A fine weekend. . .

After a week of snow and depressing weather, we were lucky enough to have a fantastic weekend with glorious temps, and sun all day long! I got out with the dogs both days, and even did a little sunning myself on a log in the tundra. . . a fine way to spend an afternoon after biking. Sunday I got out and did TWO of the hill loops! Look at me go! The sun has me excited and ready for an active summer. . . four more Fridays!! (but who's counting!?!?! ;)

Here are some pictures from my wanderings on the tundra/floodplains this weekend. . .

The grasses are frozen in time, stuck between pools of ice and patches of frozen ground. . . they are patiently waiting for warmth and sun to start their short season of growth.


The amount of wood that the fall storms bring in from the ocean is amazing. There are no trees of this size growing anywhere in the vicinity of this region of the state. . .

Any idea's? I can't figure out what these pipes might be from. . . they are in the middle of the tundra and too close together to be dog posts. . . it's got me wondering. . .

Hope you all had a good weekend. . .

Overdue Update. . .

I was recently reminded by two friends that I haven't updated the blog in a while. . . so here it is: A conglomeration of random pictures and things that have been consuming my time lately.


Stacie caught me in action about a week ago when I was out with dogs. They run along side the bike on leashes until the edge of town, and then they roam free, as I bike a small loop of 5 to 8 miles. I've even gotten out to do the big 'hill loop' several times without the dogs. I even did a little trail biking up a steep hill we call Army Hill. I felt so cool that I reached (nearly) the top. . . I wanted someone to come by and see me. . . well, I guess I knew I did it, that will have to do :) The weather had been so nice for 2 weeks- notice I'm not even wearing at hat!! :) but as of this week we have had stormy weather, wind and snow! We have almost 2 inches of new snow on the ground. . . very depressing for those of us dreaming of summer. . .


(this was almost 3 weeks ago)
Kim H. and I took the machines out for one last run- we had to search for the snow, and at several points it was more like tundra-sledding instead of snowmaching, but it was great to get out in the warmer temps and see some new country. We went out the Iditarod trail, then cut off to the right to climb the hills and get a new perspective . . .

This has been my most recent perspective: work on my thesis. My table hidden under articles and books for my literature review and my computer open and ready to record the brief moments of genius that come to me. Unfortunately, they don't seem to come as often as I'd like, or in the same span of time. I've recently felt that I'm being drug through the mud. . . and I'd really like to move forward. . . Overall I find it frustrating yet fulfilling at the same time. I enjoy the intellectually stimulating reading and thought provoking work, yet, I find myself going in circles about my topic, and am not sure I see a productive, concrete, positive answer for education coming out of it- I guess that is what sucks people into Doctoral programs. . . wanting to go further into it, trying to find answers. But what if there aren't any answers?!


And here, are the perfect dinner rolls I contributed to Easter dinner at the Johnson's. It was a nice relaxing day, and food was excellent! Thank you Stacie and Josh!

Some other random news: I was asked to be the graduation speaker in White Mountain this year! What an honor and a real treat for me! These are the freshman I started with my first year of teaching, and well, I know you aren't suppose to say it, but they were my favorites :) I am eager to see WMO again, and see everyone. I get the chance to spend the night and hang out for an evening catching up. It should be great!

So, a random mix of things to entertain or bore you :) I am counting down the weeks till school is over (four more Friday's!!), and am looking forward to my summer fun this year. I will be buying a vehicle, biking lots and hope to visit friends across the state- the calendar is already filling up, and I fear it will go by far too quickly. I guess that gives me even more reason to document as I go, to make sure I immerse myself in each moment . . .

hoping all is well on your side-