One of "Those" Weeks

Greetings,
Been a looong past few weeeks. First Mother Nature blew her lid unleashing a three day rainstorm that not only depleted most of our snow but encased everything in ice. We put sand down in the driveway as well as the dogyard so that we could even move our feet-yikes!! Guess it's our turn to deal with her wrath-- since the clouds disappeared the temps. have plummetted some 50 degrees F. Usually just above zero in the day, fifteen-twenty below at night. Stars have been brilliant of late though not too much aurora activity. Just ran the pooches with the 4-wheeler on a 30 mile run this morning. A tad boring not being on the sled anymore but the safety of the team comes 1st. Besides they get a bit more of a workout this way. Unfortunately sitting down I'm definately a bit colder compared to standing on the back of the runners. Our new dogbox is almost complete, Tamra will put a pic in our next update. For those of you who haven't heard yet we have the honor this year of not only being on the 2006 YukonQuest poster but on the Label of 'Lead Dog Ale' as well. Past sponsors as well as family will be recieving a poster for the holidays, anyone else who would like one please feel free to let us know. Now back to reality- in this life there are always peaks and valleys, how one deals with obstacles creates their future. Truck's finally fixed then the generator breaks down, rain then cold, the list is endless yet with a positive attitude this DREAM will continue to flourish. As many of you know we have not only one but TWO teams competing in both the Quest and Iditarod this season. Dean Rosiar will be running a team for the kennel as well this year in hopes of becoming the 1st rookie musher to complete both major 1,000 mile races in the same year. Having spent a few months now with this kid from Ohio has been an intriguing experience. At the tender age of 22 he has the determination but still much to learn. This is a great opportunity to show off all our dogs unique abilities as well as make history by being the 1st kennel to have 2 teams in BOTH major long-distance races. For those of you who have been following this unique journey over the years it's amazing to watch our growth over the last few seasons. Much of our successes are a direct result of not only experience but a lil' lady named Tamra Reynolds. Somehow she has been able to organize and simplify all the mushing mayhem that we encounter on a daily basis. Speaking with tourists this past summer I often remarked how the toughest part of racing was actually the weeks leading up to the event; purchasing the necessary supplies to outfit the squads properly. "Being Prepared" has been my 'achilles heel' in the past hopefully this year we'll be able to rectify this situation. We're ahead of last year's schedule having already bought a few thousand booties, lithium batteries and some of the dogfood as well. What we need to focus on now is to raise enough money to buy about 4,000 lbs of different frozen meats, pay for shipping of drop bags for Iditarod, and pay for gas and entry fees for a few mid-distance training races. Most of the mid-distance races usually involve a one to two day drive- there's a reason Alaska's nickname is the GREATLAND. Many of you have been huge supporters of the "Laughing Eyes Kennel Experience" for some 10 years now- we thank you whole heartedly. Without other's financial investment the dogs would never have a chance to shine! To show off their incredible courage, strength, stamina and LOVE; they truly are man's best friend. It humbles me everyday to be in their presence and realize what a lucky person I am (despite the endless hours of work and pooper scooping). If any of you are ever interested in visiting and enjoying the feel of being a dogmusher on a short trip you are more than welcome. Please feel free to send us any questions via e-mail or by phone. If there's one thing I've learned over the years it's: "Where there's a Will, there's a Way." Through the Good Graces of the Great Almighty we'll once again be able to create a memorable and beautiful portrait in the days and weeks to come. This season promises to be one to remember!! If you'd like to become apart of the team please e-mail us at laughingeyeskennel@hotmail.com. Sponsorships are best sent to our winter training address: Box 11269, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 6N5, Canada. Again, hope you all enjoy the SHOW!!! Tamra, Hugh and The Laughing Eyes Kennel Crew.