Snow Report

Today I drove up to Pyramid to go skiing and as I was getting my gear together a guy drove up on a motorcycle with all of his ski gear aboard (top photo). Brian admitted he usually drove up in his truck, but he thought he'd try to save gas with the motorcycle. Wow! Gas prices have lead to conservation! I am annoyed by my 17 mpg Chevy truck - I realized it costs me about 8 bucks a pop to go skiing at the pass (around 15 miles each way). Still, it's better than a gym membership.

As regards the snowpack, one word - Unbelievable. Last year by mid May we could barely ski to the road. This year there is still 5 feet of snow at the road (bottom photo). During the last week or so we got another few feet of snow up high on the mountain. All of my usual snow bench marks (trees and bushes I check from year to year) have long been buried. It's a whole new world up high - the snow has totally changed the landscape. I doubt we'll see this much snow on Pyramid again for a long, long time. Patrick

Stu Grooves

Stuey is warming up his dance moves for the 80's party at Patrick's reunion. Maybe Stuey can teach his dad a thing or two. :)
Be sure to turn the volume up on this one--
Zoya

80's Zeitgeist

Good Lord it's the 80's. There is a reason I don't like to dance - all those awkward dances standing against the wall terrified I'd be forced to dance. Terrified of women, terrified I'd look like a geek (and when I danced I did look like a geek). The whole 80's zeitgeist appalls me to this day. Big hair, George Michael, skinny ties, 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' - all prompt immediate, and distasteful flashbacks.

And now I am going to a 1980's dance that will be populated with the very characters I knew during the 1980's. Worst of all, my wife will want me to dance. She'll probably get drunk at the open bar, seek me out, and drag me out onto the floor. Horrors! Secretly I wish someone had dragged me out onto the dance floor in the 1980s.

Photo is of all the roommates except Eric Broderson immediately prior to our graduation. That's me on the lower right - 20 years Ago! Patrick

80's music, here we come!!!

I am SO EXCITED.
I just signed Patrick and I up for his 20th college reunion (in June in Boston) and the description of the reunion dinner says "dinner, drinks and dancing to 80's music all night long." I am so happy, I want to cry.
80's music-my FAVORITE music to dance to--my idea of heaven!
Tears of excitement swell up in my eyes when I think about it. I can't wait.

June 7th can't come soon enough.

Zoya

(I love you, Patrick, for graduating from college in the 80's!!!!! Go, Go Class of 1988!!!)

50:46

50:46 No that's not the score of some family competition from the wedding - that's the hours spent traveling versus the hours spent at the wedding. The whole trip turned out to be about 4 days and more than 2 of them were spent on the way there and back. Nonetheless, I'd do it again. It was worth seeing the last sibling safely hitched. Top two photos are of the wedding and need no explaining.

The trip there and back was so bad it's funny. It's a story all of its own. Kodiak, Alaska to Greenbrier, West Virginia - you'd think it would take maybe 15 hours each way, tops. Afterall, it only took Zoya and I 36 hours to travel to South Africa. I needed 31 hours to get back from Greenbrier! The bottom photo shows my company (George, Ella, Dicky and mom) at the beginning of the trip home in the airport lobby.

I should have known things were not going to go right when the check in lady begged me not to check my bag but to carry it on the plane instead. She explained that she could not fit 5 destinations onto the baggage tag (from Greenbrier to Atlanta, to Chicago, to Seattle, to Anchorage, to Kodiak). I grudgingly agreed and we rooted around in my bag and took out all the carry on contraband (toothpaste and shaving cream).

I started the trip with my Mom and George, Dicky and Ella, and my cousins the Willis's. Getting through security George's 'hips of steel' set off the alarm, and when he tried to explain, it quickly got ugly. Small time airport, and they gave George the wringer. He was talking back and it quickly went from bad to worse. They went through all his bags and even strip searched him. Inside security we were all watching the show and laughing so hard some of us almost wet our pants. It went on for a good half hour. When he finally did get through and join us, George did not think it was all that funny (it turned out he had to go through security again because his plane was cancelled!).

