907 Updates December 28, 2016

There has been a lot of discussion around the retail industry in Alaska the past few months, as reported in the Department of Labor’s Alaska Economic Trends April edition. Retailers who have had recent closures include Toys R’ Us, Sam’s Club, and Sears. The stores employed approximately 500 people throughout...

Each Alaskan adult would be able to donate $100 increments to the raffle, when they apply for their PFD. Each $100 would count as one entry. And once per year, four winners would be drawn. Listen now

The U.S. State Department has taken a role in the transboundary mine controversy. A representative will be part of an Alaska stakeholders meeting June 1 in Juneau. Listen now

Seward Ocean Excursions, a small company based in Seward, Alaska, offers a wide variety of custom tours and trips to fit most budgets and recreational desires.  Day cruising the deep fjords of Resurrection Bay near Seward is a popular way to catch a glimpse of the wild and scenic environments that make this area of […]

Scarcely two weeks have gone by since I last posted the appearance of a new PD Pundit comic. And now here comes a new one, all shiny and bright! This one is about the necessity of adapting to our new reality, and how to  remake your passion in a way that is harmonious with your […]

Hey folks, a neo-graphic experiential Parkinson's opportunity shared here! (Translation from Jargonizer: New comic showing how having Parkinson's Disease feels from the inside). For those of you who prefer not to know, or who already know, here's a link to a great spoken word piece about escaping from jail by Tom Waits.

Our friends at Explore Tours have plenty of experience mapping out the perfect Alaska experience. Their staff has visited many distant places in the state—and can recommend the right ones ... The post Explore Tours: Plan your big Alaska adventure appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

Frozen by Christine Amsden My rating: 5 of 5 stars I fell in love with Cassie Scot in the first book I read of the series. I have read every book as they came out and not been disappointed once. I remember when I finished Stolen Dreams I was so sad because the author had […]

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks My rating: 5 of 5 stars I could not stop until the end! I need to come back for a review when I can write one without spoilers. View all my reviews

Many of us who grew up in rural areas have fond childhood memories of fruit trees. Maybe it was watching the tree bloom each spring, with the sweet scent of blossoms filling the air. Or maybe it was experiencing the annual harvest, with the smallest kids climbing up and gently shaking tree limbs, while family […]

On the last day of November, I went outside after dark for a winter beehive check. I wanted to see if the honey bees were still alive and if they needed more food. This is our first winter with bees, and Alaska beehives don’t have high survival rates for wintering over. Alaska winters are extremely […]

These smooth and creamy Dairy Free Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are so easy and convenient to prepare. I love being able to throw everything in the Instant Pot bowl and walk away, instead of... Visit Allergy Free Alaska to view the full post!

  We came to this land in June of this year, in the midst of a heatwave. We thought we could make a home from the dust but we left after less than two weeks, frustrated. Our plans foiled.  Maybe it wasn’t time yet. Maybe we wimped out. And so we left. For two months […]

I lack direction.Well, in addition to that, I mean I lack a sense of direction. I have been known to make four right turns and be utterly mystified that I came back to where I was. So negotiating a new place takes practice.In New York, this is how I leave a subway or a building: […]

When I was a teenager, my mother used to take me to Dora Myers Corsetry to buy bras, and I HATED IT. Old ladies with glasses strung on beaded chains would poke and prod at me, and – did I mention I HATED IT? Why couldn’t we just go to Macy’s like all the other […]

Roll up some inspiration – Burl Ives http://alaskabush.com/bushradio/wp-content/uploads/Roll-up-some-inspiration-Burl-Ives.mp3 I got stoned and I missed it – Shel Silverstein w/ Dr. Hook http://alaskabush.com/bushradio/wp-content/uploads/got-stoned-and-I-missed-it.mp3 Natural Mystic – Bob Marley http://alaskabush.com/bushradio/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Natural_mystic_bob_marley.mp3 I want to get HIGH – Rita Marley http://alaskabush.com/bushradio/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/I_Want_to_Get_High1.mp3 Henry – New Riders Of The Purple Sage http://alaskabush.com/bushradio/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/henry1.mp3   Sweet Leaf – Storm Orphans http://alaskabush.com/bushradio/wp-content/uploads/Storm_Orphans_-_Sweet_Leaf.mp3

