Day Two Anchorage, Alaska

I finally got to see the last stage of the famous International Sprint Sled Dog Race during the noon to two time period today. Starting at noon small teams of huskies taking off for 25 miles through Anchorage to Campbell airstrip and back. It was fun to see these dogs racing with all the enthusiasm of any athlete who has trained for just a moment as this. Out they went and back in they came...tails wagging or flying, feet kicking up snow, and several had smiles on their faces...yes, yes they do too smile! These dogs were enjoying themselves! My morning started with a 1.5 mile walk to a Lutheran church. I passed a nice little park on the way at 7:45, the lights were still on, showing a beautiful yet simple display of native culture. Once inside the church I was warmly welcomed. We had communion after the sermon and that was nice because I will miss it next Sunday. Then I walked back to the hotel, got my first reindeer hot dog and enjoyed a trip to the winter carnival. Yep, I'm on an open air ferris wheel in the winter. And look at those mountains behind me. Is it any wonder I love it here? I got involved in the local blanket toss also. Look at how high those little kids flew! It was great! I'll now be posting on the official Iditarod website until I get home. To follow my adventures please go to http://finalistsforteacheronthetrail.wordpress.com

Fireworks in February!

Flying in to the airport was absolutely beautiful! The huge ice packs on the Knik Arm were breathtaking (for someone who has never them before)and I did not think to have my camera ready. It was in the overhead bin and unfortunately I had a window seat so I wasn't going to ask someone to get up just to get my camera. It was pretty obvious which parts of the water were deeper than others, as some of the ice was very very thick, while others were barely frozen over. Such a nice intro to Alaska this time around. I took the people mover bus to the bus depot and walked to the hotel. It was almost 6:00 when I arrived so I put my stuff down and took a walk around. Tonight there was a fireworks display, in conjunction with the Fur Rondy event going on this weekend. It was also snowing so they looked beautiful. And no, I didn't have my camera ready then either. By the time I would have gone back to the 15th floor to get it the fireworks would have been over. There is a carnival set up near my hotel and these people are out riding rides and eating cotton candy! It was a sight to behold, as I was not expecting so many people out, especially out with strollers rolling through thick snow. I got back to my hotel, went up to meet one of my fellow competitors, and had hardly been there long when a friend from high school who lives here calls me. We arranged to meet for coffee, and actually spent our time looking for a parking space, talking all the while. Finally after circling a bit we found one across from the place we wanted to eat in. We had a nice time talking about the last 30 years of our lives. I had a great time and hope we can get together on Monday night before I leave. Sunday I'm heading off for church, then it's back to theHilton area to see the third Fur Rondy sprint race start. Oh the sound those dogs will be making! Who knows what else the afternoon will bring. At 7:00 pm I have my first meeting with the Iditarod Education Director and with that an exciting week filled with surprises, challenges, some frustration I expect, and loads of fun with mushers, dogs, and other teachers.

Sitting in Seattle: February 23, 2013

So, here I am, sitting in Seattle waiting for my last flight of my new adventure. This installment will have no photos, however I can assure you there will be photos soon and plenty of them. You will see more dogs than ever before...finely tuned racing machines, pulling on their harnesses with a frenzy. Yes my friends, it is Iditarod time! But I digress... I do not care where you are people have to pull out their phones and focus on them more than having actual contact with another human. On both flights so far as soon as the flight attendant announced electronic devices could be turned on out come the phones and the fingers were flying. I am seriously concerned about people who have to get their Angry Birds fix before even stepping off the plane! I think the ones which really crack me up are the people who call their friends, in the terminal, and tell them they will be out in a few minutes, then text them as the line starts moving to tell them the line is moving! I am so low tech regarding my phone. I'm very glad to not be a slave to it. I've seen a few Iditarod shirts and sweatshirts in this airport so I'm guessing they are either going where I am or wish they were going where I am! I talked to a few people while waiting for the last flight and they asked me if I was musher. That brought me a silent laugh...if only I was a musher! What a great opportunity to explain how this Last Great Race is used as a wonderful educational tool. All wished me well and said to enjoy all of that cold weather. Thank you...I most definitely will! Back to the technology I see: Hardly anyone reads a real book now and I find that somewhat sad. There is just something about turning pages, not clicking the next screen, that makes a book enjoyable to me. I am now reading "We the Living" by Ayn Rand. Someone gave it to me so I figured now was as good a time as any to read it. I've passed page 56 so I guess it has kept my interest enough to continue. As I type this I see only two people with books. Their companions all have Nooks or Kindles or whatever other brand of reader. I do know if I drop my book I will not being paying a big ole wad on money for another one! I've been here for about two hours so I need to get up and walk around. Next time you see me I'll be in Anchorage, living the dream, and doing a little shopping in Once in a Blue Moose Gifts.

