Restful Saturday

Everyone slept in - except me. LOL  I enjoyed an early morning walk around the garden, woke up the animals, and placed a couple birdhouses around the yard...

Best place for a morning cuppa tea

The nerve!  These pests manifested. I am researching the best organic way to deal with them, for now I'm collecting them and feeding them to the chickens. 

This was a mother's day present from CoRielle. Benny said when I was sad I could stick my finger in the hole and it would make me happy. It's magic. It does. I didn't want to put it outside, but I realized I WANT some fun around the yard....and in the garden....it makes me smile outside now. 

The volunteer snap dragons are everywhere. I wish we had some volunteer fireweed, I'm researching how to get some on our place. 

Pretty little house from JaRissa

They seem to blame ME for the rain.

EVERYONE loves Kale - I spoil Dash just a tad bit. 

Grandpa woke up a couple of hours before anyone else. I used a lot of our garden produce in his "standard" breakfast...he didn't comment on the produce, but he DID eat it all.  Score - snuck in  produce. 

I baked a carrot cake...well...I made an 8 inch pan of carrot cake and 12 carrot cake muffins/cupcakes. I didn't frost the cupcakes and they are sugar free so I think we can count them as muffins. Dad loves carrot cake and my hope was something he'd think was full of sugar - that WASN'T.  They were yummy. Stacia used the layer cake to make sugar-free cake pops. She had trouble getting the sugar free chocolate to melt to coat them and gave up on that to try another day. 3 of the muffins are gone, I saved 4 for tomorrow and put 5 in the freezer. 

It was an odd day with no one popping in.  It was a rainy day - the perfectly delicious sort of day for a down day. Michael worked on a sermon. The boys went out to work.  I did a boatload of laundry and baked, Stacia worked on a sewing project, and Allie worked on a writing project. 

Grandpa, the girls and I ended the day watching Almost Paradise on Prime. So, we like it. Dad and I like it most because it's set in Cebu. What can I say...we miss the Philippines.  I hope they produce a season 2. 

Michael Surprises us with a New Fire Ring

We have been talking about what we'd like an outdoor entertaining/relaxing area to look like since we moved into this house. Friday, August 5th, is four years since we closed on the house.  I was PROMISED a hot tub if I moved to Alaska, along with a sauna and a llama, none of which have materialized - yet.  

When we moved in there was an Alaskan fire ring in place. We were thrilled. One of my favorite parts of living in the RV was nearly nightly campfires....such great family talks, reads and treats around the fire.  This fire ring was basically a circle of rocks. It worked....but Michael surprised us this week...

He decided to make a real fire ring....I was a bit skeptical...I liked the rocks and I have been eying the big cast iron ones with moose cut outs.....but this turned out GREAT. 

It's deeper.  The space is more defined and it STILL has all the rocks I like so well. Yes, I want it more than the cast iron ones at Three Bears. This one has more character.  

We were thrilled to have Jamin come by for Pizza and a movie a campfire.  Big things are happening for him. He has moved into his 4-plex - the other 3 units are rented. He hired a full-time transaction coordinator for his real estate business. AND!!! He was given the option to participate in an ultra marathon in the next 2 weeks. He will run thirty miles over Ketsugi Ridge...doesn't sound "fun" to me, but to each his own. 

Michael suggested a fire, rather than a movie. It was a cool night - but not raining - seemed like a good time to try out the new fire ring. 

Michael, Nolan, Jamin, Stacia, Allie 

Stacia used the time to work on more training for Millie. We want her to be obedient enough to sit outside with us....she did good. It was a lot of work for Stacia, and then Allie. 

One night, when we were living in the RV in the redwoods, Ed, Cheryl, and boys, joined us around the campfire. They brought cast iron pie irons....I REMEMBERED and decided to try an experiment...

They had shown us to make pies with buttered bread, pie fillings, and a marshmallow.  I TRY HARD not to do sugar these days. I wondered if I could slice a fresh apple thin, sprinkle it with cinnamon and use one of the smallish max mallows.... These guys couldn't be tempted to try anything other than ye ole s'mores.

Michael opted for traditional as well. He may have actually simply had a roasted marshmallow. 

Stacia is an adventurous foodie. LOL 

My apple pie was SO incredibly GOOD. 

Jamin went home. We talked on. Stacia and Millie went in. We talked on. Nolan went to bed. We talked on. Michael, Allie and I talked late into the night...until we had a great bed of coals and I was left dreaming of buying a Dutch oven....though it would have been a bit late to try to make anything. LOL 

Endings and Beginnings....

Today marked the end of the first week of  the beginning of Allie's senior, and Stacia's junior year, of high school.  A funny story about THIS fact....we do summer school. Stacia had a couple of upcoming 1/2 credit classes to get a jump start on. Allie had one class to get a jumpstart on and a couple last catch up classes to finish....so we worked through May and June.  

