Who's ready for Fall?

Hey, this is Cara...finally figuring out how to contribute to the blog, after much prodding from Ian : ).  It has now abruptly turned to Fall, and despite the chilly temperatures it is beautiful here.  Something that I didn't realize is that the majority of trees surrounding Anchorage are deciduous, and the golden yellow leaves against the snow-capped mountains are spectacular!  Everywhere we look are majestic mountains.  It's strange to know that we are somehow surrounded by both water and mountains at the same time.  We are starting to settle into our new jobs, home, and community.  We recently found a church that has both the community environment as well as the preaching that we prefer, and have jumped in with two feet.  We have already met some great people, and I'm sure you will hear more and more about them as we get to know them more.  Last weekend we participated in a "new member" class and felt that we were being led to join Cornerstone.  Ian has also decided to get baptized next Sunday.  After waiting all these years for the "right time" he decided that time is now! 

Speaking of jumping in with both feet, Ian has completely demolished our entire basement, as well as the old "master bathroom".  Here are some pictures of our soon to be mother-in-law suite/apartment (top picture) and powder room/laundry room (bottom).  Ian seems to enjoy ripping down walls and drywall...now we'll see how much he likes to build them back up!  We've been having fun finding deals on materials and attempting to design rooms.  We have a contractor coming in to help out with the basement and hope to have it completed before we head home for Christmas.  We will post pictures showing our progress. 

Here are some other "Firsts" we have experienced so far: 1) Our first major earthquake, which we heard was around a 6...whatever that means.  Either way, it was NOT normal.  We were both at work, and our co-workers got a kick out of the fact that we were freaked out.  Since then, I have woken up twice either imagining, or possibly actually feeling earthquakes.   2 ) Our first experience with Anchorage fog.  This is strange stuff.  It'll be beautiful and sunny at our house, and while driving to town you will hit a defined wall of fog, making it dreary and wet downtown.  This fog is THICK and settles down on the town and doesn't burn off.  In fact, when it was here, it was here for a few days. 

3) Our first experience with bugs called "white sox".  These little buggers are worse then mosquitos, if you can imagine that.  They fly all around your head and face, then land on you and crawl all over, and if they bite, you certainly know it.  You get this quarter sized red mark that lingers for days.  I thought Ian had lyme disease before it was explained to me that we don't have ticks up here.  That fact doesn't make up for the sox.

4) Our first true neighboorhood moose sighting.  We have seen a ton of moose on our way to work, but this was the first time we had seen a moose in one of our immediate neighbor's yards.  This cow and calf pair let us get incredibly close.  We hear that they really come out in force around Halloween to gorge on pumpkins.  You better believe that we'll be carving some up and trying to lure them into our yard.  Keep posted, hopefully we'll have some good close ups later!

Although we are getting used to Anchorage and Alaska in general, we miss everyone very much.  If there has been one thing that I have learned so far, it is to truly appreciate being close to friends and family.  I have certainly felt the distance, and it makes me realize how much you all mean to me.  Please keep in touch and leave feedback on our blog.  It'll encourage me to contribute to it more!