Giving Gratitude.

Life is this beautiful journey. Embrace.

5:30am

Try on the Good Life: A rainbow of Experiences,create,embrace,celebrate,dance,move,love,write, paint, hug your dog(s, run, pet your cat, support a good cause,make something from nothing, call a friend,push yourself to be better,count your blessings, pay more for quality, don't settle for less, make healthy choices, don't smoke, don't support McDonald's, eat free range meat if you're a meat eater,give some money to someone who needs it, be good to your friends and family,make scrapbooks, take tons of pictures, share your stories, do your homework, buy fresh flowers for your house, turn off the T.V. and pick up a good book, hire help when you need to, take a yoga class, learn French or German, help others,say nice things, do something you've always wanted to do but never had the guts to, go someplace you've never been, take good care of you, be a good role model, stop fighting, start loving, journal it all down for some 20 years from now. Fear nothing, and let your heart love unconditionally. A few keys to happiness, I know forsure.

Life is endless in opportunity, and I am reminded everyday just how lucky I am, in a unique kind of way for me.

5:45am My mind is busy this morning as we get some dogs ready to leave for prep school. (going thru the mental checklist-> Are the dishes packed-check. Soaked food-check, poop bucket and shovel-check, Harnesses-check. Paperwork in truck-check. Sleeping bag-check, road food-check, The Ramones, Robbie Williams and Kill Bill soundtrack Cd and Harry Connick Jr. -check. Coffee-check, Maudy-check and ok, all 20 dogs-check. Three months in Skagway, the dogs will be busy learning and experiencing as they star in the show of cart rides and sled dog history for thousands of people from around the world. They will be busy!~

We can be as successful as we allow ourselves to be, we can be as happy, excited or as sad, as mad ..as we want to be...we can be as good as we want to be...we have choices and we're so blessed to be able to make those choices every day we're given. It's nice to be reminded of these things once in awhile, isn't it? There's so many people out there that don't see it this way and they choose to be mad, sad and miserable blaming others for the things they don't have. It's a good lesson in the book if you know these kind of people who suffer from these dis-easements.. They say the spiritual path is a winding road with more obstacles--it's not always the easy way but the more rewarding journey as you learn. Your world grows and broadens...It's easier to stay the same and be mad. We discuss these things in our life, as we feel it important and necessary to stay in touch with our inner selves, god, and connected to our friends, and family. It's very easy to get busy and not return calls, too easy to put off until the following day.

Today, I want to just say "hey, thanks". I am so enriched, and feel so lucky as we enter again into a new season, thus change begins. I am go glad each morning when I wake up to a new day, next to my husband, my best friend and love of my life...thankful for unconditional love! I am grateful to the dogs outside ..Watching them wake and stretch from their houses as we begin our morning..Thankful for the livelihood of our fur kids and the excitement they bring into our lives..how they enrich us! Family, I am thankful for their never ending love and support---family is always there above and beyond. Our friends, the people that make a difference in our life and create new memories over the years, theanks for making the effort in our life as friends. and hmmm..to the smell of a fresh pot of coffee..the simple things!

All the big moments of personal success in our life, to the small day to day things we find such love and peace in knowing...We would like to take a few minutes this morning to give thanks and we would like to share a little prayer that was passed on to me the other day from a friend a far. Enjoy--we sure do! And have a lovely week. Your friends, Zoya and John

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able
to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a
forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You
keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said
or thought that was not pleasing to you.. I ask now for Your
forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this
day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best
of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.
Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil.
And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing,
and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example
-- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response
when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You
listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me
strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words
of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't
find their way. I pray for
those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who
don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without
sharing it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank
you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray
for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in
their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they
are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem,
circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your
hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts
of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them
willingly..

In Jesus' Name, Amen

Welcome, Hicks, Bridle, Sadie, Harley and Donald.

This is Hicks- 5 yr old male.

He's one of the fab 5 --These dogs are new to the kennel, well kind of. They've been here since the last part of the month. We've gotten to know one another pretty well with plenty of time in the yard, and a handful of running ---6 to 16 miles. Still, plenty of snow (it's snowing as I write) to play with. The trail to Paxson is still in, soft in some areas and a little rough with exposed pavement crossing the pit road. Overall, it's still a nice run with the dogs. The trail to the campground is still in- the trail is hard. We saw a moose yesterday attempting to cross the lake--she saw us coming and changed her mind B- lining it back to the woods off shore. Most of the dogs ignored her, all but Storey and Peak--they're young and dumb (lol) and they were all lips and teeth. Smiling and lunging out of the team and toward the direction of the cow--they were hopefull.

