Work & Play ...

Greetings Everyone!

We finally went on a 'propane run' -- although the lake was 'flat' -- it is not my most favorite task.  We loaded five 100 pound propane tanks onto the barge, unloaded them from the barge into our truck at the Upper Landing, drove into Sterling, filled the tanks, drove back to the Upper Landing, unloaded them from the truck onto the barge and came across the lake. 

Below - we are heading back to the cabin with our load of propane.  I'm wearing my hat backwards to prevent it from blowing off.  It was about 75 degrees when we crossed - so the breeze felt good!  I must add - this was a self-photo shot and my camera was angled -- Ernie is actually driving the boat straight with no problems.

A couple of days later, we took a mini vacation to Seward, Alaska.  The last time we were in Seward was close to 15 years ago!  As you can imagine, it did look different - but still the same.  Below - is a mural that was painted on the side of a store.

Seward is a sea port and is quite scenic.  We enjoyed some very yummy fish chowder and wandered though some of the toursisty shops.

As we drove through Seward, we noticed some rather unique ideas used to build foundations.  The house below is built on three conex containers.  A novel idea for storage.

 

Some folks in Seward also seem to have a sense of humor.  The tree below -- is a real eye catcher!

 



One of the reasons for us going to Seward was to meet up with our friend, Kathy.  She is training one of her dogs, Tara in the fine art of search and rescue.  So we were going to help her 'train.'  Below -- I am preparing to be 'the victim' -- a rather interesting game of playing hide and seek with the dog -- and trainer.  I was quite impressed to say the least.

Kathy gave me a five minute lead to go hide - then, she gave her dog my glove to sniff and go find me.  What I didn't know when I took off to hide - was that I went through an area that I thought was all grass.  It turned out that under all the tall grass was a number of chopped down Alder branches -- so I had to go back and forth, and in circles to get out of the grass.  Then, I came upon a vacant house and ran up the steps to see if I could find a place to hide but couldn't so I went back down the steps and through some brush.  Eventually I found a nice spot behind a tree and waited.

As it turned out -- Kathy's dog, Tara is still considered a novice.  So when the dog picked up my scent - she did just what I had done -- going around in the grass looking for my scent to continue - which she did -- even going up the stairs.  the dog eventually found me.   Later - when we debriefed the game -- Kathy had initially thought her dog had lost my scent or was confused because my route was more advanced than her dog had done before.  Needless to say, Kathy was amazed that her novice dog was fully engaged, on my scent and not just wandering in circles. 

After we finished playing hide and seek with Tara, we strolled around Seward.  Below -- Kathy reveals the other side of her character.

Below - I'm enjoying a late evening at our campfire.  An amazing view and time in Seward.

We then headed home the next day.  When we arrived at our cabin -- we were greeted by a young, cow moose munching on the cottonwood shoots down near the beach where we moor our boat.  I was able to get a photo of her walking in the water.  Not a great photo.

Today, I'm going to make a loaf of sourdough wheat bread in a cloche bread baker.   My friend, Janet introduced me to this new way of baking bread.  She loaned me her cloche to try it out and I fell in love with how the bread turns out.  So Ernie got me an early birthday gift.

 

Take care -- and thank you for checking on us!

Holiday Fun ...

Greetings Everyone!

For the past few days we've been having rain and winds -- but the weather did not keep us from celebrating the 4th of July.  Below - Ernie is making his rum cake recipe the day before the July 4th gathering.  He's been making the cake for years and enjoys making his rum cake for special occasions.  He also made sloppy Joe's from scratch -- both were gone by the end of the gathering.

On July 3rd, Kirby showed up with his barge loaded with 'man toys' -- a hot tub and pool table included! He stopped by to say hello and get warmed up.  Kirby's trip across the lake was a bit cold -- light winds were blowing off the glacier up lake and finding their way up the sleeves and down the neck of his rain jacket.