Anyway, I flew on to Atlanta and Sunday's newsworthy thunderstorms and tornados wreaked havoc on the flight schedules. After numerous 'OJ Simpson' sprints to various gates and many long waits, and fruitless discussions with ticket agents I finally missed the penultimate flight to Alaska from Seattle at 11:45 PM by 10 minutes. I spent the night on the chairs in the 'C' terminal hearing all about the earthquake in China on CNN while I tried to get to sleep. I finally got to Kodiak at 3:30 PM the next day! Patrick

Patrick is Back!!

It has been wonderful having Patrick home. Looks like we have a day of nice weather to enjoy-some MUCH needed sunshine is with us this morning.
I"ll take Nora to her speech appointment in a few minutes then perhaps the beach later today. Last night MJ and Karen and I went out for a drink then a movie, which was SO FUN. I'm known for either falling asleep at movies or leaving half way if I don't like it-and last night I stayed for the whole movie! I think Mary Jane was rather pleased with my new-found movie endurance. We went to a late show and it was still a tad light in the sky at 11:30 when we got out. Summer is in the air.

Zoya

Photo:
Emmy (Patricks mom), Patrick, Polly (Patrick's sister), Andrew (groom), Dicky (Patrick's brother) at Andrew's wedding

Mothers Day Musings

Today was a lovely Mothers Day! And I didn't even mind the weather...
We woke up to horizontal rain and winds, which got stronger as the day progressed. Perfect day to huddle inside and hang out with the kids. Melissa and Fisher came over for Omelets-mushroom and cheese. Very yummy. Melissa and I took turns making them (or trying to make them!) and by the 3rd one, we had it down. (Thanks to my brother-in-law-Dan for his omelet making lesson when he was here!!)

This afternoon while at Safeway it was Mothers Day Land. Everyone seemed to have flowers in hand, or looking for a card and people where saying "Happy Mothers Day" everywhere I turned. It was quite nice-sorta like a big "Happy Birthday" to all the moms. The checker chimed out "Happy Mothers Day" as I took my reciept. It was almost like I had won a prize-for having kids. This is the first year mothers day has seemed "real". Part of it may be that Stuey started walking--10-12 steps--yesterday which is a big occasion. And this mothers day I'm rested up-on prior mothers days I've been sleep deprived with smaller babies.

This weekend went very smoothly. I think a big part of this is the kids ages. I don't have to hold Stuart all the time-he and Nora play together and I really enjoy being home with them. The past two days I felt like I was in the kitchen most of the time-cooking up new creations. Nora always climbs up onto the stool in our kitchen with curiosity when she hears any bowls clattering or measuring spoons being taken out of drawers. Tonight she flipped though my cookbook and pointed out all the pictures of food and vegetables being chopped. She loves watching and helping, which I adore. It is such good time with her and the cooking and cleaning up gives us something to do together and builds her confidence. Stuey also is making small attempts at helping as well. He'll crawl over to the dishwasher when Nora and I are unloading it and he'll take out a dish or two and hand them to us.

Yesterday Mary Jane and I took the kids to the beach which was actually quite relaxing-until having to leave. Nora is never ready to leave the beach. I need to bring a timer or something of the sort to help her know when its time to go.
Mary Jane would build a little sand sculptures with the spoons we brought from home and Nora would promptly run over and knock it over. Stuey just sat digging in the sand-fascinated. Lots of the rocks made it into his mouth. Same with Nora.
Now that Stuart is walking, I look forward to lots more beach trips in the months to come. I can see many, many hours spent at Mill Bay beach. Patrick and I both love taking the kids down there.

Tonight I watched The Diving Bell and The Butterfly. Wow. Good movie. Hauntingly good. I read the book in college and wrote a report on it. Makes me want to re-read the book. Beautiful cinematography and amazing, true story.

Zoya

PHOTOS: The only two photos I have thus far of Andrew and Tamara's wedding. Ella was kind enough to forward them to me this evening.
Top: Tamara and Andrew at their wedding in West Virginia yesterday, May 10th.
Bottom: Ella and Dicky at Tamara and Andrew's wedding.

