Eighty Third Stop: St. Patrick's Day

A year ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to join my Parental Unit and best friend in New York City to celebrate St. Patrick's Day...A day where everyone in the city is Irish and out celebrating. 

The reasons why were therefore many:   Orange County Fire Authority was invited to join the NYFD in the St. Patrick's Day Parade because of their efforts to support raising money for September 11th victims.  Also,  many of the men and women from the OCFD were there to support the fallen fire fighters and their families with the funerals.  

We were able to see so many amazing things ...that included seeing my dad march in the parade while it was freezing outside. We also got to watch many school groups and other organizations from the city walking with pride.  One of the parts that is so " heart touching" is seeing 343 flags carried by New York Fire Fighters...One flag to represent each one of the fire fighters killed on September 11th.

We also were able to ride on the fire boat. It is known as "Marine One".   We took a trip around the Hudson River and it was such an amazing experience.  This boat has been modified some, but, on September 11th , it helped provide water to the disaster. 

We also had the opportunity to take the tour of the waterfalls at Ground Zero that are in the foot prints of the fallen.  It is truly a beautiful dedication to those who lost their lives that day. MIt is a beautiful place for family and friends to go and remember their loved ones.  

 My parents are there again this year and said that they opened the museum and it is an entire day worth taking in what they have set up.

We took a trip across the Hudson River to see The Statue of Liberty and then over to Ellis Island.  There are some moments in life where you just have to stop and recognize what that place truly represents.  It was the first place the immigrants saw, and the place that held so many hopes, dreams, and wishes, all which were given; or taken away, sadly.  Both sides of my family came through those doors - the Zeuli's and the Scortt's.  Interesting to note that is where our name was changed from Scortino to Scortt...Very empowering moment.

We were then able to catch the train and go to Hoboken, NJ.   This is where the amazing little sweet shop called Carlo's Bake Shop is.  This little shop is the original home of The Cake Boss...seen on TV.   Hoboken is such a cute little place and is well worth the trip. 

We walked all over Manhatten and saw Rockefeller Center in and amongst so many more beautiful buildings.  It is truly a place that everyone has to experience at least once.   You have to experience the energy, the people, the food, stores, and the culture.  It is one of the many awesome things that makes this country beautiful. 

 

Eighty Second Stop: Snow in March

   I was starting to think that winter did not exist here in Alaska.  I had seen more snow fall on the east coast, Texas, and California.. specifically Hunington Beach!  What the heck was that about?

    Then the village goes to sleep-only to wake up to a snow storm.  This beautiful white solid powder was falling from the sky and it covered everything.  It was so beautiful and made everything look so pure and untouched.  It was so beyond the word "beautiful"!

    I am happy to say that I finally saw what an Alaskan winter looks and feels like.  March is said to be month that provides the most snow... so far it is off to a good start.  Let the good times keep on falling.

At Homer Air waiting to fly out.

Sunny day at the beach!

Snow.. snow.. snow!

Lagoon is frozen over. So pretty!

Eighty First Stop: Support

  A good friend of mine, who I have had the honor of getting to know through the Far-Sighted Puppy Club for Guide Dogs for the Blind, experienced something nobody should have to go through... A tragedy that I cannot even fathom.  She lost both of her parents.  She is the oldest and is my age with a younger sister.

    I had the honor of meeting her parents and cannot imagine what she and her sister are going through.  Please take a minute to send love, support, and strength to her and her sister.  If you want to make a donation to Guide Dog's,  they are having all donations made to them- due to the major roll that Guide Dog's has played in their lives.

    God bless and may you find strength, Ashley, from all those who surround and send their love.  "Bear hugs"  from Alaska, since I do not have a puppy.

Please help support my friend during this time by supporting a wonderful organization. Thank you!

https://www.crowdrise.com/tohonorthecarrollfamily

Eightieth Stop: Time

     It is amazing how fast time is flying.  It is already the middle of March and St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, too.  This is unreal to me.  In the midst of time flying, we are down to only 40-something days left until school is completed.  This is the true mind blower.

