I Love Wrinkles!

Or I should say, I like to draw them.   They give a face such character and I just finished this one of a Native American.   It's so hard to know when a drawing is finished but I am really enjoying drawing again and I can tell it helps a lot now that I have a bit more sensation in my index finger (following my wrist fracture last year).  It helps to be able to feel pressure differences when using the pencils.   Since we are home this winter I hope to work on a few more but need to search for that next wrinkled face!  Any volunteers???  Just kidding!!

What's A Viking To Do...

...when there is no family around to keep them civilized!  Well, off they go into the hinterland to check for invaders with their trusty dog, Hank.  And, oh yes, stop for a bit of glogg to warm the old bones. 

So You CAN Teach An Old Dog

I think the only opera I have seen live is "Phantom of the Opera".   I have a history of always saying I don't care for opera.   Well, we can change our opinions.   Orcas Center, our performing arts center here on the island has started something new.  It's called Met Live and it is streaming live video of an actual Metropolitan opera performance on the big screen, in HD and with subtitles.   Sort of a "dummies for opera" experience.  We went to Orcas Center today at 1:00 and left at 5:30 for a performance of Handel's "Rodelinda".   I enjoyed it all.   It was like having a $500 seat for $13.   (non members pay $15)  And during the intermission, we were treated to interviews with the performers, set designers and even the maestro.   It was hugely educational but I really felt like I learned something new and had a whole new appreciation for the opera voice.   'Course, having the subtitles was extremely helpful, at least until I learn Italian  :-), as well as having a summary of the story beforehand.  There are 6 more performances like this in early 2012 and we plan to attend all.  

How Sweet It Is

For a very long time I have been using Splenda on my oatmeal in the morning.  Then I read an article about Splenda and that I'm basically eating chemicals so thought I would go back to honey, but honey can have a very strong taste.   Then a friend mentioned agave...I had never heard of this but low and behold, even our market here on the island had it.   It's a nectar from the heart of the blue agave plant and I LOVE it.  The flavor is like honey only milder and I feel better that I have given up the chemicals for something natural...and organic, no less.   Costco sells it in a double pack, even better!

Second Tree

This our second tree in 11 years on the island.  We had forgotten how much work it is to put up but it is so pretty and festive and well worth it...but we can see why some people invest in an artificial tree, especially as we get older, however, the scent is hard to beat.

It was fun to bring out all the old ornaments, some of which we have had for such a long time.   This one was given to us by our neighbors in Minnesota the first Christmas after our dog, Swede, died.  It's special.  I hope you are having fun reliving all your Christmas memories.

So Civilized

Even though we live in the woods on a mountain, we have never had any identifying "street" address to identify our house.  For years BJ has had these post ideas in his head and even had the copper tops created when he had the business.  We just got lighting on the driveway this past year and thus it was time to get the posts built.  I have watched this progress with awe because, other than having help with the concrete foundation, he has built them himself.   They will be so nice to have for guests coming down the road at night on what has previously been a very dark driveway.   All that's left to do is add some more soil to help conceal the concrete and, as usual, Deere John helps with that.



You Mean Talk??

Yesterday our main TV died.  It had been acting "squirrely" for sometime...sometimes shutting off on its own with only the sound remaining.   Then the picture would not come back at all but we could still get sound for the news...then that died also.  So last night during our normal evening routine of me cooking and us watching the news while we eat, it was quiet.   Yes, even Hank realized something was amiss as he likes to watch TV also.   So, what's a couple to do??  Especially after 41 years together...talk????   So we tried it and it wasn't bad...we talked about the books we are reading, we talked about current events instead of listening about them, we talked about projects..well, we just talked.   It was rather nice.  But today the TV guy is coming to help get rid of the current TV and replace it with the one in the bedroom.   Good timing as I think we are talked out anyway. 

The Proof Is In The Pan??

So we had Thanksgiving at a friend's home and thus I cooked a turkey for BJ and I the day after.  Since I had gotten stated concerns from others regarding cooking with aluminum, I opted to cook the bird in a pan with a rack and then covered it tightly and completely with aluminum foil.  The same process was used...the 500 degrees for the first hour, then shut off the oven and wait 6 hours.   Well, the white meat seemed a bit dryer this time...not as moist and flavorful.   The bird was cooked completely and the dark meat was fine.   So I took a portion and let it sit in the juices overnight and we had it again the next day and it was very good.   So I think I will continue to cook it this way...I just may look for a different pan that is similar to my aluminum one but..not aluminum.   Turkey 101 continues!  Anyway, turkey soup tonight...could you have guessed that?

And, Finally, We'd Like To Thank The Academy...

Ok, so it's not an Oscar, but how many times in life do you get your name on a plaque while you are still alive?  Last night at a yacht club function BJ and I received an award for Outstanding Cruiser for 2011.   Who would have thunk???  It was quite the unexpected event considering the award is not given out yearly...only when the powers that be, consider it deserved.  Apparently there is some awe for venturing  to Alaska for the first time alone rather than with a flotilla, as we are certainly not the first cruisers to make the journey.   It just seems rather humorous that all my years of denial about making the trip, finally doing so results in an award.  Do I dare tell them about the Valium required??...just kidding!  Anyway, we get to hang it at home for the next year.

