Kate's Alaskan Adventure

so long alaska

2008-12-01T15:14:00.003-09:00

I love Alaska. However, life continues and just because we don't live in the same place anymore doesn't mean we don't hold a deep place for it in our hearts. I'm back in Minnesota temporarily until the next home for me. Transitions used to be an evil term for me. No longer is this the case. Transitions should be seen as the next step of many in ones life. I look forward to a new life on the African continent. Come join me...

XXXX
KJH

November Numbers

2008-11-10T23:22:00.004-09:00

Films seen:
Nights in Rodanthe
Rachel getting married

Books bought:
The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Audiobooks completed:
1. When You Are Engulfed in Flames, David Sedaris

Currently listening to:
1. Fisherman's Blues, The Waterboys
2. Bright eyes, Jason Mraz
3. The Whole of the Moon, The Waterboys
4. This is the sea, The Waterboys
5. Falling in love at a coffee shop, Landon Pigg
6. Love on the rocks, Sara Bareilles
7. Many the Miles, Sara Bareilles
8. Rainy Day Blues, Willie Nelson
9. Saturday Morning, Eels
10. Hello Sunshine, Super Furry Animals
11. The Way we get By, Spoon
12. Kids with guns, Gorillaz
13. Fortune Teller, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
14. Best Laid Plans, Bob Schneider

It's getting darker everyday...

2008-10-29T14:18:00.002-08:00

October 29, 2008
The Numbers:
Dawn: 8:37 am
Sunrise: 9:21 am

Sunset: 6:16 pm
Dusk: 7:00 pm

Low temp: 22 C
High temp: 34 C

Films seen:
W
The Duchess
Body of Lies
Burn After Reading

Audiobooks listened too:
half of "When you are engulfed in flames" david sedaris
"me talk pretty one day" david sedaris
"thousand splendid suns" khaled housseini

photos from summer

2008-10-02T19:12:00.009-08:00

So here's some photos from Summer. Summer is officially over and winter is beginning in Alaska. I finally have internet in the condo via ethernet. However, I only have it in Moosu's room for now and have no real seating in there. So I will post more once I get my wireless and can sit comfortably and post...

Augustine the volcano, photo taken from the porch of our cabin on Windhorse Ranch. Homer, AK

Augustine as seen through Cow Parsnips.

Beowulf on the aforementioned porch on the cabin.

Beowulf swimming in the ocean. His favorite place to be, Bishop's Beach in Kachemak Bay. This is now only a block away from the condo.

Beowulf in the cabin on his old bed with his "bebie" hedgehog.

Bishop's Beach.

Beowulf shaking off at Bishop's Beach. He's lost so much weight this summer, 15 pounds actually, however, he's gained a lot back in muscle. He's gotten so strong now, it's kind of a problem. He can jump higher and higher each day. He takes stairs six at a time now. He was a naughty boy tonight while I was at the debate and decided to eat all the remaining Ghiradelli chocolate in the cupboard...

myself and Katlin on our Homer bar tour. This was taken after drink three or four at Kharacters.

Katlin and I at the Salty Dawg...

Debbie and Katlin at Alice's...

Sunset from the cabin.

Nate at Alice's.

Another sunset from the cabin.

Tala and Nate at Alice's.

Another gorgeous sunset on Ohlson Mountain.

And another...

and another...

Katlin and I at Alice's....

So I've been pretty sick this week. Got a lot of internal stuff going on, stomach flu, etc... No fun at all. Been catching up on all the season premiere's: The Office, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Gossip Girl, House, etc... As usual, they are all kind of disapointing with one exception, The Office.

Watched the debate (VP) at the Homer Movie theatre and was disappointed about how well Sarah did. We democrats and liberals really need to stick together and get out the vote this time around folks.

Moosu just freaked out because he was concerned about an earthquake. He often thinks the washing machine is creating an earthquake and freaks out and runs around all over the place. However, when the real deal happens, he just sleeps. Lol.

Hope everyone is well.

Cheers and Peace.

-KJH

September Numbers

2008-09-30T18:31:00.002-08:00

Books Bought:
Lonely Planet West Africa
Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Books Read:
George and Sam, Charlotte Moore
The Hollow, Nora Roberts
Blood Brothers, Nora Roberts
read 200 pages of Dark of the Moon, John Sandford (bored me so I gave up)

Music Bought:
TV on the Radio, Dear Science
Coldplay, Viva la Vida
Thievery Corporation, Radio Retaliation
James Torme

Music Listened:
TVOTR
Coldplay
Thievery Corporation

A slough of crap mags. Lots of People, US, Enquirer, etc to read gossip about the Palin... I know, I'm terrible...

-KJH

I dream of Africa

2008-09-26T13:07:00.003-08:00

Most of you know that I am a dreamer and planner at heart. In fact, I've realized that I enjoy dreaming and planning almost more than living in the moment itself. Today my first travel book arrived. Banji knows that I've been struggling to find out more information on how to move with a dog and cat to Nigeria. The Nigerian government website doesn't give me proper information, nor does the US Embassy/Consulate website. Nor do either have telephone numbers that I can easily call and get the information in less than an hour. So... I started cruising the web and blogosphere and failed there as well. I love researching and I'm damn good at it, but I've been getting pretty pissed because I keep running into dead ends and end up feeling like a failure. So... I had an aHa! moment and figured I'd buy travel books on Nigeria. Come to find out there are only two!!! The most populated country on the continent of Africa. One that is so filled with history and eduation and only two travel guides. Seriously. One of them was in written in 1965! I don't even think my mother-in-law had even been to Nigeria by that point. The other was published by Bradt Publishing in May 2008. By the way, Bradt seems to have great guides. So I ordered that one and ordered one more that's the Lonely Planet's Guide to West Africa. Which of course has no information what-so-ever on Yola, but gets me closer to some answers and some peace of mind.

As much as I love Alaska and Homer in particular (and it's been pretty good to me as well) I can't wait for Nigeria. I'm excited for all the new possibilities, the wild weather, the rain, the heat, the new food, the new languages, all the people, yay!

stay tuned for more of this story...

-kjh

pop culture

2008-09-20T12:16:00.002-08:00

Upon reflection after perusing blogs daily I've been reflecting on what I would consider myself an expert on. Most people right daily about their obsessions. As I do have many of them, I rarely write one day to the next about the same thing. Like everyone, I have passions, I would even go as far to say I have obsessions, but if there was one thing I am an expert in that rolls it all into one is I am a pop culture expert and fanatic.

I know about music, tv, films, magazines, newspapers, food, restaurants, books, etc. It's a rather useless thing to know about, but that's what I know about, however, I don't write about this and I may never write about it and just continue to ramble on about how my life doesn't seem to go anywhere.

I have goals, but they seem to continue to go nowhere as well. Maybe in the next month they will or maybe they won't. However, one this is for sure, if you need to know how a new album is or what happened to so and so in a tv show, I'm your gal. Pop culture, it's my thing, my schtick, maybe that's why I like "this american life" so much. All the folks in TAL seem to appreciate useless pop culture knowledge, I can relate to them. I'm sure I could sit with Sarah Vowell for hours at a coffeeshop and get on with her about absolutely useless pop culture info.

Anyway, that's where I am off to now, to meet my hubby and talk about pop culture and drink coffee at Two Sisters. And I can't think of a better way to spend a lunch break.

Cheers,

KJH

connected

2008-09-17T10:30:00.002-08:00

Tomorrow, I get my internet hooked up. Thank goodness! I can finally post from home, post photos, etc... I also start a new job come October 15th. I really love everyone I work with here at Islands and Ocean but I really hate not being able to have two consecutive days off and never seeing Banji and being able to do the things I really want to do. All I wanted to do this summer was kayak a lot and I never got to kayak because I never got weekends off and the days off I had I usually had cancer treatment. Then, this fall I want to ski a lot, but again with only having Sundays off and no car it would rarely happen. So now, I will be leaving Islands and Ocean and have a normal work schedule with every weekend off! hallelujah!

love,

kjh

fiasco continues...

2008-09-14T16:24:00.001-08:00

So today, another bad thing happened. Banji accidentally left the new place with the keys inside and locked the door. Beowulf and Moosu were inside by themselves. However, since our dog is a bit "special" B had sedated him before he left because this was Beowulf's first experience by himself in the apartment and we want him to slowly accept it as his new home and be comfortable and not have a panic barking attack.

So $40 later for the locksmith Banji got inside. Of course, all this happened while I was at work, as usual.

Ahh the joys of parenthood of dogs and cats and having a very absent-minded partner that you just gotta love.

-kjh

fiascoes

2008-09-13T11:55:00.003-08:00

The Jetta is gone and dead.

This week has certainly been a fiasco. There is no better word to describe it. I've got to think back about where to begin because this week has become one big hellish blur with a little bit of what could be some real amazing times thrown in.

Monday I had my first day off in a long time. Maybe we should have spent it packing for our moves that happened this week, but we didn't. We relaxed a little watching films on our laptops, having coffee and chatting at Two Sisters and later eating dinner at the Homestead. I know there's a few things I'm missing, but overall it was an okay day.

Tuesday it was back to work. Such is my life, I'm a workaholic and I wish I could stop. I wish there was a treatment for it, however, since America doesn't consider it a problem or something you can diagnose with the DSM I doubt this will happen in my lifetime. We got to move to the condo on Tuesday evening. We were planning on bringing everything but by the time we got to the ranch and packed some stuff up we only did one load. We made it to the condo and rushed to sleep because we had to leave for Anchorage early in the morning on Wednesday.