July began with guests and Krista's wedding, it ended with guests and dip netting. Allie's online course cut off on June 31st . We had to  re-register before she could continue.   It seemed a July break would be perfect.  I noted Stacia continued to work on school. I was impressed with her dedication. 

I've been observing an odd little look Stacia gives Allie when I mention break being over....and the rolling start of our school year. Last night we were talking about school and I mentioned this was their first week of school. The look manifested. 

"What does the look mean?" 

"School starting is a bit of a sore point." 

"You don't want to do school? Why?" 

Um - it appears Stacia missed the memo (I really don't KNOW how) that we were on summer break in July. We were well into July before she figured out why Allie was sleeping in without comment from me, and why she was the only one concerned with school. ::snort:: 

Poor thing - not sure how to make that up to her. LOL 

Not only is this the beginning of the school year... it is also the end of Allie's summer job. She has worked seasonally for the past two years at Yukon John's - frying and selling pork rinds...you'll see them at various gun shows, craft shows, and the State Fair. Nice people. She introduced us to pork rinds this spring. I'll probably never eat a pork rind without thinking about Allie. 

Stacia suggested a tea to celebrate all these beginnings and endings... I am always up for a tea....we had fun prepping. Grandpa was interested and was invited to the tea table. We picked Allie up  - she was suitably surprised by our impromptu celebration and helped with the finishing touches. The candles did brighten the gray day...well, candles and giant light bulbs. 

The party started with just us 4...Grandpa kept saying, "When is everyone getting here?"  The concept of a tea party for JUST US seemed foreign to him.  I think we'll win him over.  He also wanted to know why we didn't have a "Coffee Party?"

Stacia made a sugar free carrot cake - that is YUMMY....these gold flakes were perfect in the sugar- free, cream cheese frosting.  In the end we scraped a LOT of frosting off. We decided to make some carrot cake  cake pops in the next couple of days. It was just too much sweet - even those it wasn't sugar. 

Michael came home and accepted our invite to sit a spell.  Arielle and the boys popped in while we were sipping away....they were quickly invited to the tea table. 

Arielle had the audacity to point out  a couple of my birch leaves have  yellowed. It is NOT fall. It IS summer.  But....in the midst of this tea I remembered....we first began our family tea parties when assigned at Elmendorf AFB.  The winter days are long. We broke for a quick tea every day...from where ever the kids were...they'd settle in at the table and we'd talk about studies, reading, plans, games....just a fancy after school snack really. It's at that assignment I first learned to like tea.  

Introducing a new generation to the tea table

And so - with a new winter approaching...we will reinstate our family teas...maybe not every day...but often enough.  The way the table grows...who knows what fun we may have during the winter. 

The changing of seasons is exciting...challenging if the long one ahead isn't your favorite...but I'm being reminded to celebrate the endings, the beginnings, and to EMBRACE the change - even if it's winter.

Today, I am happy to re-discover something pleasant to anticipate as the season changes....

We had planned to meet Jamin this evening to try out his paddle board and get a few pointers. No, we don't have paddle boards...but we may at some point. LOL  Today has been rainy and dreary. We've switched gears and he is on his way for pizza and a movie instead. It's good to flex with the seasons as they come - especially at this time of year in Alaska. LOL 

Benny's Booty

 Every once in a while I need to capture a funny. Benny dresses himself. He most likes putting his pants on backwards. Several of our kids have done that - pretty sure it isn't genetics. 

Just a cute booty picture 

Monday Benny was at the house. He bent over and his pants fell off. I commented on his pants falling off. 

He wiggled his bum at me and said, "It's my booty, Baachan. It's just like GG's. He bends over and you see his booty." 

Oy vey. 

A Full Thursday...and By the Way

 Stacia and I moved our Bible study to today...I was taking Allie to meet her mom and it seemed like a good chance for the two of us to try out Noisy Goose for Study. Our thoughts...the food was good, hot and quick. We had to lean in close to hear each other because of the noise...but it is nice that people can't hover at your elbow in pursuit of your table while you eat. LOL  All in all - we liked it.  We may still like our hot cuppas at the top of the mountain best of all...but one can't ALWAYS be outside. ::snort::  We are working through Project 3:45 and are currently in Matthew. 

This warning made us giggle. 

 We had a lot of errands to do - I won't bore you with the list - it's enough to say I got home with just enough time to pick a salad from the garden - complete with boiled eggs from the hens - get potato salad and beans going, while the girls listened to a lesson with Dave Ramsey.  

Did I mention Walt, Dad's childhood friend is in town this week? What fun for Dad, and all of us. Walt's daughter Nicole and her family are here too. They all came to our house for dinner. It was the easiest dinner yet...they brought meat, I supplied a bit more meat and sides....

Michael, Dad/G Dog/Grandpa, Judy & Walt

Jason, Nicole's husband did the cooking! 

