Monday Melange

Letter to the American Church from Eric Metaxas and Dutch Sheets. 

Idita-mess

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is inexplicably committing seppuku. Who needs PETA when you have unsubstantiated #MeToo? First, the race cancelled Eddie Burke Jr. over an allegation, then reinstated him after the State dropped the charge, all within a matter of days. Then the race cancelled Brett Sass over never-filed allegations, ones that Sass vehemently denies.

Craig Medred reports on the Iditarod train wreck at his blog. Recommended reading.

Weather Alerts in Effect for Alaska Today

It's 5° F. this morning, and will be 21 and cloudy today. But big snowstorms are surrounding us.

This & That

Flying Factoid:  We're well into the six-week period when it doesn't ever get dark, with three weeks on either side of the summer solstice. It's awfully nice to not need lights to find the stairs, or just to walk without tripping over a cat or three. :)

Enquiring Minds Want to Know:  Four Division of Forestry employees were injured in a plane crash in the Western Alaska village of Aniak last Thursday afternoon, May 28. All were treated in an Anchorage hospital and the injuries of three of the passengers were considered serious, but not life-threatening.

But how the Division of Forestry plane crashed into the water shortly after takeoff from Aniak’s air strip is a mystery. More photos of the plane were released to Must Read Alaska today, as the aviation community is speculating whether the wrong type of fuel was used when the plane was fueled up in Aniak.

82-Year-Old Survives Moose Attack:  ANCHORAGE (KTUU) - On Tuesday, an 82-year-old woman was walking along a path on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson at the Eagleglen Fitness Park when she was attacked by a moose.

By Samie Solina | 

Posted: Thu 6:20 PM, Jun 04, 2020  | 

Updated: Thu 6:36 PM, Jun 04, 2020

Donna Rodgers, who is a veteran, was on the phone with her son in Washington when the attack happened.

“She just goes oh, there's a moose,” said Brad Rodgers, Donna’s son. “And then I heard that dogs run after them. They were barking like crazy. So I had no idea what was going on. I was hearing these, you know, curdling screams.”

A Non-Political Post, Almost

Since the vile, disgusting, uncivilized, uncouth, wicked, evil, iniquitous, heinous, villainous, diabolical, diabolic, fiendish, vicious, cruel, disagreeable, abominable, offensive, obnoxious, odious, repulsive (have I missed any?) behavior of the Senate Democrites has been on open display, my stomach has grown increasingly queasy.

Frankly, I can't stand to watch the proceedings. My heart breaks for Judge Kavanaugh and his family, the rule of law, the presumption of innocense, and for what used to be the United States of America.


So, moving on ...

I tried to use the ATM at our local bank this morning, but it was off-line. Strange, that. But I had other errands to run.

Returning to the bank when they opened at 10:00, I thought the interior lighting was a bit dim. A greeter (since when do banks have greeters?) let me in with a caution that a transformer had blown, and services were limited.

Since I had a single check to deposit, she assured me that it could be done, but was being done by hand with pen and paper.

It seems the power which was out destroyed the bank's I.T. infrastructure.

My question is, isn't that the result of rather poor planning? Moreover, why would you tell somebody that? Wouldn't that encourage, umm, depredations upon the bank?


On the bright side, it provided them the opportunity to inform me of another ATM machine, somewhat closer to my home.

But seriously, it triggered my building inspector experience (a previous job, in the '90s) to look at the building in a new light. I noted several weak points in building security and construction which would be unthinkable for a bank. Except they're there, and weren't hard to spot.

Please note I'm not naming the bank, nor providing its location. All I can say is, Frank and Jesse James would have loved that place.

It's Been Awhile

since I posted anything about our lives in the Last Frontier.
This won't be much of that. :)


This morning dawned sunny, and it sure is nice to see daylight at 0600. That will make the morning commute much more pleasant. No more hitting potholes in the dark ...  Meanwhile, the snow is melting quite rapidly, and large swaths of yard and driveway are visible. That's a good thing.