Wednesday we didn't get up and going as early as we would have liked because my insomnia continues to occur and therefore I didn't get moving as early as I'dve liked. We left town sometime mid morning, dropped Beowulf off at the ranch, which I knew I'd end up regretting, got fueled up both with diesel and coffee from Two Sisters and got out of Homer. We reached Anchorage early afternoon and went to have lunch and internet at Mid way Cafe by REI because I knew they had decent free internet. After that we ran to meet Pete/r Banji's new housemate/landlord in Anchorage. He seems like a real great and interesting guy. After we met with Pete and got keys to B's new place we went to his bikeshop to get a bike for Banji. Later on that day we learned that Garrison Keillor rented a bike from him just after we left. We Minnesotans sure do stick together. Don't we? After that we decided to get bedding at Target. After a two hour period of getting lost and stuck in terrible traffic we realized Target is not open yet in Anchorage and went to Fred Meyer. (On a totally different note, we found out there's going to be a Target opening in Wasilla before the one in Anchorage even opens. I'm sure Sarah Palin has something to do with this. I'll just say this one thing, if she had ran for mayor in Homer she'd never have been elected and we wouldn't current have this situation on our hands). So we bought a bunch of necessities for Mr. P and then proceeded to go to the wrong Wally world for my drugs and so I never got my medicine I've been waiting for--for two months. Anyway, after that we went and had dinner a great place not far from Mr. P's new place, Dami. After that I dropped him off at his new home, hugged, kissed and cried a little and left Banji at his new home. I of course, got lost for over an hour upon leaving Anchorage and then got stuck in an hour of traffic by Indian (my old stomping grounds) and continued to head back home to Homer. Me getting lost is kind of unusual. Well, as it has been all summer long, it rained a lot, but really hard. The Jetta has been pretty sick for a while now and it wasn't liking the rain too much, but was handing it pretty well I thought considering. So a little bit before the exit to Hope the Jetta's oil light started to beep and blink. It was frightening because it was loud and flashed. But it would beep and then go away. Then it would beep again. It did this twice. But didn't do it again for about a half hour. Since I had no oil with me and there were no gas stations period, let alone open at 10:30 at night till Soldotna I couldn't do anything. So I got to Soldotna a little after midnight I suppose and by this time the oil light was on again and was really screaming at me. But like I said, what was I to do, pull over and wait for the oil fairy and mechanic god to come along? This was not likely since myself and only two other cars were playing touch and go tag the whole way at this point and of course they turned towards Seward. So I get to gas station number one in Soldotna. I put in two things of oil and the light goes off, the smoking goes away, yes, it was now smoking. So I drove off. No problems. No smoke, no alarms, no beeping, no flashing red oil light. ...until 20 miles past Soldotna. Now it was on and would not go off and was visibly smoking while I was driving. So I pull over and let it cool for a while. Whiel I'm trying to figure out how much further it is to Homer in my head. Which of course I never figured out because I decided to turn back to Soldotna and get more oil. I figured I hadn't added enough. So I bought four bottles this time. Stupid me adds all of them. I knew this probably was not a good idea but it was almost one in the morning at this point, my dog was outside in the rain at the ranch, which he hates, Moosu was at home by himself in the condo, so I put it in and go. I make it two stoplights from gas station number two and the battery dies and I pull off to the side road but the car won't turn over and I'm stuck as is where I am. I call AAA and they say your membership has expired, no we won't let you renew at this moment but you can pay cash to the local tow truck company to have it towed outta the street. I walk to the ATM and take out every last penny I have. Fortunately, I had a little. But of course the little I had was meant for rent and other necessities. So I go and wait for the tow truck and call a cab because I need to get to Homer somehow. So I am waiting much longer than the twenty minutes the tow truck driver told me it was going to be, waiting for the cab that is supposed to be here already and freaked out because it's been a real long time and this car is still smoking.

Even though my car is in the middle of the street outside of the McDonald's and Fire Department building and is less than 150 feet from the police department, no one comes to help, inquire, etc... So $100 later for my car to be towed a quarter a mile away and two and a half hours later I finally arrive in Homer at my new condo and $150 dollars more for the cab ride I arrive to my crying cat at 4 in the morning. By the way, I called everyone I could think of who could help in anyway in Soldotna even if it was just for moral support and no one answered. I wasn't willing to shell out $20 or so more bucks and force the cab to go down a helluva a road that I'm pretty sure was the demise to the Jetta just so I could get Beowulf. However, I had texted Jim asking him to drop off Beowulf in town the next day because honestly I was pretty upset that I was away from my dog and that he had to spend the night outside in the rain. Which honestly, for him might be worse than his one night in doggy jail. Oh and don't forget about the fact that I filled up the car with diesel so another $60 there and $35 in oil.

Insomnia hits me that morning because I can't believe my terrible luck and the fiasco this has become. I had considered taking off Thursday to hang out with a friend who's visiting AK and driving to meet him in Seard but of course, this didn't happen. Instead I stayed in bed till about 10am and then went to Two Sisters to have yet another curried soup, I'm so sick of curry especially overly gingered curry (i'm allergic to ginger btw) that Americans all assume is so lovely and true to its nature but is not. If we were in the UK it's one thing but seriously, leave it to the Southeast Asians folks and me. I can make a damn good curry, but if you have no experience cooking that cuisine, just leave it to the trained cultural chefs. Plus, the internet was not working there so I wasn't able to resolve the slough of problems I went to take care of. So I lugged my laptop to the library to do research and figure some things out. For example, how in the hell am I going to get a new car in the next two days for my hubby so he can work? So I had to take off yet another day of work I figured out. I solved a lot of problems but was so stressed out that I seriously had to talk myself out of having a nervous breakdown. I left the library to return a phone call from Jim who had left me a voicemail saying that he was on his way to town. So I started to walk home. I got home to wait for him to return my "bebe" Beowulf to find out that he did not bring Beowulf with him. This stressed me out even more. Beowulf does such a good job at calming me when I'm stressed, I needed him. But he wasn't coming home to me. Banji was not answering my phone calls and I did not know how I should proceed to get to Anchorage. By bus, plane or by car. I did know after going to the post office without my PO Box key that my paycheck had not arrived. So I knew I had to wait till that came before I could leave.

So Thursday evening, I decided I was going to start my new rituals in my new home. So I brought out my book, ran a bath and hopped in. Well, two things happened or rather there are two problems with my dream of soaking and reading in the tub nightly. One, the tub is shaped in a way that it is not condusive to comfort of soaking. Two, the litter box is currently right next to the tub and without Moosu's swheat scoop litter in it, it stinks to high heaven. So my dreams of relaxing and reading in the tub nightly will need to be adjusted. A bath pillow must be purchased and the litter box must be relocated. Anyway, as usual insomnia kicked in and I couldn't sleep till well after midnight.

One more thing that happened on Thursday, I had received a voicemail from a co-worker saying that Moosu, my cat got stuck in the neighbors apartment and she couldn't get him out. So again, I rushed (was back at the library finishing research and errands) out of the library and to my houses (on foot--no car anymore, bike still at ranch) to find Moosu in my apartment. Later, I went to the neighbors and found out that it was a feral cat that she let into her apartment because she thought it was mine!!! Thank goodness for it not being Moosu but poor neighbor lady who I think is named Sue!

By the way, this is my first time living alone in reality. That's going to be another very long post, but just wanted to mention it.

So friday I go to Adventure Alaska car rental to pick up a rental car. There was a bit of a fiasco there which I'm getting tired so I'm not going to get into that at this time on this post, but I think Trace the owner is going to buy the ill Jetta. I hope he does at least. Anyway, I made it to Anchorage at around 4pm that afternoon, the city was crazy because most Alaskans who've lived here x number of months and applied and received their PFD Checks for the amount of $3200. So, people were shopping galore and where better to do it than in Skankorage where all the shops exist. Minus Target boutique which still hasn't opened. Lol. Anyway, a few more fiascoes occurred, Banji lost his social security card and now must apply for his citizenship this weekend to get another one. Which good and bad. After six hours we bought a Nissan Pathfinder which we are very happy about and will suit us well. Unfortunately, it's Banji's work car and will be in Anchorage most of the time and I live in Homer which is 210 miles away. We decided to drive home this morning instead of last night because I accidentally took us the wrong way on a one way and decided that was a bad omen.

Anyway, made it back safely from Anchorage this morning, almost hit a huge bear that came barrelling out of the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. But it was a spectacular site. Fall is here on the Kenai Peninsula and it's vibrantly beautiful, not like Minnesota but just as impressive.

Hope all is well in everyone else's worlds. Today's title is stolen from one of my favorite things in the world, the radio show from Chicago Public Radio, "this american life." If they ever make a new episode, I think this story deserve to be part of Fiasco: the sequel.

Good night and Good luck.

-KJH

Different

2008-09-06T11:37:00.002-08:00

So I've realized recently that I really am different. In fact, I've been different most of my life and have pretty much always known this since I was a child. However, in recent years I've kind of forgotten it because I surround myself with like minded folks. I've been doing a lot of reflecting during our current political climate. I realized I have not once been part of a majority. I wonder what it would be like if I were.

Anyway, I keep getting e-mails from all the political organizations I belong to asking me what I think of Sarah Palin, tourists ask me what I think of her as well, etc... But the thing about the tourists that strikes me as a bit odd is they ask, "What do you think of your governor getting the nomination?" My answer always begins the same, "well, I'm a Democrat." The thing that surprises me is that none of them have said, "me too..." I just assumed that most people are Democrats because in Mpls and in MN I tended to surround myself with fellow Dems or Libs, just as in Homer, I moved to the most liberal and Democrat friendly city in all of Alaska. Anyway, I think it's great a woman got the nomination but I'm afraid that this will help McCain win the Presidency. Anyway, I encourage all of you who read this blog to get involved in the political process. Please do more than vote, educate yourself on who you are voting for, talk to others and get others who are apathetic to vote.

So yesterday there was a very low ceiling in Homer. In fact so low it covered the entire lower town of Homer and all of Kachemak Bay, which is what Kachemak bay means "smokey bay." I took some photos on Skyline Drive and will show them to you all once I have internet access with my laptop.

Times are a changing, that is for sure. Banji and I move to town in a few days. Banji starts his new job and life in Anchorage. I believe fall has officially arrived. But even with all this, life is good.

XOXO KJH

vampires

2008-08-30T13:21:00.002-08:00

So I met a vampire the other day. No really, I did. Well, okay, maybe not. But if she were one, maybe she wouldn't have gotten fired. So the other night at Alice's when we were celebrating Nate's last night in town Emily got "angry" at him and decided to bite him on his cheek and scratch the "crap" outta him. So needless to say, Emily the "vampire" got let go yesterday. Sarah Palin also got chosen as McCain's running mate. So when the fog came in very fast and eerily yesterday it totally made sense for the type of day we had. Anyway, I made a bet with Banji the night before about who was going to get the nomination and I bet on Pawlenty and he bet on Romney and now I don't know who lost. I'm very nervous about this nomination and I'm going to do all I can to get Obama elected.

Anyway, in the end the fog left Homer and we attended a fabulous bonfire. I'll post pics of Nate's smiling face with a bite outta it later. By the way, I sign my lease today so soon I'll be posting pics everyday instead of once in a blue moon or only when I get a decent connection.

lucky duck

2008-08-27T16:34:00.002-08:00

So I have lots of news for the blog today. On Monday I finally drove to Anchorage on a schedule trip up there. There have been four others and I have not made it to one of those. But low and behold this Monday, 5 was the lucky number and I finally made it. Banji had an interview at which he was offered a job! Hurray! Yes, it's in Anchorage, but we've found him a house to live in already. So, whoohoo! We didn't get to go to the state fair in Palmer because I have a major sinus infection and was feeling really sick and since we had a four hour drive back, that was about all I could handle.

Tomorrow I have my second interview for a new job for winter here in Homer. I'm very happy about that. Banji is currently on a bear viewing trip in Lake Clark National Park today. I'm jealous, he doesn't realize the lucky duck he is.

