Baby Update - Week 20

At week 20 of 40, we're halfway through this pregnancy adventure and halfway to holding baby in our arms. We had the anatomy scan last Friday and, despite baby's hiccups, we were able to take a close look at the brain, spine and kidneys and even the tiny little fingers and toes. After assuring that everything looked healthy we got to move on to the little tidbit of information everyone has been desperately waiting for: It's a Girl!

Here's a picture of our beautiful baby girl's head and shoulder in profile.


_________________________________________
This is my contribution to Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta


_________________________________________
Subscribe to CoffeeJitters

Bird Bath: the Eagle Edition

I grew up in Alaska with lots of bald eagles around, but I always pause to appreciate them when I see them. I've had the pleasure of watching them in all sorts of different behaviors, but this is the first time I ever watched an eagle take a bath. Granted, this took place in a zoo, and animal behaviors can be different in captivity. I still thought it was pretty cool to watch.

He would splash his wings around in the water and even repeatedly dunk his head under water to splash it up over his body. At first I thought maybe he was just trying to cool down, then I remembered that I was wearing a winter coat.









_________________________________________
This is my contribution to Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta



_________________________________________
Subscribe to CoffeeJitters

Skull Sticks

This just seemed like an appropriate picture to post for Halloween. I took this photo at the University Street Fair last spring.
_________________________________________
Subscribe to CoffeeJitters

Re-creation of Doc McKinley's Dental Office

Last week my friend Sharon drove out to the Dorothy Page Museum in Wasilla, Alaska and sent me these pictures. Within that museum is a recreation of my grandfather's dental office. I didn't actually have any pictures of this installment so it was a great thrill to receive these pictures.

The dedication (pictured above) reads as follows:

Dr Lee L. McKinley

Dedication

This re-creation of Dr. McKinley's dental office in Butte is dedicated to his efforts in pioneering "Bush" dentistry and his selfless commitment to the people of Alaska.

For over 40 years "The Flying Dentist" faithfully practiced his profession throughout the entire state serving people from all walks of life. It has been said that Dr. McKinley would often render services free of charge for those who's circumstances called upon his generosity.

In the early 1950's, he was also instrumental in adopting legislation that limited the power of the State Dental Board thus allowing more dentists to practice in Alaska.

As a youth, Lee McKinley was one of four sons of an Arkansas meat peddler. It was his fathers faithful devotion to good will and hard work that would eventually create a solid foundation in each boy. Individually the boys sought public service in the fields of dentistry and medicine. All four have become professionals in their respective fields.

From this early beginning, Lee McKinley entered college on probation as he was without a high school diploma. Undaunted by the work that lay ahead, he pressed on to graduate and practice dentistry in Detroit in 1934.

By the mid-forties, Dr. McKinley and family became disenchanged with the city life. With his son Blake and another youngster, Dr. McKinley loaded up a Hudson pickup and started out for Alaska.

Thus began the illustrious service of Dr. Lee McKinley in Alaska.

We are honored to create a tribute to such a fine man that gave so much of himself to the people of Alaska.

(A complete history of Dr. McKinley is available through narrative and video tape in the museum archives)

And here's a bonus photo of the Matanuska Valley from Wasilla

_________________________________________
This is my contribution to Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta



A little more about Grandpa:

Meanwhile, Back at the Farm
_________________________________________
Subscribe to CoffeeJitters

Pressure, Repetition, and Time

I love the way the waves have carved ripples into these boulders over time.









This one was really interesting.



This is a little different, but I just had to point out the way the waves have been carving a cavity into the bottom of this monolith along the gumline, I mean sand.



_________________________________________
This is my contribution to Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta



Previous contributions include:

• Happy Birthday Mom
  
• Anniversary
  
• Serenity
  
• Watch Out
  

_________________________________________
Subscribe to CoffeeJitters

Happy Birthday Mom

For more about Mom:

• My Mother's Gift
  
• The Birds and the Bees
  
• Mom in Ballard

_________________________________________
This is my contribution to Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta


_________________________________________

Subscribe to CoffeeJitters

Anniversary

Four years ago today, Mr. H and I said "I do."



I'm a lucky, lucky girl.



We didn't actually get to eat much at the wedding, so on the way to the hotel, we stopped at McDonalds and got Happy Meals. We've gone out for Happy Meals every year since, and that's where we'll be dining tonight.
_________________________________________
This is my contribution to Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta



Previous contributions include:

• Serenity
  
• Watch Out
  
• What I didn't know
  
• Featured Prefromers

_________________________________________

Subscribe to CoffeeJitters

Serenity

Several months before my Dad passed away, my parents moved from their giant 6 bedroom house with no view to a tiny 2 bedroom apartment with this view.



Last August we had a family reunion in this little apartment with Mom, Dad, 5 siblings, 2 spouses and a herd of grandkids. We repeated the reunion in October for Dad's funeral. Both occasions I marveled at this view.

At times I was frustrated that the old giant house was sitting empty waiting for a buyer while we were packed like sardines in this tiny apartment. But mostly I was thankful. I was so thankful that my parents were able to find this little apartment close to the hospital and Dad's work. I was thankful that my parents no longer had to worry about taking care of the old house and that they were not knocking around alone in that big empty space. I was thankful my brothers and I get along well enough we were able to enjoy hanging out in the apartment together. Mostly I was thankful that we even had the opportunity to spend this time together.

Looking at that view reminds me of a time in my life where I was acutely aware of enjoying this moment right now. Not looking forward to something in the future, not happily remembering something from the past. Now.

Savor every moment.
_________________________________________
This is my contribution to Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta



Previous contributions include:

• Watch Out
  
• What I didn't know
  
• Featured Prefromers
  
• Falling in Love

_________________________________________
Subscribe to CoffeeJitters