Cruisin' in Alaska: Ketchikan

On day 3 we arrived in Ketchikan, Alaska. At this time of year, Akaska gets A LOT of sunlight. About 21 hours per day actually. And when you see the sun go down, it still has the affect of dusk and dawn, so there really is not any time of complete darkness in the summer. (In winter it is the opposite.) When we woke up and went out to see the city on the top deck, there were bi-planes flying all around us in the sunshine! This city also usually has rain about 2/3 of the year. We were told that we were lucky that the sun was shining.

Ketchikan is know for its salmon fishing. Every year, salmon swim fro the ocean up rivers and streams trying to get as close as possible to their place of birth. Then they lay eggs. We just missed the salmon season by a couple of weeks. Dan and I went on a little tour while Donnie and Lori snorkeled. We got to see a couple of bear cubs near one of the salmon hatcheries as well as a bunch of totem poles and a really pretty waterfall. While on our tour, we saw Donnie and Lori snorkeling from a distance! Then we went to Creek Street which is a bunch of shops in the old Red Light District of Ketchikan. Dan thought it was pretty much a tourist trap, but I had fun taking pictures!

Cruisin' to Alaska: First 2 Days at Sea

When we got on the Coral Princess Monday afternoon, we did so with only our carry-on luggage. We had filled out at least three forms each for our checked bags that stayed overnight in Minneapolis. Donnie and I were freaking out about the possibility of having to go 8 days with only 2 pairs of underwear and no deodorant. His parents were a bit calmer. Thank the Lord, during our drill the first evening, Donnie ran to our rooms to call the front desk and there sat our luggage! Thank you Northwest Airlines!
The first night at sea was a bit chilly. We had been running around in the rain in Vancouver, so when we got on the ship and found our bags a few hours later, we took hot showers and went to dinner. It is so much fun to get dressed up for dinner each night and have lots of fabulous food from which to choose. (At least that's what I thought. Donnie and his dad would have rather eaten at the buffet for every meal so they could eat all they wanted and wear jeans!)
The second night was a formal evening. What a site to see so many people with white hair all gussied up. Oh, I forgot to tell you that Donnie and I were two of a small group of people under the age of 50 on the boat. Anyways, we ate dinner - 4 courses in all, and then we went dancing in the Wheelhouse Bar. We also went out into the heavy wind and took some silly pictures in our fancy get up!

And look! It's the Music man, Harold Hill, standing in front of a poster of his show!

Cruisin' to Alaska: Vancouver, British Columbia

Just a few days ago, Donnie and I got back from a trip to Alaska. The best words to describe it would be breath-taking and exhilarating. We did some adventurous activities and saw things I'd never even seen in pictures. The first night, after we figured out our luggage hadn't followed our flight, we stayed in Vancouver. We spent the next day walking around the city and on the phone with the airline.

While in Vancouver, we learned that the Winter Olympics wil have their opening ceremonies in Vancouver in 2010. A girl working in the lookout tower building told us that Vancouver is also a site for tons of movies. She said that often Vancouver plays the part of New York... We also visited China Town. It was actually the neatest part of Vancouver to me. There was a lot of bright color and I really enjoyed watching people shop for things that were different.

Check back later for more from other places we visited!

Oh Neglected Blog... and a service project!

I think it has been nearly three months since I have taken the time to say anything on this blog. Forgive me! I wonder if there is even anyone still interested in reading out there!

Well, I wanted to at least pop in and say, "Hello" just in case. so,"Hello out there!"

I also wanted to share about our visit to My Father's House in Paola about a month ago. It was an awesome day! I think the large group of us overwhelmed Jay and his son. They weren't quite sure what to have al of us do! After a bit, some of us started working outside on landscaping and clearing. Others painted inside. It was nice to get the chance to meet some new people and work together to help some others who needed it. I thought that it was a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God working together to accomplish good. Here is a link to Donnie's thoughts from the day on his blog. And here are some pictures from the day taken by Donnie and Brady.