Since we've been having rains off and on -- Ernie rigged up a rain tarp so that folks could use the bar-b-cue grills without getting soaked. We just hoped the winds wouldn't come blowing in and make things difficult. 

For an added precaution - we decided to have guests place their potluck dishes inside the cabin so that if it did rain -- no one would be running around gathering up dishes of food.

As you can imagine -- with all the rain and dampness - the conditions were perfect for the mosquitoes!  And, there were lots of them -- so before the gathering got started -- Peggy's husband, Mike came over and fogged.  It worked -- and made the gathering much more pleasant for everyone.

Although we prepared for rain -- the rain stopped and the winds calmed just in time for the July 4th gathering.  Below - guests gather on our cabin deck -- we had a total of 25 folks.  Some were Islanders and some guests of Islanders.

After the 4th -- the winds and rains returned. The winds came blowing in at 30+ mph!  So we took a break from projects around our cabin and went to visit Kirby at his cabin.  What luck!  It so happened he'd already set up his pool table and invited us to play pool!  Below -- Kirby and Ernie are beginning their game.  I'm not a pool player - I've limited to no skills -- so when I had my turn to play -- all my balls were still on the table at the end of the game.  I lost to Kirby -- but had fun attempting to hit and roll balls into the pockets. 

While Ernie and Kirby played pool - I snapped a photo of Kirby's yellow wheel barrow.  Later he shared that the wheel barrow belonged to his father at one time.  When his father 'passed' -- Kirby brought the wheel barrow up from the Lower 48 -- and out to the island.  So this isn't just any wheel barrow -- it's a traveling wheel barrow with a story.

Yesterday -- we continued to have winds -- and a couple of times -- we had some nice, heavy rains.  The kind of rain that beats down on the roof -- making loud pattering sounds.  I was doing some mending -- and simply had to open the windows to enjoy the symphony.

Later - in the evening - as we were relaxing - we heard a commotion outside of our door and leaped up to see what was going on.  What we saw was a shock!  A Magpie had found our nesting Swallows and was attacking the little birds.  We frightened off the brute -- but we're not sure if the Magpie killed or maimed any of the baby birds.  It was so very disheartening to see the parents flying around helpless -- afraid to return to their nest.

This morning -- the nest is silent -- the parents have returned -- but I'm not certain what is going on inside of the birdhouse.  I don't think its good -- a brutal side of nature. Magpies are now at the bottom of my bird list.

Today, it looks like we will begin to have some sunshine and hopefully the winds will begin to die down.

Take care and thank you for checking on us.

Winds...

Greetings Everyone!

For the past few days our days have been cloudy with lots of wind.  We've had a few light showers but no big rains -- although, our neighbors on the other side of the mountains -- in Seward -- have been getting dumped on.

So - with all that in mind -- we don't venture out onto the lake.  We stay put and take care of on-going projects -- like pumping water, doing laundry, organizing, baking and whew!!  In spite of the winds, we are catching-up on  projects.  You know the kind - the one that you tell yourself  "I'll get to that later."

 

Yesterday - we took our lawn mover and went over to our neighbor's to help him out with his yard work.  It was actually fun -- since I like to mow -- so I enjoyed myself.

 



 

When we returned -- another small chore awaited us.  Below - Ernie removed the mosquito magnets collection bag of mosquitoes.  These little pests have been quite abundant this year -- hopefully, the mosquito's will be gone by the end of July.

A couple of days ago - when the lake was 'flat' - Ernie took us for a boat ride (below)  - it was very scenic.

As we approached home -- I snapped a photo of our cabin -- below. 

Between projects -- I convinced Ernie to make me a lamp out of a drift wood log that had washed ashore during last falls storm.  I know I'll have a lot of enjoyment reading by this lamp -- right now we've too much daylight to use the lamp.

Now we are gearing up for the 4th of July.  This year we will host the Island's 4th of July gathering.  It's a potluck affair - so it will be exciting to see what everyone brings and catch-up on friendships.  Ernie plans to make his favorite rum cake and Sloppy Joe's -- both are very yummy!

