Nome Creek Memorial Day 2011

Mike and I took advantage of the long weekend and headed up to the White Mountains' Nome Creek area. We found a nice little campsite that offered the latest in technology and luxurious accommodations. In other words, there was no cell phone signal, no showers, no flush toilets (it did have an outhouse) and certainly no electricity for a hair dryer. But then again, who needs a hair dryer when you can wash your hair because you don't have a stinking shower?

Okay, let me stay positive. We did have the sweetest, lazy creek that meandered through the back edge of our campsite. We took our camp chairs back to the edge and watched the water flow by and listened to the birds sing and the squirrels chatter. Watching the water flow by was just about as exciting as watching paint dry. However, it was very relaxing. I am convinced that we must be getting OLD!

We also went panning for gold (which we found a whopping nothing). We went on a hike that proved to be quite uneventful except for the little varmint that almost attacked me while I was taking pictures of wild flowers. Hey, at least it wasn't a bear!

After three days of no showers, no hot water, or a cell phone to talk on, I decided I had had enough and asked Mike if we could go home. He looked at me and said, "Aside from the stench, I don't see why we can't go home and let you take a shower." So, this morning (one day earlier than planned), we loaded up the car and headed home.

This is where you will find me now. I have had a shower, washed my hair and talked to at least two people on my cell phone. Oh, life is good!

Our home away from home.

This is where we cooked, ate, and sat around.

Mike dips water so that he can put out the

fire in case it gets a little out of control

Mike shovels moose nuggets so that we will have

a place to pitch our tent.

See, I told you there were moose nuggets.

Even though we were out for a little R and R,

I had to find time to study for my classes.

Each evening, Mike and I watched the water flow by.

Suddenly, we realized that we must be getting old

if we considered this the highlight of our night.

Oh, did I ever need a shower so I could wash my hair!

No make up and bad hair = shower withdrawals!

To keep from smelling each other,
Mike and I went down by the creek to pan for gold.

Mike and I went for a hike up to Table Top Mountain.

We found several patches of snow, even at 80 degrees!

I do believe that Mike considered rolling in the snow

to cool off from the heat of the day.

The breeze was quite refreshing on our hike.

This critter came charging at me

while I was taking pictures of flowers.

He came so close I thought he was going to attack me.

He was so vicious. Really, he was!

I endured the attacked from that varmint, just to get this picture.

These beautiful flowers dotted the mountain side.

More pretty flowers......

It's Green in North Pole!

Today was my last day of school for the 2010-11 school year. Mike and I spent my first afternoon of freedom walking around the River Park at Chena Lakes. I am amazed out how green everything is!

The Calvin's Chainsaw Tree Massacre!

Mike and I put the new chainsaw to good use. While perusing Craigslist ads, I found someone who had a few downed birch trees. He offered for anyone to come cut them up and take the firewood for free. So, Mike and I responded and spent our afternoon cutting trees, loading wood, unloading wood and then stacking it. Check out our progress!

A Spring's Mother's Day!

Mike and I have been searching for spring for quite some time, now. Today, on Mother’s Day, I think we found it. While we awoke to some chilly temperatures (20 degrees), the abundance of sunshine warmed it up to a balmy 52 degrees.

We started our Mother’s Day/Spring Day by having brunch at Pike’s Landing with our friends Russ and Nancy. We had good food and good conversation. We enjoyed shrimp, smoked salmon, spinach quiche and other delicious delicacies.

After brunch, Mike and I ran a few errands and came home. We put on our shoes and went on a brisk walk to search for signs of spring. We were not disappointed. We found the last patch of ice in our neighborhood just waiting to finish melting. We also found beautiful buds on trees. In just a matter of a couple of weeks, our trees will be bursting in green!

Returning from our walk, Mike and I enjoyed a long conversation with my mom on Skype. This is our first time in doing this. It was a blast and so wonderful to see her in person!!!

While the day was still young, Mike decided to present me with my Mother’s Day gift (which he bought while we were out running errands after brunch). It was the most beautiful shade of yellow Poulan Pro 16 inch 34 cc Chainsaw.

Wow, a chainsaw! Oh, my. I was shocked. I couldn't believe my eyes. A chainsaw? Okay, this was entirely too much. Mike had gone way out of his way. I mean, really. A chainsaw? I was speechless.

Suddenly, I had a vision. I saw myself in a red flannel shirt, a pair of Carhartt jeans and steel toed boots in the middle of a big forest. I think I may have even been wearing a burly hat. I was no longer Kristie Calvin the teacher. I was Kristie Calvin the Lumberjack. I was cutting down trees at the speed of light. Wow, was I good! I quickly shook my head and brought myself back to reality.

I suddenly realized that this chainsaw was not for me. It was really for Mike. As he sat there carefully and gently stroking the blade and drooling over the instruction manual, I could feel the chainsaw slipping away from my possession to his. With all the courage I could muster, I turned to my husband and said, “Happy Father’s Day, dear.”

As I sit and write this, Mike is out on his first mission with his Father’s Day gift. I can hear the buzz of the chainsaw cutting through trees. All I can think is this, “Thank God I don’t have to use that thing!”