I have been instructed to start writing a blog. My acquaintance from twenty years ago introduced me to Blogs. I didn’t want to do it then and I don’t want to do it now. To talk about my life and myself is very uncomfortable. It’s easier to let others shine and talk about themselves. However, I will give it a shot.

As an Alaskan living in a state of such beauty there is a feeling of wonder whenever I look out in my yard to see a mother moose with her calf. I am a tree hugger so we have only removed a few dead or diseased trees replacing one with a crab apple tree. It’s probably posted on a moose bulletin board somewhere, Good Treats at Trish’s house. When moose are in the yard they are considered ‘house moose’ and when we went hunting they were considered’ dinner’.

As an elder it’s getting tougher to get through the winter without whining. We already have our Termination Snow on the mountains, which I feel is early. Coming at the end of September lets us know winter wasn’t that far off. With our 1/8 mile driveway we are treated each year to a golden road with all the leaves coming down. It is a special viewing as it only lasts a day or so before the leaves get blown away.

It’s time to get the yard mowed for the last time this year. We had six weeks of rain and I was sure it would be necessary to hire a map-maker to find our house. Six storms came through with rain every day or night. Sure glad we live on a hill. It makes me ashamed fussing over our rain with the horrible circumstances in the south from the hurricane.

I planted potatoes in our flower bed this year and with all the rain I didn’t get the holes filled like I should have. Since the soil is so good the horse thistle grew with enthusiasm even in the wheel barrel full of dirt and water from the rain. So…now that it’s nice for a day or so I get to put on my gloves, long sleeve shirt and go do battle. They are mean weeds!! Don’t forget closed toes shoes like I did. I wasn’t prepared for how hard they were to reach in there and pull up.

I had a good reason to brave it. I’d heard that with regular thistle you can make rope and I wanted to make some. Now after being told its horse thistle I plan to give it a shot anyway. If it works I will let you know how to make it yourself.