Is anybody out there?

I keep checking all my blogs on my blog list and it seems that nobody is out there. Or at least nothing happening in there lives.
Here the excitement is all about movies. I saw Hellboy II on Thursday night an next Thursday it will be The Dark Night. With that, I rented the 5 Batman movies and have started watching them tonight. I still remember watching the first one with Sheri (who else? Tina?) at the old theater in Adrian. And owning the Batdance single on cassette. Ahhh, Good Memories.
The past couple nights at the theater have been a little hairy. Technical difficulties and lucky me, I got left there alone. That will never happen again - I will make sure of that by saying no the next time some says "I am going to move my car"!!!
I've got a great, fun story to share with you from Bob. It will be a back post, which I know, I complain to my mother for doing it, but that's the way it goes.
"Hi, I am Vicki Vale" Oh, Prince. Jack Nicholson is just creepy
Have I told you all that Bob also left me ice cream in the freezer? Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip - if I am not, well, I guess that I had better not finish that sentence - keepin' it PG, keepin' it PG.
Well, I had better bug off. I've got movie to watch and some ice cream to eat.

My Aaron, Nick, and Zac

The boys in order of the pictures: Nick, Zac, Aaron

My mom and I were having a conversation the other day and I told her when she moved here with us not only could she work at the schools, she could get a part-time job at the theater with me. Well, she replied "I did want to see the American Girl movie" to which I replied "oh, let me tell you, I work with Aaron, Nick and Zac and they all went to the preview last week, I couldn't believe it. When Aaron was telling me I just laughed and said "you have got to be kidding me" to which he replied "well, it was a Sunday night and we were all bored with nothing to do" and my favorite of the reply "we weren't the target audience" no kidding, would that be because you

re NOT an eight year old girl? We had a good laugh. Back to mom . . . "what are there names again?" Aaron, Nick, and Zac "That's the names of the boys that I work with". So, being the "dork" dork that I am I told her I would get their picture and post it on the blog. The other part that is a little strange . . . Mom's Zac, his dad works at Merillat. My Zac, his Dad is on of the owners, so needless to say, he works there also. So here are mine, it took 3 pictures to get one that they all agreed to and even then Nick is feeling the need to defend himself from Zac. I snapped the picture just as I said Zac's name (so he would stop dinking around). My little theater job is so much fun. I have meant so fun, wonderful people. I keep thinking that I will give it up, and then I take some time off and I really miss that place. We saw the preview of

HellBoy II last night. It was good. I had a really hard time staying awake, but I made it. By the time that I got home (2:30 am) and to bed, it was already getting light out. We only have 4 hours of darkness right now, 11 pm to 3 am. Next Thursday we are going to show Dark Night to the general public at 12 midnight. It should be fun, but another late night. My plan is to rent all the Batman movies and watch them on Tuesday to prepare for the "big night". MJ

I said bear, not clear!

This came to me in an email from Bob, I have copied it word for word . .

hey mol, i gotta tell you this, i think i need some ninja fish here. earlier today i was going out to the helicopter and some guys in a truck pulled up to me and said to watch out, there was a bear in camp. i looked down the road and the bear was about 100 yards away on a little dirt mound checking out a fake deer that is set up there for archery practice. no problem i just turned around and went inside. some people said the bear actually bit the fake deer. a few hours later i was working on the helicopter cleaning windows and jag (oh yeah jag is here for a couple weeks) and jarod were checking out the deer. i turn around and the bear is about 15 feet away from me and coming at me. i jumped in the helicopter and closed the doors. i started hitting the horn (there is a warning horn in the helicopter for low rotor speed i can make activate). the bear hesitated but kept coming closer. this was not a small grisly. i kept hitting the horn and finally he turned around and started walking away (after he got about 2 feet from me and the helicopter). i opened the door and yelled BEAR. that finally scared the bear enough that he kind of trotted away. afterwards i walked down to jag and jarod and asked if they heard me. they said they heard me but thought i was just makin jokes with the horn (an inside joke from something that happened earlier) and they thought i yelled clear not bear. they thought i was kidding again and pretending i was going to start the helicopter. this is what i get for being a smartass so much i guess. i was really trying to warn them there was a bear around. well after my heart slowed down we did have a good laugh.