Togetherness

It's only Wednesday evening and I have already been off island twice this week.   Appointments on two separate days...I think my dermatologist will become part of my family...and lots of errands, Christmas shopping, Costco...yada yada.   So on the way home I went topside with my book to read and along came a neighbor and then a friend from church and we all sat and gabbed.   "So where is BJ?"  they asked.   I said he was home.   "You mean, he did not want to come off island with you?"...at which point I began to explain that we each have our own agendas off island...mine is not the hardware store and Home Depot!   Frankly, I think we both relish our days off island by ourselves, to do what we want to do when we want to do it.   We enjoy doing things together but shopping is not one of them.   Isn't that why God created girlfriends???!!!

A Joyful Routine

As the leaves are almost all off the trees and the fall season is in full swing, I have resumed one of my favorite routines of the season..Saturday soup making day to be eaten Sunday evening.   I LOVE making soup.  The chopping, the seasoning, the simmering, the storing in the freezer for another meal..I feel like a squirrel stashing away for that day when we can't get to town due to snow and all I have to do is go to the freezer and take out one of my vacuum packed portions.    Tomorrow's recipe is potato/sausage/kale...one of my favorites.    

Kaviar Krisis

BJ took me to the airport last week so he could swing by Ikea and stock up on Kaviar.   What a shock to learn that they no longer stock it or Abba sill in those big containers.   They still sell meatballs so our freezer is again full of those but the Kaviar situation is serious.   I don't know what Ikea is thinking but it makes no sense to us.  So now I am researching websites where I can buy the Kaviar...we only have one and a half tubes left and it won't be pretty if my husband goes into Kaviar withdrawal....it will make the Viking pillaging of old seem like small stuff.  For someone who has been eating this since the day he was weaned...well, it's hard to picture a daily lunch without Kaviar.  Thank goodness we can still get the big jars of pickled herring at Costco. 

Family Fix

I just got back from a great week with family.  I am saturated with blessings and hugs from everyone and am good for at least a couple months.   Nikolai who is soon 9 months is a heart stealer and has a smile for everyone...no matter the time of day.  Just a sweetheart.

A neighbor leases horses and so she stopped by and gave the kids a ride.  They were thrilled and both agreed that sitting atop one of these fine animals is a long way up.  

Pumpkin carving time was fun and both the kids drew their own designs for faces and then mom and grandma had the fun of cleaning out the innards as both kids thought it a bit gross.  

Halloween was a perfect night with a crescent moon and clear skies, although a bit brisk...but hey, we weren't slogging through 2 feet of snow either.

Additional visits were with Henni and Marlys and fun shopping.  It seems Grandmas don't qualify for the 3 day "fish" rule for visiting as even on day 5 the kids were still asking me if I had more sleepovers left...better than asking, "Grandma, are you STILL here?"  

Bow Wow

Hank got a new bed cover today.  His old one was full of holes from his evening "nesting" habits.  I found a website, http://www.bowwowbeds.com/  that makes wonderful bed covers.   They are made like a pillow sham cover, no zippers, no velcro, just nice and neat and tidy and made out of duck canvas.   Should hold up to those sharp toenails when he nests.   Lots of colors to choose from. The best part about this product is you can stuff them with anything you like.   Can make for a very inexpensive dog bed.    This color is called "coyote".   I am very pleased.  It's one of those great made in America products.

The back side

Finished

Last night we watched the last Swedish movie from the Stieg Larsson trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest.  We got introduced and hooked on these books on our cruise in 2010 and could not put them down.  We prefer to watch the movies with subtitles, 'course BJ can understand it but I don't like watching dubbed movies.  Something is lost in translation.   I understand there is an American movie version now of the books but have also heard that they are not very good.  The Swedish versions are so incredibly well cast and I love their cinematography.  My recommendation is to read the books and then see the movies.  I think the movies are really created assuming the viewer has read the book and knows the story line. The books are so well written and it's sad that the author did not live to see the success of his writings.  

Reluctant Participant

It rained all night and no sun was shining this morning but this maple tree is just so gorgeous anyway and I think the reds stand out more in a subdued light.   I "invited" Hank to get in the picture but as you can tell, he was not all that enthusiastic.  A good boy to participate, though.

It's In The Details

Most of you know that we live on a dirt road...a long dirt road.  I have a husband who cleans the outside of my car on a somewhat regular basis and for that I am very grateful.   For some reason today I felt it was time to give my car a little extra TLC.   It had been a very long time...longer than I cared to remember...I only know that the stuff that had collected near the windshield wipers was fertile soil for a new forest.  I have known for a long time that my car has not looked very good.   Since the days when I lived in suburbia and all was pristine and spiffy looking, somehow moving to the island, things started to deteriorate.   I recall one visit from a daughter, when she got into my car and said, "MoTHER!!" and I realized I should have cleaned it before she came.   But, between the dust in the summer and the mud in the winter, it's just so... why bother.   So today was major cleaning day.   Vacuuming, scrubbing...well, it just looks so good.   I told BJ I was going to mark the date on the calendar so I will know when to clean it again...and he said..."you're going to write down the year?"   Oh, thank goodness for a sense of humor!

