Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wintering outside

When we arrived in AZ it was a reverse of everything we had to do in AK when we were getting ready to leave.

We have gotten our things unpacked and the dogs are starting to settle back into their routine of having to be taken on walks and having a walled back yard.

Life is good and we're looking already looking forward to the approaching holidays which we'll spend with family and friends.

One of the best parts about being in AZ so far is being able to go grocery shopping at 6 different stores. Here's what we have to chose from down here: Albertson's, Bashas', Smiths', Safeway, Food City and Super WalMart. What a change from Alaska!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Leaving Alaska

We had one of the best trips ever leaving Alaska. Everything went like clockwork.

We left our cabin at 9am in our little fishing boat. We arrived at shore and were able to store it and the engine in record time. After saying goodbye to a couple of friends, we were on the road to Anchorage by 10.

A hour and a half later we were meeting our son for a lift to the airport. There was no waiting in line at the airport check-in and security a breeze. Our plane took off on time and was only 2/3 full. We made it to Seattle in only 2 1/2 hours. Normally, it takes more than 3.

The flight from Seattle to Las Vegas was a repeat of the Anchorage flight. The plane was 2/3 full and we arrived early. Our flight was less than 2 hours long. Usually, it takes closer to 2 1/2 hours.

As soon as we got off the plane, I headed to Avis to pick up our rented minivan and my husband headed to baggage claim to collect all our stuff and our labs, Diver and Allie. By the time I got back with the van, Greg was waiting for me in passenger pickup.

We loaded up and headed home, arriving at 2am. What a trip but a good one....

Friday, October 16, 2009

Storing, Eating, Packing, Cleaning

Our days are numbered in Alaska. Only 3 left til it's time to fly south.

Yesterday, the big boat went to storage for the winter so we're down to using the little fishing boat til we leave.

We are eating what's left in our refrigerator. No going to the store for anything. We use what we have.

Today, Allie and Diver go to the vet for their flying papers and my car gets stored. I will have to drive the big Z71 4x4 with the 2 foot stick shift til we leave and that's a job in it's self. I can never find reverse without shutting off the engine.

The packing of the stuff has begun. I should be done packing by tomorrow. Then it's on to cleaning.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Peanut Butter Dog Cookies

3 cups of flour
1/2 cup of peanut butter not chunky
2 tbsp olive oil
1 egg
enough water to moisten

Mix all the above ingredients together
Form into a ball
Roll out to 1/4' thickness
Cut into shapes....
Place on cookie sheet
Bake at 325 for approx. 30 minutes or golden brown
Turn off oven and cool cookies completely

You can freeze the cookies if you want but they probably won't last that long.
If you have big dogs, you might want double the recipe.
The cookies will keep for a couple of weeks if you store them in a dry place.

My dogs love these and I'm sure your dogs will too.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Too Much Food

It's getting serious...only 6 days til we leave and we still have a frig full of food. Looks like I'll be cooking big meals all the rest of the week. I'm even making peanut butter dog biscuits for the pups tomorrow to use up the last of the peanut butter.


Friday, October 9, 2009

Ticket Are Bought

It's offical! The tickets are bought so we'll be leaving Alaska for the winter in 10 days. I have so much to do so starting today the sorting and packing begins. I've already made an appointment for the pups next Friday for their health certificates.

Now the real fun begins. Arizonia here we come and I had our first call from our dear friend already inviting us to dinner as soon as we arrive. It's going to be wonderful seeing all of our friends again.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Falling Leaves

I'm waiting for the sun to come up. It's going to be a beautiful day filled with sunshine and I'm anxious to spend my day outdoors.
I think back to when I was a child, playing in the fall leaves with my dog and I'm excited to repeat that experience as a playful adult.
There's something to say about Fall in my beautiful Alaska but I'm still counting the days til we head south because winter arrives quickly.
I'd better enjoy each and every day that I have til it's time to go.