I began reading my first book since I've been in Homer today. It's called, "George and Sam: Two boys, one family and autism." by Charlotte Moore. It was recommended by Nick Hornby my favorite author in one of his books where he recommends or talks about the books he currently is reading and has bought. In that book, he had an excerpt and I bought the book off the used section in Amazon and am currently voraciously consuming the book. It made me reflect a lot on my wanting of children of my own. This happens every August and I happen to read books in August related to children or having them. Last August I read Rebecca Walker's book, "baby love." Anyway, however, just like RW book this book too makes me think twice or ten times about having children. Banji and I are very special people and I'm worried that our children would turn out special, aka autistic or have Asperger's or worse be schizophrenic. Anyway, most of the time I think children are just too much work, take too much time and money, and besides I'm just too young. Well, I'm almost 28 and by most people's standards that really isn't too young to have children. All of my siblings had children by this time (the ones that have had them). Anyway, it remains to be seen if Banji and I ever have children and if and or when I think I'm old enough to have them as well. For now, I'm happy with Beowulf and Moosu as my "beebee's."

XOXO KJH

townies...

2008-08-23T13:19:00.002-08:00

So it's official. I'm becoming a "townie." For those of you who don't live in Homer or Alaska, you won't understand this term. However, y'all from H-town do. Now, it's kind of funny that I'm becoming a townie because in reality, I've always been a townie. I move to town on September 9th. I can't say I'm not really really looking forward to it and super excited because I am. I can't wait. I'm sick of the fear of getting stuck in the mud and missing work. I'm sick of hearing rain fall and it making my heart beat a thousand times faster and making it even harder to fall asleep when I'm in my cabin. This is all funny because for those of you who know me I'm pretty bourgeois. I tease Banji all the time about being "bourgie" but it's me who is all very "bourgie." I am a foodie, I love my films, I love eating out, I loved having a housekeeping and dognanny when we had one, I love my coffeshop lifestyle. Things I really hate are solitude, taking long walks to no where by myself, I think some people call that "hiking," and just being removed from society and things going on. As a child I love playing in the mud and being outside by myself. But at some point that change and I'm no longer that child who sat in the sand box all day by herself. I do love long driveways, it's true. I do love the drive home because every day the view is different and one of the best in the world. But I don't love driving home with so much fog that you can't see two feet in front of you with major rain coming down on the car and the road is so slippery and mucky that if you go less than 25 miles per hour you'll get stuck but yet you can see anything and where the road is curving. So no more. We are moving to town.

Banji is not too excited about this move. I know this. But I am and sometimes you have to take one for the team. Right? C'est la vie.

So I'm trying to figure out what to do this fall for work. I might be getting a second "real" job or I could get a second job doing something like being a barista or something. I'm not sure what I want yet and I guess it'll have to wait and see if I get offered the "real" job and what Banji ends up doing for a job.

Everyone is leaving soon. Soon my work will be very different. All my summer volunteers will be gone and all the local Homerians will take their place. So odd. Life is so strange sometimes.

So did you all hear about Joe Biden being Barack's running mate? I don't know how I feel about this yet. I did donate $30 to the campaign this morning and that may be just a sucker move but I'll wait and see. Maybe it'll warm up to me. Dunno yet.

XOXO.

-KJH

that's the way to my heart...

2008-08-20T17:29:00.002-08:00

So, life has been a little bit brighter for me the past couple of days, even though there's been bits of it that have made me want to crawl back into bed and baul (is that how you spell that?) all day long. I've gotten little gifts of mail order things in the mail almost everyday this week. I've been buying my cousin's wedding gifts on-line and been receiving them. Also, I've been buying clothes for Banji and myself. So it's a little like Christmas in August, except for that I paid for them and picked them out myself. However, they come wrapped, so that counts, right?

Life has been throwing me some curve balls lately. Getting stuck on Friday was a huge one. Then yesterday, I get to the car and I have a flat tire. It rained really hard all night long and I was already worried I wouldn't make it out the driveway and Kristen had asked me not to attempt it. So this hit me really hard. So I made the decision to drive down the driveway anyway and Ohlson Mountain road with a flat tire. I don't know if it was the right or the wrong one still, but I made it to the end of the road. So I guess no matter what, for all it's worth it, it was the right one. However, about a half mile down Skyline I decided it's time to put on the doughnut. Well, when I got out the tire had melted and had gotten holes all over it. It looked like hell. So, we got out the jack and couldn't get it to work. Go figure. We were already late (well I was anyway) so the stress was really starting to pour in. However, a friendly neighbor decided to help us with their jack and helped us put on the doughnut. But... There were no tires in Homer to be had for the poor Jetta.

I'm seriously considering moving into town. I have no problem being considered a "townie." I'm also, interviewing for a different job. I'll miss Islands and Ocean but I seriously need something full time through winter and with some bennies.

I'm making some great relationships here and have made some wonderful friends. Ironically, none are locals and none were born here.

Hope all is well wherever you are reading this.

Cheers,

Kate

marimba

2008-08-17T16:38:00.002-08:00

So this last Tuesday even though I really wanted to spend the evening in, we decided to go to the ARTrageous Ball at Alice's Champagne Palace. I had heard that there was going to be Marimba music playing so I thought why not? Well, there was not just one Marimba band who played who are from Homer, there was 4, and supposedly somewhere there's a 5th! Anyway, there's still a lot of debate with me and few others from Islands and Ocean as to what exactly Marimba is and the difference between it and a xylophone and a ballafon. I tried figuring out the difference on Wikipedia but I've failed to find a solid answer. Anyway, the moral to this story is if you go to Homer the Marimba is not to be missed. We had a fantastic night.

Earlier in the day, Banji decided to walk from our home on Ohlson Mountain to my work. Just a short 14 mile hike in the rain in brand new Xtratufs. lol. For those of you who know Homer and where we live this is quite the trek and quite hilarious. But he did just fine, until he made a wrong turn and went down East End Road instead of into downtown. All in all he got what he wanted though. A nice walk in the rain and to see the sights.

Life is going well here in Homer. The other day we had a slight driveway snafu though. The Jetta got stuck and it took two tow trucks and a front end loader to get us all out. The first and the second tow truck also got stuck. I know, I know, only in Alaska.

Cheers,

KJH

the closer

2008-08-12T13:51:00.003-08:00

so today is raining on and off. not a big surprise. i live in alaska. this is the norm. i still don't own xtratufs, but banji does now so we best be using them. got hiim all geared up over the weekend. just when we get all geared up, we'll move. lol. but that's how life works doesn't it. i fall a little more in love each day with the idea of moving to nigeria. i really hope it happens. but we'll see.

homer is a lovely place to live. however, it's not anywhere near as calm as expected. there's just so much to do and so much going on here. i feel like there's never a dull moment here. tonight i have the artrageous ball at alice's champagne palace. i think it will be a fun event. even though, i've completely fallen in love with homer, i think our relationship is going to be a short affair. sorry homer, my heart belongs to someone else. someone named africa. it doesn't really matter where, but it's where i'm meant to be. alaska will still be here and i'll still have ties and connections and can always come back.

moosu and banji are acclimating to homer life. banji is starting to appreciate all the beautiful natural scenery that the kenai peninsula has to offer. moosu is enjoying having a new house to explore and loves to wrap himself between the main comforter and the down blanket. yes, we sleep with down blankets and comforters all summer long here. yes, we wear pants all summer long too, but i don't care it's gorgeous here even on a rainy day. in homer, it's not a rainy day like juneau, you can still see different views and they are all spectacular. or as some folks say in homer, spitacular! lol.

this weekend will be a busy one. it's the kenai peninsula fair. it's the annual leo party at windhorse ranch. it's the john prine concert. it's one the last weekends of summer so I must get out and do some of those "summer" activities. I have a huge pile of books to read for pleasure and many more for work. I work as well. which is shitty. So yeah.

Anyway, I'm planning an early October trip to Dutch Harbor. I cannot wait. I know the seas are gonna be rough just like I like 'em. Anyway, life is going okay. Still got major insomnia, I dunno what the term is for not being able to get up in the morning, but that's the main problem... If anyone knows that term, e-mail it to me.

Cheers,

KJH

jump tomorrow

2008-08-07T15:30:00.002-08:00

so tomorrow banji and moosu arrive. I cannot wait. I posted a quiz/question up here for you all to think about whoever reads this anyway. Banji and I are considering moving to Nigeria. For those of you who know me really well, not many of you who've gotten to know me in the last year know this particular side of me though, my real passion and lifelong dream is to live and work in Africa. This is why I've wanted to work as a volcanologist in the East African Rift Valley. I always assumed it would be me that dragged us to Africa, but this is not the case. In fact it is my in-laws and hubby that will be drawing me across to the glorious continent. I really hope we do end up moving to Nigeria, don't get me wrong I love Homer and last week I was really torn about the idea. However, my heart is there. There's so much to learn and to be learned while I'd be there.

I've been busy and pretty sick lately. I finally had some energy yesterday night to get our cabin ready for Moosu and Banji's arrival and I ended up pulling a muscle in my back. It was really bad. I couldn't bend or turn all night long. It was so bad that I couldn't squat to pee in my honey bucket, let alone to bend and pick it up. In the end I had to take off my pants and squat and aim like a boy. Man it was a struggle. I'm feeling much better today but still a bit tender.

Hope all is well in the contiguous lower forty-eight. Life in Homer is like heaven for me and Beowulf. We are starting to adjust and come to our own here. However, of course this might change for us in a few months. But hey, there's nothing wrong with being continent hoppers. Besides, the time is now and we have no children and nothing keeping us here. Not that children are an excuse to live a full life anyway.

XOXO

champagne, chocolate, and chopin

2008-08-02T14:59:00.002-08:00

Tomorrow, I am attending the Champagne, Chocolate and Chopin event at the Tutka Bay Lodge across the bay. I am so stoked for it. I love Chopin, I just happen to love Chocolate and Champagne as well. Plus, it comes with a boat ride, what more could a girl want?

I started writing a new novel last night. Let's hope this one goes somewhere. I felt very inspired and could've stayed up for hours writing. But I didn't. I figured I should get some sleep.

Anyway, just keeping you all informed. Less than a week till Moosu and Banji arrive!

-KJH

the banji list

2008-08-02T12:37:00.003-08:00

I've been compiliing a list of places and things to do while Banji is in Homer. Well, he's moving here but god only knows how long that will be for. So here's where I want to take him.

