The Loga boys in Middlesex, Vermont

New Video!!

2010-10-10T06:08:00.009-08:00

It's been a while since I've put together a video. The biggest barrier, besides time, is that with all the new software being used by YouTube, the songs I pick end up being blocked, due to copyright issues. This video was made using different music, and I had to substitute this new music instead. Give it a watch, see what you think. The Tumbridge World's Fair is a big tradition around here, and we always enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGUmqk6elys

Summer time, and the living is easy....

2010-10-03T17:47:00.000-08:00

First day of Kindergarten for Otis

2010-10-03T17:40:00.004-08:00

Washington County Field Days

2010-10-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

Not the biggest fair you've ever seen, but the boys loved it!

Lake Champlain Ferry to NY

2010-10-03T17:27:00.003-08:00

Well, I admit it... ever since Facebook, I've been neglecting the blog. My apologies, but I'll post a few pics of the boys from the summer to try and make it a tad more current. All is well here in Vermont. The boys are growing like weeds, Ben turned 4 and Otis will be 6 in just a few weeks. I'm busy with the boys, work, and taking care of the homestead.

Drop a note when you can :) JWL

at the beach

2010-06-16T15:57:00.002-08:00

the boys enjoying some time at the beach in N.C. with their cousins

Ready for almost anything....

2010-06-06T04:39:00.002-08:00

an early summer day with our cute boy Ben... just call him

"Big Boots"

Joe's new Cycle

2010-05-28T15:56:00.002-08:00

1986 Honda Shadow VT1100

fast and loud!

Just got it today....

the Birds and the Boys...

2010-05-23T04:43:00.002-08:00

we picked up a dozen layer chicks... this was their first day outside! Otis especially enjoys holding them, he's quite the "Chicken Whisperer"

Changes in the new year...

2010-03-28T05:34:00.002-08:00

Well, most folks likely already know, but I thought it prudent to update our Blog: Amy and I have decided to separate. We are both staying in the Montpelier area, and will share custody of oTis and Ben. We are still very good friends and are committed to being the best parents we can to our boys, to working together, and playing nice :)

Know that we hope everyone will support us in this difficult decision and understand that we are doing what we think is necessary and best, for ourselves and for the boys, and we value your continued friendship and support directed towards our entire family. Don't be afraid to ask us questions or talk about this with us... we value openness and need the support and understanding of the people in our community. Thanks...

Ben at the hospital...

2009-11-16T17:22:00.000-09:00

more Bday pics...

2009-10-25T16:29:00.002-08:00

oTis Birthday!!

2009-10-25T16:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Fifth Birthday to our son oTis....
we love you!!

Tumbridge World's Fair!!

2009-09-23T13:23:00.001-08:00

We had a grand time at Tumbridge, and G'ma Judy was visiting, so all the better! Weather was perfect, and the boys had a great time!

First day of school!! 2009 (preschool)

2009-09-02T06:03:00.003-08:00

Brothers

2009-08-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

Waiting for a fire...

2009-08-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to our boy Ben!!

2009-08-24T14:30:00.002-08:00

Cute as pie, holding his cake!

Good Friends

2009-06-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

Otis and Ben had a grand time when Sylvie and Frost came to town!!

Don't you just hate junk mail?

2009-06-16T03:28:00.001-08:00

Return to sender!

Big Rig Boys

2009-06-06T16:09:00.002-08:00

The boys loved Montpelier's annual
Touch A Truck event....

Sun and Mud

2009-06-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

First real warm day this spring...

the boys decided to make mud pies!

Two new videos posted

2009-05-10T15:09:00.003-08:00

a couple of links to new videos....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOAZixp0iEA will get you to about 4 minutes of beach footage of the boys in NC a couple of weeks ago... and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acJZAJd9Dls is just a minute and half of cute boys, with their cousins in NC.

YouTube has begun to monitor in earnest the music selections folks are attaching to their videos, and mutes anything with copyright issues. So my great Jimmy Buffet tune to the beach video is not permitted, and instead I have had to substitute some harmless elevator music instead... sheesh.

Spring at the Capital

2009-05-03T17:03:00.003-08:00

The boys had a grand time at the annual "All Species Day" celebration in downtown

Montpelier today.... a parade, skits, music and may pole all to mark the arrival of spring!

Otis and his first horse ride!!!

