Alaska Living: 6/8/08

In Loving memory of my former student-Minnie K from Akiak

Minnie K is the little girl in the red, on the left. This was at our end of the school year BBQ. Minnie was in 5th grade here.

Just received the call at midnight tonight, my former student and village ski program kid, has passed away due to a sudden (spinal fluid) illness this afternoon. Minnie K, was a one of the sweetest 4 and 5th graders that I've ever had the honor of teaching (taught her for two years). She always had a smile on her face and make sure everyone around her was taken care of. She was also an amazing little skier who absolutely loved her trip to Alyeska.. She was about to enter her Junior year in High School. She leaves behind a son that she had with my other former student "Richard" who took his life two years ago. I saw and hugged Minnie just a few months ago while she was in Anchorage, she was very happy to see me, and hugged me for a long time. It was my honor to have Minnie apart of my life. (I will try to find a photo of minnie and post it with this blog soon).

Minnie K was from the Yupik eskimo village of Akiak on the Kuskokwim. She marks the 8th former student that I've lost to suicide or illness in my 9 years of teaching... God bless these awesome kids that struggle so much. I love them all and def. have a few tears in my eyes tonight. Please, if you are reading this, send a prayer up for Minnie, her family, the community (kids) of Akiak who are all hurting tonight. Thank you! Wouldn't mind you sending a prayer my way too.

Here's praying that Tom's catching them and hugging them on the other side..Minnie was one of his favorites.

Tiz that time of year again, wish me luck!

As all my close friends and family are well aware of, I have yet to catch my first fish on a fly rod...the 8 year dry spell is about to end...I need everyone out there to make their best fish lips faces and wish me luck.."smile" (this fish in these picts were "snagged" with a spin reel.).

Rafting the Kenai River

With this guy..My camera got wrapped in 3 layers of baggies and stuffed in a stuff sac after this photo. All the river pics were taken with my friend Dave's camera..yea, he doesn't have internet...I'll never see them. But, take my word for it, it was a good time..4 hours on the Kenai River (where the Russion River meets up): 3 hours on the main river, and 1 hour on a fun side adventure down a tributary. It was a bit cold and drizzly, but had a blast!..Looking forward to more fun Alaska adventures with friends this summer!

A Few Girdwood Highlights.

This is my future home's view, just thought that I would mention that. The Ski Resort is just behind the tall tree on the left. I will be positioning the main house to have a view of the lifts...you know, gotta be able to see what's happening up there before you grab your skis for a few runs.

This will be my new commute to work..about 35 min, along the ocean, doing a little whale watching on the way to work...doesn't everyone? "smile" Baluga Whales travel in pods along Turnagain Arm here.

This is the view from my property to the East (down the bike path)..Yep that is the ocean down there. The ski resort is in the other direction.

This is the house of my cool neighbors (also from Michigan) Frans and Jen. They own a great eatery here in town. We share a driveway.

Meet Mac Daddy II (esquire)

With phone, internet, movie theater, queen size bed, beautiful flowers/candles, fridge, storage, killer sound system, heater, reading lights, a new amazing view everyday, and a really cool Yakima rack...who needs a house, this guy has it all! So far I've taken it rafting on the Kenai and done a lot of playing here in Girdwood...Mac Daddy II is my new best friend. Living like a Queen here in Gtown.

Summer in Girdwood

All of this within a 1/2 mile from my new home. Living the Dream!

The House That Shall No Longer Exist "Smile"

On My Land...$4000.,Two guys, one wife, 2 dumpsters, a teacher living in a van, 1/2 a community of hippies, cheering neighbors, a few cases of beer, a lot sweat and smiling faces, 4 days...memories....priceless.
A community bon fire/bar-b-q is slated for the night after the last piece goes into the dumpster..poss. Sunday night. THANKS EVERYONE!!