Here at Last!!

I was awake and ready to go at 8:30 AM…not bad given the prior 24 hours. And I’m feeling pretty good!!!

So, the day is overcast and temperatures are in the high 50’s…a wonderful change from Cincinnati (92 yesterday) and Phoenix (110!!).

It is a slow start day, just hanging out in their wonderful home. I’ve taken photos as they did design and build this house themselves. It is a very ‘green’ home, you’d have to ask Ben for all the details. The obvious things are the bamboo floors, interesting facet fixtures in the bathrooms (not sure those are ‘green’ as much as just ‘different’)….etc. Big windows look out in all directions so they can keep track of their wildlife that wanders through the property which includes moose, bear, red fox and lynx.

Wood shingle and corrugated tin outside finish.

Living space

Ben and Gretchen are at work. Ben comes home at 2 PM so we can drive him back to work and have his car to meet Gretchen in town at 4 PM for drinks and appetizers before the evening begins. So much for that plan. He forgot his wallet, was home by 10 AM so we went in to town for the day. Karen and I dropped off Ben and then made a stop at the liquor store and the grocery store in preparation for the birthday party. Then it was hiking all over town, revisiting favorite sites and discovering new places.

Anchorage skyline with mountains in the background.

We met back up with Ben and Gretchen at 4:15, switched cars and then off to the

Simon & Seafort’s for appetizers and drinks. Three of Gretchen’s friends joined us for a quick visit in one of the few bars in Anchorage that has a view of Cook Inlet.

From there is was a little bit more shopping and then home. The day is done…I think as my Cincinnati clock has not converted over to Anchorage time yet. I’m dragging……

Birthday celebration starts tomorrow with breakfast and then throughout the day!!!