After breakfast, we drove into the edge of Anchorage to Big Box Hardware (not orange; the other one) and picked up a new light kit for the bedroom ceiling fan, and a lamp for the dresser. Now all the lights in the master will have the same alabaster shades. We also picked up a rug to go under the recliner - my private reading nook, upstairs - which matches the other there.

Returning to our town, we stopped at the grocery store for the few things we were low on, topped off the gas, and drove on home. After unloading said items, I took the bug-out pack out of my truck, and put the summer tires in.

Tomorrow morning, the studded snow tires come off, and the much quieter summer tires go on. Better, quieter ride, and better mileage ... until mid-October, when we reverse the process.

But now, it's approaching lunchtime, and since both daughters are at work today (sorry, girls) my lovely bride and I will have lunch in the breakfast nook. It's a sunny bay window area with views of the backyard and the big mountains a couple miles to the south.

I hope all y'all are having a wonderful Saturday. Be blessed and happy, and thanks for stopping by.

Another Week Begins

Good morning, America! Who's offended by what, today? :^)


It's overcast and 14°, with yet another dense fog advisory in effect. Not that it's any big deal ... the weather will do whatever it wants, and we adapt accordingly.

AccuHunch guesses we'll have a couple of normal days before the next cold front arrives, mid-week. Lows in the double-digits-below-zero, and so on. Then another round of snow moves in. Again, nothing out of the ordinary.


Younger Daughter needs a new bed, so that's an afternoon's drive into Anchorage. This morning, after those things which are needful, we'll head out for the breakfast-all-day buffet at our favorite local grill. Then we'll head south to the big city. Not my favorite place to spend a Sunday afternoon, but it's where we find the store which has the bed she wants.

A quick glance at this morning's headlines leaves me wondering how much long the local paper can stay afloat, if that's all they could find to publish. Ah well, it's not my problem.


Mostly, we've just had a leisurely morning, coffee in hand, as we marvel once again at the wonderful home the Lord has provided, and at how beautiful the mountains and forest are. Do I sound like I'm bragging? Not at all; just grateful for the Lord's provision.


I think I'm going to do things not revolving around the computer today. I pray each of you has a relaxing, refreshing and rewarding day today. Thanks for stopping by, friends.

I Know That Wasn't Interesting

The weather forecast, that is. I had little time this morning, and didn't even comment on what I posted. Sorry; I know it's not nearly as interesting to someone in Cazador, Alabama as it is to us.

But the good/bad/sad news is ... there's no news to report. The local snowflakes and crybabies (but I repeat myself) are wetting themselves as they bemoan the evil fortune which brought them to an alternate reality where Donald J. Trump could get elected.

The 2017 State Legislature has convened, or is about to ... I lose track ... and faces the same budget battles as its immediate predecessor.

The Muni Assembly in Anchorage continues to threaten to resurrect a proposal to place a sales tax on the ballot in April. It would exempt groceries, prescription drugs, and so on, but everyone is losing their minds.

Personal note: I have to admit to a certain satisfaction when shopping. It's nice to know that the price sticker on an item at a store will cost you that much, and no more, when you check out. On the other, most places elsewhere in the country have sales taxes, and it's a part of life.

I think my major caveat is that I've never seen a sales tax that remained static. It always increases, because legislators always think of something else that they could use the money on. Always. 

But the area has recovered from the snow on Friday, as we prepare for the one beginning in a few hours. It's not supposed to be quite as much, this time 'round, but the forecasters are famous principally for being wrong much of the time.

Like I said, that's not news. :)

The 23rd of December

That title's about as formal as this post gets. If you were looking for something significant, today may not be your day. :)

 

I'm off my feed, literally, today. Liquid diet only, in preparation for tomorrow's unspeakable invasion of privacy. Nothing says, "Merry Christmas" like a scope up one's backside, eh? Oh, well, such is the life of those nearing senior citizen status.

 

I suppose that I am technically already there, but I'm holding onto that "not me!" mentality as long as I can. Heh.

 

* * * * *

 

There's an interesting article about trying to avoid unpleasant encounters with moose in today's daily fishwrapper.

