Old home Picture

I wish I knew where this was... What a picture.

Somewhere on the river in alaska

I don't know for sure where this was taken, but do you see the cabin in the right corner. It might be in Alaska from the looks of it. Nonetheless, it's a very interesting shot.

Insonmia Strikes

2:35 AM and I'm awake watching the News and surfing the web. Just a note to those who are reading this blog in the middle of the night. I sometimes wonder if I'm the only one but I know better, between the night owls and others afflicted with this curse we are here. Out in the darkness, bathed in the glow of the computer and TV screens.

Spring is finally here

This little squirrel says, spring has sprung. It got up into the low 50's this afternoon and the melt has begun big time.

Old Railroad Picture

I certainly would love to know where this picture was taken. From the looks of this steam powered shovel and the men that ran it. It must have been one heck of a machine.

1919 Travel Picture

This is out of a book of these type pictures published for The Great Northern New Service of the Great Northern Railroad, with a postmark of 1919. There is a letter inside, that starts Dear Mother and signed Lovingly your Son Henry inside telling where he's going next. Dated Aug 8-19. The caption on this picture is odd to this old Native American

Older Gentleman

Striking looking fellow, I wonder what he had seen during his lifetime.

1945 Fairbanks...

This little book is a tourist booklet of Fairbanks Alaska in 1945. People who live here now will notice many landmarks. What caught my eye the most was the end of town. You will see it, look closely.

TinType Photographs

Here is one example of a TinType Photo I have:

Soldiers of the Past

Out of the fog of time, this picture has a certain charm. Who were they, two young men in the military sending pictures home? The question this brings to my mind. So long ago that there names are forgotten.

The times are changing

Times have changed a great deal since this picture was taken. I wish I knew where this was and the story behind it.

I'm wishing for spring to return

Wow, I awoke this morning to 4 degrees F. And I'm complaining to the boss says this old squirrel...

1914 Co F Montana

Here is another picture of that era:

1914 Picture World War 1

I have some old photographs that I've came by, years ago. The lady who owned them was very old and when she passed away, someone set them out in the garbage. I saw them as I was walking by and quickly grabbed them up and I've saved them to this day. Here is one of some men in the Military from 1914. Montana or Idaho from what I can gather. These men may have seen action in World War 1. I'm not sure.

Stamps

Here is another from 1935, from the Roth Collection

Stamps

Here is one from my Roth Collection of stamps as I call it. It's from WW2.

Old Stamps in my Collection

When I was younger I collected stamps, and over the years I've picked up a few that I think have some merit. This is one from 1904, it's not the best of shape, but for being as old as it is, it is not to bad. It's on the original post card. I wonder what it is worth if anything?

Long Distance Phone Call (Reach out and touch them)

Papa doesn't miss when he gets his gun.

Unusual Visitor

Strange Squirrel sighting here on the Permafrost Ranch (Lockergnome Squirrel)

Club 11

This was one of Fairbanks premier steak houses, this card was from the owner before John & Beanie owned the club. The Gregs owned the club for many years until Johns passing. It was then sold but unfortunately it burned to the ground shortly after that.

Ration Book From World War 2

I found this book in some papers my mother left to me.

Way to go Nita

Fairbanks Native Association recently held its annual potlatch gathering at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall. FNA are the local social services entity for the Native Alaska/Native American population who reside in the Fairbanks area. Kimberly Dullen was chosen to be the 2008 Miss FNA Queen. She is currently a college student in Minnesota and is daughter of Karen Dullen. Juanita Esmailka was chosen to be the 2008 FNA Princess representative. She is a freshman at West Valley High School and is daughter of Charles and Tonya Esmailka. The 2008 FNA Baby winner was Elijah McGinty, son of Maurine McGinty.

I've bragged about this young lady before, and she deserves even more recognition for doing what she does. Nita is on the left.

Go get em Pete

Check out "Fairbank's hottest rock band"! "Indian Pete
and the Cruisers! April 11, 12, 2008, 10pm to 3am at
the "Gold Rush Saloon, 3399 Peger road 907-456-6410!

This event is the "House of Rock" in the Interior!

Large new dance floor with great color lightings!
with other half a saloon with pool tables!

Check out where everyone has been keeping warm under
hot rock and roll atmosphere!

Early Fairbanks Cabin

The old cabin in Fairbanks, somewhere down on First Street I believe. The date is 1960 on the back of the photograph. That part of old Fairbanks is gone, lost somewhere in the passing of time.

Winter won't Leave

Snowing here on the Permafrost Ranch this morning. 18 degrees F and winter just doesn't want to let go.

The sound of dripping water.

Life in the Great Land and the return of spring. I was sitting here at my desk as usual today, and the most amazing sound was coming through the open back door. It was the sound of dripping water. What a relief to hear this sound, because it means the return of weather above the freezing point. A sure sign that winter has lesson her grip upon the Permafrost Ranch. I'm sure it means much to my little squirrel buddies as much as it does to me. A change of season

Nenana Ice Classic

I was looking through a box of old pictures my mother left to me when she passed away. Being it's spring time and the Nenana Classic is on and everyone is waiting for the ice to go out. This old tri-fold had some neat pictures of Nenana Alaska.

Spring just might be on it's way

Hopefully spring will arrive soon says my little squirrel buddies. I'm sure there is squirrel babies being borne out there...

Thank You for the Donations

I just wanted to tell everyone who has donated to help feed my squirrels, Thank You. It will make sure my little fuzzers and birds of a feather will have lots of groceries to eat.

Please Donate

Seeking Donations for Squirrel and Bird Feed. If you would care to donate you can do so on the web page at http://www.thesquirrelcam.com/Cam1.html Please use the Pay Pal donation button. This time of the year I go through several bags of sunflower seeds a month. I know all the critters here on the Permafrost Ranch would appreciate it.