1. Spitfire Grill- my favorite restaurant in Homer
2. Salty Dawg--great Bar, a must see
3. Bishop’s Beach--mine and the B-man's favorite place
4. Two Sisters--best coffee and soup
5. Pratt Museum--love the Oil Spill exhibit
6. Kachemak Bay State Park--have not been and want to go real bad
7. Ferry to Kodiak-- have not been and want to go
8. Ferry to Cordova--again, have not been and want to go
9. Dutch Harbor--hello, it's DUTCH Freakin Harbor, man!
10. Katmai--10,000 smokes, hello!
11. Lake Clark--can we say dick proeneke?
12. Denali train trip--the train!
13. Homestead Restaurant-- I still have not been yet
14. Homer Hounds--Beowulf doggy daycare
15. Cosmic Kitchen--Best Halibut tacos and fastest internet
16. Homer Library--well, this one is just a given

Got any ideas of things to add, let me know.

more pics

2008-07-30T14:11:00.007-08:00

the mainhouse.

beowulf in the car on our way to alaska.

an old photo of the b-man.
here's beowulf on bishop's beach by my work.
this is beowulf with his new friend, ripple. she lives on the ranch with us.

pics

2008-07-28T12:35:00.003-08:00

This is a photo of the bathhouse and part of the main house as well.

creep

2008-07-27T14:08:00.001-08:00

so every day in homer, my favorite time of day is my drive to and from
home. i'm so thankful i live on the lovely ranch that i do. i feel
like i was meant to end up here and that's why i've chosen the
difficult life i might have this winter. the drive home is almost
always the best part of the day.

take this evening. as i drove, creep by radiohead was on the radio on
89.3 and the ocean was glistening like a roaring fire and iliamna and
her three sisters were just staring at me and augustine was just
chillin in the back. beowulf was laying down in the back of jetta
just relaxing and waiting for the meal he was about to receive when we
reach home. the rolling green meadows around the mountain are so
lively and so many shades of emerald, it's just magnificent. i
haven't taken any pictures yet because none of them will ever do the
feeling it gives me (the drive) justice. all i can say is i'm one of
the luckiest woman in the world to live here. I'll take the rain,
especially since it gives me such beauty like this.

today, i experienced part of homer and alaska that i never experienced
in minnesota. supposedly, it exists around bemidji, but i was unaware
of that. i went to this teeny village called, "nicolaevsk." it was a
trip let me tell. something not to be missed if you are ever in or
around homer or anchor point. it's an old believer village.

life is good in homer.

(this is a belated post from last weekend)

gone country

2008-07-25T16:45:00.002-08:00

So life has been up and down the past few days. Got the Jetta going again. However, there were many moments while it at was at Scrugg's where my control issues set in and stressed me out to high heaven. For those of you who know me, you know this isn't a good thing. I'm a control freak. Yesterday I was stuck out on the ranch and was completely frozen, seriously. I should have cleaned, organized, exercised, written, read, listened to music, anything but what I did was the exact opposite. I did nothing. I stayed in bed most of the day with the dogs and watched "The O.C." my latest obsession and I didn't even enjoy it because of not being able to get into town to work because I had no car and wasn't allowed to drive K's car into town on the driveway because she thought it was in too bad of condition. So I was stuck. I was completely worthless.

Anyway, in the evening I went out to Alice's for the first time and got to RayJen Cajun play live. It was Katlin and Dave's bdays and it was a fantastic evening. I didn't get to show off my creole dancing skills because no one asked me to dance and I wasn't in the mood to go and ask anyone. It was nice to see everyone that I know in Homer pretty much all in one place. It was kind of like a Gilmore Girls episode. Lol.

Anyway, this morning I woke up and just stood on my porch for a good ten minutes staring at Augustine and enjoying the sunshine while it lasted. Of course it's gone now. Such is life in Homer but I got to enjoy it this morning. I love looking at Augustine. I feel like when he appears it's like he's blessing me for the day with his presence. I just love it.

I should've called this the anyway post. But anyway, those of you who have known me most of my life, not many of you, but those of you who have know that when I was young I loved rock'n'roll, then in my early teens, I believe they call it the tween years I was really into country, then rap in the true teens, then I went to Alternative scene in the late teens, then in the early twenties I got really into Brit Pop, and then into Austin Country, and then another brush with rap in my mid twenties. Well, the late twenties are setting in or have set, I dunno what I consider 27 to be yet, but "anyway" I've gone back to the old school and sadly to say this back to country. So lately I've been listening to "Once bitten twice shy" by Whitesnake, one of my favorite songs to listen to with my brother John when I was growing up. Also, I've been listening to lots of Otis Redding. An oldie. Then there's this country phase I'm currently going through. Mostly just digging on the country radio stations galore in Homer. I know, wtf is going on with me? Also, I've been listening to "Paradise City." I forget who did it but I downloaded it offa iTunes. Anyway, it seems I've been listening to more country stations than listening to my old favorite NPR. Also, I find myself craving country music. What's wrong with me?

-KJH

shiite

2008-07-19T14:09:00.002-08:00

So, I've been really bad at this blog for most of it's life. Part of it at first was no access to computers and internet. Then it was illness. I'm still ill, but it's just an excuse. Since I've moved to Homer I've made very little time for reading and writing and this is not good. It's not good because this writing and reading thing really gets me to reflect on my life and the world around me. I need to work harder on it and starting now I'm going to try and write daily and make it worth your while to read.

Most of you who live in Alaska and know me, know that I've been waivering on where to live this winter in Homer. Most of you in Minnesota and elsewhere reading this are like, "huh?" But I've been struggling with what to do and finally have made my decision to live 11 miles out of town and stay on the ranch at the top of Ohlson Mountain. Now that I have made my decision and will be moving slowly into the new cabin I am getting excited. I'm going to write a book on my first year living in Alaska, living the real Alaskan life living far out in a dry cabin on top of a mountain. I'll be posting excerpts from what that book will become on this blog. Since most of the winter I'll only be working ten hours a week I have thirty hours to work on the book. I'm very excited about it.

So soon you'll be reading my story.

love,

kjh

tired

2008-07-16T16:08:00.002-08:00

Life in Homer is going well for Beowulf and I. I'm kinda tired though. Cancer is kicking my butt a bit. The search continues to find a place that's not so "rustic" in winter. I love the farm/ranch but living on a mountain in the middle of winter is a tad rough. So I'm looking for something a little closer and easier to drive. Work is going well. I love the community and the people I work with. They are such a treat. Been seeing lots of moose and porcupines lately. Went dipnetting this morning, caught 5 red salmon. It's been pretty blustery here. But it's ever so beautiful. I cannot wait for Banji and Moosu to join us here.

love you all.

-KJH

scotch

2008-07-04T16:26:00.001-08:00

so, i had my first taste of scotch last night after dinner with jim and kristin. it wasn't all that bad. it's going to take some effort on my part ot acquire the taste however. but that's completely possible.

happy fourth to all who are reading this. i'm in the parade tonight.

miss you all.

love,

kate

turning of the tide

2008-07-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

so as most of you know, beowulf (myself i guess as well) doesn't transition well. however, he's been doing darn good considering. i was worried about what i'd do with him during the day while i worked. so far, i haven't figured out a good solution. i left him in the car all day on day one. i didn't go out to check on him at all because it upsets him so much that i figured it was best not too. however, i have no idea how he did. but when i came back to the car he didn't bark, just looked at me. later on that evening before going to dinner with new co-workers, i tried leaving him at the farm, but he just freaked out and ran round and round the car. i figured he'd just follow me down the entire mile and a half driveway. so i threw him in the car and he sat in the back while i ate at the thai restaurant. so today at work, i had beowulf in the car for the first half of the day and the second half of the day i brought him to doggie daycare at homer hounds. where he scaled the fence over and over to come and get me. they eventually had to tie him up because he kept trying to jump the fence to come back to me. he just loves me too much they say. so... tomorrow, we are going to have him hang out in the car for the first half of the day again, then homer hounds will pick him up for playgroup and take him to bishop beach, then bring him back to the car afterwards. we are going to try this out and see how it goes. so wish him luck. this damn dog just loves me so much he cannot bear to be away from me for even a minute.

tomorrow morning, today when this gets posted, i am going for a tide walk on bishop's beach with elizabeth. she's one of the geologists at work. i'm so excited to go on it. this is something i've never done before and always wanted to do. we offer so many amazing free things at my work it's just awesome. today we were looking at all sorts of rocks, radiolarians i believe they are called and sea stars under the microscopes. it was so cool. on friday, we have the fourth of july parade and i'm going to be in it for the visitor's center. on saturday, i am going to a dinner party at the bunkhouse where all the volunteers live. i think on sunday i'm going dip-netting with some of the ladies at work. also, i have to start reading my book for the book club i'm in!!! oh and on saturday i'm also going to a tango lesson.

homer is just wonderful. it's filled with so much fun stuff. oh and i plan on going to all sorts of galleries for first friday as well. life is grand. radiation is going okay, in a bit of pain but i'm hanging in there.

tidings of joy,

kate

on the farm

2008-06-29T11:07:00.003-08:00

Cheers to you all!

I am doing so well. I had a rough ride through Canada. Axel and Rotor broke that was brand new. No cell phone coverage through all of Canada so it was a lonely and rough ride. However, I'm in Homer again and loving it so much. I know it was the right move even though the almost 2700 miles through Canada I was questioning myself every minute. Started cancer treatment yesterday. I will be working at the Islands and Oceans Visitors center as the Branch Manager for Alaska Geographic for those of you who don't know. It's a wonderful visitors center just off of Bishop's Beach for those of you who know Homer. i am living on Windhorse Ranch at the top of Ohlson Mountain 8 miles out of town and it's beautiful up here. I'm doing work in exchange for free food and a free cabin. My cabin is small but just lovely. Beowulf and I love it. The farm has a greenhouse, a "bathhouse" with a shower, sauna and hot tub, four pastures, tons of little buildings and two other cabins. There are two Icelandic horses and a goat. They also have a staffordshire terrier mix name Ripples who has become Beowulf's new best friend. They run all over the 770!!! acres together. I was nervous that I would find it stuffy living near others but it's so fabulous. The driveway itself is a 1.5 miles long! Those of you who know me know I love long driveways so it's awesome. As I speak I am sitting on the maindeck on the main cabin and typing this to all of you out there. Beowulf and Ripples are sunning themselves. Will send photos another day. Anyway, I don't have many minutes on my phone so please don't expect calls till later this week.

I'd love to get mail so if you want or need to send me something here's my address till I can afford a PO Box. Ok? Ok. So I got a PO Box now. You can send me or Banji mail here.
Kate Hallet
PO Box 2846
Homer, AK 99603-2846

Miss you all and love you all as well.
Write me!

Love,

KJH

leaving on a jet plane (or a jetta rather)...