 

Here's an excerpt:

There is no surefire way to turn an aggressive moose. Horns, flares and guns all have minimal effects. Many dog sledders are inclined to carry a pistol. Having run dogs for many years through deep snow and where the mean moose of Paxson sometimes roam, I submit that the only good use for a pistol in a dog sled is for extra weight to help balance the sled. Try getting a frozen pistol out of the sled in an emergency situation using minus-20 hands. Or try getting that .44 into action from beneath a parka and set of snowsuit bibs.

Moose injure more folks in Alaska than bears ever have. As with bears, some attacks are preventable, and some are no more than the bad luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bears can be nimble opponents, tough to avoid in an attack. Moose are not so quick and lack teeth.

Moose live around us the entire year. Aggressive periods are spring and fall, with spring being especially dangerous. Moose are hungry in March. The snow is deep. People are out enjoying the extended daylight and warmer temperatures. Calves are born in late May. Cows will charge potential threats from quite a distance, especially young cows with first-time calves.

About That

Sorry for the sporadic posting; my wife and I took a couple of vacation days to lengthen the holiday weekend. Today is the final day of that, and I'm celebrating it by going to the dentist.

Three so-called "little" cavities were eyeballed by the hygienist a few weeks ago, and I want to head 'em off at the pass, so to speak.

On a brighter note, we've finished all the outdoor improvements we'd planned for the summer, and have only a few things remaining for indoors, for the winter. Mostly, it's going to be us enjoying the new digs, and seeing what kind of winter we'll get this year.

But now, the morning's schedule must begin. Thanks for stopping by, folks.

Crazy Busy

My apologies for the light and frothy posting, this week. Work has gotten in the way, and then there's still the we-just-moved-in tasks at the new home: delivery of a new freezer, spraying the birch trees in the backyard for aphids, cutting the grass, and I'm going to have to rent a tiller. Seems the previous owners had several raised garden beds (may not be the right term).

Those long, rectangular beds no longer have any sides, but they're still there: a foot high, two feet wide, and 10 feet long. They've become a dense mass of roots and vines, and Younger Daughter wore herself out trying to chop one up with a shovel and rake.

And then we had a meeting the neighbors behind us, to talk about the huge hole in the fence which their Great Dane created. Apparently, its intent was to come into our yard and bark its head off at us. A couple of times, it appeared on our deck so it could bark at us in the kitchen.

We'd had enough of that after the first time - and it kept happening. But large dog or not, it responded to this alpha male stalking toward it by running back through the hole ... and then barking from the other side of the fence.

We ignored it until the next time we saw the neighbors were home, and had a heart-to-heart. They claimed to have been unaware of the hole, but have since fixed it. Said doggy, named Mazy, now haz a sad because she can't get into our stuff anymore.

We like dogs, but a 90-pound puppy (Mazy's 10 months old) was pushing the limits. We were nice, and they thanked us for not calling Animal Control. It's illegal for them to allow their dog onto anyone else's property without permission, you see, and they know that. But going to that extreme seemed unnecessary, and as it turned out, all is now well.

Meanwhile, life goes on, and there are other things to do. Y'all be careful out there ... and if you can't be careful, don't get caught. :)

Not Feelin' It

Try as I might, I can't muster the enthusiasm for a post this morning. Instead, with your kind permission, I'll link to several stories you might find of interest:

Carbon monoxide found in pilot’s body after 2015 Yute Air crash

Love on Front Street: Iditarod mushing couples reunite in Nome

Lesser-known Iditarod tussles and sit-down strikes by dogs

Video: Simulation offers new look at deadly commuter plane crash near Juneau


If none of these hold your attention, then check out the nice folks on the sidebar: lots of free ice cream there.

Have a great Thursday, and thanks for stopping by.

Hump Day

We swam slowly up from the depths of sleep when the alarm sounded, this morning. It took me a minute to figure out what that noise was, and can't say I was happy about it.

That sound was at least two hours too soon for my liking, and I'd still rather go back to bed than be here at work ... but here I sit.

I've already processed bills, been on a conference call, dealt with a recalcitrant tenant, answered a letter, and investigated a complaint about cold office spaces. Now it's coming up on 08:00, and I need more coffee.