Famously Funny

Last night we went to a performance at Orcas Center and the Orcas Horns were performing along with a singer and a young woman, Stephanie Trick who is a stride, ragtime and jazz pianist.   BJ and I had no knowledge of what a "stride" pianist is but old clips of Fats Waller were shown to give a history.  Anyway, there was a camera over the keyboard so we could see her hands flying over the keys and especially the left hand that "strides" over the whole left side of the keyboard.  She was beyond amazing, only 24, and one of the few female "stride" pianists.  I guess it helps to have large hands to be a good stride pianist as there is so much keyboad to cover and it's thus harder for women.  Then a couple was escorted to our row and sat next to BJ and I.  This morning at church one of our friends who played with the Orcas Horns said, "do you know who you were sitting next to last night?"  'Course we had no clue and then were informed it was Grant Geissman, a world reknowned guitarist.   The performances were so outstanding during the night, I would have been curious as to how he enjoyed it.   I could hardly sit still during it all, tapping my feet, my hands, slightly bouncing around...I hope he didn't think it was funny if my beat was off...which as many of you know, I have a reputation for.    

A Smile

Is there anything better than a smile?  I don't think so.  Today was a special day.   We got a letter from Daniel, our little boy we sponsor through Compassion.   He turned 8 on Sept. 13 and we sent money again this year for his birthday.   Today with his letter we got a photo and in the picture he is standing with his birthday money purchases consisting of a jacket, pants, athletic shorts for gym class, socks and some soccer socks.  But for the first time we also got a smile...the first one in any picture from him.  That was huge and I just grinned ear to ear when I saw it.  It was confirmation that he is beginning to feel more comfortable with us and getting to know us.   He said he wants to meet us in person and so do we someday.  

Ribs

For those of you who love baby back pork ribs but don't want to bother with the barbecue, here's a mouth watering solution!  I used the same cooking format as my never fail pork chops and first put these ribs in a 9x13 pan and covered tightly with aluminum foil.  I just sprayed the pan with Pam and added nothing to the ribs.  I cooked them for 3 hours at 275 and after that I placed them on my broiler pan, basted them with any good barbecue sauce and back they went in the oven for another 45 minutes at the same temperature, uncovered this time.   They are so tender!

"Bloggette"

I guess my mind isn't very organized today as I could have combined this with the previous entry but I have finished another Shutterfly book, this one of our trip to Alaska.  It took me a long time to look through almost 1000 photos but once that was done it was on to Shutterfly and their updated, faster and more creative website.   They are really making it fun to put a book together and I'm pleased with the new one as well.   From the time I ordered it online and its arrival was less than a week.   Such a wonderful way to keep a quality record of photos that you can enjoy in hard cover format without all the cut and paste.  

Purging, Chapter Two

BJ hauled a whole truckload of stuff to the Exchange, which is our Goodwill like drop off next to the dump here on the island.   They took almost everything except for one of my coffee pots, (they only like stainless), an ironing board and iron, (they say no one irons anymore!), three pole lamps, and a couple other miscellaneous items.   I got rid of so much stuff in my pantry and after giving it a thorough cleaning and reorganizing, it's almost scary to walk in there, it is so spacious and bright!   I had so many Rubbermaid containers that I didn't use...do those things multiply on their own??

New Home

Today we got our boat, KAVIAR, settled in her new home.  BJ has been thinking for a long time about moving her to a more convenient marina and today it finally happened.   It was hard to leave the other marina as it is so picturesque but this new mooring is so much closer to home that he can go down and check on her frequently.   We think it will be a good fit.  It seems strange to see her in a new place and the only drawback is that we cannot come and go in the marina at low tide so we have to give a little more consideration to that.   But there will be no channel wave action from other boats and the ferry which will be much better for the hull.   We have one more boat outing the first weekend in October and then that will probably be it for the year.   She gave her best performance in Alaska so deserves a long winter's nap!

Purging

No, I have not embarked on swallowing some new fangled bowel cleanser but this makes me feel just as good.  We have a reasonably large house and one of the problems with that is stuff collects...and collects.  It is not a good thought to think of BJ or I being alone some day and having to sort through all this stuff so we are on a mission to check every nook and cranny and check it twice and if we haven't used it in several years, out it goes.   I have four coffee pots.  And they all work.  And we don't even drink coffee.  Are you getting the picture?  I have four irons...ok, one is in the guest house, but still.  This is going to take awhile but I will feel like a new person when it has all been cleared out.   Wow, I feel slimmer already!    

