"ALASKA OR BUST" PARTY -- Saturday, February 4, 2023

We had a wonderful "Alaska or Bust" party at John Burge Park in Conroe, Texas to say farewell to all our friends in Texas as we prepare to go "North to Alaska" in early April! It was a cool, brisk afternoon, but the space heaters that we had strategically placed around the shelter house kept every one warm and their spirits high. Each guest had received an invitation (as shown below.)

One of our very special dear friends, Janis Carter, had these beautiful t-shirts made for us to wear at the party. I am sure we will enjoy wearing them many times in Alaska and beyond.

(Mel & Shirley modeling their Alaska t-shirts!)

(Janis Carter & Shirley hug in front of the moose antlers.)

A total of twenty-seven people showed up to celebrate with us. Everyone enjoyed an Alaskan feast including salmon, clam chowder, seven-layer salad, fried rice, along with other appetizers and/or desserts brought by the guests.

(Some of the delicious spread -- clam chowder, fried rice, and seven-layer salad.)

(Mel made his delicious salmon on the grill using his very special recipe.)

(And we even had "moose" cupcakes prepared by Janis! )

Everyone had plenty to eat and the conversation was lively. Toward the end of the evening, everyone wished us farewell, but not  "goodbye" because we all hope our paths will cross again someday. The party was truly a lot of fun!

(Women at the party starting in the back row from left to right -- Amy Kloesel, Janis Ringo, Jeanne Kellogg, Shirley in the green shirt, Dawn Collins, Bobbie Page, Sulynn Hewlett, and Bonnie Bass; and in the front row from left to right Esther Davila and her daughter Jade, Judy Pluto and Janis Carter)

(Men at the party starting from left to right -- Stephen Kloesel, Jeff Page, Richard Kellogg, James Ringo, Mel in the green shirt, Kenny Pyka, Tommy Collins, Abel Davila, Larry Carter and Mike Pluto)

Mel and I are really looking forward to our trip to Alaska. Before the party, we had a chance to read a couple of adorable children's books, "The Muk  and Tuk Tales" and "More Muk & Tuk."  These short stories are about Eskimo twins, Muk and Tuk, who lived in the North far, far away. Each day, they would put on their mukluks and parkas and go outside to play. These wonderful stories were written by Janis' mother, Karen Grill Merrill and illustrated by Janis' uncle, Gerald "Jerry" Grill. They were so cute!

Alaska here we come!

Shirley & Mel