Happy (Late) Father's Day

I am one of the luckiest daughters in the world. My Dad has always been there for me and my sister. I consider him a father and a friend. I have already learned so very much from him and feel like as the years go by I continue to learn more and more. He has taught me to be independent and follow my dreams, live a more sustainable lifestyle, how to fish and hunt, and how to be a better partner in my marriage. Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you so very much...

Settling in

So far since coming back to AK we have.... (see if you can tell whose been doing what?!)

done a lot of studying of Alaska Laws, written a lot of legal essays, built some a table, ALMOST finished building a desk, planted some starts, up potted tomato plants, gone for runs with dogs, eaten a lot of last years carrots, beets, potatoes, moose and salmon, started a new job as an environmental ed. instructor, (LOVE IT!), picked up my fiddle again and played some tunes with friends, tilled some garden beds, hung out with my mom's sheep, done some wet watercolors, made a yellow warbler from modeling beeswax, and planted some basil.  Life has been really lovely as of late.

We made it!!

Apologies for it being so quiet 'round here lately. My camera cord was sent up to Alaska in a "random items we cannot find space for in the car" box and only arrived yesterday in the mail. All is well up north. We are almost completely moved into our new cabin and it is quickly becoming our little home. Tonight I plan to finish building our table and finish sanding the boards for D's desk.

The drive was magnificent although it appears as though it was the last journey for our little Hyundai. That car has done the Alcan 6 times and managed to get us back home to Fairbanks before completely dying so I am grateful for that!

Our last morning in Seattle we stopped in at Smith, one of our favorite restaurants within walking distance of our old place and had a delicious brunch. It was such a fantastic last meal in Seattle. If you're in the area be sure to stop by, you're in for a treat! I had the eggs benedict and D had the full english breakfast. He has been raving about it for weeks and claims that it was the best breakfast he ever had!

Remember when I said I hoped we saw more animals this time? Well my wish was overwhelmingly granted. We saw 15 bears, 3 moose, 5 caribou, around 25 wood bison, umpteen bazillion deer, around 25 elk, and one porcupine. Here are some of my favorite animal shots from the drive. 

We bought a last bag of Seattle coffee before we began the journey and really enjoyed hot coffee on mornings after sleeping upright in our car by the side of the road. You have to laugh when things like an ice cold hair wash with lake water, warm organic TJ's hot dogs, and a hot mug of coffee seem luxurious! 

It was a beautiful drive! It is so good to be back home. I'll be sure to post more photos of our little cabin, our furniture construction, the veggies we're growing, hunting and fishing trips, recipes I'm loving, and many other things I love about SUMMER IN ALASKA!!

Last time we made the drive we saw three black bears, 2 porcupine, a bunch of buffalo, a couple of moose and a caribou. I only got a blurry shot of the caribou but this time I plan to have my camera ready! This time we also plan on stopping at Liard Hotsprings for a quick dip. In all the times I've done the drive I've never been so it will be one of the highlights I think.

for the cabin

Yesterday D and I popped over to Ikea to do some shopping for the cabin. We felt a tad silly getting new items just before moving but we had received a gift card for our wedding and as there are no Ikea stores up in AK we decided to go find some perfect little items for our new home. My goal in furnishing and decorating the cabin is having a place that is simply decorated and incredibly well organized. With less than 400 square feet to work with I think it is going to be essential to keep things tucked away to make the place looking tidy on a daily basis. The baskets we got yesterday I think will serve as good storage and will look good up on shelves.

Once we get up North I plan on buying some lumber and working on some furniture projects before work picks up. With that small amount of space I think building our own furniture will be the best bet. I found some fantastic designs from Ana White. If you haven't already I definitely recommend checking out her site.  I have been completely inspired have several pieces bookmarked to build with some carpentry help from Dad. I will definitely post links and pictures when I begin building.

For now I'll enjoy a mug of earl grey and look to pinterest for some "cabinspiration".

Also, check out D's graduation present from my folks. I'm in love with them. I can't wait to hike the Chilkoot in August next to such a fine pair of hiking boots and the even finer man wearing them!

Happy Mothers Day

I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my mama. I was blessed when I came into this world as her daughter. She has not only been a wonderful mother but I have always considered our friendship to be one of the most important friendships in my life. I love her so very much. When D and I start a family, I hope to be as good of a mama to our little ones as she has been to me and my sister.

Time to celebrate

Its D's LAST DAY OF LAW SCHOOL TODAY!! I am not sure who is more excited... It has been quite a long journey from start to finish. I am so incredibly proud of him for accomplishing this! His wonderful parents arrived last night and it will be such a weekend of celebration. I've finished my morning coffee so I'm off for a quick run to get some of Kluane's energy out before they arrive.