* * * * *

We got about an inch of snow overnight. It's awfully nice to have the fresh white on the ground. However, at this time of year, we should be talking about how many feet of snow we'd already received. Instead, I'm reporting a whole 1.25" of snow, the first we've had in nearly a month.

The weatherman guesses we might get another one to three inches today, and we'll take it.

But it ought to be more; in fact, we need more, to prevent another summer of forest fires. 2015 was the second-worst fire season on record, with over a million acres burned. Betcha won't hear that on TV.

They only mention Alaska to a) complain about how we get "free money" for living here, or b) toss another handful of insults toward Sarah Palin (or one of her offspring).

The rest of the time, we might as well not be a part of the U.S. at all, and that would be just fine with most of us, most of the time. Especially after watching the national news.

* * * * *

A friend in Missouri mentioned yesterday that gas in her town was down to $1.48 per gallon. Ours is still $2.29, as of this morning. We could really, really use some competition up here. The sole surviving refinery operator holds all of Alaska hostage, because he can.

* * * * *

That's about all I have this morning. Thanks for stopping by, friends.

About the Lack of Posting

Sorry about the lack of posts, in the last couple of days. Too much to do, and not enough daylight in which to get 'er done.

We spent part of yesterday afternoon taking down the Christmas decorations; my wife was under the weather a week ago, and wanted to wait so she could oversee the packing away of ornaments and such. We didn't have much up, decoration-wise, as the daughters are grown and there are no little ones around. Most the tree, a wreath, and some candles, knick-knacks and a centerpiece on the table. Only took about 90 minutes to put everything away. That a far cry from a few years ago, when it seemed we changed out everything in the living room except major furniture pieces.

We're starting to organize for our spring vacations.  Wife and younger daughter will make the regular pilgrimage to Hawaii for a couple of weeks. But a few days before they return, older daughter and I will travel to the Midwest. She's been wanting to return to some of her favorite destinations when she was younger, and didn't get to explore to her satisfaction, so off we go.

That's about all I've got for now. Thanks for stopping by, friends.

The 5th of July

As we take time to celebrate this Independence Day weekend, let us take time to remember and thank God for our forefathers - those brave men and women who pursued their God-given dream of a land of freedom from oppression, where each one could worship God without the dictates of the government/king.  

As we celebrate, may we also call to mind the covenants made with God at the inception of this country.  Let us reaffirm our commitment to God and the spreading of His Gospel of Salvation. - a city/nation set on a hill shining with the Light of the Gospel.  God called this nation into being.  Let us continue to call upon Him for Godly leadership in all areas - secular and the Church.  He is a covenant-keeping God.  

Today as we remember, may we too come into agreement and align ourselves with the 'pacts' of our forefathers as they laid forth the tenets of this great country.  Let us again affirm and declare that in God we trust; one nation UNDER GOD, and because of that (and only that) it has remained 'indivisible'.  God bless America - and this day, and every day, may America bless God.

* * * * *
Yesterday was a grey, rainy day, but the rain has been sorely needed, and no one is complaining. Today the sun is trying to come out, and the weatherman's calling for a high of 73 or so.

* * * * *

All of the alumni from my mom's high school have a single, annual reunion ... which is rather a nice thing, if you think about it. It gives everyone a chance to show up whenever they can, and the breakfasts, lunches and dinners are always well-attended.

That festivity was held yesterday, and it sounds like she had a reasonably good time. My class, never much on formalities (much less civility) hasn't tried to contact me since the 20th anniversary. Strangely enough, I haven't missed it.

I did notice, on the Book of Face (back when I was participating in that) that the class of '72 had a pages about their to-do for their 40th, but the class of '73 was nowhere to be found. Oh well, I wouldn't have gone even if they'd tried to find me.

* * * * *

We've stayed home this weekend, except for the usual shopping. I re-fueled and washed both cars this morning, and my wife is making burgers. We'll be grilling those, plus chicken breasts and some pork loin in just a bit.

* * * * *

I've never paid much attention, but there's an electric transformer at the back end of our driveway, in between two facing buildings. The fuse on top blew with a goodly bang and a flash of light at 9:30 this morning. I called it in, and the power was back on in 45 minutes. That's not a bad repair time, considering.

