Feeling little better and what's with Espresso?

Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ

Settled into Camp Driveway at daughters house.   I saw my Dr. last week, also had 3 days of rehab.  I see the neurologist next week.    I'm getting around okay and slow.   Awfully tired and weak.  Somewhat emotional.  Easily frustrated.  Plugging along.   Thanks for the well wishes.

While in Alaska I was fascinated by all the small drive-up Espresso shops.   Seemed like one every few miles or so, a whole lot closer when in town.

Someone did a fine paint job on this one:

Love the roof line:

The bare essentials:

Not only Espresso served:

It pays to advertise:

Looking like a train:

And another one:

Mountains and open at 4:15 am!

Usually always a lineup.

Wonder how business is in winter.   Hot chocolate too?

Back in NJ

Upper Deerfield Twp  NJ

I arrived back here Thur morn.   Lefgt Anchorage Wed aafternoon.  Layover in Seattle.   Red eye to Phila.   Could not sleep on plane.  Very unconfonrtable.   Ecuse - fingers still don;t work right

Saw family dr Thus afteronoon.   Need rehab.  and see neurologist      Daughter here goes to Europe tomrrow.   Receives chairman azward from employer in Zurich.  Tjen to Italy.

Other daugther in MD picking me up and taking me there.   Has appootment with rehab on Monday.  When Len gets back will come back to NJ for neurolgost.  

Len just called.   He's gottento Edmonton, AB.    Still a long way to go.    Brother hellping with the driving.   He's enjoying his free trip to Alaska..    Saw bears, buffalo, reindeer, mountain goats and moose.    I think; tey are enjoying their time together.

I get weepy at times.  Tire easily.  Frustration.  Inside feels shaky.   Get tired of hitting wrong keu and backikng up tp correct as keep missing backspace key.   So, spmetimes I just leave it.  You are smart and can figure it oujt!!!!

Thanks to everyone wishing me well both here and on Facebook.   WOW!  A whole sentence without a mistake.  

stroke

chigiak  ak

my styping wil be bad.   early Friday molrnngn ]]]   I had a stoke.    mild one, ljcky me.  jjst     got home frpm hosp,     broter and son in law flying here today.   borther to drive backto nj with len.   son in law flyign withme tomrooow.    was onright.   i am left handed.  

OX, BIRDS, MOOSE

Chugiak, Alaska

Another week completed of volunteering.  Two down, one to go.    Yesterday it rained the entire day.  Today perfect weather - mid 60's.    So, our crew had plans!

First thing, the OX

Over 70 musk ox call this farm home.     I never knew much about these animals until today.   Here at the farm they live to about 20.   They grow a type of very soft under fur that is harvested and used for scarves, hats, etc.    At a cost of $95.00 an ounce I didn't buy any.    The bulls are kept in one pasture.

Some of the cows were more friendly.

But especially friendly were the young.   This one is over a year old.   She followed us as we walked by her fence.   They love dandelions.

Then there are the babies born in April this year.

Now the BIRDS:

An air show featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds.

And as we pulled into the campground, this greeted us.

Great day, indeed!

To Alaska Day 42 - Eagle River Nature Center

Chugiak,  Alaska

Having the day off yesterday, we first did our laundry and grocery shopping.    After putting the groceries away it was time for lunch.   As Len says when I ask what he wants it's "make it easy on yourself".   Okay, Subway it is.

Many times we get the $5.00 foot long and split it.  No such thing as a $5.00 sub in Alaska.  Should have known!

I then suggested we visit the Eagle River Nature Center.  

The Nature Center is at the end of a road in the process of being repaired.   Once again, glad we are not fussy about our truck getting dirty.  I still don't understand why we've bothered to wash it twice while up here.

The nature center has a very small visitor center with just a few things to see.

It's main focus is the various walking trails behind the center.   The young man at the desk suggested the 3/4 mile path.  He told us it is an easy walk with a small incline.   We took his word for it.  Sure!  An easy incline for a 20 year old native Alaskan used to climbing mountains.   Not such an easy incline for this old woman and a husband with back issues.  But we did it.   Taking advantage of a few of the benches along the way.

Worth the walk and we need the exercise.

Today the temps are in the mid 50's and a light rain.  We have ribs cooking low in the oven.  Leonard just said, let's do something.  So, I will close now and see what we can do on a dreary day.   Good to have three days off volunteering to check out the area.  And rest our backs.

Birchwood Camp Week One

Chugiak, Alaska

With sore muscles we have completed our first week of volunteering at

The lake:

The campers are invited to swim in the lake.  Not all accept.   High temps have been mid 60's.  I can only guess what the water temperature might be.  Those who want to swim don't seem to stay in the water long.

Whatever the temperature is, it does not seem to bother a family of Loons living on the lake.

One of our projects was to apply wood preservative on the "boat house" and then organize it.   Done!

Another is to build a swimming area storage facility with a shelter for firewood.   In progress.

In between we've repaired window screens, log oiled one cabin, sorted a tub of work gloves and  started the painting of directional signs

Now we are "off duty" for three days.   Tomorrow grocery shopping, cleaning the RV and laundry.   And probably a little sight-seeing of the area added in.

The Iditarod

Wasilla,   AK

Since the weather improved today from the rain and cold of yesterday, we decided to get out and see something.   I requested info from our on board GPS of tourist sites.    We choose this only 4 miles from the campground.

The visitor center:

Inside is a gift shop, displays and the chance to watch a 30 minute movie mostly about the dogs.

We learned a lot watching the video.   As most people know, the Iditarod race is over 1,000 miles long.  The mushers (people) take special care of the sled dogs.   Each dog is given an EKG, blood tests before each race and has an implanted chip that keeps all information pertaining to the dogs health, race history, etc.

These dogs love to run.

During the race over 20 vets are on hand.  Every 20 to 90 miles the dogs are throughly checked by a vet.   Should there be a problem detected or the dog does not appear that it wants to continue, they are flown back to Anchorage for better examination.  

They are given a special high calorie diet consisting of lots fish, meat and "kibbles" that include vitamins, protein, pro-biotics and omega 3 supplements.    It is the equivalent of a human eating 50 Big Macs a day.  

Once the dog stops racing, usually when it's about 10, they are either kept by their owner or a suitable home is found.   They make excellent family pets.  These dogs love and require lots of affection.

Outside there were three 6 week old puppies that people were encouraged to go out and love on.   We accepted that invitation.

The girl I was holding wanted desperately to get down and back with her brothers.

While there we picked up a few more Christmas gifts.    It's July.   Our Christmas shopping is just about done.   Problem is we keep seeing more stuff!

Being ready for lucnh we ate at a Red Robin.   We'd never been to one before.   What great burgers.  Looking at the menu I saw they served some special milkshakes.   Could not help but order the Hawaiian Special.  Consisted of Kahlua, amaretto, Grand Mariner and vanilla ice cream.  Oh my!  

Tomorrow we move to Camp Birchwood where we will start volunteering on Monday.