2008-06-18T12:09:00.003-08:00

So I'm beginning to actually prepare and plan for my trip back to Alaska. Man am I getting excited. I cannot wait to arrive there. I think even Beowulf is getting excited and is preparing himself for a very long car ride. I cannot wait to get to Alaska. For those of you who already live there and for those of you who have been know what I am talking about. I love Minneapolis, it truly has a lot to offer, but it pales in comparison to Alaska. It really does. I will miss so many parts of this place all over again. I left before right before Spring arrived which is a very different time to be in Minnesota and in Minneapolis in particular. But summer is spectacular here. I love to cook and dance and it's the best time of the year for that right now. Farmer's Markets daily and live music and warm weather nightly. However, I'm ready to go find those things in Homer. I'm ready to beat this damn cancer and I'm ready to learn to live again, to be a little more adventurous, to get fit again.

I've been working on my Alaska Drive playlist on my iTunes and it's making me so excited to get on the road. Just me, my dog and the jetta. It's going to be about a sixty hour drive. So that's a lot of music. However, I've got over 10,000 songs and a lot of this American life to listen to. I'm a huge fan of "this american life." Anyway, I'm really ready to start my new life in Alaska with Beowulf and excited for Banji to join me later on this summer. I'm excited for all the visitors I'll be having. I'm just really ready to be gone.

For those of you who know me well, know that this is a welcome change and will be really hard for me. In Minnesota I worked really hard to have a support network around me. I've had visitors constantly since I've been home. However, it's going to be a welcome change to just chill on the beach with Beowulf. It's going to be nice to be tv---less. It's going to be interesting just to cook for one.

Anyway, I welcome this new part of my life and I'm ready to get on with it.

However, while I've been in Minneapolis, I've cooking some of the best damn food I've made in years. I've been making some amazing seafood chowders, inspired by Deadliest Catch. Last night I made this amazing sweet potato hash with eggs. I've been impressing myself and that's hard to do. Last night Dick and Nicole came to visit. Afterwards, we went to visit Farheen and Mary for many hours. I've been avoiding talking politics on this blog and in life. Politics are a passion of mine, but just like most passionate things they tend to add stress to ones life and I'm trying to avoid that as much as possible.

Anyway, so for now I dance in my seat and make my playlist for me and my dawg Beowulf for our sixty hour road trip. Lots of fun sing along songs, lots of dance music but no punk, for that's just not how we roll!

Cheers,

KJH

man, i need some new music in my life...

2008-06-12T21:54:00.004-08:00

dick says music is the root of all evil and the reason why people are no longer engaged in civics anymore. however, i disagree. music makes or breaks my day. it puts me in a chipper mood or puts me in a funk. i obsess over it. it makes me orgasmic at times. i love music. today i got a lot of new music in my life. people who know me know that i don't really need more music consider i've got thousands of songs on my iPod already that i've never heard and probably never will. but damn i just got some good shit... i highly recommend it to you all. i'll make you a mixed cd if you'd like.

anyway, i'm going to just cut and paste from my myspace because my internet is limited here and i'm kinda tired even though i'm jazzed about this music but i'm not feeling the greatest and need to head to the toilet....

Just bought some new albums.

Here's what my ears have been enjoying...

Haley Bonar's "Big Star"
fav song thus far: "something great"

Bob Schneider's "When the Sun Breaks Down on the Moon"
man, this album is all over the place.
I really like the drums in "slower dear" but i love the mali feel to "when the sun breaks down to the moon." it would make ali farka toure proud or toumani diabate.

Jack Johnson's "Sleep through the Static"
really like the song "hope" and it's the reason i bought the album. heard it on cities 97 and new i needed in my life...

Les Amis Creole's -- self titled
This brings me back to the folk fest in Juneau and creole dancing with the boys. The whole album brings me back to Alaska and how much I miss being there. My favorite one though is "fais pa tout ca."

anyway, i gotta go.

peace out...

canceritis

2008-06-11T09:08:00.003-08:00

What I'm lookin like these days!!! I'm at May Day, my old stompin grounds....

So I'm still in Minneapolis. It's been major culture and climate shock since I've been back. Most of you know I have been battling pneumonia and that's why I haven't left for Homer yet. Also, my cancer is back and it has spread. Not only is back in my colon, but it's spread to the pancreas. This is no good. So I know many of my Minnesotan friends and family members are sitting and wondering, "why the hell is she going back to Alaska?"

Well, here I am to tell you why... Insurance, bottom line. It's there and not in Minnesota. Also, I need as little stress as possible and being around all you folks, no matter how much I enjoy my time with you and love you all, you stress me out. I need to be by the sea with my dog and just chill. I need to get over this hump of my life. I need to live past thirty and the doctors say if I don't de-stress myself I'm going to be up a shit crick without a paddle cuz the odds suck with pancreatic cancer. Anyway, I'm moving to Homer, Alaska with Beowulf. You can check out where Homer is on google maps. It's a great quaint little fishing village/town whatever. I'm going to be living in a small cabin with my dog. They have a hospital there and that's where I'll receive treatment. People are more than welcome to come and visit me. I'd love to have visitors. If you'd like to come and see me that's awesome. Sun Country has extremely affordable flights. I'll be leaving next Monday June 16th. But that's for real. I'm leaving then. If you want to see me before then, give me a call or email me.

Just wanted to give ya'll a heads up. email me for more information.

Cheers,

KJH

bitches brew stew

2008-06-03T17:39:00.002-08:00

so i'm home in minneapolis for those of you who don't know. i'll be here for a few more days and then i'm heading back to good old alaska with beowulf. we are moving to homer for the summer. i've got a few job possibilities lined up and we are living in a cabin in the country. our cabin was built around a tree. i've been pretty sick, cancer symptoms are back, plus i've got a terrible cold and cough that just won't break. so tonight i made some made bitches brew stew. a little bit of this and lot of that a shake and a stir and voila, bitches brew stew. it's got lentils, yellow split peas, sea veggies, shiitake mushrooms, peppers and more. hopefully, it's just what my body needs.

xoxo kjh

a walk with the sun

2008-05-30T17:48:00.006-08:00

This is a picture taken outside of my tent at Eagle Beach around 11pm one night. I am so in love with the Chilkats.

Same time, same place, just a little diff.

another night at the chilkats in eagle beach, at the end of the road, in juneau.

So I've been thinking a lot lately. Which I guess is nothing new for me, I'm always thinking. Too much some would say. Anyway, a lot of windows opened for me today. A few huge ones really. Most of you know I've been pretty unhappy in the job that I came to Alaska for. Well, I had an interview today and have another on Tuesday. One would be just a summer job and the other would be a fall, possibly summer job, but would be a very long term job. Anyway, I fell in love with Homer this last weekend and one of the jobs would be there. The other would be in Fairbanks. Either way they both pay a lot more than I'm making and would be more worth my time in many ways. One of the jobs would be at the first green restaurant in Alaska, I'd be the baker. Yep, you read that right. The baker. The other is pretty fucking cool though too. I'd be the Operations Assistant at the Geophysical Institute. A very cool job as well. Whatever happens I will be looking for a dry cabin in either place to move to, unless I decide to stick with what I'm doing. Only time shall tell. However, if I choose one of the others I'm having my damn dog shipped up. Enough of being away from my baby. What was I thinking. It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. Man, I miss him so much! Anyway, I've realized what I'm missing here and what is making me so miserable. I love the surroundings. I hate the people. I hate the lack of connection I have to the community. I hate the constant moving. I love to put down roots. It's just the kind of chica I am. So I'm gonna go for a walk now in the woods and clear this little old noggin of mine. If you have any opinions of anything, let me know. I'd love to hear some.

Cheers,

Kate

homering in...

2008-05-29T21:29:00.007-08:00

This is a pic of the good ol' Salty Dawg where I can honestly say I had way too much fun at this last weekend...

sign behind the Salty Dawg that I find funny.

more boats on the spit in homer.

boats on the spit in homer

moose in homer.

So this is my last weekend in Indian. Today's my friday because we 'serve' this Sunday. On Monday morning we head to Haines in our van with no freaking radio. So that means no iPod. It's going to suck. By Wednesday we'll be back in Juneau. I have no idea where we'll be spiking. Anyway, this week hasn't been that bad, but it hasn't been amazing either.

Here's the deal, I know where I'm going to be this summer but I would be much better if I were just in one place and getting to know people who live there. Most of the folks I meet are tourists or SAGA folks who aren't staying in Alaska. I joined AmeriCorps so I could get to know Alaska and Alaskans better, to transition. However, it's hard when you live with the same people and are moving every week or two and if the folks you live with aren't your type of folks...

Anyway, Homer was awesome I had an amazing meal at the Spitfire Grill and another great night at the Salty Dawg. I highly recommend Homer for those who want to visit Alaska. I hated Seward. It was boring, boring and more boring. But I'm glad I finally got a weekend off. However, it's been hard being back at the shop with everyone and their attitudes.

This week we did some fun things though. I finally met and got to hang out with the new Field Educators. Ryan is a Boston boy and man he's brusque but a lot of fun. Jon is from East Tennessee and looks like Johnny Depp from Benny and Joon, hat and all. We've had fun though doing our thing. We hiked flat top today, checked out the fishery, and went to the Native Heritage Center. It's been a little hard sleeping in a new sleeping bag. It makes no sense but it's been harder. The days are getting longer and longer. It makes it harder to figure out what time of day it is. I meet Minnesotans everywhere but they aren't the ones or kind of ones I wanna meet. A spider has taken up a home in my tent. I haven't seen the moose since last friday.

I'm becoming more and more interested in fishing everyday. Meet a cool guy who runs the hatchery. I may volunteer there sometime. I think I'm going to climb a lot this next week to work out my upper body and try and take morning walks. We haven't been working but I'm afraid I'm going to lose the little muscles I've gained.

I miss being in Homer. I'd definitely live there if I could.

miss you all.

2008-05-29T20:50:00.007-08:00

This is me at my cousin Michele's in Chicago before I left (like a week beforehand).

This is me tonight at the Northern shop in Indian chillin on the couch that sinks you into its black hole.

me making my moose face at the shop.

me being my serious sweet self.

just me sitting on the beach outside of the lodge in Juneau....with my work boots and my carhartts on as usual. I'm pathetic.

Cheers, ya'll!

more pics

2008-05-29T20:14:00.006-08:00

Me Snowshoeing at the Eagle Valley Center on one of the hugest snowstorms we had while in Juneau. I had to wear snowshoes just to get to the "cell" phone beach at our house. The snow was so deep in some places but it was worth the hike and it helped me get some "exercise" for the 5k I did the next day. lol.

Me at the dock at Amalga harbor. Amalga harbor was just one of many 'beachy' areas by our 'lodge.'

Me at Mendenhall Glacier.

This is me being the typical dork I am. I'm always leaving my work stuff on. My hard hat, my vests, my gloves, and you rarely see me without my Carhartts these days. I'm definitely losing the Minnesotan in me. Oh and for those of you who can't see I'm wearing my "ppe" on my head. "PPE" = personal protective equipment, notice the clear safety glasses. Yep, I'm a dork. I often have carpentry pencils in my pocket, random nuts and screws, saw and bar grease in my pockets. I mean come on, who's got time to find a clean rag?

