours.





• On day three we went on the Lost Lake trail in the Chugach mountains. I was excited for an envigorating hike and I got it. I felt like I connected with nature and at many times longed to be able to come back to specific spots all by myself so I could really reflect. I guess I'm an introvert. There were times when we could see the bay, and the mountains, and the meadows of wildflowers. It was like The Sound of Music made reality. My legs got extremely tired and it felt good. Early in our hike we spied a black bear about 400 yards away walking where we would soon pass. Awesome to see a bear, and adventurous to think about romping in his territory soon. We yelled and sang as we passed the spot we saw him at. We never saw the bear again, but I'm certain he saw us. My favorite part of the hike was when we came across a lake that was hidden and appeared all of a sudden. We stopped to eat our lunch there and I couldn't resist taking a picture by it. We found a cabin that was in the middle of nowhere and climbed up a ladder to sit on the porch. We were like little birds perching on a tree limb to rest. The spot overlooked Seward and the bay and the rough terrain in between us and the rest of civilization. Allison has a great picture of our spot we found, and other great pictures of our hike that I will hopefully get soon. Kelli has better pictures of the whales, so I'm hoping to receive some mail from them soon.




• On our fourth day we partook of Alaskan-caught fish. Yes, it was fried because that was all our meager cash flow could afford, but I'm still proud to say I've had fish from Alaska. Halibut, to be exact, and it was so good. This picture shows one of the many crazy big halibuts that were caught in Resurrection Bay the day we went on the boat tour. This is one of the sights that awaited us when we got off our boat. The owner of the fish is the man standing at the very left in the picture. He was from TN, I think, and this was his first time fishing in Alaska. We spent some time in Anchorage at the best book store I've ever been to. It's called Title Wave Books. They sell new and used books, music, journals, cards, coffee and so many other things. It's Panera meets...best book store ever. You can trade in your books and buy so many others. I may do some shopping online!



• During our walk around Seward we saw the historic memorial dedicated to the Iditarod. This was so exciting for me because I do a unit every year on the Alaskan Iditarod Race. I guess Seward was the first starting point before Anchorage. I love my picture here under the sign that says, "Mile 0". I'm pumped to show this picture to my fourth graders next year. They will love it.

One thing I was nervous about were my flights. They were fine: freeing and toturous. It was hard to be so tired and not be able to sleep, but when you do sleep, you wake up with a very stiff neck. I enjoyed my uninteruppted time. I started and finished a book: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry; a sequel to The Giver. I watched a movie: Bewitched. I listened to music and even chatted with my neighbors. So, I have many more pictures, and many more stories, but...you know. I'm available if you need more. :)

The sun'll come out tomorrow!

I hear the sun really does come out in Alaska, for like 20 hours at a time.

I'm leaving for Alaska tomorrow! My flight leaves at 4:30 PM. This is my first solo flight, and I'm a little nervous. I'm sure it will be fine. I just hope I don't miss a flight. I actually looking forward to the time I'll have on the planes and the lay-over time. I'm taking some books and Sudoku and an mp3 player with a screen, so I can listen to great music and even watch movies.

Of course I'm most excited for the time I will spend in this amazing state with my two friends Allison and Kelli. I haven't seen Allison for five months short of three years. It will be wonderful. I'm excited to see Kelli again too. Every time I see Kelli is nothing short of extraordinary. All three of us together will be hilarious.

So, here I come, Alaska! I hope to see mountains, water, whales, other large wildlife, and wide open spaces of grasses/flowers that go on forever! Going to bed when the sun is still up will be a fun experence. Wow, what a great opportunity. I'll miss Luke. I think he'll be ok, though. He's said many times that he's an "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" kind-of guy. Do you think that applies to wives too? Probably not.

Fall on me

I've never been so excited to hear the sound of rain!

It's raining right now...this is a sound I haven't heard for about 4 weeks, I promise. I'm sad because I don't think it's going to last very long. Seriously my lawn is dying. Bring on the rain!!

In my head

Ah! Load up the bike and drive to Sioux City...this will be great.

I have no idea where the bike trail starts, but I think it's by the Pavillion.

I can't park where I want to, the road is blocked. I'll have to park here in the casino lot. It feels kinda weird to park in the casino lot.

What in the world is going on here? There are people everywhere!

I'll ask this man.

Hmmm, after my ride should I stay for the parade and fireworks? I'll decide later. I can't believe people are already gathering for this thing...it won't start for another 2 hours. I guess you have to in a place like Sioux City.

Whoa! Don't hit the little kids...just get off and walk it until you're clear.

Ok, all clear. How long will I ride? Honestly, I could go forever. The weather is great.

This is totally reminding me of the summer I rode my bike lots of times on the George Wyth bike trail in Cedar Falls...3 years ago.

That was before I was married. I lived with Paige. We watched Alias.

I've worked at camp since then. I wonder what they're doing at camp?

Ah. There's the river. Beautiful.

Whoa! Big bug! Duck! HA! Kelli would have freaked out!

It's fun to smile at all the people I see.

I love this part: the path is completely shaded by trees and it smells like Hidden Acres.

This must be where the path ends. Am I in South Dakota? Cool! A pool with a waterslide. Wow, this is going to be my new spot. Lots of grass to sit on and it all overlooks the pretty river.

