A new toy

I bought myself something I've been wanting for a long time - a Waterpik water flosser.  I got it yesterday at Best Buy, plugged it in to recharge it overnight, and tried using it this morning.  I followed all instructions to the letter but I still got water everywhere!  There wasn't a dry spot left.

I had one of those devices in the 1970's and it didn't seem to do that.  I think now and then one of my kids, probably my oldest,  would take a shot at the others  and I'd find water all over, but I never caught them in the act.  (Mike, my oldest, got by with a lot because he was somehow able to rarely get caught)   I'm not giving up on the water flosser and am determined to make it work!

I got ice cream today - Skinny Cow brand, although I'm not fond of the idea of low-fat ice cream.  I wondered "how bad can it be".  I wouldn't call it bad, but it isn't good ice cream.  It will suffice though through the two boxes I bought, but I'll probably have to treat myself to Haagen Dazs ice cream bars next time.  When I looked at the total carbs and sugar in some of the better brands I nearly fell over.

I've read Jo Wishnie's blog to the end of their Alaskan journey and at the point of them crossing back into Canada.  I noticed that in photos of Jo the last 2 or 3 days there is a sadness in her eyes.  I really think she hated to leave and i can surely understand that feeling.  I really want to go back some day, but the odds are against it, and that may have been the way she felt.  I'm so glad I decided to go back and read the blog again, especially so soon after my own trip.  I had a much different experience - much less time in Alaska, and not a lot of my own choices of what to see and do.  I really didn't want to make the choices at my stage of the game though - my son and his family paid for the trip and I was just happy to go along with whatever they wanted to do, they had two young daughters with them, and our hostess made some very good choices of things to do and see.  For me it was like a family vacation.  

I notice the 5 day forecast for my area calls for temps in the 80's.  That sounds good to me and hope we won't have much more of the sizzling heat, although Sacramento isn't finished with summer yet, I'm sure.  The sunsets have been gorgeous lately - a most beautiful color of blue sky overlaid with the red, orange and gold streaks, plus some very dark clouds overhead.  I don't know what's in those dark clouds - it certainly isn't rain.

Now I'm going to start on the Wishnie's journey through Canada.  That is an incredible trip in itself!

 

More blog reading

 I have reached the end of August in the Wishnie's blog, and the next entry will be about Talkeetna where we also spent an afternoon.  I can see some differences between Jo's photos and what I saw just a month ago.  I think the playground in Seward is still the same, and my granddaughters enjoyed it like all the kids do.  The harbor seems to have been greatly enlarged by now and there are a great many more boats moored there.  We took the same Kenai Fjord tour although I'm not sure if it traveled the same route.  The Wishnie's saw the "Exit" glacier which had greatly receded, whereas we saw the Ailik glacier which we were were told is about a mile wide at the mouth.  We actually heard cracks in the ice, soon followed by chunks  falling into the sea.  Standing on the deck of the boat so close to the glacier, plus all the icy sludge in the waters around the boat, made it the coldest place I've been in years! 

I wasn't disappointed in the wildlife seen - and the many birds viewed were impressive as well.  The biggest problem I had is that I could never take a photo because everywhere I tried I had arms sticking out holding cell phones.  They don't just take a few photos and then back off so someone else can do the same - they just stay there prepared for something new to pop up.  I'm too polite to push my way through, which is why I missed photos of the Orcas.

The Wishnies are avid birders as well as excellent photographers, so bird lovers will enjoy their photos.  I don't know how Jo Wishnie found my blog post about hers and Fred's trip to Alaska, but she commented on my last post.  It made my day to hear from her, and she confirmed that they had  moved to Tuscon and no longer have their RV.  I enjoyed reading about their travels for several years.

I asked our hostess on our recent trip to Alaska, Sarah's Aunt Pam,  about how cold it gets in the winter.  She seemed to think 12 below zero was about right, although I'm sure it gets colder than that from time to time.  The thing to consider is the constant twilight in winter.  You can call it darkness if you want, but I reckon it is usually not the pitch black of night we might think it is.
  
I've heard from several people who have been there and of course it is so beautiful you wonder if you could live there year around.   It is a tempting thought, but I don't think I could deal with the lack of sunlight and the extreme cold, although you can dress warmly enough if you plan it right.  I think to be a permanent resident you have to have a sort of "edge" to your personality.  I'm talking about the grit it would take to make it, and to do what you have to do to survive the elements.  Most of us are so spoiled in our everyday lives and the availability of whatever the whim of the hour might be.  Everything is available there, but if you live further out of town it might not be as easy to access during the winter.   I sure would like to spend some more time in Alaska, seeing my favorite (so far) places and discovering new ones.

Jo Wishnie mentioned the Sea Life Center in Seward, and that was one of my favorite places.  There was so much to see, but I was there with my son and his two girls - we took the tour after the boat trip - so i couldn't take as much time to look at some of the exhibits.   Everyone else was out fishing so we had time to kill before we all met back at the duplex.

