I'm getting to it!

Yes, I know, I'm a slacker - come to Alaska and tell me all about it! I have gotten phone calls/emails/texts/IM's telling me I need to get with it, so here ya go - another building post! Seriously, I think it's great so many people are interested. I have gotten some really neat emails from folks from all over, telling me how they've been watching our progress. I just wish there were more hours in the day, or that I could generate these posts a little faster. They seem to take a large chunk of time I haven't had lately. The pictures are what everyone loves to see, and they upload ever-so-slowly. Oh well, enough complaining, and on to the good stuff!

I came home one day to find that Tony had installed my whirlpool tub. This thing is mack-daddied out, and I couldn't wait to try it! Tony offered to take pics, but I said no! You'll just have to settle for pics of the tub, WITHOUT me in it!



I hate showers - not bathing mind you - just showers. When I decided on getting this tub, I wanted to be able to sit in it and wash my hair. We purchased a regular shower/faucet kit, but Tony set it up so the shower handle will be well within reach when I'm sitting in the tub, rather than standing.



Originally we were going to have a shower/tub combo, like in most homes. But after discussing it, we decided to each have our own "area." Tony never takes baths, I hate showers, so with my whirlpool tub addition and no easy way to make it a shower, we decided to add a small shower to our bathroom. Because the foundation had already been laid, we had to modify things a bit in order to accommodate all the plumbing. Basically, this meant raising both the tub and shower platforms to accommodate the pipes. This is the riser Tony built for the shower stall.



I really like this sink. It will have the same bronze fixtures you saw on the shower.



Here is a view of the bathroom, minues walls, doors, paint, etc - you get the idea!



Here is a picture of the plumbing work going to the washer and dryer. Again, the flexible piping was used. We're trying to keep the copper to a minimum.



The access to the washer/dryer plumbing will actually be in the mudroom.



The washer and dryer will be next to the bathroom, but have it's own separate door and access.



I got a really great deal on the pair and have always wanted a front loader.



After Tony hooked up all the plumbing, I got to take it for a spin, literally!



This past weekend, Mike and Sam came to visit and help out. I was out and by the time I got home, they had nearly finished the decking on the front porch! I am really happy with the way it looks. Tony finished trimming the windows and door yesterday so that I can pain them soon - green, to match the roof.




Next, we move on to the kitchen. I have waffled more than you can know about the kitchen. I knew what I wanted as far as functionality goes; I just wasn't sure about colors and such. My friend Camille has been a great help and I couldn't have gotten this far without her, and her ability to listen to my issues via text and pic sharing on our Blackberries! The cabinets will be a barn red, as I have said before. I finally desided on a mottled beige countertop. We picked it up this past weekend and Tony installed it.



A better look at the coloring.



Tony had installed the base cabinets in order to set the countertops, and today we installed the wall cabinets. I have started removing door and drawer fronts for painting, and will paint the rest in position. I think it's going to look great! Tile will be next!




I even have an island!



We have had hard frosts for over a week now at night. It has been getting down into the 20's. We have a ton of trees on our property we can use as firewood, but our desire to get a roof over our heads kept us from working on chopping wood. We have some we cut, but a lot of it is green and can't be used quite yet. We bought some wood, gathered more from dead trees on the property. This is one of our stacks of logs. We have two others we need to merge with this one. We pretty much just piled it up closest to where we took it down.



Wood stove heat will be our main heat, but we have a Toyo stove as a backup. It runs on fuel oil. We have the fuel oil tank set up and a local company delivered fuel for it yesterday. We ran it as a backup last night, letting the wood stove go cold so as to check it out, and it works great!



Today, along with handing cabinets, it was wall construction time. The wall in front of the bathroom/laundry alcove/mudroom needed to go up. There are three doors in this area. First, Tony makes his cuts outside on the deck.



Next, he constructs the wall on the living room floor (the only place there is room!)



A view of two of the doorways



Tony setting the wall in place



I helped with the setting of the cabinets today, but Tony worked on the walls while I worked on this. One of the other things I've been doing a lot of is canning. We were given a bunch of veggies, which I made into several jars of pickled vegetables. I'm going to make another batch, spicy this time, with jalapenos in it.



Peaches were on sale for a ridiculously low price so while I was in the mood, I canned some peaches as well - some with cranberries and cinnamon, and some just plain peaches.



Well, that's about all I can manage now. I'll try to be better - promise!

Bristol Palin has a fan page on facebook!