This is me exhausted after a day of 'sawyering' and I was conned into taking a walk down to the harbor. But look at the view, who could say No? Certainly not me. We rarely see this beautiful a day in Juneau, or Auke Bay for that matter...

Just a reminder, I rarely get showers. Typically once every four days... So give me a break!

Photos of me, finally!

2008-05-29T19:52:00.004-08:00

Ok, so I'm going to post some random photos of me and tell you where they were taken. I'll be putting up landscapes and such later on.

Okie doke?

This is a picture of my first day on spike at Eagle Beach State Rec area near the end of the road in Juneau.

This is me at Bishop's Beach in Homer, right outside of Two Sisters.

This pic is of me on the Homer spit. After I ate the best damn meal all year at Spitfire grill. So I'm looking all happy and fatty!

If in Homer, do as the homerians do...

2008-05-24T17:22:00.003-08:00

Last night, Steph and I drove down from Indian to Homer. The drive itself is about 200 miles. We picked up Ryan and Dave (they were hitching) on the way/their way to Seward. They got picked up but then booted out of someone else's car because they are both so obnoxious, they were already wasted, in fact Dave had a camelback full PBR and Ryan claimed he was a staunch Republican, which normally would be no big deal in AK land, but not in that car! LOL! Anyway, so we dropped them off before Seward so they could hitch/walk the rest of the way. They were some major comic relief for Steph and I though. Anyway, we continued on our drive in our little Chevy Cobalt down to Homer. Btw, we had the option to get a minivan instead but opted out because of gas but shoving all our shit plus the guys gear was difficult in the Cobalt. We should've just soccer mom'd it, but whatever. We learned our lesson. Anyway, we hit major traffic on the way down. Before traffic came to a complete standstill there were two flares on the side of the road. We thought nothing of it because we saw nothing to be alarmed about ahead... until we hit traffic. I know, I know. This is Alaska there's no such thing as traffic. But we sat for over an hour not moving at all in Cooper Creek. It is memorial weekend but still. We were like what's going on? Finally after another hour we pass the troopers and find out by witnessing this semi truck that was all smashed to hell what had happened. Steph called it the minute we got stuck in traffic, she said "there must be a fatal crash." I was thinking, "whatever, you can barely go 50 mph on these roads." Anyway, it looked like he fell asleep drove off this ridge and completely crush the top of the tractor and the front end. I have no idea how they got him/her out of there and up out of the ridge as well. They definitely were dead because the entire drivers seat was crushed.

On a happier note, we arrived in Homer at about 12:30 am, which here is twilight, yep, twilight folks! Anyway, we were craving a drink and assumed that we were going to have missed last call and fail, however, bars close at 5am in Homer on the spit! So we met Lu and Liz, the bartenders at the Salty Dawg and had drinks until 4am. They even fed us their personal food. If you are ever in Homer, you must go to the Salty Dawg. It reminded me of my cousin Mar and "salty balls." They serve spicy nuts, pickled eggs, and salty dawgs/hot dogs. The bar is in the shape of a lighthouse. We decided to sleep in the Cobalt because we were too lazy too set up our tents on the beach and good thing because it started to rain too.

Today, I had amazing halibut chowder at Fresh Catch, an amazing white mocha at two sisters, a lovely walk on Bishop's Beach. I even picked some rocks for some of you lucky folks who actually write to me. We checked out the Homer Brewing company. Now we are at the awesome Homer library. Oh and had some delish hummus at the natural foods store, Smoky Bay. Oh and went to the Pratt museum which I definitely recommend. Great exhibit on the oil spill.

A story about before I left the shop. We live in a gated area of the state park and have to lock and unlock the gate to get in and out by car. So the gate was locked and we didn't have the key. Steph sent me to get it and I decided to take a short cut through the muskeggy hill. Well, it was a horrible idea, I fell down twice and almost landed in fresh moose poop. I was pissed at myself for wasting all the time and trying to walk back and get to the shop and looking at the ground as I normally do when I walk and was yelling at myself and low and behold, there was Mr. Moose again.... Five feet away eating. He's about 7 feet tall and weighs a lot. He was eating and then stopped and stared at me. I was talking to him. "hello mr. moose. just me kate. keep eating your dinner. i just need the key. hello mr. moose......." I'd go a foot and he'd let me and then he'd stop and stare me down. This went on for about four minutes! It seemed like half an hour. Then Steph had got let into the gate by Carly and was wondering why I was wandering about oddly in the grass and realized he was there and drove up and saved me from being charged. He was pissed at us for ruining his dinner. But I really do like the moose a lot.

Anyway, going to enjoy Homer the rest of today and leave for Soldotna and Seward in the morning and stay there the night and leave on Monday.

Went to a great Memorial service for Iraqis and Vets in Bishop's beach. Very sad.

Miss you mom.

Love,

Kate

Greetings from Oceanview Drive!!

2008-05-23T14:32:00.002-08:00

Ok, so this program is not what I thought it would be by any means. I'm really struggling and am always tired and so uninspired and unmotivated. It sucks. I love Alaska but this experience is killing me softly. Seriously. I've had migraine most of the week. Took two sicks days and slept for literally 34 hours, almost consecutively... So I'm having a real hard time.

We are now in Indian, which is outside of Anchorage. I spent Monday in Anchorage and hated it. We are living in the Chugach State Park grounds. SAYC owns a parcel of land within the Chugach State Park. The Park is gorgeous. Unfortunately, our part of the park is not so pretty. It's all power lines and the electrical facility. However, there are moose galore. I haven't gotten the opportunity to photograph any yet. But my day will come. You will see!

My laptop and I will be reunited next week and you better believe the picture posting fest will begin then!

This weekend Steph and I will be going on a girls only weekend road trip to Homer and Seward. I will take pictures! I will post them when my silver bullet arrives.

Please keep sending me cards, letters, and postcards. I love you all dearly for it.

This is my tentative itinerary for summer:

first two weeks of June: Juneau
last two weeks of June: Skagway DOT/Invasive
First half of July: Dyea and Pullen Taiya Inlet watershed project
Second half of July: Prince of Wales Island Invasive species removal (the mayors damn daisies)
three weeks in august: dry bay, glacier bay national park, trail building--atv trail
last week of august: graduation in juneau

I continue to be eaten alive by mosquitoes. They really are bigger and more fierce than the ones in Minnesota.

With love,

Kate

Northward Bound...

2008-05-18T22:47:00.000-08:00

I've arrived in Indian, AK. Indian is right outside of Skankorage (aka Anchorage). The mosquitoes really are worse than Minnesota here. I think I'd rather the rain right now, honestly. I'll have internet on a more regular basis now, so you just might get some photos up on this mother.

The trip from Skagway via the Yukon was wonderful. I'll write more of that adventure in the future.

Good night. By the way, It's almost eleven p.m. here and it's still LIGHT as heck out!!!

Skagway

2008-05-10T14:17:00.002-08:00

I've arrived in Skagway. I absolutely love it here. It's so quaint and surreal. Everything looks straight like its from a film set. Last night when we went out there were no cars on the road. The chances of getting hit by a car are almost non existent. It's crazy! Anyway, staying at the hostel. It's great. These Alaskan hostels are cheap to next to nothing to stay at and awesome.

Anyway, doing construction this week of some outhouses that we are going to sling load onto a plane! to bring them up the Klondike Gold Rush trail!

All is well in Skagua!

Cheers,

KJH

stuff I need, continued

2008-05-03T16:12:00.003-08:00

I'd love it anyone would send me notebooks, journals, pens, markers, stamps, etc. I'll use them up!

So if you want to send me something. I'd love that.

oh and pictures! Send photos!

hostels

2008-05-03T16:10:00.003-08:00

The hostel here in Juneau is wonderful. It's $10 a night, clean, comfy and cheap. The three C's. If you stay in Juneau stay here. Worth the money. The hotels that are "cheaper" 60-70 range are much dirtier than the hostel. The hostel is immaculately (sp) clean.

Just an FYI.

I've fallen in love...

2008-05-03T15:36:00.002-08:00

with Alaska. I'm slowly feeling more and more at peace here. Even though I'm kind of ill, definitely sick of most of the folks I'm here with, definitely not enjoying the DOT work I am doing, but I've fallen in love with Alaska. And seriously, how could I not? It's Alaska.

This week is my first week on "spike." You are going to read about me and spike living a lot on this blog from this point on. Mostly because from this point on I'm going to be on spike. Spike refers to living and work in the field. Currently I'm on spike at Eagle Beach State Rec Area near the end of the road in Juneau. The first few nights have been hard. I've learned a lot in just a few days on how to stay warm. It's hard when you are sleeping on the muskeg. Muskeg would be wonderful if it were dry and if it weren't raining all the time here.

This week we learned and started doing actual service work, DOT style. While I'm serving my SAGA AmeriCorps term here in Alaska I'll be doing three types of service work. One. Trail work. Two. Invasive plant species removal. Three. DOT.

DOT work wouldn't be that bad if it wasn't raining all the time, involve hills/steep slopes/ or ditches and chainsaws. To me, this is a recipe for disaster. No matter what, I just cannot seem to get any footing in my Red Wings. Also, I go from freezing my arse off to sweating bullets in a matter of minutes once I start pulling a tree around to the chipper. Oh, and I have to cut down trees. Those of you who know me well know that this seriously kills me. Also, when you are working in Douglas in a "neighborhood" on the side of the road, so an urban wilderness situation there aren't that many options to go pee if you are lady and even less if you have to go number two. This is a problem. The guys have it easier for sure, however its hard to find a pot to piss in that someone from the road doesn't see you, someone from a house watching doesn't see you, or one of your fellow crew mates. Also, my stamina and drive is failing me. I just seem to have absolutely no energy and no determination or desire to do any work at all. I've become lazy. I don't know if its from too many days sitting at the May Day or what. So I think at some point, it's definitely going to start pissing off my crew mates and did piss of my Team Leaders this week, well only one. My TLs for next week have put me on the truck/chipper duty since I am one of two folks with experience driving around a truck with a trailer. It's an 450 with a chipper on the back that's automatic, ya'll. I can do that in my sleep! Anyway, Ryan, this week's TL who was driving around with it abused his privileges. Too much driving around and not enough chipping. The chipper rocks by the way. It's brand new and I really like the DOT gents. They are nice.

I've only got three more minutes here at the library and oh so much to say! I leave for Skagway on Friday. I will be posting new contact info for my move Northward. You can write me to Juneau, it will get shipped. But I will post the other address so you can send there too. Either way I'll get it. Just maybe not as fast. Thanks for the chocolate (mel) and letters and postcards. Keep 'em coming!

