tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73928989254033461632024-03-13T03:26:40.757-08:00Life Alaskan StyleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.comBlogger934125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-9600163456544295492017-09-11T07:30:00.000-08:002017-09-11T07:30:00.171-08:00Saddle Creek Trail to Grewingk Glacier Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRQdGFXa1U8/WbLpxCClXoI/AAAAAAAAXPk/xkjz2oMCp8ohaQAsh-HXEZ8knW20zvj_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRQdGFXa1U8/WbLpxCClXoI/AAAAAAAAXPk/xkjz2oMCp8ohaQAsh-HXEZ8knW20zvj_wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the end of July we took the boat over to Halibut Cove to hike the <a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/Assets/uploads/DNRPublic/parks/maps/kachemak/glacierlakesaddle.pdf" target="_blank">Saddle Trail</a> with the kids to picnic at Grewingk Glacier Lake. It's a great trail for kids to master themselves, and Riggs hiked the whole way himself. Raina was in the backpack, but more because we wanted to hike at more of an adult-friendly pace and she loves to stop and smell the roses when she walks (which is fine most of the time, but this time we opted out of a toddler-led hiking experience). We used a trip-anchor to secure the boat to the beach while we hiked, and headed up with the stairs to the trail head.<br />
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The whole day was just what we needed as a family, and we came back and grabbed a pizza at Finn's before heading home to put the kids to bed. I did trip over a sharp root sticking up out of the dirt trail on the way back and got a pretty nasty cut between my pinkie toes that I had to go to the doctor for in the morning (just to get it cleaned out), but it was still a great day overall.<br />
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We'd love to hike more of the trails in the area both with the kids and maybe on our own for the longer ones, and I highly recommend making it over here to hike for any of my local friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing on the beach while we set the trip anchor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the boat as we head up the trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect photo spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raina was out right away once she was in the backpack.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the glacier.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic on the beach while watching the icebergs float by.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riggs found a $20 bill on the beach so he was really happy haha.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost back to the boat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve pulling the boat back in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riggs drove the whole way back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raina sleeping again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finns to end the day.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-85238463077358039532017-09-08T09:55:00.002-08:002017-09-08T09:55:22.233-08:00Our Skiff: Reconnecting with the Water and the Community Steve was Raised in<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aq90UjcKqFY/WbLTbntLmmI/AAAAAAAAXNY/nv16B7LMQGs-5V7s5slyMv87FkiNbGoeACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aq90UjcKqFY/WbLTbntLmmI/AAAAAAAAXNY/nv16B7LMQGs-5V7s5slyMv87FkiNbGoeACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0258.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the water in Tutka Bay with friends and family.</td></tr>
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Having grown up on the water, in and out of boats of all sizes his whole life, Steve has always made it clear that when we moved back to Homer we'd be getting a boat as soon as we could. While we'd like a cabin cruiser at some point, a skiff was much more realistic for us right now, in regards to price, maintenance and ease of transport. After working every spare minute last summer selling our house in Palmer, moving to Homer a little bit at a time, and starting on our building project, this summer we were more than ready to carve out a little down time.<br />
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In the early spring Steve started thinking about boats, looking at boats for sale, and talking about boats. He has always loved the traditional lapstrake skiffs he grew up seeing around Little Tutka Bay, built by close family friend and neighbor, <a href="http://archive.kbbi.org/dave-seaman-delivering-mail-by-boat-for-30-years" target="_blank">Dave Seaman</a> (interview with Dave about life on the bay, <a href="https://jukebox.uaf.edu/site7/p/624" target="_blank">here</a>) and thought it'd be nice to have one built eventually. As a young teenager, Steve commercial fished (<a href="https://www.redsalmon.com/what-is-setnetting/" target="_blank">set netting</a>) out of one of Dave's skiff with another neighbor/friend, <a href="http://homernews.com/homer-town-crier/obituaries/2015-05-07/robert-purpura" target="_blank">Robert Purpura</a>. He had told me many times how much he loved the experience and the boat itself, and had recently brought the boat up again, wondering what had become of the boat in the time after Robert had passed in 2015.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting of Robert in the Bianca</td></tr>
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By some stroke of fate or luck I happened to log into Facebook in the middle of the day (rare for me) and one of the first posts I saw was from Roberts wife, Renee, with a post in the local buy-sell-trade page listing the 19ft skiff for sale. I called Steve right away, but he was at work and couldn't answer, so I took a screen shot and texted it to him for when he was able to steal a look at his phone. Steve called Renee that evening, and it turned out to be a perfect solution for both us and Renee. She wasn't interested in selling the boat to someone she didn't know, or who didn't appreciate the qualities of the traditional skiff, yet she hadn't used it since Robert passed and there was too much attached to the boat <a href="http://homernews.com/homer-news/local-news/2015-04-29/seldovia-fisherman-found-dead-in-k-bay" target="_blank">emotionally</a> for her to use it in the future. Seeing a young family take it over was just what she was hoping for, and having watched Steve grow up it meant a lot for her to see him take over the boat.<br />
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Once the boat rode the ferry over from Seldovia and made it into our possession on the Homer side, we set to work cleaning her up and doing some maintenance that had fallen to the wayside over the past two years. It took a few weeks of Steve working on it at night after work and on the weekends too when work allowed it before we were able to splash the boat, but it was a fun experience, and we felt an extra sense of responsibility to get the boat back to its original condition, just like it was in when Robert was at the helm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the Bianca home: just after we picked the boat up from the ferry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spraying her down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqjLxQ4LLYM/WbLTY-GZzPI/AAAAAAAAXMs/vBapJHUB4rgzGvJB5PkIzWZJcukU2jn6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqjLxQ4LLYM/WbLTY-GZzPI/AAAAAAAAXMs/vBapJHUB4rgzGvJB5PkIzWZJcukU2jn6ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0247.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking up the kids from Grandma Dotti's: their first time seeing the boat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripped off the old to put a whole new layer of bottom paint on - we went with black instead of red.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping Steve company while he worked.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she's done! Lots of hard work and she looks great.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in the water where she belongs.</td></tr>
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Since we've had it in the water, Steve has already caught a seasons worth of fish and we've explored as a family just like we envisioned. It's been fun to have people all over across the bay recognize the Bianca (the name the Purpuras gave it when they commissioned Dave to build it in 1997) and smile with both their memories of Robert and the joy of seeing the boat freshly painted and being used in the water again. We can't wait to make years worth of memories in the boat that has so much history for Steve and many in the Little Tutka/Jakalof/Seldovia communities.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tutka and my dad in the bow with fish jumping in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bounty of fish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids sleeping on their favorite cushion (me) in the bow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the back lagoon with the kids.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve teaching the kids about driving the boat - Riggs was able to run the outboard all the way back into the <br />harbor from Halibut Cove, with Steve right there to guide him. Steve was just loving being back on the water <br />he grew up in, teaching his own son how to do the things his dad taught him at the same age. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-70376641492730947062017-09-01T07:30:00.000-08:002017-09-01T07:30:13.285-08:002017: the year of the fledgling garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I wasn't sure what progress we would be making on our house this summer with Steve doing linework and I didn't want to have any false expectations, but I knew I wanted to get started on establishing a garden space on our property. Because Steve was working so many hours, I knew I wouldn't be able to count on him for help with some of the more intimidating (to me) parts of the project I was undertaking. Building raised beds were a little out of my comfort zone, in big part because Steve is so handy and quick at any building project that I always feel completely incompetent when I try the things he makes look simple and easy.<br />
<br />
I knew if I started the project I was going to have to finish it, so I waffled for a few days before mentally steeling myself and just diving in. The first thing I did was go to the property and make a rough plan and layout in my head for where things would go. Then I did some google research to figure out how I would go about building the beds, and went back to the property to measure and figure until I decided on just the right spot for the three beds I was planning on building.<br />
<br />
I decided on 4'x8' beds with plenty of space between them to run the lawn mower through, trying to plan ahead for when we would eventually have grass (now I'm thinking of just doing woodchips between the beds, but I'm still glad for the space I left as it's been just right for watering, weeding and harvesting).<br />
<br />
Once I had a list of the materials I would need, I went to Spenard Builders Supply and sat in the parking lot for at least a full minute or two before going inside. This may seem irrational but having to order the materials at the counter was one of the most intimidating aspects of this whole project for me. I don't like having to talk to people about decisions I'm making, and I knew the guys at the counter would have they're own opinions about what I <i>should</i> be getting for the project, which feels like being pressured to me and I start sweating (which I'm probably already doing because...kids) and avoiding eye contact and its just awkward all around. Steve always laughs and says I'm too sensitive - "You don't have to do any of the things they suggest, they're just bored and like to give their two cents on everything." Which I know of course, but still. Awkward, and I feel like they're extra pushy because I'm a woman and couldn't possibly know what I'm doing (the same feeling I get from the guys at the counter at auto shops, am I right?).<br />
<br />
Anyway, I eventually went in and went up to the counter and yes the guy did try to give his suggestions, but I have to admit a few of them were legitimate ideas and I took him up on at least one of them and altered my own plans a bit. I got wooden stakes and 2x12s and metal stakes with fencing (moose protection) for the three fruit trees I picked up at the <a href="http://www.akwagonwheel.com/" target="_blank">Wagon Wheel</a>. Then I got to the yard to pick up the materials and anxiety started all over again. I hadn't thought ahead about how I was going to tie down the lumber and had to pull over just outside the yard and try to brainstorm some sort of solution. Which made me feel completely incompetent, again. I really, <i>really</i> didn't want to call Steve, but eventually I gave in and dialed his number. I was just planning on asking his advice on how to secure the lumber, but it turned out he was nearby and he and his coworker stopped by to help me out.<br />