Bristol has a fan page on facebook. For those interested in following her on "Dancing with the Stars," click here, or click on the image on my right sidebar to become a fan! Please tell your friends to become a fan too. Let's show Bristol how excited we are for her!

Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas - First footage of their practice together!!

This is great footage! Short, but gives you a glimpse into what it's like to practice for Dancing With The Stars! You can tell this is new for Bristol, and the comfort level is not quite there yet, but she also seems to do a really nice job with her footwork when they are practicing dancing together! Check it out!

Sept. 11 events in Alaska: Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Joe Miller

Yesterday was an eventful day throughout the United States, because on this day 9 years ago, America and it's people were changed forever. "Time heals all wounds" is the saying, but the wounds are still fresh for many of us, especially for those who lost loved ones on that fateful day. Alaskans, like the rest of America, spent the day honoring and remembering those sacrifices and reflecting on what it means to be an American in the Great State of Alaska.

The early part of this day found me wishing I was somewhere else. My email, facebook and Blackberry were buzzing with the two planned events of the day all of my friends were attending without me - the "Standing Strong For America" rally put on by the Conservative Patriots Group, the most active Tea Party group in the state of Alaska, and the Glen Beck event to be held in Anchorage later that evening. I spent the morning texting and calling friends while on a road trip to Fairbanks. I was over 400 miles away and would not be able to attend either event. Everyone was excited and as the morning wore into the afternoon, I found myself feeling more disconnected from everything that was going on. Then, I had a reality check.

In a parking lot in Fairbanks was a car, a PT Cruiser, with murals painted on all sides and the back. It was a private vehicle honoring Marines and on one side was the picture of a Marine saluting at a funeral. It hit me at that moment, on this day, that my desire to attend these events and be with friends had overshadowed the importance of the day itself. This is a day to hold sacred, to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and to never forget. I will never forget and let us pray this nation will always remember. In that spirit, and in remembrance, I'd like to share these images and thoughts, with the help of Julie Gillette. Julie is the current president of the Valley Republican Women's Club, the club I was president of until late June of this year when I relocated. Julie has done a wonderful job as club president. She is a true patriot, a female veteran like myself, a mother and wife, and I am grateful for her help with this post and most of all, her friendship.

The "Standing Strong For America" Rally in Wasilla, Alaska

This rally was held at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Complex in Wasilla, Alaska. Sponsored by the Conservative Patriots Group (CPG), it was billed as a non-partisan event to remember and honor the significance of the day. Several groups were invited and attended the event. According to Julie, Alaska Senate Candidate Scott McAdams was invited but did not return calls to CPG and was not in attendance. The Valley Republican Women's Club (VRWC) was in attendance, however, and had a table with information which was manned by several board members to include Carol Doner, Julie Gillette, Carol Ryan, and Jill Frost (pictured below).



Various media outlets speculated there were about 300 in attendance, but according to Julie Gillette, the actual number was around 450. "There were 400 chairs set up and they were full and there were a few people standing in the back as well as the volunteers," said Julie. I'm not surprised considering the fact that conservative event attendance numbers are often downplayed by the mainstream media. Here is a photo from the Anchorage Daily News confirming Julie's standing room only account:



The event began with a singing of the National Anthem by Adele Morgan, a very talented local artist (seen here with Julie's husband Glen).



Dick Stoffel led the Pledge of Allegience and then CPG President Jen Bettine kicked things off. Glen Beigel spoke briefly and then Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright spoke of his military service and reminded everyone never to forget the events of this day in history. Joe Miller then took the stage. According to the Anchorage Daily News report (ADN), "Miller said the nation was attacked on Sept. 11 'because we're American.' He said the U.S. is a threat to its enemies because of its 'exceptionalism,' its freedoms and constitutional restraint of government.

'We as a nation have been activated. We've been activated through 9/11. We're now activated in a political sense,' Miller said. 'We see a movement across the United States right now that is moving this country in a direction that restores foundations, that restores constitutional principles and makes us proud to be Americans again.'"

Sarah Palin was then introduced as a surprise speaker, to the crowd's delight. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for not just welcoming me in my hometown but for being who you are, true patriots holding on to time-tested truths. Knowing some basic principles that again the rest of America I think can learn from so many Alaskans who believe this -- those time-tested truths that are based on the government that governs least governs best," Palin said (according to the ADN report

The mood of those in attendance was described by Julie:

"There were definitely a few tears through the slide show and silence as people relived the day of the attacked. The bagpipes and the timing of playing them at the end of the slide show left many with wet eyes. I was hanging in there until he started playing. Adele Morgan’s beautiful rendition of the National Anthem was amazing. It also created some watery eyes. Mood was mostly positive and upbeat, especially when Joe Miller and Sarah Palin spoke."

