Check Out Those Cans

Beer!  Home beer.  In cans!

Coalition Brewing in SE Portland was hosting a canning event for homebrewers this past weekend.  Oregon Brew Crew got a discount.  $20 and you get your 5 gallon corny keg put into 16 oz cans.  Of course, we got two.  We signed up, paid, and got our time slot months ago.  Then, we decided to move.  The ideal time to get our brew on would have been moving day.  But, we were moving, which didn't lend itself well to making new batches of beer.  And we had paid.  So, we came up with a couple ales that would ferment fast after we got to Hood River and would be ready for canning in a few weeks.  We also wanted to make a couple beers that we had already done, and we knew were tasty, because, well... we were about to have a lot of cans of beer.  So,

Prepping for summer: home, river, and booze news

First time ever we live in a house and not a condo- no shared walls, no neighbors with windows looking into yours, and we have a lawn!

The weather has been phenomenal the past 2 weeks. It was in the low 80's but it was a dry, hot 80's and the breeze was warm too. We both got a little sun despite wearing sunscreen. On the drive to work there is a distinct weather line just west of Multnomah Falls and when the Portland area is clouded in this is where you seemingly go through a portal to another world... one with a 500' ceiling of clouds. Meanwhile east of there is nice and sunny. We've experienced this from both directions. We're so happy to be living in a sunnier region!

On the move again

It's been a while since I've posted and I know I still need to finish out my Belize posts. 

Work and Moving news:

New work toys: GeoXT and a Rangefinder

I was laid off at the end of January and spent February and March collecting unemployment and looking for jobs in any way related to my field or bartending. I discovered two things- my career field is not really hiring and you can not get a job anywhere in this area without knowing someone... not even a bartending job! Mackay Sposito called me in March wanting to add me to a new project and I started April 1. I am now listed as an Engineering Tech in the Engineering Dept. The work is not quite surveying and not quite engineering or design. I am helping assess transmission line access roads for improvements, reconstruction, drainage, etc. At some point I will be assessing and mapping access road stream crossings. Washington state doesn't want anyone impeding fish migration. [...]

McMinnville

Matt planned a really fun winery weekend to celebrate my birthday. I was very grateful to get out of town! We went to McMinnville and stayed at the Hotel Oregon and toured 3 wineries: Youngburg Hill, Yamhill Vineyards, and Amity. It was incredibly foggy all day, but it made beautiful hoar frost. 

The itinerary: Text from Grape Escape Winery Tours with italics comments from us. We are not expert wine tasters and we didn't take notes, so I will put down my amateur comments for what I remember.  [...]

First Anniversary

Pulled out the camera to play with it today and realized there are quite a few pictures from earlier this year that never got downloaded.

Our anniversary was way back in April- 9 months ago! We went to Hood River and stayed at a B&B. It was our first time exploring the area and it quickly turned into our favorite local getaway. I don't have my editing program on my laptop anymore, so they are unedited and uncropped.

The B&B

[...]

Tea and Targets

    

We started out with stardard police 
targets, but moved on to the fun 
zombie targets.

Suz and I bought these Groupons last month for a basic pistol safety class for women only at the armory nearby. What better way to spend the day of the world's demise than shooting guns?! The first hour is a classroom portion (and yes, we did drink tea) where you learn about what type of guns and ammunition fall into this category, rules for safety on the gun range, in public, and in your home, parts of the gun, etc. She had several models for us to handle and get a feel for. Even though they weren't loaded (there's no live ammo allowed in the classroom) I think we were both pretty nervous about handling the pistols. It did help a lot to be doing this before we went into the range. 

Being from Alaska, I've had the opportunity to shoot quite a few guns, but never regularly or the same type of gun. I'm not comfortable being around them or handling them. I'm not comfortable with other people, even if it is their gun, handling them either because you don't have to know about guns to own one and clearly there are a lot of people who have a lot to learn about the responsibilities of owning a deadly weapon. This is especially relevant in light of the recent shootings here at the Clackamas Town Center and Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut this past week. Personally, I think one should have to show proof you've taken a basic pistol/ gun safety class before you can buy. [...]

Brewista

It's a slow week at work, so I have the pleasure to have a full week off for Thanksgiving including the weekend on either end. Yesterday I moped, finally forced/ guilted/ relented into doing a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout for 14 min. 10 minutes in, I thought I was going to either pass out or throw up. I managed to attempt to do the last two exercises before I collapsed in a sad, soggy heap on the floor praying for mercy. It has been too long since I last worked out. I think the last thing I did was run the Color Run with Suz at the end of September. For the rest of the day, I continued to read A Dance with Dragons and sip whiskey. 