CoRielle joined us...the more the merrier. G Dog is always happy to show off a few of his great grandkids. LOL 

CoRielle and boys

Benny immediately captured Gage (Nicole and Jason's son) to play with him. 

It didn't take long for Benny to get Uncle Walt up in the tree house - getting down was a bit more of a challenge. 

Walt and Benny 

Yes, I did spend time singing the praises of moving to Alaska....because doesn't EVERYONE want to have adventures in Alaska???? It was pure joy to reconnect with Nicole and to meet her husband and son. I am going to head to bed and dream what it would be like to have a sister...and to have that sister move to Alaska. LOL 

And, by the way we closed on our home 4 years ago today! At the time we were still reeling at all the changes life had thrown at us...but we start to see some of the reasoning of God for this plot twist. 

Wednesday

Oy vey! This is what happens when a distracted adult grabs a bulk bottle of dishwashing soap instead of the bottle of dishWASHER soap. It took 4 cycles to clear it out...even though we scooped out bubbles along the way. 

Dad has a childhood friend (yes, I said CHILDHOOD friend) who is visiting. Walt and Judy flew to Anchorage and then drove on out. They'll be staying with his daughter and son in a Air B&B this week. Dad and Walt have been friends over 70 years. Same home town, college....The nurse thought WALT was my dad when I was born.  I didn't snap pictures...because....

They'll all be over tomorrow...and I found this Japanese melon for our cook out. Arielle said they're yummy.....I am hoping she meant they TASTE yummy as I note their name is YUMI. 

 I did get our produce co-op order in. I ordered a few organic melons....we are experiencing a lack of produce around here as it's been a month since our last order. LOL 

Tonight was Gather Bible study. I was impressed at how much ground we covered in a short time and at the back and forth discussions that are developing as we read through the New Testament one day at a time. 

Recess at the Swimming Hole

 Warm, sunny days have been predicted this week. I looked over the schedule and thought Tuesday was a time we could break away to the swimming hole....Arielle and the boys joined us.  I told the girls Grandpa and I were going swimming with the boys and Arielle. They opted to get up EARLY and get their school work finished before 10 a.m. Yes, remember, we took July off and it's AUGUST now. WHAT??? 

How fun for this Baachan to be splashed again by a little guy! Being a boy mom is loads of fun. 

Swimming in Alaska is not without challenges. It isn't bad once one allows themselves to become numb. LOL 

This crazy woman made some sort of bet with her husband which required her to SWIM, as opposed to wading.....

Benny was not impressed with the immersion experience. 

As we got ready to leave I noted the floating tube thingy I bought at a Bella sale up high on a garage shelf. Arielle got it down for me. I must put the pump in the van....but it was fun. Michael has reminded me we also have an inflatable boat we could take to the swimming hole. We just need another warm day or two. 

Stacia's sweatshirt is off, Allie is in the numbing process....her sweatshirt will be off soon.

I noticed skies were blue and sunny to the left...and gray and cloudy to the right. It's all in what you choose to set your gaze on. That'll preach. 

Grandpa doesn't swim. He does like getting out...his respite. I remembered the paper today. These outings go better if I remember the paper. LOL 

Arielle was happy to paddle around the area...as far as she could go and back. 

The girls made Benny's day by making an "amazing" sand castle with him. It was a compound really...I was impressed Arielle remembered sand toys. She later confessed she grabbed them from our recycling when she grabbed the floating thingy. Allie said this was the first sand castle she remembered making....pre-schoolers are so good for us, they give us many excuses to PLAY. 

Benny provides splash assistance

Stacia attempted to convince Allie and Arielle she was HELPING them BALANCE by propping her feet on the back of the kayak and letting them pull her around. ::snort:: 

She did provide the same assistance to Allie. 

Benny introduces Danny to stick fighting...

A word about Danny....we know his crawling days are fast approaching.  In the past he has been content to sit and smile at GG. 

Not so much today...he's on the move! I'm not sure it's official crawling yet, but this guy got all over the beach...and OFF the blanket. He did NOT want to sit in his chair and smile at the activity today. He wanted in it...the rocks, the sticks, the mud....he wanted it all. And he got it all. LOL 

📷by Arielle

It was inevitable, as any boy mom knows.  Many girls enjoy building a compound and leaving it for others to play with....most boys want to destroy the compound -  at least once. It took a bit of talking for Allie and Stacia to be o.k. with it...but yep, Arielle and Benny instigated the flood of '21 which wiped out the sand castle compound. Note the fog is lifting by this time. 

Van life - it's a good life. 

It was a bit chillier than we expected. I'm glad when Arielle and I discussed it in the driveway, we decided to make the most of it.  We needed the recess...which we also labeled PE and Driving Time. 

In a truly frightening moment I noted Birch leaves turning yellow...could it mean...nah August is SUMMER.  This happened today too.... I thought the girls were moving GG to revival...singing, praying....in the end he said they are turning into  good drivers.