Margaret Garner

My life in Margaritaville

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Walking in a winter wonderland

Last weekend I went to Anchorage to visit Dave. I had a great time and wish that I could have stayed longer. Had I known that the subsequent work week would only be 1 day due to snow and ice in Seattle, I'd have stayed all week! But, alas...here I am stuck in Seattle a city with terrible conditions for drivers when it snows. Here's the basic equation. Icy, slick roads + lack of readily available snow-plows and de-icer x one of the hilliest cities in America = 100% stir-crazy. Okay, I'm not at 100% stir crazy YET, but it's coming. Made worse because Dave's trip to Seattle for the weekend was cancelled (apparently planes don't like landing on icy runways with no de-icer, either. Go figure).  I digress. 
My trip to Anchorage was great, despite the -11 degree temperatures! I saw 3 moose, which was amazing. On Saturday we went snowshoeing at the Alyeska ski resort about 45 miles away from Anchorage.  We drove along the Turnagain Arm which provided spectacular views of the inlet and surrounding mountains on a beautiful sunny day. Easy to enjoy such scenery from the warmth of the truck. On Sunday we walked on the Coastal Trail, toured Dave's office and ate crab for dinner. It was great to spend time with Dave and I look forward to my next visit (wouldn't mind if it was a little bit warmer, though).
So glad I bought hand warmers at the lodge!

At the start of the trail.

Beautiful views, wickedly cold

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Here's a sample of the merriment I experienced this Christmas.What a wonderful holiday spent with family, friends and loved ones! 
Christmas breakfast in the Counseling Office just before break


At the top of Camelback Mountain

Gates Pass just outside of Tucson (after our visit to the Sonoran Dessert Museum)
 
Got the presents arranged under the tree just so.


Christmas Cookies!!!