Here fishy fishy...

Our first attempt at taking the boys out on the boat didn't go so well, and it's been quite a while since then. Yesterday was our second attempt and it was a success! I'd say the boys enjoyed themselves very much.

It was absolutely gorgeous out and Darius trolled for salmon parallel to Orca Road and then further northwest past Salmo Point, which was one of my dad's favorite fishing spots. We unfortunately didn't catch anything, but the boys had fun trying especially Zach with his fishy calls....

On our way back to the harbor the wind had picked up and made for a rough ride. I already had to pee and it was all I could do not to wet my pants. Ben on the other hand stood up the entire way back like he had sea legs made of steel. He loved the bumps and would ask to go fast anytime Darius slowed down.

It's nice to know the boys enjoy being out on the water, and that it's an activity we can all do together, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the boys grow to love fishing as much as their dad.

Mixed Tape & Haystack

Recognize the handwriting? Bea, maybe you? I'd guess that this tape is probably close to 15 years old, and it's been in AK now for probably over 10. Little history...

When my parents first moved to Alaska I was inbetween jobs in NJ and decided why not check out Cordova and see how it fits. It didn't. I lasted a couple of months before I headed back East but left a lot of my stuff behind.

This tape was one of several mixed tapes my lovely friend Brandi made for me when I was in high school. I actually love that I still have them. We have a cassette player in the car, and I listened to this tape with her favorite songs on it from way back when on my drive out the road today. Do you remember any of the songs you put on it Bea?

My drive took me to the Haystack Trailhead, and I spent a few hours leisurely hiking and taking pictures. I love this trail. I love that there are stairs and planks. I love the massive amounts of moss carpeting the ground and trees. I love the overlook. I love how quiet it is. I love that I had the trail all to myself today.

 

I couldn't help but think of my mixed-tape friend during my outing and how much she would have appreciated the things I saw today too. Hopefully we'll get a chance to get you up here for a visit Brandi.

Nope.

There are a few classic recipes that I grew up with which I still make, one of which is whoopie pies. I got to thinking about them as I was thinking of something to make for the boys to take to preschool with them when their turn for snack comes up...of course after I send a healthy snack for their first turn.

I don't know how other kids react to chocolate, but mine go a little nuts like Hammy the squirrel, so I thought I'd test out vanilla whoopie pies. Vanilla whoopie pie recipes are much harder to come by than the original chocolate pies, so it took a little effort to find one that looked like a winner.

Here's the final product:

They look yummy right? Nope. Pretty gross. My sweet tooth isn't terribly picky, but these are definitely no good. At least I thought enough in advance to try them first before making them the day of.

Sometimes it's just best to stick with the original.

Laps

There is usually a time of day when my already-energetic boys are even more rambunctious. It's usually right around dinnertime, and it gets really, really loud. It's even louder now, now that I've put up all our floor rugs while Zach potty trains.

In addition to the volume, there's the lap running. Sometimes it's best just to get out of their way and watch them go.

Barkley

1996-2011