RIP Prince The Revolution Will Be Colorized http://alaskabush.com/bushradio/music/the-revolution-will-be-colorized-Prince.mp3

Whole, headed and gutted Copper River sockeye salmon going for $159.96 per fish in Seattle earlier this week might have looked badly over-priced to Alaskans, but that was then. This is now: […]

What a week in Alaska journalism, and it’s only Thursday. First we get the KTVA cowboys staking out an aggressive mama moose on the Glenn Highway bike path for more than an […]

I was in a slump. I returned to Alaska a few weeks ago, everything muddy and brown, the trees bare of leaves, last year’s trash blowing across the streets. I was used to the sun-filled warmth of Tucson, to hot days and balmy nights, to sitting out in the yard and reading and then running… […]

I seem to be on a YA kick lately. Maybe I’m trying to recapture my own childhood or maybe I’m looking for a less complex way of looking at the world. Whatever the case, it’s refreshing to read YA novels, refreshing to sink down into a world where adulthood is still foreign, where the days… […]

This is the best recipe I've tried in a long time. I found it over on "The Domestic Rebel"....my picky-picky husband is in love with this sweet treat!!!The bottom crust is a deliciously TENDER shortbread, then there is a simple layer of raspberry jam, nuts and more shortbread pieces on top. It couldn't be easier!!! […]

My list of 10 Best Gifts for Cooks and Food Lovers helps last minute shoppers buy great presents for the food obsessed; most of the items on the list I’ve used and loved for years. Most importantly, if you act quickly, there’s still time to order most of my recommended gifts and have them arrive […]

100 Plus Women Who Care is a group of inspiring women philanthropists who are contributing to the Mat-Su community Source: WelcomeFiled under: Ramblings

Another "love" coloring page because my birthday was last week and I'm feeling super loved! I hope you like it. Click the images below. Print love coloring page on landscape settings. Small jpg printable love coloring page: Large transparent png printable love coloring page:

The partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) has now reached a new level of collaboration. On May 7, Congress completed its review of an Annual Funding Agreement (“AFA”) under which STA now officially … Continue reading →

I LOVE my grandmother’s navy bean soup, but it takes forever to make with soaking the beans overnight and then slow cooking the soup all day. I decided to try it in my Instant Pot and it was a success! Not only that, but my kids loved it…score! Ingredients: 1-2 Tbs. olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 […]

One of the Song Sparrows banded in my yard last November has stayed around to nest. Connor discovered where the nest recently, and today I saw a young bird sitting just outside of it. I suspect it was just leaving … Continue reading →

Download Radio Show The May 19th show featured a replay of my May 2012 conversation with Richard Nelson. Originally broadcast live, we spoke about bird calls and songs, and shared recordings from both Sitka and elsewhere in the state. If … Continue reading →

I need to open up this article with the image below because I’ve never been so moved by the physical evidence of the history of a place than when I stood in Hanger 79 in Pearl Harbor.  In front of me, the huge hanger doors contained a mosaic of blue glass pocked with bullet holes […]

At the end of July we took the boat over to Halibut Cove to hike the Saddle Trail 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 […]

Each month my husband writes the Homer High School newsletter. Usually it is mundane school news, but this month, as our youngest child prepares to graduate, he got a bit more personal. Judging by the outpouring response to it, many other Homer parents feel the same way about raising their kids here. Thought I would […]

Well, 2017 was not a good garden year in my area, even for those of us with greenhouses/high tunnels.  I'm sure I didn't help my chances at all; we had a month between returning home from the States and getting the roof on the high tunnel, and I didn't start any seeds or work the […]

My my my, whenever I see a visitor to Alaska I wonder if they've read my post about What to Pack for your Vacation to Alaska. Since I only wrote that post a short month ago I'm going to assume that, no they haven't read it. This post about What NOT to Pack for a Trip […]