Woke up with a bruise

Well, I knew that it was going to happen, after my spill down the stairs yesterday. It is an ugly thing. Go figure. It is a rainy mess outside today, so I think that I will be staying in. I need to fold up the tent (it was soaked from our last night, so I had to dry it out), get some packages around to mail, gather up recycle, work on my Chilkoot photos. So that is the plan. Then this evening Chris and I are going to go and see Wall-E, right now I am enjoying the Golden Compass. Our electrical rates went back down, so I am also enjoying the fireplace. It's chilly here. MJ

Go figure. . .

I make it 41/2 days in the wilderness, hike 33 miles through avalanche zones and over boulders, and only come home with one bruise. Then I come home and am "hoofin'" it to go to Blockbuster to return movies in between my jobs and bust my butt. I was walking down a set of stairs that connect two levels of downtown and I was just thinking in my head that I wished that I had on my hiking boots and not my tennis shoes, it as raining and a little slick out. Next thing I know, bamm I am on my butt and back and sliding down the stairs. At least I didn't spill my coffee, but my butt, back, elbow, head all are a little sore. Go figure. . .MJ

What is True Love? Part II

aka: What I came home to . . .

Bob and I knew that we would not see each other when I arrived home from the Chilkoot Trail. He would be flying out that morning. It was tough to say good-bye to him, I miss him.

We had Friday and Saturday to spend together and it was nice to just be together. Bob sewed ties for our tent, cut rope, double checked what I had packed, took me to Coastal and got me his Astronaut Pen, and weighed my pack (45 lbs). When we got to the Ferry Terminal he insisted on on carrying in my pack. Then he picked up the other girls packs and guess-timated the weight of each of theirs. He is a good man and so cute for looking out for me.

Advance forward one week and my arrival back to our condo. . .

The first thing that I see is the Finish Line, flowers on the counter, food in the fridge, he takes such good care of me and I am a lucky girl. I had a good little cry before I made my phone calls.

Tomorrow I return to work and daily life. I am hoping that my ody has recovered by then. I feel a little off, but good, so good. MJ

Here's the plan . . .

I made the separate blog about the trail, I am going to post pictures on Snapfish (it will take me some time, there were 3 cameras and 1 video so there is lots to sort through, but I will be working on them as much as I can. I go back to work tomorrow, so just keep checking. MJ

Home and Away

I arrived home today around 2 pm, returning safely from the Chilkoot Trail. Bob has left for Red Dog and I home to hear from him soon that he arrived there safely. I have much to tell you about the Chilkoot. If you look in our Blog List you will find the link to a new blog dedicated to the hike. It will be an on going process so keep checking in on it, I am sure that yo will find something to laugh about in there. MJ

Ready to Go

It's all in the pack and ready to go . . .

and yes, that is Mr. Bear on top, he will be going along. I need someone who can talk "bear" and he's the best that I've got. For now he goes inside the pack, but on the trail I will have him strapped to the outside.

Bob and I have been able to spend the yesterday and today together. We've watched a few movies, had a steak dinner (Bob is such a great cook), went out to lunch this late morning (suppose to be breakfast, but we didn't get there too late and they weren't serving it any more), now we are back at home, curled up, watching another movie.

Bob will be leaving for Red Dog on Saturday, July 5th. I will be returning from Skagway and the Chilkoot on Saturday, July 5th.

I added another blog for you to check out, it's Cousin Erica, give it a read and I'll tell you all about the Chilkoot when I return. MJ

Getting ready for the Chilkoot . . .