2009-04-15T17:05:00.002-08:00

Otis had his first try at theraputic riding last weekend, and loved it!

here is a short video... Originally it had a really nice soundtrack

(Lyle Lovett: If I had a Pony...) but YouTube deleted the soundtrack

for copyright issues... shoot. So the elevator music is YouTube approved,

but not so great....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0lRmaXdOfc&feature=channel_page

Giddy Up!!

2009-04-11T16:52:00.002-08:00

Otis had his first experience today doing theraputic horseback riding... he loved it and did
just great! The horse was an older Apaloosa named Holly, very sweet and gentle. O especially liked going around the cones and over the poles laying on the ground... we will be trying it again soon. Yee Haw!

See a video short at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0lRmaXdOfc

goofy boys!

2009-03-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

Horsing around with oTis...

Winter Play

2009-03-03T16:51:00.002-09:00

The boys going outside to play.....

2009-01-23T16:57:00.001-09:00

a pretty boring new video, but Ben is cute!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdlfAoQ5UoE

(not sure why the video quality is so lousy....?)

Winter Wood

2009-01-23T08:20:00.003-09:00

Trying to keep warm in Vermont during the winter can be a full time job, especially when you live in a big ole drafty house.... we have two wood stoves, one upstairs and one downstairs, and between the 2 of 'em we keep it pretty decent in here. This year, for the first time in 8 years, I have had to buy some cord-wood, since I wasn't around last year to keep my supply stocked. As much as it pains me to pay money for firewood, it is nice to have a good supply on hand. Yesterday the boys were excited to watch a huge lumber truck pull up and drop about 7 or more cords of logs, which i will now have to buck up, split, haul and stack..... nobody said it was easy playing at woodchuck :)

Check it out!

2009-01-05T17:00:00.001-09:00

My new absolute favorite web link:
http://www.playingforchange.com/

go there or search Youtube for some really
nice music/video peace vibes :)

Christmas Video

2009-01-02T16:41:00.003-09:00

Here is a link to our latest video, Xmas in Vermont

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRco5RtbKg&feature=channel_page

Here's hoping this finds you and yours enjoying a healthy and happy new year. We wish you all the best...

October video

2008-11-17T17:34:00.002-09:00

There is a new video of the boys at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxQhBRdAEPk

All is well here as we approach winter. We are finally feeling a little more settled in our new home, and with the wood stove up and running we are feeling cozy and ready for snow. Drop a note when you get the chance..... jwl

Happy Belated Fourth for oTis!!

2008-11-06T16:25:00.002-09:00

The O-man had a great few days celebrating his birthday....

so hard to believe our little man is already four years old!

give those boys a recording contract!!

2008-10-10T14:26:00.002-08:00

here is a short video of oTis and Ben singing and playing in the leaves....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LafW_HRh92k

Now the fun begins....!

2008-10-05T16:49:00.002-08:00

Well, we finally closed on the new house! A major ordeal getting the funding secured given the climate the last couple of weeks, but after some blood, sweat, and tears, we finally signed all 100 pages last Friday. Now we will take the next two weeks to begin to get ourselves moved into our new little piece of Peace....

more later,

Joe

Ben's first Haircut

2008-09-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

Wish us luck!

2008-09-12T11:21:00.005-08:00

Well, if all goes as planned, we will close on our new house the firstof October.... we've been ready for some time to move to a bigger place, and now seems like a good time... a great location with a wonderful view... the perfect fixer-upper!

Picket Fence Preview -- Real Estate for Sale by Owner
Secluded on dead end road yet convenient to Montpelier/I-89 (5 miles). Raised ranch with plenty of room: 4-5 BR, 3 1/2 baths, living room with large fireplace, greenhouse, 2 car garage/barn with storage space, play house in orchard, garden, and pool with patio & views. 3.6 acres of land but feels like a kingdom. Renovations needed and left to new owners discretion: solar/wind, small farm, or divide into duplex for income.

Long haired hippy kids...

2008-08-30T16:40:00.002-08:00

I promised the grandmas that I'd post some pictures of Ben before we cut his hair. He just had his second birthday, and soon it will be time to haul him in for shearing! Also in this pic are some friends Keegan and Kaileigh, all playing in the kayak.

Goose Egg

2008-08-02T15:51:00.002-08:00

oTis falls alot. Not his fault, and as he is getting older and pushing himself more, he takes tumbles. Like this morning, off the last step of the deck, right into the corner of the picnic table. Ouch. He's a pretty tough cookie though, and he doesn't let it keep him down. one tough boy.

