SANDRA'S ARTISTRY ALASKA (Etsy)

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Family

May 2018: Yakutat Alaska















September-October 2017: Yakutat Alaska





















May 2017: Yakutat Alaska















January 2, 2017: Sport King Salmon Fishing with Family in Juneau Alaska...

January 2, 2017: 

Sport King Salmon Fishing 
with Family aboard our F/V Chelsey
in Juneau Alaska...














May 2015

Our Alaska Hometown Adventure
in Yakutat...

We were blessed to be able to travel back home to Yakutat for a short trip to visit with my son from Ohio after not seeing him for 5 years, spread my Dad's ashes post his passing several years ago, work on our home and relax while enjoying some sightseeing with our company.

We also attended a get together held in my sister and her husband's honor; we're grateful to reconnect with so many family members and friends.

The day after, we met the flight from Juneau to Yakutat and picked up my brother in law and his girlfriend. They stayed for the duration of our trip.

We all wished we could have stayed longer, as usual...

My son, JR, arriving Juneau to overnight Sunday,
prior to heading to Yakutat the next morning on Monday...
Our glorious Yakutat sunset
viewed from our home
the evening we arrived on Thursday...
On our way to Cannon Beach,
we stopped for a bit of sightseeing and sport fishing...














Cannon Beach,
oh how we missed thee...









After a bit of a stroll,
we arrived at Broken Bridge to spread my Dad's ashes;
couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to do so...



Salmon fry even showed up for this special occasion...





White Alice,
wish we could have spent the day here
although we had to head to the airport to catch our flight back to Juneau...













Walked down to visit with Mother and family
and to introduce Amberly (brother in law Steve's girlfriend).
,
Couldn't resist having brother Kevin pose
with this hefty king salmon he recently caught,
mighty nice, huh?!...
While we were gone visiting
the hubs and his brother installed this new ripple siding on the first stairwell landing,
including designing this ingenious 'shrine' for us two ladies that states,

"The Holy Family / Praise the Women"

~ Never a dull moment with these two, love 'em to bits!! ~
Adding our personal touches of beach-comb findings,
humming bird feeders
and a few moose horns from post-year Yakutat hunts...







Mountain view from our home...
Lake views from our home...

Uh oh, catching rays
while 'dry' jet boat riding, looks like to me.

~ Always having too much fun, says not one of us ever! ~
We stopped by to visit Master Carver brother Fred
to view this tremendous totem pole soon be erected at the Senior Center area.

~ So very proud of him, what phenomenal work he does! ~

Waiting for our flight to arrive at the Yakutat Lodge outside deck,
then it's time to fly back to Juneau.

~ Super adore these benches and tables, I want a set of them ;) ~
All good things must come to an end.

Here we're rounding Douglas Island (above),
then flying across Gastineau Channel (below)
via Alaska Airlines,
then approaching the Juneau runway...
Short but sweet.

We all can't wait to head back...

February 21, 2015: 

Morning clam digging with family in
Juneau Alaska...

This heavy fog during the drive to the harbor
had us a bit worried about the upcoming boat ride...

Yes, the fog was incredibly dense...


Thank God the fog began to lift soon after our arrival...

Loading Sis Nadine and the pup into the dingy...

We made it to shore...

Husband Max was the first to start digging...

Low-flying geese in front of brother Alan's boat...

Husband Max and brother Alan...


Brother Steve, Amberly and Abby the other pup arriving onshore...

And, a river runs through it...


Sis Nadine found her 'honey hole'...

We all were lucky clam digging,
but I'm also super stoked with these 3 ginormous cockles...





Ewe...

Brother Alan's boat on the left with Steve's in the center,
as viewed from the dingy we're in...

Nearing the harbor after our fantastic outing...



A successful and fun-filled clam digging adventure,
that's for sure...



October 18-30, 2014

Capturing some of the majestic beauty only found in Yakutat, Alaska.

It's simply never ending...


Sunset view
from our Yakutat home...

View from one side of the bridge
heading to Cannon Beach...

View from the other side of the bridge...

The phenomenal beauty and ambiance of
Cannon Beach never lets us down...









At the head of the lake along the shoreline
(viewed from our back deck)
these bald eagles fighting over lunch consisting of an unlucky green-head mallard...

Main purpose of this trip was to
work on making our newly purchased home-away-from-home homier
(the AFTER photograph of our beginning efforts)...

(the BEFORE photograph prior to our 'work in progress)...
May 26, 2013: 

A day fishing the Spring King Salmon Derby
with my husband Max
aboard our skiff
in Juneau, Alaska...