August 29

Today is my 41st wedding anniversary.  It always amazes me how many years have gone by since I said, "I do"!  I have been going through old photos, partly due to the recent deaths of my two wonderful aunties in Florida.  I am sort of in a purge mode as I would hate for my kids to have to come into our house and wonder what do we do with all this stuff.  So I have begun a process of sorting and purging.  The bigger the house, the more stuff is saved.  Looking again at my wedding album and wondering who those fresh faced, wrinkle free young people are, I am amazed at all the time that has gone by.   So as I reflect on 41 years, yesterday's message at church was especially timely.  It was titled, "God shall supply all your need" from Philippiians 4:14-20.  "Need" here is the key word as it is clear that "wants" are a whole other issue.   But my life has certainly reflected God's timely provisions when at times I felt I was at the end of the road ready to go over the cliff and He intervenes.  In that process, a whole lot of faith and trust is established for the next life chapter.   So here are a few points to ponder from this week's bulletin.

"When you're alone, your heart is torn; He is all you need.  When you're confused, your soul is bruised; He is all you need.  Through all the years, the joy, the tears; He is all you need.  Steve Camp.

"Of all the needs a lonely child has, the one that must be satisfied, if there is going to be hope and a hope of wholeness, is the unshaken need for an unshakable God."  Maya Angelou

"Our neccessities never equal our wants."  Benjamin Franklin

Crazy For Carrots

What else would an 8 year old dog want on his birthday for a special treat but raw carrots??!!!  Yesterday our faithful friend celebrated another birthday and he is crazy for carrots.  Every night BJ and I eat a bunch before dinner and as soon as I start peeling them he comes and sits by the counter and drools.   So, forget the ice cream and cake, just give me those orange veggies!

Darn, only 3 left!



The Silence Is Deafening

We had Katri and the grandkids here for a week and it's amazing how sedate and quiet our lifestyle is the other 51 weeks!!  It's always an adjustment to get used to the calm after the little busy bees have left.   Everyone made the most of each day, even little Nikolai who had his first tractor experience and loved every minute.  He is the happiest of babies with a smile for everyone, even strangers.  I am guilty of being that awful slobbery grandma all grandkids complain of but thankfully, Nikolai, is still too young to be turned off.  

 Eliah was captivated by the goldfish in our pond and both he and Ava enjoyed feeding them and then seeing how tame they were to even swim near their hands.  

We spent some fun time at the beaches looking for shells and climbing rocks. 

Up at Twin Lakes we had a couple fun afternoons at the little beach and a chance to dig in the sand.

Quotes

Guideposts magazine is one I love.  I'm trying to catch up on back issues and today a couple quotes really hit me.  One was submitted by a reader in New Jersey, who said, "I try to end each day saying, 'I am glad I did,' rather than, 'I wish I had."   Oh, boy...so often I am the "I wish I had" kind of person and I end up reliving what might have been if I had just followed my heart and did what I should have.    The other quote was submitted by a reader from Oklahoma which said, "Worry is pulling tomorrow's clouds over today' sunshine".   Bingo!!!!  How often on our Alaska trip did I have to tell myself, just enjoy the sunshine today, Barb, and don't worry about that channel crossing you have to do tomorrow.   But then I would start imagining those "potential" big seas and forget all about the sunshine.  To top it all off today's message was about worrying and here are some points to ponder from today's church bulletin:

"I've developed a new philosophy...I only dread one day at a time."  Charlie Brown (Charles Schulz)

"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."  Corrie ten Boom

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."  Mark Twain...(I think Mark Twain and I would have gotten along well!)

"Worry is the darkroom in which negatives are developed."  Unknown

Transitions

Two days ago our family lost another member. My aunt, Ruth, 91 years young died on July 31, three months after her 97 year old sister.  These two were the last of my father's siblings.   Now to the average person, 91 conjures up this image of senility,  a frail, humped over body, living in the past.  No, that was not my aunt Ruth.  You rarely heard "Ruthie" talking about the past.  She had a zest for life and all things new.    It's a legacy I will try to remember as I age.  While on our Alaska trip I talked to her several times during her battle with cancer.  She repeatedly said how much she would like to see pictures so as soon as we got home I chose 16 of my favorite photos and shipped them off to her.   She was a wonderful artist with an awesome eye for color and I was told that the day they arrived she was able to look at each photo and I can only hope that they gave her some joy to see a part of the world that perhaps she always wanted to visit.   She was an independent soul who had hoped for a year or two after her sister died to do some things other than caregiving but God obviously had other plans.   I had always hoped that she might get out to visit us one day and see the beautiful place that is Orcas but I can only imagine that her heavenly reunion presents a palette of colors beyond her wildest imagination.   Thank you, Ruthie, for all the memories you leave with us. 

Weeds

There are no photos needed for weeds.  Last year I did not weed at all as I was not able to put any weight on my healing wrist nor use it for much of anything.  This year I have no excuse and the work facing us when we returned from Alaska was just too much for one person so I am out there for a couple days to help BJ get this place under control.  I just want it done.  As I am pulling this and that I am muttering..."condo, condo".   Seriously, there are better things to do with one's summer than bending over and over to pick up some unwanted growth.   Can you tell this is something I don't enjoy much???  Huh, can you ?????

