Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Keeping Busy

Last Friday Andy left very early to build a cabin for G2, along with a whole Wisconsin crew. That means he's camping for about 10 days in Council, 70 miles from Nome. Needless to say we're unable to communicate. Before he returns I'm off to New York for a week to become a youth development trainer. By the time we're together, August will be nearly over! I'm sure G3 will have some awesome photos and tales for the blog when he returns from the "man trip."

While he's away, it's obviously quiet at home, but the weather is glorious. So I got the new four-wheeler muddy, spent an entire day picking blueberries & hiking with a co-worker, walking & jogging to the Creek featured in the blog post below, got new tires for the RAV4, finally had an eye exam, and other random tasks like cleaning the house (blech). Whew! Time is actually cruising by.

One funny story to share while the Trooper is away...we had a security system installed. I guess it was a good deal, yadda, yadda and I'm using it for the first time while I'm in Anchorage every day, and then at night while I'm sleeping. Andy warned me that if I enable the system while at home then I MUST remember not to exit. Well, what did I do last night? I came home after 14 1/2 hrs. away (so I was tired) and enabled the alarm to hit the hay. Then I decided to give my flowers in the back some water. Watering flowers, pruning petals, then SCREAM! ALARM SCREAMING! I run inside and have less than 30 seconds to disable. I fail. All of a sudden a voice emerges out of the control panel from some far away command center.

"What's going on? Is everything okay (yes, the flowers have plenty of water now)? What's your password?"
Password?! What password? "I know the numerical code for the control panel, does that help?" Apparently not. "Is Andy Gorn there?"
"No he isn't, but my name should be on the list."
Command center turns off so I go about sleeping, still a little rattled. Then the Security System calls my cell phone and we go over the same story. It's recommended to get this mysterious password I need from Andy as soon as possible. I attempt explaining that there are places on this planet, in Alaska, where phones don't work and he's there. We hang up and I finally get to bed, though late, and I'm racking my brain if Andy ever told me a password.

Just as I'm falling asleep the doorbell rings. WHAT?! That never happens and I'm all alone! I decide to ignore, but hear someone walking around and I wonder if the Command Center landed on my property. Reluctantly I put on my eyeglasses, grab the can of mace from under the bed and peer out a window. I spy a Trooper vehicle, just like Andy's, trying to hide behind some trees. So I open the front door and call out. A Trooper I do not recognize pops out and says he was told an alarm went off and the woman on the phone gave the wrong password. Ugh. He's staring at Andy's cruiser parked out front, and I say, "do you know Trooper Gorn?" This guy said he just called Dispatch to figure out which Trooper lives at this residence.

I sheepishly explain my stupidity and have to "prove" my identity as he writes down my name and date of birth. This guy has never worked on the same shift as Andy so when I invite him inside (keep in mind I'm in my PJs), he says, "Oh this is where Gorn lives, huh?" I tell him I only opened the door because I saw his hidden Trooper car; I think that's when I embarrassed him. He notes that the doors are not busted into and even checks out the bedroom to see that I was sleeping when he showed up.

Who lives with and is engaged to a Trooper, who has NEVER had the police respond to anywhere she lived, and gets a Trooper to show up while her Trooper is away? Most of all, what a stupid call for this nice guy to make! He took it well and now Andy will laugh at me; if only I could call him to share.

Of course, long past my bed time I laid in bed and the password popped into my mind as I remembered the moment he told me (and I laughed because it's an inside joke). Ah, not sure I'll use the system anymore, but at least I can prove I'm not the intruder!

*Amy

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Going For a Bike Ride

To spice up my favorite 10-mile bike ride on a Sunny Sunday, I took along the camera. I pedal four miles on the four-wheeler trail by our house...and then it's 6 miles on this spacious, mostly quiet and wooded road...Here's some of what I see along the way...This spot is my "scenic pullover" every time I bike:At this beautiful creek about a 1 1/2 mile from our house the red salmon spawn...no fishing there!It's not the most challenging course (add in the coastal winds of Nome for a workout!), but it is lovely.

*Amy

Sunday, August 2, 2009

"It's really good"

Andy pounded this drink, and it's not what you think.He's thinking, "Boy, that's really good chocolate milk." Too bad you can't see the milk mustache. He just went to town on this homemade drink! I barely had time to capture his enthusiasm from when he pulled out the Hershey's syrup & milk to the mixture going down the hatch. It's nice to know Troopers can let loose after a day of work.

*Amy

Monday, July 27, 2009

Nome Nuptials

We got back to Nome again! And for what a great reason... the marriage of good friends Liz and Eric. Years ago they were KNOM volunteers and I worked with them--Liz stayed in Nome and Eric eventually moved back. It's a great story and I'm so happy they asked me to be part of their wedding party!

Andy also came up for a few days, but I spent most of my time visiting friends and former workplaces. G2 and G3 spent a hard day's work in Council. Staying with Nikki & Zeb in their new home was just like going home. We went beach glass gathering at East end and nearly tripped over this dead seal in the process! You never know what you'll find gracing the Golden Sands of Nome.
We also went scouting for good looking willows to take down as decoration for the wedding reception.The weather turned so nice for one night that we went back to the beach for a bonfire. This photo was taken with good friends during the Midnight Sun. Note the need for sunglasses!Before I knew it, the wedding arrived. Earlier this year Liz stayed with us one weekend, and that's when she bought her wedding dress. It was so special to be with her when she picked the dress and then to see her "live" it!Then I had to be asked to stop cutting the cake for them! Got a little carried away. :)Another special couple to Congratulate and wish all the best for their lives together.

It was more "normal" to be back in Nome this time than Christmas. A part of me felt like I hadn't moved at all. I'm so happy to keep connected.

*Amy

Saturday, July 25, 2009

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

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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