March 23-27, 2013: 

Our delightful trip to Seattle, Washington 
to visit with our daughter 
and view her newly purchased home, 
then off to Scottsdale, Arizona 
where my husband attended a conference 
and we enjoyed the 'hot' sun and sightseeing...

Arriving Seattle via Alaska Airlines...
Daughter Renai, her friend Joy, hubby Max and I immensely enjoyed dining
at this wonderful restaurant where I indulged in this spectacular
Chili Vermont White Cheddar Buffalo Burger with Frites
and, of course, to-die-for Ale on Tap...
We left the next morning from Seattle
and arrived in Phoenix, then drove to Scottsdale
arriving at the Chaparral Suites Resort;
whereby I just fell in love with this sleek, black convertible
parked out front...
I highly recommend this stupendous resort with its many
terrific amenities and accommodating staff to those
that are lucky enough to spend time in Scottsdale...









We decided to have some Ale of Tap
and take in viewing basketball and hockey
in this fabulous onsite sports bar...

It was a whoppin' 89 degrees, 
just loved it...
I dined in via room service for lunch
enjoying this incredible
Black Bean Brisket Chili Taco Salad while basking in the sun...

Numerous non-shy birds were
in abundance throughout our stay...















A desert rattlesnake hunting guide
collecting tourists to take out on an excursion,
just as we checked out of the hotel...








We stopped to have lunch at the SeaTac Airport
infamous "Anthony's:
post check-in...
We couldn't stop at one order of these
most-excellent fresh oysters in the half shell,
so ended up ordering another...
This Asian Tropical Salad
was pure perfection as well...
We were awe struck at this incredible Alaskan
photo hanging nearby our dining table at "Anthony's"...

Ta ta Arizona,
what a great and memorable trip we had...


March 9, 2013:

Trans-Alaska Pipeline 
Special Edition made by Jim Beam back in the late 1960's,
a treasure that has been tucked away for 40+ years before they sold it.

It's new home will be at my husband's office
archived at the
Local Union 262 Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall
in Juneau, Alaska.

Special thanks to brother Steve for passing
this on to my husband Max tonight...

Special Edition made by Jim Beam
in the late 1960's...


March 9, 2013: 

Dungeness Crab Sections from Brother Steve today!
What an absolute treat...




March 2, 2013: 

A Superb Day Out Fishing Last Saturday 
in Juneau, Alaska...

Exiting Harris Harbor
at the break of dawn..
.

Mt. Roberts Tram...
Foggy Downtown Juneau..
South Douglas...



On step...
Morning fog...






Bald Eagles feeding, 
notice the one in the stream...

Sun breaking through...

Venison-Bacon Burgers for lunch...


A alcid endemic called a Pigeon Guillemot
(Cepphus Columbia)...

The Pigeon Guillemot
taking flight...






Captain Max...







Landed a nice king salmon,
this is what it's all about...




US Coast Guard boat heading out to perform drills,
with the helicopter on its way...
Max cleaning our 
nice king salmon...
Nothing short of beautiful...
USCG helicopter 
arriving on scene...


Friend stopped by to chat....
Seagull in flight...

USCG conducted drills 
throughout the day...












Fish on...



Awe, just a cod we threw back...


More seagulls in flight...




Waiting for a bite...



Another friend 
stopped by as well...

Locals recreating...





Black sea ducks called Surf Scoters in flight(Melanitta Perspicillata)...


Time to head to the harbor...


Surf Scoter in flight...












Fur seal, check out its whiskers...
More Surf Scoters...


Long-Tailed Ducks or Oldsqaws
(Clangula Hyemalis)...



We can't go out soon enough, 
as every trip is a new adventure...


February 3-4-5, 2013: 

After my Mother's 80th Birthday Family Reunion Celebration, 
my husband and brothers Dan and Larry 
went king salmon fishing the following Sunday, 
and then my husband and brother Larry the next two days 
on Monday and half of Tuesday 
in Yakutat, Alaska 
before our flight back to Juneau

My husband captured the following photographs
of their fishing trips...

Pod of sea lions offshore barking like crazy!
We were told by a local (Skip) 

that these are not the typical species
found in Yakutat (as those do not bark),
but these instead migrated from California...


They were actually quite aggressive...




Brother Dan
waiting for the BIG king salmon to bite...





And, it did!!

Husband Max and brother Larry
were also lucky the next day and a half fishing...nice king!!

The largest
weighed in at a whoppin' 36 lbs...


Mount Saint Elias
Mountain Range...


Nice king salmon,
looks like a white one...

Cruzin' through 
Canoe Pass...

Max and Larry's
catch of the day...