Cheers,
KJH

I'm a sawyer now!!!

2008-04-27T13:25:00.002-08:00

Hello everyone! This week was a real tough week for me with a magnificent ending. We had sawyer training. For those of you not in the know, a sawyer is a chainsaw expert. So I spent most of my week bucking, limbing, and felling. Yes, that's the correct word, I fell a tree. Anyway, I just had the best day (Saturday) I've had in Southeast Alaska thus far. It was magnificent. It was the first time I actually felt comfortable with living here for the next four months and possibly forever (which is not likely).

Onto some other great news. I got a job for fall at KUAC which is Fairbanks version of NPR. Well, technically it is NPR/PBS rolled into one. So HOORAY for Kate! I am so stoked!

We begin spike this next week at Eagle Beach and doing DOT work here in Juneau. I'm actually looking forward to being on spike believe it or not. Next weekend is the blessing of the fleet and the mud run. I'm looking forward to both of those experiences as well.

Please write to me. I'm still lonesome. Oh and just an FYI I leave for Skagway on May 9th, For Indian/Rabbit (anchorage) the week after that. Then I'll be back in Juneau Memorial Weekend. Will keep ya'll informed as I am.

Cheerio!

-Kate

Chicken and Rice Soup

2008-04-19T15:07:00.003-08:00

Made chicken and rice soup last night for the gang. The gang consisted of myself, Lionel, and Gavin. Gavin Hales from Portland, Oregon. His last name is literally Hales. funny, eh? Anyway, Lionel is from NYC, the bronx and currently has been living in LA. We all enjoyed the soup with some wonderful conversation.

Currently, I am sleeping in a bed or what's called a bed, but in my terms is so definitely not a bed. It's a three inch foam pad on a bunk. I have two roomies. Bushong and Duffie are my roomies. Still only get to shower every fourth day. Now that I have a room to sleep in, it turns out I'm getting a lot less sleep than before. This is due to gossip time with the gals late at night. They are both amazing women. Duffie is from Alabama and Bushong is from Michigan, the UP to be exact. Anyway, a couple of nights ago the girls were chatting about Gavin and said that they think Gavin is gay. I disagreed. I spent most of Gavin's first week out here with him, we went through WFA (Wilderness First Aid) together and went creole dancing together last week. Well, we took lessons and then attended a dance later on. So in my humble opinion, from spending a very large amount of time with Gavin I definitely thought he was not gay. However, the girls observed him receiving what seemed like a romantic massage from another male corps member. Keep in mind Gavin is a poet who tends to be quiet and dresses well and doesn't burp outloud and fart all the time like the other guys in the lodge. So over the next two days I began observing Gavin and thought maybe I could be wrong. So last night, during chicken and rice soup I asked him. It turns out he's not and is glad to know the others were thinking this because he wants to be with women. Anyway, it just goes to show how much easier life is when we are just upfront with one another. I hope I get placed with Gavin. He's a great buddy and I'm fairly confident that he'd work well in a stressful situation. However, I love all the SAYC guys. We finally hired three more field educators, so I won't be alone come the end of May. If you know any native Alaskans between the age of 16-24 who have education barriers. Send them my way, www.servealaska.org

Cheers!

-Kate

Short Weekend

2008-04-19T14:22:00.002-08:00

This weekend is a short one. Today is Saturday and tomorrow we begin chainsaw training. I feel like I'm finally starting to settle in here in Juneau. We leave for Skagway on May 9th. That's about as far as I know in advance right now unfortunately. They keep us all pretty in the dark here.

I ran a 5K this morning. It was hard work. I am thinking of organizing a 5k for my CAP project later this summer, either that or a music festival. Dunno... Any thoughts?

So I am still living out at the EVC/lodge at the edge of the road. Literally, three miles away from our lodge the road ends. Juneau is known as a roadless island. It's not literally an island, however, the only way to get in or out is by plane or ferry. It's interesting really. Juneau is really gorgeous. However, I'm really looking forward to the move to Fairbanks come the end of my service term.

E-mail or write me. I miss hearing from ya'll.

Cheers,

Kate

My Alaskan Life

2008-04-18T15:07:00.002-08:00

On Thursday we received TWO FEET of SNOW at the lodge (aka the Eagle Valley Center--that's where I currently live). We were supposed to have tool training at the lodge, however, due to the amount of snow we received we went and did the training at the shop instead, which is in Juneau. So I learned how to put a new handle on an axe or any tool for that matter. I learned how to sharpen axes, and numerous other types of blades. (If my brother is reading this, which I hope he does, I hope he's proud). I learned how to start the brusher and how to take it apart and put it back together to see if there's anything wrong. On Sunday, I have chainsaw training, which I am REALLY looking forward too.

So last night, I decided to go for a walk to the beach at the lodge, but since the snow is so incredibly deep currently, I had to take the snowshoes out. It was so fun and strange to go to for a walk to the beach 0n snowshoes. It sounds kind of like an oxymoron to me. Anyway, it was an amazing "hike." I got a great workout in my thighs and the sunset was spectacular. The sun is setting later and later now, well past nine pm and the sun rises at about 4ish. Can you imagine? It's incredible and weird all the same time. So I picked some shells and rocks, some which I stasked for next time and some which I will be mailing out to ya'll.

I'm doing really good here in Juneau. The sun has been out yesterday and today and that makes me happy. It rains and snows every darn day here! Anyway, that's really all I have for now. I have more errands to run and will do my darndest to write more tomorrow. I have to go back to the lodge to finish a game of Risk with the others. Yes, I said Risk. I'm becoming a new woman. Can you believe it??

-KJH

lonely

2008-04-15T10:12:00.001-08:00

i'm lonely, oh so lonely. i'm homesick as heck. please write to me.
i'd appreciate notebooks and stamps as well!

love,

kate

www.katesalaskanadventure.blogspot.com

to write me in Juneau, snail mail is preferred.
Kate Hallet, Corps member
SAYC
PO Box 33037
Juneau, AK 99803

All by myself

2008-04-05T14:02:00.001-08:00

Hey All,

So we had thursday, friday, saturday and sunday off this weekend. Most of the other folks went out to a cabin that's outside of East Valley Glacier, Mary and I decided to stay at the lodge. So it's us, her dog "Mo-Mo" and Sarah's Chocolate Lab "Elway." I'm loving having my own place for the weekend. The only thing that sucks is not having cell service and some new movies to watch. Last night we watched, "The English Patient," "Pride and Prejudice," and "Top Gun."

I was looking forward to having two showers in two days. However, this morning we woke up and there's no water or water pressure. We aren't sure if one of the toilets stayed on all night and drained the cistern or if there's something else wrong. So much for getting extra showers just because I stayed behind. I made delicious diced potatoes and scrambled eggs with veggies this morning. Mmm. Mmm. Good!

So far I really love Juneau. It rains all the time, and it's always overcast. Today's the clearest day its been so far. So I've barely seen all the mountains because of the fog. But I love fog. I love all the moss that grows on the trees and the muskeg is interesting. It's a quaint little town. I love the fact that there's shell on our beach at the lodge. I love how there's snow everywhere, yet everything is green. Unfortunately, I've taken barely any pictures. My plan is take some today and later this weekend at the beach and figure out a way to get them on here or at least mail them back home.

Please write me letters. I'm lonely. I'm one of the oldest folks in the group. Most of the "kids:" meaning 23-24 year olds act like they are in high school and I feel like I'm at camp. There are ome problems. We aren't allowed to leave the house without at least three other people because we live in Amalga harbor, in the Mendenhall Valley and our part of the valley has the largest amount of bears. Apparently, Salmon runs like crazy around our place. The unfortunate thing is I think we are leaving Juneau in late April or early May and moving up around Anchorage and forming a "tent city" in the town of Indian. It's probably not on the map because it is so tiny. There's like literally two buildings. So I'm kind of disappointed that just when I get used to this place, we'll be outta here. But that's life. As the song goes.

Juneau's really nice, but I really like being out at the lodge where there's nobody else for a long ways away.

Until next time. Don't know when that's going to be. If you want to call me at the lodge. Here's the number. 907.789.7078

-KJH

Real World: Alaska

2008-04-03T15:15:00.002-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

So I reached Juneau by ferry on Monday morning around 4:20 am (alaskan time). I was taken to the lodge and told to set up my sleeping bag in the living room. I was awoken around 6:30 am by the sounds of voices whispering, "who's that?" "is there a newbie in the house?" "Does anyone know who's sleeping bag that is?" I realized once I woke up that I'm the 25th member of the household and everyone knows each other because they've been through three weeks of bonding and team building exercises. I'm the only field educator hired thus far and so I am still an outsider. Everyone is from all over the place and I'm meeting really interesting folks.

So far I loved the ferry ride, definitely worth the money and the beach by our lodge. I've never lived somewhere so majestic. Right now I'm at the Juneau public library and I can see snow capped mountains, the sea, the Tongass National forest, a bald eagle and a raven right outside the window!!! Wow!

Love you all,

KJH

goodbye and good luck...

2008-03-25T22:01:00.001-08:00

thank you all so much. love you all. i leave in less than six hours and need some shut eye.

watch for more to continue with my on this journey and adventure.

you can find more on how to contact me in that section and the gift section!!!

love,

kt

ok, so now I'm really starting to freak out!

2008-03-19T11:38:00.001-08:00

So I am sitting here in New Prague. My home, soon to not be my home
anymore and all the stuff is starting to really sink in and hit me.
Holy Crap, I'm moving to Alaska, away from my hubby, my dog, my
friends, my family. What am I doing? I have less than a week left
and I haven't packed, I am catching up on all my tv shows I won't have
for a very long time and visiting as many friends and family members
before I leave. However, it's all sinking in. What I am going to
lose, miss, and leave behind. So if you see me in the next coupla
days please be kind.

Chi-town

2008-03-14T06:42:00.002-08:00

I'm in Chicago as I write this blog, sitting in my cousin Chel's lovely apartment while listening to Beth Orton. I'm sorting out my 8000 plus songs on my iPod so I have it organized for my months in the Alaskan wilderness.

Anyway, to those of you who I didn't see during my 48 hour tour of home (including both Minneapolis and New Prague) I'll be back on Wednesday the 19th. For those of you who I want to see and want to see me e-mail me quick. Time is running. About twelve days left and my days are filling fast with plans.

Cheers!

Hop, Skip and a Jump!

2008-03-10T07:31:00.001-08:00

The countdown is on! I have only 16 days left before I leave for Alaska. Currently, I'm in DC visiting my aunt and uncle. Tomorrow we'll be back in MN for a couple of days and then off to Chicago to visit my cousin.

Thanks to all who have supported me and came to my dinner last weekend. It was a lovely evening and a great success!

