thank you all for your responses. the folks on this sight are sooo great. i've met a few and would love to meet more of you. the feeling of belonging to a special group is what will keep me coming back even though i'm nearly done restoring my second alaskan. in a world that increasingly seems to be a place where nobody has time or interest in anyone but themselves , this group of people take the time to help, advise, comment,befriend,console,and whatever it takes to be wonderful people. i don't know if these kind of folks are drawn to alaskans or alaskans draw this out in people, but i am thankful for you all.
wes