Monday, July 18, 2011

Sighted along the ALCAN

This was our first sighting, a sow with two cubs.  We turned back to get some pictures, but by then she had seen us and was calling her babies back and away from the road.  One cub is not visible, it is in the brush behind her.

This was our second sighting, not a close encounter this time either.  Black bears are very shy and beat a hasty retreat once they know they have been sighted.

We think this one may have been sick.  You can see the mange on its backside.  It was also swarmed with flies and mosquitoes.

Right next to the road.  After this one crossed a cub crossed behind her, but I was not quick enough to get a  shot.

This is also considered a Black.  I have a whole series of pictures of her I will share soon.  

All the times Stan and I have traveled the AlCan, we have never spotted a Grizzly.  I have a whole series of pictures of this one I will share soon also.

This was our final sighting.  In total we saw 13 blacks and the one grizzly.
We also saw, but did not get pictures of; 2 moose, one fox, and two porcupines which  were actually alive and not road kill.  Don't think I have ever seen a porcupine still standing before:)
Many more pictures to share as I have time.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Copied and Pasted from my Yes They Are All Mine Blog

I have not blogged for a while

I find it very difficult to write anything right now.  This is my "fluff" blog.  It is where I chronicle all of the happy of being a mother and a grandmother.  It has been kept, for the most part, pretty ,safe, free from really private and heart wrenching matters.  Families all go through things, but we usually do not put it out in Cyber World for everyone to see.
My family is going through something.  Not infidelity, not job loss, not a major move, but the very real possibility of one of us leaving this world sooner than she should.  Losing my mother was expected.  She was 90 years old.  She had lived a very full and rich life.  With her is the realization that she was going to die, we were prepared.  Everyone wants to keep their loved ones forever, never wanting to face the reality of death.  Losing my daughter is the hardest thing God has ever put into my life.  I cry, I scream inwardly, I beg, I pray.  I find comfort in Him to only begin the cycle over again.  I think of my friends who have lost a child. I wonder how long it takes before they begin to function again.  Do they ever function on the same level they used to. Is there a huge void forever?  People say you will heal, but do you really.  Yes you go on with life. You have to, others are depending upon you.  Much as you may want to, you cannot withdraw, you cannot quit.  People get hungry, the house gets dirty, the laundry must be done, yes, I know life goes on.  I know He is in control.  I know that even when she was in my womb, He knew at her conception how long he would leave her here on the earth before taking her to her heavenly home.  I know all of that............We are suppose to rejoice when a Saint is called home.  Why am I not doing so?