Ok, heading back. Whoa, was that Liz Mathews?

Careful, that guy looks kinda scary. Look behind you...good he's not following you.

Why does it seem like there are more hills on the way back during every bike ride? Well, there probably isn't...it's just that I'm more tired. But my pace is still really good.

I'm back at the beginning. There are more people now. Loud music, mardi gras beads, colors, inflateables.

Boy, I'm glad I don't work at a public school. If I did I might know some of these people.

Maybe I should work at a public school because then I would know some of these people. So many are in need of a Christian influence it seems.

All done. I feel like I've just crossed through Arnold's Park...or Adventureland midway.

I'm not going to stay, there's just too many people and I have no friends to be with. Too bad Luke is at work.

How old am I?

Three reasons why I feel like I'm ten years old again:
1. I went to the public pool today
2. I walked home from the pool and there was a big hill, but it was nowhere near the size of the hill that we had to ride our bikes up when coming home from Crosby. I remember thinking there's nothing worse than having dead-tired legs from swimming, and then having to ride a bike up a horrible hill.
3. I looked in the mirror after swimming and my face was covered with freckles. It made me think that at any moment someone would come around the corner and say, "You must be Deborah because you have more freckles."

What snew?

Today I got to make a batch of Almond biscotti dough! It was really exciting because I knew I could do it and I have complete confidence that it will make the best almond biscottis that store has ever seen! Oh yeah!

Luke got me flowers today. 20 red roses. Whoa. This is the most amount of flowers he has ever gotten me. He felt bad about missing dinner tonight because of work, and he missed out on cleaning. We're having our Bible study over tomorrow night and, I'm going to be honest, I feel the need to impress. Everyone in our Bible study is an architect, literally. So, Luke was feeling bad...and now he's bummed b/c our new TV has no signal coming in.

Speaking of new TV, anyone interested in having a "new to you" TV? We have a very nice TV that needs a new home. Here are the details if anyone is interested:

This is a 30 in. widescreen 1080i tube TV. Comes with a free TV stand if you want it! I think Luke is selling it for $200.

And finally, Grey's Anatomy became my reality the other day. I was working at the bakery and it was way too hot!!! I'm talking over 100 degrees in the back where all the ovens are. There is an air conditioner, but obviously not a sufficient one. I work with about 4 high school aged girls and one of them got too hot. She sat down at a table and put her head down. I was sweeping near by and told her to drink some water and rest. Then I heard a loud "thump!" The bin she was carrying hit the floor and she was laying across two chairs. I ran over and called her name and quickly assessed the situation. I promise that I was thinking, "What would Izzie do?" Her eyes were open, and I realized she had hit her head on the chair next to her. I thought she had passed out, but wondered if I should check her pulse. I decided against it and just raised her up. She came to, and she put her head between her knees. I could feel that she was shaking. She was as white as a sheet. Her mom came and took her home. She has been at work this week, so everything is ok again, except that the heat problem is still ridiculous. However, I like the boss now because she let me use the mixer today! Woo hoo!

Summer Starts

Wow, this summer so far has been theraputic and amazing.

Yesterday I bought a pool pass for our town pool. I haven't had a pool pass since I was 12. It's no Crosby, but it will serve its purpose for Luke and I to swim some laps daily if possible.

I started my job at Peggy's Biscottis and I'm loving it. I do the same thing over and over again and that's wonderful. There's no homework, no prep involved...I just show up and wrap/ship biscottis for 3-7 hours depending on the day.

I've also taken on a student for the summer. One little boy from my school wants to skip a grade, fourth grade, so his mom asked me to catch him up this summer. It's mucho work, but good enough money to make it worth it.

I'm getting really excited for my trip to Alaska, the biggest state in the U.S.

The last time I had a summer like this (part time job, tons of free time) was the summer before I got married and I was living with Paige. Paige got me hooked on Alias. So, keeping in sync with that summer, I've gotten hooked on another ABC show: Grey's Anatomy. I've watched season 1 and am in the middle of season 2. The DVD was produced by the same company as ALIAS, so I hear the same little melody at the beginning of each Grey's Anatomy disc. It's these pleasant reminders of my time with Paige that keep me going. :)

My twin sister Elizabeth revealed to us that she's pregnant! I've been praying for this baby and feel like it's practically my own. Hey Liz, you know how we share everything...

It's 5:45 on Monday, I'm sitting in Panera, and I've had the whole day off. Yes, every Monday is my day off. I start the weekend early too: Friday at noon. Long weekends all summer...this is great.

No summer is complete without a family vacation. Luke and I have been to camp to visit friends already, this weekend we'll spend with my family in Marshalltown, and we are giving serious thought to a Disney World trip with camp friends. That trip won't happen until November. There are some reservations, but, that would be so fun!

I've had some luck with growing things. It's just too bad that everything that's bloomed is potted. I'm still waiting for my planted seeds to sprout and grow. I'm watering them faithfully and talk to them every once in a while.

Today I was walking home from my tanning appointment (because of Luke's brother's wedding in July. I'm a bridesmaid.) and I walked by Casey's. A man held the door open for me. I had no intention of going in, but I didn't want him to feel stupid, so I walked in. I pretended to look in the candy aisle, waited until he was distracted with the soda fountain, and split. In the end I was the one that felt a little stupid. Oh well, his feelings were spared.