There and back again, Part I

Hi, everyone. I've taken too long to post these pictures or to post anything at all, for that matter. Most of you know we went to Alabama and Florida to spend time with our Southern friends and relatives. It was a great trip but too short.

Meggie was the only one of the three of us that actually adjusted to the time change. She woke up before Alan and me and explored the yard on Grandpa's (Pawpaw) shoulders. She accomplished a lot in the mornings, barking at Barley through the fence, tossing pine cones and running in the early morning sun before Alan and I woke up.

She was a little wary of Barley at first.

But eventually, she started to warm to him. They speak the same language, so that should help. She would stand at the kitchen door looking out at his pen and bark at him several times a day.












All Alan's close friends and relatives were blessed by relatively little storm damage from Hurricane Katrina. We had intended to spend five days in Florida, but Katrina blew in and made us put off our departure for the Gulf. We consoled ourselves by going to the Olive Garden.

(My request. There are no Olive Gardens or Red Lobsters in Alaska. I was in pursuit of the "neverending pasta bowl" special which I had three years ago and greatly enjoyed. Of course, that special was not running while we were there. And, of course, it's running again right now, since we're back in Alaska. Typical.)

But we still had a nice meal, and Meggie will never complain about an evening that involves spaghetti. Don't worry. We always clean up after ourselves.

Having fun in the sun with Pawpaw.












Waiting for the waves with daddy. Wait for it ... Wait for it ...















Wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...

...eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

There's more to post, but this is a good start.

The day has turned pretty here, and we have to make a trip to Home Depot. I'll be working on replying to e-mail and making phone calls today too. It has been a crazy week.

Love to all,