Today, I went with Matt to BNI, a professional networking group. They are serious stuff there, but I have to say it was the liveliest, varied bunch of folks for 7am. It works well for small businesses, but there I am introducing myself as a guest and telling them... "Well, we our target market is with large entities, be that private, public, or government, where we can secure very large and multiyear contracts in landscape architecture, construction management, land surveying, and engineering services. But I do know several small land surveying firms who would greatly appreciate smaller scale business such as property surveys, as-builts, small construction management, and topographic surveys." **trying not to panic at totally not being the type of professional who could make use of this type of networking group** Quick stop by the municipal court for Matt's short hearing and then back home. 

I decided I was going to look for my steam curlers, so I can figure out new, not-so-boring things to do with my hair. Looked all over and can't find them. In the process of going through all those unpacked boxes in the guest closet, I decided now would be a good time to pull out the keyboard and try to play or learn a new song. I realized I have no idea where the power cord is. So, I decided I would try to take some pictures because I haven't done that in a long time and the battery was dead (it's charging). So, I was going to make gluten-free biscotti to take with us for Thanksgiving, but I found out it was already made (where's the fun in that?!). After deciding to finish the Daenerys chapter (she finally flies on Drogon! That earned her some very much needed cool points, because for a while she was so annoying I was hoping someone would kill her off.) I decided I might try my hand at brewing. [...]

A positive week

Well, I had Monday off (6 free days off work in a row!). I spent the day tediously gathering information for pre-approval on a mortgage loan. We had a meeting with a loan guy on Wednesday and while he was getting us approved he was also giving out really helpful advise on paying down debt faster. The concept is pretty simple and after researching it and crunching numbers we realized I could pay off my school debt in 5 years instead of 11 and he could have his paid off in 12.5 years instead of 30! Currently we both pay our school debts separately, but out of curiosity we decided to see how it would differ if we started paying off our debts together using the same concept. Turns out we can pay off 120K in combined school debt in 8 years! I don't want to bore folks who aren't interested in the details of how it works so all that is at the bottom of this post. [...]

Two crazy weeks

Disclaimer: It's been a month of long hours outside, so I apologize for the rather dry dialog.... my brain is running on fumes. Also, I really wish I had taken more pictures in Anchorage, but I was having such a great time with all my friends, that it never crossed my mind!

While I was out working on the bridge (see previous post) I got a call about going to Alaska with Gabe! Really, that was all I needed to hear before I as nonchalantly as humanly possible said "Sure" while inside I was jumping up and down with excitement. This would be my first time back in state since 2010 when Matt and I went to Megan and Aaron's wedding. 

The job was up at Eielson AFB in the Interior about 30 min SE of Fairbanks. The project itself was simple enough- getting vertical and horizontal data on over 200 water quality monitoring wells. We worked with Chris from EA Engineering who was a huge help and the unofficial third person on the crew. I wish I could have taken more pictures, but the military frowns on that. We watched F16s all week. No matter how many times you see them screaming overhead it never gets old! [...]

Keep calm and carry on.

Matt hit the ground running and started work the next morning after we arrived and I spent the next few days getting utilities set up, checking on the cats, and running errands. This is the first time EVER that every utility is in my name (he's authorized on the accounts of course). Despite having to say "no, i don't have a job" to every person trying to set up accounts, my credit score is awesome enough to avoid deposits. Yeah! Moving in day was Sunday morning. Ed, Fender, and Mackenzie came to lend a hand and they did an awesome job. Thanks guys! 

[...]

April 29, 2011

Our wedding!

our guests rented out the hotel, the ceremony was in the courtyard/ bar area, reception was poolside. 

[...]

all i hear are excuses!

it's been too long and i have so many things ive wanted to post. for now an apology and brief updates.

garden: the garden started off well and i was really excited to run out to the deck every day to see how much growth had occurred. then the aphids showed up and despite winning a few battles against them the totally overtook the sweet peas. in fact i cut them all back down to the soil today. there must have been a couple hundred on just 24 plants. INSANE. defeat is never easy to swallow. [...]

525,600 minutes

Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure -
Measure A Year?
In Daylights - In Sunsets
In Midnights - In Cups Of Coffee
In Inches - In Miles
In Laughter - In Strife
In - Five Hundred
Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure
A Year In The Life?

You know what today is? A year ago today we started our move. We were staying at Morgan and Anna's

the last week. We went to Snow City Cafe and Side Street for coffee (George gave us free cups!) for our
monthly anniversary date (the 8th) and as a good-bye to the city. Then we packed the car. That part was
frustrating as we realized how much we had to stuff in there- including the cats.  It had snowed nearly 2
feet a few days prior too. Then we headed north- to 'Palin country'- and drove all the way to Tok where
we were greeted with below zero temps- fun! I remember after we were north of Mat-Su the roads were
clear but still very icy. Matt was driving and at one point almost lost control of the car. From then on it
was 30 mph for us. I'm not sure why but for some time now I've been very skiddish and anxious about
speed in the car. This certainly didn't help and I probably drive him nuts telling him to slow down all the
time even when he isn't speeding. But we made it all in one piece- every leg of the trip!

