A Gov's Goodbye

I couldn't help it. I had to go to the Mat-Su Governor's picnic Friday night to see Palin in her home element before quitting on Sunday. Plus, Andy opted to work overtime for it and it was close to home, so why not join the hubbub?Everyone wanted a piece of Palin, so I dove into the crowd for a moment to peak at her and daughter Piper handing out hot dogs and watermelon. The part I liked was all the Commissioners for her Administration serving food for the entire picnic! Oh, do you want a bag of Doritos from the Commissioner of Health and Social Services?

Andy was a security "roamer" and I roamed until I found him all spiffed up.

He looked so official that he said people asked for photos with him! Our almost-new Governor Sean Parnell even shook his hand at the end and thanked him.

Despite the big crowd of Valley residents and a lot of Outsiders (that was amusing enough to watch), the other scenery was quite nice at Wonderland Park.

I was glad to have company for the picking a part of her public comments. During the military program she said what I was waiting to hear as Hometown Queen...this video ends with a short image of Alaska's new Lt. Gov and then Gov.

Just as I stopped recording a man ahead of me shouted , "I want you to be Commander in Chief." People went a little crazy. I just went crazy. :)

*Amy

Talkeetna Moose Droppings

Just some fun summer fair photos from Talkeetna earlier this month. According to the news and Trooper reports, it turned quite crazy and serious sometime after Andy & I left the Festival. It was certainly amusing while we there though. Who wouldn't love a love song performed on the main stage called "Nectarina & Avocado?"You could buy a $6 Turkey leg searing-hot off the grill, or something from this booth:*Amy

When Dad Visits...

...the Weather is very warm. My Dad flew up last minute early July and enjoyed wonderful Alaska weather. We took the opportunity to do some local sightseeing at Hatcher's Pass. Dad just loved the light blue and clear quality of the Little Susitna River.Andy & I liked exploring the old Independence Mine in the beautiful pass. It was my first time seeing it in summer.We also took a touristy stroll around Palmer's Musk Ox farm:

Many land mammals were warmed by the sun that day.

Dad gave gave me a tutorial on taking care of our yard as it's nearly overrun by clover and a cabbage-like weed. We worked on it for the bulk of a day! His yard in MN has always been highly regarded and he said this year it's the thickest yet. That's saying a lot for a yard you're usually too afraid to step on for fear of messing it up! Did I inherit the lawn gene? We'll see, but though my father has left, the water sprinkler is spraying...

*Amy

Shuttering

Out of AK, briefly

One week I was walking in the Denali National Park, and the next week I was hitting the pavement of downtown San Francisco. What a fun and varied summer it's been so far!

I had the awesome opportunity to attend the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. It was the largest gathering of its kind--ever. Of course I soaked in the inspiration & youth-specific workshops (for my job), but the General Assembly and some other events were mind-bogglingly cool! (and getting time with fellow AmeriCorps alums or coordinators.)

How often do you see Matthew McConaughey (far left) hanging around to speak on volunteering?

What are the chances of hearing California Governor Arnold S. speak some "key" phrases?! (and be noteworthy during the un-recorded portion of his message?)

Not often do you go from the splendor of AK summer to a vibrant skyline, above, as seen from my hotel window.

How often do you get swiped by Secret Service? Our keynote speaker was First Lady Michelle Obama! It's difficult to describe how thrilling that was..."I'm with my people, " she said.

Other guests at the conference included Maria Shriver, Arianna Huffington, Shaka Khan, Nancy Pelosi (below), and even an exclusive from Bon Jovi!

What a totally cool reason to leave AK during the summer, and during a busy month.

2009 is the Obama Administration's Summer of Service, concluding on 9/11. This is the time for all of us to make contributions where we live--big or small!

Oh, and not to brag but this is very cool too...I sat 7 rows behind Sean Penn on the flight from San Fran to Anchorage. Seems he was going camping with his teenage son, given the tent sack, sleeping pads and backpack he pulled out of the airport baggage claim. It looked like I was the only one to recognize him, or care to watch his every move!

*Amy

Happy Belated 4th of July...

...from Andy, me & my Dad, Joe!

It was a 42-hour turn-around from getting Dad's ticket to AK from MN and his arrival! It's great to have him here this week during the warm weather. As you can see, Andy and Dad took part in traditional 4th of July activities...yard games and cool beverages!

Hope you enjoyed your holiday celebrations this weekend!

*Amy

AK vacation & AK wedding

Taking the time to enjoy a vacation in this amazing state doesn't happen enough, in my opinion. Months ago I was thrilled to learn my dear college friends were planning a vacation around our friends' AK wedding...because that meant I would also explore and play! That week fell during Andy's annual two-week training in Fairbanks, so sadly he couldn't join us.

Our big CSB/SJU reunion started in Southcentral during my birthday, and then caravanned north to Denali, my first time. Thankfully, while in Talkeetna, North America's largest mountain was in plain site!

Our stay in Denali, along the Nenana River, was excellent, including the weather. The red cabin on rock treated our 9-person group well.

For the adventure side of things, we took on the river with white-water rafting. The guide seemed to play mind games by saying, "yesterday we barely made it through this next rapid with 9 of us...so,with only six of us...well, we'll see what happens." It worked and we paddled heartily, thinking our lives in danger!

Also, some nice hiking in Denali National Park to Horseshoe Lake.

In addition to some quality before-and-after Denali hosting in Wasilla, the next portion of the week break was on the Kenai Peninsula in Seward. Andy drove down from Fairbanks in one day, joining the Bachelor party in time while I hosted the Bachelorette shindig. He also went on a halibut charter to provide us with fish and before we all knew it, Jodi and Graham's (living in Anchorage) wedding arrived! I was honored to stand as Maid of Honor.

Their officiant was a good pal who also graduated college with us, and Graham's brother was Best Man. The ceremony and reception were hosted at the Groom's parents' home.

Below: my college roommates, otherwise known as Chubbies! We see each other all-together about once a year--at a wedding. Guess who's the last one of the group? :)Here's proof that Andy & I saw each other a little bit in June!I really enjoyed my other dancing partner though. He's Jodi's youngest nephew and we tore up Billie Jean, before we could know M. Jackson's fate: "The Kid is Not My Son!"Congrats to the long-time, new couple! They outdid themselves. We were so spoiled having so many friends up here. Our homes always remain open to you!*Amy