Love you all.

Location Change and Reminder!!!

2008-02-17T18:35:00.005-09:00

The location has changed for the benefit dinner. Please see below for the information.

Reminder

My Southern Fried Ho-Down Benefit Dinner is this Saturday

March 1st

You may come anytime after 5pm (CST). It will likely go really late. Dancing will follow the dinner.

The cost. $10 for Adults, $5 for children/kids. You tell me what you consider a "kid" or "child."

The meal will consist of typical Southern fare: Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Greens, Black-eyed peas, grits, corn on the cob, okra, sweet potatoes, pie, biscuits, cornbread and more. There will be soda and punch for the kids. For the Adults who partake in "beverages" there'll be lots of beer, mint juleps and some other "spirits."

The proceeds will go to help me complete my purchase of all the gear necessary for this endeavor I'm about to go on (in less than 30 days!). Anything leftover will make a trip possible for Banji to come and visit me while I'm out in Alaska. I'm very happy to accept any gifts as well!

Thank you so much and please do bring friends.

It will be at our new place, questions, please e-mail, but if you get lost, call.

I hope to see you all this Saturday!

Cheers,

Kate

What I am going to miss most...

2008-02-10T19:12:00.000-09:00

As the days count down, 44 left to be exact, I am preparing myself for leaving and trying to treasure the moments with those I'm going to miss the most. What some don't realize is this is really it for Minnesota and me. I do love Minnesota and have treasured my relationship I've had with it for the past 27 years, however, it's time to move on. However, I think I will always consider Minnesota my home and am proud to be from here. After I finish my service term in AmeriCorps, Banji (my hubby), Beowulf (my chocolate lab) and Moosu (our cat) are moving to Fairbanks, Alaska, indefinitely. That means after day 44 I won't be coming back to Minnesota to continue my daily routine. I'm really gonna miss this place! However, I look forward to the new place with a new routine and new experiences. I welcome it and I'm relishing the idea of it.

However, these are the things I'm going to miss most. I'm going to miss May Day Cafe. May Day has become more of a home than my own home. Although, it took me almost three years of living in this splendid city to find this lovely little establishment, I'm glad I did. I spend most of my day there with the people I care most about and will miss oh so much. I'm going to miss coming and enjoying a good, sometimes bad cuppa joe and chatting with Dick about the latest in world events and politics. I've gotten to know Dick pretty well in this past year, he and I have some six degrees moments from New Prague and small town Minnesota. In the city, those moments can be rare. I'll miss the baristas, Reema in particular. She makes the best caramel latte a girl could ask for. I'll never forget my first experience at May Day where I met Reema for the first time. I'll miss Andy, the proud owner of May Day who always has a smile on his face and welcomes his loyal family to his establishment. I'll miss Michael who I've only known for a short while but brings a little joy to every coffee I buy. I'll miss Michelle and her macaroons she makes and introduced me to. I'm going to miss Leah and chatting about her latest triumphs in her marathons and my fellow insomniac-mate. I'll miss chatting with D about the latest info about our lady Hillary. I'll miss talking with Ana about the latest L word gossip. I'll miss my girls: Rachel and Jeanine and our girl time and our giggles which lighten the burden on my shoulder. I'll miss Shelley's sage advice and the smile on her face. Man, oh man, I'm really going to miss this place. The hustle and bustle, this special little place in Powderhorn that never has enough tables that it forces the community to come together and share one space, and gives you the opportunity to chat with different folks from different strokes just down the block.

I'm going to miss Beowulf and Moosu a ton. I could go on for hours about how much I'm going to miss them. In particular Beowulf, I'm really going to miss him. He's my baby and I'm worried about how he's going to take me being gone. But I have to let that go.

I'm going to miss having Banji around all the time and having him to share my ideas, stories and thoughts with. I'm going to miss him in so many ways I could go on for years. However, he'll be joining me on this adventure we call life soon enough.

I've really enjoyed living in Minneapolis. I'm going to miss my tub! I'm going to miss the library (only the Franklin one). I'm going to miss eating sushi at Midori's. I've never been to another sushi place like it, plus, they cater to the gluten free crowd. I'm going to miss the lakes, seeing my family, knowing where everything is, all the wonderful co-ops. I'm going to miss my nice Minnesotans. I'm going to miss all these wonderful Democrats!

If I forgot to mention you, I meant know offense. This will be an ongoing post. so Check back often...

Love,

Katya

Moving Sale!!!

2008-02-08T10:17:00.000-09:00

I'm having a moving sale to de-clutter and de-stuff myself in preparation for my eventual move to Alaska. I'll have clothes, books, cooking stuff, and other household items for a you name the price sale. We are selling a couch, my nice white desk, coffee table(s), shelves, all sorts of gear. Please spread the word!

Saturday and Sunday February 16 and 17th from Noon to Five pm
My house
3136 10th Ave So apt 1
Minneapolis, MN
612.825.2383
or email me if you need more info

Please tell others! If you cannot make it during this time, just let me know! I'm willing to work with you!!!

Where will I be going?

2008-01-24T11:16:00.000-09:00

I know many of you are wondering where I'll be going... So here are some of the places I know for sure.

Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Chugach National Forest, Tongass National Forest, Glacier Bay National Park, Nenana, Kodiak Island, Juneau, Haines, Tok, and Valdez.

You can check out a map on google.

mailiing me things

2008-01-24T09:30:00.000-09:00

Ok, so I am told that I will really enjoy receiving packages in the mail. That sounds logical. Those of you who know me I am a big letter writer and if you write me you can pretty much expect a few letters in return.

I know a lot of you want to send me packages. I'm more than happy to accept. Here are some ideas in advance of things I would appreciate.

Food:
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake mix
Tinkyada Rice Noodles
Fun types of rice (forbidden--type of black rice, purple, red, wild, you name it)
homemade or store bought gluten free goodies from Madwoman, the wedge and cooqi
(cooqi's nut butter cookies are my favorite as well as their cupcakes)
(I'll be posting recipes on here as well)

Other goodies:
Books and magazines you've read
Good newspaper articles
sunglasses (fun and cute ones) I have put some on my registry at REI that are all under $20
cool hats, scarves, etc. I'm sure I'll be losing and misplacing or breaking my sunglasses and possibly hats. I'm a klutz, ya'll.
photos!
Socks
Please do not send music, I will have no cd player or tape player of any sort. You can send it before I leave and I can put it on my iPod in advance.
decks of cards
sudoku (even from the newspaper will be fun)
cool duct tape

Want to get me a gift?

2008-01-23T21:03:00.000-09:00

Another way you can support me is buy purchasing me one of the items on my REI list. I'm registered on REI. You can look me up on the registration. There are many items that are cheap and many that are not. However, even buying me a pair of socks will help and will be greatly appreciated.

www.rei.com

info needed:
my name: Kate Hallet
you don't need but can help: GR1669800 (registry number)
date: April 1, 2008 (this is my first day of service)

I really want the hammock!

Thanks for everything!

Love,

Kate

Ways to support Kate

2008-01-19T17:56:00.001-09:00

One. Come to the ho-down and bring your friends and family. I plan on making a fabulous meal of fried chicken, greens, grits, cornbread, and more. It's worth your money.

Two. Support me a little more and give more than the amount recommended for the dinner, or if you can't make it, still send me some cash or a check.

Three. Give me a gift certificate to Patagonia, Kaplan Bros, Helly Hansen, Dickies, Cabela's, or REI. or buy me one of the things on my list or my registry at REI.

Four. For those of you who don't have anything to give, I hear ya. You can write me letters while I'm in Alaska and you can send me gluten free goodies or even stamps! You better believe you'll get a snail mail letter back!

What I need...

2008-01-19T17:45:00.000-09:00

The following is a list of things I need for this adventure I'm going to embark on...

This is why I need your help.

A pair of Red Wing 8 inch leather boots
Possibly a new hiking backpack
Possibly a new day pack
A sleeping bag that can go to 0 below
A new sleeping pad
2 pairs of work pants (preferably bibs)
Long sleeve shirts (synthetic and polypro is ideal) (I don't know what that means, if you do, please e-mail me)
Long underwear (both top and bottom)
Light fleece sweater
Rain coat and Rain pants
Capilene undies
4 pairs of good work sock, they recommend WigWam
Warm stocking hats
Warm mittens and gloves
a second pack towel
a multitool
sunglasses (2 pairs)
mosquito head net
duct tape in colorful shades
bandanas
books
A new digital camera
paper/journals/pens/pencils (i'd like these mailed to me throughout)
envelopes/stamps
art supplies
binoculars

So now you know why I need a benefit. Please help. I won't be making much money while doing this and I am serving the country, just in a different way than our troops. Many people consider AmeriCorps, the "domestic" Peace Corps. If you can help support me in anway, that would be wonderful.

Southern Fried Ho-Down

2008-01-19T17:39:00.002-09:00

Southern Fried Ho-Down
A Benefit to support Kate's service in AmeriCorps in Alaska

What: A Dinner, maybe some dancing and a fundraiser to help Kate get to Alaska
When: Saturday March 1st, 2008
Time: 5pm CST (you can come anytime after 5)
Where: Kate and Banji's home (email if you need the address)-- WE ARE MOVING THE LAST WEEK OF FEBRUARY. e-mail me for the new address.
Please do RSVP

Cost $10 Adults, $5 for kids

more info please e-mail

Proceeds go to benefit Kate's service in AmeriCorps. I need help coming up with enough moola to pay for all the gear I need. I'll be listing my needs on this site.

Please help and please invite others. If you are not able to make it you can help me in other ways. I'll list them on this site as well.

I'm going to Alaska!

2008-01-19T15:27:00.001-09:00

It's official, I'm going to Alaska! After all these years of talking and dreaming, it's really happening. My first day in AmeriCorps in Alaska is April First (April Fool's Day and my niece Cassie's 18th birthday) in Juneau. After I finish my service term Banji and I (along with Moosu and Beowulf) will be moving to Fairbanks.

I'm going to be a field educator for the SAGA Service Corps program. What this means is that I'll be working alongside eight 16-24 Alaskan Native youth doing manual labor work doing restoration projects in National and State Parks (primarily) in Alaska. My actual job is going to teaching them things to prepare them for college or help them get their GED.

The reality: no phone, no cell phone, no electricity, no laptops, no tv, no radio, and no showers and in some cases no running water.

The beauty: the fresh air, the marvelous Alaskan terrain, waking up to a Moose outside my tent, the opportunity to re-learn how to fish again, my bedroom is going to be right under the stars, peace and quiet, the northern lights, twenty-four hours of sunshine, the list could go on.

I'm so excited for this adventure. This is my dream come true for right now. I can't imagine a better job to have for five months at this point in my life.

to find out more about SAGA go to www.servealaska.org or www.americorps.gov