Meanwhile Back at the Ranch...

With bonnie blue skies a blazing, this weekend was one to remember. The first three days of May brought more good will and sunshine than all of last summer. And we were quick to take advantage of it.

It was my mother's birthday, and then my brother Brian Walker's birthday, so there is some d/trama with trying to remember how old everyone is supposed to be, as opposed to how old everyone actually is.

In Seward it was the weekend of the Pink Cheeks Triathalon, and my favorite Pinkie is, of course, Kirsten Vessel.

Kirsten is just a joy and delight to be around, and with her children and parents in tow, even more so. The kind of Alaskan family that you wish all Alaskan families were like.

Caught up with Kirsten as she was picking up her pretty numbers for the event, later advised that she "finished not in the front, not in the back, in the middle somewhere. Just glad I finished."

We had decided that Kirsten is a twig, especially considering that she has birthed two babies.

Dan & Matty Walker, one of Seward's most glamourous and intelligent couples, took a break from packing boxes to enjoy the opening ceremonies of Seward's 50 Anniversary of Alaska Statehood celebration.

Former Governor Wally Hickel was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the event, but he ended up being a no show. Disappointing.

Vic Fisher did a brief on-the-fly attempt to entertain the crowd, but three members of Seward High School's Chorus stole the show with there rarely heard rendition of Twilight is Stealing.

Jackie Pels can be thanked for saving Aldine Kierffer's haunting words and B.C. Linself's soulful music in this lovely song about Seward, and the Jesse Lee Home.


Twlight is stealing over the sea,
Shadows are falling dark on the lea;
borne on the night wind voices of yore,
come from that far off shore.

Far away beyond the starlit skies,
Where the love-light, never, never dies;
Gleameth a mansion filled with delight,
Sweet happy home so bright.

Voices of loved ones,
Songs of the past,
Still linger round me, while life shall last;
Sadly I wander, lonely I roam,
Seeking that far-off home.

Come in the twilight, come come to me,
Bringing some message from over the sea;
Cheering my pathway while here I roam.
Seeking that far-off home.