Images November 12, 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...

Former Alaska State Trooper Vance Peronto, 57, was charged with attempted sexual abuse of a juvenile. A grand jury has now also indicted Peronto for alleged exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Listen now

Pebble Mine loses funding from First Quantum Minerals; EPA administrator Pruitt pledges to combat PFAS groundwater contamination; Judge orders higher-calorie meals for Alaska Muslim inmates; Indictment adds charges for ex-trooper accused of attempted sex abuse; Wasilla teen dead after canoe capsizes; Army officer charged with fraudulent insurance claims; SEARHC looking to pay between $25 to […]

Don’t have plans for the youngsters this summer? Want the whole family to take an active interest in gardening, Alaska plants, and the environment? This just landed in my email inbox from the Alaska Botanical Garden.   Located just off Campbell Airstrip Road and Tudor Road in Anchorage, The Alaska Botanical Garden is an excellent […]

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

With the fishing season beginning in the 49th state, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has been holding private meetings to forge an agreement between commercial, sport and other fishing interests on how to manage […]

Essential oils guru Donald Gary Young was barely dead before Mitch Seavey, the three-time champion of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race got tossed to the dogs.   People for the Ethical […]

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 […]

Welcome to the Friday Frenzy, a weekly craft, and recipe link party. Leave a link and we’ll share it far and wide across our social media channels. Join Us! The post Last Friday Frenzy in May appeared first on Little House Big Alaska. No related posts.

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 […]

The thing is, it really does look like a chinstrap, holding that black “helmet” on to their heads. That thin line of black feathers gives the species its name, although they are also called Stonecrackers for the harshness of their calls. This is circumpolar species, with an estimated world population of about 8 million birds. […]

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 […]

Sorry folks – I was out of town last week, so I didn’t get the Friday Frenzy posted in time. But I’m back with this week’s! And I’ll have a post on my quick weekend trip coming up in a few days. In the meantime, check out what we’ve got for you today! Welcome 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 […]

If Trump ever meets with Kim Jong Un and they work out a plan that denuclearizes the Korean peninsula, the folks on the Left ought to give Trump credit. I played with this thought as we moved toward the summit in Singapore. Then Trump's cancellation seemed to reinforce my hesitation.  I ended up writing about […]

First paragraphs from an ADN article:"Anchorage Fire Chief Denis LeBlanc retired Friday after nearly three years on the job, officials said.A successor to LeBlanc will be named in a few weeks, said Kristin DeSmith, spokeswoman for Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. Jodie Hettrick, the fire department's deputy chief of operations, is serving as interim chief.LeBlanc, who is […]

Today's selection -- from George Lucas: A Life by Brian Jay Jones. In 1973, George Lucas began to write Star Wars: "[When Francis Ford Coppola took his idea for Apocalypse Now, George Lucas] figured 'what the heck, I've got to do something,' said Lucas. 'I'll start developing Star Wars. ' Only at this point, it wasn't […]

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 […]

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 BlondeWriteMore: One of my favourite board games is ‘The Game of Life’ by Hasbro. You spin the wheel and start down the road of life in your little plastic car, taking exams, getting a job, making money, getting married, having babies, acquiring pets, losing money and going on adventures. The other day, whilst playing…

Originally posted on Smorgasbord - Variety is the spice of life: Welcome to the next story from my collection Flights of Fancy… a cheating husband and a dash to a remote beach… what could to wrong… or right? Mañana, Mañana by Sally Cronin The hot sun burnt her already tanned legs and she moved them…

when glenn had to go through painful surgery and was at last home again tiny sweet olive approached him gently touched her head to his let him eat their favorite food first and moved quietly next to him at his special place by the window just lying there in silence for hours on end while […]

Originally posted on Nicholas C. Rossis: I don’t often have the pleasure of hosting guest posts by editors, so I am particularly pleased with this one. Liam Carnahan looks at editing from the editor’s point of view, explaining what you need…

