Walking the Lizard

Hello Friends -

While you were bashing powder all weekend, we went for a walk on the coastal trail - and thought you might like to come along.


Happy Holidays!

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Frosty Fairbanks

Mazzy is growing her hair out to protest corporate bailouts and prepare for a Fairbanks winter.  Viva la revolucion!

Frozen Moments

I went up to Iniakuk last week and can report that all is well and frozen.  Lots of -30F with a dash or two of -40F.  Snow pack increasing...

Begich ahead by 3 votes

With Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich currently ahead by 3 votes 835 votes Uncle Ted has been handed a large poo sandwich.  Will he have to eat it?????? stay tuned!!

(Please note Poo Sandwich ™ is currently a registered trademark of the GOP and they are eating lots of them)

All aboard the horror express

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Something smells, and it's not just the old guys.

There are some odd Alaska polling stats here.

Putting the "Ted" in "Convicted."

I am a bit confused right now because apparently our beloved Uncle Ted is not convicted until his appeals process is complete.  By this definition everyone on Death Row is also innocent and should be relaxing at home- particularly if they have a home in a gorgeous little ski resort town.

I remember the election year 2004 in Girdwood when Party Dude happily came back from the polls exclaiming that he stood in line with Uncle Ted and realized his votes vetoed Ted's.  It was a proud moment in Democracy and we drank many beers to celebrate Party Dude's courageous and selfless act.

I must admit I have voted for Uncle T on numerous occasions because he fought for Alaska like a premenstrual wolverine, but now he has just gone Don Quixote on us and it is time to make way for other yet-to-be-convicted felons.  (please note that I do not mean to imply that Don Quixote ever profited illegally from his windmill attacks)

Incidentally November 18 is Ted's birthday as well as "Senator Ted Stevens Appreciation Day" (it really is) so celebrate by doing something illegal and don't worry about the consequences...

And finally, the song "Red Handed Sleight of Hand" by the band "Cursive."  Now here's where things get freaky- the lead singer's name is Ted Stevens and he was born on the 4th of July.  If he renames the band "Ted Stevens and the Unconvicted" I hearby take full credit and demand royalties... they will be substantial...

Farewell to the Blond Bullet

Raise your glasses tonight my friends as Alice May died a peaceful death on Wed, Oct. 23rd. Here's to the most faithful companion I could ever have asked for.

Beer Festival - Better Hurry , Philip !

In case anybody might need to find me today, you can probably have a look here:

Campaign for Real Ale

I will do my best to try each and every 150 ales.

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How does that song go?

Songza

and you can even watch the video.

You're welcome.

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It Hasn't Always Been this Way

At this festive time of year I want to show you all that there was a time when Party Dude was not afraid to don a costume.  That is him on the top right with the jazz hands.  I thought this was pretty hot at the time.  

Happy Halloween, Girdwood. 

Walk Hard

Previous Girdwood resident Angela of the North is the new cover girl for www.gofarnorth.com.  Follow the link and look closely, you might find other Girdwood alumni hiding here and there in various pseudo outdoors poses masterfully rendered in Photoshop.

Moose-bot

If you see any of these outside your door, it's most likely Red Dawn 2.
 and since you guys are on the Frontline, it is your duty to engage the enemy.
so......see what you can do about that.

MooseBot

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De Hook and Debate

I always loved the original Batman with Adam West, but was apparently too young to see the prophetic political undertones.  I recommend the McCain campaign look to the A-Team for political advice in the future.  Cause I pity the foo who believes their current rhetoric.

Clean Coal comes to Girdwood

The time is now people, talk to your congressman about the benefits of clean coal!

Girdwood Sleezeball

http://community.adn.com/adn/node/132371
Listen to the last one

Look to the Skies

It's about that time folks, weather for this week is calling for snow above 2,000 feet all across the state.  Bam!  That is so awesome.  

Even more inspirational is this pic of Quadzilla shredding the Brooks Range in March '08.

She could have been so right...

This image courtesy of Threadpit.  So apt, so sad.  She was a decent little guvna and now she is dragging us all through the mud.  Sarah, storms ARE brewing in your eyes.  

Sooo Refreshing

I just ran across this photo from our trip out to Unalaska this last summer. I just thank my lucky stars that this eagle was only protecting a can of Sierra Mist... had that been a can of beer....Tiffany's feather collection would have received a big boost and I'd probably be wearing stripes.