On this 4th -- we'd like to give a shout out to Jess (my daughter's husband and grand daughters' father) -- he's serving another tour in Afghanistan -- flying his Blackhawk.. We are thinking of him -- and the other soldiers serving at this time.  Our prayers are with you.

Take care -- and have a safe, Happy 4th!!

Water & Boats...

Greetings Everyone!

Yesterday, our day began with fog slowly moving in.  Below - Kirby was heading to the Upper Landing with his barge -- but the fog got thicker -- so he turned back.  Stopping at our cabin for a cup of coffee and to wait out the fog.  Normally, you can see the mainland from where Kirby has his barge moored.

The boat next to his barge is our barge -- well, its owned by both Tater and Ernie.  I'll have more in the blog about that later.

About thirty minutes later the fog lifted and Kirby set off to continue his adventure to the Upper Landing.

Once the fog lifted - it warmed up -- bringing out the mosquitoes, sunshine, warm temperatures and other Islanders.  Below, we met up with Bridgett -- wearing her latest outfit -- mosquito netting covering her from head to waist.

The lake was quite 'flat' and beautiful yesterday.  The following two photos were taken from the North side - the little spit of land is Little Caribou.

After checking out the North side of the island -- Ernie and I returned to our cabin -- and pushed out the barge.  Below Ernie just finished pushing the barge out with the four-wheeler.  It didn't take us long -- mainly because the water level is high and we used 'rollers'.

 

After pushing the barge out -- Ernie took us for a boat ride around the island and Swan Cove.  As you may recall, we went into town to get fuses for the motor.  So Ernie wanted to make sure all systems were running -- which they were.

 

After zooming around with the barge for a while - Ernie begins preparing to moor the boat.  Above Ernie paddles us around in circles -- rather romantic -- but he didn't serenade me -- rather, he directed me to 'keep looking for the yellow rope' -- which marks the spot where the barge will be moored.

With the barge moored -- I go to work raking the shore grass into somewhat of a lop sided, up-righted position.  It will not take long for it to stand up properly and fill-in.



After raking, we pumped water, did three loads of laundry, took showers and cooked dinner.  Whew!

I've had a few questions from Followers - so I'm going to answer those inquiries below:

1.  How is the rug coming along? 
Well, I discovered what I thought was an interlocking braided rug is actually a hand woven rug that looks like a braided rug.  I also discovered for every row -- I need to add 'tails' to continue making the rug larger.  Below - on the right of the photo you can see the 'tails' -- fourteen so far.  Also, I don't have a pattern in mind -- so as I weave - the rug seems to be taking on its own pattern -- which I find interesting.  Since I'm using two old sheets -- my colors are blue and white.  This is the first such rug I've made -- so it's turning out to be an interesting experience.

2.  Whatever became of the celery that you were growing in water? 
The celery grew to about four inches high - very green and looked pretty.  However, the stalks felt rubbery and fibrous.  Then the base of celery that was in the water - slowly began to rot causing the stalks to droop.  So I tossed the celery out without tasting it.  So much for that idea.

3.  I like seeing the flowers that you put on the blog.  Have you thought of making a book just showing the flowers growing around your cabin?
Thank you and yes.  I've been collecting photos for that purpose.  I'm also thinking of making a calendar. 


Take Care -- and enjoy the last days of June!

Just Good Fun ...

Greetings Everyone!

Can you believe this beautiful weather!  On Solstice, the plan was to board Kirby's barge about 8:PM and circumvent the island.  However, the winds picked-up and we received much needed rain instead -- so the barge cruise was postponed.

Below - our neighbors - Nancy and Vince were prepared for the evening barge cruise.  Complete with matching Pee-coats and caps.

For these past few days - flowers around our cabin have burst into bloom -- adding color everywhere.  Below - Bluebells and Western Columbine share a growing spot. Both grow wild around our cabin.

