Photobucket  We laugh when we tell folks we live in god's country, but we believe it's true. If you haven't been to Southeast Alaska, come; and come in April, May, or June (dryest weather, least amount of bugs, least amount of touri). Bring your sense of humor, your sense of wonder, and your boots & raingear when you come. EXPECT to see things that surprise and delight you. Even though this has been a rainier summer than most, the views everywhere one looks are spectacular. The meadows are vivid with color against the grey skies and the dark green of the evergreens. I have found, though, that with the extreme cloudiness, it is really important to conciously acknowledge the good things in my life-- some days it's reminding myself that I love the haircut my darling niece gave me; or I appreciate the color the hydrangea in the front yard has become as it has matured. Otherwise, it would be easy to become grumpy. And, it helps that I work in a place full of color and life. This week the sunflowers are amazing-- huge spots of saturated color, longlasting, and TALL. So here's to color-- all of it, because without the grey, the others wouldn't look so vivid.