Being Thankful 2011

We are here in Alaska enjoying a day off from hectic schedules; Dennis is putting away hunting gear, and I am off of work until Monday. It has snowed some in the morning, and it was 32 degrees F when we called Dennis's mom in Missouri and the girls in Colorado. Everyone we talked to is doing well; Heather was grating cheese for a cauliflower au gratin; in Missouri the temperature was headed for 70 degrees when we called.

On this Thanksgiving, and indeed each day we are thankful for having each other; that the kids are well and happy; that our family and friends are content and doing well; that the larder and freezers are full of the fruits (quite literally for my upright) fishes, game meat and birds of our labors. There's plenty else, and the list could be quite long, but we'll stop there.

As the darkeness falls around 4 pm we are looking forward to the time that daylight will increase instead of decrease. We wish you all the best in the coming season, Dennis and Faith

October through November Hunting trip

Dennis has just returned from his fall hunting trip to the lower 48. I tagged along for the first two weeks-after being with my mom for her 80th birthday. He drove his truck on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry and landed in Bellingham Washington, picking me up at the airport.

We began our adventure with the Daniels in Missoula and their doggie Maggie-then our next step was a terrific trip across Yellowstone country into Wyoming-to the K-Z guest ranch. There I hung out in the pines while Dennis got out hunting for some mule deer-and several rides on his horse, Nevada.

Nevada is now 19 years years old-originally a mustang from Nevada and bound for the Grand Tetons, this wonderful horse came into Dennis's life in 1994 via friend Scott Fitzwilliams. I have never seen such a broad smile as the day Dennis rode off on Nevada to hunt. Our trip to Wyoming and the K-Z was too short and we'll not be as far out of touch as we have been.

I then flew home to Alaska and Dennis went hunting on the lease for Mule deer with friend Orville Daniels-he got a non-typical 4 X 3-a big one-and then some pheasants. After getting the deer in the freezer he had brought in the truck. Dennis drove to the Black Hills and hunted with friends south of Custer, South Dakota for whitetail. Two weeks later he was back home in Alaska. Except for a pesky abcess in his jaw, he has felt fine the entire trip.

He got home just in time for some thick snow and blowing winds. Winter has arrived in southeast Alaska. His next medical step is a trip south next week to go to see his new nuero-oncologist and working with a local GP here in Ketchikan to coordinate chemotherapy. We'll update you when we know more. In the meantime, we are thankful for successful hunts and a safe return.

Our best wishes to all of you for a wonderful Thanksgiving with family around you, Happy holidays, Dennis and Faith