Off to "school"

2008-07-28T16:45:00.004-08:00

Monday mornings, both boys head off to their respective daycare assignments... Ben all day at his center and O half-day at his summer camp. They LOVE going to "school"... especially carrying their lunch bags :)
And they come home absolutely wiped. We have learned to lower our expectations for Tuesday mornings.... much crankiness!

A wet and rainy July

2008-07-20T15:21:00.002-08:00

It's so much harder to find the time, and/or find something of note to blog about now that we are back to our normal day-to-day grind here in Vermont.... The boys continue to get bigger and bigger! oTis is enrolled in a summer-school outdoor "camp" program, half-days four days/week, and loves it... and comes home utterly exhausted. Ben has started back at Turtle Island day care center, two days/week, plus Thursdays at Momma Laura's... and he loves it as well. Amy is working a ton this month, and I'm either at home with the boys, or busy with house/yard projects. Nothing sexy or adventurous to write about these days... just trying to keep our heads above water. In some ways we really miss the laid-back pace of Alaska... and at the same time we are happy to be home. Stay tuned... maybe I'll make something up for the next post..... JWL

HI DAVE!!!!!

2008-06-10T18:33:00.002-08:00

here's a shout out to my brother Dave Valdez.... he promised to visit the sight within 48 hours, for at least 15 minutes.... THANKS DAVE!!!! Now, get back to work! JWL

More Boys at the Beach!

2008-06-10T06:08:00.001-08:00

Boys at the Beach...

2008-06-10T05:21:00.002-08:00

Well, I am back in our Vermont home, while Amy and the boys still have a couple of days with family in N.C. I can't tell you how good it is to be back home, despite the near record heat wave we are having, and the tons and tons of work in front of me getting the house and the yard all back in shape. Vermont feels like home! Here's the boys at the beach...

on the road again...

2008-06-06T11:44:00.003-08:00

Just a real quick note to post some pics.... we have been on the road since May 24th, having departed from our Bethel home. We spent a week in the Seattle area, visiting friends and playing tourist (see ferry pics). Now we are just finishing up a week at the N.C. beach with Amy's family... a week of sun and surf. The boys have loved playing in the ocean and watching the pelicans fly overhead. Tomorrow, Joe flies back to VT to begin getting things ready for the rest of the clan. All is well, the boys are doing great, and Amy and I are anxious to return to our home. More later....

Last Day at ME school....

2008-05-24T06:52:00.002-08:00

Here is a video of the last day at the elementary school where we worked this past year. Lots of big smiles and goofy kids! Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyNP-l11ZqM

Hovercraft on the Kuskokwim

2008-05-19T08:37:00.003-08:00

This is from around the middle of April... took a day-trip up river on the hovercraft. Was really interesting, and saw some parts of the Delta I hadn't seen yet. Its a tad long, and no pics of the boys, but may be of some interest. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHO_oKMZfpw

Hunting logs on the Kuskokwim!

2008-05-19T00:13:00.002-08:00

So here is a pretty goofy video from today's river trip with friend Eric. Firewood is in short supply in these parts.... so when the river breaks up, folks head out in their boats looking for floaters. Good clean fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WE3CvHWwx8

Break-up Video...

2008-05-18T08:39:00.003-08:00

The earlier post entitled "Break-up" didn't have any pics.... here is some video footage from May 16. A big ice-jam from up-river broke free, and word got out. The ice flowed heavy for over 24 hours, and was quite a sight to see! (sorry, Otis and Ben aren't in this video :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmiIzNiV3QI

Everybody out of the gene pool!

2008-05-15T00:10:00.000-08:00

Here are the sorts of pics that never make it to the blog... this is what the boys look like most of the time :)

Our little Cherub...

2008-05-15T00:02:00.001-08:00

Breakup!

2008-05-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

Well, after a long, long winter, the ice on the Kuskokwim river has finally broken up!! No more ice highway, no more river dog-races, no more manaquing (ice-fishing). Unfortunately, the time we picked for our ice classic tickets was off by a few days, since the tripod fell a couple of days ago. But there was a big celebration down at the river tonight... hotdogs (of course), music, and almost everybody in town. The boys enjoyed tossing rocks in the river, and walking among the crowd. Before you know it the first barges will be pulling into town.... the geese and ducks are here, the tundra is all green, and the mosquitoes aren't quite here yet. Spring has sprung... and we are down to just over one week left in Bethel.

