First day of the year, day of firsts

Today, we had lunch at the lake, in the car at the lake. A swan sat just beyond the shore. As Lunch continued we realized the swan wasn't moving other than his neck. The swan was frozen in the lake. Every few minutes he would struggle with no success. We wanted to help but there was nothing that could be done. 1st swan frozen in place.

We went for a walk to enjoy the snow before flying to Puerto Rico on Saturday. On our walk we saw a sunbow. What is a Sunbow? It is a rainbow without the rain. It was faint yet beautiful red, orange, blue, and green circling the sun shining through an overcast sky. It kind of looked like the "rainbow" in the swan picture just not as vivid. 1st Sunbow. 
I have wanted to knit with fabric for a while. I started a few days ago, with no plan for the end product. The knit fabric has a nice texture but wouldn't make for a cozy scarf. I decided to turn it into a crafting apron. knitting aside, the apron was complete in a few hours. I can't wait to craft in my new crafting apron. 1st apron. 

My snow parka sure came in handy

While packing in Juneau I was torn between two coats. My trusty snow parka and my beautiful new red wool coat Ken gave me for Christmas. I really wanted to pack the red wool coat but the reports of blizzards in the Northeast made me think the snow parka might be the better choice. In the end practicality/the snow parka won. 

Traveling and changing planes four times with this huge coat was annoying. I had to put it under the seat in front of me along with my backpack and I was wearing my big snow boots (Extra Tuffs). The space was cramped. Arriving in NY I decided the snow parka wasn't the best choice, it was in the 60's.

Today is our fifth day in NY and I am glad to have my snow parka and boots. It snowed all through the night and into the morning. We walked to get a bagel in a beautiful white fluffy snow and then shoveled the driveway. 

Snow is the best. It makes me want t sing the song Snow, Snow, Snow from the movie White Christmas. Only if Bing Crosby were here.

Off the subject

This blog was created to track our travels. I have talked myself out of blogging about Eagle vs. Shark and M. Ward several times but decided that today was the day to just blog it. It may be a stretch but it could be our minds travel with music and movies.... So it sort of fits the blogs purpose.

We watched Eagle vs. Shark a couple days before leaving Juneau. It is a beautifully simple movie, about ordinary interesting people, in ordinary situations (sort of). I was surprised to learn that this movie came out in 2007 so you may have seen in already. If you haven't and you aren't tired (not a movie to watch tired. Ken fell asleep and he was enjoying it.)you should check it out. Keep in mind that you may not agree with my movie tastes, but if you liked Amelie or Penelope you most likely will like this one.

M. Ward is my current favorite musician. I discovered him a few months ago and can't stop listening to him. His lyrics and voice are haunting in a good way. Each time I listen to his songs I hear something new I haven't noticed before. I hope to see him live one day. He is playing in Seattle in March... 

www.mwardmusic.com

I decided to blog Eagle vs. Shark  and M. Ward together because one of M. Wards songs is used in this lovely movie during an animated

(real life animation)scene towards the end of the movie. It was interesting to see the two fit together, the music I have been enjoying and this movie that stands out from the pack. Both are compelling.

If you have an opinion of Eagle vs. Shark or M. Ward I would be glad to read it. Please add a comment.

Canandaigua, NY

This is Canandaigua Lake. We walked around despite a very cold wind prior to a wine & chocolate paring at the New York Wine and Culinary Center (www.nywcc.com). 

Down south safe and sound

We made it safe, a bit tired, but sound to Rochester, NY. We weren't sure if the flight would take off with the blizzard-like conditions in Juneau. There was no delay with multiple snow plows clearing the runways. The other three flights also took off without a glitch. 

We are glad to be on the ground with all the leg room we need.

What a Merry Christmas!

I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a lovely new year. Drink Wine 2009!

Today, Christmas, is our last day in Juneau, Alaska. We fly out around 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. Our flight path will take us to Seattle - San Fransisco - Washington D.C. - stopping in Rochester, NY. The trip duration is just over 15 hours.

We spent the last couple days/weeks cleaning and packing. Tomorrow after we make breakfast all we have to do is clean the fridge, do a load of laundry, take a few pictures and we are done. 

We had Christmas dinner at a friend's house. Thank you J.A.M.M (James, Anji, Mason, & Max) for having us over and enlightening us on the aerobic benefits of Wii.

Our walk home tonight was one I hope to remember. All the houses were decorated. The twinkling lights catching small glittering snow particles that were much to small to catch on our tongues. A peaceful silence. Juneau is an amazing, beautiful place. We will always cherish our time here.

A Sunny Christmas Eve on the Flume trail