Lindsay recently gave a reason she loves Alaska. A very good reason I must add. Her thoughts got me to thinking, again, about this place and why it is we live here. Perhaps I'll share a few of my thoughts along with a some photographs of Anchorage and areas close by.
The Cook Inlet from Anchorage hillside.
I know this land is a mystery to many. It is a cold place to live much of the year and it is very far away from most of our family. Julie and I usually travel outside of Alaska during the summer months to places that are warmer and pretty and appealing. Upon returning to Anchorage, we often wonder why we live here. Long, cold, dark winters. Summers that cannot be counted on to be decent for any stretch of time.
The Anchorage skyline- solarized.
Anchorage is home to us. Both Julie and I were raised here. We attended elementary school here. We graduated from the same high school. We know a lot of people in the church here. Old timers. It is sad to see some of our friends leave the state because of one reason or another, usually work.
Fireweed in bloom overlooking the Knik River.
Where our children would live as adults has always been a concern. The likelihood of them staying in Alaska was 50-50 at best. Most likely we thought they would meet someone from out of state and would settle where they lived. Who would want to move to a place far from home and family. Between Alaska and elsewhere in the United States, we figured the chances were that Alaska would always lose out.
Knik River in the Matanuska Valley.
We've wondered what we would do if all our children settled outside of Alaska. We would want to be close to them. And to our grandchildren. Not down the street you understand, but close.
The Matanuska Valley
But it wouldn't be easy. Among important considerations would be our work, our network of friends and the deep roots we have here that would make it very difficult to leave. Julie's parents live here and are such an important part of our lives.
Canyon Creek bridge on the Seward Hwy near the Hope junction.
Don't forget the truism that the grass is always greener on the other side. We would wonder- and worry- would we REALLY like living somewhere else? If we moved, we'd be starting over. We'd be cutting root and trying like crazy to get something to grow in a new place. To make it worse, Julie and I are not the adventurous type. We don't have a rambling spirit. We're happy to stay in one place... forever. We've lived in this house for 23 years. We have friends that seem to have to move to a different house every five years. mmmm...not us. I hate to move.
Canyon Creek in summer.
And Alaska IS pretty. It is gorgeous.
Chugach Mountains from Anchorage.
Okay, almost anywhere one chooses to go has its gorgeousness-es! God was pretty even handed in the creative process. But Alaska is unique. Everyone is always interested when told we're from Alaska. Ooooooo, Alaska. What's it like there? Do you live in igloos and eat muktuk?
Anchorage hillside.
This year we have been given a most wonderful blessing! One of our children and her husband have moved to Anchorage. We are so excited to have Lindsay & Michael here. Our first GRANDCHILD is due in November! And she will ALSO be living here! Due to Michael's work we don't know how long they'll be able to stay but for the near future THEY ARE HERE! Hmmmmm... another very good reason to live in Anchorage.
Flattop Mountain seen from Anchorage.
For now, in spite of our ever present conflicting desires, I think we'll stay.
Missing our family living in Idaho and Utah.
For the time being.
Driving up Abbott Road to our home just a mile away.
Anchorage skyline from the hillside.
Anchorage and the Turnagain Arm from the hillside.
Kenai Lake.
Kenai Lake.
Summit Lake
The Turnagain Arm.
The Turnagain Arm.
Resurrection Bay
Thumb Cove on Resurrection Bay
Thumb Cove on Resurrection Bay
Engineer Lake
Engineer Lake
The Cook Inlet from Anchorage hillside.
I know this land is a mystery to many. It is a cold place to live much of the year and it is very far away from most of our family. Julie and I usually travel outside of Alaska during the summer months to places that are warmer and pretty and appealing. Upon returning to Anchorage, we often wonder why we live here. Long, cold, dark winters. Summers that cannot be counted on to be decent for any stretch of time.
The Anchorage skyline- solarized.
Anchorage is home to us. Both Julie and I were raised here. We attended elementary school here. We graduated from the same high school. We know a lot of people in the church here. Old timers. It is sad to see some of our friends leave the state because of one reason or another, usually work.
Fireweed in bloom overlooking the Knik River.
Where our children would live as adults has always been a concern. The likelihood of them staying in Alaska was 50-50 at best. Most likely we thought they would meet someone from out of state and would settle where they lived. Who would want to move to a place far from home and family. Between Alaska and elsewhere in the United States, we figured the chances were that Alaska would always lose out.
Knik River in the Matanuska Valley.
We've wondered what we would do if all our children settled outside of Alaska. We would want to be close to them. And to our grandchildren. Not down the street you understand, but close.
The Matanuska Valley
But it wouldn't be easy. Among important considerations would be our work, our network of friends and the deep roots we have here that would make it very difficult to leave. Julie's parents live here and are such an important part of our lives.
Canyon Creek bridge on the Seward Hwy near the Hope junction.
Don't forget the truism that the grass is always greener on the other side. We would wonder- and worry- would we REALLY like living somewhere else? If we moved, we'd be starting over. We'd be cutting root and trying like crazy to get something to grow in a new place. To make it worse, Julie and I are not the adventurous type. We don't have a rambling spirit. We're happy to stay in one place... forever. We've lived in this house for 23 years. We have friends that seem to have to move to a different house every five years. mmmm...not us. I hate to move.
Canyon Creek in summer.
And Alaska IS pretty. It is gorgeous.
Chugach Mountains from Anchorage.
Okay, almost anywhere one chooses to go has its gorgeousness-es! God was pretty even handed in the creative process. But Alaska is unique. Everyone is always interested when told we're from Alaska. Ooooooo, Alaska. What's it like there? Do you live in igloos and eat muktuk?
Anchorage hillside.
This year we have been given a most wonderful blessing! One of our children and her husband have moved to Anchorage. We are so excited to have Lindsay & Michael here. Our first GRANDCHILD is due in November! And she will ALSO be living here! Due to Michael's work we don't know how long they'll be able to stay but for the near future THEY ARE HERE! Hmmmmm... another very good reason to live in Anchorage.
Flattop Mountain seen from Anchorage.
For now, in spite of our ever present conflicting desires, I think we'll stay.
Missing our family living in Idaho and Utah.
For the time being.
Driving up Abbott Road to our home just a mile away.
Anchorage skyline from the hillside.
Anchorage and the Turnagain Arm from the hillside.
Kenai Lake.
Kenai Lake.
Summit Lake
The Turnagain Arm.
The Turnagain Arm.
Resurrection Bay
Thumb Cove on Resurrection Bay
Thumb Cove on Resurrection Bay
Engineer Lake
Engineer Lake
Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake
Exit Glacier River
This is our home. We'll be here for a while longer.
WOW!! I'm so jealous of all your gorgeous Alaska pictures! What a fun post! I love Alaska. I really wish we could get everyone to move up HERE. Everyone would love it! Really! And I'm glad you're staying put- what would we do without you guys?!
ReplyDeleteOf course there would be some plusses to moving "outside", but the only one that really matters would be being closer to family. And I often wonder too, could Michael and I really be truly happy somewhere else, or would we always be yearning to be back? We're Alaskan! There's nothing like it!