More on Alaska....

So one of the things I didn't say (because I didn't know) about the Alaska trip was that on Friday, May 11, when I went shopping, there was indeed a tour.  It was offered by Sis. Angela Gardner of First CME.  They went to the Alaska Heritage Center, among other places.  The reason I remember the Alaska Heritage Center is because it's a place I would have LOVED to have visited.  She tells me that the people were in rapt attention as totem poles and other aspects of Native life were explained to them.  Big regret that I missed out on that one.

I did NOT, however, miss out on First CME's Tribute to Mothers.  Ohmygoodness!!!  It was Saturday, May 12, about 4 in the afternoon.  I arrived, all dressed down, to find the most welcoming and accepting group of people ever!  The men were doing whatever men do; they covered the window to the Fellowship Hall door and we women had to wait outside.

When we were finally allowed to enter, it was WELL worth the wait!! We walked into a Fellowship Hall that had been transformed into a five-star restaurant.  The tables were set with real silverware and china (not plastic like you know we church folk like to do), and a scrumptious salad was set at each place.

It only got better.  We took our seats, the food was blessed, and we enjoyed our salads.  Then the men came out and cleared our salad bowls away before they delivered the entrees.  They did this, of course, while keeping our glasses filled with water, iced tea, and, during dinner, a delightful de-alcoholized Merlot (vintage 2009).  The menu was delicious:  Mixed Garden Salad, Filet Mignon with Au Jus Sauce, Potato Wrapped Halibut, Polenta Cakes, Seasoned Green Beans, Bananas Foster, Rolls, Iced Tea, and the afore-mentioned wine.

You can see the whole album here!

I was so impressed to see men doing their thing, and doing it well -- it was a wonderful last impression of Alaska -- that and their insistence on sending me on my way with extra Potato Wrapped Halibut -- as one person said, "it's a long trip.  Do you want your stomach to be growling while everyone is eating those $7.00 sandwiches?"    All I have to say is, I never really tasted halibut until I tasted halibut in Alaska.  The first time I ate some, down by Whittier, it was so good I took a picture of it.  Now I see halibut steaks in the store, I can tell they're frozen, and I just pass them by.  The good people of First CME gave me enough halibut that I ate dined deliciously on it for several days.  I am truly grateful!

Alaska was simply amazing.  If you're considering a trip, GO!  If you're CME, make sure you contact Rev. Jerry Webb and the congregation at First CME Church, 3600 MacInnes Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99508.  THEY ARE AMAZING!!!