Lil' Miss Chelsey licked one of the king salmon
so Max said she was worthy
of posing in a photograph as well ~ LOL!
I stayed behind while the guys were out fishing,
and captured this photograph of
Mount Saint Elias
mid-day through my Mother's living room window
(using a zoom lens, of course)...

After the guys returned on Tuesday from fishing,
Max and I went sightseeing prior to plane time
out to Cannon Beach
and came across numerous bald eagles
along the way before reaching Tawa Bridge...





Sunshine peaking through the evergreen trees
with ice fog hovering above the roadway...





There were coho present in the roadside creek,
which these eagles must have been fishing for,
as they're fanning their wings out to dry...

This eagle appears to be a mature juvenile
by the dark marking still on its crown...

A juvenile...





I absolutely fell in love
with this character,
he definitely had a
picturesque attitude to behold...










This was another bald eagle
perched on a nearby snow bank
that appeared to like
his photograph taken ~ lucky me...








Silly husband 
likes to take photographs of me 
capturing photographs...

Mount Saint Elias,
as viewed from Tawa Bridge...






Told ya so...haha

Husband Max captured a few
stunning photographs as well...




I capture this incredible shot
of an area just before reaching Cannon Beach
(near the 1st cannon)...

Max taking in the breathtaking
and powerful beauty
Cannon Beach has to offer
before heading down to the shoreline...

Beach road to
White Alice Site...

Beach road to
Lost River...

Cannon Beach
in all its incredible glory...


























One of the shelters
above Cannon Beach,
notice the ice fog above the snow top 

in the background...

We happened upon 
additional bald eagles
when returning to town...





We quickly stopped by to visit with brother
Master Carver - Fred Bemis - at his shop,
although he wasn't home so we took it upon ourselves to
check out his latest carving project in progress...

Lo and behold,
an amazing canoe...


Cedar logs
stored for carving...

His new green dome...

We drove though the village
on our way to the 

Yakutat Boat Harbor...


Of course, 
Max had to take a walk down to the harbor,
just because...

A couple of locals
clam digging...

Once again, 
we returned through the village
to head to my Mother's house, and then to the airport
while the sun was beginning to set...




Each and every place I have resided in
has its own beauty,
but my hometown of Yakutat
will always have a special place in my heart
as well as my husband Max's...



February 2, 2013: 

Mother's 80th Surprise Birthday 
Family Reunion 
in Yakutat, Alaska...

My husband, Lil' Miss Chelsey, and me
flying Alaska Airlines
Saturday morning on February 2, 2013
from Juneau to Yakutat to surprise Mom...







Husband Max...

Landed in Yakutat
(that's cousin James front-and-center,

nephew Kenneth was also on board)...

Greeted by family already living in Yakutat,
including others that arrived before us
(all laying low so as not to spoil Mom's surprise)

Pictured above: Nephew Kabe, Niece Ashley and husband Mark...
Brother Dan's fiance Crystal,
Sis Rhonda, brother Dean's wife Chantil,
and brother John's grandson Garret...

Brother Larry,
and my son Carl
(he looks cold because he drove his 4-wheeler out to meet our flight in the frigid weather)...

Son Carl,
and brothers Dean (being goofy)
and Dan...
The infamous
Yakutat Lodge...
A very comfy and beautiful
retreat where we lodged
for a couple of nights upon arrival...





Precious Garret playing video games
and taking in meeting all his new relatives...

Brother Kevin's wife, Tina
and daughter Alexsandra "Alex"...
Sis Rhonda, Tina, and Alex
(we're all hanging out waiting for the
6:00 p.m. surprise get-together)...

Cousin James,
and brothers Lane and John Dale...

Brother Kevin...

Cousin Herbert "Herb"
(We're all heading down to surprise Mom
at the ANB Hall)...

We're all visiting and catching up with one another
while we await Mom's arrival

Pictured above: Crystal (Dan's fiance) viewing Lloyd's family pics...
Cousin Cindy and her boyfriend,
and cousin Herb with his girlfriend...

Brother Larry
sporting a coho carved by our other brother
Master Carver, Fred...

We're also celebrating Larry's recent birthday...

Shirley Bulard who just turned 89,
and we're also celebrating her birthday...

Tina with son Kabe...

Brother John Dale...

Niece Tiffany...

Cousin Dane...

Brother Fred's wife, Debbie
enjoying kisses from
Lil' Miss Chelsey
(she must remember Debbie's visits to Juneau)...
Niece Layla and Lil' Miss Chelsey
with Niece Ashley in the background...

Husband Max and brother Larry
with Rick Bulard (Shirley's son)...