That is today's plan. Time to pack the pack and make sure it all fits. We have a couple of places to go, Costco for granola and jerky (and lunch, no better deal in town than a Costco dog). The Nugget for a couple more items that I need (like a bug net, I almost went insane on Tuesday, they kept biting my head!), and Hearthside (for my waterproof notebook and pen for the trail). Bob also rented a few movies and is going to make steaks for dinner, a "last super" of sorts. After I leave tomorrow, we will be a part for 5 weeks. And as Bob pointed out last night this is his last day off in 5 weeks. Thus the reason I am letting him sleep in, it is 10 am the day is 1/2 over!!! I am really excited and nervous about the trail, and a little teary-eyed about being a part. Selfish me is sad because there won't be anyone to come home too to tell about the trail. Line in the present and I guess that I will just have to use descriptive language in my notebook.
I better be off, lots to do today and it's time for a shower. I will post again before I leave. MJ

Side note

I am finally all caught up with my posts, but you may want to look back, I had some to fill in. I know, that annoys me too, but sometimes there is no choice. MJ

The bird picture I meant to post. . .

This one is not blurry.

What I learned. . .

It has taken me many years to focus on being "in the moment". I tend to always be looking ahead either worrying about what will be or counting down the days to a "big event" that I am excited about. But since before we moved here I have tried really hard to be totally present. Time is too short and you don't know what will be.
When A Mary and U Phil were here I discovered a couple things that I had never known. First, my Uncle has an infectious laugh, an incredible, hearty laugh that makes you join in. I can still hear in my head and it cracks me up. How did I ever miss this? Must always be totally present. Second, well truthfully I already knew this but it was so fun to be reminded. A Mary is one of the silliest, funny people I know and being with her is always kooky-fun. She just is fun, doesn't matter where or who is around she is silly-fun. A zest for life which is so refreshing.
Well, I am tearing up now(not a sad tearing up though, a happy one that I am so blessed to be a part of such a good family) so that's it for tonight. MJ

Our day together

A much needed day together. We hiked out to Point Bridget. It was a beautiful view. On our way home a bear galloped across the rode in front of us. It was pretty cool. Bob had just said "keep an eye out for bear" and there it went in front of us. No picture, it moved to fast (and the camera was in the bed of the truck, Bob). MJ

What is True Love?

(The photo is explained, read on)


I found this in the paper one morning, it is a response to a letter written to Dear Abby. I have been saving it for the right moment, when I figured out how I wanted to us it. The original letter was from a women basically talking about how her partner never "buys her anything to express his love". This goes along with all the marketing of "jewelry" that men are bombarded with. If you don't by your "women" a diamond, you must not be in love. There were many responses, but this one was "clipping worthy" and I have been caring it around in my notebook ever since:


Dear Abby: My parents have been married 45 years, and the most romantic gesture I ever saw too place ten years ago. One day, while she was digging in the garden, I saw my dad standing there, hovering over her with a can of wasp spry, ready to blast any potential threat to eternity if it got near mom. Now that's better than a diamond any day. - Sam in Palatine, Ill.
At first I cracked up about this, then I clipped it out and have been thinking about it ever since. It's not the fancy gifts, tied up in a bow that I love my husband for, it is the thoughtful, caring things that he does that blows my mind. Here are two that I wanted to share with you. I am still in awe. . .
When we have guests stay, we move our bed into our guest room and sleep on our new air mattress (okay Sheri, we didn't for you, but we're the same age, the same aches and pains, well, Bob is older). When I came home from Skagway, I am not even sure how we got on the subject, but Bob commented that he had just moved our bed back into our room and couldn't wait to sleep on it. I asked what he meant and his reply "It didn't feel right to sleep in our bed without you, so I waited until you got home". That's love.
Because of that plantoficiitis (whatever) that I have, my feet hurt, a lot. I walked around the house many nights on my tippy-toes making noises with every step. Thanks to A Mary, I have gone to icing them which helps greatly. Poor Bob has had to witness all of this, so the other night he came home and as he approached me on the coach said "close your eyes, you might not like this, but open them". It was the above foot bath complete with vibrating attachments (for my feet yo dirty people (person - Scott)), heat, bubbles. He filled it up, hooked it up and my feet were (are) so happy, happy, happy (just like the note he left on top the net night says, with little feet drawn on it, Happy Feet! Now that is true love. MJ