It's exciting to work with new dogs---new dogs that we rescue & retrain, and or dogs that I buy. This is the 2nd time I've bought dogs in AK. It's very special to raise your own and this year, we're doing both. We bred Zoya & Loui dogs and we've got one pup coming from Chime & Loui. You can say it "It's a dog's world after all!" We've placed 3 dogs just in the past month and we're still looking to place about 4-5 more of these good dogs. If you are looking for a house dog pet, or a sled dog for recreation-fun running, please email me or call us and we can make an appointment for you to visit.

After the Chatanika 200 this year, I started to look pretty hard at the kennel and the dogs I have to race with for next year asking myself some serious questions that can lead to serious impact in my racing year..and the overall mental well being of the dogs..."Who's going to make that jump into my main racing team?" Which dogs are getting "too old to race?" "Which dogs are still a little too young to lead me on a race like the Iditarod?" Questions like this started to add up and I felt like it was time to add some experience to my team since it is quite a mix. It doesn't make sense to take a dog who might be too old and not so into it anymore when I can buy a dog who's younger anf more up for it with total zest and enthusiasm. We need a little more "skin" for next year. It will only benefit the team I have now. I've got dogs in my team that range from 15 months to 7 yrs old. Some of my dogs have a few 200 mile races under their belt and a few others have the Quest. John took 5 of my dogs who were then 3 yrs old on the year before's Quest and they all finished. I've been working with my team for 4 years and we're excited to add a few more good dogs. I'm training about 39 dogs for racing, total. Out of those 39, I've got to put together teams to run 3-4 mid distance races in a competitive fashion and 2007 Iditarod. Hard to believe summer is almost here--always a hard time for me because I love the winter so much with the dogs, sledding and snow.

Hicks-

This dog probably impresses me the most. Not just because he's ran and finished 4 Iditarods (not bad being only 5 years old!) not to mention many other 200 and 300 races...It's his attitude & spirit! He's very confident, calm, serious about his job and seems to have a little "extra" tucked away for later. Hicks is a tough dog and doesn't seem to get bothered by much. You won't see him excited and screaming to run until he's sees the harnesses out in the yard..until then, Hicks is quiet, standing still like in this picture, and quietly observing his surroundings.

WELCOME HICKS.

Bridle- 5 yr old female. Bridle is all spirit. She's an excited dog! Bridle runs super in team and has 2 finishing Iditarod's under her belt, and many other mid distance races as well. Bridle fits right in with the racing crew. Welcome Bridle.  

Sadie- 4 yr old female, Harley's sister. She's a lovely dog with a gentle attitude. Iditarod finisher 06. She's a wonderful leader, gee and haws with minimal effort. Sadie has quickly taken to the boys in the yard, Henry and Wilbur and Galen..hard not to like. She'll be running more and more with the boys as the season progresses. Welcome Sadie! 

Harley-- 4 yr old male, 2 time Iditarod vet. He's a very nice dog with a strong running spirit, solid build,& runs real well with the team. I'm excited to welcome Harley into my main race team 06.07 

It's Donald--new addition.Donald is very sweet, runs lead and is very strong in team.  

"Sleeping beauty". All worn out after a feel good run, 6 miles today. Streak sleeps while the yard is resting, mid-day naps. Brooke sits quietly behind her.

Marlin, loves the head scratch.  

Late Spring in Paxson

Spring is late here in Paxson; it is 1* above zero at 6:30 am. We are still having to break trail with the dogs. Last night Zoya and I broke a new 12 mile trail, via snowmobile, for the dogs and there were places where it was tough to pull the drag, even on the old trail. Stepping off the trail, even on the Lake takes you to your knees in snow. If you like winter and snow, this is the place. The Denali Hwy. is open to Maclaren Lodge. Soon we will be headed that way. Not as much snow out there this season, but it is still snowing so they are not done yet. Alan and Susie still have some groomed trails in so if anyone wants a last sled run or two----there you are.