Welcome to the next story from my collection Flights of Fancy… a cheating husband and a dash to a remote beach… what could to wrong… or right? Mañana, Mañana by Sally Cronin The hot sun burnt her already tanned legs … Continue reading →

As I moved from my twenties to thirties I noticed a certain psychological miscalculation happening more often: a day that feels like it was three or four months ago was actually a year ago. Or I would think back to what I was doing this time last year, then realize that what I’m remembering happened […]

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 […]

Details of a most peculiar experience of mine, please follow the link to The Story-Reading Ape’s blog for the details… via … More

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

Book Club  Starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. Directed by Bill Holderman We went to see Book Club with a group of 10 of us ranging in age from 30 to 53. We are all book lovers, and we are all fans of Fifty Shades. We also all met EL James […]

It must be graduation time. The airwaves and the internet are full of compelling quotes, sage advice, and smart-alecky humor all intent on celebrating, intimidating or amusing our would-be graduates. I chose the Mandela quote for my particular graduate. Not that my beloved grandson would ever play small. In the best ways possible, he is […]

It was a glorious Royal Wedding on a gorgeous sunny day.  I am not really enamored with ceremonial occasions and cringed at the thought of watching an hour-long wedding in a church. However, hubby encouraged me to wait to see Megan Markle’s dress. I am so glad he did. The elegant simplicity of her gown […]

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 […]

Winona, Minnesota, circa 1899. "A sawmill plant." Our title comes from the cryptic sign on the utility pole: DO NOT MEDDLE WITH THE WIRES. 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. 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...

News of the World by Paulette Jiles narrated by Grover Gardner Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Audiobook Publisher: Brilliance Audio Publication Date: 2016 Length: 6 hours, 1 minutes Source: Library The Book: From the publisher: It is 1870 and Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live readings to paying audiences hungry for news […]

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 salve captures the essence of two well-loved summer flowers – roses and honeysuckle. Roses are often used in skin care recipes for their cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Honeysuckle flowers, while better known for treating flu and viruses internally, can also be used as a skin soothing component in skin care formulations. A touch of rose (or geranium) […]

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Frito-Lay. As always, I only partner with brands that I love and truly believe in, allowing me to create more quick and easy recipes to get us through the week without breaking the bank. All opinions expressed are my own. Say hello to the best nachos EVER! Loaded with […]

Here are today’s five food facts about Cheesecake:   Cheesecake is a dessert formed of a topping made with soft, fresh cheese upon a base made from biscuit, pastry or sponge. The topping is frequently sweetened with sugar and flavored or topped with a puree or compote of fruit. Savory cheesecakes also exist, served sometimes […]

Macaroni Salad makes a terrific summertime lunch and is made for taking to gatherings. Simple to prepare and as diverse as you want it to be, this is a great classic Macaroni Salad. With a...  Read More » The post Macaroni Salad appeared first on RecipeTin Eats.

Hi friends! This year’s APAHM celebration has been pretty heavily focused in the Pacific, and I’m loving it! I’m also really pleased to welcome back ALBTALBS friend Nicole Flockton – many kudos to her for stepping in on a Heritage Month post, and with this little slice of [close to] home.

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau Contemporary romance released by Jackie Lau Books on May 22, 2018 I’m a pretty simple guy. When I’m not writing a science fiction novel, I’m watching a good movie or reading a book. Alone. I like my reclusive life. That is, until my only friend asks for a favor—pretend […]

OK, both boys are now done with High School....Patrick my oldest son or Thing 1 as Martha and I call him, has finished his first year at Aurora Community College.  Thing Two, Miles, went through his high school graduation ceremony yesterday at a facility in the University of Denver's Campus.Miles will be starting at University […]

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 […]

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 […]

* Roll… * * Away… * * …The Stone.   Reblogged from Stuart France

Anne Fabrizio has many titles, including doctor & military spouse. Here's how she balances the demands of her surgical career and marriage to a Navy chief. Read More

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