PUTT....PUTT....PUTT

That's the sound of the diesel engine on Arctic Tern.....finally! Wasn't easy to get her running again with a 32 yr old engine that isn't made anymore. Was hoping to go sailing this Summer though. Need to paint her bottom yet.
We're in Whale Pass finally. Actually got here a little over a month ago. Had to stay in Ketchikan for a few months while Pam worked and I worked on Arctic Tern.
Was going to have a photo or two up, but forgot the camera. Next time hopefully.
Getting ready for Josh and Erin's wedding this July. Should be a fun time. Speaking of fun, sounds like Tristan and Adam are having a great time traveling around the states. Well, one state so far.
I have library duty this evening so better get back to it.
Everyone have a good Summer.

Weeeee're baaaaack

Yep, Pam got back a few weeks before me and I got back April 6th. We drove a total of 9,500 miles during the time we were outside. Had a good time, but didn't get to see my brother. Hopefully we will next year.
The day I arrived on the ferry from Prince Rupert, it snowed. Welcome home. Really didn't need to see that.
Working on the sailboat getting the engine running. Need a new part and they don't make the engine anymore, so need to do some fabricating which means by Alaska standards, jury rig it.
Pam's working a few months at dental offices. Save some money to go back South for Erin and Josh's wedding. It'll be fun except for the fact I have to wear a tux. NO MORE TUXES after this wedding.
Need to finish the cat and the bird sketch.
Hope your day is going good.

Oh Canada, Oh Canada, ....EH.

Yep, I'm in Canada. Prince Rupert to be exact. I left last Thursday from Parker, Colorado. Thought I'd have plenty of time to get here. It took 5 days of long hours of driving. Yesterday was a 650 mile drive. Delays caused by snow in Wyoming and snow storms in the passes in Washington. Got through the Washington storms by going thru Kettle Falls and on into Canada there.


Went thru a small town of Osoyoos, British Columbia. I've never heard of it but in my opinion the most scenic town in BC as far as I've seen. Certainly worth a drive to it if at all possible. Try to see it during the day time. I was in such a hurry that I regret I didn't take the time to sight see while there. If you come in from the South, there's a look out above the valley and town before dropping down into it. Stop and enjoy the view. There's only one pull off for it, so be sure to be on the look out for it. Check it out now on Google maps. Image above is of the town.



No show, just tell
Saw some interesting things on the drive from Co. to Prince Rupert.
A wild turkey standing beside the road. Never saw a wild one.
A beautiful Black Arabian horse running free in a pasture with mountains as it's background.
A herd of elk feeding close to the road.
Deer and antelope.
Mountain sheep jumping a fence to cross the highway.
A moose standing in a pond.

Wedding in Estes Park, Colorado
Here is a video preview where Erin and Josh's wedding will be held this Summer. I'd advise not to wear high heels. Also, just in case it rains earlier in the day, maybe a small piece of plastic to sit on.

Almost finished

I took Tana's advice and added a bird. Seems like there's still something missing. Any suggestions, Leave me a comment.

Where is those waskles?

We're in Colorado, that's where. There wasn't an Internet connection at Pam's mom's place, so updates where a little slow.

We had a good time in Nebraska visiting relatives. I have a few videos of Terry branding cattle on the farm. Hope to have those uploaded soon.

Josh and Erin are getting married this summer at Estes Park in Colorado. Pam and I took a day trip there last week. I must say, it rivals the beauty of Alaska. I took a few short movies of where the wedding will be and I'll get that uploaded later also.

Pam leaves for home tomorrow and I'll follow in a few days. It'll feel good to get back home. I need to get some building material for the house. I suppose I'll look like a gypsy wagon heading North thru Canada with everything loaded on it.

Weather here has been kind of crazy......66 one day, the next blowing snow. Yesterday, 77 and now storm warnings.

Been keeping up with art classes and I'll miss them, but anxious to get back to my studio and paint and sketch some ideas I have.

Hope everyone is doing good and the sun is shining where ever you're at.

Viva La Lexington, Nebraska

Lexington is located in the center of America. Farming land. Hard working farmers who worked sun up to sundown raising beef and growing crops for our dinner table. Making just enough money to keep them going till next year. A town that still has bricks for their street in town. A place where the only fast lane is the express lane at the local WalMart.

Now, I'm afraid it's coming to a close, or at least what it once represented. Tyson packing plant is just about the only game in town. It pretty much dictates how this town lives or dies as a community.

Several years ago, Tyson brought in a large influence of Mexican workers to work in their plant. Now recently, Tyson is bringing in people from Somalia. Perhaps they work cheaper or don't complain about working conditions. I really don't know their Tyson's reasoning. All I can say, it's not the same place I visited years ago or where my wife grew up.

We've driven around the Western United States and have seen houses for sale and repossessed.

I hope the economy picks up and people can get back to work.