Haircut

I would show you a photo of my new haircut except I can't take a decent selfie with my camera.  I took 4 photos and they all look like police line-up shots.  I am very happy with a short "bob" after that stringly long gray hair!    I stopped at Bel Air and picked up a couple bottles of kombucha to help counteract the 4 antibiotic capsules I took before the dental procedure.  I never see negative side effects from amoxycillin, but I know antibiotics kill all the good stuff in the gut, and the fermented kombucha will counteract it.

I was told I wouldn't have to take antibiotics for dental work if I bring in a letter from my doctor saying it isn't necessary.  I've been avoiding doctors for about 2 years, especially the last one I went to.  There was another doctor in the clinic, a homeopathic doctor, and I should probably see if he is still there and I can switch to his practice.  Maybe I'll just let it go for now and take the damned amoxycillin when I go to the dentist.

I feel great today, which is amazing after the traffic I had to drive through to get to the hairdresser.  There is a large area of road construction that has been going on for a long time.  Rancho Cordova recently did a major road overhaul, but they worked from 9pm to 6am, so there was minimal disruption to the traffic.  It probably cost them more in salaries but I'm sure they finished it sooner than if they had to deal with traffic.

I drove through an area of town that is interesting in that some of the streets are named after major inventors of the Industrial Revolution:

Watt Avenue (James Watt - Steam Engine)
Howe Avenue (Elias Howe - Sewing Machine)
Whitney Avenue (Eli Whitney - Cotton Gin)
Edison Avenue (Thomas Edison - Light Bulb)
Marconi Avenue (Guglielmo Marconi - Radio)
Fulton Avenue (Robert Fulton - Steamboat)
Morse Avenue (Samuel Morse - Telegraph)
Bell Street (Alexander Graham Bell - Telephone)

The temperatures should be going down from the upper 90's to the lower 90's for the remainder of this week.  "Should" is the key word here!  It is so pleasant in the morning when it's 59 or 60!

Nothing more to write about from here - hope you all have a pleasant day!

Dentist visit

I finally got around to doing something I absolutely hate to do, and that is going to the dentist office.  I had a cleaning and checkup by the doctor, and it seems that I have lots of work to be done.  I think that is one reason why I've been so lacking in energy or motivation during the past 2 months.  It's been almost 2 years since I've been there.

I get pretty anxious over visiting the dentist, so in addition to the 4 amoxycillin capsules I took an hour before the appointment - standard for someone with heart disease or a stent implant - I also took a valium.  I get so stressed out about the appointments that I asked for an RX for valium to take beforehand.  One tablet (low dose) usually calms me down although I don't feel any side effects.  This morning I really felt the side effects, and it was a good thing Donald drove me and picked me up for my appointment.  I hope it wears off soon because I have a couple of things to do this afternoon.

For the cleaning the hygenist used a numbing substance on my gums, which really helps.  Trouble is that some of it ends up being swallowed, and you can just imagine what that does to your throat.  I took a sip of water and didn't even feel it until it hit much lower down the tract!    I have an appointment for a couple of extractions, plus need to have a couple of new fillings.  The dentist hates to extract teeth, but I feel that at close to 76 years old I don't want to spend the money and go through a lot of work to save two molars, even though I'll have to get a partial lower denture.  He says the lowers are much more difficult to get used to than uppers.   I will talk it over with him when I go in for my appointment, and after they can check with my insurance to see how much I will be responsible for.  I'm still paying my chiropractor.  I need some money for home improvements, and some for my own projects that make me happy.

Tomorrow I get my hair cut and I am ecstatic about it.  This long gray mop of hair doesn't do anything for my appearance, and it's also a pain in the neck all the way around - from shampooing it, to styling it, to brushing it, etc.  It gets in my way when I eat, and I hate the fact that I get whipped cream in my hair from my breakfast fruit bowl topped with the frothy white stuff!

Here is a photo of the shirt I bought at Denali Brewing in Talkeetna.

It looks like the hands in the picture are holding up a roll of fat, but there is just a roll in the shirt.  She is holding the state of Alaska!

Joe was over yesterday and we reminisced about Alaska.  I had no idea the state would make a major impact on me, but it sure did.   If I had money I would travel there at least twice a year, but I don't think I'd want to live there.  I'd like to spend a week or two during the dark, cold winter months, but don't think I'd want a steady diet of it for months on end.   

I think I have my mental faculties back so I will head out to get a few items I need.  I have spent so much on art and art supplies that I will need to carefully monitor my funds up to the end of the month.  I am so happy about the art classes coming up and really look forward to having something to do, in just a small enough group, that will challenge me and hopefully boost my self esteem.  I've never had a real problem with self-esteem, although when it comes to creativity in art I have never given myself any credit at all.  Knowing I'm good in other things takes the sting at being at the end of the line when they were handing out art talent!

