I saw the beginnings of leaves yesterday for the first time this year! Today I’ve seen a few more hints of leaves. Most leaves are still in the budding stage, but some have emerged from their buds just a little bit. The lawns are also showing some signs of greening up, too. And, my perennial flower beds are showing signs of renewed life. I have some beautiful true-blue poppies that have sprouted their leaves already.

Dinner tonight was a crockpot dinner of beef roast, carrots, onions, and celery. It’s not been too warm for that style of meals yet. At the rate we are going, it may take us until mid-June for really nice, warm temperatures. Today’s high was just 49 degrees! It still went below freezing last night. Crockpot meals still fit in nicely.

We are planning another trip up north where the temperatures have already warmed considerably. Fairbanks has had temps in the upper 60’s. When we go north this time, we will go beyond Fairbanks but not quite up to the Arctic Circle. There is a birthday party we will be attending for one of my husband’s dear friends at Chatanika. That will probably be our last trip up there this year because the price of gas is just too much.

Lots of wild birds have stopped at the flats. Some will nest here while others will continue to head north. The snow geese will wind up in Siberia. Many others will head to Alaska’s or Canada’s far north country. Eagles can be seen circling high in the sky as they search for food. Occasionally at night you can hear an owl. Of course, the robins and other smaller birds are out and singing at the break of day which is arriving around 4:30 a.m.

Schools in our area will be out for the summer sometime next week. The fishermen are readying their boats and gear preparing for the salmon runs or halibut fishing. RV’s and campers are becoming a frequent sight already. A lot of boats are also seen being towed behind an RV or truck. It used to be that they didn’t show up until June. Now they begin to arrive in early May. Traffic is noticeably up. I need to move away and find a quieter place to ponder.

I think I found a piece of property out north that I just might buy. There are a couple lots 3-5 acres that I may choose between. They are off the main roads, with lots of birch and overlooking a lake to the south. That does sound peaceful, although it is a float plane lake. With the high prices of aviation fuel, most pilots have curtailed their flying to just an occasional flight. So, maybe there wouldn’t be too much airplane noise. There are a lot of moose and bear that frequent that area, too.

Well, I’m tired tonight and wanting to head towards bed within the next hour or two. So, till next time, take care.