Happy Halloween

Hello folks I hope you all had a great Halloween. It was cold up here in Anchorage, but there is no snow. We will probably start ice skating soon at Potter's Marsh.

Fishing was great this summer we worked like dogs but had fun doing it. The weather was beautiful so we went swimming in order to cool off. The girls sold home sqeezed lemonade to drifters that anchored in our cove this summer to raise money for college. They did a pretty good job and got some perks along the way, like a one pound bag a almond m&m's. That treat suprised mom and dad especially when they had eaten most of them before coming ashore.

Sarana sez,"I'm a pretty good winker" the day after getting a spider bite.

We also went on a road trip in the interior of Alaska to see the Wrangell St. Elias range and visit Tangle lakes. The Arctic Greyling fishing was fantastic for two little girls. It was endless bites the fish were so happy to see us.

We are celebrating all souls day today and will be toasting to Papa Phil this evening. We will set out salmon, scotch and diet coke for dad's spirit. I believe it is easier for me to remember my dad on this day than on Sept. 11th. This summer we spread Dad's ashes on a large glacial erratic bolder we call "Papa's rock". It is in a field of wildflowers: asters, valarian, marsh marigolds, bog orchids and more, overlooking Prince William Sound and the Chugach and Wrangell St. Elias Ranges. Some day I will put a plack on the rock with my dad's name and the words,"farmer, fishermen, friend and father".

Hope all is well. Germaine

Finished the marathon...

Hello to all!

A while back I posted here that I had entered myself into the Chicago Marathon. I am very pleased to say that I finished running the 26.2 miles this past Sunday, Oct. 11th!!!! I finished better than I had hoped with a time of 4 hours, 28 minutes, and 35 seconds (my goal was 4:30 even). I started training back in April, so there was great relief along with the pride and sense of achievement.

Over 33,000 racers finished the race in times ranging from 2hr 5min to 6hr 30min. The hardest part, though, was the weather. When I crossed the starting line it was 33 degrees!!!! By the end, it had risen to around 45 and I had the heat from running, but it was tough getting started.

Laura even made a special trip out to see her little brother run and was very supportive before and after the race - she was right there at the finish line when I crossed!


I think next I would like to tackle 2,600 mile Pacific Crest Trail hike from Mexico to Canada - any takers?

Love all around,

Alex

Uncle Phil

Last summer, after our reunion in TN, Angie, Marsha, and I drove to Argyle, MN and visited our parent's gravesite. As we promised Phil a year ago today, we spread some of his ashes on our parent's grave. While we were at the gravesite, we called Tom and Bill and shared a brief prayer.

Next summer, if we are all well, the four siblings will place a small headstone on our parent's grave with his name and the word "ashes" when we gather at Marsha's house for our reunion.

I, too, really miss Phil. I dream about him pretty often... we're always working on houses, building boats or sailing.

Jack

One Year After

I am still trying to get over the sadness. A year has gone by so quickly, and I find myself still in disbelief over the fact that brother Phil is gone. I think about him all the time; wondering how he would do some project and feeling his excitement at solving a problem. He was good man and brother, and I miss him.

TENNESSEE JULY 2009

GREETINGS TO ALL

Group photo: Bill, Naomi, Marsha, Angie, Jack, Barbara and Tom
Cinthya and Tom Jr

Dogs and Cat: Molly, Mitchie, and Charley

Sibling photo taken at "Snodgrass Hill", Battle of Chickamauga 1863,
2nd Minnesota Regiment

July 2009

We traveled to Tennessee this past July. Tom and Barbara were gracious hosts for the get-together. It was so good the see Tom Jr and his new wife Cinthya. They seem to be a very happy couple.

We had a chance to listen to true bluegrass music in one the local Nashville Pubs.

We also visited the various Civil War battlefields of Stones River (including a Civil War re-enactment), LookOut Mountain, and Chickamauga.

We all had great conversation and drink. And some sad memory of missing brother Phil.

Bill

4th of July in Minnesota

Well, this was the 5th of July, we all had a great time.
Angie, Jack, Eli, Joe, Katia, Katrina, Theo, Marsha
Looking forward to seeing everyone else in TN.
Marsha

Angie and I have been in MN for a week. Visited her 95 year old mom
and her brother, Arlan. Counting down to TN
Jack

Alaska Myerchins, J&A kids and anyone who has moved in the last year - please email your addresses to me :-)

laura_myerchin @ hotmail.com

thanks!