Zach's Nap

 Even under the best of circumstances, I tend to be an insomniac. Is it any wonder I feel a sense of awe and jealousy at how easy Mr. Zacher, aka Zacharooey, Zackers, etc, can just plop down and go to sleep. 

Ginger and Zach Visit

For those who've known me awhile, the furry red-head below may look familiar. She should. When I first moved up here, Rosemary was kind enough to let me camp out in her guest room for, well, a long time. Ginger, the red-head below, was one of the dogs that welcomed not just me but my two dogs, so she's been like part of the family for many years. Zach, the Golden, was around but was with Sarah at the time, so tho' I knew him in passing, I'm just getting to know him now as they visit for the holidays. As many know, Rosemary has been in the hospital. Our friend Sarah had the dogs but not only needed to deal with family matters unexpectedly, but her Papilion Karma was invited to show at the Eukanuba show in Orlando, FL, just before Christmas, so I became step-dog-sitter unexpectedly. Having been without a dog in the house since Foxy passed two years ago, getting the house dog ready again was done in a flurry, but it's been fun having them.  I won't caption the pix as they're mostly for Rosemary to browse if she wants and can, but enjoy my furry holiday visitors below.  Again, Ginger is the red one, Zach the blonde.

Venturing out into a largely white-on-white world

 Since I haven't been out since the last big storm, one that slammed Anchorage and the Eagle River area far worse than it did us, thought I might as well get my rear in gear and go to the post office with camera in hand. You'd think by now that I'd have learned that winter isn't prime mailing season for eBay, wouldn't you? In any case, this was the scene across from the end of my very icy driveway.

 Snow, snow, everywhere snow

 The historic Wasilla Depot, which now houses the Chamber of Commerce.

 Spruce trees heavy with snow along Nelson.

 Pioneer Peak

 The snow piled in front is just an example of the many, many piles of snow you'll see around this time of year, many of which will be with us until, oh, maybe April or May.

 Stopped long enough coming up the hill ... love those studded tires ... to shoot my house across the front corner of the neighbor's house and through my chain link fence. Ah, home sweet home.

 See what looks like water on the road?  That's ice and, in fact, the road is more ice than pavement. The ice is reflecting the car's headlights or you wouldn't really even see it, which makes it all the more dangerous.

Sigh, the days are getting reallly short this time of year.

Snow and ice

That branch hanging down to the ground is one that I can normally walk under without any real problem (I'm 5'10", too), so shows you the weight of the snow.

 I was busy doing something else and didn't really get out to catch the lovely sunset, but these will give you a hint of the "pretty" that Mother Nature sent to make up for the storm she slammed us with.