Below -- the Honeysuckle bush by our deck is in bloom and smells wonderful!  It's one of bushes that Jessy Anderson brought to the island and cultivated.  It is also one of the plants the moose like to munch on.

Below - is another one of Jessy Anderson's bushes that she planted back in the 1930's -- a Lilac - which also grows by our deck.  When the winds blow gently - the fragrance's from the Honeysuckle and Lilac come wafting into the cabin.  Awesome!

The plant below is Bee Balm - some call it Horsemint or Monarda.  This plant grows like crazy all around our cabin and is a moose favorite for munching.  It can be used as an antiseptic and to clot blood flow -- but I've never tried it. It too was brought to our cabin sit - but it grows in other areas of Southcental Alaska and is considered a wildflower.

Ernie was preparing to push the barge out but before he did - he wanted to make sure the boat's motor was in working order -- good thing -- because the motor wouldn't start.  He did some trouble shooting and was convinced the problem was a fuse -- but he wanted to make sure.  Below - Vince had come over to offer another pair of eyes and together, they located the blown fuse.  After looking in our supply box of fuses -- Ernie didn't have the right size -- so today, we are going into town to get a replacement fuse -- and launch the barge tomorrow.

After fixing the fuse problem -- Ernie's next fix-it-project was to figure out why our propane hot water heater was not lighting. We'd changed the propane tank - but couldn't get the pilot light to relight. Then -- out of the blue -- Kirby showed up and offered his expertise.  Below - Kirby is hamming it up before evaluating the problem and using it as a teaching moment.  I learned quite a bit about the hot water heater and how to identify the problem. Ernie wasn't too surprised with the problem because he'd already figured it was the 'coupler' -- anyway, Kirby's lesson of instruction was valuable -- he even dusted off the apparatus before he and Ernie replaced the cover.  So now we add 'couple' to our shopping list.

Below -- is the main reason Kirby dropped by.  He's been running a Vole trap line at his cabin -- setting out mouse traps to catch Voles outside of his cabin.  Kirby mentioned that when he came by a few days ago - he'd noticed a Vole scurrying for cover under our deck.  So - being the good neighbor that he is --  Kirby set-up a Vole trap line for us -- complete with peanut butter bait.  I told Kirby I wouldn't have a problem checking the trap line -- but whatever was caught -- he'd have to skin it.  With all that said - this morning there was one fat Vole caught.

 
Since we had a lot of driftwood brought to our shores from last falls' storm -- I decided to be creative with some of the little pieces -- so -- I made a wind chime -- stringing piece together with fish line -- which I happily display below.  I actually got the idea from a fancy gift store somewhere.  Anyway, my creation will go into the greenhouse.

Also, two days ago we saw the moose.  She's not big and not little.  She took off right away when she heard us changing our propane tanks.  I believe she's not all that interested in being near people or people's things.  When I checked the trees, bushes and plants around the cabin - there was no sign that she was sneaking around.

Well, since we are heading into town today -- I need to hustle. 
Take care everyone -- and thank you for dropping by.

Summer Solstice ...

Greetings Everyone!

Our days are moving right along -- with the weather.  It's cooled into the 70's now -- much better! 

The other day a Bald Eagle came to watch what we were doing -- or at least I  like to think so. Each year -- about this time, the eagles come to roost in the tall Cottonwood tree down by our moored boat. It's always an eye stopper to watch those large birds come soaring past the cabin and maneuver themselves ever so gently onto a branch.

On Wednesday - we had our first strong winds -- blowing 30 mph for a couple of hours.  Below - when the winds first began to pick-up -- we moved our boat up closer to shore and re-secured the ropes.  Ernie took this photo of me undoing one of the side boat ropes from a rock.   

During the windstorm -- I took the opportunity to take our cabin's indoor rug out onto the deck and scrub it down.  Why scrub down a rug in a windstorm?  Because the winds kept the mosquitoes away. The mosquitoes are rather abundant this year!

