JULY....already? Where has the Alaskan summer gone too one wonders?

When you think of July, what pops into your head? Do you think of poolside fun, barbeques, and picnics, family visits, road trips, sitting on the porch watching your bird feeders and trying to identify your backyard flying friends, beautiful hikes in the backwoods, Independence Day, and MOSQUITOS...yaiiii of course!👎

Summer has come around very slowly, still crisp and very rainy. We have had a few days of brilliant sun which has improved everybody's mood after the long, dark and freezing winter. I don't know maybe it's a sign of age I seem to be bothered with long, dark winters - anymore. It happens I guess, even to 40+ Alaska veterans. Now I can boast I've been in the USA/Alaska longer than I've lived in any other country, including my birth country of Argentina. 😱

We did it! WTG Dry Creek Chicks!

MAde to Berry Creek about 24 mi RT

Fun with my son in the sun

Rob graduates from the AGSD. Class of 2020 COVID notwithstanding!. 

Proud of you Robbie!

Rob joins the LWA Class of 2020. WTG guys!

Meanwhile....back at the ranch....life is slowing down kinda, somewhat...still a bit "COVID induced anxiety" but not bad. We're lucky that not living in a big city we still can enjoy the big outdoors, where our cough will not affect anyone close by...maybe squirrels...oh well, sorry guys.

Not much to report other than comings and goings from family and friends. Those that work are at their various jobs, we make medical and shopping trips to the big city, etc. I was planning my yearly Nordic Walking trip to the UK to be with my team and also to visit my twin grandies who have turned 9. Yikes! So by the time I get to see them again, they'll be 10. 😞

Rob tries his hand with the team.

Our July 4th. Celebration was a rather quiet affair, only family and actual Dry Creek, residents. This made up a group of about 100 souls and not the hectic affair we usually have. A nice change. Plenty of food, some games, a modest parade with Tony's sulky and young people riding horses and carrying the Alaska and American flag. More 4 wheelers this time, and I heard one of them had a speaker with some patriotic music blasting away - so a nice patriotic turn out for all. At the end the regulatory "official" ahem...SOFTBALL turnout. Rob enjoyed himself, and everybody else did as well.

News flash: a new addition to our community is baby boy Milliron-Jepsen. Congrats to Kev and Kel! We look forward to seeing him soon. Bless you, guys!

In the past, my blog included a friend's blog (aka SGJ) who has lots of information about what is going on in various venues, however, since I am writing this on my own now - my info and news is limited. I will try and make the blog a bit more self-explanatory with photos. "a picture is worth a thousand words"...or something like that.."

Since some time has passed, I'll post some of the family visit photos. Both our "fly away birdies" one in Palmer and one in TX came for a long-awaited visit. Short but sweet. Siblings were able to reconnect and ponder on their common roots. They were here for Thanksgiving, which made it all the more special.

                                                                                                                     

GRAMS 💗

PL was able to make an extra visit with his dog "Odin The Springer Spaniel

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Hello Family and Friends,

I realize I have been remiss in posting as of late. I will probably make a brief overview of 2020 so far in the next few days/weeks.

As we all know the world pandemic named COVID 19 has hit us all in a greater or lesser degree. That is the one thing that we will all remember for posterity - how we were part of this historical catastrophe - the thing that strikes one most is how capricious the virus is. Hitting and being deadly to so many and not to others, or missing some altogether.

For now, we are thankful that our family and friends spread around 3 continents have not been hit or lost close ones. My heart goes out to others who have not been that fortunate.

Alaska because of its size and climate perhaps, has not been hit as badly as smaller and more crowded countries or even states in the L48. So living up in the frozen north has its own advantages I guess.

GOD BLESS US ONE AND ALL.....

More later.......