<br />
Building the beds, getting fill and peat moss and compost for them was a lot of work, but it went more quickly than I expected and it was so exhilarating to see everything come together. We had many moose visits leading to a dump-procured netted fence being put up, which deterred them well enough (other than one break in). It was a chilly, wet summer and as far as I've heard no bodies gardens were overflowing with growth like the last couple of years, but it was still a great learning process for me (and the kids) and I can't wait to take what I've learned this year and apply it to next years garden (more sweet peas and more fencing, of course).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 14 - Laying out a plan for where the beds will go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold hardy fruit trees! Sour Cherry and two types of apple.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bed, done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the giant stumps I had to hack at and dig out to level the ground under the third bed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzu7T3OaRnw/WacdjyXL2PI/AAAAAAAAXKU/LL_Ck5NN3ro7HfoQFEdQHBSZrXLC13fQACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzu7T3OaRnw/WacdjyXL2PI/AAAAAAAAXKU/LL_Ck5NN3ro7HfoQFEdQHBSZrXLC13fQACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0223.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 19 - All three beds done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees fenced and beds done. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love where our garden is but the downside is you can't drive up to it, so I had to shovel all the soil into a <br />wheelbarrow from the truckbed, wheel it over to the garden and then shovel it all out into the beds. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 23 - All filled!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 29 - Plants in the ground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2 - Planting carrots and radishes to mark each row of carrots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted a pallet and planted some strawberries in it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 8 - Three tiny rhubarb plants with mulch (bottom right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlKx3UZYE5U/WacdqjyM-BI/AAAAAAAAXLA/3hFiX-iwjookF5k1BRKbJbFE0jIUzWWZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlKx3UZYE5U/WacdqjyM-BI/AAAAAAAAXLA/3hFiX-iwjookF5k1BRKbJbFE0jIUzWWZQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0234.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watering the garden - the flowers Riggs are watering are his, he picked them out at Wagon Wheel and planted them himself. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 20 - Cranes in the garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ASdMXxz1c/WacdsdvkIAI/AAAAAAAAXLM/v-ynmZREUqAOqP6OHcFHbOAZPt5DSKojQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ASdMXxz1c/WacdsdvkIAI/AAAAAAAAXLM/v-ynmZREUqAOqP6OHcFHbOAZPt5DSKojQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 26 - fence put up after moose stole some cabbage and broccoli </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VUNolbUe0X8/Wacdt5YlB1I/AAAAAAAAXLU/-E9eTnYScpQJQwEThxG2bClVvxGOXZSLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VUNolbUe0X8/Wacdt5YlB1I/AAAAAAAAXLU/-E9eTnYScpQJQwEThxG2bClVvxGOXZSLACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0237.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 9 - first radish harvest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MIq0_VXoq2k/Wacdw0F-82I/AAAAAAAAXLc/opLzoR_lGbka2jFy7EVgzPWHEh2pvJpygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MIq0_VXoq2k/Wacdw0F-82I/AAAAAAAAXLc/opLzoR_lGbka2jFy7EVgzPWHEh2pvJpygCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0240.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 12 - morning sun in the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFD_fsI8dI8/WacdxO0DwvI/AAAAAAAAXLg/NV2ej1p4O2QgzUJp948MFXjP68pE-GfdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFD_fsI8dI8/WacdxO0DwvI/AAAAAAAAXLg/NV2ej1p4O2QgzUJp948MFXjP68pE-GfdQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0241.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cauliflower coming in</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CpIEnCzoRc/WacdxFhwZ-I/AAAAAAAAXLk/BU8XDqxV-qYar1zeUuUlOpw1PfCKIewDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CpIEnCzoRc/WacdxFhwZ-I/AAAAAAAAXLk/BU8XDqxV-qYar1zeUuUlOpw1PfCKIewDQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0242.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabbage heads growing (the few that survived the moose munchings)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edbYtx_2AXA/WacdtHxxvsI/AAAAAAAAXLQ/izVMQvGfSc4etBUO3PKk7K6TAwGSW8tYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edbYtx_2AXA/WacdtHxxvsI/AAAAAAAAXLQ/izVMQvGfSc4etBUO3PKk7K6TAwGSW8tYACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0238.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden salad &heart;</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQncrsZ47MA/WacdubZXRjI/AAAAAAAAXLY/iBaZGq8FYtsPODOBo67ThrgoR4jeyp5YwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQncrsZ47MA/WacdubZXRjI/AAAAAAAAXLY/iBaZGq8FYtsPODOBo67ThrgoR4jeyp5YwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0239.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireweed from the garden harvested and turned into Fireweed Jelly</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-15908446147835436152017-08-31T08:00:00.000-08:002017-08-31T08:00:21.810-08:00First day of Kindergarten for our Riggy-boyAfter a summer of feeling like August was so far away yet knowing it would be here before I knew it, when it arrived I felt the first day of school looming over me like dark cloud. We tried to enjoy Riggs' last days of pre-school life as best we could, while gathering the things he would need for the school year in a way that made it feel like a special thing to Riggs. We picked out some new clothes he needed, ordered a backpack for him and went school supply shopping, looking so like the newbies we were with the list clutched tightly in my hand.<br />
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And then before we knew it, the week of school was here. Monday we went to drop off supplies and reacquaint ourselves with the classroom and the school, since it had been months since we had visited potential schools in the spring. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying his little tub with supplies into the school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wY1iwIFB89A/WacV0wNvxxI/AAAAAAAAXIg/YWzhnk22bGIv4cgF71Qjc6roXI0ckxYKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wY1iwIFB89A/WacV0wNvxxI/AAAAAAAAXIg/YWzhnk22bGIv4cgF71Qjc6roXI0ckxYKwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0200.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riggs and his teacher, Kim, writing his name on a tag for his cubby.</td></tr>
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Riggs came home from that visit so very excited to go to school in the morning, and I could barely swallow I was so choked up with the emotion of it all. How could my baby be going to kindergarten? It felt unreal - this odd sensation like I was watching someone else's life instead of my own. That night we laid out all our clothes for the next day (me included), packed most of Riggs' lunch, read stories and then went to bed, right on time at 7:30. We had spent the prior week preparing for the early wake up times (and consequent early bedtimes) required to make it to school on time at 7:45a, and they both went right to sleep like I hoped they would.<br />
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6am came before I knew it, and I was glad I had practiced waking up to an alarm the week before. I got right up, wide awake with anticipation for the day ahead of us. The kids woke up on their own right around 6:15 and I could tell Riggs was as excited as I was. I fixed their yogurt and granola and finished packing Riggs lunch while we talked about getting our clothes on and backpack packed. Riggs ate in record time, got dressed and put his hat and backpack on then grabbed his lunchbox and said, "I'm ready to go mom!" It was 6:45 and we didn't really need to leave until 7:30, but that morning I had a special surprise for them. My mom was flying in on the 7am flight from Anchorage to participate in the first day of school fun.</div>
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We drove to the airport, thinking the plane would have already landed and mom would be waiting for us, but when we got to the airport a heavy fog was hanging just above us and everyone was still waiting on the airplane, which was circling waiting for the ceiling to lift just enough that they could land. We waited and waited and then had to leave to make it to drop-off in time. I was so disappointed, mostly for my mom that she was stuck up in the air circling instead of being with us to take Riggs to school. She ended up having to go back to Anchorage, but then luckily she made it on the 11:30 flight and was able to pick him up with me and spend the rest of the day until her 8p flight back to Anchorage.</div>
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We got to school and Riggs practically ran into the building, putting his stuff in the cubby he had picked out the day before and then turning to me to say, "Bye mom!" easy as you please. I laughed and told him I was staying for a little longer, but then when I did leave it was obviously much harder on me than him. It felt so wrong to leave him there, but I knew he was in good hand and would have fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He had to have a picture with Tutka in it too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beauty of the morning awed us as we took our 'first day' pictures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLIfXXW3s6c/WacV3t1D0mI/AAAAAAAAXI4/8L3bz5PEmD0V1ltfvc0gEVQEjgQOCQ7mwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLIfXXW3s6c/WacV3t1D0mI/AAAAAAAAXI4/8L3bz5PEmD0V1ltfvc0gEVQEjgQOCQ7mwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0207.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running to his class.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His little cubby &heart;</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Riggs' classroom...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLSKdkD4SZ0/WacV6ODy_9I/AAAAAAAAXJY/LT60xblqHMUIGitMuOVKq-cMmtzVI-RuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLSKdkD4SZ0/WacV6ODy_9I/AAAAAAAAXJY/LT60xblqHMUIGitMuOVKq-cMmtzVI-RuQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0215.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circle time area...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDRMhVQC3TU/WacV6HONk4I/AAAAAAAAXJc/MozGwv3Bs28hSk9TYe0GcpN1otXc1R0CQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDRMhVQC3TU/WacV6HONk4I/AAAAAAAAXJc/MozGwv3Bs28hSk9TYe0GcpN1otXc1R0CQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0216.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free play nook.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2OYnbXmfmw/WacV4CPSNlI/AAAAAAAAXI8/i9zO4bAIMjo2Ob9Qd-1Drx7rYGoqh9yrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2OYnbXmfmw/WacV4CPSNlI/AAAAAAAAXI8/i9zO4bAIMjo2Ob9Qd-1Drx7rYGoqh9yrQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0208.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing his 'work' - what they do every morning during drop off time before gathering for circle time.</td></tr>
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When we picked them up from school they were picking carrots last year's kindergarten class had planted in the spring and playing happily on the playground. We let Riggs pick what he wanted for Dinner, any meal at home or out, and he picked Finns Pizza of course. It was a great day. We only wished that Steve could have been there but he's working in Kenai during the week right now and couldn't take a day off. He facetimed Riggs before school and wished him a very happy first day, and we reminded Riggs that daddy would be able to drop him off and pick him up all winter after he was done with linework for the year. I know it was harder on Steve than Riggs, which made me feel bad, but that's just the reality of Steve's job.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After we picked my mom up at the airport we went to the Fresh Sourdough Express for lunch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4T6uK7RYT4/WacallePWxI/AAAAAAAAXJs/9EdanYsVUL0RoHsTdU0Y6SKlMG8X7sp1gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4T6uK7RYT4/WacallePWxI/AAAAAAAAXJs/9EdanYsVUL0RoHsTdU0Y6SKlMG8X7sp1gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0279.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy to see my little guy again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was happy to see grandma &heart;</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Finns</td></tr>