After the windstorm abated - I noticed the swan decoy that I had attached as a buoy was gone.  So it didn't pass the wind test!  Bummer - now I 'll need to canoe the shoreline to see if I can find it and bring it back. 

On Thursday - Kirby and Greg brought some lumber to the island on Kirby's barge.  Below the guys unloaded a heavy beam.  The guys (Ernie, Greg, Randy & Gunter - not in the photo) carried the beam using a scrap piece of 2x4 with two men walking side by side at each end of the beam -- pretty nifty.

Afterwards - all the helpers relaxed on Kirby's barge - an almost mosquito free zone.

 

 

Below - I noticed a young Cow Parsnip plant growing in the yard.  These plants are wild and common for this area -- they  grow  5 to 8 feet tall with large, very pretty white flowers.  However, if you touch them - they can irritate your skin.   Alaskan Natives -- in the old days-- used to cook and eat the roots. 

 

The lake water continues to rise -- and now the barge is almost ready to push off the shore and into the lake.  We'll give it another day or two.  Afterwards, we plan to make a fuel run.  Not my most fun thing to do.

With Summer Solstice upon us -- Kirby is planning to host the traditional Summer Solstice Cruise - motoring his barge around the island.  So later this evening - we will go cruising.

Take Care Everyone and enjoy the longest day of the year!

Hot & Lovely Mosquitoes!!

Greetings Everyone!

Has it ever been so hot?!  The National Weather Service issued a "red flag'' alert the other day -- letting Alaskans know that our temperatures have been abnormal, record breaking, fire danger high and snow melting fast from the mountains-- so everything is official -- it's DARN hot for most of us. 

Of course with all the above normal temperatures our lake water has been rising more quickly than usual.  Below the waters are coming closer and closer to the barge. Once the waters get a bit closer and a bit deeper -- we can push the barge out and go for a fuel run.

With all this hot weather -- the mosquito population has explored!  Lots and Lots of mosquitoes to bug everyone constantly.  Only the Swallows seem to enjoy all the mosquitoes.  Ernie had put out our mosquito magnet a few weeks back and its been going full-time.  Below -- I took a photo of all the dead mosquitoes crammed into the mosquito magnets mesh bag before we emptied it.   

Yesterday we went into town to get a few supplies and I dressed in typical Alaskan fashion.  Chest wades for 'water boat work' -- and to ward off mosquitoes -- a long sleeve shirt and a mosquito net head cover. I was also sprayed with lots and lots of  "Essence of Mosquito Dope".

 

The mosquitoes have been so bad -- that all the stores in town were sold out of mosquito zappers and repellents.  I'm glad we stocked up on mosquito dope the last time we went into town because everything was sold out!  We couldn't believe it - even all the mosquito magnets and related supplies. 

Another interesting happening in town -- was seeing all the Alaskans going about with sunburns and 'real' tans!  Below - is our temperature reading at 7:30 pm!!  Today's temperature is suppose to be the same as yesterdays.

Since I'm not used to hot weather - I try and get out of the hot sun in the late afternoons when it seems to be the hottest.  So to do something fun, I decided to try my skills at making a no-sew, four-strand, braided rug from all the old sheets we no longer use.  So far - I seem to be following directions well.

Oh - Ernie has been doing a lot of bar-b-cuing lately -- and I wanted to share a trick he found on the Internet for charcoal grilling smoked chicken.  The technique produces cooked and very moist, tasty chicken. I suppose it could also be used on other meats.

Place a pan half-full of water directly onto the bed of charcoals when they are gray. Leave some room along the sides to place 4-6 handfuls of soaked wood chips (apple or hickory). Put the soaked chips directly onto the hot coals.

Then, put the chicken on the grill over the pan of water.  Use medium heat! Cover and smoke the chicken.  If you are doing a whole chicken (not cut up) - it'll take about two hours.  About half-way through the cooking process, check and add more water, coals and wet chips if needed. Yummy!!

Take Care Everyone!!