Hello Kate -

Glad to hear that the fungal formal was well attended and went off with greatness. I am also glad to hear that Philip maintained the correct party attitude for the evening. I am looking forward to the photos ! Vicky found them on Flickr, and I am planning on sitting down to review with a nice pint.

Germany was good, relaxing. We didn't do much while we were there, I mostly attempted some of my summer reading list. We stayed there until Monday, and then drove up to Dunkerque, France and crossed over on the ferry to Dover. We went through parts of Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, and England in one crammed up Renault Clio complete with two wee guinea pigs (who took up most of the room in the car.)

Tuesday, we went into London and spent the day shopping for jeans on Oxford street, and then dinner, and then pub time. The first pub was busy and nice, with a strange ale on tap that I never got the name of. The second pub we went to was over 400 years old, and had Samuel Smith on tap - like 8 different varieties. We got back to our friends at 3 in the morning, due to some confusion in regards to the trains and buses, and the above mentioned tap selection.

On Wednesday, we headed over to Cornwall, driving 6 hours or so from London. I even did some of the driving - though I nearly crashed on the first turn. We are now set at another friends house in Falmouth, who is taking a crash course in Chinese at Oxford. There is the regatta of the Tall Ships going on downtown, so lots of parades and things happening. The ships themselves are pretty incredible, and the woodworkings on some of them is much better than my window trimjob. Basically, about 20 sailships leaving from the harbour to Portugal in a speed race, which occurs once every ten years.

Yesterday, I had to go to orientation / international stuff, and meet with the course leader...my first day at school. I met with a handful of other internationals, including another Creative Advertising fellow from Russia.

Today, we went to the Eden Project, and that was pretty neat as well. They only have trees and plants, and do not culture any fungi - but I am sure that there is some. While there, we picked up an edible plants and fungi book, which should work out well for us. Tomorrow, we will go for a long walk to Mawnan Smith to check out our new place, along the beach and footpath. Hopefully, we will come across some brambles and maybe even some hedgehogs - both animal and fungal. The Tall Ships are supposed to start their race at 1300 , so we should be able to see them as they sail out of the harbour.

I can report that a few have mentioned Sarah Palin to me, as well as Troopergate.
I can also report that the pound is dropping against the dollar, which is a good thing for me.
Lastly, I can report that I have enjoyed three real ales thus far - an ale from 1880 Brauhaus, and an Eden Ale from the Eden Project. There was that first ale from The Chandos in London before dinner, which I don't remember the name of.

Hope you are all well and dandy !

Mark

Auf Wiedersehn, Friends......

so thanks to you all for helping us on our way to higher education, and helping me wrap up the condo paradise lifestyle to which I had become overly accustomed. please know that our english doorstep, made from hand cut stones of centuries old british bedrock, is always open to you. we might even let you inside.

we hope you all the best in the upcoming cold, wet, dark months...and that the Ullr is good to you. Send the Christmas Chute my regards.



blogged from the crappy part of ted stevens international.

moses' dance

moses' dance

Moses says," See you on the other side (of the pond.)"

Summer at Iniakuk

We rocked the pike fishing with this 12 pound monster

RooBear

_AKC5952

"Feeling better, RooBear?" Moses asks with a slight smile.

"Why yes, my dear, I do feel a bit like my old self after some tasty snacky snacks,"Rubyn replies with a tired whisper.

"Perhaps we could have a game of cards once the WhoMens leave? some gin rummy? eh ? eh?" inquires Moses.

"Well, I suppose that would be nice, maybe some cocktails as well?" replies RooBear.

"But of course !"

And that is why there is currently no booze in my house.

Howdy!

Cheers from the little cabin by the creek. I heart Story WYO.

Out of Retirement

Party Dude has been dragged out of retirement and can now be found on the shores of Harriman Fjord with a large group of teenagers.

Save me Grandma Ethel!

Just in time Grandma Ethel managed to apparate and cast a hovering spell on Mark to save him from a gory tumble to the shores of Kenai Lake. I would have helped but I had to document the event.

Fatty

Fatty

I am a really bad salmon fisherman.

Say hello to my little friend

Uncle Johnny made a new friend during his annual visit to his old stomping grounds. I felt all warm and fuzzy inside...

Living the Dream

To Max's amazment, I made enough money on my first shift at Middle Way Cafe to afford the downpayment on my dream home. We are now going to be hermits in Hope, living the life of a gold panner. We will own goats for our milk, chickens for our eggs and you're all welcome to visit as long as you don't mind sleeping on the floor and peeing in the river.