In spite of the late spring, the birds are starting to arrive. The snow buntings have been here for awhile as always and we heard the first swan report on the 8th. Paxson outlet had about 50 swans as of last night--mixed Tundras swans and Trumpeters. A bunch of mallards as always, 2 widgeon and a couple of wayward common golden eye. 2 Common mergansers spent the winter here, but we did not see them last night. We had a marsh hawk (Northern Harrier) cruise by the house yesterday. Eagles are everywhere; the first were back in late Feb. Now they are almost everywhere. I never see how they can manage enough to eat this time of year, but they must, cause they always show up.
One year we had 2 tree swallows flying around on the 28th of April, but I doubt if that will be the case this spring......

The dogs are happy with the warmer weather and are playing among themselves for most of the day. We usually have 5 or 6 loose for most of the day. It is tough to hook them up as they are crazy, crazy to go run.

Bears are out and around, several have been taken by hunters and with the good snow conditions there likely will be more. The bear population on the Denali remains pretty high. Caribou are not starting back yet, but there are a few scattered very small groups that wintered in the area. Moose are moving a bit and look pretty scroungy about now.
Here's hoping: that the snow will stay all summer so we don't have to use the 4-wheeler, the only mosquitoes will be eaten by the swallows, and that the salmon come back in hordes.

John

Loyalty

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.

Your are his life, his love, his leader.

He will be yours, faithful and true.

To the last beat of his heart.

You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

- Anonymous
Picture of Eddie, by Laura G.

AK Tan, thoughts on summer, dog boarding, new dogs, info. and thanks

Yeh, I figured I could work on the tan while working in the yard, it sure is warm enough by mid day. Almost hits 40F by 2. "Ok, who put my hair there?? " "Where's my assistant?"

John got "the goof" on film:) in Hawaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii'i.

HI Everyone,

What beautiful times we're experiencing in Alaska with longer days, more light than ever and still lots of good snow. I just got some nice curtain panels in the mail I ordered from Urban Outfitters (for the Maclaren cabin) I figure I'll try to get some sleep this summer.

Still lots of good snow which means more mushing and small trips with the dogs. I just wish i had more time to run dogs right now but I've got more on my plate than I can do alone. Can someone just spare us one extra month in the year or another 8 hours in a day?? John and I are busy this time of year getting ready for my summer sled dog business to open and I've got more building projects planned for this spring. We've got some wood cutting planned and 2 Gazebo's to build before I open. I'll have a picnic area this year for visitors and a speaking Gazebo at Maclaren River. This will be my third summer on the Maclaren and it's a real treat to get back and be with friends. Maclaren is a wonderful feel-good home to me, with lots of wild life, migratort birds, awesome hiking and biking trails, swimming holes, friends across the river, and new adventures! Speaking of Urban Outfitters, they were having this awesome sale on gorgeous quilts and bed spreads. I'm a nut for colorful house things and I've got this weakness for pretty blankets, cozy throws and beaded things. If you like colorful, funky, unique items, take a look at Urban Outfitters.

I've been in the reading mode lately later evenings, since our vacation we read together a few great books I would like to mention. One is called OLIVA, this book was written in the 80's by Oliva who was living in Exile on Kalaupapa, Molokai Island. She's a survivor of Hansens Disease. She was taken from her home & family when she was just 17 after being diagnosed with this horrible disease. Her journal is raw material as she takes you into a world that only one can fathom. She was taken in the late thirties to this island of isolation and death to live among the ill and seperated from friends, family and any dreams she imagined possible. She spent 50 years there before she was able to leave and visit other places. A very good read of one tough cookie.

Then there's Paddling my own canoe by Andrea Sutherland. This is an older book written by Andrea, a woman who paddled Molokai's rough seas/North coast solo. Now, I've got this book I'm just starting to read..SANCUARY about natural healing through your own energy fields.

On the speakers this morning- Tori Amos- the Beekeeper.

Summer Dog Boarding:

I've already 20 spaces reserved May-Sept. There's just 15 spaces left, so if you're thinking about boarding this summer, please do make your reservation now. Or if you have any questions, please feel free to send an email to Zoya zdenure@yahoo.com

John is getting things in order for his fishing season which begins mid June. The Fishin Man is going to attack the Salmon once again. I always have a tough time that first week he's away. We really work well together as a team--Imagine working with your best friend or someone you just really think the world of and it just so happens the two of you think a lot alike. It's a nice groove. That's us. All though like everyone else, we don't always agree:) on everything. Ha,ha. I'll have plenty to keep me working 12 hour days and kennel helpers, so this eases the pain some, sniff, sniff. Lol.