One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. “Which road do I take?”, she asked. “Where do you want to go?”, was his response. “I don’t know”, Alice answered. “Then”, said the cat, “it doesn’t matter.” ~ Lewis Carroll It is Christmas day, and I […]

I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not a fan of pink, painting my nails, makeup, cutesy knick-knacks, or chick flicks. So when I look at those “best Christmas gifts for women” lists, there really isn’t much on them I’d actually want to receive for Christmas. I’m just not a girly-girl. I’d rather have […]

Across the west end of Mountain View, more than three quarters of electric utility poles are at least 60 years old — more than 20 years older than the poles’ average lifespan, according to Municipal Light and Power. Some are rotting. Some are splitting. Some are damaged by vehicles, termites or time. To stave off […]

Macaroni Penguins, despite their silly name, are another amazing mountaineering species of penguin. These photos are all from a bouncing Zodiac rubber raft; we couldn’t make a landing where the Macaroni Penguins routinely did. Note the different bill structure. The Macaroni’s bill is adapted for a different genus of krill, its primary prey, resulting the […]

Labor Day weekend brought big change to the cabin...we got a driveway right up to the house!  All summer we have parked out on the main driveway and used the quad or the 6x6 to get up to the house.  In June my dad helped me cut a new trail in following what would become […]

So satisfying with a nice cup of tea while dipping these tasty jewels,or coffee, or hot chocolate...it's a win-win! Also, a perfecttiramisu making substitute vs lady fingers...Yields: 3 doz (appx) Prep: 15 Mins.Bake/Stand/Re-bake: Bake 30 Mins/Stand 15 Mins/Re-bake 10 Mins.INGREDIENTSCream Wet2/3 cup granulated sugar6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extractSift […]

A classic family favorite,the awesome peach crispserved warm and topped off with ice cold French vanilla ice cream~ oh so blissful...Yields: 4 Individual (1-cup) ramekinsPrep time: 15 minsCook time: 40 minsINGREDIENTSTopping1/4 cup all-purpose flour1/3 cup light brown sugar1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamonPinch of kosher salt1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled […]

Networking. I must do this as a new writer (groan). Learn the ways of the force. Jump into the world of idea and information exchanges. Business card exchanges. Sounds like […] The post NETWORKING? SOUNDS LIKE WORK! appeared first on Lois Paige Simenson.

[from SAFM cookbook] This wonderful recipe comes directly from I Heart Kale and their blog at http://iheartkale.blogspot.com 3 large red waxy potatoes, very thinly sliced 4 tablespoons melted salted butter 10 leaves kale (the curly-edged green or purple kinds are good here), washed, stemmed and finely chopped freshly ground black pepper 5 tablespoons grated parmesan […]

Friday Frenzy May 11 Welcome to the Friday Frenzy, the Best Food and Craft Link Party on the Web. Why is it the best? We’ll be sharing your posts on Facebook on our new Friday Frenzy page, we invite you to follow the page and share the posts When you link your favorite posts to […]

Winter ecstasyThis week is spring break for Kodiak schools.Waaaay back in the 20th Century, spring break trips to the mountains were a big part of my time as a student at the University of Alaska.This year, Elias and I revived that tradition of spring break trips to the mountains and made our long-planned foray to […]

Last week we finally got out on the water to start our pilot study of juvenile Pacific cod winter ecology.It was a little nerve-racking to use someone else's boat (the University's skiff). We're pretty used to knowing the gear we rely on.But everything went just fine. We had a cracker day, as you can see.And […]

I saw this tweet today.Twitter needs a switch for when you just want to log in and read some updog jokes and not watch the downfall of democracy in real time.— snddoɥ ʞɹɐɯ (@markhoppus) May 24, 2018 It was telling me that I don't have to discuss the end of the world in every post.I'm […]

Some reactions to yesterday's Anchorage Daily News.  Nothing earth shattering here.  Don't have time to right now for that. 1.  How essential are electronic health records for treating patients? In an article on loss of FCC funding for rural health care, Anchorage Daily News reporter Annie Zak wrote:"They rely on that connectivity for electronic health records, […]

