February 10, 2023

     It seems odd to be living urban again after so long a living a rural and very rural Alaska. I have to admit, there are many things about urban that I enjoy. EVERYTHING one may need is merely a 15 minute drive. Added advantage of Anchorage...ski trails galore. I haven't actually skied any this season. Why? Well, I attribute that to 'dog guilt.' I hate to go outside without Gus. Gus is my BIG DOG. No kidding,

he's pretty big. Often when out walking, drivers stop their cars and roll down their windows to take a better look at him and say, "That's a big dog!" I usually just smile and agree. Sometimes I say, "I thought I was getting a Chihuahua."

     He is often mistaken for a St. Bernard. "I've never seen a black and white Saint Bernard!" And you still haven't. Gus is a mix, Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland. Gus has become a focal point and influencer in my life. His deep resounding 'woof' has gotten my husband and I in trouble with countless neighbors for years. He also has been the vulnerable part on which 'sickos' have focused their threats and lead to restraining orders. In fact, it was the attack of a pack of two German Shepherds while I was walking him on leash through the village that was the catalyst of a major change in location, in direction, in life.

     But more on that another time.

Today it is dang cold out again. I've found I don't handle the cold as well as I use to. Even though I bundled up, the hour walk with Gus left me drained of energy.