Home!

After 64 days, 2,648 nautical miles or roughly 3,000 regular miles, we are home.  And it does feel wonderful.  Especially returning to my big kitchen, big bed, unlimited use of water, oven, big refrigerator...well you get the idea.  I am so incredibly grateful for safe travels, mostly calm seas and a boat that just kept humming along, even after we managed to hit several logs...an awful sound on the hull.   I said, "thank you Jesus" a LOT along the way and with the upmost sincerity and humility...there is nothing quite like the ocean to create humility and a grateful heart.   I did my first walk up and down the mountain yesterday with Hank and although I was a little slow coming home and my hips a bit sore today, I seem to have not regressed too much from 2 months of inactivity.  And speaking of Hank...what can you say when a dog cries with delight upon your return and quickly jumps into the car lest we change our mind.  Such a joy to see him again and he is in fine shape thanks to his wonderful caregiver.   The deer managed to tear down part of our fence in our absence and munch away but otherwise all was in good shape upon our return except for all the weeds that now need pulling.  I am including one of my favorite photos from our trip.  We saw a lot of ice bergs along the way and the bigs ones like this one were easy to motor around.  It was the smaller "bergies" as they are called that were the most unnerving as the boat would slowly bump into them.  I did not enjoy that but these big bergs were spectacular.   Travelling to Alaska is not for sissies and I'm afraid I am still a sissie but one who still managed to accomplish something I would never have chosen to do on my own. 

Two eagles enjoying their perch.

We Could "Bearly" Stand It

One of our last excursions in Alaska was to tour "Misty Fjords", unbelievable beauty and remoteness.  At the head of one of the fjords we came upon this grizzly on the beach.  He was busy at low tide trying to dig up goodies of whatever bear eat.  The crows were right by him, bugging him and occasionally he would get disgusted and shake his head at them.  We watched him running and also splashing in a tide pool on the beach trying to catch a fish unsuccessfully.  It was great entertainment.   We never, never got tired watching them.

Misty Fjords was just that, misty, but the majestic scenery was not hampered by the moisture.

Goodbye Alaska

It's hard to believe that yesterday we officially left Alaska.  We have been so surrounded by wildlife, wild weather at times and unbelievable beauty.  I hope eventually the photos will do some justice to all we have seen.  We had virtually no success crabbing in Alaska until two anchorages ago we thought, let's try one more time.  BJ went out after 3 hours as it looked like he did not have enough line out and so he pulled up the trap and lo and behold we had a harvest!!  One fell out as he was trying to get the crab trap in the boat and so we counted 11 crab, all male, which is almost unheard of.  So we left Alaska with a good crabbing memory.  It's nice to be somewhere for a day where we can get good internet connection and I can upload a few photos.

Get the water boiling!!!



The Best And The Worst

Well, I'm sitting at McDonalds and using their free wifi but still am only able to get one photo uploaded.  The picture is a few days ago as we traveled down the west coast of Prince of Wales Island.  The anchorage is called Hole In The Wall, appropriately named as it was best to venture in and out at half or full tide.  One of those hold your breath entries.  You may be asking, why would we venture into such a place and the answer is that the next anchorage is a ways away and we figured, it's mentioned in the guide books so others have done it.  Once having made it through the entrance we entered a nice sized bay.  Anyway, all was fine except I laid awake during a windy night worrying about a tree blowing down over the entrance and us not having our chain saw.   I'm trying to learn that each day creates enough stuff to think about without inventing other problems. 

Through day 39 of this journey we have had good weather which for me does not mean sunshine or warmth, it means no winds.  Then day 40 started to change things and our trip around the southern tip of Prince of Wales a few days ago tested our boat and our nerves.  I have heard of people having trouble with tide rips but I have never seen them so big.  As things crashed around inside the boat, BJ hung on to the wheel and I just hung on.   We eventually made it to a safe anchorage but the next day presented similar challenges and we decided enough is enough and we headed to Ketchikan to wait out the gale.   Yesterday, the 4th of July, tested every boat's mooring lines with incredible winds and it was a huge comfort to not be out there somewhere anchored.  I think there are supposed to be fireworks tonight as they were canceled for last night.  The forecast is improving and we hope to be leaving Ketchikan tomorrow, take a slight detour to see some fjords and if we have sufficiently light winds we will try to head south this weekend.  I wish I could be able to blog more often as we have had some amazing times here and have been blessed thus far with a good performing boat.

