Rare Sighting..

Another gorgeous Sunday here in Southeast Alaska!

Drove out to Ward Lake and saw
Trumpeter Swans.

Just beautiful!

New Things...

I'm being brave.
Trying new things.
#1. I didn't get winded once!
#2. I can't believe I actually went.
#3. I had tons of fun :)

I was invited by a group of ladies that I've been teaching to knit
to go out hiking. I had to make sure it was "hiking" and not "climbing!"
Not good with the climbing.

It was a perfect day. Loads of sunshine. Clean fresh mountain air.
Good company... that's what really makes it, right?

The forest bed was covered in a carpet of soft green moss that was frosted with snow.
And outside of the forest in the open, the muskeg was covered in hard ice crystals.
Gorgeous!

A Whole Lotta Knitting...

This is a first!
I've never been this early with gifts before.
Now let's just see if I can get them to the Post Office soon.
Last year I was getting things to the Post Office on the 23rd!

I'm keeping it simple this year,
and I think that's the key.
I had request for hats, easy peasy!
So I kept the wrapping simple too.
Wal-Mart, not my usual, but it works.

How are you doing on your gift gathering and wrapping?

PS. I have more knitted gifts in the works :)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

So after dinner, I thought we'd go for a drive and see if anyone had lights up.
No one did! I couldn't believe it.
So, crazy us went to Wal-Mart,
bought lights
and hooked it up!!

I just started decorating :)

I'M GOING TO SEE BON JOVI!!

I must preface this with.. I dreamed about Bon Jovi last night. He was on tour and I got a personal tour of the bus. It was the coolest bus I'd ever seen. So this morning with a jerk, I wake up and remember that a friend had told me that Bon Jovi was coming to Seattle Feb. 19th. and I went online to see if I could get affordable tickets and there were none, None, NONE left! So I call my honey who is in transit and leave a text saying I want to buy tickets, they are spendy so call me let's discuss. Well when he called me back, he said... well can we discuss this when I get home .. and I'm thinking, absolutely not, what if those tickets disappear.. but I said yeah like a crazy person. Then he calls me back, little bugger, and says.. don't buy the tickets, we've already got them and it was to be your Christmas!! HELLO!! How crazy is that! and I'm so blessed. My family knows me so well. It is going to be the best ever!!

Go check THE TOUR out!

Quickest Knit!

When ya live in a windy fishin' village..
ya need Earflalps!

Thinking about this...

I love the big fat flakey stuff.
so pretty.
I'm worried.
may not get to see
this kind of snow
in Ketchikan
especially in October.

Where. Do You. Shop?

Curious..
I've hit all the ones I can think of
Nordstrom's
Macy's
Anthropologie
Gap and it's friends.
Eddie Bauer
Zappos
Endless.com
Etsy

Am I missing anyone?

I've just got rid of another load of clothes and need some new ones.. and.. I'm a bit picky.
Found a few unique pieces, but I can't help wondering... Is there anything else out there?

Note:
The thing about living on an island, I've got to shop online.
And! If I do decide to whip out the sewing machine, I'm gonna have to get fabric online.
And! I'm one of those need to feel it, see it types. OH the frustration!

Newest picture of me:

I really enjoy working at The Point, especially since I get to view a revolving selection of art. The Point had a Grand Opening event in September and it featured all women artist which included the work of Tuesday Schmidt. And since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, The Point has graciously donated the below work to the hospital here in Ketchikan.



I just love Tuesday's work. I like the mix of medium and the capture of playfulness. Tuesday lives in Kansas City and when I asked her where did she get some of her inspiration.. she said, "sometimes from the pages of an Anthropologie catalog." I knew I liked her! :)

Weekend Sweater..

Actually, It took more than a weekend.
But then, that's just me.
If I'd been more persistent,
like I am with most things,
I'd had it done a long time ago.
However, I think the timing is perfect.
I'm in love with this color right now!

A new skirt in the same color...

