Is it Spring...or is it not...

We had a couple of picture perfect days last week but the weather turned to snow flurries for the weekend. The clouds rolled in reminding me that winter has not completely left us. So sad...

Mary and I made a trip down to the bay late this afternoon to look for Sea Otters - we were not disappointed as there was a Sea Otter very close to shore having dinner. The water was shallow making it easy to tell that he was digging in the rocks for his meal. We could see his feet kicking around on top of the water.

I spent the weekend with Student Council Students - decorating, chaperoning and cleaning up a dance. They put together an "Oldies Dance" as a fundraiser for a local man who has racked up some hefty medical bills due to a couple of serious health issue. This dance was a blast and they raised about $250. As their advisor (and principal) I am very proud of them.

Finally - I am again training for Sprint Triathalons. There is one in Seward at the end of the month. 5k Run (in town), 10k bike (for those who have been here...this will be on the road out to Lowell Pt.) and a 900m swim (18 laps in the high school pool). I am also looking to do a Bike for Women at the beginnig of May. I hope spring gets here soon!

I went with friends, Karen and Joey, to Talkeetna today for lunch and the hope of seeing Mt. McKinley (Denali) - We were not disappointed as the mountian was out in full view for the entire drive.














Had a great burger at the local hangout - talked with the barkeep about climbing season. We understand that coming to town towards the end of the season (May/June) get a person the best stories. This is when climbs tend to "stay in town" and spend money. Thinking it might be a good trip to do over Memorial Weekend.



Took this picture for Susan and Sue...made me think of you both. I have more picture like this...


Denali - from Talkeetna...it was a perfect day!

Mary and I are now rushing off to a fundraiser dinner, auction and show for the Anchorage Junior Theater. Later - Ginger

After a hard day of playing...and a long walk!

3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer

Can you imagine a world without breast cancer? It's hard, given how pervasive the disease is. But go ahead, let yourself envision that world. Because it's not a fantasy. It's a reality within our grasp. (from the Susan G. Komen - 3 Day Walk Website)

Hi all - I am proud to share that Connie (my twin sister - for those who don't know her) has taken up the challenge to rasie money and particpate in the 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer, November 21-23, 2008, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Heidi did this event last year - it takes a huge commitment of time to train for an event such as this. The sacafice of time in order to be in the best shape possible is daunting at best. I know from Heidi's expereince that she took away many great memories and met some new and interesting folks.

We all know one or more people who have been impacted by breast cancer. (I am sad to say that my list continues to grow.) Finding a cure takes the support and effort of a great many people. Please support Connie in her effort to complete this endeavor by helping her raise the $2,200 necessary for participation.

Thanks - Ginger

Bruno settles in...

The Guinness Cake - It was great! It was also easy to make which was a plus.

Bruno (and Karen) - A little game playing

Bruno - exhausted after our walk (Nikan is already asleep in my lap)

After a Saturday of non-stop chasing and playing by Nikan and Bruno, yesterday was a much calmer day. The boys seem to be working things out, including Nikan checking his jealous streak. He was not happy when either of us held Bruno - particularly me...just a little possesive. We believe that our "family outing" yesterday to do errands did much to build the bond between the boys as they were left for multiple periods of time in the car, a small space. Karen and Joey were over last night for dinner and we all took a long, long walk on the trail behind the house. The boys were exhausted when we got back - finally Bruno relaxed and slept. I was beginning to think he never slept during the day. Last night both boys went to sleep in my lap in the massage chair while I played Xbox. Bruno has quite the personality and everyone is making the adjustment. I still miss Mko and think of her each day...but Bruno is winning my heart.

Later Ginger

Welcome to the family...

We are happy to announce that the Blackmon/Logomasini Clan added a new member today. His name is Bruno. He is a 3 year old pug (on March 28) whose "other" family had to give him up because of a new baby.

Mary called the number on the pug rescue mailing list about a week ago. After talking with Bruno's owner they were satisfied enough with what Mary had to say to "take us to the next level." This meant that Mary visited Bruno a couple of days ago and the whole gang came to Mary's place today to check out the digs and to meet Nikan. Nikan and Bruno hit it off - chasing each other around the condo...repeatedly. After about an hour the previous owners felt we were worthy enough to take Bruno into our family. It was a said moment as they said goodbye but we plan to have a play date very soon.

Bruno is very well behaved, full of energy and quite the lovebug (I am told). As one might expect - he is warming up to Mary quite nicely...seems I will take a little longer. The plan for the moment is to continue with the "shared custody" - thus giving Nikan a playmate and allowing the canines to bond.

Our good friend Dr. Cayleff tells us that Bruno is Latin for Bear which brought warm thoughts of Mko...which is Potowatomi for "bear"...


Nikan is exhausted after a long afternoon of chase. He was heard to ask: "Can we cancel the sleep over, I am sooo tired?" Bruno has been trained not to get on the furniture so this gives Nikan a place to rest - Bruno also beds down at night in his crate.



Bruno - while he is the same height of Nikan, his head is bigger (and he needs to be put on a strict eating plan for a bit.) He loves to chase a ball...

Spring Break

The night before the day before spring break...could I be more excited. I don't think so - adding to the excitment is the prospect of spending 9 days with Mary (and nikan). Oh wait it does get more exciting...I am signed up for a cooking class on Saturday and I will get to spend a great deal of time at the archery range in Anchorage next week. Life is good.

The weather is touch and good or better yet - cold and not so cold - raining/snowing and not raining/snowing...get the idea. If was fun today to open my sun roof while in Soldotna. Temps were hovering around 40 degrees. While we have seen the sun and blue sky the last two days we should be getting another dumping of snow beginning Saturday - I am hoping that this the last of winter. The time change was great as darkness is not coming until after 8pm (daybreak around 8am-8:30am) - Again could life be any better.

Hope all is well with each of you in your part of the world!

Ginger

In Seward

Nikan and I traveled to Seward Friday afternoon to spend the weekend. Saturday finds us spending a quiet day. Ginger and I started out with breakfast at the "Train Wreck," and home to watched some recorded shows. We will be attending a fundraiser at the Sea Life Center tonight. It's family night and the fundraiser is for the new kid's playground that Seward volunteers will be building in May, you know, after the real spring hits. Ginger thinks spring has sprung but it most likely will not really be here all that soon even if the snow is melting and temps are in the high 30's. Wishful thinking! Mary

Surprises & ...is it Spring yet?

Mary and Nikan got quite the surprise last night when at the end of a nice trail walk they stumbled upon two (huge - as Mary says) moose enjoying an evening snack on the path back to the condo. The good news - while Mary and Nikan quickly moved in one direction - the moose buddies ran in the other. Lucky them - as moose have a tendency to charge...did I mention that Nikan was on the ever popular "retractable leash" (all 16 feet of it)

In other news - Spring is trying to "spring forth" - ok, ok, the was bad...we have been having warmer temperatures of late bring quite a bit of rain mixed with snow. It has been raining most of the day (38 degree, actually went out without a jacket today) but this afternoon I watched out my office window as it turned to snow...our temps are hovering in the 30's - climbing to 40 from time to time...at least I know that spring is on the way - which means that fishing season is not far off. (Oh life is good!)

Talk soon - Ginger

Iditarod 2008

Mary filming the show - Yes, it is snowing (little flurries)







Dee Jonrowe - Musher, Breast Cancer Survivor








Contemplating the "last great race"








Not the fashion statement they were hoping for







Jeff King and his team - 4 time Iditarod Champion



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