It's 4:30 AM and I'm Hungry!

This is NOT me!

Is it considered bad manners to raid your host's fridge this early in the morning?  Yep...still the perpetual house guest in Alaska.  We were supposed to stay ten days, but have been here a month.  I wish I had packed more clothes.  My wardrobe is getting pretty boring and if I buy anything, I have to find a place to pack it.  I'm used to flying Southwest where bags fly free (no...not me, my real baggage) and paying $25.00 per is a racket....especially with Obama threatening to cut off my social security.

This has been a wonderful experience...finding a good friend from high school and still feeling that connection, but stronger.  Our hosts, Ann and Mike have been wonderful, made us feel welcome, and even more...wanted since we've changed our return reservation twice now.  This is the first time I've visited anyone where I really wasn't in a hurry to leave.  You know the old saying...after three days, fish and house guests both start to stink, so I'm hoping by taking frequent showers we've avoided any problems there.  :) Besides, the guest room is awesome...and there's plenty of light to go around.

View from bedroom balcony at 11:45 PM

Ever found a friend who shares so much in common you feel related?  That's how I feel about Ann.  We share many common traits, and even a few silly ones.  Last night we discovered our left ankles swell.  Not the right one...just the left.  We both divorced after thirty plus years of marriage, we have sons the same age, we've shared some of the same issues in life, both had gastric surgery and suffer the consequences...although as you can see from the picture...her's worked.  :)  This is Ann and me, and I know how much I'm going to miss her when I go home.  She's made such an amazing difference in my life.

My mother taught me to be a helpful guest.  I've been trying to do my part, and with four dogs (sometimes five) rain and mud aren't my friend.  Yesterday, Kelly finished a "doggie run" complete with indoor/outdoor carpeting (grass) to keep their little footsies clean.  Charlie, Scooby, Molly and Pebbles are great friends, but they can be real slobs.  :)  I'll have to take a picture of them all together....or use one of the five hundred Ann has taken of me or the dogs since we've gotten here.  I swear, I've never been so photographed in my life.

Tonight, I'm going with one of Ann's friends to speak at a writer's group in Anchorage.  I'm nervous and excited at the same time, but I know I have some great tips to share.  Having been an author for ten years now has given me some insight into the e-industry.  I'm taking my Kindle, a few copies of my books, some pens to give away, and Ann's IPad so I can demonstrate my website and videos.  The members don't know it yet, but they're in for a treat.  *lol*  I'll post tomorrow and let you know if they share my opinion.

Wish me luck.