We're making salmon tonight to celebrate the day. Real Alaskan salmon that I caught on my trip to see
Erica and Dan in Cordova last August. Delish!

Thanks to the Lord for this very large and yummy catch!

in between seasons

kittens rejoice!
one of the warm days sandwiched in between winter days a few weekends ago.
it's a good thing i was busy tending to plants and compost to sit considering i didnt have a chair!

living in the south again brings back the reality of unpredictable weather. warm one day and cold the next. i noticed the trees had buds starting a few weeks ago... in february! it isn't even spring breakup season in alaska and i am blessed with tree buds!

snowpocolypse

on january 27th we were blessed with snow. LOTS of snow. we live in DC where if people even hear of a report of snowflakes they take the day off because they don't have the proper driving skills or equipment to clear the roads. you may remember last year this area had "snowmagedden" and whole central eastern seaboard didn't move for a week. this wasn't quite that bad, but pretty close. i love snow... and so does my suby. 

absentee

well, i've been away for nearly a month and a half. let me fill you in on what's been keeping me so busy. the short version is there was wine to be drunk, traveling to be done, cleaning to be accomplished, wedding planning to persevere, tv to watch, and gardening to prepare. the long version is...

Window Seat

It's a rough existence. 

Life in Full Swing

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

20 years? I'm already disappointed by what I haven't done! I suppose that's typical thinking around the first of the year, but honestly there have been things that have been nagging at me for a while. So, when I came up with my "resolutions" for the year those things played a big part. Without further adieu:
1. exercise at least 3 times a week. how? joined gym/ have gym at the condo... really this isnt that hard. matt and i used to very regular. 
2. spend money wisely. how? no impulse purchases. more or less just maintaining my financial scruples. 
3. grow a veggie garden- how? build self-water raised planter for the deck and plant a few veggies and herbs. also along with this... start composting. 
4. get outside more. ie. more biking, hiking, etc
5. eat less no fast food. how? will power against the nacho cheesy goodness of the crunch wrap supreme. 
6. pick an instrument and start learning it- probably banjo since i actually have that handy- and practice at least 1 hour a week
7. sew at least 2 projects this year. goal: i have a dress i want to make for National's baseball games and I just salvaged 3 chairs from the neighbors trash to repair and reupholster. 
8. blog weekly. (like on saturdays)- might have to set an alarm, but if I'm working on projects and gardening, etc and whatever Matt has going on we should have something to say at least once a week. 
9. study and take GRE.- I've been planning on taking it for 2 years now and haven't. must stop procrastinating. 
All in all I feel that these are pretty achievable. I've had a sewing machine for several years and have made a total of 1.5 projects with it, despite the fact that I have a habit of collecting/ keeping fabric I intend to use on future project. The banjo, much like the piano and guitar, is something I have started and let myself get away with not making time for it. The garden and compost are probably the biggest and most challenging of the resolutions. It's new and I don't know much about either, but I've been reading up a lot. But, like sewing and music, I feel it's a part of my heritage. When I was little I remember my great-grandmother working in her garden and helping her harvest and can. I care about sustainability and personal semi-independence from corporate America, but most importantly I think gardening is fun and the food tastes a heck of a lot better than store bought. The trick for success on this is to plan ahead and to limit myself to a few items to grow. I'm thinking a lettuce mix, tomatoes, and beans or peas. Maybe a meyer lemon shrub or berry bush and some herbs. We buy Costco bags of frozen broccoli, cauliflower, squash, and carrot mix so I don't think it's necessary to grow those. Resisting the urge to build an entire forest on our deck will be hard, but very, very important to the mission. I have other much smaller homegrown projects that I have planned. One is making our own natural laundry detergent. I finally have the ingredients, now I just need to make it. Tonight I made a bottle of static guard spray because with the dryer weather we're getting zapped every time we sit on the couch or pet one of the cats. I also made two more spray bottles with a non-toxic, natural insecticide for the houseplants and one with liquid plant food. It's Miracle Grow for the time being, but once I get fresh compost (in several months) I'll make compost tea instead. I was doing pretty well with the plants until I decided to set them on the balcony and forgot to bring them in overnight and they got mighty chilly. When we got home today and brought in they we looking terrible. I might be down to two plants now: the emerald gem and the scheflera. I think the 3 pathos are done for, but it might come back. Who knows?

 pretty pathetic pathos :'(

 I suppose it's not really "natural" if it has fabric softener... but it is homemade.

-Sam