Thanksgiving at Game Creek 2011

Hi folks- Muffin Man here with my sincere apologies to the masses who follow this blog. I know that I've let down the people who come here looking for free entertainment and expect more regular blog posts, but I  have an excuse- I really do. I had to go to Juneau for my annual doctor's visit, which actually went very well. As I've mentioned before, I love this doctor. When he asked about the ol' finger up the bung routine to check the prostate I mentioned that my feelings about the procedure haven't changed and it's not going to happen- at least not while I'm conscious. So then he says  "well how about my fist then?"  That's what I like about this guy. He can look at you in your birthday suit and not burst out laughing and yet we can joke around about serious matters and have a good time. If I wasn't so self conscious and scared of speaking in public, I think we could go on the road and do a comedy routine. Anyway, I was gone from Monday to Thursday night, so I couldn't very well update the blog, so there you have it.
 Last Sunday we went out to the annual Thanksgiving feast that the farm at Game Creek puts on. This blog is going to be a two part one because I don't want to have so many pictures on here that it won't download to the Internet. Part one shows some of the scenes from around the farm. Next year I'll strive to get some pictures from the fields and some of the animals. The day itself was nasty- rainy and gloomy like it is usually this time of year. We'd had snow several days before so the road out to the farm was slippery and muddy and the ruts were huge. Even with a 3/4 ton truck hitting some of those pot holes was bone jarring. I should also point out that the snow and rain and gloom make everything look worse. Most of the original  buildings are in a state of disrepair, but that's no surprise, when they were built we were told the world was going to be ending in five years so it wasn't like they had to last forever. I have mixed feelings when I look around there. I hate to see the place getting run down, but the good news is there are several young families moving in who are experienced builders and who have the energy and the expertise to turn things around. I'm looking forward to seeing them in action and perhaps even lending a hand. While the buildings are less than stellar, the spirit of the people was encouraging. The difference between what it was like when we lived there and now is like night and day. With time, attitudes have changed, and while the buildings may be getting run down, the spirits of the residents are shining bright. I'm looking forward to the day when the buildings are a reflection of the people within them. Part two of this post will show some of the people from the Thanksgiving feast. Now I have to get ready to clean up the mess I've made in the kitchen. The other day when I was at Costco I happened to see a lovely gal from Hoonah named Daphne. She goes by the name Duffy. Anyway,she asked if I would bake something for the school carnival tonight, so I made a batch of blueberry and sour cream muffins. I'm saving one out for her to try- a Duffy Muffin; a Duffy muffy; a Duff muff. I better quit while I'm ahead- if its not too late already. See ya!



Comments

  1. AutumnNovember 12, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    I've been waiting for this blog! Sounds like a good time there as usual! ;) How many went this year? Love ya!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JennNovember 13, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    Wow, Tom. I certainly remember these buildings. I spent about a week here when I was doing a Marina Biology Field Course. I stayed with Donna Austin's parents with a couple of other students. We spent a lot of time exploring the mud flats when the tide went out. Lots of interesting sea critters. Also went on a halibut fishing trip with Bob. I caught my fist fish ever, a 45# halibut. By the time we got home I was shivering so bad I could hardly stop. Also muskeg and rain forest expeditions. Thanks for posting

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 13, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    So how was dinner? As good as last year? Last year I had the pleasure of going.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TB BottsNovember 14, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Hi Autumn- I'm not sure how many folks came this year. It wasn't as many as last year, but it was still pretty full. They had dinner earlier this year,which worked out good for us. Usually they eat later and by the time they show the slide show it's time for us to go so we can beat the dark. It's pretty good walk through the fields and woods and your mom certainly doesnt want to go through in the dark. Me either for that matter.
    Hi Jenn- If you were at the Carey cabin, you were just one cabin away from the one I built. We lived down the boardwalk through the woods. It was the last cabin at the end of the property and very private. I loved it there- we had a slough out front to watch the ducks and otters. I used to have to pack water from the slough on laundry day- it was a real hassle. The dampness can really make it feel colder here even though the temps aren't nearly as low as up north. I wish I had taken a marine biology course- I love anything to do with fish, fishing and the ocean. Thanks for commenting gal.
    Hi Erika- yeah, it was pretty good! They really go out of their way to provide the dinner and everybody seems to have a really good time. Lucas Clark's wife, Brenda, did a slide show again. She always does such a nice job. We were able to stay for desert this time because of the early dinner, so that was an added bonus.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AJNovember 29, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    LOL...A Duff Muff???? What the heck..too funny!!!! Don't be Duffin the Muffin...Can't beat the heat....just duff the muff...

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousDecember 1, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Thanks for the pictures. My son, Matt, lives there and we haven't been able to visit because of the economy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. TB BottsDecember 3, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    No problem- I'm not sure who Matt is, but next time I see someone from Game Creek I'll let them know that one of Matt's parents says hi. Thanks for writing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. 2000guitarsDecember 16, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Thanks, Tom for the pics. Good to see the old place full of people.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    There is an amazing energy with the new families moving in.
    Game creek will be rebuilt and a thriving community again.
    New attitudes equal hope and hope produces life.
    Thanks for the post, something is really happening there!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJuly 1, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    I am the nephew of Gary Lebowitz. I was on the Farm for a visit with my father,Gary's brother, around 1998 or so. I remember all those buildings. What a trip. Thanks for posting. BTW my name is Brad Lebowitz.
    Uncle Gary took us up Icy Straights. We got into his little skiff and got right up close to a school of whale. What an experience.

    ReplyDelete
  11. tbbottsJuly 2, 2013 at 1:27 PM

    Hi Brad- I was looking at the comments section of my blog and I saw yours. I saw your uncle a week or so ago. Frankly, he's looking a little tough. Getting old is not for wimps I'll tell ya. Poor guy can hardly get around and I think he may have Parkinson's. It's sad to see someone who was so active having such health issues. One thing is certain- life isn't fair. Thanks for commenting.

    ReplyDelete

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