Hoosier Girl – Alaskan Memories No. 6

Ketchikan was our last Alaskan stop – and my favorite.  Unfortunately, it was also our shortest stop.  We really didn’t do anything out of the ordinary here.  We did go to a fun, lumberjack show and browsed through the quaint shops on Creek Street.  I think Ketchikan just struck me as being what I really “expected” Alaska to be.  A little town along the water’s edge, with  mountains surrounding the town.  Fishermen and lumberjacks and totem poles and salmon.  I really did LOVE Ketchikan.

Throughout the town – Totem Poles of every shape and color.  All of my grandsons were the recipients of Totem Poles when Grandma came home to Indiana.

And then there is Creek Street.  Basically a street of shops and buildings built on stilts over the creek.  Lots of charm, but kind of “funky” smelling. 

One of the most “infamous” buildings on Creek Street is Dolly’s House.  Ketchikan had legalized prostitution until the 1950’s and Dolly was made a name for herself in Ketchikan.

 

 

On our way back to the ship, we came across a man who was raising an injured Bald Eagle.  She was considered an “immature” female because she is less than 5 years old and has not gotten her white crown of feathers.  He stood and talked to us and explained what she ate and how she lived.  She knows that he has a treat in his pocket – and she’s looking for it.

 

And finally, after once last scurry to find those last minute souvenirs – it was time to get back on board the Amsterdam.  By early afternoon, we had set sail.  Next stop is Victoria, Canada – 6:00 tomorrow evening.

Hoosier Girl – Alaskan Memories No. 5

Wednesday, September 23rd. Today would have been my dad’s birthday – and today, his children are going on a wildlife excursion in Sitka, Alaska.  My dad was an avid fisherman and hunter, so this day would have been memorable for him.

Sitka, Alaska is a fishing village – pure and simple.  I even saw an ad on television (after I got home from the cruise) and it was filmed in Sitka.  Something to do with dry, winter skin. 

We had to tender here – which means that there is not an area where the ship can dock.  So, the small boats come out and meet the ship and we walk down a flight of steps and onto a smaller boat to be transported to the port.  For us, we had this excursion booked – so our boat picked us up at the ship and we headed out to see some wildlife.

See how the steps just open up in the side of the ship?

… and there’s our ship, as we’re sailing away from it.

Now, this excursion was titled “Sea Otter and Wildlife Excursion”.  In the small print on the brochure, it stated that we were guaranteed to see EITHER a sea otter, a bear or a whale.  If not, they would refund $100 cash to each person on the tour.  Now, let me just say that they had their butts covered, because sea otters in Alaska are like squirrels in Northern Indiana.

The trip started off with rain and rough seas.  We were enclosed in the cabin of the boat, so were warm and dry, but the windows were fogged up and covered with water.  One of the deck hands would walk around the outside, using a squeegee on the windows. I have to admit that at first, I was discouraged.  It wasn’t long and they had spotted the sea otters.  The rain and rough seas didn’t seem to bother these little guys one bit.  These photos aren’t the greatest because they were taken through the window of the boat. 

Finally, the rain subsided, the seas calmed down a little and we continued along the shore in search of other wildlife.  Our guide pointed out a Bald Eagle Nest.  I swear, this thing was the size of a bushel basket!!

We had a wonderful guide, who really new her business.  I tried to take in all the information she shared with us.  We were sailing along, our guide was talking – when suddenly, the captain cut the engine and circled back around.  We were told that we should grab our cameras and go out on deck, but to be very quiet.  Our guides were as excited as we were.  They told us that they’d only seen ONE all summer and now on this tour – TODAY.  I almost got teary…..

 

 

We stood there on the deck for probably 15 minutes, watching him walk down to this little stream, grab a fish and walk back to the grassy area to eat.  He did this at least three times. 

After seeing this bear, I couldn’t imagine that the tour could get any better.  We were now told that they were going to start back toward Sitka, because there had been a whale sighting.  We’d just have to wait and see.

As we sailed along, our guide pointed out an immature bald eagle.  We learned that this eagle was under the age of five, because they don’t get the beautiful “white crown” of feathers until they reach the age of five. 

As we headed out into the open waters, our guide asked that everyone start watching the surface of the water.  She explained that the first thing we’d see would be the water spout as the whale started to surface.  In a matter of minutes, the spout was sighted – and my day was complete!!

We watched this guy play around for about a half hour before finally heading back to our ship.  And what a beautiful site it was.