Sis Rhonda getting
ready to capture pics of Mom's arrival...

Mom was definitely surprised, she said,
"Max!!"...


Brother John and Mom:
At this point most all of us were crying happy tears for her
as Mom often said her greatest wish was to have all her children
and grandchildren together at home all at the same time...

Brother Kevin and Mom...

Tina and Chrystal...

Mom, overwhelmed with emotion...

Brother Dean's wife Chantil
who was instrumental in the coordination
of this huge and momentous family occasion...

Brother Dan and cousin James...

Niece Ashley's newlywed husband, Mark...
Niece Ashley...
Nephew Kabe and niece Alex...

Crystal and brother Dan...

Brother Larry's wife Robin
with her brother Rick...

Cousin Bev
with brothers Larry and Fred in the foreground...

Cousin Helen...
Mom proudly dawning
her 80th Birthday tiara...

Mom's granddaughter Alex
lovingly prepared this awesome creation
working the wee hours 'til 12:30 a.m. 

Brother Larry, as mentioned earlier,
recently had his birthday the end of January 2013,
which we celebrated as well...

Same for Shirley
at 89 years young...

Brother Fred carved this
moose antler with abalone headpiece for
his wife Debbie...

Master Carver - Brother Fred presented Mom with her 80th birthday present
being a hand-carved paddle with a
design he created representing our traditional Tlingit family crest
with the inclusion of all her seven children

Also pictured are: Cousin James, brother Kevin, and niece Layla holding Lil' Miss Chelsey...


[Disclaimer: All regalia and artwork designs presented 

in this post are not to be reproduced]

Husband Max presented brother Larry
with freshly ground coffee and much-needed commercial trolling fishing gear,
along with a case of bait (herring): SE AK fisherman staples...





Mother's Immediate Family Portrait - Left to right:
Brothers Dean, Kevin, me, twins brother John and sis Rhonda,
brothers Fred (holding up another paddle he carved) and Larry,
and most-importantly Mother proudly holding the newly carved
traditional family Tlingit paddle...

Mother's Grandchildren Portrait:
She was ecstatic to finally have almost all of her
grandchildren beside her on this special day
(We all wish that my son JR and Fredrick were able to attend)
although they'll hopefully be able to view this post and know they were greatly missed by all...

Mother's Extended Family Portrait:
She calls us "The Whole Gang"
(With the exception of those that were unable to attend but were with us in spirit)...

Shirley Bulard's Family Portrait- left to right:
Granddaughters Layla and Cassandra, son Bob "Bitchen" and girlfriend Joleen,
son in law Larry with wife Robin (Shirley's daughter),
and her son Rick with wife Shirlee
(Again, we miss those that were unable to attend, as they were sorely missed)...


The time went by way too fast and before we knew it we boarded Alaska Airlines
once again returning to our respective locations, all the while already
missing home and those we dearly love, 
especially Mom although we'll cherish the outstanding memories 
recently made that we'll forever cherish and share...













December 29, 2012:

My husband and I spent a mostly snowy 
although wonderful winter day 
sport fishing and sightseeing 
aboard our 43' F/V Chelsey 
in Juneau, Alaska...

Captain Max shoveling several inches of snow
that had fallen during the night
before getting underway at about 7:00 a.m
Alaska Standard Time (AST)...
Me in the warm wheelhouse
preparing hot coffee to enjoy during our journey
to the fishing grounds...
Heading out of Harris Harbor
and under the Juneau-Douglas Bridge
in Gastineau Channel...
South Douglas...
A series of photographs of Downtown Juneau
during the wee morning hours...




A series of photographs of
South Douglas...


Additional photographs along
the Downtown Juneau
waterfront...

Juneau-Douglas Bridge...

Additional photographs 
of South Douglas...

Mayflower Island
aside Douglas Harbor...

Douglas Harbor...
A series of photographs along
Sandy Beach...



Thane Road and Sheep Creek
waterfront view...










Captain Max looking for a
a good fishing spot 

while enjoy hot cup of coffee...





Captain Max says,
"Time to get the gear out!"...





A south-facing view from the fly bridge
aboard the F/V Chelsey
of Gastineau Channel...
No fish biting yet,
might as well 

wash down the deck...


DuPont Dock...


A sea duck swimming alongside 
as they tend to like to do...

Deer hunters...
Well, all we were lucky enough
to catch today were four cod, 

here's a rather large one
we threw back...
A series of photographs of a regal bald eagle 
that spotted the cod
and circled around it a couple of times
trying to grasp it in its talons,
but to no avail as it turns out the cod was too large
for the eagle to carry away... 



















