Kalib blows out his own candle to become a "terrible two" - 2009 in review will begin tomorrow
Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 4:02AM ;)
I shot this about 3:25 PM, on the Parks Highway as Margie and I headed to Anchorage for Kalib's second birthday party. If we were on true solar time, this is what it would like at 2:30, but we are not. When we first arrived in Alaska, the state spanned four time zones - just like the Lower 48.
That makes sense, because if you lay the map of Alaska over one of the Lower 48, the Southeast panhandle is in Florida, the Aleutians reach to the California coast and Barrow is not far from Chicago.
There was a movement going on at that time to move the capitol to Willow, just north of here and one of the arguments was that Juneau was just too far away from much of Alaska, in time as well as in miles. Government workers in Juneau would be home eating dinner when Alaskans further west where it was mid-afternoon wanted to call them.
So, with the exception of Attu Island, which has been restricted to the US Navy since World War II, the entire state was crammed into one time zone.
The good news, of course, is that the days are getting longer now.
On the bad side, the weather right now is horribly warm - mid 30's here in Wasilla, just a little cooler in Anchorage. A warm mass of air moved up here from Hawaii and our cold air headed south, into the midwest. I just hope it doesn't get any warmer than it already is and that a cold front moves in, soon.
I hated this kind of winter weather.
Just about anytime a hard cold snap hits down there, it is because it got warm up here and the cold air had to go somewhere.
;)
We found Kalib planted firmly on his little Spiderman throne, watching the animated film, Ice Age, for about the 90th time. He was riveted and did not want to be distracted by anything.
;)
Out in the kitchen, his mom was breaking eggs to make a cake.
;)
Yesterday, I mentioned Rex's buddy, Eddie, who now lives in Seattle but who grew up with Rex here in Wasilla. This is he. He was telling me about his new business venture, which I will not detail here, save to say that in the last few weeks he has sold product worth far more money than I have ever come close to dealing with.
To do so, he had to run up enormous debts, so he is holding his breath right now.
We used to go watch him and Rex play Youth League football together, and drop them off here and there to go fishing. Sometimes, they would go on long canoe trips.
Eddie served two years as a Mormon missionary and the letters he wrote were brilliant, like Mark Twain. Irreverent, like Mark Twain, too.
That may not be the kind of writing you would expect from a Mormon missionary, but it was the kind of writing he did.
But, like me, he doesn't really follow any particular religion anymore.
;)
I kind of freaked out when I saw Melanie standing on this stool. That's what happens when you fall off a chair, shatter your shoulder, get it replaced and then realize you are never, ever, going to get quite back to where you were.
"Dad," she chided me, "at least this isn't on wheels."
Just then, a big "pop!" sounded beneath her. She gingerly climbed down.
;)
Charlie and Rex eat their salad and mac and cheese. Kalib is still watching movies, but has switched to his other favorite, Cars.
;)
Caleb went out to feed Kalib, just to make certain that he got to eat part of his own birthday dinner. Do you see why I refer to this little chair as Kalib's throne?
;)
He did not want to leave the TV, but the cake finally lured him in. Anyone who has been with this blog for the past few months has seen Kalib helping to blow out other people's candles, but this one is just for him.
;)
He blows it out.
;)
And then he eats cake and ice cream. Sometimes, his dad is a bit over-indulgent.
;)
Chock full of new calories, Kalib then went on a maddening spree, sprinting back and forth between the kitchen and the living room.
;)
He received many gifts, but the most impressive was this T-Rex from his parents. This T-Rex walks. It opens its jaws and roars - as it is doing here.
Kalib is a little worried.
;)
Kalib studied the T-Rex closely and bravely, but he could not be persuaded to touch it.
;)
Let there be no doubt - Lisa came to celebrate, too.
For the remainder of the year, I will do a review of 2009. I won't call it "the best of" just "a review of." I will use some pictures that have already appeared here, and some that, for one reason or another - usually lack of time - didn't.
As I do, I will also include something from the current day.
Reader Comments (7)
Happy birthday, Kalib!
I know what you mean about the weather. It's 57 here in GA today, warmer than usual here for late December.
So, all that practice finally paid off for Kalib ;)
The warmth has turned our winter wonderland into heavy mushy muck here on the north gulf coast of Alaska. During the less than stellar conditions outside, and our lazy holiday times inside, I have had time to peruse more of your archives, Bill. Keep at it! The new year dawns, and I do not want to miss your prose and pics. I especially like it when you include those of your travels in the Bush. Your sensitive nature and affinity for the land and people comes through loud and clear. I thank you.
I also feel a bit guilty when I visit. You give much to this blog, and we do not get to help with the obvious costs involved. I think you should consider the Paypal button. Maybe not a "donation", if you don't like that, but a "membership". We could then consider ourselves part of the blog's membership/readership, and we will be in this together. Just an idea I thought I'd through out there.
May the New Year bring to you and yours continued love and health.
Regards,
Sylvia
I guess I should have proofed my post. I meant "throw out there". I love to read, though I am not much of a writer or speller at times. I can type fast, though, and the confusion gets through. Will use the Preview option next time!
Happy birthday Kalib, from your Uncle in warm Georgia. Temperature reached 52 today normal is 53 for this day. It does seem very warm though because we have been 10 to 20 degress below normal all month. I Hope we see the effects of global warming here soon, it has been too cold.
Wish all you guys a Happy New Year, Nice article on the Palin book signing, Bill. Give my best to Margie and the family.
With Love,
Your brother Mac
Happy Birthday Kalib ♥
I have fallen way behind on keeping up with comments and I do not think I will ever catch up - but I read them all. It is hard for me to find the time to respond to them all.
But my own brother, Mac, has commented here. Mac, I am certain Kalib's parents have read your message by now but I will pass it on, also. It's good to know that you read this blog.
Twain - much appreciated.
Sylvia - Thanks again for the thought - and I am giving thought to it. My best to your Mom.
Ash - Yes, Kalib blew his candle out just like that. So the practice did pay off.
Majii - Two comments from GA! Maybe one day you will be walking down the street and you will pass my brother. Neither one of you will know it.