Hoosier Girl – Alaskan Memories No. 4

Day 4 of our Alaskan Adventure – cruising the Hubbard Glacier.  I really didn’t know what to expect from this.  I mean, I thought we’d run out on deck for 15-20 minutes, snap some photos and head back inside.  Little did I know that we would be utterly entranced, that we’d spend nearly 2 hours on deck, taking a hundred photos.

The morning was beautiful – mild temps, a hint of sunshine and calm seas. 

We strolled along the Lido Deck just in time to see them wheel out the Alaskan version of Apple Cobbler.  Can you say “YUM?”

After lunch, we noticed that the temperatures started to drop and the skies clouded as we approached the glacier.  We got into our warm clothes, grabbed our gloves and something warm to drink and headed out on deck to get our first glimpse of the Hubbard Glacier.

See how it “snakes” back like a river.  Well that’s just what it is – a river of moving ice.  Moves 18’ a year.  And that “river” goes back 75 miles inland.  You think this looks “awesome” – just wait.  We sailed right up to it!!

This was how a lot of people bided their time until we got closer – wrapped in blankets on the deck chairs.  The staff even walked around with trays of hot, pea soup.  Can anyone say “Titanic?”

The closer we got, the more amazing the views.  This thing rises 380’ out of the water and another 200’ below the surface. 

As we stood and watched, we’d here a sound like a rifle shot.  It was actually the sound that was made when a piece of the glacier broke off and fell into the water.  This process is called “calving”. 

The reason it’s blue?  Has something to do with light and ice crystals and the fact that blue is the last color to be able to escape from the prism.

…and now, we’re getting close!!!

I think this was the day I felt very insignificant.

 

Fall Frolic

I’m a year behind on my scrapbook pages – thanks in part to two weddings that I’ll NEVER get scrapbooked!

Anyway, here’s Benjamin enjoying a pile of leaves at his GREAT Grandma’s house last Thanksgiving.

One Year Ago Today….

The photos aren’t so good – thanks to hospital lighting, but the scrapbook page tells it all. 

Happy Birthday to my husband and our 6th grandchild today – October 19th.

Hoosier Girl – Alaskan Memories No. 3

After a rough day at sea on Sunday, we woke on Monday morning to calm seas and our first look at the beauty of Alaska.   We weren’t the only ship making the journey through the calm waters.  This was our view as we sailed toward Juneau.  Snow-capped mountains that seemed to go on forever.

After a day when a lot of people stayed in their rooms to avoid the high seas, Monday morning brought many of us out on the deck.  The temperatures weren’t too cold and we were approaching our first port. 

Juneau wasn’t at all what I expected from a state capital.  No big buildings, taxis, congested traffic.  It was a fishing village and tourist destination, thanks to the cruise line.   We were told that Anchorage resembles any other big city in the U.S. – but not Juneau.

We did a lot of souvenir shopping in Juneau.  Met a local artist who’s son went to Notre Dame and he talked about visiting South Bend on many occasions.  After a couple hours of visiting all the quaint little shops, we were ready for some nourishment.  I know it doesn’t surprise you to learn that we headed straight to the Red Dog Saloon.  This place was PACKED!   There was some old guy in here playing a piano and singing, sawdust covered the floor and the waiters were rude and had a lot of fun with the customers. 

A bowl of salmon chowder and I was ready for our next adventure – the tramway up the side of Mt. Roberts.

The Mt. Roberts Tramway is one of the areas favorite tourist attractions.  Frank wasn’t too thrilled with spending $25 to ride a tram up the side of the mountain – but once up there, he changed his tune. 

 

There was a Nature Center atop the mountain and the views were spectacular!!

There’s our ship!!

This pretty girl was a resident of the Nature Center.  She had been shot with a pellet gun and blinded in one eye.  Her collarbone was also broke and she could no longer fly.  She was rescued and kept here at the Center, because she could no longer hunt and take care of herself in the wild. 

Uhhhh – no thanks.  I think I’ll be taking the tram back down.

Once back on the city streets of Juneau, we hopped aboard a bus and attended a Salmon Bake with some of our other “Scentsy Friends”.  This pretty girl met us at the entrance to the Salmon Bake.  For those of you unfamiliar with the breed – she’s an Alaskan Malamute.

The salmon was fantastic!!!  Cooked over a open fire with a brown sugar glaze.  They had fire pits where we could roast marshmallows.  The location was set up along a creek and this was the perfect way to end our day in Juneau. 