Art Class

Autie and I attended our art class last night, a 2 hour class with no formal break.  We were both psyched up for it, although you get what you pay for and this class was free.  The instructor discussed the color wheel, we learned a lot about color and how to mix them to get various other colors.  I've decided I'm always going to buy the paints in the shades I want so I won't have to mix them!  I'm just lazy.  It was actually fun with only about  6 students so we could ask questions whenever we felt like it and the atmosphere was informal.  The info on the class said brushstrokes would be discussed but they weren't, and I would like to know more about that.  All in good time.

I'm looking forward to my upcoming classes on Sep. 7.  I wish I could take Autie with me to at least one of them - she is fun to be with - but she will have to figure out her school, sports, scouts, etc. schedule for the coming weeks.  

I noticed the problem with my eyes when trying to paint.  When we started out making the "wheel", we drew diagonal lines on the canvas, from one corner to the opposite bottom corner.   On one of them I was off nearly 1/4 of an inch on the bottom corner.  When I painted the sections of the wheel I had to turn the canvas so I was looking at the section straight on, rather than at the top or one of the sides of the canvas.  I think (hope) I will learn to compensate in future efforts, but it is so frustrating.  

My lovely granddaughter, Ara (in PA) sent me a gorgeous red Art Cargo Bag to transport all my equipment and supplies to class or wherever I want to paint.  It has many compartments and places to hold brushes and other supplies.  The bright red is so "my color", and I love it.  I'll take a picture of it and probably include it with the next post.  I'm debating going to the gym right now.

Back from the gym, I found another box from Ara on my porch.  It is a large art portfolio, for carrying art but not necessarily the brushes, palette, etc.

 Joe and the two girls got here about the same time I was arriving from the gym.  He did some caulking around the top of the tile and around the  window.   There is still work to be done but I need to get some molding for the floor around the perimeter of the room plus a couple of other spots.  Then will come the painting job, and i'm going to have to turn it over to   someone with good eyes! 

I think I will go ahead and publish this as I have a couple of errands to run right now.

Odds n Ends

In looking over the photos on my camera I came across some I hadn't included with the relevant post.  You may remember I mentioned a pool party at Joe's house before we went to Alaska, and the cupcake contest held that day.    (Click photo to enlarge)

The kids did the judging and the last photo shows the gathering of the judges and the entries.  I sure can't remember which cupcake was the winner but they were all good.

On another note, I bought a new hummingbird feeder - the old one was leaking and when I noticed the slow drip I took it down.  I filled and hung the new one yesterday but didn't see any visitors until just now, mid-day on Sunday.  A little birdie drank like he just couldn't get his fill.  I'm so happy to see them back again.

I looked several places for a bird bath and simple bird feeder, but I think the stores are probably getting ready to set out Halloween items (Costco has already done just that), and it won't be long before the crazy Christmas retailing season.  This is mid August and I think I should be able to find a bird bath, but I haven't checked Lowe's yet.  I hesitate to get a feeder because in the past I've had so many problem with squirrels eating all the bird seed, and I won't feed squirrels!  I also want to hang the feeder where it won't draw the feral cats in the neighborhood.  I hate those things, especially when I find where one has taken a bird inside the mobile home skirting to finish it off.  I know nature is what it is, but I am not going to enable it if I can help it.  Sorry to the feral cat lovers who may read this.

All is set for my initial art class tomorrow.  I'm taking Autumn, my granddaughter, as I think she will get a lot out of the class.  She is an excellent artist for her age, and her style is bold and confident.  I can't wait to see how she does.  The first week in September come my two classes in Landscape Painting and Seascape Painting, by the end of which I should know if I should continue or not.  I am sure about my lack of talent, but if I enjoy myself then it might be worth it to continue.

I think the sunsets have been weird lately - there is a brilliant golden red ball descending below the horizon, but no streaks or color in the sky at all.  Just the sun setting.  Maybe that is common enough but I've never noticed it before.

Later:  I just spent the afternoon with Jeannie & her 2 girls, walking around Target with the lists of their school supplies needed.  It was fun to see the reactions of different parents and their kids.

Final days of the Alaska trip

We checked out of the duplex on Sunday morning and drove down to the waterfront to get some last minute photos.  I didn't take any, but we were entertained by a big bald eagle who was holding a fish on a flat rock and and what looked like a good job in fileting the fish.   We must have crowded him too closely because he picked up the fish and flew a few feet with it before settling on another good rock and finishing the job.  Seeing things like that up close is such an experience.

The drive back to Wasilla was a long one so we took breaks now and then to look at the scenery.  This was at a boardwalk alongside some lily pads, as moose are said to love lily pads.   They were visiting another crop this morning and we saw no moose.  Click on a photo to enlarge it.

Next stop was at a market in Anchorage.  I didn't take any photos of the buildings all around - one city's buildings aren't much different from another's in my opinion.  We had lunch at one of the many food vendors, and on the way out my eye was caught by this booth.   The owner told me that his best customers come from Texas!

