I didn't know what to expect in the Ice Museum...but I knew it would be cold. And I wasn't wrong about that! But there was so much sparkle everywhere that I almost didn't mind! Although it was difficult to take pictures with my hand exposed to the cold. In fact, that was true almost everywhere we were, especially when we were trying to photograph the Aurora. The hands have more surface area, and they just don't warm up once they get cold. We had those heated hand pacs, and t

MOST FUN EVER! Thanks to our traveling companions for letting me use their video. I didn't take any video because I heard that the ride was really rough -- and boy was it! There's no shocks on dog sleds! But worth it! Our ride took place on a clear blue afternoon morning with the sun high in the sky and it was absolutely breathtaking. I would do it again in an instant! And I don't regret the ski goggles at all! They worked fabulously! Plus, I think we looked super cool!

What an adventure our short excursion to Chena was! You can see in the video that we started out in our regular parkas, and ended up in our Cheeto gear because it was a LOT colder in Chena Hot Springs. But getting there was half the fun! First our "coach" broke down because the air stabilization bags deflated in the cold air (did I mention it was 9 degrees?) -- and the bus began to list to one side. The bus driver (against the advice of his company!) pulled into the nearest s

A Weekend Treat !!! The Aurora Borealis is exactly why we wanted to visit Alaska, and we were not disappointed. Despite heavy snow on many days, our first night in Anchorage provided a beautiful Aurora. If you look at the pictures carefully, you can see how the Aurora shape shifted during the time of our viewing. Though I took some iPhone pictures, I was mostly a passive viewer. Robert was actively taking photos with his camera and all its attendant gadgets. It made me so hap

We arrived home Wednesday night around 8:30...so I'm back in the saddle tonight, and I want to tell you all about our fabulous trip! But...I need a vacation from my vacation! This part of the vacation, the train trip, was so memorable. Sights that you just couldn't believe, reminiscent of scenery from Dr. Zhivago, truly a winter wonderland. But it came with its challenges...our train was delayed a bit because the snow caused a little trouble on the tracks. But you know what t

Dear Readers, We are at Chena Hot Springs after a long day of travel in which our "coach" broke down 1/2 way to our destination, in 10 degree weather and the heavy falling snow. We were rescued by another pair of shuttles to take us to our end point, but whew... it was a lot. Now that we are at the Hot Springs, it's a rather rustic affair, and the internet capabilities just won't let me process my vacation videos for you. So I will have to forgo those for tonight and tomorrow

So much to see and do! Plus every time we go outside it takes us 15 minutes to dress with multiple layers! But thanks to Robert we are staying warm, and having a fabulous time! Tomorrow I'll show you some of the photos from our train ride to Fairbanks on the Alaskan Railroad and our success with the Northern Lights! We saw them on our first try! We are going out again tonight...but it looks a little cloudy...fingers crossed! Last night we were viewing the Lights in - 4 degree

It was 19 degrees today when we were walking around town - but we enjoyed ourselves and practiced for even colder temperatures when we travel to Fairbanks. We're still hoping that the weather clears because if it's cloudy that means no Northern Lights. Lots more to tell you -- but it's late - and we've got a big vacay day tomorrow!

We're in Anchorage, and it was a long day. We left at 8:30 a.m. for a 10:10 a.m. departure at LAX - and then a 4 hour layover in Seattle. I can't say that we ate super healthy...that's for sure! Nonetheless, we had a successful start to the vacay - that is -- we made our flights and ended up at the right hotel!!! Tomorrow we explore Anchorage!

I can't count the times we visited REI for our trip -- and I loved every one! And now, I check the Re-Supply store before I do anything else!!! On to Alaska!

What a thoughtful, extravagant gift my husband gave me! It has been a delight to practice my recital piece on it these past few days! I really haven't played the piano for years...and I haven't played seriously since I was a teenager, so I was quite proud of myself for being able to play "Moon River" for you. And although it was an easy piece, with my new piano, it sounds amazing...I can't wait to try other favorite songs. I am also very excited to play Disney tunes for the g

Busy Day! Try Tip was delicious -- and our guest Paul brought a fabulous Tamale Pie! Lots of good eating! Cora and her sister Gracie were perfect guests...And just in case you want o read up on the Horny Toad... Click here! https://www.everydaywithjill.com/post/valentine-s-day-and-the-horny-toad

Here's the link to a home run dessert for you or your honey! Have a great weekend! https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pots-de-creme/ And Here's the Recipe! Ingredients 1 large egg 2 tablespoons sugar Dash salt 3/4 cup half-and-half cream 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: Whipped cream and assorted fresh fruit Directions In a small saucepan, combine the egg, sugar and salt. Whisk in cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches

Done in for the day! Ready to party tomorrow!

Who am I kidding? I will be lucky to get through one of these books on our vacay. I think we are going to be either very busy or very tired. Also, I am going to have to buy a little book light if we are to be on a dark bus for 8 hours!!! One of our friends recently said, "Who buys books any more anyways?" Yikes! I do! Though I know there are other ways to consume literature, my preferred choice is a real book! Maybe I'll change my mind one day, but for now, a book is my comf

Literally. The only thing that I have done so far is complain. Robert is a saint.

I love that YouTube chose this thumbnail for this video. Robert has been my Valentine for over 50 years. Lucky me. You will NOT believe what Robert bought me for Valentine's Day! Keep watching...and I'll show you this week!

Robert says that we are going to need gonzo luggage! Have a great weekend!

It's healthy to laugh at yourself - and that's something that Robert and I are able to do most of the time! These parkas are a hoot -- too orange, too puffy -- BUT our research tells us that they are the most warm! And.that's going to be very important when we are outside in below 0 degrees weather watching the Northern Lights. I'm a little Leary about the cold - but Robert is gung ho - so I'm on board and planning on complaining a lot. The next challenge is how to transport