The Ferry Ride Home

Tuesday, June 16th

This morning was a little "ruff". A Mary and U Phil drove me to the Ferry Terminal. We had long hugs (where A Mary commented that I wasn't gong to let go). I jabbered about seeing them in December, only 6 months away, to tell my mom and brother that I miss them everyday (here come the tears), and that I wasn't going to cry. So I got my stuff, didn't (couldn't) look at them and I turned around and walked away. I felt a little bad about it, but I just couldn't look back. It's not a sad time, A Mary and U Phil are continuing on an incredible journey and I am returning to a new life that I (we) are very proud and happy with. But it still makes the heart sad and the eyes weepy to be a part. But we will be home for Christmas and that will feel . . . there are no words, it will just be.
On the ferry, the sky cleared up and it was beautiful out. I slept a bit, tired, the rhythm of the ferry, and willing myself not to cry. Part way through the trip they announced that they would be having their weekly Coast Guard drills and maneuvers (crew only). I didn't really feel the maneuvers, but you sure did hear the drills. First was the fire drill, then (I can' remember the second), but the third one was Abandon Ship! Now I had fallen back to sleep during all of this and let me tell you, I never, ever, drill or worse yet, the real thing, want to hear those sirens, bells, and whistles again. I jolted up and said "oh my goodness", hand over heart, then remembered that it was only a drill. What a horrific sound. At the end they made an announcement that the drills were over and anything aft that was to be treated as the real thing. Well I held my breathe the last 1/2 hour home.
As we approached the ferry terminal I scanned for out truck and my gorgeous husband. They were both there. It feels good to be back in his arms. We spent the rest of the day being kind of lazy and just enjoying being. MJ

White Pass Rail

Monday, June 16th

Today we rode the White Pass Rail. Now if you don't know this about me, I love trains. Ans so does Uncle Phil. So this was a real treat. The train was built during the Klondike Gold Rush and besides for a few years that it was halted has run since then. Now full of tourist of course. It is a beautiful ride. We turned around at White Pass (the border). There are bridges on the track that make you feel like you are floating in the air, 1000 ft up. It was a neat feeling. When I go back in a couple weeks to hike the Chilkoot I will be riding the steam engine back from Lake Bennett. We had such a fun time. U Phil spent much time out on the "deck" of the train. I went out there and joined him a few times. It was so beautiful and you are so close to the rock and mountain.

After our train trip A Mary and I headed back into town to see if we could pick up the map I wanted from the Chilkoot Trail Office. We had been trying to talk to someone for a few days, but they were always busy with hikers. Today we did and I found out it's the same map I already have. I did check out the trial conditions on the board:

"Snowshoes recommended, campsites buried under snow still, avalanche danger high, walking sticks recommended."

I decided to wait until I come back to panic, since I do not have snowshoes or a walking stick. It's still a couple weeks away.

We walked down to the waterfront in the evening. I know that I started to feel a little sad, I have had so much fun these past few days with my Aunt and Uncle, but tomorrow we part ways. It really isn't a sad time, I just know that I will miss them. MJ

Back to catching up

Downtown Skagway
Gold Miners' Cemetary
Last standing structure of Dyea
I think you've got this one.


So, after the "boating" (I use the term loosely) trip and the helicopter ride, we were off to the ferry and then onto Skagway. A Mary and U Phil learned that I must explore when I am riding the ferry. I think that it is such a cool way to get around and I just have to know what's on the "boat" I am on. The ferry ride is 5.5 hours, so by the time we got to Skagway it was late. A Mary rolled out my bed and we retired. After checking out their "home on wheels".





On Sunday, June 15th (Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday Denise) we did some more exploring. A Mary took me downtown to shop. Skagway is pristine. It is a small community, 820 year-round residents. But they have a wooden walkway and the buildings are all painted and the streets are clean. I was very impressed, make Juneau's downtown look like the slums. I came to the conclusion that it has to do with the area being considered "historic". Gateway to the Gold Rush. So I am assuming that they get federal funding and may use that money to keep the town looking so nice.