     As the end of the school year fast approaches, it has allowed me to really reflect back on this adventure.  It is seems so unreal.  I moved here in August with three suit cases and a huge "unknown".    Not only have I come to know what this beautiful state has to offer,  I look forward to being able to call here, Alaska, my home.

     The beauty here is breath-taking and I have said this so many times, but feel like it can never be said enough.  When you ask the Universe, or God, to help you provide, it truly does.  It may not be what we wanted, but what we need.  Sometimes thing have to fall apart for reasons that we do not understand, so better things can fall together.  This, I always use to say, but never saw it truly happen until now.

Seventy Ninth Stop: Seward Sea Life Center

     Today we had 2 gentleman come into the classroom.  One worked for the National Forest Service and the other one worked for the Seward Sea Life Center.

    It was so awesome to see these two guys do a short presentation that had the kids so excited and involved.  Half of the class had been to the Seward Sea Life Center last year, (they got to go as a class), and were so excited to see Woody the Walrus.

   They also went over what makes a mammal and what animals are mammals.  It was great to see some of the students who may not typically volunteer to answer or really care to be involved be very interested in this topic.

    I cannot wait till I can make a trip and check out this phenomenal facility.  This facility is not just a place to go and check out the animals, but a place of research, education, and rehabilitation.

    So many of our animals that we take for granted may soon be non-existant if it was not for people like this who take the time to do what they can to keep the species a live.

Seventy Eighth Stop: 90

     As we go through a day, we tend to always be wishing for it to be over.  I am guilty of this at times.  Suggestion... STOP.  Enjoy the moments.. good or bad.   I know that today, like most days, I miss my Grandma and Grandpa Zeuli.  Today is different though... today would have been my Grandma's 90th birthday.

    She was such a strong, beautiful, stubborn, supportive, loving, Catholic woman who was always there to welcome you into the house and feed you till you were stuffed, even if you did just come from a eating.   It wouldn't matter.

    I would give anything to go back to my moments with them that I may not have fully appreciated at the time, but those are the ones I have to look back on and the ones that get me through.

    Going to the bowling alley to watch Grandpa, she would sit in the back and make sure he knew what he was doing wrong.  when he would finish, he would come up and give her a kiss after a frame.

    Or going to the pool...One of my favorite places.  I spent many hours in that pool and they would sit with me or even swim. Grandma would would go every night and do her exercises in the jacauzzi.  I would always bug her to time me on how fast I could swim from one end to the other.  If she did come into the pool, we would lay up looking at the stars and sing to the moon.  "When the moon hits your eye, its amore."

    What I wouldn't do for one of those moments again and those are just a few!

Happy Birthday Grandma!   I hope Grandpa is spoiling you on your special day.   I miss you so much and hope that I am making you proud!   Lots of love.

Seventy Seventh Stop: Birthday X 2

Just want to give a shout out to my Honey,  (Uncle Louie), and my sweet girl, Solstice.   I want to wish these two very important people (Yes, I classify Solstice as a person...don't judge me) in my life the Happiest of Birthdays!

I had the opportunity, thanks to technology, to Skype in and wish my Honey a Happy Birthday at his surprise party that all the family  was at.  Those are the moments that I would be lost without.  It is hard missing them, but knowing that when I go home this summer we will be able to share so many great moments together helps keep everything in perspective.  Yes, Honey...I am sure I should get started on my hole at the river!  Love you to the moon and back.  Hope this year brings you health and happiness!

 I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.  Without technology that would not have happened.

To my sweet girl... I saw you got a new bone, always your favorite. You have gotten so much bigger from what the picture shows and your coat looks beautiful.  I am so proud of you sweet girl.  Keep up the work and may you and Mr. E share many more birthdays!

My Honey's awesome cake.Couldn't of been better!

My sweet girl and her birthday bone! Cannot believe how big she looks.