Our boy O...

2008-05-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

And oTis is just a stinker!

Our boy Beno....

2008-05-12T23:24:00.001-08:00

He's just so darn cute sometimes!

a little fixer-upper...

2008-05-05T20:11:00.001-08:00

Transportation-

2008-05-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

This is the truck we were thinking about buying....

Goofy kids...

2008-05-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

Just out enjoying the warm weather!

Early May...

2008-05-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to update the blog for a while with new pics... but I haven't taken any, so here are some older, random shots! I should have dozens of great pics from a wonderful adventure to Juneau last weekend, but the batteries died, and I never got around to getting replacements, so didn't get a single shot. Hopefully Amy does better on her trip to Vancouver.

Was in the 50s yesterday, and most of the snow is fast disappearing. Took the boys to the park yesterday. We have finally made our decision, and made our decision public, regarding our move back to Vermont. So now we are in the process of selling off stuff and packing the rest. Hard to believe, but only 3 weeks left here in the Delta.

The tundra is turning green, and I saw a couple of small flocks of geese overhead yesterday. Everything is still very wet... the boys are loving playing in all the puddles! Can't keep clean/dry clothes on them. Will try to get some more recent pictures up soon. Happy Spring!

Earth Day!

2008-04-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

April 22, 2008. Happy Earth Day.
The other day a friend forwarded me what I thought was a great article from the NYT regarding climate change and personal responsibility:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/magazine/20wwln-lede-t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&en=4b8f85b0f7e2157a&ex=1209441600

I liked it so much I forwarded it to some more friends. To my surprise, one old buddy of mine replied with some information and links of his own, regarding "the global warming myth" (!)

I got invigorated, and composed the email you'll find below. I also found some great links which have helped my thinking on the subject, and I would encourage anyone/everyone, skeptic or believer to check out the following links:

1. this first guy is a science teacher, and has made it his personal mission to get the word out, and does so with eloquence and wit. He has dozens of videos, check out this one first, and proceed from there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oCYW4ScUnw

2. In turn, the same guy turned me on to this next link, which is just a tremendous resource:
http://gristmill.grist.org/skeptics

I know that the few people who actually read this blog are mostly looking for pictures of oTis and Ben, but these are issues important to me BECAUSE of oTis and Ben.... so check them out!

Here's my letter to Tom, feel free to skip!

Tom Tom Tom, my friend...
I was going to just let your reply go by uncontested, but then I realized that today is Earth Day (!) so I have to put 2 more cents into the kitty. If I was less tired after getting two screaming kids to bed, I'd compose on screen the reply I've been composing on/off all day in my head.... but it's late here in Alaska, so I'll take the easy way out (for now) and let the smart/goofy guy in this video present at least one interesting way of looking at the Global Warming Question:
View all 9 minutes at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF_anaVcCXg&feature=related

Hey, Global Warming may not be happening at all, if you listen to some skeptics, or if it is, it aint our fault. (“not me, not me” screams Otis)

Perhaps... but I find it ironic that you, a guy who sells insurance for a living, an industry based entirely on the premise that "MAYBE bad stuff might happen, so you had better be prepared and reduce your risk" (i.e. buy coverage from me) has a hard time grasping the risk associated with not doing anything regarding climate change.

I accept the premise that global warming is a dire threat not only because of all the hard science and overwhelming evidence, but primarily and simply based on my own observations that "actions have consequences"... plain and simple. Put DDT in the food chain, and bird populations decline. Spill millions of gallons of crude oil in Prince William Sound, and marine mammals die. Over-fish the North Atlantic, and the Cod fisheries in the Grand Banks grind to a halt. Smoke cigarettes, get sick. Drive your 4-wheeler on the Tundra or in the dessert, you tear it up. Burn fossil fuels at a tremendous rate, effect the delicate balance of the eco-system. It’s not rocket science. Just simple observations of the laws of cause and effect.

Typically, the folks who argue against doing something to protect the environment are the same folks who stand to profit from maintaining the status quo. Guys who cut old growth in the Pacific Northwest say that there is nothing wrong with dropping ancient trees… their livelihoods depend on that perspective. DOW argued vehemently that DDT was benign, and did not harm the environment. In the 1950’s, a well-known commercial aired on television, featuring a physician touting the health benefits of a good smoke.