The event lasted about 2 hours and then Julie described a special moment for herself and her husband Glenn:

"I had Glenn take a picture of us at the table before it got really busy. We were not initially going to try to get pictures with Sarah because she was swarmed with people. After the crowd died down, someone motioned to Carol Ryan that we should run over and get pictures before she left. Glenn has taken several pictures of me or our group with Sarah over the past 10 years. He finally got one for himself. We’re so glad to have had the opportunity because she was not able to stick around for the Glenn Beck Meet & Greet, she had a plane to catch."

I agree with Julie in that the CPG did an amazing job putting on this event. Here is the picture with the group, and with Julie's husband Glenn. Also included is an ADN photo of Joe Miller Speaking to Glenn.




(Courtesy ADN)

Finally, video courtesy of the Alaska Dispatch:



Glenn Beck comes to Anchorage

Alaska conservatives and Glenn Beck supporters were anxious to see Beck in Anchorage. The doors to the Dena'ina Center were opened and thousands of people who were standing in a line that wrapped around the building, started to file in. Julie said she saw many people she knew, but also many new faces in the crowd of attendees. Kristan Cole, who tweeted earlier that she had been invited to sit with the family, was up front, along with Sarah's mother Sally Heath and other family members. Chuck Heath was not present, however. According to Sally, he was moose hunting! (it is the season here in Alaska).

There were also a few protesters. "They hid behind masks and some blamed George Bush for 9/11. As a retired Air Force member, that loses me everytime," said Julie. "There was a lady with a sign saying not to vote for Joe Miller but she was peaceful and we told her what makes this country great is she has the right to hold that sign." She also described the reactions of those waiting in line to get in to these protesters. "The people around me either ignored them or laughed but it was that laughter followed by the sentiment that we knew these guys would get more press than the actual event. There was a reporter in the room that we heard say to another reporter, 'Look at all these fanatics!'"


First Sarah introduced Glenn, they spoke together, and then Glenn spoke. The mood during the presentation was generally upbeat and acknowledging. "(There was)Cheering, heads nodding in agreement. Eagerness for information, quiet, you could hear a pin drop when he spoke of serious issues and applause to take the roof off when he spoke of smaller government and us taking care of our neighbors so the government doesn’t have to," said Julie.

Near the beginning of the event, as can be seen in one of the clips below, there was a heckler. It has been widely reported that conservative radio talk show host, and former Republican candidate for Lt. Governor, Eddie Burke assisted in "removing" this disruptive attendee. I spoke with Eddie earlier this evening and he gave me his version of the event:

"I was sitting in the front row one seat from the aisle, in front of the stage and Sarah as she was speaking. There were a lot of people coming forward and snapping pictures and then going back to their seats, so at first I didn't really pay much attention to this woman. She appeared to be in her 30's. I'm not sure exactly where she came from, but she stood there and then yelled out "You're a hippocrit!" directly to Sarah. Everyone started booing her. I was within arm's reach of her and the booing was so loud I couldn't hear what else she said, but she was still talking. I stood up and moved toward her, and to use one of Sarah's lines from one of her speeches, I said 'Quit making things up!' At that point, Sarah pointed to me and said 'Thanks Eddie. Eddie Burke, folks.' Security came and they escorted her out. I got a kick out of Sarah's comment about us all knowing each other here, and then Beck made the reply about it being like a high school gymnasium. Afterward, many people came up to me and shook my hand. Many of them asked me when I would be back on the radio and told me that they missed my show. Even more folks commented that they voted for me in the recent election. It was, I have to say, pretty humbling."

Joe Miller was also in the crowd and up front with Sarah and family. Per Julie, "Many times the crowd yelled out 'Joe Miller will get us back on the right path.' Sarah mentioned he was there and there was huge applause for Joe. She promoted him, but the crowd also yelled his name when discussing solutions to America’s problems."

I asked Julie what Glenn Beck's main message was:

"Faith – find a religion and be grounded with the Creator. Hope – we can turn things around but each one of us has the duty and responsibility to make that happen and it is hard work. Don’t sit on the couch channel surfing. Get out there and serve. That brought is to Charity, tithe, join a church and tithe. Serve your neighbors. We are the largest contributors as a Country, we give more than all other countries combined. Give so the people are not owned by the government. And, did I mention he really doesn’t like Woodrow Wilson?"

