winter

It's Sunday afternoon, Dustin and Peter are out collecting water and going to the (covered) playground. I have a fire going, and it's super-stormy outside... the house is getting rocked by blowing gusts or whirling snow and rain. It's high tide, and there is harlequin outside in the slough. Maybe living in coastal Alaska is still a novelty, but I'm loving how variable the weather is. In the last 2 weeks we've had amazing snow and skiing, rain and a big storm, damp overcast English-winter days, and blue sky days filled with the smell of spring life.

It's been another full couple of months. And, we're happy to be home for the holidays and settling into a cozy winter routine. Here are some photos of our transition from fall to winter...

We've had a couple of trips to Anchorage, and the chance to catch up with friends. Peter loved reconnecting with Robyn, Karli, Ben and Kyle.

Visiting with Izzy

And, meeting Muse for the first time!
We're soo excited to have you in our lives, Muse.

I had a much needed break in Fairbanks. Time for friends, sleep, and excersise. Nikki and I had a 3 day backpack planned, but a winter storm put a stop to our planned ridge route. We ended up having a lovely few days of long day-hikes.

Jamie and Dustin held down the fort while I was away--caring for Peter and fishing for silver salmon. Of course..everyone did fine without me....

High tide during one of the last days of summer

Peter harvesting the garden

Peter goes next door for a play-date with friends

Vera, Calvin, Peter and I squeezed in a couple more trips on the delta

Peter is now fully mobile... running, dancing, and getting into everything. Fun. He loves the hard mud at Hartney Bay.

Peter and I got up the ski hill for the last time before winter hit




A group of about 6 families have formed an informal playgroup: "puddlejumpers." We meet every week for a couple of hours. It's a wonderful community of mums and kids.

The sunsets have been amazing

Ria and Faith with the first snow of the year....


We were just able to get oil, propane and wood in for the winter before the heavy snowfall hit.


We now use the sled to get shopping, water (and Peter) etc. in and out the trail


Compost bin seems to be holding its own so far. It's been as low as 10F, but compost temp hasn't dropped below 60F...yet.


Dustin got a good couple of ski runs in at the ski hill.

And we managed to get a few cross-country skis in on the Delta. Peter still loves the pulk.

The view from our house is changing constantly--minute by minute.

Paula, John, Olive and Drew came for Thanksgiving-- such a treat having time to catch up and get to know Olive and Drew better. Thanks for making the trip happen xo

Santa Claus arrived by fire-engine to light to town Christmas tree.

Karin and Khulan came for a quick visit. Khulan is from Mongolia and it was her first kayak. They just managed to squeese in a paddle before the wind came up..

Wind and rain removed most of the snow in the meadow. Tough for skiers, but great for toddlers who want to run outside!

The storm washed up a treasure-trove on of shells on the beach.