Tales From The Bucket

IT WAS SWELL....WELL, MOST OF THE TIME I was thinking today after moving everything out of my Desiree house, that I was there the longest time since living in Anchorage. Nine years. The house was good to me -  it's made this whole adventure possible.  Bella & I were pretty happy on Desiree. And I am truly grateful.   I would like to take the time once again to thank some very special people who not only encouraged me, called me "Brave," helped me shlep my furniture, bins & boxes into the storage unit, gave me much needed hugs, offered places stay until I get on a plane, & made buying my house a joy:  My dear friend Jody for love & encouragement (I even got to sleep in MY bed last night!).  For Jody, Lisa, & Paul for the fabulous send off gathering on your patio.  My wonderful sisters Joni & Janie for all their help along the way since last December.  My community of sweet pals who never once said "WAIT! Are you crazy??"...

Making A Pretty Long List & Checking It           More Times Than TWICE The decision to go back to Scotland to "visit" actually happened rather quickly.  It's where I have been called.  I decided traveling with no pre-determined end date sounded like a good idea.  A really good idea!   And the more I thought on it, the better & better this good idea was sounding.  I have been more than humbled by the support from family & friends.  I felt inside like it was a little wild - certainly out of my zone since I've worked like a sled dog for over 40 years.  But ultimately it did boil down to this:   "What better time will come along?  Why wait anymore? When should I leave?  I decided to stay in Alaska through August.  Cuz who leaves Alaska  in the summer, right??                          Ninilchik Beach Creek at Hope ...

It Seemed Like A Far Away Dream... A long time ago this girl had a dream of living in another country - United Kingdom.  I had pen pals when I was young and loved how they described their home.  I have gravitated to the history and culture.  And then I found my people in Scotland.  Ancestry Dot Com says so.  so It must be true right?  But in all seriousness, I have always had a connection.  It started by joining the Alaska Scottish Club.  And then volunteering for the Highland Games committees.  I helped out in marketing, public relations, merchandise, producing the program, and corporate sponsorships.  I became to respect how much they value family, working together, and really enjoying having a good time.  The epitome of working hard and playing hard!  Once again, my people! I talked my sisters into a trip for all 3 of us in 2016.  We had a fantastic time! It never felt like a vacation.  It felt....well quite frankl...