PacNorWest

It's COLD up here.We were supposed to have driven the RV up here to visit friends and family on our way to the Sunflower State but, after giving that some serious thought and checking out last-minute ticket prices on line, we opted to fly up instead.Actually, some of us opted to fly.MacGyver, given the fact that it's been 2+ years since he last set foot in a cockpit and given the fact that he's going to have to hit the ground running (to the cockpit) once we arrive, opted to stay home and bury himself in the -10, the 5&9, and the MTP checklist/handbook that he has.Saved us wear and tear on the RV, 20+ hours of hard driving, and really only cost us about $150 more than driving up would have cost.


All in all, I think it was a wise decision.


So the kids and I are visiting while MacGyver studies.We're freezing while he bakes.It's chilly up here, even when it's warm.And SoCal is still experiencing quite a heatwave.One of the first things we did when we arrived was go SHOPPING.My poor children only had shorts and T shirts.So we hit up Kohl's, Target, and Fred Meyer.Oh, how I have MISSED Fred Meyer.During our time in Alaska, that and Sam's Club were the only evidence that civilization existed in Fairbanks.I spent many an hour with my baby girl in Fred's in Alaska.


Today we hit the Point Defiance Zoo with the cousins and had a great time!We've missed them and it's always good to reconnect with family.I did not bring a camera on this excursion so I don't really have pictures to post.The zoo was nice - the setting was gorgeous.And the fog burned off nicely to the point where I could actually say I was warm!Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer!


I had to resist the urge to buy The Boy a Carhartt jacket.It was a great jacket and I had forgotten how much I love Carhartts.They are a staple in Alaska.But I couldn't justify spending $75 on a jacket for a 7 year old boy.So I didn't.It's very possible that we might wind up living over this way in the future so I'll think about it if and when that happens.


It's been great to hang with old friends here.It's a lot like going home.It was so hard to say goodbye to them in February so it's wonderful to be with them again.Almost like we're back in Hawaii, hanging out as usual.And it won't be AS hard to say goodbye to them this go-round because we'll be back in a few months for Christmas.So I'm not dreading it quite as much.


I'd write more but there is a Tempurpedic mattress along with a warm blanket calling my name.So I'm out!




Pau.




- hfs

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