When it comes to everyday folks and their reluctance to take action regarding the environment, I believe it fundamentally boils down to folks not wanting to be bothered. It’s just too much hassle to recycle, or walk, or turn off the lights. Here in SW Alaska folks can’t be bothered to turn their engines off while they spend an hour and a half eating breakfast inside the restaurant… just too dern much trouble to turn that key. These are the same people who complain that the fishing aint what it used to be, and the summers are getting warmer and the winters shorter. It’s far easier to say “there’s no proof! No need for me to change my lifestyle, or to reduce my consumption, or to feel responsible for my actions! I can’t be bothered. I’ll wait until the proof is in.”

Listen…. let’s disregard the entire Global Warming concept completely; just keep it out of the equation. Doesn’t the article I forwarded still make good sense? Doesn’t it still make good sense to walk more lightly on the earth, to drive less, consume less, throw away less, spend less, waste less… just simply because it’s the right thing to do? Because there are others in other places who don’t have enough, or who suffer as a result of our consumption? Wouldn’t Grandpa want us to turn off the lights when we leave the room, close the refrigerator door, eat what’s on our plate, just because it’s the right thing to do? Isn’t it ok for us to be inconvenienced, just a little, if it means we can reduce our impact? Isn’t the lesson we want to teach our boys to “take and use just what you need, no more?”

When I hear Rush and others say things like ‘the earth is just too big, nothing we as humans can do can have a lasting effect on the entire planet’ I think to myself here is someone who hasn’t traveled enough. Because what I’ve seen around the globe is that our actions have a very real and very significant impact on the planet… and I don’t need a scientist to tell me… I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Our actions can and do have an effect…. Locally and globally. The Earth aint really that big. And it belongs to all of us.

And all of us are stewards; responsible to leave things at least as good as we found them, if not better. I want your kids and my kids to be able to breath the air, roam the wilds, search for animals, and explore and experience the planet…. Just like we were able to do as kids. So forgive me if I crawl up on my high horse when I read your response about the ‘global warming scam’…. because I presume then that, since you seem to be suggesting our actions are not having a negative effect, we then have no obligation to change our actions or take responsibility. And to that, Sir, I soundly disagree!

Aren’t you glad this is the short version!? Watch the video, and let’s continue the conversation.
Yours in conservation,
JWL

Latest Video!

2008-04-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

The latest video!

Catch The Last Dog Race of the Year at the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3AWzbLw8iw

Recent letter to a friend: Spring Notes

2008-04-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Great to hear from you guys....!

Sorry, but Spike is not our dog, just the neighbor's puppy. She doesn't have as much free-reign as she used to-tied in the yard now.... puppy-hood is short lived in the Bush.

Your note gives me an excuse to tell you our spring is fast arriving! I went out this afternoon for what will absolutely be the last ski of the season. Was mostly puddles and shush, really had to stick to high ground to find any whitestuff at all.... soaking wet, just silly to even try. Looking around at the pockmarked tundra, what used to be a sea of deep snow is now ponds and small green islands. 'Looks like Duck country', I said to myself. 10 minutes later 4 mallards flew directly overhead, going straight east, up river, the first birds that weren't ravens I've seen in a very long time.

The snow-go's are still trying, but mostly look like jet-ski's out there, and the 4-wheelers are getting stuck. The town's roads are an unbelievable mess, not sure how I will walk to school tomorrow. Yesterday I had a big adventure and hopped on the Kuskokwim's Hovercraft and went up river to Akiak and Kwethluck on a grocery run. Something I've been trying to do for months... finally made it. A fascinating rig, half boat half plane, floating up the river and over the melting snow. As soon as breakup hits in earnest they'll be grounded for about 6 weeks. I'll get some pics or video out soon... really not that exciting to look at, but it was good fun to ride with the skipper up top and watch him at the helm. Saw one fox, lots of ptarmigan, and dozens of locals out Manaquing (ice fishing) on both rivers. And saw lots and lots of sugar cereal, beef jerky, Dr. Pepper and Pepsi get off-loaded at both drops. Yummmm....