Back home in Wasilla, Pam fixed a gourmet meal of filet mignon and king crab legs, with warm blueberry cobbler and ice cream for dessert.  I should have put on 100# for the time I was there, but I don't think I gained a pound.

You may have noticed the red t-shirts on several pictures - Pam bought red Alaska T-shirts for all of us, and we had to put them on for group photos.  I will enjoy wearing mine here in CA.

Monday and Tuesday were spent mostly around the house, resting from the trip to Seward, getting laundry together, running to Walmart to try to get an RX filled for my eye drops, etc.  (I was probably the only one who needed to rest from the trip to Seward - everyone else hit the ground running!)  I had transferred the Rx to Alaska because I ran out, but have never used Walmart's pharmacy.  I won't ever use it again either.  I bought some last minute books and souvenirs but mainly enjoyed relaxing at the house.

I don't think I've published these photos in previous posts they are my final shots of the view out the patio door!

 

By Wednesday we were packed and ready to go, and left Wasilla at about 12 Noon for the late afternoon flight to Sacramento via Seattle.  No wonderful turbo prop planes on this flight, but it was certainly comfortable with all the leg room and wider seats than found in other airlines' coach seats.  Joe and I had adjoining seats on the plane, and took the time to talk about our trip and share a few beers together.  We didn't get in until about 11 pm, and Donald came to pick us up.  I was really glad to get home and fall into my own bed.

It was a totally incredible trip for me, and one that I never thought I'd be able to make.  I think my kids were all rooting for me to win the contest of "Who has been to the most States".  Now Mike and Steve will probably have a run-off.  I am so happy and grateful to have been to Alaska, and would advise anyone to not put it off until the last state.  It might be the most beautiful of them all.  Note:  I'd love to see what Bayfield Al could do with his cameras in a place like Alaska!)

Short post today

I want to apologize for the length of yesterday's post and the number of photos.  I don't know what happened, but I was on a roll and just kept going
 
I also would like to give a plug to the excellent customer service from Barnes & Noble.  My shopping experience in their stores has always been excellent , and recently I ordered copies of the new Harry Potter book to be sent to my grandson in NY and to my granddaughter in Philadelphia.  She was following the tracking on it and when it indicated delivery but the book was nowhere to be found, she contacted me.  It was shipped by UPS which I don't like to begin with - they just throw the package on your front porch (if you have one) and drive off.  I'm much more partial to USPS.  I called B&N and almost immediately another copy of the book was on its way via a much better shippping method.  Now both grandchildren have the book, and I'm very pleased with B&N's customer service.

A week of triple digit weather is coming up and I can barely stand the thought of it.

I'll continue my account of the trip back from Seward tomorrow and give everyone a rest from ultra long posts & pictures for today.

Kenai Fjord

We started out with outdoor seating on the boat but soon looked for seats out of the wind.  The boat maneuvered away from the dock and soon we were in open water.  Here is the a shot of all the boats in the harbor, and the wake from the stern once we broke free.  (Remember to click on a photo to enlarge)

I apologize for all the heads, hats, arms, cameras, and people in the photos.  I wasn't quick enough to get my shots when the view was clear, and there were always people in the way.

The next few are some that I'm including because of all the birds.

There are some beautiful grottoes in the rocks, which look better when the photo is enlarged.  Also, I think I caught a photo of a humpback whale that had just dived, with only the fluke visible.  My eyes aren't good enough to pick it up (even when enlarged).   There were 3 orcas diving alongside our boat but they were too quick for me to catch on film  I think that was the animal I most loved seeing, and the picture will forever be in my memory!

Some of the wildlife that I saw and identified:  Puffin, Cormorant, Kittiwake, Steller seal, Mountain goat, Humpback whale, Bald Eagles, and Orcas.  I'm sure there were many other birds, but I was often outside looking at them rather than writing down their names.  Why didn't I write down the names as I was looking?  I can't even walk and chew gum at the same time!

The glacier is spectacular.  A mile across and over 700 acres of ice - can't remember how thick it is.  The water as we got closer became slushy ice, and I couldn't stay out on deck very long because it was so cold.

And the wake of the boat as we were returning to port.  

I missed these photos when I was adding the others.  

One of the passengers showed me a photo he took of the second scene above, and it was stunning - I think he could easily have it published.  He was so proud of it I thought he was going to burst.

After spending a few minutes in the souvenir shop Joe, his two girls and I went on back to the duplex.  It was quite a while before the others showed up.  Evidently their fishing boat was in some of the same waters we traveled in, but Sarah got seasick.  She managed to hook a big salmon before getting sick though.  We all went to a very nice restaurant in Seward that evening.  Most of the restaurants had waiting lists of half hour or more, which isn't fun when children are present.  We finally went into a place that could seat us right away and I think it couldn't have been a better choice.  The food was excellent and the service was the best!