A Mary was a patience women while I shopped for hiking pants. I have had a problem finding any that fit in Juneau and even though we are the bigger town, Skagway has much better hiking stores. I have a feeling that has to do with people coming to the area and buying what they need before they hike the Chilkoot.





We explored an old Gold Miners Cemetery and they took me out to the start of the Chilkoot. I wasn't excited at all. I think if U Phil could have driven the truck on it, we would have. We also did a little walk-about through what used to be Dyea. The starting town to the Chilkoot. A Mary was wishing she had he Bear Spary. It is a beautiful area where fresh water meets the salt water. I plan to give you more history on the area after I return from the Chilkoot. The drive back there was a little narrow at times, glad I wasn't driving. I hope that Bob and I will be able to go back and spend a few days. It is definitely our kind of place. MJ

What's in a name?

If you want to learn a little about how I got my name, click on the link to my Mom's blog and read her latest. MJ

Bob's "Ocean Going Vessel"

See the dot, just coming out of the trees? Yeap, that is Bob and Uncle Phil. Bob really wanted to go out in the "Ocean Going Vessel"(it's Nate and Colin's boat, Bob pays for the slip) with Uncle Phil, so Saturday morning (June 14th), they went out it in. I told him "Good Luck" when he said that he was going to ask Uncle Phil. But they went. Please notice the cruise ship in the background. That is how tiny the "ocean going vessel" is. I refuse to go out in it. It is a bathtub and that is the ocean, thank you very much. They had a good time. Oh yeah, did I mention that they got boarded by the Coast Guard? Figuratively speaking of course, there is not enough room for them to actually "climb on board". It was all good, except that the boat was missing the floatation device. It's on the boat now and Bob emailed it to the Coast Guard, so hopefully he won't have to pay a fine. So after this, we went on the helicopter ride. MJ

Saturday, June 14th

(I told Shane, our pilot, "No pressure, but this is the only picture of all four of us from their visit." He did a fine job.)

We are finally set up for the helicopter ride. We were all four able to go, thanks to a couple from Texas who had to reschedule with Coastal because it was too foggy at other glaciers. Each helicopter company has their "own glacier" to land on for the season.

Side note: the seaplanes are fling up and down the channel right now. You would think that it would be an annoying sound, but I love to listen to them and see them flying in a row up and down the channel.

So, since there was only 2 of them, we all got to go. Thank you couple from Texas! I know that it is strange that I am terrified (that is not an exaggeration) to fly in a plane, but I do love the helicopter. Maybe it's because I can see all the instruments and I know what is going on (not really, but at least I know that there aren't any crazy sirens going off in the cockpit, cus' I am in it). If I could fly around in a helicopter all the time, I would be set. It was beautiful on the glacier. Coastal lands on the Hubert. We had a fun time and Shane gave us a little extra time up there. Although A Mary is still not a fan of flying, she was glad that she did it. My new motto is "you have to at least try it once, then you can decide". Except when it comes to food, I am not eating anything crazy.

After the flight, we raced to return the rental car and make it to the ferry terminal. It was 3:10 pm when we got off the helicopter and I literally ran to return the car (which was due at 3 pm). I had to gas it up and get it back. But paying for an extra day would have been worth it, for all 4 of us to go up. I was 20 minutes late and guess what? The computer said no late fees. Yeah. So the 4 of us piled in the Ranger (A Mary sat in the extended cab part). I know, pictures would have been nice, but there wasn't time (or so we thought). We race there, rush to buy our tickets, say fast good-byes to Bob and then ask for confirmation of when the ferry leaves. It was 4:30 pm, not 4 pm. But, we were there and that's what matters. Of course I turned around and my husband was gone. He had to get to work. MJ

Where did I leave off. . .