Here are a few of Julie's photos from the Glenn Beck event:

A packed house, again despite media reports



Gayle Ann, Julie, and Eddie Burke



Julie, Sally Heath, and Gayle Ann



Glenn and Sarah





Glenn during his presentation



There was a meet and greet with Glenn Beck afterward. Julie and Eddie both described their experience. Per Julie,

"Each person got about 30 seconds with him and there were about 250 people. He was so exhausted. I was in the last group. Poor guy had flown all this distance, spoke all night brilliantly, then had to sign his name 250 times. He made sure he personally shook everyone’s hand. I was given two challenges, one to get a picture of him wearing a club shirt. Well, 30 seconds did not allow that so I decided instead to just give him the shirt for an autograph to be used for fundraising. So,the consolation prize was to have him in a picture with the shirt. The other challenge was to get a picture between my 2 favorite Glenns. That was a no brainer! I did tell him I was president (of the club) and that Sarah and her family were inspiring and that I appreciate him including her tonight."

For Eddie, it was also a brief encounter. "I'm a member of AA and so is he (Beck)... He said. "It saved my life." I responded, "Mine too."

Julie said for her, it was the best day ever. "I was surrounded by American patriots. It gives me hope for a bright future. I met and got pictures with my 2 favorite rock stars, Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. Our Founding Fathers live in the people I was privileged to participate with today. It was an honor to be part of the CPG event and an honor to shake the hand of a man that is willing to take a stand."

Although I was not there, I am grateful for the friendships events like these have brought me, and they help me remember what being an American is all about. Faith, Family, Freedom. What more does one need?

Below are a couple of videos that have already been widely circulated on the internet. They are from Nina Stone, a facebook friend of mine who was gracious enough to allow me to use these, even before they went viral. Nina is a talented writer, and I know there are many of you out there who are interested in all things Alaskan. Here is a link to her latest Alaskan novel, On The Wings Of Love. Please check it out!

Video of Sarah's introduction of Glenn Beck



Video of Sarah and Glenn, including the moment with that wonderful heckler

Sarah Palin at the "Standing Strong for America" Rally

I was not able to attend the Conservative Patriots Group event that was held today in Wasilla, Alaska. It was a 9/11 Rememberance Rally titled "Standing Strong for America." The keynote/special guest speaker was Alaska Senate Candidate Joe Miller. Sarah Palin also attended the event and spoke. Here is a short video clip from the Alaska Dispatch:



I will have more on the CPG event and the Glenn Beck event soon!

The Forgotten Man

Seth Adam Smith has put some amazing videos together that I have used in the past, but his most recent work has to be one of the most moving things I've ever seen. Michelle Malkin and Glenn Beck have both made reference to it, and it has gone viral on the internet. If you've seen this clip, please follow the link to the story behind this work. If you haven't already viewed it, prepared to be moved.

"The Forgotten Man – Jon McNaughton



Against the background of a darkening sky, all of the past Presidents of the United States gather before the White House, as if to commemorate some great event. In the left hand corner of the painting sits a man. That man, with his head bowed appears distraught and hopeless as he contemplates his future. Some of the past Presidents try to console him while looking in the direction of the modern Presidents as if to say, “What have you done?” Many of these modern Presidents, seemingly oblivious to anything other than themselves, appear to be congratulating each other on their great accomplishments. In front of the man, paper trash is blowing in the wind. Crumpled dollar bills, legislative documents, and, like a whisper—the U.S.Constitution beneath the foot of Barack Obama.


"The Forgotten Man" by artist Jon McNaughton

A political storm has been brewing for the past few years and I believe that this painting is the first clear lightning bolt.

Why is Obama Stepping on the Constitution?

Is such an image unwarranted? As Jon clearly states, the painting of Barack Obama stepping on the Constitution is representative of not only Obama’s actions, but of the actions of past Presidents. Nevertheless, Jon has taken great pains to list out several reasons why and how Obama has violated the Constitution.

Some people will reject this painting, claiming that a President would never blatantly disregard the Constitution in such a way. You’re right. No President would ever want something like that on his record. So when it comes down to it, it’s really death by a thousand cuts..."

Please, follow this link and read Seth's entire post. For those who might not understand why so many people are upset, and why the tea party is so popular, this post articulates very well what many of us are thinking and feeling about our current administration.