Sitka

We arrived Sitka yesterday.  I wish I could post some photos but the internet connection is so poor that I am unable.  All throughout Alaska we have had very poor connections for internet and I have been surprised by this, especially when we are in a marina like now.  So it's disappointing not to be able to share some photos. I am glad I am keeping a journal the old fashioned way so I can keep track of where we are when we took photos.  We have had some amazing experiences especially after leaving Juneau.  We were able to get into Glacier Bay on short notice as it requires a reservation and they only allow 25 boats in at a time.   It keeps the anchorages very private.   We had a close encounter with a whale that came up from behind our boat when we were in the middle of a group of whales feeding.    We saw it coming and because we had turned off the engine we could not get out of the way and the next thing we knew he surfaced right off our stern, coming up and blowing through his blow hole and as our hearts stopped beating he went right under our boat as we waited for the crash.  BJ hollered, "hold on" which I do not recall but I stood there trying to take a picture..dumb, dumb.   Anyway, I am having enough adventure to last the rest of my life and will be quite content to sit in the rocking chair on a quiet porch for many of my remaining years as I relive in my mind all the things I have seen and done!!  :-)

A Huge Help

For all you campers out there, this is nothing new but several years ago another boating friend put us on to these "bunsen burners" as I call them.  What a helpful addition to the boat when we want to cook crab, soup, rice...well, just about anything that requires heat.   When we are at anchor we would have to start the generator for me to use the stove and this little burner is just the most versatile thing.  I can put it out on the aft deck to let the steam rise out there if I want and after boating season is over we even take it home to have in case the power goes out...which is known to happen all too frequently.

The second most helpful thing is having GPS softwear on our laptop.  BJ has always had a GPS and radar monitor at the helm but I have never been able to view it very well and so for this trip we got a back up installed on the computer and what a help it has been.  We both can be looking at the electronic charts and can agree or disagree about where we are.   It is incredibly reassuring for me not to have to wonder where we are or keep asking.  In waters that are all new to us it has been the best addition.  My laptop computer screen light went out about a month before we left on this journey.  I complained at the time for a computer only 3 years old but oh how grateful I am it didn't happen on this trip.  Yes, timing is everything.

Petersburg On Mitkof Island

We are in the little community of Petersburg today sitting among the fisherman again.   As you can see from the photo below not all boats have tender loving care!  The one in the photo has moss growing all over it!  Some of the boats you truly wonder how they float.  There are over 800 commercial fisherman here in a town of about 3500.  Since it's Sunday, not much is open but we did walk around to get a feel for the town and it has a rich Norwegian heritage so I feel right at home!   The founder, Peter Buschmann, built the first cannery and sawmill here in the late 1880s.   If he winds aren't too strong tomorrow we will head off again into the hinterlands and probably won't have internet again until Juneau. 

 Many of the houses and stores have this wonderful rosemaling and Norwegian flags are everywhere. 

Alaska!

Well, here we are and I don't even know where to start.  After 13 days we arrived in Ketchikan on June 1 and today we are in Wrangell.  I have just finished doing 2 hours of laundry and BJ is doing some minor boat work.  After 16 days on the boat I am starting to adjust to these waters...they are so HUGE.  If this is called the Inside Passage then don't put me on the outside.   The channels are just so vast.  We have the smaller passages also which are beautiful and we are grateful for two GPS systems so we can both agree we are in the correct area.    Very important!!  The photo below could have a good fish tale but you all know we are not fisherman so today we found a couple of young ladies selling salmon off the dock so we purchased this 10 lb. beauty and BJ fileted it and I had enough room in our freezer for the wonderful meat and also all the scraps which we can use for crab bait.   We have been using cat food for bait and have had crab twice but I think the salmon scraps will work much better.   Today was only our second full day of rain, not bad for this area...actually when it rains it usually means the seas are calmer so I don't complain!  We try to head out early in the morning from wherever we are to our next destination as it's usually calmer...are you realizing I'm a bit obscessed with that word??...the afternoons usually bring on the winds and then we (I) like to be already anchored or tied up some where.   We will be in glacier country in a few more days and I'm not too sure how I will like the little bergs floating around us...I try not to think too far ahead.    Fisherman are around us everywhere in every manner of boat.  It seems common practice to take the smallest runabout and put the largest outboard possible on it.    But, as I said the channels are large and you can't wait all day to get across especially if your livelihood depends on it.  Internet connections are sketchy...like today, sometimes we can get connections at marinas but I am not able to update regularly.   

A Lovely Birthday Day

At the top of the landing at the marina we are at today was this wonderful tree with a bald eagle perched at the top just checking out everyone.  We have seen a lot of eagles up close.   We have had much sun today and warmer temps so it's been a lovely day for the "old" man.  Tonight we are having dinner at a little restaurant and pub here at the marina to help the "boy" celebrate.    BJ has enjoyed all his emails of congratulations so it's been a good day.

One Week Closer To Alaska

We are sitting at a marina in the "town" of Ocean Falls...sounds dreamy doesn't it?  The setting is breathtaking, fjord like scenery...really gorgeous.   But it's the town that time forgot...or rather, lost its way economically.  Most of the buildings have been abandoned and it used to be a lumber mill when it was thriving.  Now there is a dam that provides electricity for some of the surrounding towns, thus the falls.   We literally blew in here around noon just as a squall was arriving.  This has been our first consistently wet day since we left home.