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Friday his school had a back-to-school potluck at Karen Hornaday Park and he rode a bus for the first time to get there. The big Fireweed kids (3rd - 6th grade) got there first and made an arch with their arms to welcome the little Fireweed kids (K-2nd grade) as they arrived, completely impromptu and voluntary, no adults told them to or anything, which was really sweet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riggs and his little friends after coming through the arch.</td></tr>
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Kim is the best teacher I could imagine for him and he loves everything about school so far, and I couldn't really imagine a better first week of school. Here's to the rest of the year going just as good!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-60711937193319090832017-08-30T10:05:00.001-08:002017-08-30T10:05:35.902-08:00Raina's 3rd birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to believe that nearly two months have passed since Raina turned three. Her birthday celebration this year was a big improvement over last year - tailgating in a gravel pullout 10 miles down some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Lake,_Alaska" target="_blank">Big Lake</a> backroad, a cinnamon roll in a to-go box with two candles stuck in it substituting for a proper cake (a story in itself, too long to tell here). This year, most of my family was in Homer for the week, celebrating my parents 40th wedding anniversary, which happens to be July 2, the same day as Raina was born (I don't think I'll ever be able to top that anniversary gift ha).<br />
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We hosted the party at our property, right in the garden with a fire in the old wheelbarrow-turned-firepit and foil packet dinners with blueberry cobbler and vanilla ice cream for dessert. I loved having everyone in the space I had worked on so diligently since the snow had melted, it made the special day seem almost enchanted in some way to me. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moana for the tired girls who couldn't hang at the campfire ♥</td></tr>
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Raina at three is a whirlwind of energy and emotions and pure joy; our girl is a sassy little spitfire to be sure. She's still on the tiny side, but she makes up for it with her big personality. She loves horses and cheese and kombucha, dancing and singing too. She loved to do whatever Riggs is doing, and has really taken off on her strider bike lately. We love her so very much and watch with awe as she blossoms and makes her own way through the world.<br />
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We celebrated with Steve's family a few days later at Steve's mom house with grilled salmon and root beer floats, which was really fun for the kids. Dotti wanted to start the tradition for Raina's birthday because her own mother always had root beer floats on her birthday on July 5 (Dotti's mom died along with her dad and little brother of carbon monoxide poisoning during a camping trip when Dotti was 16, so I knew this was an extra special tradition to her).<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-61770607958704858592017-01-12T15:12:00.000-09:002017-01-12T15:12:54.472-09:00Riggs turns Five: Happy Birthday Son!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Riggs' birthday this year falls on a full moon, the Wolf Moon, and I find this so fitting. Like the wolf, Riggs is a social creature, yet capable and independent. He's always moving and always thinking, calculating, and watching everything with his flashing green eyes. He's sensitive and can howl with the best of them, yet he's playful too.<br />
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I'm not really sure how it's possible that my little wolf pup is five years old today, but I've felt the truth of the milestone over the last 24 hours, like some emotional <i>shift</i> in my soul. Last night it was all I could think about after I put him to bed, and I took an hour to think back to five years before, the last night as spent pre-children with Steve. Then I thought about our labor and delivery process and finally his actual <a href="http://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/riggs-birth-story.html" target="_blank">birth</a>. What precious memories. As I heard hime waking this morning I snuck in his room and told him a simplified version of the events that transpired leading up to him being born - he sat there in bed propped up on his pillows, so still and sleepy still, yet listening intently, a tiny smile curling up the sides of his wide mouth.<br />
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Every moment I've had with this child is precious to me, and the moments that have already passed in the five years I've had him earthside with me have slipped away so quickly and quietly, I'm left grasping for them, wondering what's happened. So I endeavor to write more down, and maybe take more video, but mostly to be there with him, present in the moments we share together, wholly investing in whatever we may be doing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brand new</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLIle46Inas/WHgaPXJDunI/AAAAAAAAXBA/PHAMTfUwI1oIbsLvdaUgv0aAWkCwaaAjACEw/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLIle46Inas/WHgaPXJDunI/AAAAAAAAXBA/PHAMTfUwI1oIbsLvdaUgv0aAWkCwaaAjACEw/s640/IMG_0102.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">six weeks old | one year and six weeks</td></tr>
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Here are some videos of his first and second year, captured day by day during the 365 projects (a photo a day for the entire year) I did those years. Now to work on finishing some more recent slideshows/videos!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="560" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/57242003" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="840"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/57242003">Riggs 366 2012</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user15773863">Whitney Harness</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="560" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/108017036" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="840"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/108017036">Riggs 2013</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user15773863">Whitney Harness</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-91700404474338968052017-01-06T07:00:00.000-09:002017-01-06T14:27:45.391-09:002017 Running Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">winter running in 2016</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Running still isn't a part of my life right now, and it's taken four full months to fully accept and embrace the time off and rehab I've been doing on my knee, hips and glutes. It was so very hard in the beginning, in fact I don't think I've ever been more frustrated or felt more out of control. I went from running five times a week including 10-17 mile long runs on the weekends (with no significant injuries over the past year and a half of consistent training or the past 15 years of casual runs and races) to nothing over the course of about a week. To be totally honest, it was devastating. I </span><i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>love</b></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> running. You can read some reasons why I love it and read some race recaps in some of my previous posts, </span><a href="http://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2015/05/why-i-love-running.html" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="https://lifealaskanstyle.com/races/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was the very end of July that I noticed a bit of a twinge in my knee, after I was home from my runs, not during them. It was pretty minor so I took and extra rest day and figured it would resovle itself. Then by the first week of August, it grew more constant, still only after I completed my run, I felt no pain while running. At first, I was optimistic. I thought if I took a week or two off and foam rolled and stretched the crap out of it, I would be fine. I was weeks away from running the Run Fest Marathon in Anchorage and had felt great during training up to that point. My racing schedule over the summer had been rocky mostly due to moving from Palmer and the homeless-limbo we were in the first couple of months we were here in Homer, but my runs had been consistent and were truly a life-saver for getting through the stress of all the changes we were going through as a family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I quickly realized, however, that my knee wasn't improving from rest, and that simple things like squatting down to be at my kids level and lifting my leg to reposition myself in bed were getting <i>more</i> painful, not less. I started to get really worried. I found a doctor in Homer that could fit me in that day and had them look at it so I could get a referral for physical therapy. The doctor thought it was a tracking issue, which is very common for women runners. My quad was doing too much and pulling the tendon behind my knee out of alignment, and my glute muscles on the same leg were underdeveloped and not activating correctly. Unfortunately, the PT I had been recommended by several friends and the doctor wasn't able to fit me in for two weeks, so I waited. I tried going on a run about a week in, but felt pain only five minutes into the run and made it two miles before I realized I had to quit then to keep from making it much worse than it already was. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last run that I felt great on, July 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last run, ever (for now)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So I got my bike out and started riding everywhere, but that hurt my knee too, especially going uphill. I replaced running with walking, just to get outside and stay active, but I was starting to get really worried. I had made so much progress over the last year and a half and was feeling edgy and grouchy all the time. I felt bad for my family because of my constant sour mood, but also like no one understood how hard of a time I was having or how deeply upset I was. When I was finally able to see the PTs, they officially diagnosed it as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, which is often called runners knee. They said basically what the doctor had said, except in more detail and that my case was pretty severe, since I was having pain almost anytime I bent my knee while my quad was engaged. I was warned that damaging it further could be permanent, and that as it was it was going to be months before I would run again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As I said earlier, this was utterly devastating to me. Even now as I type this the tears are flowing. Running has been such a gift to me, a part of me that is mine only, something that I feel proud of and makes me feel disciplined and like I have a small part of this crazy life under my own control. Even though I usually had the kids with me while I ran, it was something I did just for myself, it was my '<i>me</i>' time and I loved it in a way I can't even put into words. I went to PT and did the exercises but many otherwise great days were often ruined during August and September by feeling that hated pain in my knee when I squatted down just so or walked downhill a certain way. My emotions were a mass of conflict, on one hand I was having a giant pity party for myself and on the other I felt guilty for allowing an injury to have so much control over my life and the lives of Steve and the kids as a result. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I worried about losing strength and speed and endurance, and I worried about gaining weight from inactivity, since all I could do basically was walk. Biking and most hiking aggravated my condition and I couldn't even swim all of October and November because I had surgery on my chest in September and couldn't get the incision wet. We were also living in our Airstream and trying to make decisions about our building plans and thinking about our winter plans, so I was really overwhelmed with stress and looking back now realize I was probably more depressed than I allowed myself to admit. Cookies and ice cream were like the only thing that made me feel better (temporarily, of course - feeling overfull and not being hungry for real food led to even more guilt) and I ate more sweets in two months than I did in the previous two years combined. So of course I gained about 10 pounds pretty quickly, and then felt utter misery at knowing just what I had feared was happening - but also knowing that I was making things much worse by my emotional eating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By December I had actually started to accept that my knee was going to need a lot of time to get better, and that running just wasn't going to happen for a while. The holiday season was actually a blessed distraction for me, and I started to feel a lot better than I had before - so much less self-pity than the previous months. But the holiday baking led to more emotional binge eating and I noticed my clothes, which had already fit a bit tighter, were now in many cases just not fitting at all. Despair is the only word I can think of to describe how I felt. My heart hurt so much, and I felt that the unfairness of having an injury had such a long-term rehabilitation period in some way justified treating myself with more sweets than was healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Christmas was a turning point of sorts. As I went to parties and dinners and cookie decoration parties and ate more than felt right, I still knew in that back of my mind that I was ready to get back to treating my body the way it deserved, by making healthier choices both in regards to food and self-dialog. When I got home from visiting my family in Anchorage, I decided to cut out foods with added sugar for a while as sort of a reset, and I've been doing immensely better. It's actually hard to believe that just two weeks ago I was eating peanut m&ms by the handful (but my sisters will attest to that fact, ha). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Skiing has also been a life-saver for me. If I'm careful about my form and keep up on cross-training and my PT exercises and foam rolling, I don't notice any extra strain on my quad and knee, and I've been able to get out three or four times this week to hit the trails and build the muscles in my glute and hips that I need to fix the physiological problems that are causing my knee pain. Of course I greatly anticipate the day that I will be able to begin running regularly again, hopefully this summer. My knee is healing <i>slowly</i>, but it has improved so much since August and September, and I try to remember that whenever I start to feel frustrated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Writing this has been so therapeutic for me, and I hope that those who read this to completion are able to find something to relate to in my story. We all struggle with something, and many times we choose to mask it from our friends and family and bear the load alone, all to protect ourselves from some imagined judgement. But I wanted to be open about this because I think it's important to share ourselves with each other, even the hard, sometimes ugly things. Thank you for joining me as I share in this little online space I've set up, it means so much to me. ♥</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Skiing this week with my babies</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-71955224255422652982017-01-03T11:14:00.000-09:002017-01-03T11:14:31.521-09:00First Day Hike or Ski: Eveline State Recreation Area (Homer, Alaska)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFEXYkm9iQQ/WGwDXedJiSI/AAAAAAAAW8w/2ceQ4GbUQcoJbHVgMExLHuuVJ_qLdggGwCEw/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFEXYkm9iQQ/WGwDXedJiSI/AAAAAAAAW8w/2ceQ4GbUQcoJbHVgMExLHuuVJ_qLdggGwCEw/s640/IMG_0082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_191874052"></span><span id="goog_191874053"></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Starting the New Year at the beginning of the week felt especially exciting, and I've felt something awaking inside that motivates and inspires me to chase after my goals and dreams with a renewed vigor. We spent New Years Day doing some of the things we love best; attending a great church service, getting out to enjoy this beautiful place we live in with friends, and eating a great meal with family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After church we packed a lunch, grabbed our gear and headed to <a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/evelinesrs.htm">Eveline State Recreation Site</a> to take part in the fourth annual <a href="http://www.publiclandseveryday.org/events/first-day-hike-eveline-state-recreation-area">First Day Hike/Ski/Snowshoe event</a> being held there. About 13.8 miles out East End Road, Eveline boasts 80 acres of beautiful views and great snow conditions even when its just puddles and ice in downtown Homer. There's a designated parking lot and an outhouse, plus a picnic table just off the trailhead. I hadn't actually ever skied on these trails and I'm just blown away with how beautiful the landscape and views are from nearly every trail. The trails are well marked with maps posted at various points and connect to the greater <a href="http://kachemaknordicskiclub.org/trails/">McNeil trail system</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_i4HH_MCM/WGvlJS6BFYI/AAAAAAAAW70/Hw9s74ILZEYCV4p-xf3D-z4p4dXubyQfQCLcB/s1600/McNeilEvelineWolf%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_i4HH_MCM/WGvlJS6BFYI/AAAAAAAAW70/Hw9s74ILZEYCV4p-xf3D-z4p4dXubyQfQCLcB/s640/McNeilEvelineWolf%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had never heard of First Day Hikes before hearing about this event on our local public radio, KBBI, and through the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club. From the American Hiking Society Website:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. Last year nearly 28,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 66,000 miles throughout the country!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>First Day Hikes are led by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers. The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. People are invited to savor the beauty of the state park’s natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide so they may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I love the idea of starting the New Year off taking part in something that shows your commitment to getting outside regularly as well as supports the efforts of your community in encouraging others to do the same and supports State Parks at the same time. A total win-win in my opinion! And while I realize that the next chance to participate again is a year away, if you're interested in finding out more about First Day Hikes in your area, visit the American Hiking Society website, <a href="https://americanhiking.org/first-day-hikes/">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had a great time getting the kids on skis in a group environment where they could see people of all ages skiing and snowshoeing as a community. There was also hot dogs, treats from Two Sisters, hot cocoa, and a warming fire. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, with bluebird skies and warm sunshine (but not too warm to cause trail conditions to deteriorate). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">We went back to the trails Monday to enjoy a sunset ski with the kids in the Chariot for most of the time we were there. The Eveline trails are also dog-friendly (always check before you bring your furry friends to groomed ski trails with you!) so Tutka got a good run in as well. If you're local to Homer or visiting from the surrounding communities, I highly recommend a ski, snowshoe, or hike at the Eveline State Recreation Site.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-8646289294569047142017-01-01T10:06:00.000-09:002017-01-01T10:06:00.223-09:00Goodbye Two Thousand & Sixteen, Hello New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2016 changed me, like the years that have come before, but even more still. Each year that passes I learn more about what's important to me. I learn so much from my children; when I stop and reflect, I see so clearly what a gift they are to me, not just as a mother, but as a person striving to be my best self. God has been whispering two words in my ear all year, <i><b>patience</b></i> and <i><b>kindness</b></i>. As I stand here on the threshold of another year, I feel in my heart that those words are still echoing in my soul, and I think it will be so indefinitely. They are the two virtues I tirelessly strive to remember and exemplify each and every day as I gently guide and teach my children how to be and how to love. To be patient and kind I find myself having to let go, of many things, but especially of my expectations and my natural inclination towards self-centered focus and self-serving love. I focus on Christ and his unconditional love and I strive to love unconditionally myself. I fail miserably and often, but each day is new and an opportunity to try again. Let this New Year be full of all the real moments that make us both sad and happy and hopeful, another year of 365 new beginnings.</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The cause or the virtue that brings inner authentic presence is emptying out and letting go. You have to be without clinging. Inner authentic presence comes from exchanging yourself with others, from being able to regard other people as yourself, generously and without fixation. <i>Chogyam Trungpa</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Posted originally on my instagram account,</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lifealaskanstyle/?hl=en">@lifealaskanstyle</a>,</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">December 31st, 2016.</span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-17604434715970709172016-12-25T16:03:00.000-09:002016-12-29T17:00:34.518-09:00Christmas 2016: Family Pictures and Visiting with Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas from the Harness Family<br />Steve, Whitney, Riggs, Raina & Tutka</span></td></tr>
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I asked my father-in-law to meet us at the property to take some family pictures for our Christmas card this year, and they turned out so well! Steve was already up there working and I knew I wouldn't be able to corner him for pictures any other time, so I decided a work-themed photo shoot would be best. I was a little bummed because I could not find Raina's bibs anywhere so she didn't end up matching us, but I still think the pictures turned out great (they were hanging on a hook in the entryway the whole time...duh).<br />
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These photos capture where we are in our lives right now so perfectly and I will cherish them forever. I'm so glad to have such talented family!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got behind the camera to take some extra pictures of Rick with the kids too.</span></td></tr>
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We also went to the Procrastonators Fair at Homer High School and I was finally able to get some pictures of the kids with Santa. They did so good actually talking to him and telling him what they wanted (their lists stayed the same, luckily). It was by far the best Santa experience to date!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-46668730890689699322016-12-23T15:27:00.000-09:002016-12-29T15:44:10.827-09:00through the lens: November 2016 in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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November flew by for us, how about you guys? We saw all sorts of weather in November, and it's tempting to say that fall turned to winter during this month, as by the end it was below freezing and snowy. We hosted Thanksgiving at our house, which I've posted about separately, <a href="http://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2016/12/thanksgiving-2016.html">here</a>.<br />