The seagulls tend wait 
until the very last minute
defying this big boat approaching 

before taking flight...



Captain Max
watching the fishing rods
while wishing that a nice 

winter king salmon would bite...


No luck catching any winter king salmon today,
time to pull up the gear...

Commercial fishing boat and crew
leaving Juneau...



The F/V Patriot
heading to Juneau...

Historical AJ Mine...

Federal Building in the background
and the Alaska Club in the foreground...
The heart of
Downtown Juneau...
State of Alaska Building in the background
with the United States Coast Guard facility 

along the waterfront...
Notice the Governor's Mansion
decorated post Christmas...
The infamous
Prospector Hotel...
Baranof hotel to the left
with Sealaska 

and Merchants' Wharf to the right...
State of Alaska 
Department of Labor...
The Marine View Building to the left
with the Downtown Parking Garage and Library on top to the right, 

including businesses in between...
One last photograph 
along the Downtown Juneau waterfront
before we called it a day 

and headed to the harbor ~
we're hoping for better luck fishing during out next outing
although we definitely 

had a terrific time this go around...








December 12, 2012: 

Lil' Miss Chelsey Ready for bedtime 
(my love:-)...



Glistening and shiny icicles appear with rain at 33 degrees 
among the outdoor Christmas lights 
in Juneau, Alaska ~ Just beautiful!!



October 28, 2012:

My hometown of Yakutat, Alaska...

My loving mother in Yakutat knitted me these precious booties
and sent them home with my husband Max
after his recent hunting/fishing trip with my brothers...
Prior to leaving Yakutat,
Max stopped by to visit with my eldest son Carl
and snapped a few photographs of his four wheeler...

And, his fishing boat
currently being fiber glassed... 


Fall 2012: 

Outstanding recent wildlife sightings 
during a trip my husband Max, 
brother Steve and his son's Brian and Shane
recently experienced while traveling to
Tok, Alaska to work on clearing family property...
An incredible grizzly bear
they came upon...





Numerous Dall Sheep...

Grouse...




In the process of clearing acres of
family property...


Flagged trees 'ribboned'
denoting those that shall remain...






Max and brother Steve
taking a break...

Steve being silly, as usual,
with his son Brian in the background...


Max grilled
quite a delicious spread for dinner...










A quick
and tasty PBJ lunch...

Shane leveling
the property as best he was able...



Brothers Brian and Shane
did a fantastic job grouse hunting...

Zeroing in
on another grouse...


Beaver Creek Fire Department
decorated for the upcoming holiday...


A phenomenal black bear in the thicket
under a light dusting of snow...



Max capturing videos of
elk bulls in this particular photograph in Canada,
including taking a few additional snapshots...





Heading down
the highway...


In Skagway...

Regal
bald eagle...


A great trip north setting much-needed ground work
to began preparing for next year's visit
back to Tok, Alaska...




September 9, 2012:

Our Sunday journey on the water in Juneau, Alaska 
where we experienced rain on departure, 
sunshine shortly thereafter rounding Auke Bay to the backside 
of North Douglas Island, and then rain again rounding 
South Douglas Island entering Gastineau Channel...

Since the commercial fishing season has come to an end, 
we decided to try our luck sport fishing for the much-prized 
mighty King Salmon at a couple of areas along the way...

First and foremost
with the rain pouring down outside on this chilly morning
was for piping hot, 

freshly perked mugs of coffee...
Commercial fishing boats
were coming and going...
Two Alaska Marine Highway
ferries in port...





Slowed down, now Max is
getting sport fishing gear out...

Miss Chelsey
overseeing most everything...





No King Salmon yet,
although still fishing...





A power troller named the Sunset 
ends up catching up with us...

Miss Chelsey
doing what she loves best...
 


This was quite the sight
with this particular boat hauling one aluminum boat,
while towing another...


A close-up of the Sunset power troller
as it caught up to us...
 


We were definitely ecstatic to
finally land this nice, fat white King Salmon...








Yep, Miss Chelsey got up-close-and-personal
overseeing the landing of this King Salmon too...


Nearing the point of the backside
of South Douglas Island when the fog and rain roll in...


We've arrived
in Gastineau Channel...


Captain Max slowed down the F/V Chelsey
and switched to auto-pilot to get the sport fishing gear
in the water once again...

It's super foggy and
crazy-rainy out there...

Time to prepare 
breakfast...


Dupont Dock...

Southern view
of Gastineau Channel...

Captain Max
working on the fly bridge...

We so appreciate having the comforts of a nice, 
warm and dry cabin
while fishing on a wet and blustery fall day...

