Alaska

Adventures Away From Home....

Our first stop, Alaska, a place where many of my fond childhood memories exist. Over night boat trips on Grandpa Fred's boat, the Lou-Elle, just for example, where Fig Newtons were a plenty and various attempts to become likened toward coffee occurred. Grandpa Fred insisted that I learn to drink coffee like a true Norwegian, hence the sugar bowl adjacent to my right elbow and the steaming hot cup of joe placed in front of my wide eyed expression. Grandpa would be happy to know that eventually late nights studying for college exams resulted in early mornings sipping espresso with a rather delirious, gleeful countenance, instead of a leery grimace.

Then there is of course the tea parties that my sister, girl cousins, and I would have with our American Girl dolls. For ten to twelve year olds, we were quite well versed in the literature of Jane Austen. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were popular guests, as well as several other heroines and gentlemen that captivated our interest at the time. We wore clothing that exhibited a different era then our own, and it was during those tea parties that our imaginations flourished and bustled about. We also took much interest in the outdoors. My cousin's backyard was lush, emerald, and tenaciously growing in fullness and mysterious beauty. As a busy preteen, I did not realize the exquisite landscape enveloping me every time my boot was stuck in the muskeg or the breath-taking mountains I viewed atop of a swing. It is now, after much time has passed, living life a bit more since then, and slowing down some that I am aching for those mountains, the innocence, the Mystery, and the Family.

There's something about Alaska. Like heart-wrenching poetry or Claire de Lune, it imprints a long lasting ache for itself. Then, you leave. And you long.

Aimee

Goodbye North Carolina. Hello Iowa, Alaska, and Wisconsin.

Hello,

Yes, it's late. 12:38 to be exact. I've been up trying to finish up last minute Mother's Day gifts before the Junie and I head out to Iowa on Friday. It's been a crazy past couple of weeks with cleaning, organizing, packing, and catching up/saying goodbye to friends before we leave for the summer. Thank goodness for beautiful weather, sunny days--a few rainy days here and there, but I love rain; it's soothing and refreshing--and "Dora the Explorer" and "Sesame Street" are a no-fail way to get some laundry folded while spending cuddle time on the couch with Juniper.

Wow, I'm tired. I should really go to bed. Although, I have to say this. "Water for Elephants" is a good flick. I bet you thought I was going to say something a bit more profound, deep, or intellectual? Nope, not at this late hour. Let's stick with cotton candy and popcorn. The hubby and I went on a date--thanks to our dear friends the Westphals--and decided to see this new Reese Witherspoon and Twilight's Robert Pattison movie, "Water for Elephants". It's too bad movies can't be 6 hours long like A&E's version of "Pride and Prejudice", because this particular flick didn't allow for much relationship development between the two main characters.

Fortunately, the plot is good and the cinematography beautiful. I hope to read the book this summer--my parents and sister have all read it and confess it to be fantastic.

Cheers,
ALW