And a new sweater on its way...


There's no such thing as having too much
of something you love?
Is there?

A Fall Walk...

I just love Fall!
The air is brisk
and one seems
more more alive.

Surprised!

Flabbergasted!
I in no way expected such generosity.
And they are adorable!!!
It just goes to show...
Karma makes a circle.
Thank you the treat girl!!
I really feel treated ;)

ps. and I know you didn't know.. I got them on my Birthday! :)

Some wishes do come true...

We were invited to take part in a potluck at a local restaurant, Alaska Fish House, featuring dishes inspired by Julia Child. I chose to make Potage Parmentier (potato & leek soup). "Simplicity itself." I wanted to make it because it was the first recipe made by Julie Powell in the first chapter of her book, Julie & Julia. It was a success and a whole lot of fun!

I was so disappointed when I found out that the movie Julie & Julia was not showing when the rest of the world would get to see it. I had no hopes that it would even get to Ketchikan. IT DID!! and it was a wonderful movie! Just as I suspected it would be. After having read the the blog, Julie&Julia, the book and My Life in France by Julia Child, I do feel the movie left out a few things like how and why she started the blog and they didn't include the very first thing she made from the book. Apart from what they didn't include, I do love how Julia Child's life was incorporated. Overall a very fun and delightful movie :)

So if you haven't seen, GO! and then cook the Potato & Leek soup. It is divine :)

Straight from Julia's Kitchen Wisdom.

Leek and Potato Soup
for about 2 quarts, serving 6

3 cups sliced leeks (white and tender green parts)
3 cups peeled and roughly chopped "baking" potatoes
6 cups water (I used 4 cups chicken stock & 2 cups water)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream

Bring ingredients to the boil in a 3-quart saucepan. cover partially and simmer 20-30 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Correct seasoning. Serve as is, or puree (I served as is), and/or top each portion with a dollop of the cream (which I did not).

I also boiled 2 more potatoes, mashed them and added them to thicken, as I like soups a bit thicker. It was still soup like :)

Enjoy!

To answer your question..

ChaChaneen asked: How has your transformation dealt with the inside if you don't mind me asking? Take longer to adjusting your mental image/mirror?

The mental me... It is hard to describe the feeling I have now.

When I was 315, I never saw myself that big unless I was trying on clothes or looking through pictures. I felt inside almost like I do now. As if I haven't lost that 18yr old self. I kinda feel like that's where I "live" physically. I remember that mental view of me so well.
Now at 158, sz 12, I feel like this is who I was all along and haven't seen in a while. I was 135, when I graduated high school, so I feel like I'm getting back to the "old" me. The hardest is the reactions others have toward me after they haven't seen me in a while. And another hard feeling is seeing someone react to how I looked at 315.

I'm comfortable at 158 now, and do want to reach the 155 goal the doc set for me. There are so many many benefits from having lost all this weight (although when I was incredibly sick I never thought I'd be able to admit to it).
I can climb multiple flights of stairs without losing my breathe or feeling like I'm going to pass out.
I can shop at Anthropologie, Banana Republic and in the Misses Dept of Macy's & Nordstrom's and things fit! Those are my fav stores :)
I have more energy.
I feel more brave, like climbing on trees, and skimping over rocks and cliffs, almost the dare devil I once was.
I don't mind pictures of me.

The part about taking longer to adjust... My perception is still a bit unbalanced, but I'm getting there. I am truly thankful for all the wonderful support you all have given me along this journey. It's not quite over yet, but we are almost there :)

One year ago today...

I was recovering from a life changing experience. Who knew I would lose 160lbs in one year! That's craziness. Thankfully, I feel great now. I do not feel 100% normal, but who does! LOL ;) I still eat very little, watch the sugar intake and intake period.

This is me today.

New Finished Knitting...

Just recently finished two new additions to my scarf collection.

The first one is based on the Jared Flood Noro Striped Scarf. I used two skeins, instead of four, making it a bit skinny. I like the effect.

