Everything can't be roses all the time.

Today I knew I needed to get moving early because there was a big farmers/craft market downtown that I wanted to see.  The weather was perfect and it was neat to see all the stuff that was brought to the market.  I do say stuff because as a crafter's daughter I can spot things that are "made in china" and presented as a craft.  However, it was a little more tricky to do that today.  So I stuck to buying the book from Rod Perry and also one called the Tundra Teacher.  As far as food I treated myself to a salmon quesadilla (that way I satisfied the Mexican craving with the desire to try new foods).

Further into the market, I was able to buy giant cookies and learned that they do in fact ship to the bush (if I absolutely NEED a cookie).  I also treated myself to a freshly squeezed lemonade, fresh peaches, and Washington cherries.  I was so excited to see those cherries as I had one about 6 years ago and HAD to have them again sometime in this life time and wha-la! There they were at the market.

Another very interesting find at the market was this couple with their green old school Volkswagen Beetle.  The had been traveling for almost a year and were on their way to ...well for the life of me I can't remember where exactly but it was way northern Alaska.  They decided they would take a year and travel.  Their first flat was on the way to the market in Anchorage today.  They did have a couple windshields break and a few minor car repairs but otherwise the trip was flawless to their plan.  It was nice talking to them about their adventure but then also get to see a Volkswagen beetle one last time before I go far far away.

Once I talked to as many people that were willing (including Jenny on the phone for a little time), I headed to the Anchorage Museum to indulge myself in a little culture and history.  I got to see some artwork from past to present times, displays of native people and their ways of life, animals, Alaskan history...but to be honest I didn't have all day to spend there so I did go through it at a faster pace than desired but nonetheless I did go and I did see things/learn about a few things which was part of my plan for the day.

I had to add the picture outlining the (what I believe) bullet hole.  I was at first concerned that the poor animal lost a part of its fur.  Then I realized as I stepped back at how that would most likely be the ideal spot to aim for a MDK moose style.  If that is a bullet hole, that is one massive wound!

So far my day had gone as planned and I was walking on Alaskan sunshine all day.  I decided that it was time to try out the public transportation system, and aside from one angry patron (very intoxicated and also using a lot of language not found in the children's Webster dictionary) the bus choice was way more affordable than the $60 round trip cab ride to the golf course which was essentially in the same area and a decent idea.  I headed to Wal-mart to pick up a months worth of food to have shipped to myself.

While shopping, I found that Sam Walton does a great job at attracting the same type of Wal-mart shoppers that I am used to even in Alaska.  I barreled right through my list and went to check out.  However, my bank had a different outcome for my story tonight because I didn't specifically mention to them that I was moving to Alaska and would like to spend my money while there.  The nice clerk told me if I would like I could call my bank (however this was 10pm CST on a Saturday) he would wait.  Since this wasn't an option, I bought what I had cash for and left deflated...a little.

I walked to the bus stop and ate my Washington cherries as I waited for the bus to come at 7:41.  The bus pulls up and I get on while asking the driver if it is indeed the correct bus to my hotel.  He says, "Yes, it sure is, but I am done for the day."  What!? On a Saturday night you are done before 8:00pm?  So I sit there even more deflated and starting to feel a little defeated as he drives me to the stop with an awning (what a guy).  He then heads downtown (which is where I wanted to go but for some reason this company doesn't want to take their customers back to the bus station?).  I ask a few girls who made the same assumption as I did, if they would like to share a cab...lucky for me, I didn't have to pay $25 extra for a bum trip to Wal-mart! They all gladly accepted the offer and we took a cab back downtown.

The picture above was taken as I was eating my cherries and waiting for the bus.  I was bummed while sitting there because of having to leave Wal-mart without food or money but then the skyline brought something to my attention.  I am in a beautiful city, I am now living in Alaska, and I am (no matter what) already having a better day than that moose, that I saw in the museum, did the day he lost a spot of fur.

I will have bumps in my road here...but I am so lucky to have this opportunity!