Lisa Murkowski needs to respect the process

A lot has been said and written about the Republican US Senate race in Alaska. The two candidates, incumbent Lisa Murkowski and conservative newcomer Joe Miller, ran spirited campaigns. On election night, Alaskans chose Joe Miller. It was a close race, but a few days later, Lisa Murkowski conceded. Unfortunately, Murkowski is still trying to figure out a way to stay "in the game." As voters in this great state, we go to the polls to vote for those we wish to represent us. Murkowski claims she has had an "outpouring of support" SINCE the election. I say this - where was that support on election day? If voters really wanted her in office, they would have marked the little box next to her name on election day.

I received an email this evening from Debbie Joslin. She is Republican National Committeewoman for the State of Alaska, and President of the Eagle Forum Alaska. She is also my neighbor here in Delta Junction, Alaska. In this email, Debbie articulates very well how many Republican voters feel. We, as voters, followed the process and cast our votes. Murkowski now needs to follow the process and honor the will of the people. Please read Debbie's email below:

"Report to Alaska Republicans, September 8, 2010

Dear Friends:

The rules of the Alaska Republican Party require that all statewide officers refrain from publicly endorsing candidates pre-primary. We are past the primary now and find ourselves with a full slate of Republicans to work with for victory in November.

My own House race here in District 12 is very close, with the apparent winner, Eric Feige, only 7 votes ahead of Don Haase. Pete Fellman is in third place; 9 votes under Haase. There may be a recount in that race. However, whatever the outcome, the winner is the Republican nominee and will be supported by our party and our party officers. Those who lost in this race will concede and support the winner.

This may not be the case in the U.S. Senate race where incumbent Lisa Murkowski is telling the press she is still in the race she lost on August 24. There is talk that Senator Murkowski may run as a write in candidate to oppose the winner of the primary, Joe Miller. Contested primaries are ALWAYS contentious on some level or another. Candidates are emotionally, financially, politically vested in their campaigns. Emotions run high and egos higher still. Our respect for the rule of law and the will of the voters requires us to bow out gracefully once we have lost a race. I will expect that from Don Haase and Pete Fellman, should Eric Feige survive a recount. I certainly expect that from Lisa Murkowski. If she had bested Joe Miller in the primary, she would rightfully expect him to concede and endorse her. Conceding gracefully and endorsing your opponent is the way civilized countries do things. There is a clear process for becoming the nominee of our party. Senator Murkowski lost in that process and she should honor the decision of the voters. The primary voter turnout is always lower than in the general election. That does not negate the value of a win by your opponent. Senator Murkowski won six years ago in the primary and her opponent endorsed her. I urge Lisa Murkowski to understand that the rules DO apply to her and to bow out gracefully. If she runs a write in campaign, she becomes the Charlie Crist of the north and she risks handing the seat to the Democrats. She also hurts all of our candidates for the state legislature if she continues on this path.

I wholeheartedly endorse Joe Miller for U.S. Senate and I urge all Republicans and independents to rally behind our candidate and support him every way they can. Joe Miller is the people’s choice and he is the party’s choice. Please go to www.joemiller.us and donate to Joe’s campaign and sign up to help Joe win in November."

Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas - Performers and Advocates

(photo courtesy of markballas.com and Dancing with the Stars)

As many of you are aware, Bristol Palin, daughter of Sarah Palin, will be on this season's "Dancing With The Stars." I've been following this since it's announcement through online sources and friends. As you may also know, Bristol is the spokesperson for the Candies Foundation and speaks on Teen Pregnancy. Here is her latest PSA:



Her partner, professional dancer Mark Ballas, has been on the show for several seasons and was paired with Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson, both of whom won. Any of you who know me know I am a figure skating and gymnastic junkie, so I did have a chance to see Mark "in action" and am looking forward to what he and Bristol can accomplish together. What I wasn't aware of is how talented this young man is. He sings, he dances, he's a musician - a very well rounded performer. But what about the man?

Because so much negative press surrounds everything the Palins do, I was a little apprehensive, wondering what the person was like that Bristol would be paired with. I found a link to his facebook page and website and have been following it. That leads me to the reason for the title of this post.

This young man has a story to tell. The story is about his uncle who committed suicide one night while his family was watching Mark perform. He talks about his love for his uncle, his uncle's love for his daughter, and the guilt the whole family felt upon his passing. Mark's mother, after encouragement from Mark himself, decided to hold a fundraiser on her birthday to raise money and awareness for the cause of suicide prevention.

Please follow this link to read the entire story. In it you will find information about AFSP (the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), how to recognize when someone is depressed, and how you can help.

Mark Ballas and Bristol Palin have their advocacy efforts in common. I know Bristol is a smart, sweet, funny girl and a wonderful mother. I'm glad Mark is her partner and I wish both of them the best in their dancing and personal endeavors.