The second one I made up myself.
I cast on 16 stitches, the next 12 rows are seed stitch, then the length is knit the knits, purl the purls, then back to seed stitch to finish.



I'm going to have accessories this winter :)

Dining Area.. What to do?

Ok, two views here. Not to much difference in the photos, but can you see my problem?

I don't know what to do with this blank space between the dining table and the glass doors there.

In the bottom picture you can see where the couch sits and that's the living area, I've got that figured out. So do I need more "living area?"
Leave all that empty space empty?
Would swivel chairs work there?
I don't know.. I'm at a loss for what to do.

What would you do with this space?

Do you think a runner from the kitchen into the dining area would look good?

This is driving me nuts!

Oh, and by the way.. the lady we are renting from will not let us take down the valence.

YUM!

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

Hal received this recipe in an email from a co-worker and we decided to try it tonight. It looks pretty and It was good. I think a bit dry, so next time I might cook it for 2 1/2 minutes instead of the recommended 3 minutes. I did exchange Splenda for the sugar (probably would have used Truvia if I had it on hand).
There are endless possibilities with this itty bitty recipe. I also think you could use bowls instead of coffee mugs if you like. Next time I'm thinking a raspberry sauce... Yummy! This would be super easy for a quick desert for a dinner party!

What ya think? Gonna try it? If you do, please let me know and how you changed it. It would be super fun to make with the kiddos :)

Too Cute!!

Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council put together a Blueberry Festival this past weekend.
The kick-off was Friday and luckily I had a half day and got to enjoy this
little Parade.
It was simply ADORABLE!
It reminded me of a scene from the original Little Rascals.
Kiddos were dressed up with their Pets, and other little ones
were pushing baby buggies with dressed up dollies, or
pulling wagons overloaded with teddy bears and other assorted dolls.
I had a permanent smile for the rest of the day!

Happy...

#1. I have always loved learning new things and feeling like I'm a contributing member wherever I work. In my new job at The Point, Ketchikan, I get to work as a store manager in a very creative environment. It has been a long time since I've felt so fulfilled as an employee. It is a good feeling.
#2. This this weather!! I know most Alaskan are having hissy fits! But remember, I'm orginally a Mississippian and I can actually take the heat :) It is glorious!
#3. I finished another scarf for my fall/winter wardrobe. It feels wonderful to get something off that to-finish list!
#4. New Environment geographically is making me happy. I love sitting out on our deck, eating a good meal, watching the sailboat races and other activity in the Tongass Narrows. On Tuesday nights, the kayaks are out in force, it just looks so peaceful.

I hope you have something to brighten your day today!

Totem Bight Park

Today DH & I got out and enjoyed the sunshine and Totem Bight Park. Here are a few pictures from today.

The Coolest Thing..

I've seen Bear before, but I've never seen them fishing before.
I think it was the coolest thing I've ever seen.
I heard that you could go out to Powerhouse Road just past Herring Creek
just before the sun goes down

and they would be feeding.
And sure enough, there were 2 watching and catching fish.
Super cool!
In the picture with the Eagle you can see the fish running in the stream.
In these times, I sure wish I had something stronger than a 200mm!

I thought this was the perfect spot to take a picture.
The log is so interesting covered with moss and surrounded by fireweed.
I'm so glad there's fireweed here on the island.
I sure would have missed it!

Around The Island...

Hal and I were lucky enough to get tour tickets with Allen Marine Tours for a trip around the island this past Saturday. It was incredibly beautiful. The day started out a bit rainy and then we had a break in the rain. It was wonderful!

In my attempt at "domestic goddess," I brought a boxed lunch of Mustard Chicken Salad recipe by Barefoot Contessa. I record her show twice daily on Food Network and watch them later like marathons. I get So! Inspired! when I watch her cook. She's just adorable. I cooked roasted pine nut couscous as a side and brought along granola, fruit and drinks. I'm sure glad we brought the lunch, the boat was selling sandwiches.

