a long way from home...baby

So, it feels like months now that we've been away from our home in Alaska & our life with sled dogs. Thinking about all the dogs makes me smile and laugh, I sure so miss the fur kids. Closing my eyes and seeing the wide open spaces, the tall majestic mountains that support our life & surround our home, it makes me feel like breathing in real deep and letting out a grateful sigh. Focusing on where we've been and where we're going keeps me inspired and motivated to work harder, do more and be better. The fun never ends and Alaska stole my heart.

In the mornings when we wake, grandma has coffee on, she's waiting to have her time with Jona. My mom is already out on the patio enjoying the sun. Jona is smiles ear to ear. I check email while sipping the Musher blend coffee I've brought from Alaska, looking for updates from Sue back at Maclaren hoping to catch a glimpse into our life with dogs, minus me. A month of vacation is outrageous, should be illegal and completely overrated..all though, this time with family is invaluable and very comforting and I can honestly say that going to the beach practically everyday isn't so bad, visiting with friends, grilling out, sleeping in.... and if one digs deep enough, can see the silver lining, especially in the waves crashing on the shoreline, the all over tan I'm working on one day at a time, all this time spent playing with Jona on the swings, in the water and the best part.... the best part is watching her interact with her family and the way my mother and Grandma Shirley love her.

I'm finding out that I'm not very good at kicking my legs up and doing nothing for more than a short period of time. My head starts spinning. I get ansy to do things, starting projects, seeing things happen, getting my hands dirty, keeping my body moving and setting goals makes me feel productive. We're keeping busy enough. Playing with friends dogs, checking books out from the library, sunning, cooking, craft projects, discovering new parks, enjoying the nice weather and keeping cool with the pool and lake.

Tomorrow is a grill out near by for a benefit of a friend of a friend, there will be lots of people there I've known for years, since I was just a teeny tiny tot myself. These people knew me back in the doc marten, lip piercing, black hairdo bob cut days....yes, i went through a phase or two... These folks are waiting to meet Jona, will be a fun time. Sunday is a grill out at our friend Michelle and Steves house. This is going to be like a family reunion for us, we've known their family since..egad..since the 5th grade. Jona and I will be walking dogs at the local shelter next Monday. And from there..we'll keep you posted..

Saturday, in Alaska is the Iditarod sign up and picnic....Have fun to those friends of ours who are going! Enjoy! And Ya-Hoo! for those others signing up! Will be A good time!!

happy times, waggin tails.....see you down the trail! zsd