Soaking up the Season

Well, our first day of this year was pretty fun. We slept in and then went out to Chena Hot Springs to soak in the tubs. We were almost the only ones there in spite of the fact that every room was booked on New Year's Eve. They have a big party at the Lodge there- drinks, dancing, dinner. Since we arrived before noon, I think everyone was sleeping in. We left just as people started arriving. It's always more fun to go when the temps are low. Your head and face get cold while your body stays warm.

The outside lake is for adults only because of no chlorine, so greater health risks. I like it because the horsing around is minimized. It's also eerie with the fog and low lights.

We saw 3 moose on the way out along the road while we ate our pb&j.


In the evening, we went to see the movie, "Australia". The movie had beautiful scenery and gave some valuable historical background. Did you know, for example, that Darwin was bombed during WWII? Did you know that "half-caste" children, aboriginal and white, were taken from their families to be "schooled" and sent out to be servants to the whites? So, I learned some new things about Australian history and was drawn to the beautiful scenes. But the film had too much romantic inuendo, too many heart wrenching separations and could have ended several times over. Of course good had to win out over evil- that's necessary to stay optimistic in our world today.

In terms of characters, the young boy, Nullah and his grandfather were fantastic. And it's not for nothing that Hugh Jackman (not Hugh Jass who was once paged on the ferry by my daughter on a debate field trip) has been named the Sexiest Man Alive. Fortunately the screenwriter was able to insert several opportunities for us to see his naked chest revealing his manliness. Also, he saved the day over and over using his strong character, quick wits and strong arms. Nicole was able to stay clean and well dressed throughout most of the movie, in spite of surviving a bombing and a cattle drive, surely the mark of a lady.

In my opinion, the movie scored 3 out of 5 chocolate kisses. See it, but don't expect to ponder the message long afterwards.

Today, after walking up and down the stairways at the Big Dipper, I went to lunch with my friends. We exchanged gifts (again), but I haven't finished our annual calendar. Bad me. Gotta get back to it.