Hopefully our next adventure will be kayaking :)

One Week Ago Today...

We buried a sister & a friend. This is a poem our sister, Rosa, wrote and quoted at her service.

"CALLIE, OUR SISTER"

HER SMILLE WAS SUNSHINE THROUGH THE RAIN,
BECAUSE OF HER, OUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME,
EVEN THOUGH CANCER WAS TO BLAME,
HER SPIRIT WILL ALWAYS REMAIN,
NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THE BOND BROTHERS AND SISTERS SHARE,
EVEN THOUGH LIFE SEEMS UNFAIR,
SHE ASKED US NOT TO CRY,
BUT HER LIFE HAS PASSED BY,
NOW HER SPIRIT FLYS WITH ANGLE WINGS,
IN OUR HEART A SONG WE SING,
WITH BOTH SADNESS AND RELIEF,
SO WE CRY WITH GRIEF,
HER PAIN WAS HARD TO BARE,
WE KNOW IT WAS UNFAIR,
AFTER THE RAIN, LOOK UP IN THE SKY,
YOU WILL SEE HER LOVE WITH A BIG SMILE,
AS WARM, LIKE JUNE SUNESHINE


BY:ROSA L. PARRISH
DEDICATED TO CALLIE FROM ALL WHO LOVE HER, FOR ALL THE FUN ALL OF US HAD...LIKE LATE AT NIGHT HIDE AND GO SEEK WITH BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

Latest Obsession..

I want to be a Domestic Goddess! I'm on the hunt for just exactly how to do that. All I have figured out yet is that I need to learn how to cook foods that my husband really enjoys, like liver & onions.

I read Julie & Julia on my way from New Orleans to Ketchikan last weekend and I read the whole 300+ pages in one day!
Julie inspired me.. not to be a great cook, but to be a better wife or as I would like to call it "domestic goddess," sounds much better, don't ya think?!

Unlike Julie, I really want to have a very clean house. And why can't I? Not that it is filthy, I just don't keep it 24/7. Is that unrealistic? I don't know. Of course, I think I have unrealistic expectations because my mother did have 3 girls after all and we all shared in the housework. Maybe that's why it seems that she had it "alltogether." I keep thinking that with 5 children, she did it, why can't I? And she cooked dinner every night. I don't. And when I do, I definitely don't do a meat, at least two sides, bread and a desert. That's just plain crazy! I will say, I don't remember very many leftovers.. LOL!
I could go on and on, but that would be a novel experience.

So, I would love to hear your view! What does it mean to you to be a "domestic goddess" and do you really think it can be obtained? And.. do you think I'm crazy for wanting this?

Btw... currently reading My Life in France. So far, very interesting.

I received this award from Sharmaine. I look forward to seeing what's going on in her world and she's a great artist, mother, and wife. Thanks Sharmaine!

The Rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Write 5 things you are passionate about apart from blogging
3. Tag 5 people on your list and let them know you tagged them




Five Things I Am Passionate About:
1. The DH!
2. Recently, Nesting. I want to make the best possible home for us and I aim to figure it out and what it all entails.
3. Family.
4. Me time.. now I know that may seem selfish, but I think it is necessary to keep my sanity!
5. Work. I don't think I could do something day in and out if I were not passionate about it :)

Tagged Folks:
Lisa
Tina
Mandie
Erica
Rebecca

Can't sleep.. Day of flight anxiety and all that.. and I'm dreaming of clothes...

I'm looking forward to maybe finding some fabric shops during my spare time while
I'm down south... Or at least find some really good patterns.
Of course, there is always online shopping and shipping..
I may not live in a metropolis.. but I can shop like I do :)

So these are just a few that I like.
I like nice clean lines, most of the time. I think it is because I like to accessorize...
and with the accessories I like.. I think clean lines make a good base.
What do you think?
Any recommendations?
If you saw my closet, you'd know why I'm dreaming, without sleeping..