I, too, am leaving for the Iditarod very soon. Saturday morning at 6:00 my plane takes off for Dallas, Seattle, and Anchorage, due to land in Alaska at 4:30 pm. There was so much going on in my mind today, mainly the never ending question, "Do I have EVERYTHING for my sub ready?" I found the last Iditarod assignment my students did- a musher wordle- and xeroxed them to give the mushers when I see them. It was hardly a month ago when I found out I was selected as a 2014 Teacher on the Trail Finalist and I knew I would be swamped from that moment on. But, what did I do? I volunteered to be a shelter dog transport driver to help get some great dogs to their new homes in the northern USA. I was not anticipating the sheer joy I have experienced doing this small, yet significant, part to aid so many canines. So much of my life revolves around dogs in some capacity and who would have thought I would be so immersed in any of it? I guess when a person starts teaching about the Iditarod the first day of school in August then there is truly an obsession of some sort! Hey, after meeting some of the top names in the mushing world who could wait until the second day of school? I also wanted to show the kids the fun art I did to give Iditarod HQ in celebration of their 40th race anniversary. So, I will pack my suitcase tonight (after clothes come out of the dryer), triple check my list of things to make sure I have in my carry-on, make sure I have Albert Lewis' book, Born to Run, in my backpack, and gather up all the memory cards I have for my camera. The last, and most important, thing is to make sure I have ALL the electronic cords necessary for: phone, computer, iPod, external harddrive, and battery charger. Karen and Barbara: I will not have too many, or too few, cords this time! During my adventure in Alaska, I will attempt to post photos and tell ya'll how I'm doing. I will not promise anything. After all, I have vets to watch, kennels to visit, meetings to attend, a presentation to give, volunteering to do, dogs and their mushers to meet, great food to eat, and a little thing called HANDLING A DOG AT THE START ON SUNDAY March 3rd! I've been waiting for years to come and it is finally here!

January 4, 2013 Three more days until school starts again. It hardly seemed like Christmas would arrive, then two weeks are gone...just like that! I spent the time doing a lot of reading- so far 25 books in two weeks. Most of them were two new authors to whom I became acquainted: Debbie McComber and Richard Paul Evans. Their books are simple to read, have no vulgarities and very little indication of violence, just clean, easy reading. I have about 8 more checked out of the library. We'll see how many I get finished before Monday morning. I have spent the vacation writing grants, putting in applications for summer work and for next school year. I really want to work in China for a few years at an international school so I'm praying something works out in that department. If it is meant to be then something will be offered. I am gearing up to attend the Iditarod Winter Conference for Teachers in late February and attend the race start. What an adventure this will be, finally getting to experience the sport in its glory, not just reading about it or viewing someones, not mine, photographs. Who cares if it's 20 degrees below zero? Who cares if the snow is several feet deep (except maybe it won't be!). Anchorage usually trucks in the snow they need for the ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage. 56 days until the race- WAHOO!!! Three days later my kids will get to see the real adventure through my videos and photos!

My Rascal dog is getting older much quicker than I anticipated. He falls so much we have had to bring in indoor-our carpet for the kitchen floor. He is able to walk on it much easier and that's what he needs right now. He is about 14 1/2 years old, has arthritic hips, and possibly doggie dementia. He had a seizure in November and this was an eye opener for me. I take nothing for granted any longer. He enjoys back massages and just being near me. I've never owned a dog this long so everything about his health is new to me. I am seeing each day with him as a gift. Rosie, on the other hand acts more like a puppy! She runs through the house and the yard having a grand old time. She, too, is quite needy at times, however if I was a 16ish year old dog I'd probably be needy too. She's still got lots of pep to her so I am happy to see she is living life well.

I am still taking lots of photos, mostly sunsets, the full moon, and clouds. When it is winter there isn't much astounding color to photograph. I am so looking forward to seeing the auroras in Alaska. What perfectly beautiful photos those will be!

Day 43: Simple

Simple patriotism can be found in many places: Flowerbeds with a tiny flag waving in the breeze or hay bales seen along an interstate highway with a large flag sticking out of the middle of the hay. Thanks to all who display with the flag with honor. Day 44: Simple Part 2

Mom wanted a simple headstone, mainly because anything else was a waste of money. All we needed was her name, birth date and date of death. It is the perfect answer to her wishes. Day 45: Ready

Omaha was the site of the US Olympic swimming trials. A few weeks before I was there and saw this huge fiberglass swimmer near the Mutual of Omaha building. People took lots of photos there because you simply could not miss this guy in the middle of the hill. Day 46: Food

One of my favorite salads is broccoli salad. As far as I am concerned bacon is the main ingredient. This was what I ate on the road in Yellowstone in July- salad, beef jerky that Wayne makes, cookies, & fruit. Lots of variety and oh so tasty! Day 47: Faces