Speaking of yum, dinner tonight was Bean and Barely stew with Caribou roast, that was yummy, but a better meal for 30 below than 45 above. We are trying to clean out the fridge. Still have 4 or 5 Silver steaks to cook up! The boys can't get enough of playing in the puddles and getting soaking wet. They're immersed in their nightly dose of Blues Clues (the old version, with Steve, not that dorko Joe)... they can't get enough of that either. Ben has a fat lip from a big fall today, and flaxen golden curls (we have yet to cut his hair :) Otis is loving school and is working hard on potty training. They are playing together more and more; big fun to watch them wrestle or chase one another. Amy and I are taking separate mini-vacation weekends coming up. I go to Juneau next weekend, just to relax and be in 'town'... and will also take a full day on the ferry to sail up to Skagway and back. Looking forward to good coffee and maybe a bookstore.

Amy will head to Vancouver to visit friends the following weekend. Then we get busy, gearing up for the start of summer. Lots to do! We will spend a week in seattle and visit friends (including Hope and Paul, and Amy and Tully), and then it's off to NC for a week on the beach with Amy's family. Looking forward to cousin time and getting the boys in the water. But oh my garsh, we will have to be cautious, they have only Alaskan Winter Tans, as does their Papa. Hello sunscreen.

Looks like we may be able to get back in our house by early June after all (after a potential mix-up that would have kept us homeless until the first of July.) We are very much looking forward to our return to Vermont. I'll cut it off here, long enough already. Keep your eyes open for new video soon.

Love, Joe and Amy, oTis and Ben

April Dogsled Races

2008-04-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

Took the boys for what will likely be one of the last dog-mushing races of the season. We helped a friend get his team up to the line, and watched as all 10 teams took off, two minutes apart, for a short 16 mile "sprint" race. Much warmer than the last time we went to a race start... mid-thirties today, compared to minus 25 last time. The boys enjoyed walking in the wet snow and playing on the sled.... we took some pics and chatted with friends. Our outing for the weekend!

Ben's new glasses...

2008-04-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

Latest Video

2008-04-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

See the newest video at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrXUq7lz3Vo

Just some footage of the boys playing in the melting snow and puddles, and a marauding neighborhood puppy named Spike!

HAPPY EASTER!

2008-03-23T19:16:00.001-08:00

Happy Spring!

2008-03-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

So the first morning of Spring found us here in Bethel at 30 below!

it's warmed up some today, but yesterday.... the sat. before Easter,

was still darn cold while the local kids joined in the Egg Hunt at the park

(20 below with wind-chill). Our boys lasted for just long enough to gather

a couple of eggs and then we were all ready to head home and inside.

This has been a stay-at-home weekend, with everyone suffering from

runny noses. But it has been gorgeous and sunny, despite the cold, perfect

for backyard skiing.

Kenai Kids...

2008-03-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful visit with our friend Geri Litzen and her two delightful daughters

Penelope (9) and Chena (11) down in Kenai. Husband Mike was busy flying for the Iditarod....

so it was just us and the horses, rabbits, and all the toys in the hanger :)

The boys had a great time, and we can't say thanks enough to Geri for opening up her home to us. They loved the horses, feeding the rabbits, and the eagle trying to catch an unsuspecting squirrel out back. Thanks Geri!!

2008-03-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Joe with buddy Tim Walters

the start from Above...

2008-03-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

more pics from Iditarod....

2008-03-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

a few more pics of the race.....

Spring Break...

2008-03-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Amazing... we've been in Anchorage and Kenai for the last week, enjoying our spring break. When we left, it was 20 below plus the wind-chill, with plenty of fluffy white snow all around. Now we're back, and it feels like spring is (almost) in the air. The sun is setting later and much further in the west. There are new birds flying around, not just the winter flock of ravens... and there's lots of green showing through on the tundra out back. Still plenty of snow-machines out back, but fewer dog teams. Just a matter of time now before break-up and mud season... yee-haw. I was able to catch the start of the Iditarod in Anchorage... what a spectacle! 96 teams starting out on a cold and windy Saturday morning, on the snow trucked in overnight for the opening ceremony. I was able to chat with a couple of the mushers and caught up with Bethel's own Jessica Klejka, winner of the Jr. Iditarod. She and her father got to start things off first out of the gate. For more info, check out these web-sites:

http://www.iditarod.com/

http://www.jriditarod.com/

Bethel in February...

2008-02-19T20:41:00.001-09:00

Here is a link to a video showing the views from our backyard, some visiting friends,
and a pal's dog-yard. (music by Lowen and Navarro) A taste of Bethel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0LMfxl0t-4

Alaskan Wildlife!

2008-02-07T19:14:00.000-09:00

Caught this rare moment when two snow-bears took a brief

peek out from their winter lair.... somebody call National Geographic!