For weather watchers, this morning when I got up it was 57 in Sacramento, and 67 in Wasilla; it is still 67 in Wasilla but has risen to 91 in Sac.  Dang, I love the Alaskan weather, but things will soon change, both here and there in Wasilla.

 I got my beer today at Costco, and will crack one open about 8:00pm.  (If I drink one earlier than that I'm liable to want a second one before I go to bed.)   I didn't get ice cream though and need to make sure I get some tomorrow.   Costco's ice cream comes in too large quantity packages; I have more self control over my beer consumption than I have with ice cream!

Reading an old blog

I'm referring to the blog that inspired me to travel full-time in an RV with the hopes of eventually driving to Alaska.  Of course, that never happened, but I decided I want to re-read Fred & Jo Wishnie's blog, 

http://www.mytripjournal.com/MTJ/WebObjects/MyTripJournal.woa/1/wa/mapclick?index=128&tid=13250&page=0

Their blog is written in a different format than is Blogger, but it's easy enough to maneuver.  I selected a place to begin shortly before they crossed the border from Canada into Alaska.   They covered much more of Alaska than my 10 days in the state, and of course they were younger then and had more energy to get around, so their blog is the most informative and interesting when it comes to Alaska as far as I'm concerned.   I look forward to some good reading, and hope that some of you will enjoy it as well.  It can't easily be read in one "go", so I will bookmark my stopping places along the way.

In just the first few posts of the Wishnie's trip to Alaska they ran into road work, delays, etc., mostly because the extreme winters cause upheaval to the roadways and pavement.  These delays are a certainty and happen through Canada to Alaska, from what I saw in the several Alaskan blogs I read.  That was one reason (among many) that I realized I had no business hauling a 34' 5th wheel on that long arduous trip, alone.

I got an email from Jeannie asking if I would like to go to the gym this evening, and the answer is a resounding YES!  I have been pretty faithful about walking at least 6 days a week, but it's been well over a month since I've worked out.  I need to get back to it and welcome the chance to go tonight.

I'm debating a trip to Costco, but since I will go to the gym late this afternoon I think I will postpone the Costco trip until tomorrow.  I'm out of beer, but that's no biggie and I will do without it until then.  I have some bottles of IPA on hand for when Steve or Joe visit, but I can't stand that stuff and would rather drink water!

Day of rest

I've been feeling pretty tired and low-energy today, although I did manage to walk at the gym this morning.   I had intended to get a few items on my shopping list afterward, but came on home.   I never did like to go into the stores on weekends - it's much quicker and easier to shop during the week.

It has been cool enough to sleep with the sheet and comforter on me lately.  I slept like a log last night so I shouldn't feel so exhausted today.  I know I feel much better when I have things to do, but today is the day I'm going to just lay around!

Mystery Solved

While I was eating my lunch I looked out the window and noticed a yellow & black panel truck pull up across the road.  I could see the name "Gilmore" plastered all over the truck, but nothing to indicate what type of service they offered.  I'm normally not nosy, but this kept bothering me.

Along with the name "Gilmore" there was a drawing of a big bird that looks familiar but that I can't identify (maybe someone with better eyes and a better knowledge of birds can help me.)  Well, it just got to be too much so I took my camera into the kitchen and photographed the truck through the screen.  I also used the zoom on the camera, and when I looked at the photo I could see that the company does heating and air conditioning.  To me, that should be the most prominent lettering on the truck, or at least on a par with Gilmore!

After walking at the gym I drove to the Farmer's mkt and came back with a lot of good stuff.  The brussel sprouts looked so good and I am going to have them with whatever I decide to fix for supper.  I haven't gone to the Saturday market since before I left for Alaska, I think.  The only thing I didn't care for were the two whiney folk singers that are supposed to entertain the patrons while they shop.  They just make me want to buy only what I need and then leave!

I just took another look at the photo and think I see the  bird has sunglasses on (please tell me you see sunglasses!).  When first looking at the photo it looked like a dog's floppy ears, which I didn't think it could be.  If I bought a snazzy new truck as nice as this one is, I think I'd figure out a better way to advertise my trade.   Just sayin' .....

I feel so good today, it must have been the gym!  I can overlook the area where the personal trainers work out their patrons.  Only one was there this morning, working with a young woman, but what he had her doing is what I often see the trainers who are working with really old folks who have much less mobility than this girl does.  I would feel pretty irritated if I paid the price for an hour of personal training, and was doing some of the old-person mobility steps, and if I'm not an old person then I'm close!  I could certainly do better than that.

