Salmonberries- like the fish?

I've been doing a lot of research on food lately.  What I should be eating, where it comes from and the processes various foods go through to get to my tummy.  I don't have a green thumb so while I enjoy fresh produce immensely, you won't see me wearing garden gloves anytime soon!  However, I've been learning that Alaska is full of natural and sustainable resources!  From the fresh seafood, wild game and produce that comes from this State it's interesting that there aren't more Hippies here.  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty, but my point is that I'm pretty sure you could live strictly off the land.  Oh wait, I've seen Life Below Zero on Nat. Geo. following some of these crazy awesome Alaskans who do it!  Anywho...

Yesterday D and I decided to go on a little expedition for these:

Meet the Salmonberry.

Rubus spectabilis as the nerd-tastic community calls them, are readily available in our area!  The Salmonberry gets their name from their roe (fish egg) like appearance.  These berries taste nothing like fish eggs, trust me!  Salmonberries look a lot like raspberries and grow in a bush with seriously thorny limbs.  I don't know how many times I heard expletives from the Husband or myself!  You can read a bit more on these berries from this amazing website or the ever so dependable Wikipedia page!  Please tell me you can hear the sarcasm oozing from my "voice"...anyone, Buler?

Just like the fishing spots I spoke about here, people guard their berry picking honey holes fiercely!  D and I decided to head out and try our luck at a few different locations to see if we could get any of these seasonal and delectable morsels!  I'm happy to say after about 2 hours we had 2lbs of berries and a lot of fun!  

How do you make picking berries fun you ask?  Well, you put one competitive husband and wife team together and then try to get the biggest berry while seeing who can fill their bucket first.  I clearly won.  Also- I became the look out while D tried to Michael Jordan it up the cliff to grab some golfball sized beauties.  No, we weren't doing anything illegal not that I would tell you, it was a bear lookout!  SO. FUN.  My inner nature girl was beaming, even while swatting away massive mosquitoes!

Salmonberry recipes coming to a blog near you!  Sustainability and nature are rocking my socks off!  Go AK!

Until next time...

Marriage is a Verb.

Hello Blogland!

We have finally returned from our vacation traipsing all over the State of Alaska.  Let me tell you it is NO joke when they tell you this State is twice the size of Texas!  I saw so much of this beautiful State and met many state birds mosquitos, they're biters!  Just for an update- we will never, never, never be friends.  But- more on that crazy adventure later!

I was sitting at home yesterday while the Hubs was on duty (staying on the boat for 24hrs) when BAM I started thinking about him, and us, and our life.  Since this was the first time I had been home alone in over a month it was a shock that my inner dialogue came back.  I guess it was on vacation too!  I started thinking that I really am so thankful to have a Husband who's in it to win it well, I mean he already won me so what more is there?? and here for the long, yet enjoyable, haul.  This thought then, of course, sparked a Pinterest sesh where I found this:

Marriage is a verb.  I found this quote on the Happy Wives Club and it rang true to me.  We've been married for almost a year and a half now, together for 4ish years and I always thought it would be easy.  I was always told it should be easy.  Well, It is easy some days and we never want to leave the other's side, we giggle and are silly and lovie the whole day- and then there are other days.  Granted these days are VERY few and FAR between, but I'd be lying if I said they didn't happen.  Now, these are not the days you talk about with people, unless your super close, and these are not the days you see on Facebook.  Does that mean it's not official?  These days are the days that need the most attention.  These are the days where that little voice inside you may say- until death do us part?  You look at that little voice and say YES.  If you want it, you put the work in and this lady is in it for the long haul.   

Hello Random- I know.  But after 13 days together with two kiddos, one hotel snaffou and almost 20hrs in the car, there wasn't a lot of "reflection time".  I was thankful for a break yesterday and I finally had the time to reflect on the wonderful time we actually had.  My Husband and I are constantly working on our marriage and learning about each other.  I want to remember that and appreciate the drive we both have for each other.  Don't forget to stop and smell the roses when it shines and dance in the rain when it- well, rains duh.

Until next time...  

Cordovaisms Vol. 2

3. The Theme Song

Via

I - LOVE - CORDOVA
(Hear it in a shouted yet sing-songy voice)

You hear it on the radio, hear it on the streets and hear it every time something really get's your goat about this lovely little place I've called "home" for the past 2 years.  Wow, I have been here that long.  Guess time flies when you've got Alzheimer's you're having fun!  That catchy little phrase will get stuck in your head for days!  That war cry is just one more thing you have to love about Cordova!