Yupik Elder

2008-02-07T18:44:00.000-09:00

This gentlemen is an Elder in the Yupik community, and lives near us. Nearly everyday,

no matter how cold, I see him out on the frozen pond behind our house. He brings a sled, shovel, axe, and sometimes his dog... and chops blocks of ice to take back home. He says he and his wife don't care for the city water, and that this water is good and healthy for them. Yesterday it was more than 30 below with wind chill, and I was out for a (short!) ski... and there he was again.

I always stop and chat.... today I brought my camera and took this photo. (That's a great seal-skin cap he is wearing)

Brrrrrrrr......

2008-02-04T09:34:00.000-09:00

20 below this morning, and with the windchill it drops to 50 to 60 degrees below zero....

no skiing today!

Here is a picture of a lovely "Raven Angel" I found yesterday......

More school-kid pics

2008-01-30T20:03:00.000-09:00

Something a little more cheerful to help me forget about our Property woes..... :)

You win some.... you lose some.....

2008-01-30T19:41:00.000-09:00

So I came home yesterday and happened to be online....
I often check the hometown newspaper to see what's going on back in Vermont.
This is the headline that greeted my eyes:

Montpelier property management firm, under probe by police, had extensive problems

as you may have guessed.... the property firm in question is indeed one
"Parkside Properties"... the very same folks managing our home while we are away.
They have closed up shop and are under investigation by the State's Attorne General's Office, the Police Department, and the FBI.

We haven't recieved our checks yet for December or January, and now I am beginning to understand why they wouldn't return my emails or calls.

All told, between us and our tenants, we are out about $5k. Not so nice.....

Read the full article at:
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080130/NEWS01/801300350

Arizona Photo Collage...

2008-01-26T22:57:00.000-09:00

Playing with this new software... here are some pics from our Xmas holiday in Tucson.

Click to enlarge... enjoy!

Weathered in at Kipnuk...

2008-01-26T22:18:00.001-09:00

I went out to the village of Kipnuk (pop. 600?) this week to work with a kiddo there... supposed to just stay one night, BUT a pretty good blizzard blew in so ended up not getting back home until yesterday! It was really fine, I enjoyed getting a taste of village life... makes Bethel feel like a bustling metropolis!

Kuskokwim 300 and Bogus Creek 150

2008-01-22T20:25:00.000-09:00

So this last weekend was a big one for the Delta... Bethel hosted 3 big dogsled races; the Kuskokwim 300, the Bogus Creek 150, and the Akiak Dash. We had great weather Friday for the start. I went down to the river early to help, and was lucky enough to be able to help at the start (you can see me in the red jacket in the pic at left). This really is a great race, and many of the Iditarod racers come here to continue their training. The whole town was involved one way or another, and it was great fun. Amy came down with friends and the boys to see the starts and for the fireworks later. The hovercraft floated in and gave out free hotdogs to everyone! See the video link on YouTube for a short and silly video of the start of the BC 150. The only problem was the weather really got bad later in the weekend, it turned very warm and very windy, and most of our beautiful snow melted away. We went to the awards banquet last night and listened to lots of war stories about dogs swimming in the overflow on the river and the trail markers floating downstream. Those guys and gals are damn tough, let me tell you. As of this morning there were still one or two teams still out on the trail, and I don't know how many snow-machines in the river. Welcome to Bethel weather! Click on the link below to see the dogs!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLv6475UeZc

As heard today in Bethel

2008-01-17T21:27:00.000-09:00

From Little Big Bro, oTis:
Upon postholing up to his crotch in the snow "Uff-da"
While looking out our window "Look, mom, Dog Team"
After tasting the Caribou Ribs Joe had just cooked up "yummm"
As a commentary on the 20 degree weather we have right now "Nice"

And the latest from Big Little Bro, Benny's mouth:
"hat", "truck", "all done", "cracker", "papa", and his favorite "WAHWAHWAHWAHWAH"

Backyard Ski

2008-01-17T17:09:00.000-09:00

oTis and Joe out for a short ski at -20

Alaskan Boy Dryer

2008-01-16T16:59:00.000-09:00

The boys got a little soggy playing outside the other day, so I tossed 'em in straight in the dryer...
worked great!

Vermont babies rock!

2008-01-11T22:27:00.000-09:00

The picture is Sam, baby boy of our dear friends Aaron and Christine in Vermont...wearing a shirt that Amy gave Sam. They attended a Hillary event in NH, and Sam ended up making the news!!