In my classroom are many non-student faces. I have attention getting animals whose faces are unique- a chicken and a cow. One big face is Albert Einstein smoking a pipe. You cannot have a science room without Old Albert. There is a green monkey I bought in Illinois at a museum gift shop. I do not remember the details about it, but I love the tremendously long arms on this guy. Day 48: Inside

Inside was fairly simple. My favorite item in the classroom is Mr. Skelly. Right now he is INSIDE of a bag to keep dust off of him and to keep the kids from having a little fun with him. Jim Bryan, my high school biology teacher, had one such skeleton and I very clearly remember things we did to it. Skelly will not be subjected to that abuse by sixth graders! Day 49:Hole

Mud Volcano hole in Yellowstone National Park on July 13th. I was not expecting such a huge hole so was a cool view BEFORE the hail started. It is hot, but not near as hot as the geyser area. Glad I got to see it. Day 50:

Today I used my cow noisemaker to get kids' attention. What do you think- Would you stop to listen to this funny looking cow? Day 51: Cool

Sock monkey is making a huge comeback! I saw plenty of teacher decorations in Mardel's for Sock Monkey. I have seen it on t-shirts and Kohl's has them now for $5.00. I sewed them so they would be hanging together, then placed these little signs on them to give kids something to think about. Just saying the three evils would not make much of an impact on eleven year olds. Maybe this display will do the trick! Day 52: Home

I love Chinese art and tea pots. The pots were bought in a grocery store (white one) and a tea shop (black one). Their entire being is a piece of art...can't bring my self to use them for tea. My first year in China I met a young artist at a city tower painting names for an unbelievably low price. Just watching him work was an experience because no two names were the same, not even if he painted two with the same last name. And boy was he lightning fast! He did this one in about 8 minutes. I have never found another guy as good as he was. My Jesus puzzle, was designed by Rev. Richard Mayer, our minister for 26 years. This was a Lent puzzle from several years ago and it definitely has a home in my house and in my heart. Now that school is back in session I will be switching over to the weekly themes rather that the daily ones. Once you get behind on those it takes a lot of catching up (This post took over an hour to upload and explain- cannot do that again!).

Day 42: Spoon

There is a spoon in this bowl, even though you can't see much of it. It is plastic, white, and disposable. It is definitely NOT the most important thing in this bowl...

Day 41: Messy

Paper crafting can get messy. This photo actually shows my table before getting messy. With all of these tools and paper you can definitely get a messy work area in no time flat! I was embossing greeting cards and envelopes on this night. Not much cutting, gluing (using adhesives)or using messy materials. Next time though might be a different story!

Day 40: Ring

With this ring I thee wed...Many people repeat these words every day. How many really internalize the significance of them or of the words repeated just prior to those? So many people think it so easy to get married, yet it is not easy to stay married. It takes work, not just cute gifts, a house your parents gave you, a $50,000 wedding. It all means nothing if you do not honor your spouse and respect him/her as well.

Day 39: Simple Things

There is field across the driveway from our school. This morning I saw a calf and its mother. The disturbing thing is this calf was chewing on a ziplock baggie. This trash could most likely strangle this calf as it tries to digest it. How simple would it have been for the owner of the bag to put in it the TRASH CAN? Think about how your actions affect others!

Day 38: Purple: A popular color

Day 38: Purple

Purple is a color of many things I am involved in on a weekly basis. My school, Eisenhower Middle School, has purple as a main color. My LIONS club, Lawton Northeast LIONS, has purple as one of its main colors, and my favorite place in the USA to visit, Alaska, is represented by a purple tee shirt. Between August and May most of my time is spent at school. I teach 6th grade science and sponsor the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which meets once a week. My choice of tee shirt color for that organization is also purple, the color of royalty. Twice a month the LIONS club meets to plan and deliver service projects in the community and the state. We collect used eyeglasses to be used for people in other countries, we place flags in the city at businesses on national holidays, we donate paper products to the Boys' ranch in Perkins, and we provide educational assistance through scholarships and the annual speech contest. Alaska is very close to my heart, especially once I learned about sled dog racing. I have visited there four times, once on a grant, once as a NOAA Teacher at Sea, once for Iditarod Teacher Camp, and once to work in Denali at a hotel. Every time I visit I learn a great deal about the areas where I either work or journey out into the wilderness. The more I learn about Alaska the more I can impart to my students regarding climate, geography, geology, fauna and flora, and history. And the non-shirt purple thing? It is a Chinese comforter cover I found in Shijiazhuang in 2008. It matches the lilac paint on my bedroom walls so I knew I had to buy it. I watched them make it in the store in about 20 minutes. It contains my silk comforter from Shanghai that is the softest comforter I have ever had.

Day 37: Glasses

I could not have seen most of these beautiful sights in nature without my glasses. Now that my vacation is over I will keep these places and things in my memory. Some are from Montana, Wyoming, Florida, and home. Whew, what an adventurous time I had actually staying in this country!