The Poofer on the Pop-top

If Mount Redoubt intended to erupt, today should be the day. It's ash Wednesday, after all.

Portage Lake

What a difference a few months (okay; about six months) make! This summer when the kids were here, one of our day trips included a journey to Portage Lake. It doesn't take long to get there. I think navigating traffic through Anchorage from Eagle River is more of a hassle than any other part of the ride. We rode along the Seward Highway as it paralleled the shoreline at Turnagain Arm (how it looked the year I was born) and The Alaska Railroad in early February 2009.

That's frozen ocean water, folks!

A foreboding yet awesome view along Turnagain on one of our recent forays early this month.(Captured by K., of course!)

I have to say that the scenery on this route is breathtaking; any time of year. To be able to see something this wild and majestic within an hour and fifteen minutes from your back door is most wonderful.

Anyway, here's Portage Lake in June or July of 2008. Notice the piece of glacier ice. I swear it never changed through the season. I think it's plastic and it's tethered there during the summer season! JK!!!



This is a shot of us near the visitor's center.

The visitor's center: February 2009. BRRRRR!!!



Here are a few more from our time with the kids in "summer" of 2008; and K. and my trip a few weeks ago. Enjoy!









Three of my favorite people! (there's that camera-hogging hunk of ice again!)

Meme-Time

I'm gonna try the latest meme nicked from Linda at Saoirse Daily2, via Bob.
I don't do well with these; but I've gotta learn someday.
Here goes!

Grab the nearest book - no matter what it is. Textbook, novel, pop-up book, building code study guide, whatever.

Turn to page 25.
Read the 10th word on that page, or the following if that one is blank.
Type that word into Google Image search.
Post the third image.
You're tagged if ya wanna be!

(Trust it can't take you near as to do this as it did me!)

Link back to this post.

Here's mine:



I trust you can tell what my word was!
Have fun!

Fun With Food

As most of you know, I'm a little obsessed with food. Okay; maybe alot! Food preparation and conjuring up my own unique twist on recipes has become a creative outlet for me. I'm really enjoying this (even if my waistline isn't!)

I absolutely LURVE pasta of any sort, so I'm always searching for new and different kinds. The other day, I grabbed these little lovlies on impulse. De Cecco Perciatelli are a thicker, heartier type of noodle with a higher gluten content that ensures firmness while cooking. Kneaded with cold water to give the macaroni sweetness, and coarse bronze drawn to impart a sort of rough surface that grabs any sauce you like!

But the best part is; these noodles pack a surprise! They have a tiny hole running the length of the pasta; like a little cocktail straw!

Now Mama can't say not to play with your food! ;o)

A little something for Pido

H/T to Black Iron Dude

A tutorial for Amanda (and me!)

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And there you go!

Sorry so long.

;)