Below is Papa Aaron's take on events:

Dear Friends,
Many of the national media pundits have refused to acknowledge that it was an endorsement by Vermont Independent Sam Brondyke that nudged Hillary Clinton's campaign to victory in the New Hampshire Primary. Brondyke provided his endorsement at a January 5 rally at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook, NH.

Near the end of this Fox News video, you can watch Sam personally being shown to his seat by Hillary Clinton. He is being carried by Christine, who is wearing the purple fleece vest. Chelsea Clinton removes the metal barrier in front of the stage to open up Sam's VIP seating, which is located stage right, immediately behind the Senator's water bottle:
http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/01/05/hillarys-new-hampshire-strategy/

January Notes....

2008-01-11T22:17:00.000-09:00

All is well here, 29 below on this chilly mellow Friday evening. We are enjoying our first weekend since getting back from our trip to Az.The trip was great... really busy, and not especially relaxing, but nice for the boys to spend all that time with Grandma and for us to reconnect with the desert. I spent about 5 afternoons out hiking, and Amy and I had a wonderful 2 days down south at a B&B for our 10th anniversary, hiking and relaxing in the hot-springs. Nice.

Now it's actually good to be back to Bethel and our negative 20's. Came home to some Caribou meat on the porch, a gift from a friend.Next week is a big dog-sled race, and the teams are often out in the back getting ready. Things are quiet and slow-paced, just the way we like it :) We're looking forward to the Kuskokwim 300 Dogsled Race next week, hope to volunteer. And Cami, (pronounced 'Chami') a native dance event, will be here soon as well.

On a very sad note, our neighbors next door in our Apt. have experienced some trouble just last weekend. The dad and step-daughter (12) went 90 miles out on the snowmachine to hunt Caribou... and the sled went into some open water. They ended up being outside in 25 below overnight, and weren't rescued until 15 hours later while walking the wrong direction..... Some serious hypothermia and frost-bite, they were medevac'ed to Anchorage, where they are recovering. Our prayers go out to the young girl.....

2008-01-11T22:01:00.000-09:00

and of course the goofy boys too...

Almost Vacation!

2008-01-11T21:41:00.000-09:00

Some of the goofy kids at the elementary school....

Thanksgiving Weekend...

2007-11-24T20:41:00.000-09:00

A couple of shots from this chilly Holiday weekend.

Almost down to zero, and lots of new fresh snow!

The boys really love getting outside and playing.....

Another new video

2007-11-21T14:54:00.000-09:00

Also, another new Video....

Otis' First day at Preschool!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arf5xAFyglQ

New Video of the boys....

2007-11-18T13:20:00.000-09:00

Check out YouTube for the latest video of the boys here in alaska.

Hard to believe oTis is three already. Some footage of Ben's first

days of walking!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo_KCi-_CRk

Otis at school...

2007-11-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

New Phone Number

2007-11-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

New Phone Number is 907-543-3154

We've moved to our new apartment! Huge compared to the last place (which had a grand total of about 440 sq. feet) and much nicer, warmer, and with a great view out the back. (pics later)
Our mailing address is the same. Happy November!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T21:31:00.000-08:00

Otis and friend at pre-school...

More first day of school.....

2007-10-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

Our little boy is growing up!

First day of school!

2007-10-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

Otis started pre-school today, and loved it!
Amy and I were the world's most obnoxious parents, and took
a long lunch to help him get on the bus and met him at the school.

Early sledding...

2007-10-23T21:21:00.000-08:00

The boys enjoyed getting out for some early sledding yesterday. We have an old smallish dog-mushing sled, and I've built a seat, so the boys really like getting out in that rig at the end of the day. All is well here.... oTis starts pre-school tomorrow (!) and his birthday is the 26th.... the big 3! Ben is loving the snow and still walking like a champ. Amy heads to Tucson tomorrow for a good friend's wedding, so it'll be just us boys here at home! When Amy returns we will be moving into a new and bigger apartment!

Toksook, Part 2

2007-09-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

The second half of the video is now posted at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GquDWVYGxY
Enjoy, and let us know what you think of his rugged land!

Toksook Video, Part 1

2007-09-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

Toksook Video, part 1, is now up at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md--fxbYngk

Local Kids...

2007-09-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

A neighbor kid at the playground next door....