A grumpy Miss Chelsey did not appreciate
being awakened from her much-needed nap
by all the commotion on the fly bridge...

No luck catching additional King Salmon,
so time to pull in the sport fishing gear and head to town...



One cruise ship heading south in Gastineau Channel,
while 4 remain in port
(a busy 'tourist day' in Juneau)...

Treadwell Ice Arena...

Sandy Beach...

Douglas Boat Harbor
undergoing renovation work...

South Douglas
waterfront...

The following are the 4 remaining cruise ships
in port in Downtown Juneau
(3 tied to the docks,
and 1 anchored in Gastineau Channel)...



Downtown Juneau...



Approaching
Juneau-Douglas Bridge...

Entering Harris Harbor
to moor the F/V Chelsey 

during the upcoming winter...

Nearly at our stall,
and then heading home with our nice, white King Salmon -
another spectacular day aboard the F/V Chelsey...



Late-August 2012: 

Commercial power trolling for King Salmon and Coho in 
the outside waters of Southeast Alaska...

[Photographs courtesy 
via my husband Captain Max of the F/V Chelsey
and his deckhand Scott]

Captain Max's nighttime view
at the helm of the F/V Chelsey...
Marine navigational charts
are a must-have...
 



Captain Max jumped  in the pit and brought up the lines
just in time, so no King Salmon or Coho were
lost to that particular Blue Shark this time around...
The thick, dense fog rolled in quite fast
and so did the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter...
Captain Max said the USCG helicopter
hovered over the F/V Chelsey for some time
before continuing on...

On-step after unloading in Hoonah overnight,
then heading back out to the ocean...
 

Military pilots conducting
extensive aerial maneuvers...
 

Blue Moon rising,
with a running light to the right on the commercial boat
in the horizon -
after a long day of fishing what a welcome sight...
Captain Max of the F/V Chelsey
entering Statter Harbor in Auke Bay
just before the storm hit on outside waters... 
 
Time to get a good night's rest, unload fish,
and take an additional couple of days R&R
waiting for weather to improve
before, hopefully, heading back to outside waters
for a final trip in 2012...



August 18, 2012:

A porcupine came to visit about 9:00 p.m.
to my side yard in Juneau, Alaska
while I was picking a few
raspberries for a recipe photo op...

He came on his annual trek
through my yard.  He surprised me, as it was pitch black
when I was taking a photograph of raspberries on the vine
using an LED flashlight, and then
he alerted me to his presence by
softly snorting over and over again for several minutes.
I finally noticed what it was when he was about 5' away...

Pretty good capture, huh?
Well, considering
the circumstance and all...

He hung around for about
10 to 15 minutes slowly walking, stopping, sitting, etc.,
all the while looking at me and acting like he was
genuinely happy to see me ~
(He has apparently grown accustomed to me
taking his photograph during every visit
since he was a baby ;)...



August 5, 2012: 

A day sport fishing and sightseeing 
with family in Juneau, Alaska...

My husband and I heading out of Tee Harbor
with my 87-year-young father in law in his boat...

We decided to jig for fresh herring and got lucky,
here are the first four...

A bright and shiny live herring...

Live herring swimming in a bucket
of fresh saltwater (we ended up with about 20)...

The sun was definitely trying to burst
through the cloud layer,
although no such luck...

My first-ever halibut
I reeled in, it was a whoppin' 20 pounder...

A striking
Quillback Rockfish...

Black Oystercatchers
flying around the boat...

The F/V Spirit
hauling quite the load...

A Pigeon Guillemot
(not a duck, but an alcid - seabird related to puffins)
that breed on coasts and islands in southern Alaska...

Whale watchers
heading out...

The whale watchers should have stayed,
as we had a great view of a couple Killer Whales
right after they passed by...






A great day out on the water with family,
time to head back to town...

On our drive to town
we luckily came upon this beautiful doe in
the Brotherhood Park wetlands...



We stopped by to view how many
Chum were heading up Lemon Creek to spawn
and they were in abundance...


Another great day in our lovely town of
Juneau, Alaska








July 29, 2012: 

Fun Day Trout Fishing 
in the northern area 
of Juneau, Alaska...

Lil' Miss Chelsey
(our 4-year-old, 10-lb. maltepoo)
experiencing her first skiff ride heading out
trout fishing with us...
A view from shoreline of the Chilkat Mountain Range
where we anchored our skiff out
using a pulley system...



Lil' Miss Chelsey
seeking out shoreline critters...
What a serene and beautiful sight to behold
after our 1/4-mile hike up the mountain...

Max in his glory trout fishing
with Chelsey keeping a close eye
on the bobber...

