Author: Fred D

This 2020 Thanksgiving, as rising Covid-19 numbers dominate the headlines, I’m thankful by the numbers for: Time – I’ve been granted some 28,500 days, 685,000 hours, 40,000,000 minutes to enjoy the undeserved blessings of . . . Health – some2,800,000,000 healthy heartbeats, and still ticking Abundance – food, homes, clothing, utilities, transportation, communication, resources, etc.…

Foothills Parkway switchbacks through the forests bordering the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. It also borders the edge of the forested property where Ellie and I snowbird each winter. The rolling forested contours of our  Smokies backyard compared to our northern Last Frontier’s backyard with its rugged snowcapped mountains,…

Snow talks, and has 3 distinct dialects. Trudging through it above 25 degrees it merely whispers. From 25 down to zero it begins to crunch, the lower the louder. At zero down to -50 it squeaks. Below -50 you begin to squeak, and better get back inside ASAP! 😊 Today I bid farewell to October…

As October winds down it’s getting easier to determine the temperature . . . 5 degrees . . . I only need one hand to count on now 😊.  Perfect day for a hike in the Last Frontier’s invigorating crisp, pure air. Here’s a couple exquisite scenes He decorated this ‘cool’, single digit corner of…

Ice fog is a Greatland wintertime phenomenon that occurs when minute ice crystals are suspended in the air. It requires ‘cool’ temps, and with the thermometer registering 27 we qualified 😊.  Tinged with a sunset’s hues generates creationscapes that defy description. Such was the ethereal exhibition we enjoyed a front row seat at this evening.…

Admittedly, Alaskans are a tad unique. Their lifestyle, behavior and preferences are often regarded as somewhat peculiar by those residing in the Lower 48. Thought y’all might enjoy a few pics of my neighbor with his ‘peculiar’ pet  . . . it’s no parakeet 😊 May all your flights be happy, and your feathers remain…

A crisp, 20-degree dawn revealed a fresh blanket of snow, beckoning from the blazing hearth to wander the pristine winter-wonderland awaiting outside. A final Sockeye salmon run spawned, muted beneath frigid waters’ skim ice as it slowly morphed into shimmering crystal designs along Matanuska River’s rocky shores. Surrounded by the Chugach Range’s brilliant white towering cathedrals, I…

How often have your heard, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? As a parent, this one spoke 10 zillion words, evoking countless bittersweet memories . . . a poignant reminder . . . Time is precious . . . Time spent with our children is priceless. Rejoice, enjoy, and spend it wisely.     …

What’s better than sliced bread?; a year of 3-day weekends?; discovering you’re in Warren Buffet’s will? . . . spending a Sunday afternoon hiking an Alaskan mountain with your son. I M Blessed . . . May U B 2. PS Please remind me to give Warren a call tomorrow and thank him     …

Falling snow has replaced falling leaves in the Last Frontier. Up in the mountains yesterday ‘termination dust’, the mystical white line drawn across the mountains by winter’s first noticeable snowfall, marked the 5,000 ft. level  . . . soon time to hang up my hiking shoes and fasten on the snowshoes “He sends the snow…