Today's encore selection -- from Clint Eastwood by Richard Schickel. Clint got his first taste of acting in a school play: "[Clint Eastwood was] dreaming away most of the school day, and staying pretty much aloof from its official extracurricular life. Sports, for exam­ple, were heavily emphasized, and most of his pals went out for […]

Today's selection -- from What It's Like to Be a Dog by Gregory Berns. Experimentation with dogs suggests that they understand human words as verbs (action items), but not as nouns (abstract symbols): "How do animals treat names? If an animal doesn't have the faculty to understand that words are symbols, it is unlikely that […]

Finally got around to watching Red Sparrow. I remember there being a lot of hub-bub (that’s a Cool Gus term) about Jennifer Lawrence and nudity, yada yada and not much talk about the actual film. I’ll try not to do spoilers in this review. The trailer is at the bottom. It didn’t seem to take […]

I just watched the last episode of the first season of Barry. So spoilers ahead, but let me say I think it’s worth watching for those who haven’t seen it. I ask whether Barry is redeemable because essentially the last line Barry utters after committing an act most of us would label unredeemable is “starting […]

If you ever doubt the pernicious effect Comrade Trump has on the social and political fabric of this unfortunate country, look at this statement by Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the National Football League: It was unfortunate that on-field protests … Continue reading →

First, let me point out that by calling Comrade Trump ‘ignorant’ I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. To call him ignorant is simply to say he’s lacking in knowledge. Everybody is ignorant about some things. Trump, who has … Continue reading →

Announcing the winners of the 2018 Bloggers Bash Blog Post competition.

All aboard the music time machine! Continuing the story from 1988. This week my guest is the author, writer and blogger Richard M. Ankers.

Originally posted on Smorgasbord - Variety is the spice of life: I trot these out every year and add some new ones here and there… if you have read them before.. then try to put that behind you and enjoy again………. Here is the first lot. 1.When the Irish say that St. Patrick chased the…

Originally posted on bluebird of bitterness: Frank was a veterinarian who also served as sheriff of the small town where he lived. One night his phone rang, and the caller said, “Please come right away! We need you!” Frank said, “Do you need me as the sheriff, or as a vet?” “Both,” said the caller.…

food can be so fun and festive even when you’re not quite sure what to to do with it. — “your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. enjoy the ride.” -anthony bourdain – kitchen confidential: adventures in the culinary underbelly — honeybee market, detroit, mi, usa Advertisements

I was considering delaying this one until I thought more about it, but I wasn’t getting anywhere.  Also, it began to feel like this was something that had to be talked about sooner rather than later.  So, this might not … Continue reading →

That time of the month when we are given a fantastic glimpse into the lives of those celebrities who have gone before. In the last post, Paul Andruss introduced us to the infamous Barbara Villiers.. mistress of many. You can … Continue reading →

Frank was a veterinarian who also served as sheriff of the small town where he lived. One night his phone rang, and the caller said, “Please come right away! We need you!” Frank said, “Do you need me as the sheriff, or as a vet?” “Both,” said the caller. “We can’t get our dog’s mouth […]

Each of us has a few professional-level skills—usually ones relating to our jobs, or hobbies we’ve been trained in formally. But when it comes to everything else we do, we’re amateurs. Being an amateur just means below pro level—you may do some aspects quite well, but you still muck things up that a professional never would. […]

When I take a good long look at things, I guess I’m more of a pessimist and H is an optimist. He procrastinates getting things done, while I want results immediately. I’m still waiting on new front and back doors and two closet doors. They aren’t as high on his agenda as they are on […]

About a year ago, I wrote a post called Wireless Wonderland: Managing Phone Use to Stay Present, and I'd love to say that I've taken all of those tips and mastered my phone use since then, but I'm afraid quite the opposite has happened. I spend more time than ever on my phone, and it's […]

Life, the Universe, and Everything. I flogged two midshipmen yesterday (insubordination), and hanged the carpenter from the yardarm (for whistling … More