We got a couple crab in our crab traps last night in the anchorage we were in so we will enjoy those tonight.  Email connections are not the best up here and I have noticed it takes a long time to upload photos so they will not be in great volume on the blog.

This photo was taken in our first anchorage after crossing Queen Charlotte Strait.   It was called "Fury Cove"...the idea being that fury could be going on all around the anchorage but you would be snug as a bug.

"Hey, Barb, should we take this one home for the garden?"



"Bearly" There

We only left home for Alaska as of last Friday and already we have seen so much.  Yesterday we went 10 hours on the boat cruising from Comox, Vancouver Island to the Broughton Archipelago and to our most favorite tiny gunkhole.  Shortly after getting anchored, I said to BJ, "Is that a dog on the shore?"...then we realized, no, it was a bear..a large brown bear.  Now this is the closest I have ever come to seeing a bear, other than the zoo.  Our boat was about 20 yards from shore so it was really up close and personal.  He did not seen to be bothered by our presence, just a glance our way occasionally as he sauntered along the shore line looking for goodies hidden between the rocks.  It was quite the excitement for the day.  I don't know how often I will be able to blog as we will be anchored much of the time.  We have had good weather thus far but the true test will be heading out into the open ocean tomorrow if the forecast is good.   I'm not looking forward to that but everyone has to do it if they want to go to Alaska.  'Course, there's that debatable word "want" again...:-)  Today we saw a huge cruise ship suddenly come around a corner as we were exiting a channel and we had to wait until it went by and I thought, oh how nice if they could just tow us.



We Are Blessed

Yes, we are literally blessed to be part of a wonderful island church and to have a caring pastor.  This morning, our pastor, Dick, stopped by to read us some poems for traveling mercies and to pray with us before our departure tomorrow as we leave for Alaska.  It was immensely appreciated to be blessed in this way and here are two of the poems he read:

"May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you,

wherever He may send you.

May He guide you through the wilderness,

Protect you through the storm.

May He bring you home rejoicing

At the wonders He has shown you.

May He bring you home rejoicing

Once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father

And of the Son

And of the Holy Spirit.  Amen"

(Celtic prayer:  Northumbrian Community)

And another:

"God be in my head and in my understanding

God be in mine eyes in my looking

God be in my mouth and in my speaking

God be in mine heart and in my thinking

God be at my end and in my departing."

(Gaelic prayer)

Points To Ponder

From this week's church bulletin regarding the risen Jesus:  Faith, Love and Hope.

"Faith makes all things possible...love makes all things easy."  Unknown

"Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods."  C.S. Lewis

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."  Lao-Tzu

"I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.  I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me.  I love you for the part of me that you bring out."  Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."  Albert Einstein

Finally!

It's so nice to finally be able to say the garage is done.  As of today, the area to the right has been gravelled in as well and it makes for more room to back out.   This project has taken a lot of time to complete and it's nice to have all the workers gone.   May we never think of building another anything!

Another Wonderful Luncheon

Our women's ministries put on another beautiful luncheon yesterday.  120 women turned out for a delicious lunch and treated to another presentation by Diana, my longtime friend and nursing classmate.  She is a wonderful speaker and the ladies love her for her outgoing nature and the ability to make everyone feel so comfortable in her presence.  She came by herself this time and thus we had the opportunity to have her all to ourselves for some fun and very interesting conversations.  She is a joy to have visit.

 Who would think we would ever be this old.  Diana said one of her friends suggested she highlight her hair and she responded that she thought God was taking care of it just fine.   :-)

 Here is one of the 15 tables so lovingly and creatively decorated.   We had the church men, including my husband, serve us and they did a wonderful job of clearing our plates and keeping our coffee cups filled...really quite a treat on this Mother's Day weekend.

How Much?

Yes, that is the question on my mind these days as I begin to stock the boat for our trip to Alaska.  Others tell us not to worry too much since once you get to Alaska there are plenty of opportunities to re-provision.  Still it's hard to estimate and I have made two trips now to Costco.   Priorities are hardtack, Kaviar, chocolate, cereal, soup, cheese...I guess there are a lot of priorities.   I am hoping we can buy fresh fish along the way since neither of us are too interested in casting out a line.  Fishing to us is lowering the crab trap.  Next comes stowing these goods so that their location makes sense and won't require a diagram each day to figure out where the heck DID I put the Raisin Bran.  Oh well, memory games are supposed to be good for the aging, right?   Otherwise, all systems seem to be a go.  Electrical changes/improvements such as a light to read by while sitting at the table and the engine has been gone over with great detail.   Now if the extended weather forcast would just show anything else but rain, that would be nice too.

Bittersweet

I travelled to Florida last week to visit my aunts and also my sister.  My father's two surviving sisters are in fragile health and as I write, my auntie, Inga, is soon on her way to be with Jesus.  It was a purposeful, productive, emotional visit of goodbyes and a desire to do all that was possible to help someone die with dignity...something we all desire and deserve.  In between visits at the nursing home, my sister and I had time to coast into the day sitting on her wonderful lanai and watching all the many beautiful birds that frequent her pond in the morning.  So this is where we sat with our tea and fruit as each new day began. 