Yay!  A small trout,
although beautiful nonetheless...


Lil' Miss Chelsey
watching Max come back
from trying his luck fishing from the point

(she hiked most of the way up the mountain,
and ALL the way down ~ What a trooper she was!)...
Yay again!  He was lucky,
you can see him very gently carrying his small trout
in his left hand with his fishing pole in his right...

The trout were rather scarce,
but what a fun outing we have had...

Tree reflection
along the edge of the crystal clear lake...
A huge abundance of wild Blueberry
bushes are everywhere
in this location...
All aboard and heading
to Boy Scout Beach
to roast some brats
over a campfire for dinner...




A great way to end the day 
after eating our roasted brats.


July 27, 2012:

We are thankful to a fisherman friend 
named Andy of my husband's who surprisingly provided
this beautiful photograph that he captured during April 2012
of our F/V Chelsey out on the waters
in Southeast Alaska when Captain Max was out
commercial power trolling for king salmon...





July 20, 2012: 

Friday evening family barbecue 
in the rare sunshine this summer
in Juneau, Alaska...
At 5:00 p.m. the temperature
was hovering around
a blissful 75 degrees...

The wistful cloud formations
were out of this world...

A gentle breeze was blowing,
making this the perfect evening...

Chef Max at it again with
his special and perfectly sauced
Grilled Chicken Thighs ~ "Perfection"...

We all felt the jolt when a loud blast took place
at the nearby City and Borough Rock Quarry:
Here are the plumes rising shortly thereafter...

The sun just starting to set 
behind the mountain
among very, very tall alder trees...

A perfect sunny evening with
family on our latest
Friday night get-together...



June 18, 2012:

The hubs and his former
deckhand helping him complete annual maintenance
on the F/V Chelsey while in drydock
before the next commercial fish opening...




June 10, 2012:

We enjoyed our Sunday with family 
out on the water in Juneau, Alaska 
trying to catch a king salmon and a rainy day.  

No luck catching a king salmon, 
although we had a fabulous lunch and spending time 
laughing and telling stories
with our great-niece who came along from out-of-town...

Leaving the harbor...

A bald eagle in a tree on the point,
it was perched there for hours...




The hubs wishing a fish would hit...
Max's Dad driving his boat while watching the poles through
a mirror he just mounted...

Lunch it is, and Layla is quite fond ending it with
a few ruffle potato chips and french onion dip while telling
me some of her favorite things she likes to prepare to eat at home...

A couple of geese flew overhead...

A Scoter popped up for a visit...
A soaring bald eagle...







Our great-niece Layla listening
to Uncle Max tell some of his crazy jokes...
Max looking for action on the fishing poles...

Alaska Seaplane...
A couple of beagles ran along the shoreline for quite a distance;
they appeared to be on a mission of some sort
before they headed into the trees above...

Max and Layla listening to his Dad, Ralph, tell
them fishing stories...


Looked as though they had a fish on,
but no go...

This bald eagle was in the tree for a hour and a half
before it took flight.

What a fabulous day we all had!!
June 9, 2012:

My 'great-niece' (my brother's daughter's daughter) having the time of her life dancing and singing in 2012 Celebration in Juneau, Alaska with our community members who are family and friends that we all grew up with (credits to my cousin Cathy Bremner for capturing these memorable photographs - ♥ you all)!!




June 6, 2012:

Our great-niece is in town 
and visited us when we
took her on a quick and fun-filled
tour of Juneau, Alaska...


We started out with dinner at Pizzeria Roma
because they serve her favorite
Stuffed Mushrooms
and Margarita Pizza.
We rather enjoyed their Roma Salad,
and Roma Salad Pizza...
My sweetheart
posing at Marine Park...
 
My husband captured this photo of
the two of us
in front of the cruise ship in port...
We were walking the docks
and were lucky enough
that the sun started shining...
She was rather taken
with Patsy Ann...
 
Patsy Ann was dubbed the
"Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska"
in 1934 by the Mayor
 
My husband
and great niece sporting her new

hooded sweatshirt (and beaded clutch purse - not shown).. 
She purchased chocolate gummy bears,
enough for her and her little sister,
and we couldn't pass up a brick
of the very tasty 'Mendenhall Mudd'...
 
A view up
Franklin Street...
 
Her favorite place to have dessert
at Tasty Treat Frozen Yogurt
off of Willoughby Avenue...
She wanted to see 'in-person'
our commercial fishing boat the F/V Chelsey,
as she had only viewed it in photos...
She was very proud sitting in the Captain's Chair,
and snapped
quite a few photos with her cell phone...
She had never visited where Uncle Max's works either
at the Local 262 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Hall,
so here he begins their official tour where he is
the Business Manager...
Max's office bookcase displaying many of his
outdoor Alaska hobby memorabilia...
 