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We also changed our minds about our our building plans, and then changed our minds again - there are so many decisions to be made when it comes to building a home. We are building a smaller home right now, with plans to eventually use it as a vacation rental after we've built a slightly larger permanent family home on the other side of our property in the next five to ten years. We also want to have a shop and a pole barn on the property, which adds up to quite a few buildings, even on five acres (which really isn't very much when you have multiple home sites and want a feeling of spaciousness and privacy). We want to make sure we think through every decision thoroughly when it comes to building locations, and it takes time to make up our minds. November was full of decision making when it came to layout of buildings, and lots of dirk work to go with those decisions. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adding his own revision to our plans.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walks through our neighborhood and hanging out at our property</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp3A5gssyQ4/WGWkUGaKNwI/AAAAAAAAW24/1__TCEWR0JwSLVxPka21Yiaw1m1bWC54ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp3A5gssyQ4/WGWkUGaKNwI/AAAAAAAAW24/1__TCEWR0JwSLVxPka21Yiaw1m1bWC54ACLcB/s640/IMG_5563.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sewing projects for Christmas, I took a break to make something for Raina</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZywyGMW4rM/WGWkcoX8FRI/AAAAAAAAW3E/vcZmqOcmyVYou1kv3NoHpS9OZ-vRf_lCwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZywyGMW4rM/WGWkcoX8FRI/AAAAAAAAW3E/vcZmqOcmyVYou1kv3NoHpS9OZ-vRf_lCwCLcB/s640/IMG_5569.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rainbows!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG9uGQNBn2E/WGWkYXaxbJI/AAAAAAAAW3A/4-o9IF8IzPgFQof-meW3iVm_X2b4fpnFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG9uGQNBn2E/WGWkYXaxbJI/AAAAAAAAW3A/4-o9IF8IzPgFQof-meW3iVm_X2b4fpnFgCLcB/s640/IMG_5584.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Post-friendsgiving fun with their friend Lucy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSiDEh2vdM8/WGWkhE1JC9I/AAAAAAAAW3M/4KBenwnDI9IwdOa_xWggpkxI9XNjBN6pwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSiDEh2vdM8/WGWkhE1JC9I/AAAAAAAAW3M/4KBenwnDI9IwdOa_xWggpkxI9XNjBN6pwCLcB/s640/IMG_5632.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big girl doing so much more by herself now at nearly 2.5</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh3rprOenNY/WGWkt6aL62I/AAAAAAAAW3k/JNIPI3Qm19QocUbBMkfb4CSxDjgZ9ZRNACLcB/s1600/IMG_5912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh3rprOenNY/WGWkt6aL62I/AAAAAAAAW3k/JNIPI3Qm19QocUbBMkfb4CSxDjgZ9ZRNACLcB/s640/IMG_5912.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Muddy work days up at the property with Steve</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">breakfast at Duncan House Diner with Grandma Dotti</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_qW0VLsfq4/WGWkuNd8yxI/AAAAAAAAW3o/3LyKrNQ88rsm0F67oKiAmaAcehETyAWHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_qW0VLsfq4/WGWkuNd8yxI/AAAAAAAAW3o/3LyKrNQ88rsm0F67oKiAmaAcehETyAWHQCLcB/s640/IMG_5959.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Post church (and artwork) nap...notice the pen still in her right hand.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Riggs learned how to play Go Fish</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_zpR3ogqbY/WGWkx-J1mVI/AAAAAAAAW3s/rKpmwvVb3dYMQgbGfn_8u0ZJey-Pl0IPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_zpR3ogqbY/WGWkx-J1mVI/AAAAAAAAW3s/rKpmwvVb3dYMQgbGfn_8u0ZJey-Pl0IPwCLcB/s640/IMG_6096.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moose everywhere</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7q3AkkYXwo/WGWk2m34saI/AAAAAAAAW34/wcDqeF6dCoI9KXuvK_xzdU5wIuSD-mqxQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7q3AkkYXwo/WGWk2m34saI/AAAAAAAAW34/wcDqeF6dCoI9KXuvK_xzdU5wIuSD-mqxQCLcB/s640/IMG_6200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">November 22: Raina nursed for the last time</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0lvqYvPN-4/WGWk80DuFeI/AAAAAAAAW4A/LObya3SrV84UPuBzKVXG9oLLU1L1HQfvQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0lvqYvPN-4/WGWk80DuFeI/AAAAAAAAW4A/LObya3SrV84UPuBzKVXG9oLLU1L1HQfvQCLcB/s640/IMG_6237.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fires and lunch at the property, before we moved the Airstream down to the other lot</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scooter project</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Work dates with these two guys</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHZmDWVizOY/WGWlCT0fKhI/AAAAAAAAW4c/0_skSlyHreYrdTVMArWW1Naaq-UHO39CQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHZmDWVizOY/WGWlCT0fKhI/AAAAAAAAW4c/0_skSlyHreYrdTVMArWW1Naaq-UHO39CQCLcB/s640/IMG_6513.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Winter has blanketed our property, and more moose</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of time and meals at the property, and lots more to come over the next couple of months!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christmas presents for my two of my nieces, they turned out so cute!</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-36688871874752387432016-12-22T15:42:00.000-09:002016-12-29T15:42:45.145-09:00Thanksgiving 2016We hosted Thanksgiving this year, and even though it is small, we made room for Steve's family and enjoyed having every one here in our little winter home. I missed my family of course, and my sister hosted our extended Anchorage family - I wish I could have been in two places at once! My parents were in Denver visiting my little sister and brother-in-law there.<br />
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It was a beautiful day here in Homer, and once the turkey was in the oven I went on a walk with Raina in the sunshine - it was lovely. Everyone started arriving around 3:30p and we had a lively fun time. I've really grown to love Thanksgiving more and more over the years, and this year was really special being here in Homer and hosting our family here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pie art that Raina 'helped' me with on the pumpkin pies</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the food: I made Turkey, two pumpkin pies and a german chocolate pie, Steve's <br />wonderful family brought everything else, and it was all delicious. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Helping Grandpa Rick open some wine</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Steve untangling rope with his parents - he changed in to shorts because he said it was too hot <br />with all the cooking going on...but kept his beanie, ha.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Steve getting bounced on in Riggs' room, it was too funny.</span></td></tr>
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I wish I would have gotten more pictures of everyone together but it wasn't to be. What a wonderful evening we had celebrating family and being grateful for all that we have been blessed with.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-48038114552687616492016-12-20T09:16:00.000-09:002016-12-20T09:16:01.526-09:00Rainy November DaysNovember was ushered in with some of the rainiest weather I remember this year and we were outside trying to enjoy it as much as possible. Even with great rain gear, the kids were soaking through two gear changes a day, sitting in puddles probably contributed to that problem but oh what fun they were having!<br />
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It was nice to have Steve home for some of it to make their rainy day play even more fun. Races through puddles and standing under the big drips coming off the roof were their favorites, and even Tutka got in on the fun.<br />
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We were thankful to be able to go into our little rental and spread our gear out to dry, rather than having to go to the laundromat to dry everything out like we had on really wet days in the airstream. Steve and I wished we could have figured out some way to make housing all-weather outdoor gear for four people work better in the Airstream, because aside from that issue it really was quite comfortable space-wise for us to live in that small space. We were using the shower in our trailer for pantry space (with shelves and everything) so I think if we could have found another spot for those items we could have utilized that space with tension rods and hooks to dry out gear in that waterproof, contained space.<br />
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Anyway it was so fun to see the kids out on epic puddle jumping adventures during the rainy spell we had, and it reminded me of when I was a girl puddle jumping in our neighborhood with my little sister, and taking long rainy walks with my high school best friend talking about our teenage angst whilst getting soaked - rain has always been magical to me.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-49737670144950419092016-12-19T04:00:00.000-09:002016-12-19T04:00:06.991-09:00through the lens: October 2016 in ReviewOctober was quite a month for our family. We moved from the Airstream to our cozy winter rental, I turned 30 and subsequently dealt with Raina's first stomach flu while traveling, and the first fluffy flakes of the winter fell. I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos from the month that give a good feel for what we were up to.<br />
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*moved to our winter rental out East End Road</div>
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*fall arrived in full swing and we had to break out the mittens and hats</div>
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*lots of walks and strider expeditions in the beautiful fall weather we enjoyed</div>
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*Riggs learned out to ride his pedal bike</div>
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*we finally started trying out the churches in Homer to find a good fit for our family...</div>
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*the first snow</div>
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*I managed to do THIS to my moms hand mixer - don't ask me how. </div>
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Suffice it to say I bought her a new one.</div>
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*spent some time with our Anchorage cousins and arrived just in time for the first snow there as well</div>
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*spent my birthday eve with my babies shopping/dining/movie watching our way around Anchorage.</div>
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We saw Pete's Dragon at Bear's Tooth - such a great movie and yes I cried.</div>
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*spent my actually birthday up all night with my very sick baby girl who threw up every twenty minutes all night and then sporadically throughout the rest of the day. Attempted a Costco run on our mad dash back to Homer - not the best idea as Raina threw up all over herself and her stroller halfway through. But we made it home and managed to get some groceries before puke-pocolypse so there's that.</div>
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*Riggs and Raina had a 'puzzle party day' (Riggs' name for it) where they put together every puzzle they had and spread them all over the living room floor like one giant rug, the dominos included. </div>
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Steve also finished his six-month work call with Homer Electric Association about a week into October and was able to start working full time on projects up at our property. He spent the remainder of the month getting organized up there and doing dirt work in preparation for beginning construction on our new home/cabin. And then we ended the month with Halloween, which you can read about in a separate post <a href="https://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2016/12/halloween-2016.html">here</a>. It was an eventful month but I can't say we weren't all excited to see what November had in store for us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-70253231333811627342016-12-18T14:31:00.003-09:002016-12-18T14:31:41.567-09:00Halloween 2016Forgive me for going back in time to post all the things we've been up to over the last couple of months but haven't made time to post about. I'm motivated now to work through these posts so I figure I'd better take advantage, and motivation can be fleeting!<br />
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We had a pretty low-key halloween this year, but it was fun to have the kids more involved in picking out the 'theme' for the year and helping me collect and craft together the various elements of their costumes. We have been doing corresponding costumes for the kids since Raina was born and we all have fun with it. I'm hoping the kids especially continue to see the extra fun in coordinating so that we can continue the tradition indefinitely as they get older. (Just for fun, you can view our Halloweens of years past, here: <a href="http://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2012/10/happy-halloween.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="https://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-halloween.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="https://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2014/11/halloween-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, 2015 - no blog post but it's somewhere in my IG archives).<br />