That's about all I have for now. Thanks for stopping by, my friends.

But Of Course

Since the forecast was for freezing rain with ice build-up, naturally the clouds cleared and the sun came out.

Darn. :)

Meanwhile, the house is filled with the aroma of chicken-and-white-bean chili that is simmering on the stove. My wife is packaging gifts for the Lower 48 relatives, and I'm practicing a few songs for Tuesday evening's jam session.

Looks like the clouds are slowly drifting back in. The short days* this time of year make every bit of light precious, and we resent anything that interferes ... unless it's big, fluffy Alaska-sized snowflakes.

Alas, there's nothing like that outside now, so we're loving the light. :)

Thanks for stopping by, folks.

Thursday Updates: Biased News, Weather, Oopsie, and a Good Book

Never Waste an Opportunity Dept: the left-leaning Alaska Dispatch News never misses a chance to trash a Republican or conservative (that's not always the same thing, you know).

Today they've gone for a twofer: our Republican Gov. Parnell (running for reelection) and former AK Attorney General Dan Sullivan, who's running against Mark Begich (D-AK) for the U.S. Senate.

I'm sure the Dispatch would like me to link to the stories.

* * * * *

You Can't Always Get What You Want Dept:  the National Weather Service belabors the obvious by pointing out that weather in Alaska depends on where in our 586,000± square miles one lives.

Duh.

Nevertheless, they've published the Alaska Weather and Climate Highlights, June 2014-September 2014. The NWS concludes we have three primary weather zones.

I'm surprised it's that few. We learned a long time ago to take clothing for warm, cool, windy, and wet weather for any one-day or longer drives. There can be sharp differences between sea level and "up in the mountains" elevations, and between coastal vs. inland locations.

Because ya never know!

* * * * *

We Were Flying Low and Hit Something in the Air* Dept:  KTUU Channel 2 reports that a paraglider crashed into trees near the Flattop Mountain trailhead, yesterday. 

There were no injuries reported. 

* * * * *

Good Stuff Dept:  our friend Old NFO has published a follow-up volume to his first book, "The Grey Man--Vignettes":  it's "The Grey Man - Payback".  The link I've provided is for the paperback edition, but it's available for Kindle, too.



All I can say is, if you're not reading his books, you're missing out.



* 1,000 internet points to anyone who gets the reference. No fair looking it up on Google, unless you're a youngster. :)

Sunday: Earthquake, Survival Kits, and More

We had another, brief earthquake Friday evening around 8pm. The 4.9-magnitude shaker lasted only a few seconds, and most were thinking "aftershock!"

But most were wrong: geologists said it was a different fault line, and in a completely different place from the 6.2 'quake on Thursday.

However, a strong 'quake in one place frequently triggers minor shifts from neighboring faults, so there. :)

* * * * *

Have you ever wondered what an Alaskan should pack in a survival kit? Here's a list from Anchorage's Office of Emergency Management:

1.Water, 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
2. Food, at least a five-seven day supply of non-perishable food
3. Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
4. Flashlight and extra batteries
5. First aid kit
6. Whistle to signal for help
7. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
8. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
9. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
10. Manual can opener for food
11. Local maps
12. Cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Now you know.

* * * * *

Anchorage had a comic-con last weekend. Apparently it's called Senshi-Con - who knew?

You can see some of the cosplay outfits here. And here's a sample:

A Sunny Sunday Morning (Picture Included)

Good morning! (or afternoon, to Eastern timezone readers). It was 44 degrees when we got up this morning. We had to close down the windows a bit, and I put on a long-sleeved shirt for a change. Accu-Hunch WeatherGuess says we'll only reach 52 today, and the sun has been up for about 90 minutes, so we'll probably get there.

I also notice that the leaves are increasingly yellow over the last couple of days, and a lot are on the ground already. It appears we're in for an early fall.

We also took note of the early departure of the snow geese from the Anchorage area. They've been gone for a month, and their absence usually precedes the first snow by six weeks, give or take. That would make said snow due around the end of September. That's early, even for us.

