Round 3

One of Abby's numerous presents was glow stick necklaces and bracelets.

She even slept with them.

Round 2

Puffin Is.

I have a lovely view from my house. Another reminder.

Shadow play.

Monument to Abby.

Conquering the wind.

Dead jellyfish of all shapes, colors and sizes at white sands!

Of course and Xtratuff boot for scale.

Enjoyed the last day of summer out at Pasagshak. No pics to share, just warm and fuzzy feelings. I will be recollecting about it the next seven months!

We did so much in the last few days it's hard to remember. It was sunny, but WINDY! We drove up Pillar Mtn to see the wind turbines. Abby was scared and cold so mom took her back to the car while Morgan and I explored with the rest of the thirty people up there. It was so funny driving up and down the mountain, my mom kept saying "Be careful, don't fall off the cliff!"

I think we did pretty much everything while they were here. We missed a few museums and whatnot, and our extremely rainy trip to Pasagshak was definitely amiss, but overall we had a great time together.

For some reason, all I remember right now is the five pounds I gained and the four desserts still left in my fridge - banana pudding, butterscotch pie, super fudge brownies, AND chocolate chip cookies! AH!

Round 1

Playing at Sargent Park and Baranov Museum. Abby loves flowers.

Very rainy Pasagshak. We stayed all of oh, 15 minutes.

It's spinning.

Throwing rocks.

We had a lovely evening. Abby got to go to the playground (her favorite), and then we went to a sunny spot overlooking the majestic water and mountains. The warm breeze fanned us as we played in the sun, while my mom sang and dad snapped pics. It was a very happy moment.

Earlier today we went to the beach and Morgan and I took a quick walk over the bridge while Abby snoozed.

My parents made it in to Kodiak just in time - the last sunny day before this drench! I wonder how long this will last? Will they see a day of sun? Not sure, it seems unlikely, but we're staying busy.

Abby is very happy to have them here. It means extra attention and presents EVERYDAY. She wakes up saying "Grandmum and Grandad are here."

So far we have been to the touch tank, the pool, a lecture at the museum, the library, and on a walk in the forest. We have cooked chicken picatta, spaghetti with meat sauce, and tomorrow will be Szechuan chicken. Tonight my mom and I are going with three of my friends for cheesecake at the Chart Room. Tomorrow church and not sure what else. We have been staying in the house, coloring, reading, and watching Dora and Wubzy. While that is just fine, if the rain lifted, I wouldn't mind! It would be nice to go to the beach at least once.

St. Herman's Pilgrimage

Playing games while waiting for 2.5 hours for a skiff. It was a minus tide and very foggy on Spruce Is. I was just going to go by myself, but it was taking so long I convinced Shawen to bring Abby. I am very glad they were there.

Happy on board.

Fr. Gerasim's cell. "Known as a stern, but loving priest, Father Gerasim Schmalz dedicated his life to the Alutiiq people. As a missionary pastor he served the villages of Afognak and Ouzinkie and traveled to outlying villages to share his faith. As a monk he revived the monasticism of Saint Herman on Spruce Island. As a friend he provided spiritual assistance and gave generously of his time and hand made crafts." If you want to learn more about him:

http://alutiiqmuseum.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=703&Itemid=142

Theotokos of Kaluga Chapel.

Chapel of Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam.

Holy St. Herman site where pilgrims collect earth.

Holy water to Abby's right.

Packed in like rats on the way back. The ride back was the least fun.

Holy Resurrection Cathedral at sunrise.

I was so happy I was able to see where Fr. Gerasim lived. I feel a close connection to him as I care for his collections and have read and wrote about him. It was a great day.

Unfortunately, my backpack got left behind on a skiff. I lost my phone, rain pants, and all of my favorite jewelry. Why would I have my favorite jewlery with me? I wasn't supposed to. It's a long story. Anyway, it's just posessions. I still have the most important and absolute favorite, my daughter, but a really sucky moment when I realized it was all gone. However, I got it back! I have learned I need to have more faith. I have come so far in this department, but have a ways to go.

Community Archaeology 2010

Patrick (behind my head) is explaining his archaeological theories of the moment for this house pit. I'm pondering.

Puskhi - can't believe I didn't get burned! I was wading right though it, hopping from site to site. This year there is a main trench, but due to the discovery of human remains, which happens occasionally, they are only digging in a small part of the midden and have opened up two 4 x 4 m. house pits. I am VERY glad I went out for a day. I would have been confused trying to documenting the dig otherwise.

Jill's "artifact". Surprisingly, in their house they found NO artifacts! Very tidy people there apparently. Patrick placed his HP spot-on though. They unearthed the fire hearth. (Say that three times.)

And nice ash Jill! They had to dig out about a 3 feet drift of Katmai ash.

All around lovely.