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We settled on a Neverland theme this year and Riggs began collecting things to get dress up as Peter Pan and Raina was excited to be a sassy little pixie (sooooo fitting for her ha). I actually went against my policy of no store bought costumes simply because I had just purchased a green fairy/pixie no-brand dress up set at Costco a couple of weeks before Halloween and it was perfect for Raina's costume. Also Riggs was actually wearing a Disney brand Peter Pan shirt that we bought at a consignment sale last year for dress up, but everything else Riggs wore for his costume was from our dress-up stash and his own regular clothing. A few days before Halloween we sat down together and sewed up a quick felt hat for him and that completed his costume.<br />
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The entire week before Halloween was spent celebrating, so much fun! In retrospect I do wish we would have purchased a couple of pumpkins to carve with Steve on Halloween Eve, but there were none to be found in the entire town. Small town Alaska problems ha.<br />
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Carving pumpkins at Grandma & Grandpas with their Homer cousins:</div>
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Monster masks they made at Library Group:</div>
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All finished with our sewing project:</div>
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Wearing their favorite parts of their costumes before Halloween:</div>
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Jack'o'lantern dreams on Halloween Eve:</div>
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It's finally Halloween! Dressed in their costumes and ready to go at 7:30a lucky me haha:</div>
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Sleepy Tink:</div>
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Taking a little rest from Trick or Treating in the Children's Library:</div>
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Trick or Treating at the Pratt Homestead Cabin:</div>
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We were out and about all day and did the majority of our Trick or Treating in town, stopping at the Library, the grandma's workplaces, K-Bay Caffe (of course) and the Pratt Museum, before heading home for dinner. Then we went next door to our <a href="http://www.juneberrylodge.com/" target="_blank">landlords</a> to ring the doorbell - "You know, like they do in Charlie Brown's Halloween, Mama" - and visit with them for a bit before heading home and saying goodnight to Halloween 2016. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-89123897373853640072016-12-16T16:04:00.000-09:002016-12-16T16:04:38.976-09:00Out With The (C) old, in With The NewIf you follow my Instagram or have spoken with me recently in person, you probably already know we moved out of the Airstream and into a rental for the rest of the winter. We spent four months in the Airstream and it worked so well for us...in the summer and early fall. When it started to get cold enough that we needed to get up in the middle of the night and run the generator to have heat (because the battery was only lasting half the night even set at 55 degrees F) we decided it would be best to find a seasonal rental. Not just best for us, but for the Airstream as well, since winter is prime time for moisture problems to arise in a trailer.<br />
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Luckily seasonal winter rentals are easy to find in Homer after summer ends, since there are so many vacation rentals the close down for the winter. We found a place that is perfect for us, two bedrooms, one bathroom (shower only) that's furnished but not overly decorated so that we wouldn't have to watch the kids' every move. Plus they allow Tutka, have a washer and dryer, and all utilities are included in the rent, which is great from a budget perspective. We know exactly how much to budget for each month, verses having varying utility payments, which can be pretty spendy here in the winter.<br />
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It has been working out so well to have a little home base for the winter and for the holidays especially since we were gone for Christmas last year and so it feels like it's been forever since we had a 'real' Christmas. We have been here since October first and I've had this post in my drafts since about the middle of October, but for some reason haven't found the time to sit down and finish it. I have so many things to share here in my little space and have had the urge to post to my blog multiple times a week since winter began in ernest. I hope I will be able to post less sporadically, but every time I'm able to sit down and share something in this space, it makes my heart happy, even if it's only every couple of months.<br />
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The stairs up to our little space, with a big porch for Tutka and the kids to hang out on.</div>
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It's not huge but it feels like it after the Airstream. </div>
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top to bottom: Raina's room, Riggs' room, reading with dad is still the same, </div>
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and the view into the kitchen from the living room.</div>
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Arts & crafts are a new favorite and our reel end table Steve made for our Palmer house</div>
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has quickly become the kids' favorite spot for working on art/'paperwork'</div>
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We get beautiful sunrises and moonrises, I'm not sure which is my favorite. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-13124606621301353652016-12-09T15:50:00.000-09:002016-12-29T15:50:24.595-09:00December Nature WalksGetting out and walking in the morning and afternoon is a daily routine for us, and we all enjoy it, even when we're only out for fifteen minutes (or even less some days). In the summer months, there are so many amazing things to find and collect and observe for the kids, but I wanted to make sure and do some focused nature walks in the winter too, focusing on some items with color that we see a lot of when there is snow on the ground.<br />
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I sketched some quick pictures and then added some color to them using colored pencils for each of the kids before we headed outside to search for them. It was a very simple activity that added a little more focus to our usual outdoor meanderings. Another day we found some icicles and they kept those outside on their play table for quite a while before they eventually were lost, and that was fun for them. Any ideas for other winter nature items that they can collect would be welcome!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-67973987526982206072016-09-19T12:44:00.002-08:002016-09-19T12:44:20.434-08:00two pixies, three salmon and a family of moose<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta love Riggs' style: pj shirt, pixie wings, bogs and that's it.</td></tr>
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<br />
I was sick all weekend with a severely sore throat (I lost my voice completely by Sunday) so me and the kids stayed around the house both Saturday and Sunday other than a quick trip into town Sunday for a few groceries. We went to Save-U-More and found fairy wings and dress up skirts for under $2 a piece plus a tinker bell costume small enough to fit Raina - they haven't come off the kids yet. I'm pretty sure Riggs wore the same pajama shirt the entire weekend, both to bed and during the day, but honestly I didn't have the energy to care.<br />
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Steve went fishing with a friend on Sunday and came home with some fresh King Salmon - which we were all thrilled about. Raina ate an entire grilled tail filet on her own! The girl loves her salmon. The kids watched Steve filet the fish and then package them into bags for freezing and then "helped" him grill some and at them completely plain right off the grill at 8:30p when they were supposed to be in bed asleep. It was a fun way to end the weekend and I was happy for the learning experience it provided them as well.<br />
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We also had a cow and calf visit while we were out playing and cleaning the fish and I swear they were the most chill pair we've had visit yet. The cow didn't even look up when my kids ran around yelling and chasing each other in the circle right where I'm taking the pictures from. At one point her calf came a little too close and tried to eat right were the cow was and she sent it off with a quick nip; then looked up at me while my kids were running wild behind me and I felt a silent communication pass between us, as if despite our differences, we shared a common bond through our experiences as mothers. It was a special moment, and I stayed out and watched them for nearly half an hour after the kids lost interest and went back to watch Steve.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-80287907622359531182016-09-13T19:25:00.001-08:002016-09-13T19:25:20.878-08:00Through the Lens: Spring & Summer 2016A few of our life through the lens of my DSLR: May through September.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PALMER: our 'old house', which we sold in June<br />1 | fun in the play tent 2 | reading together 3 | getting familiar with the potty 4 | "What's in there?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOMER SPIT: July in Homer<br />1 | my baby girl is two 2 | the beach is fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUR AIRSTREAM: august<br />1 | Raina during nap time </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUR PROPERTY: august - west hill, homer<br />1 | working late nearly every night after kids are in bed 2 | beautiful sunsets 3 | coming in for the night to see the sweet sleeping faces of my big boy 4 | Riggs at four years old: scrapes and bandaids everyday</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-89991751652126700662016-09-01T11:57:00.005-08:002016-09-01T11:57:59.699-08:00Seldovia Day TripWe were invited to visit Seldovia for the day by some new friends and took advantage of the offer, which included a free ride, amazing weather and great companionship. One of Steve's lineman friends/coworkers who he also grew up with in Homer is married to my cousins cousin (Are you confused yet? Because I am...) and their family run <a href="http://www.rainbowtours.net/">Rainbow Charters</a> in Homer. We met at their office on the spit (same boardwalk as Finns, yummmmm) then walked down the ramp to the harbor where the boat was waiting for us.<div>
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It was really nice to be on a bigger boat with comfy indoor benches and bathrooms, plus some toys and puzzles for the kids. Riggs and Raina were so excited to be on a 'big boat' and all the kids kept yelling "Seldovia!" over and over. When the boat started moving things got even more exciting, but after about a minute Riggs asked, "Are we almost there now?" I had to laugh because we hadn't actually even left the harbor yet! </div>
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We left the harbor around 10:30a, looping around <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewinglocations.gullisland">Gull Island</a> to check out the birds on our way. Near Yukon Island we stopped to watch some <a href="http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/humpback-whale.html">h</a><a href="http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/humpback-whale.html">umpback whales</a> breaching and diving, then again further along to watch a raft of sea otters drifting alongside the boat. You'd think the kids would have like the animal sightings a bit more than they did, but it's hard for them to see them and the excitement wore off pretty quickly. They were happier playing with the toy humpbacks than watching actual humpbacks in the bay, ha!<br />