Like a drifter I was born to walk alone...

Angela didn't stay long but she left with a smile on her face:

and to all a good night...

Calling all Nations

Hello Girdwood, we're up here in crazy Fairbanks where the weather is hot and dusty.  Angela has to fly back to SF tomorrow but I'm coming down to Girdwood and Anchorage for the weekend.  I just need to hear who's going to be around and how many parties will be planned in my honor.....  I'll be waiting near my inbox.

Taking it to the World Circuit

Ah yes, Center Ridge in Turnagain Pass...a sneaky blue square run nestled in the Chugach Mountains.

And Moses totally got kicked off the team, again.

Happy Birthday Max!

Max turned 5 today and strange growths appeared on his face. Is that normal? To celebrate, we visited the miniature donkeys in Hope and had a Power Ranger head, Spider Man body, dinosaur feet birthday cake. I wish every day was his birthday...

Mountain Hosts Past and Present...and Jeff in the Background Ooogling

Mountain Hosts Past and Present...and Jeff in the Background Ooogling them.

Congrats to Tiffany and hopefully Gwen, on the successful completion of their first year at med school, and their imminent captainhood. I have also thought Gwen would make a good captain, though I was thinking more in the superhero sense...like Captain Cheechako, or Super Sourdough.

Also a congrats to Vicky, who has recently landed herself in the Masters of Illustration program at University College Falmouth.

Momma I'm Coming Home

Dear Alaska, we're coming home.  The packing process has started, the selling of goods on Craigslist is well underway, I pounded my last nail at the job site and we are getting ready to roll out.  I feel like Kurt Russell in "Escape from New York," minus the guns and mullet of course.  

And yes, I have started wearing an eyepatch.

Mazzy is overwhelmed by it all.  Our tentative re-entry date is Friday, May 23 via Anchorage, then north to Fairbanks.  We will be towing a 5x8 UHaul trailer full of Trader Joes consumables.  Consider yourself warned.

one more thing...

Thank you, and goodnight.

The Tooth, the Whole Tooth, and Nothing but the Tooth - Part V

Eggs, Mushrooms, Apple Sauce, and ice cream.



What do these four edibles have in common?
Well, they are all very easy to chew when you are having tooth problems.

My cousin Jennifer, who holds a Masters in Divinity from Vanderbilt University, recently inquired if I had any wisdom to share upon turning 36. At the time, pre-Friday evening, I could not think of anything much more than to live a happy and healthy life, and that money is a tool - a bit of passed down wisdom from my father. A few hours later, however, it struck me. Literally. In the mouth. On my face. And leaving a nice broken smile reminder, that nothing is for certain and shit happens.

Certainly when I left Joe's, I would be stumbling a familiar, jagged path homeward and wouldn't remember any of it - and that is exactly what happened, for the most part. I do remember being hoisted up from the ground and exclaiming,"I broke my tooth !" Which personally, I think is pretty amazing considering the state that I had put myself into.

I would like to steal this opportunity to share with you the wee bit of wisdom that I gained from that fateful moment and some previous experiences that led thereto...

This wisdom is as follows: Take care of your moderation, all things are tools, and money = teeth.

You see, I am no stranger to the Tooths. I would invite you to come over and look at my collection of human adult teeth that I keep in my bathroom cabinet, carefully hidden away in a small blue bottle marked Excedrin PM.
I pity the poor sleepless fool who inadvertently cracks open that medicine cabinet in hopes of finding something to ease their wearied mind to sleep, only to find a handful of teeth to come spilling from the blue container of hope. Hopefully, they will notice that the little white tablets they hold in their hand are not the intended remedy for their late night insomnia before clamping down on them, lest they add to the growing collection. Perhaps I should bury them in the spring garden, in hopes of new growth ?

It would seem that the damage I have inflicted upon myself may have been greater than visible to the untrained eye, as my dental assistant had pointed out that each tooth on both sides have subsequent cracking. Sympathy cracks, perhaps? She went on to further prove my point, stating,"They may never break off - you may have them forever...or they might just one day up and die on you and you'll have to have them crowned." BLAM! Nothing is for certain and shit happens!

