This Week's Events

 

Henry had a visit to the dentist this week. One of the side effects of all the treatment he has received over the years is lower bone density and lower calcium levels, which makes him more prone to cavities. They usually anesthetize kids for this kind of dental work, but like a champ Henry said he didn't need to be put out, sat back and watched a movie on the ceiling as they drilled, filled, and capped.  

 

Storm Clouds like these are rare in Alaska.

 



Chevron and J. had the honor of attending and participating in the memorial service for two of his friends and co-workers lost in the line of duty this month.

"The Police Officer who puts their life on the line with no superpowers, no X-ray vision, no super-strength, no ability to fly, and above all no invulnerability to bullets, reveals a far greater virtue than Superman - Who is only a mere Superhero."     E.YudKowsky

On the drive home from Fairbanks we were blessed with good weather and some of the best views in Alaska. Here you see Denali from the north side at sunset. Below is the valley south of Cantwell. 

Summer is Here

Its been a nice spring, today it got up to 68 degrees here at the house. We had a wild-fire nearby on Friday, fortunately Forestry with about 50 workers and a helicopter were able to contain it and then put it out. The kids have been playing outside this last week more than the last 6 months combined. They each have the mosquito bites to prove it.

On a sad side note, I lost 2 co-workers this week in a senseless act of violence. I worked with both of them and had a great deal of respect and admiration for the one, who taught me and trained me and my 4 legged partner. Although sad, and terrible, it brings up thoughts of what our goals are in this life and how our choices and the choices of others affect everyone. Yet, having a knowledge and testimony of the Plan of Salvation, I find comfort. I have found and believe that regardless of your profession (as long as it is an honorable one), as long as you strive to do what is right and have the spirit with you, the Lord will bless you with whatever you need. Sometimes we may not know his plans, or what our true "needs" are, but if we have faith and do our best we can raise out heads and say "come what may". I have had my fair share of close calls, occasions where the hand of the Lord is all but seen, and all that resolved situations that couldn't be resolved otherwise. Some people shrug those experience off as being lucky, or they call it "coincidence", I truly believe that there really is no such thing as "Luck" or "Coincidence", our lives are micro-managed (in a good way) by our Heavenly Father, and when he determines it is time to come home, then it's our time to come home. Whether it comes by a senseless act of violence, a car crash, a medical problem, or old age, it will come when our Heavenly Father decides it is time. If our passing becomes a trial for others, then so be it, we will all be together again. This belief in no way minimizes our responsibilities for our choices, nor facing the consequences of our actions or the actions of others.  

The garden is growing, we have about 20+ cucumber plants and about 40 tomato plants. The green house is up and we will be transplanting them all in the following weeks. We hope it rains soon to reduce the fire risk, and so we can have s'mores outside around a campfire instead of the microwave.