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We motored into the Seldovia harbor a little after 1:00p and watched the kids play at the little playground right above the harbor for a bit before walking down to the historic boardwalk and crossing the bridge near the Seldovia Slough. The Seldovia area has been <a href="http://svt.org/our_story.html">home</a> to Native people for thousands of years, and served as a meeting place for various tribes up until the fur rush in the late seventeen hundreds. Russian fur traders came to Kachemak Bay to take advantage of the sea otter population, and by 1870 had settled into the sheltered waters of the Seldovia area, making it one of the oldest settlements in Cook Inlet. The <a href="http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/events/alaska1964//">1964 earthquake</a> caused the land to subside about four feet resulting in severe flooding during high tides, and the rebuilding of the town on higher ground. Now it's a small but active community that serves as a popular stop for out-of-state tourists and Alaskans alike.<br />
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There is abundant charm and beauty around nearly every corner and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a day trip or weekend getaway. We had a great time exploring at the kids' pace - but I'd love to go back with Steve at some point to check out the galleries and do some kayaking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZqa_tnJnkg/V8fLAewhrBI/AAAAAAAAWi0/eqgCoPJyiS84Gy1IJfOGKiecS2m3T216gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZqa_tnJnkg/V8fLAewhrBI/AAAAAAAAWi0/eqgCoPJyiS84Gy1IJfOGKiecS2m3T216gCLcB/s640/IMG_0077.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream was a must before we got back on the boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-73543924646682895702016-08-24T10:13:00.000-08:002016-08-24T10:14:15.618-08:00An ode to the Sea<div class="tr_bq">
One of the obvious benefits of living in Homer is proximity to the ocean and to miles and miles of coastline that is easily accessible. We spend hours each week at the beach, walking or collecting special rocks or just sitting and staring at the waves. I go with the kids during the week, and we go as a family on the weekends or sometimes weeknights too. Occasionally the kids stay with Grandma and it's just Steve and I, and sometimes I go by myself, soaking in the solitude with only a cup of tea for company. </div>
<br />
Nothing represents the raw beauty and emotion, the highs and lows of life better than the sea, and I think that's what draws me. I feel so small and my problems so insignificant - it is truly a place of refuge. My soul is always nourished by visiting the ocean, there is magic in the pulse of the waves that even the most pragmatic can't deny.<br />
<br />
Seeing the pull of the water speak to Riggs and Raina is a special gift in itself, and I could spend countless hours watching them immerse themselves in the sand and the surf. They spend an hour exploring a single, tiny tide pool, their eyes alight with wonderment at every detail, noticing things I'd never have seen had I not taken the time to get down on their level and patiently observe. There is something sacred about the water, and we are grateful for how it makes our lives better.<br />
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<br />
<blockquote>
The heart of man is<br />
very much like the sea,<br />
it has its storms, it<br />
has its tides<br />
and in its depths it<br />
has its pearls too.<br />
- Vincent van Gogh</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-29450182803730036952016-08-18T08:35:00.000-08:002016-08-18T08:43:58.411-08:00life right nowLiving in an airstream isn't conventional by any means. There are so many aspects that require extra planning and extra time, like making sure our personal items are put away in their little 'homes' every time we use them (toys included), putting away the kids' beds for the day - and then getting them back out again, heating water to wash the dishes after every meal and then drying them and putting them away (we only have one set of dishes for each of us), making sure we have everything we need in the shower bag on shower day, making sure to dry out rubber boots every night after a full day of play in preparation for another, the list goes on. But going through these simple routines creates a rhythm to our days that is satisfying in it's own right and that requires us to live more intentionally. We spend even more time outside than we used to, and more time together as well. There's not really space to get away from things, and so differences and even underlying tension is dealt with right away rather than put off and allowed to fester.<br />
<br />
Life is good, we are all thriving and have this feeling of finally having solved our personal 'mystery of home' - "a set of feelings focused on the desire for and the experience of being in the right town or area, being connected with the place in which we live, and being enchanted by the sensation of home the place provides"<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Thomas Moore)</span>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundromat life - fun and exciting for at least two members of the family. Despite the inconvenience of having to drag our laundry down to the laundromat, I like having it all done in an hour and folded on the big folding counter, ready to take home for the next round of wear.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Showers with an audience - the kids are bathed at home in a little plastic tub and only shower with us at the Washboard (our local laundromat) about once a week, so usually they just play on the floor while we're there. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kids sleeping arrangements: Riggs on the couch and Raina on one side of the dinette. We leave the table set up and just take the back cushion off. She usually nurses at 5:30a and spends the rest of the morning sleeping with us. Riggs usually wakes up around 7:30 or 8, depending on how late he went to sleep. Steve wakes up around 6a, and both kids usually sleep through his morning routine of making coffee, reading, walking the dog, and packing his lunch. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FraI9q5waYE/V7TiMk4qIAI/AAAAAAAAWdg/ZKzMQStUr9cvd5NAeJfnQI4dJdG78Z5EACLcB/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FraI9q5waYE/V7TiMk4qIAI/AAAAAAAAWdg/ZKzMQStUr9cvd5NAeJfnQI4dJdG78Z5EACLcB/s640/IMG_1114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dishes ready to be washed after dinner. I've been putting them in the dishpan instead of the sink lately until I have a moment to wash them. I usually wash dishes twice a day during the week and then three times on the weekends when we're all home. We only have one fork and spoon for each of us, same with plates and bowls, so they have to be done in order to eat the next meal. We aren't using the water system in the camper right now, so we fill water jugs at Safeway (they have free potable water) and then heat it as needed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZrgaC_EUrE/V7TiKwW0tnI/AAAAAAAAWdQ/ZB9a-zNg8MY8CrOeA0Clqw8YWQYO4nIOACLcB/s1600/IMG_0815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZrgaC_EUrE/V7TiKwW0tnI/AAAAAAAAWdQ/ZB9a-zNg8MY8CrOeA0Clqw8YWQYO4nIOACLcB/s640/IMG_0815.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">We built this outhouse when we bought the property in 2006, boarded it up when we left Homer later that year. We've been using it since we've been back at our property and aren't using the toilet in the Airstream at all so we don't have to drive it down to town and empty the tanks. Making a door is one of the next things on our list - it will be a 'dutch' door with an old salvaged window incorporated into the upper part of the door (the same type of window we used for a door in the <a href="http://lifealaskanstyle.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-new-coop.html">chicken coop</a> at our Palmer house).</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spend most of the time outside, and use what would typically be 'inside toys' outside whenever we have the chance. The kids have a little reel now that Steve brought home from work that they play at, but a sheet of plywood was great for a while to set up train tracks on and use for coloring as well. My nieces have come over a few times to play, plus Grandma too.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbGOE-ye3Pk/V7TlYfalENI/AAAAAAAAWfE/QDbkBiiuKFE1dI56QdKEpzMG7jZzayXDwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbGOE-ye3Pk/V7TlYfalENI/AAAAAAAAWfE/QDbkBiiuKFE1dI56QdKEpzMG7jZzayXDwCLcB/s640/IMG_1161.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most of the time our 'yard' looks like a construction zone, with tarps and lumber and tools and buckets and totes everywhere you look. But it's productive chaos, and it makes me happy to see a little progress being made everyday. </span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-10363907538163067252016-08-17T14:14:00.000-08:002016-08-17T14:14:08.606-08:00Settling InLast week it stopped raining for about two days and we rushed around to finish some projects before it started up again. It's a good thing too since it started up again right away and hasn't really stopped since, besides a quick break yesterday. As is typical in Alaska, August is proving to be wet and moody and we're actually able to slow down somewhat and enjoy it now that our shed has a door, we have a deck to stomp the mud off on and the dog has a little home to stay dry and warm in.<br />
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We worked outside until about 11p both dry nights last week, and it was tiring and deeply fulfilling at the same time. It feels so good to be working on projects that help us feel more settled on our property. Steve and I both feel a certain satisfaction in taking the time to make things ourselves, even when it takes longer or is sometimes actually more expensive. Making things ourselves lends a deeper sense of connection to the home we're trying to create, if that makes sense. Thomas Moore describes this feeling well - "The warmth of the hand in things gives something to the heart and helps chase away the chill that so much of modern life instills with its machine-like efficiency, sharp corners, and smooth surfaces." We are trying to incorporate as much 'warmth of hand' as we can into this little piece of earth that we call home, and making memories to hold with us for a lifetime in the process.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l1sp5y8s6A/V7TcwRvnecI/AAAAAAAAWcs/zFu-FJi5OnoAJArXef1I2gzXvaKNGeIJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l1sp5y8s6A/V7TcwRvnecI/AAAAAAAAWcs/zFu-FJi5OnoAJArXef1I2gzXvaKNGeIJwCLcB/s640/IMG_9964.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shed mostly finished - on poles Steve brought home from work and a floor salvaged from another small building. It took about a week to get a door on from when this photo was taken. It's so nice to have a 'home' for some of the things we use regularly but don't have room for in the Airstream, plus some keepsakes and seasonal items as well as the tools we'll need as we work on more significant building projects.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KTZ1zD2baE/V7TcwFangbI/AAAAAAAAWcw/HeYv3_8sdasblCJRB-Y6_xAgwWmDhfpAACLcB/s1600/IMG_9971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KTZ1zD2baE/V7TcwFangbI/AAAAAAAAWcw/HeYv3_8sdasblCJRB-Y6_xAgwWmDhfpAACLcB/s640/IMG_9971.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every little project is magical and fascinating for the kids, and they love to help. In the top of this picture you can see our bed platform (that Steve made when we lived in Palmer) roped up and stored in the otherwise unused ceiling space - our mattress is wrapped in plastic and is stored on top of it. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zlzkm2NwyqU/V7TcuzWfKjI/AAAAAAAAWcg/bn7hvQMyldQTLG9rPPpmuY-P1VU2duXBACLcB/s1600/IMG_1138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zlzkm2NwyqU/V7TcuzWfKjI/AAAAAAAAWcg/bn7hvQMyldQTLG9rPPpmuY-P1VU2duXBACLcB/s640/IMG_1138.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deck with bench and hooks finished and already getting lots of use. We keep our shoes in a tote just outside the door and its nice to have a place to sit-down on put them on or take them off. It also cuts down on how much dirt and mud makes it into the camper.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYwebHwYX_U/V7Tct3xdmoI/AAAAAAAAWcc/6qiIjKC1dVggJbkKOCcs0_QpONJFUCvZgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYwebHwYX_U/V7Tct3xdmoI/AAAAAAAAWcc/6qiIjKC1dVggJbkKOCcs0_QpONJFUCvZgCLcB/s640/IMG_1195.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Riggs has been a huge help and stayed up late one night to help Steve limb some trees to make a spot for Tutka's new dog house. He is such a hard worker already and loves to help dad however he can. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2A2jIb3hqNg/V7TcwB0V-3I/AAAAAAAAWco/NbMsLTyRcSAYMxi4oLFLe__SXjCBECEfACLcB/s1600/IMG_1166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2A2jIb3hqNg/V7TcwB0V-3I/AAAAAAAAWco/NbMsLTyRcSAYMxi4oLFLe__SXjCBECEfACLcB/s640/IMG_1166.