Juneau

I didn't bring enough warm clothes for Juneau. This was apparent when I stepped out of the terminal with my sandals and socks and light fleece exercise coverup. So I am tired (jet lag bad this trip) and cold.

Of course Barbara met me. The airport was a bit less hectic than Seattle or Philly. You walk out of the terminal and the lot's right there, kind of like Reading, PA. And the parking costs $1.00. Barbara took us first to the Mendenhall Glacier so that her dog Josie could take a brisk swim. The glacier is in the distance -- much receded from 20 years ago -- with a glacier lake up front. On the lake were ice floes -- several of them. There were also groups of rafters on an excursion -- presumbly to see the glacier up close. They use the glacial ice at parties -- particularly weddings. Barbara always says 10,000-year-old ice, a good symbol to promote a permanent relationship.

The light is amazing, because of course it doesn't change. As we ate dinner last night, and then talked for hours, the light was unchanged until 10:30 when it dimmed a bit. But then it stayed the same for another hour. I dragged myself to bed at that point and I believe it became dusky again at 2:30 am or so. Since I haven't slept well on this trip, it's all the same, meaning, the strange northern light isn't really waking me up. It's really screwing up everything. I am hoping another day will do the trick. In a few days we go even farther north were the nightime is even shorter.

Another thing about Juneau -- no people. On a beach walk, we are the only ones. I thought I spotted a sea monster out in the water, or at least a seal, but it's strange movements were un-seal-like. It turns out it was a swimmer with wetsuit and fins. Too funny.

Sunday in Seattle

I visited C, H, William, and their new arrival, Mimi. I was instantly in love. Both these kids are amazing -- smart, funny, and sweet. It made me nostalgic for the days, not so long ago, when I was surrounded by my two. But also knowing that the kids had suffered hardships before coming to the U.S. adds to the wonder. I think, too, I don't see any children anymore -- I miss it.

From C's went to a dinner party at an old friends house -- Ron, invited by older friends Kathy and Mike. Met Kathy's new dog, Maggie, who is cute, but also incredibly soft. Met a couple who live on a farmette in Mt. Vernon and raise chickens and goats. He is 80. She did not reveal her age. My only observation is that if I am lucky enough to live to 80, I want to be like him. Spry. Although I don't think I'm spry now!

We also walked to Kabota Gardens, a very large Japanese garden with fields of irises blooming in the water. Who knew irises liked water? It reminded me of a Japanese screen at the Met.

Family and Flying to Seattle in the Summer

So let's start with the flight. It was full. I checked my backpack at the last minute because there was no room in the overheads (btw, it's free if you do it that way where normally U.S. Air charges, go figure). U.S. Air must have changed to a bigger plane after seating assignments because all the cruising families had their seating assignments jumbled. I sat next to a man and a woman who had been separated from their families. The man said, "I'm going to Alaska," the woman said, "I'm going to Alaska," and I said "I'm going to Alaska." But alas, the two were cruising and became instant best friends discussing the various features of the different cruise lines. I put on my ipod and read back New Yorkers. At the very end of the flight, the man actually asked me if I was from Seattle and if I could recommend a restaurant. So, the conversation was not that interesting really, listening to the music and reading the articles were a great luxury. Why do I care that I was pushed from the conversation?

It is great being back in Seattle and seeing family and one friend so far. Of course one has to mention the gorgeous unseasonal weather. I remember growing up to endless overcast June days. Finally out of school and now this.

Everything is so clean and orderly compared to Philadelphia. I might also include in there the orderliness of my siblings homes compared to mine. I could get used to this. The gardens are sumptuous. And I am incensed at the size of their tomato plants. That was always something that Philly had over Seattle -- a hotter, longer growing season that favors the nightshades. But we have had daily soaking rain and Seattle has had a full month of sunny days.

Family Facts

Jeff and Judy (my brother and sister-in-law) are doing very well. Their house is still beautiful and the location stunning with a view of the Olympics and sunsets.
Jenny (my sister) is likewise doing well with a charming older home that she has rehabbed by herself including foundation work.
Taunya (my niece) graduated from acupuncture school but hasn't quit the day job yet. she gave us a healthy discount on the pizza and chianti she served us at her restaurant.

Photos will follow.

Today more socializing in Seattle.

Airport Ho Hum

Everything has gone smoothly except I am sitting here very anxious about my backpack. Technically it is too long. And I don't know how to adjust the frame to make it shorter to fit the regulation length. I didn't want to bring my roller -- suitcases don't roll well on earthen-grassy-rocky trails.

I see people across from me looking at their cruise itineraries. When I say I'm going to Alaska, two out of three say, "a cruise?" But as my friend Barbara says, it is nearly impossible to travel independently to Alaska. For example, we are spending two nights 10 miles from the gate at Denali. We then have to leave the park, sleep one night outside, and then the following afternoon catch the bus to go back into the park, repeating the 10 miles plus 40 more.

So apparently a cruise is the only hassle-free way to see the place.

Wish me luck with my backpack.

North to Alaska

Today I am preparing for my trip. I have a backpack, a top loader and I've started putting the things I will need later at the bottom:

hiking boots
neoprene boots for crossing streams
hat with mosquito net

You get the picture, yes? African Queen, with mosquitos, without the Africa.

I am excited, but not prepared. I haven't read anything -- I guess I prefer to be surprised and read afterwards. It is a strange habit, but I am consistent on all trips. The most I do is study the transportation and accommodations.

But before I go, I must get the garden in order -- or semi-order. This means, finally put the tomatoes into their final resting place and the last of the basil.

Wish me luck, see you tomorrow.