And we've gone from 41 to minus 10.

So we went from this less than a week ago, 41 degrees to this:

This is what -10 looks like. It will probably warm up a little during the afternoon. And I don't mind. I'm writing, have fuel oil for heat, food, chocolate and scotch. I'm good. This particular shade of blue, it is a little difficult to see in the picture, but it's pale-robin's egg I would guess, is only seen when its cold and clear. 
If it's cold during the night, it's bound to be clear. That is a given. 

There's a moose momma and a yearling hanging around my place. because the trees were never totally removed from my property, they tend to hang out here. I've got a lot of willow to browse. I've not seen them, but saw their tracks coming up the side yard and across the drive yesterday am. This picture is from last winter. But mommas tend to stick around the same places during the winter. 
Anyway, safe travels wherever you are. I'm going to start the wood stove. I feel like a shot of that special kind of heat you only get from a good hot wood fire. Stay warm. 

Port MacKenzie

I had the privilege of taking a short tour
of the facility last fall.
An amazing view not often seen
by the everyday person.
Because it is a port access is restricted.

Thank goodness the title of
Author/publisher carries a little cachet.
We have a view down Knik Arm
Into Cook Inlet and one
up Knik Arm.
I took some good shots of Anchorage
as seen across the water. Enjoy.  

Fireweed flowers have reached the tip of the stalk!

 

Those of us who live in Alaska know what that means. Fall is almost on us. A cold summer, I still kept the door open and let the fresh air in even when it was raining. I don't mind watching the rain come down.

I brought all but the geraniums in off the deck. It was too cold for the rest of my plants. And I'll probably close the upstairs window. I still have the heat off at night, it's easier to sleep.

That said, there are two new books to tell you about. The first is a new release from Holly Barbo. This one is killer! It practically throbs with action. I found it almost impossible to put down.

If you like historical novels, the Blood and the Barley is a different take on Scotland after Culloden and 1745. I do recommend it. Great story and well drawn characters. 

 

 

 Fall on it's way.

Until later, avoid the pot holes and never give in, never give up.

When the temperature gets above 65 and the sun comes out, Wasilla lake in downtown Wasilla is the place to be. The parking lot is too small so the surrounding businesses find the back part of their lots filling with those looking for a little fun in the sun.

We all knew it would be a good day when we woke up to sunshine and not a cloud in the sky anywhere. Better yet, since it would be nice far into the evening hours, people at work get to come home and take advantage of the great weather. Like the old nursery rhyme, Alaska when she is good is very, very good. And when she is nasty.....Well you get it.

Woke up to another beautiful day. And it's a weekend. Wow. Later all. Below is the view from the gym. I love the pink touching the peaks.This is from a few days ago before the clouds blew away.

The Eklutna Iris field has bloomed.

And the blooms have died off. But the wild roses are still blooming. The wild geranium and clover are next. We've had a lot of gray days and rain, but there have been some glorious days in between. The Alaska Scottish Highland games have come and gone. They were grand and great fun as always.
A little early rain fled and it got to be scattered and broken. I didn't take any pictures and should have but I was busy.
You see we did a give-away. Two baskets filled with goodies went to the two lucky winners who signed up and gave us email addresses. They will get a Paper Gold Publishing newsletter once a month. Nothing spammy or too often. That is too much work for me.
Busy hasn't let up one little bit. Galway Days is coming August 11 on the Alaska Pacific University campus. Come and joint he fun if you can. It should be fun. And we plan to do another give-away. Put us on the calendar if possible.
I'll leave you with another picture.

It's almost for the Alaska Scottish Highland Games. 

June 30th is the day. I sure hope that it is every bit as nice as this one was. My daughter and I have had a booth at the games for years, at least twenty. 

This year we intend to have stuffed animals. Sewn by hand with sewn on eyes as usual.

But this year I'm also bringing a ton of swag and Paper Gold Publishing will have a booth at the games.

There will be lots of free stuff and paperback books. So make time to come by and say hello Saturday, June 30th. Cherime's Treasures will be in the program. See you there.

I like to make things from scratch. This was an interesting article. Since I use bowls more than plates these days, I enjoyed reading it. The article from Quartzy makes some interesting points. Have a look. Bowls v. plates.