You see, my friends...when the first tooth came out way back in 2003, it was very elementary. I kept poking at the tooth because it hurt and carried itself a bit loosely, until one day it just fell out right there in the bathroom sink.
You might call it a Wake-Up call from my mouth. Soon enough, I made an appointment with the dentist (Let's call him Phat Finger Phil for anonymity's sake.) Great dentist, wonderful person, incredible environment but the man has some large fingers.I don't have a problem with that, I have a large mouth. Well, maybe a big mouth. Okay, its average. Either way, the boss had called prior to my arrival and arranged for my experience to be "pain-free" on their dime. He could have parked a bus full of elephant turds in my mouth and I would have called it candy. Thus brings me to my next point, Money is a Tool.

For those of us without any corporate-sponsored medical / dental insurance, money - or lack thereof - can sometimes pose a bit of a problem. However, I can seriously encourage anyone and everyone who can find the extra cash to spend it on your aches and pains. Kudos to the boys who limped through part of the winter, and my sorrows to the poor lass with the cauliflower cup. Your body will thank you in the long run, and you might not have to pick your teeth out of the bathroom sink in the interim. Money is a tool for you to use, because shit happens and then one day you might fall flat on your face. God Bless the Credit Card Corporations and the Student Loan Syndicates !

Now I have made public my secret shame and shared the secrets strangled from such strange satisfactions. I do hope we can still be friends.

The Chardonnay bottle that joined me for a halibut searing this evening is telling me that I have said enough. I would like to give a shout-out to the birthday girl Tiffany Kelly Peterson, who has a beautiful smile and a massive debt, and to her husband who always inspires. Happy Birthday !

Happy Birthday Old Man!

Too Cute

Sorry Tiff, I just couldn't resist. If anyone is at a loss as to what to get mrs. wintergirl for her birthday, a t-shirt with this design can be purchased at cafepress.com

Tired of Hiking?

I think I'm about ready to toss the skis in the back closet and jump in my kayak. Anybody want to take a paddle?

Best Friends #1

Kate and Dan have recently been moved to the top position on the Best Friends List that Philip and I keep. They broke us out of our nerdiness by hooking us up with tickets to see Michael Franti at the Bear's Tooth last night. We had so much fun. Mr. P with the knee even danced.

If any of you are looking to move up on the Best Friends List you are going to have to do something really big.

Whities See the Sun

Philip, Mark, Lily, Moses, and I spent Saturday on Pyramid Peak in the sunshine. Although we could see people on many of the surrounding peaks, we had this one to ourselves. Mark and I did a little bull dance to celebrate the fact that it is April and we will soon be under our sign: the Taurus. In case you were wondering these are the traits of a taurus according to Wikipedia:

disciplined • hard-working • good sense of humor • prudent
great work-ethic • artistic • loving • creative
romantic • sensual • Very sexual • attentive
comforting • strong • steady• introverted
organized • cautious • harmonious • trustworthy
calm• tenacious • stable • patient
resourceful • easygoing • careful • dependable
honest• conservative • determined • loyal
protective • practical

Oh yeah, they also mentioned these:
Controlling
Stubborn
Gets stuck in ruts
Resentful
Possessive
Overindulgent
Jealous
Overly self-conscious

I decided I don't put any faith in Wikipedia astrology after reading the ideal careers for a Taurus: Banking, almost any form of bureaucracy, auctioneering, managers, singers, chef and acting.

Seriously? Auctioneering?

The Word Around the Campfire

Well it's all down in black and white in this morning's edition of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner; the thrills, the spills, the good cookin' and the good lookin' Brooks Range.  Jillian Rogers wrote about our Brooks Range exploits at Iniakuk Lodge and now it's just a matter of time before Philip and I are doing the Oprah Circuit.  Do you think Larry King's glasses are really that big?  Is Dr. Phil a cyborg?  We'll let you know in the following weeks, stay tuned...

Party Dude - Culinary Ninja

Hello people of Girdwood, this post is here for two reasons:

1: Push the last post off the front page (What in the Wide Wide World of sports are they putting in Oregon's drinking water?  Those people are Cra Z!)

B:  Tell the world about Philip's culinary prowess above the Arctic Circle.

I could attempt to describe the delicacies Philip set down at Iniakuk Lake Lodge but it's best just to show a few of the pictures.  For those of you with Google's Aromavision get close to the bacon wrapped scallops and take a big sniff.  For those who love bacon and for those who love scallops this is pretty much the perfect food.

Spanikopita!

Smoked Salmon Fettucine!

Bacon Wrapped Scallops! (sniff here)

Philip's shy smile with a side of shrimp in white wine sauce!