What else? I've got jewelry orders coming out of my ears and this keeps me inside the early part of my day. This year has been good to me and I know someone up above is looking down and smiling on us. Thank you! I can't seem to keep up with some of the work I've got going which is good financially for me but on the other hand keeps me inside more than I like. Maybe I will have to set up a working tent or little studio next year so I can feel like I'm outside in the yard. When I'm working on my jewelry, I work in front of a large picture window facing north, overlooking Paxson Mountain & the AK range. The dogs are on the south side of the house.

DOG NEWS!

I've have just added some new dogs to the kennel and my racing team as of yesterday. I bought some real nice dogs from an Iditarod musher in Willow.

Harley, Hicks, Bridle, Donald and Sadie. I'll post pictures of these dogs real soon with individual profiles. They seem to fit right in. We introduced them to the yard this morning during chores, and then I turned about 5 dogs loose like I do each day for play, they ran around and greeted Sadie, Bridle and Harley right away. I'll get two teams out this afternoon and turn about 10 loose for a walk. All the dogs have equal "loose" time to play and interact.

Socialization is one of the most important things we do here at Crazy Dog; getting the dog comfortable with himself and secure enough to make friends and aquainted with all the dogs around him/her. It's important that the dogs learn "manners". These dogs are naturally very social and like the company of their fellow dogs mates. I just recently got a wacky email from someone out there who isn't happy about people keeping sled dogs on chains. It's unfortunate that these people aren't well informed & educated on this subject enough before they go saying things they might want to take back- what some of these people don't realize is that these dogs get attention 24/7. The sled dogs are well cared for and loved; these dogs are in the spotlight at all times. I have a large number of dogs off their chains several times a day to play and interact. They dont take off as this is their home with all their friends--this is where they eat, sleep and play. If a dog is injured or ill, we bring the dog inside. We're adding on to our home a heated dog boarding kennel for next year for pet boarding, old and or ill dogs. Another big bonus for our dogs is that our chains are 7 feet, so the dogs can interact and play, again to keep that social contact. Still aren't getting it? Come out this summer to see for yourself, these dogs are very happy! Please do make an appointment first.

On the cd player: The Ramones, She's a sensation.

THANKS TAIGA!

TAIGA Mushing SUPPLIES in FAIRBANKS, AK.

We just got this surprise Box in the mail with lots of great dog collars! We really appreciate your support Joanne!!!!!!!

Thanks a Million.

Crazy Dogs say> woof, woof.

the ZOYA & JOHN team.

The view from our cruise of the Royal Hawaiin. When in Oahu, stay if you can or visit if you will this nice hotel, we enjoyed it very much. It's the only Pink Hotel with everything pink! Pink sheets, pink towels, pink robes, pink everything! 

Caution signs on the North Shore..lining the shore at PIPELINE beach. 

Good Morning! Molokai, Hawaii 

The North Shore, Oahu Hawaii 

The Royal Hawaiin, Oahu Hawaii 

Z&J team.  

Back Home!

Love.Bliss.

Home now, breathing in that cool mountain air- and taking a little time to reconnect to this other world we call home. Alaska. 8:30pm and sunny as can be! Talk about total opposite of worlds. On Molokai the sun would set around 6:15 and dark by 7:00. One minute we're strolling through Chanel & Prada checking out the latest collection in Honolulu, busy wondering around doing the tourist things to do and see, to a more quiet and loving experience and exploration in Molokai. Whale watching in the early early ams from our resort, to feeding the ducks and wild birds from our condo's porch each morning. Heaven. We picked through all the shells, wind beaten and worn shells, burned and peeled then burned again and peeled some more, hiked, read books, and relaxed. We walked Molokai's famous three mile beach, with the wind to our backs at first and good thing--35-40 mph winds. We got a good sand-scrub!

Now back home, and ready to get back to work!

We spent the last 7 days on Molokai Island...enjoying long quiet beaches, amazing sea cliff views and learning the incredible history of it's people. We hiked through history as we made our way down to the village of Kaulapapa for a tour and brief of the Lepher colony. Learning about Father Damien- what a saint. I am so thankful to have learned of Father Damien. And thankful for Brother Dutton. Before we even began the 5 hour tour, we must travel down by foot or mule (we did it by foot!) this incredible trail with the most amazing sea cliff views of the ocean world-3 1/2 miles down a rocky path cut through a mountain side , with an 1800 foot drop and 26 switchbacks. As we're heading down the trail, John looks at me and reminds me "what goes down, must come up". It was an unforgettable journey that day. We learned so much and met some really nice people along the way. We loved Molokai Island, the natural Hawaii, untouched and very few people compared to the other islands which are quite saturated with condo's, highrises, and traffic jams.