We've had our breakfast, and plenty of coffee. My wife will be roasting some turkey today, and pureeing the various squash she baked yesterday. Most of that will go in the freezer, for now.  I'll go see what I can do to help. That may involve staying out of her way, but I won't know 'til I ask.


And just for shucks & giggles, here are a couple of photos:

The view out back, this morning.

The view from the Crow's Nest restaurant, atop the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage, looking southwest. The mountain peaks just to the right of the flags is Mt. Spurr, an active volcano about 75 miles west of here. It's some 10,300 feet high; the crater is on the south side of the highest peak, somewhat below the summit. It last erupted in '92. (photo taken by Younger Daughter, last night)

Have a GREAT Sunday. Thanks for stopping by.

The Alaska Beat: 7/2/14

I'm still a bit tired from the long miles, long hours, heat, and sleep deprivation of the Appleseed shoot in Tok over the weekend (e.g., it was a great trip!). So here are some local headlines, all copyright stories from the Alaska Dispatch:

Kodiak's "stripper cruise" (an "adult" cruise with exotic dancers) "was shut down over the weekend after authorities were alerted that there were potentially too many people aboard the vessel. Owner and operator Darren Byler told KMXT the vessel was inspected by the Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers and Kodiak police after an anonymous caller reported the vessel, and the show reopened Monday."

A pilot and his passenger were unharmed when a small plane’s landing gear apparently malfunctioned during a landing at the Talkeetna Airport on Saturday, authorities said ... A red and white 1947 North American Navion airplane was on its belly on the runway ...

And a word about the new header, above: that was taken with my iPhone on the westbound Tok cutoff, in the Wrangell Mountains.


That's about all I've got this morning. Y'all have a wonderful Hump Day, and thanks for stopping by.

Friday Update

The price of gas is going up nation-wide due to the continuing goings-on in Iraq and Syria, with two major oil companies already leaving the country.

Relatives in Missouri recently told us their gas price jumped from $3.47/gallon to $3.69 in 18 hours.

Here in Anchorage, the average price has risen to $4.03, with rural communities paying $7/gallon. (We'd love to see $3.69; it hasn't been that low here in two years.)




* * * * *

My mother-in-law flew in Wednesday at 0100 hours, fairly normal for flight into Anchorage. Wednesday morning at work was an experience in what it's like to be a zombie, as a result of only 3.5 hours of sleep, distributed over three widely-separated attempts to snooze.

Coffee didn't help much, but fortunately I got my second wind, so to speak, and carried on. Of course, that didn't happen until mid-day, but what the heck. After that, I looked and felt okay ... unfortunately, I had the attention span of a gerbil on crack.

Ooh, shiny!

The Weekend Again

We've settled into a new routine, my wife and I: we do our weekly shopping on Saturday mornings. We've both discovered it's fun to hang out together. I think that's the best part of being empty-nesters ... rediscovering those things which drew us together as a couple, so many decades before.

Today's stops are for ends; we bought mostly odds last week, if memory serves.

* * * * *

Wife and Younger Daughter, having participated in that five-mile run last weekend, have signed up for a half-marathon in six weeks. Me? I ran track and cross-country in high school, and trained for the marathon for a time ... and don't really miss it. At least one of my knees agrees with me, too.

* * * * *

It's a grey overcast morning, with some rain sprinkles and a bit o' breeze. The temp stayed too warm overnight (50), and we didn't sleep as well as when it's in the upper 30s on a clear summer night. I'm sure those temps sound too chilly to most of you, but it's all about what a body is accustomed to. (Yes, I know that's a dangling participle; so sue me.)

Almost all of our updates and renovations are complete. Today we'll spackle a few remaining nail holes, here and there, and do a little touch-up painting. Removing the old bathroom lights left a couple of blemishes, and we've discovered a small strip of wall between two doors that didn't get painted at all, back in April. Oops.

But all will be complete by the end of the day, other than the decor for my office. I'm having trouble deciding how I want it decorated, but if it goes like most of my other projects, it'll wind up being an eclectic mix of Navy memorabilia and sci-fi stuff.

* * * * *

Y'all have a wonderful Saturday, and thanks for stopping by.