13 in 2011 – looks much different, or maybe not so much different, than my 13th … other than the apples.

horse drawing class at ez walking stables. my horse for two weekends was dreamin. i’m in love with her.

a local school had a black hawk visit as well as a humvee.

fire pit & hot tub party

a dad and his son; 40th birthday party for the daddy.

pogo gogo co at out north theatre 12/25/2010
pcccg-2238 pcccg-2243 pcccg-2245 pcccg-2246 pcccg-2249 pcccg-2252 pcccg-2253 pcccg-2255 pcccg-2257 pcccg-2258 pcccg-2260 pcccg-2261 pcccg-2262 pcccg-2265 pcccg-2266 pcccg-2268 pcccg-2269 pcccg-2270 pcccg-2274 pcccg-2279 pcccg-2282 pcccg-2283 pcccg-2284 pcccg-2286 pcccg-2288 pcccg-2290 pcccg-2291 pcccg-2292 pcccg-2293 pcccg-2295 pcccg-2296 pcccg-2299 pcccg-2302 pcccg-2304 pcccg-2305 pcccg-2306 pcccg-2308 pcccg-2310 pcccg-2311 pcccg-2312 pcccg-2316 pcccg-2317 pcccg-2318 pcccg-2319 pcccg-2321 pcccg-2323 pcccg-2325 pcccg-2326 pcccg-2327 pcccg-2329 pcccg-2334 pcccg-2335 pcccg-2336 pcccg-2337 pcccg-2339 pcccg-2340 pcccg-2342 pcccg-2343 pcccg-2345 pcccg-2346 pcccg-2350 pcccg-2353 pcccg-2355 pcccg-2356 pcccg-2358 pcccg-2363 pcccg-2364 pcccg-2365 pcccg-2366 pcccg-2367 pcccg-2368 pcccg-2369 pcccg-2370 pcccg-2373 pcccg-2376 pcccg-2378 pcccg-2380 pcccg-2382 pcccg-2384 pcccg-2386 pcccg-2389 pcccg-2390 pcccg-2392 pcccg-2395 pcccg-2396 pcccg-2400 pcccg-2402 pcccg-2405 pcccg-2407 pcccg-2411 pcccg-2412 pcccg-2414 pcccg-2415 pcccg-2417 pcccg-2419 pcccg-2421 pcccg-2423 pcccg-2424 pcccg-2425 pcccg-2428 pcccg-2429 pcccg-2430 pcccg-2431 pcccg-2433 pcccg-2434 pcccg-2436 pcccg-2437 pcccg-2440 pcccg-2441 pcccg-2442 pcccg-2443 pcccg-2446 pcccg-2449 pcccg-2451 pcccg-2453 pcccg-2455 pcccg-2456 pcccg-2459 pcccg-2460 pcccg-2461 pcccg-2462 pcccg-2464 pcccg-2466 pcccg-2467 pcccg-2468 pcccg-2469 pcccg-2470 pcccg-2471 pcccg-2472 pcccg-2475 pcccg-2476 pcccg-2478 pcccg-2479 pcccg-2483 pcccg-2484 pcccg-2485 pcccg-2488 pcccg-2489 pcccg-2490 pcccg-2494 pcccg-2495 pcccg-2498 pcccg-2505 pcccg-2508 pcccg-2509 pcccg-2510

The Institute of the North, founded by the late Governor Walter J. Hickel, is a leader in the study of Alaska’s unique governmental and economic system that combines a constitutional democracy, a free enterprise economy and commonly owned lands and resources (i.e., the Commons). The “commons” is an academic discipline of great significance to those dedicated to eliminating poverty in community-based cultures as well as those concerned about the total environment – people, people’s needs and nature.

While other scholarly centers may focus on the “tragedy of the commons” in destitute and over-populated regions, the Institute of the North specializes in how to utilize and care for the resource-rich commons for the benefit of those living in and on the commons. Areas of special study include Alaska, the many regions of the Arctic and other areas of the world that are lightly populated and wealthy in both human cultures and natural resources.

The 2010 Alaska Dialogue Confronting Entitlement: Fearlessness, Investment and Entrepreneurism in Alaska 17-19 September 2010 Talkeetna, Alaska

Throughout its history, Alaska has faced crossroads, cliffs and precipices. Every time Alaskans round a corner, they are faced with a new challenge. Alaskans have heard before that making the right decisions today means a brighter future for tomorrow. More often than not, those decisions have been put off. Today, many speak of Alaska as an “entitlement state,” where ownership equals expectation rather than responsibility.

At the same time, the state can claim a wealth of resources – both natural and human. How can Alaskans cultivate a culture of giving, leadership and innovation? Alaska can not afford avoided decisions, complacency or a civic divisiveness that contributes to a “toxic” environment of blame, territorialism or risk aversion.

This is how the weekend started out and ended – it was beyond beautiful outside. I could NEVER get sick of this view. Ever!