Max is describing to her when he was the Fire Chief
of the Juneau Glacier Fire Station
(since retired)...
Ground floor houses the union offices, a conference room, and two bays -
the second story contains the training center, a 2-brrm. apartment,
and a bunkhouse for traveling apprentices/journeymen...
The much-used shop while training apprentices, which has three bays,
and also houses several individual welding stations... 
Well, we only had yesterday afternoon and this morning,
which we're thankful for.
She was up early at 6:30 a.m. getting ready to head out and
dance at the 2012 Celebration, so Uncle Max made us pancakes
before he headed to work...
Our sweet Cassandra showed up a little after 7:00 a.m. to eat pancakes,
and then drive them down to the festivities,.
Cassandra will also be participating in the 2012 Celebration,
plus she entered artwork
(along with my brother Fred)
in the Juried Ceremonies Art Show.

What fun we had, although our niece will be back another day

(she said she wants to go fishing),
and sweet Cassandra lives here so we see her more often

(and she too wants to go fishing)...
June 1, 2012:

We have a family get-together most every Friday night
at my father in laws...


Yes, we BBQ in the rain -
tonight Max made succulent and moist
Grilled Teriyaki Sesame Fresh King Salmon Fillets...

What a treat it is to be able to enjoy freshly caught
Wild Alaska King Salmon - thanks to Max...

May 27, 2012:

Thanks to Casey my friend in Yakutat that provided 
this photograph in my hometown of Yakutat, Alaska 
when I was a very young child, i.e., early 1960s ~ 
What memories this evokes 
(our house my family grew up in, which is barely visible, it
is to the utmost right on Sandy Beach at the mouth of Monti Bay, 
but it blends in with the snow)...




May 17, 2012:


The first sighting of
salmon berry blossoms in the front yard
in Juneau, Alaska while grilling
fresh Alaska king salmon...


Cooking up the hubby's catch yesterday of fresh Alaska king salmon...
And, dinner is served... 
Never actually captured a photograph of my
stained glass piece that I made in 2010
of a Mommy Whale and her Baby...

May 11, 2012:

A Floral Bouquet of a Dozen 'Spectacular' Roses
from my Loving sons Carl and JR
for Mother's Day that were Just Delivered...




February 27, 2012:

A friend just dropped off this gift of a baby 
cobra in a bottle 
from Thailand 
(I've never seen such a thing)...




January 24, 2012:

New test shots playing around with my new 
fish-eye lens for my iPhone...

A fish-eye view of my kitchen...

A fish-eye view out my office bay window...

November 27, 2011:


Beautiful floral gifts from my loving husband ~
just because...






Mid-October 2011:

Max, with his brothers Steve and Roy, along with father Ralph all at the Mielke Cabin (Buck Inn) on Admiralty Island chopping up wood from recently fallen trees...


Max is capturing the photograph of his father Ralph who is 86-years-old
showing the boys how it's done...

October 22, 2011:

A gift from my loving husband from his recent trip to Yakutat ~
This raven hairpiece was carved by 
my skilled brother Fred who is a Master Tlingit Carver...


This depicts the image of a
Tlingit Raven (which I am ;)

August 27, 2011:

My brother Dan's property in Wenatchee ~ 
he's a commercial airplane and helicopter pilot...


Dan's lowering cargo down  at the base of his property...

Helicopter is parked for the night, ~
his dog Mattie flies with him and they're calling it a day...

August 14, 2011:

A phenomenal rose gold necklace with my initial 
and a heart from my loving husband for my birthday...




July 23, 2011:

Our mid-summer family bonding time 
on a beautiful Friday evening in our front yard 
while picking raspberries, enjoying the fire,
 and taking in some sunshine...










July 18, 2011:

Family get-together cooking King Crab in Juneau, Alaska...

First King Crab sections in the cooker...

Look at the size of those King Crab legs...

Adding the King Crab knuckle sections...

Now the waiting and anticipation begins...

Piping hot on the scrubbed cooling table...

Time to cool them off  a bit with cold water...








Yay!  Just about feasting time ~
and the ladies are done making the melted garlic butter dipping sauce...

We took breaks to squirt each other with the water pistols,
oh, and enjoy some local Alaskan Summer Ale...

The best...

King Crab knuckle meat...

King Crab leg meat...

We all told stories while eating this phenomenal King Crab
our brother in law was kind enough to share with us,
and needless to say good times were had by all

(Max's brother has a fire pit identical to ours)...

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