Home now, and a world away from halter tops and skirts, flip flops and toes in the sand. It was a good heart-felt feeling to pull in this morning to see all the dogs. They were wired to see us! I sure did miss our fur-kids. Now, back to reality..stacks of calls and emails to return, dogs to run, orders to fill and tons of house spring cleaning to do! I will return later with more trip and picture posts.

Zoya and John

North Shore, Oahu

Sunday, late morning
Pipeline beach, Surf Shop & internet Cafe

84F
Surfs on! The beach signs reads: CAUTION! STRONG CURRENTS! Red flags line the beach warning swimmers and surfers to take caution. The waves are impressive as they roll up tall and come crashing down with amazing force and power; we are in awe. 400-500 hundred yards off shore are all the surfers perched on their boards waiting with anticipation to catch the next big wave. The beaches are packed this morning and we've been hopping back from one to the other. We're like in this postcard. Hawaii is very pretty, much like the pictures you see. We bought fresh coconuts and pineapple from a local stand near Sunset beach earlier today; very nice to have fresh fresh fruits. We got out of the city after 2 days of jam packing our schedule with touring acitivities. It was awesome to ride out on the Starlet cruise ship near Diamond Head and great to participate in the traditional Luau and after runnning around like a herd through lights and traffic jams....we said "OK, we're outta here!" Tieme for a road trip to the North Shore to see real Hawaii. When visitors come to AK, we tell them the same thing.."you must get out of Anchorage to see real Alaska" It's the same here. The last two evenings we stayed in a nice little hotel on the beach near the North shore and yesterday we spent the day back tracking to visit Sea Life and Dolphin Discovery. One word: wow. The beaches in that area are spectacular. Lots of wild chickens here! We've been counting the different species of birds..John will give a more in depth report later. We'll hop to another island in the next 5 days, maybe the Big Island. Both of us can't wait to do some kayaking and biking.
We met a couple from Palmer, AK while on this trip and I met a woman who was in girl scouts over 30 years ago with Mary Shields...Small World! We're all connected, aren't we? I think its "we're all connected by 11 people" is the saying.

We've been walking quiet beaches, and resting our lazy bones in the sun...this moring we took a 5 mile walk together, beach combing and meeting locals. The locals are very nice and welcoming. We're really enjoying this quiet time together. It would be nice if we had a few close friends and family here to share this with. Hawaii is a nice place to visit- like the perfect "beach vacation" of vacations. I can see why everyone has their kids along in tow! Easy to relax, easy to exist and easy to roam. We're still trying to figure out how to get our dogs over for the remaining trip?? We do miss them very much. It's funny how much we find ourselves talking about our work or the dogs, they're so much a part of us that wherever we go, we're all together in spirit.

Lastnight I was dreaming about training dogs, and John was dreaming about packing food drops and cutting fish! This morning we were talking it over and laughing very much at ourselves. Here we are in Hawaii...talking dogs. It's hard leaving the "family" at home. Helps to know that they are in good hands. Sounds like my friends Rebecca and Claudia are also visiting this weekend and running dogs with Laura. We're so thankful! Have fun girls!

Tonight we head through the mountains heading around the shoreline and island and over to another quiet beach; this is a place where we will park and hike a few miles into. We're hoping to camp and have an earlry swim with the dolphins.

More later! from Zoya and John..Aloha.

ALOHA! From Sunny Hawaii.

John and I don't have much time to write as we are busy running from one cool thing to another-it's 80F, sunny skies and blue, blue blue water! It's gorgeous. The best hotel thus far, Royal Hawaiian! The first luxury hotel built in Hawaii in 1928. Abhasa Sap--very nice! I had the after-burn treatment and a 55 minute facial. We've been here for a day and I've already got pink legs to match our hotel. We're going to snorkle and explore the island tomorrow...more later. "WISH YOU WERE HERE!"

Zoya & John

(thank you Laura for house sitting and caring for all of our fur-kids:)