We're moving to Alaska!!

Rumblings of another move started and before you knew it, we were up in Alaska, and it was all made final.   We were up in Anchorage for a week and were able to meet some people, check out the area, and most importantly, find a home.   I was a bit nervous about the temperatures, so bought some serious smart wool to wear under all my clothing; wow!  Amazing stuff!  I even purchased some silk under layer while I was there.  It makes such a difference.  Our realtor was walking around with just a fleece on, but I was bundled up in my northface most of the time.  The temps ranged from -5 degrees farenheit to 30 degrees farenheit and to be honest, it didn't feel so cold.  Normally in NY, 20 degrees farenheit feels freezing, but here, especially with the sun shining, it felt great! ..and the smart wool was perfect!!  

Encountering moose on our first morning, in downtown Anchorage.  

 Eh, you know, just your typical view from an office building! 

 Inlet views of one of the houses we were considering buying 

 The snow was as tall as me!  Shortly after we were here, their all time record of snowfall was broken! 

 Views of Cook Inlet from Simon and Seforts

 Not so clear, iPhone pic...but I was taking a pic of "sleeping lady" mountain...can you see her?

 This one is a bit more clear....can you see her now? 

 Scary bears in our hotel lobby...

Yea, pretty huge!

We didn't have time to go anywhere substantial so these photos will have to do until we have some better photos when we move.   Just gorgeous surroundings.  

 Another moose

This is as close as we got to this one...can you see him/her in the background?

 Trudging through the snow..

Now you can really see the size

 Inlet views

 Closer..

 Views of the greenbelt and mountains from the master bedroom of the house we bought!

We're back to Houston to greet Mom Pickett on her first trip to Texas, then a few weeks of packing and then off to Anchorage 13 April...here we come! 

 

Amanda & Kim come to Houston!

My friends Amanda and Kim from NY promised me that when I moved closer, they'd come visit me.  So, when I told them I was moving to Houston, they wasted little time getting a weekend planned.  Luckily, they've got sweet husbands who took over all duties for a fun weekend in Texas.  Wish the weather was a bit better for them...poor girls needed a break from the NY winter!   They arrived Thursday night and we immediately went out for Tex Mex and margaritas.  We hit up El Real, which was my first time there.  Since the rodeo started up, there were barely any people at the restaurant; very rare for Houston.  Then out to drinks at Anvil (no egg white drink for anyone). 

On Friday, we headed to Galveston to hit up the beach and the strand for some Texas shopping

Below are the Hurricane Ike high water lines.....crazy! 

 This guy was not short...probably 6'10" and this is how high the water line was!

On Saturday, after the rodeo run, we headed to the Professional Bull Riding Championships.  Wow!  I felt like I was watching an event on TV.  

 We were driving to the PBR Championships and came upon these guys.  I know, I used to think Texas was a "cowboy" state, but really, normally in Houston, you don't get that.  This weekend was totally different.  Houston pulled out all the stops to show these Yankees a good time!  

 Amanda and Kim in front of the stadium

Inside the stadium, PBR Championships

 The lasso man

 Holy cow!

Turkey legs anyone?!

Enjoying some BBQ

Afterwards, we took them to this artist's area right by our house.  

Since we'd just been at the PBR championships, we were dressed in our most "cowboy" wear. Plus, Amanda and Kim bought some cowboy hats to bring home to their kids, perfect!    

This picture is so fitting as I, personally was a bit nervous moving to Houston not knowing what to expect, but in the end, we really do love Houston.  Life here is so easy and convenient and full of so many things to do and see.  The opportunities are really endless.   We are both thrilled and grateful to have had the experience of living here, albeit short, buying our first home here, and making friends here.   Each place we live convinces me more and more that people are just people, no matter where you go, and as long as you go into a place with a positive attitude, life is golden.  

I'm so happy Amanda and Kim were able to come see us and allow us to show them a bit of the city.   We had a wonderful time and looking forward to your visit to Alasaka :) :)