I was outside sweeping up some of the pink flowers & berries from the front yard tree, including big piles of it on the curb.  Ed, next door, has the same kind of tree and the same kind of debris, so I just swept along the curb in front of his driveway & house.  He caught me!  I told him when I use the leaf blower I'll do a more thorough job, although it's useless until the stuff quits falling from the trees.  I saw Ed walking in the driveway a little earlier and he doesn't look so good - very stooped over.  He sounds ok to talk to though, and was very happy with the job my son (Joe) did trimming some of the bushes in his yard.

I found the leaf blower and extension cord in a bin outside, but didn't think to look for the earmuffs to deaden the sound.  The more I think about it the more I believe I will try to con one of my sons into the job.  Steve is the only one who reads my blog, so he is already on alert!

I thought I'd just write a short blog today, but it seems I just can't help myself once I get started.

Finally, happy 6th birthday, Liam!

Fizzled out on Friday!

After changing the sheets on my bed, doing two loads of laundry, and cleaning the second venetian blind in the kitchen, I'm plumb worn out!  Oh, and I walked at the gym first thing this morning.

The second set of blinds was closest to the street and maybe that is why it was so much dirtier.    I know I dusted them before, but don't remember washing the slats and they really needed it.  I eventually want to replace that huge window with a more modern set - maybe two windows side by side, with decent screens and easy to wash inside and out.  The jalousie windows have screens (that are full of holes), but the knobs that turn the windows out and closed fit through a hole cut into the screen (I'm not kidding).  I'm afraid if I take the knob off to get the screen out to clean it, I'll never be able to open or close the window again.  Half the windows in this house don't work, and half don't have screens anymore.  The handles that turn the windows are mostly shot!

In my walks around the park I noticed another vacant space - there are two within close proximity to my house that recently had the houses removed and hauled away, leaving huge piles of debris that still hasn't been cleaned up.  I have the feeling the Park owner's want to sell the property and of course they want rents to be high and everything looking fairly modern and well kept.  The older units from the 1960's and thereabouts can be well taken care of but they certainly show their age.  I would think once you try to move an old model it would just fall apart and I'm not sure you could set it up somewhere else, provided you could find a place that would allow it.  If I was ever told my unit was too old I would just move to an apartment and be done with it, although I hope that doesn't happen.  My utilities are really low here because I buy them from the Park, who purchases them at a much lower rate from the utility.   My total utilities usually run around $100/month, more or less, but I am very conservative with usage.  The new water-saving devices in my bathroom are wonderful and I don't notice a lack of sufficient water for any reason.



I was craving ice cream last night but avoided going out to get some, and I still crave an ice cream sandwich or a Klondike bar.  Wonder if I will be able to outlast the cravings for another day.

When I was at the laundry room folding the clothes that I had hung out, a neighbor from one street over (right across the dog park) said hi to me and then told me, "You have a very nice family.  I see them there a lot".  I thought that was so thoughtful of him to say it.

My electric bill was just under $40 for the past month - I've had to run the swamp cooler from early afternoon into the evening hours lately.  I try to unplug all appliances overnight, which eliminates most of the phantom power.  When I get up it has been in the mid-50's this week, which is deliciously cold!  Then it goes and ruins the feeling by rising up close to 90!

I still haven't gotten the leaf blower out to clean up some of the mess in my yard but I'm not going out in the heat of the day, and I think more of my neighbors than to run that loud thing early in the day.   Maybe tomorrow, although I should probably wait until next Wednesday or so when it's expected to go "down" into the mid-80's.

A great weekend to all of you!

My favorite place

As most of you know Barnes & Noble is one of my favorite places to browse, especially with grandchildren.  I had never taken Liam and since his birthday is coming up  real soon, we went birthday present shopping.  He realized very quickly how easy I am when it comes to buying  books, and he made a haul.  Add to that the two books I brought back from Alaska that he can read to his baby sister when she arrives, and he is all set.  Liam is 5, soon to be 6, and reads like a child much older than his years.  I found a really good atlas of the U.S. for kids that has so much good info in it, but couldn't find a World Atlas.   He has enough to keep him busy for a while.

After selecting the books we went into the Cafe; he pointed out some scones on a plate and I got one for him, after which he told me he always eats three.  So back to the counter to get two additional scones.  I don't know what beverage to get a kid at Starbucks, so he ended up with something called a frappucino.  He noticed somewhere on the cup the word "decaffinated".  I thought, Oh lord, don't let me be giving him coffee at his tender age!  A sip or two would be ok but this was a big cup of frozen slushy goodness with a shot of chocolate on top.  He drank every drop of it!

After enjoying our refreshments and driving back to my house, he read me part of one of the new books.  Then he wanted to get the kids dinosaur site on my computer and play some of the games and quizzes.  The kid is really knowlegeable and good at it.  When his dad finally came to get him I think I was ready for a short nap!  What a fun day.

I'm debating going to the gym this evening for my walk, although I have been walking around my neighborhood in the evenings, and always meet a man coming in the other direction who tells me I am good looking!   His eyes are worse than mine, evidently.  He is one of the few people in the Park that even speaks to me.