Birthday Best

My husband is the best! He made my day special by bringing me coffee and breakfast in bed. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better he gave me an electric kettle which is a must up here since there is a lot of hot chocolate and tea drinking. I never knew about electric kettles until we started our trip North. Some of the hotels and B&B that we stayed in had them available to the guest 24 hours with tea and hot chocolate fixings. I thought, "this is terrific." the water is always ready at the push of a button and by the time you unwrap your tea bag or pour in the contents of the HC packet it's ready to pour. He got me the cutest little red one that looks like a real kettle. He also got me a gift certificate to the nail/massage salon nearby. I feel a pampering day coming on. Maybe after the move into our house.
Yesterday afternoon I met Jordan, Ben, Stephanie and their boys for lunch at the BX. it's funny to go to the lunch on the base because everyone looks alike....All the airmen wear their ABU's so it's hard to identify someone specifically from a distance becausee they all look the same. Anyway, i had Popeye's Chicken, the closest thing they have to southern Louisiana cooking up here and that is a definite stretch.
After lunch the spouses were invited to attend orientation with their airmen because the topic was WILDLIFE. We were informed in this session on what to do when you encounter bear, moose, and wolves.

Bear: If you encounter a bear in the wild talk to it and make yourself as big as possible. Back away from the bear and go back the way you came. if the bear charges at you you must decide if it is a defense or offense. if it is defensive you should back away (do not run) in fact you never run because they are predators so if you run you have just made the game fun. If the bear makes contact with you curl up in a ball and protect your head and neck. If it is an offensive attack fight back aiming for the head and eyes. Always carry bear spray/pepper spray and have a good aim.

Moose: They like their space so give them room. If you encounter one on the trail back away and talk to the animal, do not yell at them. go back the way you came. If the moose is angry you will see the hair stand up on their neck, the ears go down, the mouth start salivating in abundance. If the head goes down, RUNNNNNN and try to put something between you and the moose. If you get caught curl up in a ball protecting your head and neck. NEVER come between a momma moose and her calf.

The wildlife training was actually informative. the speaker explained the different seasons for the animals and what is taking place in their lives such as mating, giving birth, hibernating, etc.

We have defiantly encountered moose and calves on the bike trails. Fortunately, we were prepared and the encounter was good.

After wildlife training I went shopping for furniture with Stephanie and her boys followed by a little shopping on my own.

Jordan finished off the special day by taking me to dinner at the Snow Goose for some Alaskan Seafood. I had an amazing dish, Apple Ale Glazed Salmon. YUMMMM! Followed by an amazing Blueberry Cheesecake.

it was a great day !