AK update......

So, I'm finally taking the time to sit down and post something. Yes, it's been way too long since my last post and there is simply no excuse.
Pressing news....HAPPY BIRTHDAY F!!!!! I can't believe it's that time again. Wow, the time is just flying by. Another whole year. I still think of F as that little girl teetering around in the back yard with her wispy hair blowing in the wind, trying to keep up with SM. Why does that image come to mind so often when I think of F?
Things have been busy as usual, but at the same time nothing much has been going on. If you read SM's post you can see that life in her house is flying by with not nearly enough time to squeeze in everything.
We're busy getting ready for the rapidly approaching winter here in Alaska. Fall is here and won't be around much longer. The 'termination dust' in on the mountains. That's the verbiage we use when you see the snow on the mountains slowly (or rapidly) making its way down to us. It's a huge topic on the radio and everywhere you go. "Did you see the termination dust this morning? - - There's a lot more termination dust today." You kind of look at people like, have you never seen snow on the mountains before? WT_? This is Alaska for heavens sake. It snows in Alaska a LOT and for a LONG time. It just means you better get yourself in gear and get ready for it. Today we're going to winterize the camper and put the lawn chairs and in the storage shed and store the riding mower and move the 4-wheelers and position the snow blower in the garage for easy access, things like that. I had my studded tires mounted on the car yesterday and will get the oil changed one day this coming week. I've rounded up my gloves and snow pants and hats and boots, all the necessities for winter life. J is busy complaining about the chill in the air...it's Alaska for heavens sake. He keeps saying he loves living in Alaska, but then he hates the cold. I know, makes no sense. Nearly everyone does the same thing, but continue to live here. Me, I so love the snow. It's gorgeous. D and I have this thing about the snow and it makes SM a little crazy. SM doesn't want to hear about it. I can understand because she has to drive in it so much for the kids. Running them around everywhere with the nasty roads and the stupid drivers. The STUPID Alaska drivers - now that's what makes me absolutely crazy. You would think that people have never driven in snow and ice before. They act like maniacs. The need to slow down is completely foreign to some. Accidents abound and that just makes it harder to drive.
Without going into detail, things are very strained at work. Yes, I'm looking for a job, but it's not all that easy. We'll just wait and see what happens.
I'm so excited about becoming a great-aunt in May, 2008. This is incredible news and we're all so happy! An addition to our family is such a wonderful thing for all of us. We may not live close, but we're still a close family and share in each others good times (and bad). The time will fly by and before you know it our little F will be a Mom...how cool is that. She's going got make such a good Mom and L will be a good Dad, I'm sure.
OK, so I'm rambling. J just got off the phone, talking to his sister in GA so he wants to talk now. I'll post more later.
Love everyone and miss the Ohio family!