 I got a chance to experience pancakes on the beach and I must say they tasted pretty fine.  After our "nourishing" breakfast we took our chairs and enjoyed the sun and surf. 

Birds are everywhere in Florida and some are even a nuisance like this peacock who along with the rest of his flock, is wearing out his welcome with his high pitched screech and droppings.  Oh, well, no place is perfect.

Time was spent with Auntie Ruthie, and a chance to marvel at this wonderful lady who at 91, still has such a zest for life and all things new.

A visit with my sister, Marlys, without our husbands, found us not staying home much, especially not to cook!  One of the highlights was again visiting the incomparable Ringling Museum (yes, the circus people) and the amazing Ringling estate which has completed rennovation and is a feast for the eyes.   Being blessed with perfect sunny days of 85 degrees didn't hurt either.

 But at the end of the day was the always faithful sunset, a reminder of Inga and her long life of 97 years and what she has meant to our family.   May she slip sweetly and quietly into the arms of God.

Unwanted Record

The weather people here say this is the coldest start to April EVER.  Ever is a very long time but we are hopeful as we start to see our daffodils blooming.  Without any rain the last two days they are daring to stand up straighter, but that will all change this afternoon when more moisture is on the way.   I'm surprised we have not started to grow a layer of moss instead of skin.

The Sun

Today the sun is out.  It's a huge deal as we have not seen it for such a long time.  The last week it has been raining almost non stop and many islanders are just getting plain crabby.  I am not normally impacted that much by the weather and have this philosophy that if it isn't white stuff coming down, all is well, but lately I'm getting a bit weary of going on my walk dressed in full waterproof gear.   Maybe the daffodils can actually stand up straight today and proudly usher in spring without being all drooped over.   They have looked seriously depressed.  I hope the sun has been shining on your world today.   It does a body good. 

Do You Think??...Duh!

When Katri graduated from college we got her a computer.  About that time BJ said, "Do you think we should get one too?"  Soon after that our first computer arrived, A Gateway, in boxes big enough to fit a small car.  Well, how things have changed.  For years we shared the same computer and the same email address...not a good idea.  So then we shared the same computer with different email addresses...better...and then we each got our own computer...perfect.   Now my computer is in the techy hospital as my backlight went out and I'm back to using BJ's computer for a couple weeks.  Hopefully we don't drive each other crazy but it's incredible how much these machines have become part of our everyday existence.  OK, I'd better hurry before HE wants to use this darn thing.

Knitting Links

Katri has so many interesting links on her blog that have to do with knitting.  I get caught up sometimes looking at them and the amazing knitting creations and incredibly talented people.  They make socks, sweaters, dolls, vests, toys, afghans and on and on it goes.   The yarns are photographed in the most creative ways and the colors of yarn are just a feast for the eyes.
When you read their blogs, all they want to be doing is knitting.  And the yarn shops just mesmerize me, it's like being in a candy store.   It makes me want to knit in the worst way but I already tried it.  Many years ago my non English speaking mother in law tried to teach me and I was sooo two left thumbs.  I was so embarrassed, trying to please this woman who could knit in her sleep and had two looms of her own where she wove her own fabrics.  Good grief, after that I didn't even want to look at a pair of knitting needles.    I tried again about a year ago to make a scarf and got so frustrated with not being able to correct my mistakes that I found myself reverting to a vocabulary not suitable for a 62 year old woman.   So I have decided to live the knitting life vicariously through all these wonderful links.  At least then I don't have to worry about someone overhearing me.   

20 Bucks

Twenty bucks doesn't go far these days but that's not the case in other countries.  We got a letter from Daniel, the 7 yr. old Bolivian boy we are sponsoring through Compassion Intl.  Last fall we had sent a family donation of $20.  I was curious to see what that amount could mean for the family.  This past week we got a letter (we get one most every month) and a photo which I treasure as I'm sure to get those taken and developed requires some planning. The photo of Daniel and some family members also included the things that were purchased.  Anyway the family bought the following:  2 huge bags of noodles, 5 liters of cooking oil, a huge sausage, 6 lbs. of beans, a cabbage and a pair of beets plus a sweater and shirt for Daniel.   I can't help look at the photo and realize that there is no mention of toys and am struck by the excess in our country.   Having been to South America I have a special heart tug for the people there and the extreme need.  We are indeed blessed to live in this country.

Time For Biscuits

We have been having popovers so often with our Sunday soup that I decided it was time for a change.  So I got out my recipe for Southern Raised Biscuits and we had some last night and they are scrumptious.  Here they are rising for an hour.

And here they are baked.  They can be eaten with cheese or jam and, of course, lots of butter!  They freeze well and reheat well.  They are also good as a breakfast biscuit.  If you would like the recipe, let me know.