The Mary Rose: 1511-1545. One of Henry VIII’s little runabouts and a defence against the (perennially) grumbling Scots and the … More

Yesterday, as I was wading through all the requirements and various websites, a line from an old country music song popped into my brain, "Gloom, despair, agony on end..." That's what yesterday was.What's Uh Happening, Hot Stuff?Just about every author I know who maintains a subscription mailing list has been inundated with information about the […]

I'm back! After more than a week away at my brother's farm where there is no WiFi, I'm back.Every year my younger brother in Colorado and his wife and Darling Hubby and I meet at my older brother's farm for a few days of fabulous food and visiting with those dear to us.The most challenging […]

Social Media have become a dominating force in our lives over the past decade.  Just look at these mind-blowing statistics: The average person has 5 social media accounts The average person spends 1 hour 40 minutes per day on social media Facebook has over 1.4 billion users 50% of all Internet users are on Facebook […]

"My favorite word?  Oh, honor. That to me is more than a word.   That’s a way of life.  I mean, I’d die for honor.   That sounds melodramatic maybe, but, that’s how I feel." WASP Shutsy Reynolds Pioneering woman pilot, silversmith, lapidarist, silk screener, airbrush artist and humanitarian Florence Shutsy Reynolds took her last flight on […]

“It seemed to me that there were very clear issues in World War II, and I wanted to be part of it...to tell the truth, I really wanted to be a hero.”            WASP Carla Howard Horowitz Carla Howard Horowitz was born May 28, 1922, in Chicago.  It was there she […]

Welcome to Episode 45 of the Minstral Show!Today’s episode takes us on a mindful trip through a variety of empathically expressive songs featuring, The Outdoor Type, IN HOODIES, Jupiter, Third Whale, Withnailus, Dave Kerzner, Disturbed, Blkk Bones, and Agnes Obel.More than just a podcast, World United Music has emerged to bring you the best music […]

I am looking for a children’s book I had as a child. It had short stories (1-2 pages) per story and they were different stories from around the world. There were a lot of different stories – at least 25 … Continue reading →

Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes Narrated by Fred Blogs and Lauren Sweet Standalone BDSM Suspense Romance I had no idea what to expect with Dark Needs by Julia Sykes. I was just going through the list of Wicked Book Weekend authors and seeing which ones had audiobooks available. Since she was the sponsor of our […]

Please! Don’t tell a soul, but I’m ashamed to admit my writing almost took precedence over my personal life, for a while. Gasp – there, I’ve said it – does this apply any other authors out there? My claim to limited fame is I’m a romance author, albeit with a touch of humor or paranormal, […]

I’m the mama because I create people and decide where they live in the real world! And every mama wants her children to have friends. And readers are our babies’ best friends. My first baby (Naked in the Winter Wind) came to me in 2008. I wondered what would it be like if I could […]

We are excited to give away an Amazon Gift Card worth $20 to one of our lucky visitors. We will be doing many more of these in the future. This is the first one we have done in a while. To enter, please follow the instructions on the giveaway app below. Good luck! a Rafflecopter […]

We love introducing Instafreebie readers to great stories and big ideas. Take a chance on new authors and try great stories from old favorites. See it first every day with Instafreebie and be free to discover authors you’ll love. We’re thrilled to share the latest and greatest from our teen and young adult genres! Paranormal Romance Lie […]

November 1936. "Window of farmhouse living room. Mercer County, Illinois. Hired man lives in house on farm that was formerly residence of owner-operator." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size.

Living in a consumer society and the era of online shopping, we can buy almost anything without even the need to step out from our houses. On one hand, it is very convenient and saves a lot of time on hunting through the shops to find exactly what we want. It is just enough to […]

There are many different species of turtles that make great pets. If you own a turtle or are planning to buy one soon; you...

Monitoring his neighborhood For more Wordless Wednesday, Click here.