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simple but efficient. The roof hinges open to clean out and refill with fresh straw. Steve is adding a 'shelf' with holes to fit the food and water bowls so that they're at a more comfortable height for Tutka and left a bit of an overhang on the roof to shelter them. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZhmqPfyeto/V7TcuxvGe-I/AAAAAAAAWck/2Z4zwhuw-xUjQ47EugCzE-J_VrXurecPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZhmqPfyeto/V7TcuxvGe-I/AAAAAAAAWck/2Z4zwhuw-xUjQ47EugCzE-J_VrXurecPQCLcB/s640/IMG_1206.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shed door built and installed the last dry night at 10:30p - I just painted the door and half of one side of the shed yesterday with plans to finish today, but it's pouring so it will have to wait. I'll update a picture when it's done.</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-8080812461865694602016-08-12T13:34:00.000-08:002016-08-12T13:34:36.604-08:00Friday FavoritesNow that we've sold our home in Palmer we can begin to focus completely on building a place here, including finalizing our plans and thinking about the details we want to include to maximize every bit of the space. I think I'm going to try and use a 'Friday Favorites' post format to share what I've been brainstorming and obsessing over each week, are you ready?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOL5TIEzSI0/V647Fz8L8QI/AAAAAAAAWb4/dUthLT_D0Ks_WO_HbXM-mqmMPxLKbgLCwCLcB/s1600/mud%2Bkitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOL5TIEzSI0/V647Fz8L8QI/AAAAAAAAWb4/dUthLT_D0Ks_WO_HbXM-mqmMPxLKbgLCwCLcB/s640/mud%2Bkitchen.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161003755408008846/">Mud kitchen</a>: top of my short list of things to do. I love this one with the little roof.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VINLWZF14g/V647GMvrf9I/AAAAAAAAWb8/iOwpGIR1dsUw9wyLrSIJLV-2GmyWGPaGgCLcB/s1600/woodstove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VINLWZF14g/V647GMvrf9I/AAAAAAAAWb8/iOwpGIR1dsUw9wyLrSIJLV-2GmyWGPaGgCLcB/s640/woodstove.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161003755407212514/">wood stove</a>: one thing I'm looking most forward to when we build our place. <br />I prefer more simplistic modern designs like this, and a window is a must.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKzA4OTkbuQ/V647Fioi-HI/AAAAAAAAWb0/0Mqw1WqqSpkgDZNcvc_C3ppB01DGSO1vwCLcB/s1600/built%2Bin%2Bbunks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKzA4OTkbuQ/V647Fioi-HI/AAAAAAAAWb0/0Mqw1WqqSpkgDZNcvc_C3ppB01DGSO1vwCLcB/s640/built%2Bin%2Bbunks.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161003755407212600/">built-in bunks</a>: we are planning on designing the kids room to incorporate built-in bunks and lights,<br />as well as a built in drawers for their clothes. I love the simplicity of this design, but we want a double<br />bed on the bottom bunk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6cLGJTy6JI/V647GZy0ttI/AAAAAAAAWcA/dEzjsWxWR2I2G-0UzavzXvvQXnHJ9ehSACLcB/s1600/tiles%2Band%2Bhardwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6cLGJTy6JI/V647GZy0ttI/AAAAAAAAWcA/dEzjsWxWR2I2G-0UzavzXvvQXnHJ9ehSACLcB/s640/tiles%2Band%2Bhardwood.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AVeNPbgtd7pmzzcyXu4CK_wjmbCRrc3zrTpc7a7LIhiRXH5UYD25rtw/">flooring</a>: this is just something that caught my eye as I was scrolling through pinterest. I<br />love the contrast between the texture and color of each type of flooring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhNIHDMlHNY/V647FsxYoVI/AAAAAAAAWbw/Rd3uQHjCbBALg2TehBHrqh_aIYFtPwprACLcB/s1600/decide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhNIHDMlHNY/V647FsxYoVI/AAAAAAAAWbw/Rd3uQHjCbBALg2TehBHrqh_aIYFtPwprACLcB/s640/decide.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AcPs0vZjg6Uk3Dh4v2pbaT5x-VE5Tj9Mjk4pCdLZ5_XonXlDB6ZijY0/">decide</a> ♥</td></tr>
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<br />
I read an article this week that I liked, you can read it too, <a href="http://rainorshinemamma.com/the-dirty-secrets-of-an-outdoor-mom/">here</a>. Her first two points: "My kids don't always want to play outside" and "I don't like doing crafts" - I could have written these. The rest isn't really very relevant for me and my kids, but I love that she shared this other side of her parenting experience.<br />
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I learned about the concept of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/06/danish-way-of-parenting-review">"hygge"</a> and how it helps families thrive in Denmark. And I want to see <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/culture/natureplay-film-reveals-scandinavias-amazing-nature-based-education-system.html">this new documentary </a>comparing Scandinavia's nature-based education system with America's struggling education system.<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09414780727940208425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392898925403346163.post-7115099274120161112016-08-11T10:54:00.001-08:002016-08-18T08:40:58.149-08:00Reflections on our Summer so Far<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vmr19dAaoY/V6zDD-BAEYI/AAAAAAAAWak/8WvxRAQyp0kZopL0QjWmBaK9D7GuaKXGACLcB/s1600/IMG_5089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vmr19dAaoY/V6zDD-BAEYI/AAAAAAAAWak/8WvxRAQyp0kZopL0QjWmBaK9D7GuaKXGACLcB/s640/IMG_5089.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">poles ready to be loaded in Palmer</td></tr>
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One of the reasons I finally feel motivated to start blogging again is to document the journey we are on right now. We're at a turning point of sorts, since our house in Palmer has officially sold and we are done with the stressful process of moving. But I feel like if I don't take the time sit down and reflect on our summer so far, certain aspects of our struggle will fade into oblivion, and I want to remember how hard we have been working for our goals.<br />
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These last three months have been rough. From the day Steve got the work call to Homer Electric Association, it's felt like mayhem. Listing our house, living in two places, then living with family here basically out of our duffel bags and driving back to Palmer five out of the last six weekends to pack and drive loads of poles down to Homer - it's been nonstop.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO many trips back and forth - four loads of poles and one load of household <br />
items plus a few other random trips; the kids have were troopers on every single 270 mile (one way) trip.</td></tr>
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There have been so many moments that both Steve and I have seriously doubted the process or journey we chose on the path to reaching our goals. We could have rented a place here in Homer, but then we would have spent at least $1k a month in addition to our mortgage (at least until our house sold). And since we couldn't find anything other than year-long leases, we would have ended up spending at least $12k toward a temporary place to live - money we could have been investing in our own building project. And we didn't need a year lease anyway, since we plan on building this fall and being in our own place early in the new year.</div>
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Both of Steve's parents were happy to let us stay with them and so we chose to take them up on their offers. Steve had already been staying at his moms and so when the kids and I 'moved' down to Homer, we stayed there along with him, the four of us all sleeping cozily in one small room. It actually went more smoothly than we expected, but it started to feel overwhelming to not have space or time to ourselves, especially for Steve, since when he was home his mom and her husband Rick were home from work as well. We loved the extra time we got to spend with both of them, and were so grateful to them for opening their home. After about two weeks we decided to 'move out' to the Old Sterling, where Steve's dad and his wife, Dorle, lived during the winter months. They spent the summer across the bay in Little Tutka, so were were ably to have the space to ourselves. </div>
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Dorle was actually on the Homer side every Tuesday, and she spent the night at the house before heading to work and then back across the bay on Wednesday. It was fun to get to see her and have dinner with her on the nights she was there. Their beautiful home would have been like a little retreat if it weren't for the kids, who despite behaving very well still are only four and two and only capable of being so careful with fragile and breakable things. We were still basically living out of our duffels as well, since all of our stuff was still boxed up and split between Homer and Palmer and to be honest it got old trying to cook in an unfamiliar kitchen with unfamiliar tools and sleep every night with all of us in the the same room, Raina in the pack-n-play and Riggs on a camping pad on the floor (also: a multitude of beautiful windows with no curtains or blinds in the middle of summer in Alaska). We felt sort of trapped and like we were just treading water, unable to settle in and feel at home in Homer. It was a hard time for Steve and I - we felt stretched thin. </div>
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Earlier this year, before we had even fully decided to move to Homer, we talked about buying an Airstream and going on a big road trip down states where Steve could "tramp" (take high-hour, short-term work calls at different IBEW locals) around depending on where we wanted to travel and where work was available. The biggest problem with that plan was that finding a used Airstream in Alaska with a floor plan that would work for us was somewhat akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Realistically, we probably would have had to fly down states to find and buy one, then ship or drive it back up; to Alaska and that just felt like too much to us. That idea was moved to the back of our minds, and we decided to sell our home in Palmer and move back to Homer.</div>
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So while in the midst of being basically homeless, finding a well-layed out, barely used 2005 28' Safari on Craigslist in nearby Soldotna seemed almost too good to be true. We went up there first thing in the morning to look at it, and agreed to buy it that afternoon. Steve had already put a driveway in on our property earlier in the summer and within a week of buying the Airstream we were able to to park it at our property and move in.</div>
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Getting it set up was a slow process because our house was in contract and we were driving back to Palmer every weekend to pack, clean and finish repairs required after the home inspection, which thankfully were very minor. Steve developed a bad cold in the middle of it all and things were still pretty miserable and stressful for a while, but having our own space and being on our own property after all these years added an element of comfort and fulfillment that made the difficult things more bearable. </div>
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Finally, on the second day of August the sale of our Palmer house was officially final and that chapter of our lives was closed. Since then we have been working on projects around the property to make every bit of our 250-square-foot Airstream as functional and comfortable as possible. It has definitely been a bit tricky logistically downsizing from a 1300 square foot house and two car garage to a camper and a shed, but we are figuring it out. I have a feeling we'll be purging even more stuff than we already have as time goes on as we go through boxes in an effort to organize things better, and honestly it feels very freeing the more material items we are able to let go of.<br />
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I feel so much more at home in Homer already then I expected to this early on. I love it here: the land itself, the people, and the way of life or values that many in the community share just feels so right for us as a family. The kids seem to be doing well with all the change - they go to 'school' at a <a href="http://www.waldorfanswers.org/Waldorf.htm">Waldorf</a>-inspired, <a href="http://www.lifewaysnorthamerica.org/">Lifeways</a> certified outdoor preschool a couple of days a week and love every minute of it. This has been the longest post ever, so if you are still reading, thank you for hanging in there. It gives me a sense of closure having recorded this here and feel ready to move on completely to the next chapter in our lives. We are so ready to get fully settled in here and to get some serious work done around our property!<br />
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