Sea Ducks on Elmendorf

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Alaska. The skies were clear and the sun was shining! We took a nice drive around the back side of base to enjoy the scenery. It was a tad chilly at 18 degrees, but the truck was nice and toasty. This is the small end of Six Mile Lake on Elmendorf AFB, and a great spot to bird watch. These are Common Golden Eye sea ducks. They come by the name naturally, because their eyes are a very pretty golden color. These ducks are amazingly well insulated. As we watched, they would dive under the sheets of ice, and stay under for a very long time. The largest one stayed under about twice as long as the smaller ones did. At one point, I was sure he was stuck under there and couldn't get out.

Whose Grumpy?

I used to feel sorry for Russ when he had to go TDY. You know how it is... long hours, sparse living conditions, away from the family, loneliness, lots of work, rough. This TDY? Not so much. I know I sound like a mean and heartless wife for not supporting my man in uniform. My response to that is THBTTTTTTTTT! I tell you what, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Me...

Russ...
Me...
Russ...
Me...
Russ...
Me...
Russ...Did I mention me?
How did I get these pictures of Hawaii? Why from his last TDY there, of course. I'm off to COSTCO. I've already made out the shopping list: beach wall mural, gallon jug of Margarita mix, Beach Boys CD, etc.