This brightly colored iconic dinnerware is free from lead and some colors are also free from cadmium. Here’s the list of cadmium-free colors (both retired and current): shamrock, chocolate, peacock, turquoise, cinnabar, plum, black, white, heather, lapis, sage, slate, cobalt, claret, mulberry. Statement from the manufacturer about being lead-free. The post Fiesta Dinnerware appeared first […]

I found this chocolate at my local farmer’s market. It’s different from any other I’ve seen because it’s WHOLE chocolate made from heirloom cacao grown in healthy soil. Virtually all other chocolate is processed and separated and then mixed together again. This chocolate takes the whole cacao beans as they are and grinds them, then […]

Sweet potato slips are how many gardeners get their sweet potatoes started. Granted, this is not a practice that happens in nature. Sweet potatoes will propagate on their own, if left in the soil from one season to the next. If you’ve never grown this delicious root vegetable. You should give it a try. They’re […]

My sweet onions split during growth and I’m not sure why. I’ve grown onions for years now! As usual, I purchased 100 onion sets from my local seed store and planted them as I normally do. Yes, 100 onions is quite a bit for the home garden, especially considering they all tend to mature at […]

This herbal apple cider vinegar face soap recipe is from my brand new recipe ebook, Natural Facial Soaps. I designed the ebook to be an optional companion guide to my Natural Soap Making Ebook Collection, but am also making it directly available on my website for a while (see below), so that anyone can pick […]

​ Homemade potstickers are easier to make than you think! Plus, they are cheaper and tastier than take-out or store-bought. Best of all, you can make these ahead of time and freeze so you can have these anytime, anywhere! Guys, we leave for Barcelona tomorrow! All I can think about is this: paella, croquettes, chorizo, […]

Here are today’s five food facts about Escargot:   Escargot – French – An edible snail, especially one prepared as an appetizer or entree.     The French consume 40,000 metric tons of snails each year.     Heliculture is the science of growing snails for food.     Snails have been eaten as food […]

Say hello to your new favourite kale recipe – it’s time to think beyond a salad!! There’s an enormous amount of kale hidden in amongst all that buttery, garlicky rice….  This is a terrific...  Read More » The post Garlic Butter Rice with Kale appeared first on RecipeTin Eats.

[Aidee here!] Courtney Milan generously answered some questions I had following the release of her most recent novel, After the Wedding. I have not yet read this book, and this mini-interview contains no spoilers. After the Wedding is the second full-length novel in the Worth Saga, which begins with Once Upon a Marquess. Milan writes […]

Hello friends!!! I’m thrilled to introduce another first time guest to A Little Bit Tart, A Little Bit Sweet. Ines Bautista-Yao was kind enough to respond to my request for guest posts for APAHM!I know that “#ownvoices” is the “trendy thing” right now but … it’s not a trend – it’s life, and I’m so […]

Disclaimer: The cost of the course was sponsored by Colorado State Patrol’s MOST program and I am compensated for this article as well.Recently, I was contacted by the Colorado State Patrol’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) program.  They asked if I’d like to take one of the several training courses offered under MOST by several […]

A little bit of catch up being done with this posting, no real events but one and that one is on hold in terms of being posted due to issues beyond my control.The R3W steering damper has worked out great for Scarlett, I've had zero instances of "head shake" and she takes bumps and pot […]

If you or someone you love is living with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness, Furiously Happy: A Funny Book about Horrible Things is a must read. Jenny Lawson (aka The Bloggess) is seriously funny and honest about her struggles with mental illness. But rather than wallowing alone, she invites others in. Why would anyone […]

Reblogged from Barb Taub: Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years.—Simone Signoret In my last post here, I talked about why I could never do a … Continue reading →

Every Thursday at noon GMT, I publish one of my photos as a writing prompt.  If you know where the photo was taken, please keep it to yourself until the challenge is closed. I usually share something about the place … Continue reading →

A veteran shares how she remembers the fallen during Memorial Day and shows how the DoD and nonprofits continue the mission. Read More

Have you heard of the Murph Challenge? It’s become a Memorial Day tradition in honor of a fallen Navy SEAL who created the workout. Read More