 

Hoosier Girl – Alaskan Memories No. 2

My first memory of Day 2 was waking at 2:15 AM and NOT finding my brother in the room.  His last words to me were, “I’m going up to the Crow’s Nest for a beer”.  That was at 10:00 PM.  So, I lay there for a while thinking that tomorrow I’d be interviewed on the TODAY Show – about how my little brother got drunk and fell overboard somewhere in the North Pacific.  About the time that I let my mind go a little crazy, he walked in the room.  My first words were “WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??!!”  His response on this day and throughout the remainder of the week….”with my Scentsy friends”.  I thanked GOD, rolled over and went back to sleep. 

Sunday was a rough day.  The seas were bad – 12-15 foot swells.  We were up early and headed to the Lido Deck for breakfast.  Inside the elevators were these nice little floor mats that kept us in touch with the day of the week - ‘cause you know when you’re on vacation, you tend to FORGET!!

 

I was doing “ok” – but only because I’d taken my Bonine.  A lot of people were sick and MIA from the public areas of the ship.  The staff served up bowls of green apples throughout the dining areas and baskets were even delivered to our rooms.  Supposedly, green apples curb nausea, and I have to say that it did help.  Frank and I both agreed that our spouses would never make it with these seas.

After breakfast, we strolled out by the Lido Deck Pool and I have to say that this may have been the first time I’ve ever seen “white caps” on a pool.  The ship was rolling and the water couldn’t be contained in the pool.  The sight of this was enough to send me back to my room for a nap.

I think I took several naps on this day.  Every time I’d start to feel a little “iffy” with the seas, I’d head back to the room for a nap.  In between my naps, we took a tour of the ship’s galley.  It’s really amazing how they prepare the amount of food they do!!

This ship had a beautiful library and computer area, complete with DVDs that could be checked out and watched in our room.  We did check out “Mystery, Alaska”.  I mean, it seemed appropriate.

By evening, the seas had calmed a little and people seemed ready to venture out and enjoy the first Formal Night and Captain’s Dinner.  We made our way to the theater lounge, and met our Captain and the primary members of his crew.  Then it was time to enjoy a wonderful dinner in the dining room. 

…and now it’s time for a good night’s sleep.  Tomorrow – JUNEAU!!!

Hoosier Girl – Alaskan Memories No. 1

My “adventure” began long before I set foot on a ship in Seattle.  I won’t go into details, but suffice it to say that you DON’T want to start a vacation hanging over a toilet at 2:00 a.m., when your plane leaves at 7:02 a.m.  I can still hear Bob asking me, “what are you going to do?”  My response was, “I’m GETTING on that plane”. 

Luckily, whatever bug it was, it was fast-moving and by the time I landed in Minneapolis, I was 50% better and 3 1/2 hours later, upon landing in Seattle – I was back in control. 

I stepped off the plane and followed the instructions to look for the red-shirted people from Holland America in the luggage area.  I hadn’t been there five minutes and up walked my little brother – in his ND t-shirt and his Florida shorts.  Enjoy those shorts today kiddo.  You’ll be packing those away until NEXT Saturday!!

We retrieved our luggage and moved everything to a secure area where the Holland America staff loaded it and moved everything to the ship.  We wouldn’t see our luggage again for another five hours.  We hopped aboard the bus, and began the 40 minute drive to the cruise terminal – enjoying the scenic commentary from our bus driver.  I snapped a couple of pictures of sport venues for the guys in my life….

 

As for me, I was excited to get my first glimpse of the Space Needle – even if it was through the window of a bus.

It wasn’t long and we found ourselves arriving at the cruise terminal.  A bus load of HAPPY tourists, disembarked and followed the signs to check-in.   Our home for the next week - the Holland America Amsterdam. 

Now comes the “Disney World” lines – you know, the kind where you weave back and forth until you reach your destination?  In our case, it was the smiling check-in agent.  Cruise Documents – check.  Passport – check.  Credit Card for Sail and Sign – check.  “Enjoy your cruise”.  Thanks!!!!  Now, one last stop to get your ID photo taken and the FINALLY, we’re ready to step on board!  Notice my dear little brother carrying my backpack?  Yeah, he complained.  “It’s got FLOWERS on it”.  (He still carried it).

We checked in at the SCENTSY Welcome Desk and picked up our Alaskan Cruise sweatshirts and ID information. We then made our way to the Lido Deck for some lunch and explored the ship to learn our way around.  This was much easier – compared to the previous ship we had sailed on, which was twice the size of the Amsterdam.  We made our reservation at the Pinnacle Grill (supper club), we booked our excursions, and then it was time to relax and wait for our room to be ready. 

