I finally arrived and have settled once again in the land of the 48! My recent move from Alaska to Boise, Idaho was a fantastic journey filled with tons of sites, wildlife, and goodtimes with my long time friend of 16 years. Also accompanying me on my journey was my 12 year old "puppy" Chester.

Some of the fun items included the worlds largest hat collection at Toad River, the last remaining tressel bridge from the original Alcan highway, and the outrageously cute little town of Kimberly, BC (Bavarian Capital of Canada) which hosts an annual accordian contest in their town "Platzel."

I think what surprised me most was how much wildlife there actually was to see along the highway. Our "bear count" was a total of eight and included two grizzlies and six black bears (one of which was an adorable cub who loved climbing and romping among the trees...a real treat to watch)!

After spending a week to finda place to live and unload my belongings, I am now back to work for Alaska Stock via "telecommuting" and working out the kinks that come along with this new reality! So far so good, and I look forward to seeing and hearing from everyone once again....

~ gina

Green At Last!

This past weekend was the first weekend here where everything is finally green again and blue skies throughout! So practically everyone here in Anchorage was out doing something. Biking, hiking, gardening, flying kites and definately grilling. Our state birds, the mosquitoes, haven't taken over yet, but the salmon are running so the fishing types are already reelin' em in.

It's been hanging between 50 to 70 degrees so combine that with the incredible view, a helping of sunshine and the sweetest smelling fresh air on the planet and you've got a recipe for delight! Yippeee ... just in time for the long weekend!

~ Laurie

Just months after Alaska entered into statehood, Hawaii became the 50th state in the Union. Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing my first visit to this gorgeous Polynesian paradise. I truly felt blessed to have the opportunity to see Oahu. The plants and flowers there are amazing ... so lush, wild and fragrant! All the locals I met were kind and helpful. And I got to visit our friends at Pacific Stock, who have the best photos of Hawaii!

Though I stayed in the Waikiki Beach area I was fortunate enough to make several lovely drives exploring the sights and smells around the island. I found each area has something special about it. The peaceful refuge of the 400 acres of Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens at the foot of the steepled Koolau Mountains. The North Shore with waves as wild as their dedicated fans. And although Waikiki beaches are often crowded, there is still something wonderful about them. Everyday I saw people from all over the world on these tiny stretches of sand and shore ... all different shapes and sizes, infants to elders and I witnessed one thing they all had in common in spite of the barriers of language and culture. They were all having fun ... not just kinda-sorta fun, but the kind of exuberance only you feel when you are truly engaged in something. Whether it was a three year old discovering the ocean for the first time or an old timer getting reacquainted with the rhythm of the surf, their hearts seemed happy.

Maybe it's the Pisces in me, but I've decided that I am indeed a beach girl at heart, because I found myself to be supremely happy just standing in the waves. So I may have to make it my life's goal to visit all the beaches in Hawaii! My favorite escape was a fleeting afternoon searching for ocean treasures on My beach ... more commonly known as Kaaawa beach : - )


~ Laurie