Moose & moon

As I was getting ready for work this morning, Drift was barking like crazy outside. A quick peek out the window revealed that he was directing his attention towards a rather large moose in the corner of the yard. I hustled downstairs to let him in the house and we both watched as the moose made his way along the side fence. I didn't see what direction it headed off in since I ran off to get my camera and in those few seconds it ran away. The visit is ironic because I was just telling our next door neighbor the other day that we hadn't seen many moose this year!

We had a full moon this week, so I tried to capture it with the nighttime function on my point & shoot camera:

It was remarkably bright - amazing how much light the moon gives off...

Spring cleaning

I'm slightly overwhelmed by life right now. Spring is a very busy time at work and I have some anxiety about getting things done.

But overall this past weekend raised my spirits quite a bit. On Friday I met up with a couple of my girlfriends at McGinley's downtown and had a chance to reminisce about old times. We talked and talked -- it's interesting to note what different people remember about the same event! At some point during the night, we noticed a big group of Alaska hippies riding down the middle of the street (and past the bar) on bikes.

Saturday was movie night with some other friends, and since the film we wanted to see ("Alice in Wonderland" in 3D) was sold out, we scooted over to "The Book of Eli" at the $3 theater. Movie was so-so. And on Monday evening I visited Blues Central to support my friend who was trying speed dating for the first time! I only stuck around for the first 10 minutes or so, but she called me afterwards to dish about the experience.

The last two weekends have been devoted to spring cleaning. My car has 4 bags of clothes and household items ready for the Salvation Army, and I spent DAYS washing our numerous comforters, sheets and pillows (all 10 -  how can two people have 10 pillows?). Thank goodness for our front-loading washer -- it can handle our queen-size fluffy down comforter. And I managed to get 2-3 pillows in each load which isn't too bad.

I snapped this photo on Friday around 4:30 p.m. after my conference had concluded. It was a beautiful day and Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) was clearly visible across the inlet.

It's hard to tell, but that wide expanse of snow is actually covering a lake. Lake Hood is located near the airport and is the busiest floatplane base in the world. I've never been in a floatplane (see the floats instead of wheels?), but have been on small plane flights before. A friend of mine is a pilot and took me up for my birthday years ago...it was amazing! Well, except for when he pulled the "vomit comet" maneuver.

3 months

D has been out of town for almost a week now -- he flew back to the midwest to spend time with family and surprise his parents. Sounds like they were very surprised! Needless to say it's been very quiet around the house. Drift and I have been on some walks, but mostly he stalks me around the house and watches the wedding craft extravaganza.

I am seriously pushing it with these wedding invitations when it comes to getting them out in time. Note to brides - don't design them yourself!!! It's too easy to get caught up in the little details. And after taking that Photoshop class, now I want to get all crazy with my images and create new ones. I'm getting quotes from local printers to see if they can match the estimates I have received from online vendors. Online peeps are great, but what they charge for shipping to Alaska is ridiculous.

This photo is from sometime last week when I hand-stamped the outer envelopes. The table is now a total mess, so it's actually a good thing D is out of town because it looks like Martha Stewart's workshop threw up all over our dining room.