Presidential Material

Ok, does anyone else see something wrong with this picture...

Alaskan Politics

I saw this cartoon in the Alaska Report (http://alaskareport.com/index.htm) and just had to reprint it. It's so close to the truth.

Squirrel Cam Pictures

Moose in the Yard2

Here is a still photo of the moose in the yard.

8000 Drums March

Moose in the Yard

Easter Hare

Spring time and the easter bunny comes hopping down the bunny trail.

SOTD

hahahahha

We are not crooks... Did I hear the echos of Nixon's ghost here...

This is a reprint from: http://alaskareport.com/index.htm

Chain Link Fence blues

Here is a better angle showing how fast this young lady was traveling when she hit that fence.

Squirrel Cam Pictures

I was just watching the squirrel cams, and wanted to tell everyone thanks for watching and writing telling me that you do watch www.thesquirrelcam.com

Bad and Good News

I'm sure many remember the problems I've had with folks driving on the grass the east side of my property which is cleared and planted with lawn grass but is bordered by a road. I had to install a chain link fence to keep off the snow machines, four wheelers and others who just loved to drive on it and rut up the grass. The fence was ran into last night by a young woman who stopped by this morning and said she will pay to have it repaired. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I wasn't expecting anyone to own up to the damage that was done. Bless this young ladies heart and her parents. Her dad was with her.

Fridays and the weekend

Just some news from the Permafrost Ranch, KFAR 660 radio is backup and running. I should be streaming the Michael Dukes Show (FireArms Friday) for my sponsor (Galaxy Gun Shop). For those who would like to donate to continue this service Please do.

Look on www.thesquirrelcam

Station Break

The chatter among the local squirrels is that KFAR radio station has taken a bullet and is off the air. The scuttle butt is that it's a liberal plot against the gun owners and right wing fanatics. The local squirrel population is calling it a strike for freedom against those gun carrying freedom crying bunch of right wing nuts. Nuts did someone say nuts. Hummmm bbl, I think I just remembered where one is buried.

Festival of Native Arts Powwow

I had the honor yesterday to emcee the Festival of Native Arts Powwow up at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Four drum groups were on hand, our own local drum Soaring Eagle, and Thunder Hawk from Salcha. Two Anchroage drums were in attendance, Sleeping Lady, and Northern Lights. A good time was heard and had by all I believe. Nonetheless, something always comes out of such events in that stick in my mind. Sometimes, it's just the spirit of the event, and at other times, it's something that happened or was said. Nonetheless, something always stands out giving me a gift from each and every event. I had this honor yesterday granted to me, to be able to watch a young woman dance alone in the circle to beat of the drums in a Jingle Dress. She Dances for all the right reasons, for her ancestors, for her parents, for her people, for her community and for her self.
She Dances for the past, the now and the future. Thank you Miss Nita Esmailka

It doesn't really end with just her dancing. No, the honor of what she does is really shown after she dances. Tips are placed on the floor of at one end of the arena. People put paper dollars, or what ever they decide it's worth to watch her dance. After the dance, following traditional ways, her brother gathers the up tips, and places then into a purse for the young woman. Never allowing her to touch the money. Then at this time she donates this money to the one of the elders in attendance of the powwow. Her mother gave a great presentation of why this is done and what an honor for her to have such a dedicated and wonderful daughter.

That's it. That is the one thing that forever will stick with me from yesterdays event. That is what it is all about isn't it. It does give one hope for the future of all.

Cool Blue Cams

Watching the sunrise this Sunday morning and the cool deep blue change in the light. If you haven't seen it. Watch the cams here on the Permafrost Ranch. www.thesquirrelcam.com You will see what I mean.

My Uncles Passing

I just learned this afternoon of the passing of my Uncle Don Gilcrease. The sadness overwhelms me this evening here in the gathering twilight.

Death likely caused by exposure Part 2

Don't anyone ever tell me that Fairbanks hasn't changed. I spent a better part of my youth growing up here in Fairbanks. Living here always had a ever lasting impact upon my life, but Fairbanks has changed. I don't remember reading these headlines as a kid but this morning in the Daily News Miner it jumped right out at me. "Teen found dead in South Fairbanks." "This could be the second suspected exposure death in less than a week." writes the author Chris Freiberg , Another young Native Alaskan life gone. We have come a long way baby, but we have lost something in the miles and years that have passed here in the Great Land.

Death likely caused by exposure

The beauty of our Northern climate in the winter is spectacular, but it hides something just below surface. Even here in our beautiful fair city on the banks of a beautiful scenic river, there is something just below the surface and every once in a while it rears it's deadly side. Another resident has died of exposure, "death likely caused by exposure" screams out from the headlines. How many times will we read that in our Sunday morning headlines over that hot cup of coffee this winter. Once, twice, three times. Will there be more. Will it jolt us from our warm comfortable lives. How many residents of our fair city are living on that edge. How many of the rest of us really care.

Living good on the Permafrost Ranch

My claim to fame, is the little squirrel shots I take. If you like them, at least let me know. Write a comment.

Half Hidden Away in the Far North

Here is how I feel sometimes, just half hidden from the world...

Squirrel Friends

todays squirrel friends shot of the day

Common RedPoll 2

Here is another shot of the Common RedPoll male bird.

Common RedPolls

These little birds are so colorful this time of the year, specially the males.

Slip sliding away

Living in the Land of Ice and Snow, has it's disadvantages for sure. I stepped off the front porch this afternoon and really took a bad fall. My left shoulder took the brunt of the fall and my weight. I'm hurting big time this evening.