A Long Winter, Thanks For Dogs, Fish Hooks and Scenery
I’m pretty sure it is just another fun part of getting old ( yes it is finally happening to me ), but this winter seems colder and longer than previous years. When I think back I can recall many longer and colder winters; this one definitely had more physical and emotional impact.
I know this sounds like complaining but it is not. Quite the opposite, actually. Offsetting the cons are many new pros. When I encounter someone having a “bad day” I can emphasize. No longer having to struggle with finding my way through providing for me and my family’s future gives me the freedom to “feel their pain” and aim toward being part of the solution, rather than the problem.
Dogs are not encumbered with such worries. A wild wolf has all the stress of life and little time for the joy of it all, but they still play when the opportunities present. A “domesticated” dog with their basic needs met need only to seek companionship and snacks while concentrating on serious play.
Eli as the Loch Ness Dog
Yes, the snow is really that deep.
Or as Eli of the North
Only a dog could have that much fun in the drifts.
I’ve had a great time watching the late morning sunrises.
Photo courtesy of Melody from her bed room/kitchen/living room windows at the “Nest”.
Looking out over the spit the other morning I noticed that someone had festooned our entry into the world’s largest halibut hook competition with lights. So I had to drive down for a closer look.
Last Thursday I got the early morning view of the southern Alaska Range across the Cook Inlet.
This view is from a large turnout on the Sterling highway. In the summer you can walk across the hay field to stand on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Cook Inlet. No fence or warning signs, just a view. The snow berm in the foreground (over 6′ high and 20′ across) is a result of plowing the turnout and sufficient barrier for now.
Just thankful I’m not in Texas. But that is true very day I’m not, in Texas that is.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!
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