We've Arrived in Alaska

Hi, guys! Sorry I haven't been very active at the forums in several weeks.

We've moved to Alaska. When I left Alaska in 98 I told myself that I would do all possible to return some day. My dream came true. I have ended my Army career with military retirement effective October 1. My family and I departed our previous home near Augusta, Georgia on Aug 22, arriving in the Anchorage area (4700 miles later) Aug 30.

Since arriving, we've entered my son (Xandermann at Short-Media) in school, completed final paperwork with my new employer, and have just ended a very frenetic several days of househunting.

Tomorrow we are signing a purchase agreement for a home. Another dream come true. We found a mountainside home that overlooks a wild river in a valley with steep snowcapped mountains on the other side. This view, seen from the kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and second story deck, also looks into another valley up the river and a glacier. Nothing man-made is visible from the property except the house and our driveway. There are very few homes on this mountain. Seclusion is perfect - in the middle of nature, but only a 15-minute drive from stores, gasoline, and a highway. To add icing to the cake, the construction quality of the home is excellent...and we'll have DSL broadband. I'll provide pictures when I get a chance.

The road up to the house is paved and plowed in the winter, but I'm glad our family vehicles are four wheel drive and all wheel drive.

I'm happier and more content than I've been in years.

Next week, we are moving out of our present lodging to a furnished apartment, where we will reside until mid-November when we move into our new home. Presently, I only have limited Internet access (lobby of our lodging). Our apartment will have cable; I'll be setting up the home computers ASAP, as I brought them with us in our cargo trailer. I hope to be more active as a member and moderator on the forums. I'm missing you guys.

Your Friend,


Leonardo