And there are so, so many yummy Vougue patterns, pieces, and outfits that are calling out to me...

In Memory of Callie...

She gave me a little plaque once...

"God made us Sisters, Hearts made us Friends."

Goals...

Last winter was horrible! and I was wishing the whole time I had more than my standard scarves. So.. I decided by next winter I'd have some and with style and personality. I enjoyed knitting the Ruffle Scarf above although I ripped it out when I had it almost completed. I do think the end result is worth it. I still need to steam it.

I knit this Bow-Knot Scarf just today. Instant Gratification, and I love it!
I was up unpacking looking for some lost pieces (or I thought) to my Tribeca Sweater and didn't go to bed. So in the early morning light (3:30am) I decided to cast on. I never thought I'd have it done today. Today is the longest day of the year, so maybe all that energy spurred me on to the finish line. Now, I just need to buy a blouse to wear with this :) or make one! That's my next venture.. sewing my own clothes! Gotta get my crafting room set up first.. Oh my list is getting longer and longer....

Isn't this dress lovely and classic... It is what I would like to take on next!

I did some knitting in public last weekend.
It was a beautiful day, so I didn't sit around for long.
I did get that scarf finished though. It feels so, so good to have my projects out and working on them. I do have a project that I can't find and I NEED to find it!!!
I'm sure, as one friend has told me, it will be in the very last box that I unpack... LOL!

I started back to work this week. Yay! I was about to go stir crazy!!
One can only unpack so much you know.
I'm not working at the downtown location, but at the new location on Jefferson Way. It is exciting to help set up a new store.
And.. right out the back is all this magnificent wildlife!
You should have seen the Eagles teaching their young how to swoop down and catch a fish.
I didn't get a picture of an actual catch, but I'm sure I will shortly!
As the locals like to say.. "this is our backyard."

Ferry Trip from Haines to Ketchikan...

1. This picture of Eldred Rock Lighthouse was taken between 4 and 5am. I've been in Alaska for almost 7 years and it is still hard for me to believe there is so much light so early in the morning. I also think the early morning light makes the most beautiful photos.
2. I saw a humpback whale surface while we were in the Frederick Sound... but I was too slow to get an entire picture. Just got its tail :)
3. You know you are approaching Petersburg when you see this famous landmark ... the Devil's Thumb.
4. Sentinel Island, AK .. This is just the sort of structure where I imagined the witch locked up Rapunzel. Can't you see her letting down her long, long hair...

5. Leaving Haines... at 4am (ish) instead of 3am. We'd been sitting at the Ferry Terminal waiting to load since 1:30am. It made for a very very long day!
6. Approaching Juneau, you can see the Mendenhall Glacier in the distance.
7. Kake is a very quaint fishing town.
8. Upon arriving into Ketchikan, all I could think was.. Holy, Cow! I'm in for another mild winter! However, that has not been the case since I've been here. There has been just as much sunshine as there has been rain! I'm still wondering where is all that famous rain I've heard so much about! Not trying to jinx myself, just genuine curiousity!

More of Tok to Haines...

From Left to Right
1. Ducks on rocks near Chilkoot Lake in Haines.
2. View of Haines.
3. Canadian Customs. We drove about 30 miles before we got to this point. I thought that odd and rather trusting. All I needed to get through was a copy of my birth certificate and driver's license. Getting back into the US was harder than getting into Canada. As this was my first time going into Canada, I thought it would be much harder. I have my passport now, so next time it will be even smoother.
4. View of snow covered mountains in the Yukon territory within Canada. At one point we were over 6000ft up. This is what I imagine the Swiss Alps would look like, mounds of marshmallow.
5. Nice sign.
6. Haines has a small boat harbor. I love taking pictures of boats.
7. Pussywillows in bloom at the International Border.
8. Me being silly!
9. Swans pairing off at Chilkoot Lake in Haines. I've never seen so many, ever!

Next installment... Ferry ride from Haines to Ketchikan! :)