4. The price you pay to live in Paradise

Via

My Father-in-Law's favorite phrase is "Well Annalee, that's the price you pay to live in Paradise".  Is it Bob?  What IS this magical price and paradise you talk about?  Should I actually tell you what the price is??  Hmm... wanna go to the big city- hope you've got deep pockets! Airfare, ferry, groceries, internet-(who knew you could limit this?), cable, FOOD, restaurants, gas- everything even those "basic" necessities I seriously took for granted will cost ya.  Anyone drink milk?  How about for $8?  That's what I thought!  Ahhh, guess that's just the price we pay to live in Paradise see how annoying that little gem can get?!

5.  Fishing Rules 101

The first rule about this fishing club, is that we don't talk about the fishing club. Wait, is this fight club? No really, there is more Don’t ask, Don’t tell going on here than a military squad at a Broadway show!  Yep, went there!  Real fisherman don’t ask people how much they made and don’t go bragging about their catch.  That is considered 1.  Bad manners 2. People will follow you- duh!  And 3. um, do you want people in your honey hole?  I didn't think so Honey Boo Boo...

Via

Also, you should abide by these rules:

            Don’t set to close.

            Don’t talk tooo much trash because when you need help, no one will offer

            Bring stuff to do. Like lots.


If you follow my etiquette tips you're sure to make it at least 5 min without someone making fun of you- wait, what are you wearing?  I take that back.

6.  You don't lose your girlfriend you lose your turn.  

As my friend Kelsey so eloquently put it, you never really lose your girlfriend because there's always someone here to pick her up, dust her off and then you're on to the next lady you probably have nakie pictures with in a tub when you were 4.  You see, that's the beauty of this little isolated fishing village.  You never really see that many people coming in or moving out of town.  I'm always amazed when my husband and I run to the store to grab something quick and end up talking for 20 min to 5 different people who want to talk about, I kid you not, everything.  

That being said, this is a VERY small pond for those poor souls trying to date in it.  Think, Little Mermaid small with no singing until 1am when everyone's had a few too many.  However, there is an upside to this little problem.  You already know everything about so in so's dating history.  Did he treat her right?  Does he have a disease?  Is he..."well known"?  Is he one taco short of a fiesta?  All questions that can be asked and answered while running your daily errands!  Fret not doting daters, one man's smoked salmon leftovers could be your fabulous new salmon dip.  Perspective is everything!!

7.  Xtra Tuffs- fashion vs function? 

In Cordova you get both!  If you've never come across these gems let me paint a little picture for you.  Tall milk chocolate rubber boots with a faded mustardy-beige (yes, that's a technical term) toe and band around the top.  Oh, and don't forget the "Made in 'Merica" label proudly stamped on the front of your shin.  Don't be fooled by the company who may or may not have sold out and are no longer "made in 'merica", these boots are tough.  Xtra Tuff.  These boots are not only a staple to every fisherman trudging around little fishy guts on his slippery boat they are also a coveted fashion statement and right of passage into fisherlady fashion!  These boots can be dressed up and paired with a cute little dress and leggings or pulled over some tucked in jeans!  Versatile, I think so... Fashion crime?... Definitely!  Don't worry friends, I've held out for two years and don't plan on letting the body snatchers get ahold of these calves anytime soon! 

Until we meet again 'Merica!

Raindrops and Roman Candles

Happy {late} 4th of July!!

I have always loved the 4th of July for many reasons!  The great food, warm weather, getting to blow stuff up and just generally celebrating 'Merica and all that stands for are just a few reasons why this holiday holds a special place in my heart.  I shouldn't lie... I love all holidays- but for different reasons!  What can I say, I'm an equal opportunity holiday lover!

In the sleepy little town where I currently reside you may think it's just another day- but you would be wrong!  This little town loves any excuse to celebrate!  Look at this!

As luck would have it, it was raining! SHOCKER  Do you think that stops these folks- big.fat.no.  Watch out for my next installment of Cordovaisms Vol. 2 to talk about the rain.  Needless to say- the show went on!

My adorable family enjoying the rain...

Ok, so this is how we really felt about the rain... but we made do!

 When was the last time you saw street games, a dunk tank and a community picnic put on by a City?!  Yeah, never- that's when.  They say it's not Mayberry but it might as well be with awesome community activities like this!

 All I can say about the egg toss D and I were roped into thanks Kels is that we weren't the first ones out!!  Overall it was a pretty fun hour until we decided to throw in the towel and go snuggle up with pizza and movies!  

It was a little to wet for my little Florida ladies to light off fireworks but don't worry!  We've still got of time & roman candles- if this rain ever goes away!

How was your 4th?  Did you community do something fun?  Burn anything?