At 3:30, the announcement came that it was time to prepare for the Lifeboat Drill.  For those of you who have cruised before, you know this is mandatory.  Yes, it’s a “pain” to get all trussed up in this stylish garment, but for those of us who watched “Titanic”, you’ll get no complaint out of me.   I felt safe though – after all, we were assigned to Lifeboat Station Number 7 – my lucky number!!

After our safety instructions, we stowed our life preservers and headed onto the outside deck to grab a drink and enjoy the “sail-away”. 

And now….a much better view of the Space Needle.  Goodbye Seattle – see ya’ next week!!

Thinking of Dad….

Next week (September 23) would have been my dad’s birthday.  He was a real “outdoors man” – loved to fish, hunt and just traipse around in the woods.  A vacation to my dad consisted of deer hunting with his buddies, or fishing from his bass boat. 

When I think of my adventure next week with my little brother, I can’t help but think of how my dad would have LOVED an adventure like this.  A chance to see the unspoiled beauty of Alaska and the wildlife. 

So next week, as Frank and I are sailing amidst glaciers and watching whales and sea otter frolic, I imagine my dad will be right there with us…and enjoying every minute through the eyes of his children.

A New Age of Wedding Photography

What a difference a few years makes when it comes to wedding photography!!   Today’s popular look is very photo-journalistic and this was exactly what Chrissie wanted.  Andrew Conrad www.agconrad.com was the perfect match for our bride.

How about a little stroll through the streets of South Bend and some beautiful shots in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center.

The Reception…

The reception hall was adorned in candlelight, along with shades of pink, green and burgundy.  You envision things for so long and when it finally all comes together, the results are usually better than you expected. 

The addition of the chair covers and chair bows were a real plus in adding to the elegance.

And, using Arlene’s Wedding Cakes is always a “must” for our family. 

The “Ring Guys”

Jack Urbanski and Benjamin Van Fleit – cousins.  Their moms are older sisters of the bride.  They both took their job very seriously – as seriously as you can take anything when you’re 3 1/2 years old.  As long as Jack had his DS, he was fine and from the looks of this photo, Ben is trying to make sure he’s doing it the right way.

And then finally, it was time to get to work.  After all, we must have some sort of special job if we had to get all dressed up like this.

Our Family Continues to Grow…..

Last year, it was the birth of Andrew Joseph Van Fleit and this year, we gain two new son-in-laws.  I look at all these faces, and wonder how I continue to be so blessed each and every day of my life.

Daddy’s Little Girl

Life hasn’t been easy for Bob Knight – being the father of five daughters.  By the end of the year, he will have walked four of them down the aisle.  I think this photo of him with Chrissie, speaks volumes. 

….and then relaxing with her, once the ceremony was over.

The Church…

I think that the first time Chrissie walked into St. Monica’s two years ago, she knew this was the aisle she wanted to walk down, on the arm of her father. 

The Waiting Game…..

The limo picked us up at 7:45 a.m.  We stopped to pick up bagels, muffins, juice and coffee and then it was on to St. Hedwig to pick up more bridesmaids (so they could leave their cars parked for the reception).  By 8:30, we had arrived at our destination – St. Monica. 

We unloaded dresses, flowers, make-up and all the necessities needed to turn these sweat pant clad kids into beautiful women.  The hair stylists arrived and we all patiently waited to be transformed.

Fun and Frolic

After months of planning and stress, the ceremony is over and it’s time to celebrate with friends and family.  On their way to the reception, the limo stopped for a photo op in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend.  What a perfect spot this was!!!

This photo took a couple of “takes”, but the final shot was worth the effort.

This One…..

I think this one might belong in a bridal magazine.

….or maybe this one.

The DRESS and Vital Accessories

A few days before Chrissie’s wedding, a friend advised me to set my camera aside and enjoy the day.  As hard as this was for me, I followed that advice.  I’ve been patiently waiting for the photographer to post some of his photos and late last week, my patience was rewarded. 

I remember back to that morning, as bride, bridesmaids, sisters, aunts, nieces, cousins, friends and moms gathered in the church basement – and amidst all of the confusion – one lone man – Andrew Conrad, our photographer.   At one point, I saw him take the dress, the shoes and the bouquet and leave the room.

….and now I know why.  Who could imagine that inanimate objects could display such beauty. 

Curious & Carefree

My latest assignment for Pages in Time, using the SEI Playhouse line.  Our little Anna.  A carefree 2-year old full of curiosity!!