Someday 2

Do you ever daydream about places that you'd like to see? Maybe somewhere you've seen in a movie or possibly the country of your ancestry? Donnie and I like to take vacations. Some friends think that we're going to be world travelers all our lives. Just today someone said, "You're going to run out of places to go!" I don't think so. Especially since we'll probably stop venturing far away from home for quite awhile when we have children someday soon.

But, while I'm thinking about the subject of travel, I will daydream about visiting these breathtaking spots:

How about Austria? I've heard from friends that it is a GORGEOUS place! Not to mention you could sneak in and visit the VanTrapp family while you're there and maybe the sisters at the abbey! The hills are alive...

Ah Paris! We've been to this lovely city, but returning is going to be a lifelong goal. The architecture, baguettes and quiche, history, and parks are calling us back.

While we were in France, we spent a few days in the southern part of the country. Sadly, we did not make it down to the Mediterranean Coast. Maybe someday we'll get to see a view like this one of Nice or one of the other picturesque coastal cities.

Who wouldn't jump at the chance to go to Hawaii? I mean what is there not to like about beaches, fresh seafood, beautiful tropical scenery, and clear blue water? Sign me up! I've heard that the cost of a trip to Hawaii is about as much as Europe... Hmmm... Might have to wait on that one awhile.
The last stop on my list for today is Ireland. Growing up as Erin O'Toole has given me an appreciation for this land. No one in my family has been to this beautiful country of our heritage since my great great grandfather came here to the United States. This trip would be amazing!

Where will you go someday? What do you want to see or resee in the world?

Simple Quote

"Still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate." _ J.R.R. Tolkien

I could use a little inspiration about the future. This summer, Donnie and I are heading into some unknown territory. The prospect of getting pregnant with help from a fertility doctor and his team of helpers is a HUGE leap of faith. A lot of things run through my head when I think about it... Ideas of creating a home for a new little one. Adding that precious new life to our family. Today, I'm choosing to think positively. A new road... A secret gate...

Someday 1

There are things that I think about a lot that I'd really like to accomplish, learn, grow into, and become better at. Have you ever made a list like this?

SCRAPBOOKING
I've spent a lot of time lately looking at creative blogs. Blogs that have to do with things like scrapbooking, card making, and sewing. One of the reasons that I don't do AS MUCH scrapbooking etc. as I'd like is because of limited resources. I don't throw a TON of money at these hobbies. Enough, I guess, but not as much as I COULD. So one of the things that I want to get better at is crafting. I LOVE this page from one of my favorite bloggers. Susan Weinroth. I think part of the reasons is because I am now 29 and think it would be fun to make a page like this!

SEWING

Sewing is something that I've always wanted to be good at, but never really taken the time to learn. My sister, Casey, is going to take a class this summer. Maybe if I see that it is doable for her, I will take the time to learn, too. She is the one with the sewing machine after all. This is a pillow that the same girl above, Susan, made for her baby's room. Isn't is soooo cute??? Her grandmother made a quilt with the same material. It is GORGEOUS!

PHOTOGRAPHY

Besides crafting, I'd really like to get better at taking pictures. I think looking at the pictures taken by people who have a camera in their hands at all times helps you to understand how to find a focus for your pictures. I think I'll have to take a class for this one, too. But it would definitely be fun. This summer we're going to Alaska on a cruise with Princess Cruise lines. I think Donnie and I will be fighting over the camera!

THE BOB!
Getting my haircut as rarely as I do, once every four to five months, is always a battle in my head. Should I chop it off or let it grow? I think most women have experienced this lifelong torment... Here is the picture that I keep thinking I will use as inspiration for my next "axing" haircut. What do you think? Can I pull it off? The bigger question is can I maintain it by getting my haircut every 6-8 weeks??? (I do realize that I am not as skinny as this chick!)
What are you going to do someday?