Ah, yes, on the way to Skagway, Saturday, June 14th . . . the ferry ride was smooth. I am a huge fan of the ferries and the Alaska Marine Highway. I hope that it continues and is not "forced out". Our Governor does not seem to be a fan. Actually, she doesn't seem to be a fan of the Southeast in general. The ferry system is state operated and unfortunately, doesn't make any money, it looses it. But it is the cheapest way for us locals to get around. Also very beautiful.

Oh wait, I just remembered, we have to post on our helicopter ride first, yicks. Back to this in a later post. MJ

Ahh, the tourists

Don't get me wrong, I love the tourist. They come here and spend their hard earned money, they have wonderful stories to share and 99.9% of the time are just plan fun and happy. You do get those grouches, but why even give them the time.

This is the part that cracks me up. Do our brains go on vacation when we do. Here are some common questions by our guests (in today's paper and just a few I know):

"Do you sleep in igloos?"

"Do you take American money?" (You know this one gets me. We are part of the United States, hello, what money do you spend any where else in the USA?)

"What elevation are we?" (You all do realize that we live on the channel, which is the ocean? I am asking you my readers, not the tourists.)

(Looking up, at the Mendenhall Glacier, in Juneau) "Is that Mount Everest?"

This one came out of the paper and is a hoot. . . (On being told that she was standing in a rain forest) "Where are all the monkeys?"

It appears that we all need to retake geography.

Good laughs. MJ

Not invited. . .

Should I be concerned? Hmmm. Cousin Jordan started a blog and I have yet to be sent the link. Apparently my internet is so slow it hasn't made it here in a week from FL. I won't take offense just yet. MJ

Home from Skagway

I am home from Skagway and I have lots to share, but it will have to wait until Friday. Just wanted you all to know that I was back. MJ

On Our Way to Skagway

I am on my way to Skagway with A Mary and U Phil. I am going to be gone until Tuesday, June 17th. I will catch up you then. Bob's home alone, so if you feel like it, give him a call. MJ

Eye Spy

Oh my gosh, this was so cool and I wish that I would have thought about this before I moved and threw away all my little trinkets. But, it was worth it to get to live here. But mom, this one is for you. . .
This was hanging on the wall at the Alaska State Museum. It was probably 6 x 4. It was full of little trinkets and nest to it there were Eye Spy sheets. What a great way to keep your grandchildren busy. So mom, I want you to get this started. I don't want you to have a 6 x 4, but we can discuss the dimensions. Then you'll have things "from home" when you're here. I think that I will make one of my movie theater stuff. MJ

My boots

Yeap, them are my boots. With my pants rolled
way up. A Mary said someone told her that is she
wore capris people would know that she was a tourist. Well, guess what? I am a tourist who lives here and proud of it! I just thought that you all would appreciate seeing that I haven't lost my "style" . (Aunt Mary was taking these pictures throughout the day.) MJ

Fourth Day

Today Bob didn't have to go into work until 3 pm, so he was able to spend the morning with us. We went to the Alaska State Museum, the Last Chance Mining Museum, then Bob went off to work, the three of us rested a little, meet Bob for dinner at Donna's, then went to Coastal to check it out. Bob works until midnight, we'll see who's still up. I doubt that I will be. Way to late for me. My eye lids will start to flutter soon. MJ

Day Three continued . . .

Today we went to the Salmon Hatchery. It is one of my favorite places. They have a big round fish tank that goes from floor to ceiling. It is full of fishes that we have here in the Southeast.

Top: U Phil telling A Mary what to take pictures of

Next: Starfish in the touch tank

Next: I think this one is some kind starfish also. (Aunt Mary took this one)

Last: U Phil taking his turn on the camera

After that we went to The Hanger on the Wharf and had lunch. They both like halibut. I already knew that I liked it. We went home and Bob came home from his class shortly after that. We wanted to watch their photos on our tv, so we went out and bought the cables to do that. Well, Jordan can tell you that even with 4 of us, we couldn't figure out what to do. That boy has patience. Lucky for us. It finally got set up and we watched their photos. Let me warn some of you that they have some blackmail photos. I'd be nervous if I were you (Josh, Mom). Good stuff.

After all that it was way past time for bed. MJ