Until next time...

Undercover Ninja

Did you know that I possess the speed of a mongoose and kill instinct of a great white shark?  Well, if you weren’t privy to this information it’s probably because you weren’t my latest victim.  Let me tell you about my victim.   I’ll give you a hint:

It was hairy, laid millions of babies at a time and always knows how to scare the begeezus out of me at the most inconvenient times.  That’s right folks, I’m talking about our good ‘ol 8 legged friend- the spider.

Ever since I was little I can remember not liking the creatures.  They are super fast, come out of nowhere and seriously- who needs like 16 eyeballs?!  *shudder*  Not me!  I think it was their starring role in a little film called Arachnophobia circa 1990 that really sealed the deal.  I’m the first one to say I love John Goodman as much as the next lady but… ahh… I can’t.  I’ve already got the heebeejeebies!  It’s a word- look it up.

Tips on surviving Spider-geddon

   

As I was cleaning the murder scene, I couldn’t help but wonder.  Should I love them because they are one of God’s creatures?  Are they really cute like Charlotte’s Web, just trying to survive and make a life for their families?  Could I co-exist without trying to eradicate them?  Well folks, the answer is a big fat NO.  Point blank.  Sorry big man, and forgive me, but that’s not gonna happen. 

I’m going to keep practicing my awesome ninja skillz and go crazier than a bridezilla on WE every time I see one of those little hairy terrorists.  Maybe I could make a spider workout video?  Interactive?  That sure would get me up and moving! 

Would you buy my video?  Stream it?  Maybe want to come experience for yourself?  Yeah, I’ll keep my day job.  Damn.

Until next time… enjoy the heebeejeebies!

Cara Box Reveal!

My Cara Box arrived!!  What's a Cara Box you ask?  Well let me tell you! It's pure awesomeness all wrapped up in a flat rate box!  Ok, so it's a little more than that...

Cara Box is a gift exchange of sorts where you get paired with another blogger (or non blogger, yes- there's a special place for you too), you learn about them and then send them super fun stuff!  There is a different theme each month so you don't get bored and cheat on the program. *ahem diets* Excuse me while I sip my wine, I think there is something in my throat. 

Lucky for me, I got paired up with two of the coolest ladies around!  It was the first time that all three of us would participate in this program so we muddled through it together.  Honestly, I think we had WAY more fun that way. 

My victim The woman who was lucky enough to get my package was Lori!  Lori blogs over at Morning Glories and Moonflowers and let me tell you, this lady is amazing!  We quickly bonded over Pugs and Adam Levine, ah be still my heart!  With an initial e-mail like that, how could I not be in blogette love mode?  After checking out her cute blog I quickly learned a couple things... With all of the book reviews on her blog I'm pretty sure she is either a) a genius or b) owns a library.  Either scenario I'm completely on board with.  Have I told you that she homeschools her two ladies?  Yeah, pretty supercalifragilisticexpialidocious if I do say so myself.  And I do!  I'm lucky to have been paired with such a great lady and I can't wait to see what books/crafts/general amazingness happens on her blog next!

Tiffanie over at Life With The Little Man was my Mrs. Claus this month!  I am so glad I got to know her!  I mean how could someone who loves Candy Crush and finishes e-mails by saying "bye, bye, bye" after confessing their love for 'NSYNC be bad?  Pretty freakin rad if you ask me!  ...and you did because you're still reading.  WINNING!  Don't worry, we totally e-mailed about other things but let me tell you our mutal confusion over the whole "Snoop Lion" was definitely a highlight!  Tiffanie has a super awesome liftsyle blog with great little DIY adventures, cool products (who doesn't love pottie covers?) and the most adorable pictures of her little man!  Head over and check out her blog- but don't try to steal my new friend or I'll go all NKOTBSB on yo *#&!

HA!  I almost forgot to show you what amazingness headed my way from the fabulous Miss Tiffanie!

Check it out!

It's a carnival in a box!

I told Tiffanie that we didn't have a fair or carnival in Cordova so she sent me one!  How kicka*s is that!?  Soooo... I should tell you that the cotton candy didn't make it.  It met an unfortunate death shortly after coming out of the box- because I ATE IT!  I don't care if it was Hello Kitty or Hello Carny, that biz was delicious!  I forgot how much I loved pure, teeth rotting sugar that dissolves instantly.  *Side note* Cotton candy can turn any pinot noir until sangria in 10 seconds flat!  No judging- and don't steal my idea, I have a patent on that.  No really.

I'm so excited to devour share the rest of this box with the family.  It's been said that my life is somewhat of a show and now I can make it a carnival!

Until next time...