Andrew's Wedding

Patrick's young brother, Andrew, is marrying Tamara Schulman tomorrow in West Virginia. Patrick flew out there yesterday and will be attending his wedding tomorrow. We talked tonight after he came back from a dinner and I asked him the standard questions.... about what they ate, who was there, had he met Tamara, who did he talk to, what was Ella wearing? He could remember everything except what Ella was wearing. He replied, "I don't know, Zoya. I don't notice those things."Being her twin sister, I am extra curious about her fashion choices on such a big wedding weekend. :)
I am glad Patrick was able to make the trip and I can't wait to hear more details about the weekend!

The weather has been pretty crummy in Kodiak-windy and rainy non stop. Patrick interpreted this weather system before he left. He said, "Usually when it is like this for all of May, it rains all summer." Great. At least I can prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised when the sun comes out. I don't mind the storms but our driveway/walkway area is so saturated with water that it is turning into a pond. At least this weather makes staying inside huddled up with the kids kinda fun.

Zoya

Good to be 32

Yesterday was such a fun 32nd birthday. Friends came over for a barbeque in the evening and Mary Jane made a fabulous cake (see photo!) It was a checkerboard cake with Barefoot Contessa Buttercream frosting. SO DECADENT!

For a day or two before the party, Nora walked around the house saying "Happy Mommy, Happy Mommy"...then she would laugh and say "Happy Daddy? Nooo!!!!!". She was pretending it was other peoples birthdays then would say, "noooo!!".

Other highlights from yesterday include....
Rose Kinsley made a crab quiche and a salmon quiche (both absolutely delicious).
Mike and Roxan brought smoked salmon and cheese for appetizers....
Patrick was in and out grilling reindeer, deer and goat sausage burgers and grilled peppers-he is getting good at grilling veggies.
Katie and Matt brought Sawyer and Natalie and we got some newborn baby time!! Natalie enjoyed romping around with the kids...
Fisher read stories to Nora at bedtime. He climbed right in the crib and read her Babybug. She LOVED it.
I got wonderful cards from my girlfriends-several were very funny and made me laugh!
Melissa D. came over-she is leaving soon for LA and it was so nice to have more time with her.
The kids all ran around the house playing together and Fisher had fun taking photos with Mike and Roxann's camera. Roxann was so wonderful with explaining her camera to Fisher.

The quote of the evening occured when I was nursing Stuart.
Fisher asked, "Why do you nurse Stuey instead of giving him a bottle?". I paused, thinking of how to answer. Before I could say anything he replied with "Oh, I know. Its because your milk is better for him than any other milk. I know that because I study rocks and science." Very cute answer, Fisher!


I love being 32-and am blessed to bring in my 32nd year surrounded by my family and good friends!

Zoya

Chowderhouse Birthday Lunch

BIRTHDAY LUNCH!
Patrick, the kids and myself went to The Chowderhouse yesterday for a birthday lunch. Going out with both kids is getting easier and easier as they get older. It is almost enjoyable! :) They are both such little "foodies" and love trying all the food we order. Nora gobbled up the last of the clam chowder and Stuey loved watching all the action in the restaurant. Nora saw Stuey in the high chair and insisted on sitting in one as well! Lots of times she thinks that "baby" things are cooler.

Zoya

Phew!

The library books weren't missing afterall. Phew! I called the library to just double check and the cheery librarian said, "no, you don't have any books that are overdue." Yeah! They must have slid off to the side for a while and didn't get signed back in for a day or two.

So we went to the library and got more books. Nora digs the library. So many books, so little time.

Zoya

Zoya's Birthday

In honor of Zoya's turning 32 I thought I'd throw in a little blast from birthdays past. This is a photo from Zoya's 28th birthday party at Mary Jane's house. Lots of wine that year and things got a little goofy with everyone trying on the goofy white sunglasses. Later on we clipped the little medallions that fit onto the wine glass stems (and mark whose glass is whose - see bottom of glass stem to Zoya's left in photo) onto our noses and ears as part of an informal body modification contest. They made great nose rings. A good time was had by all.

Generally on Zoya's birthday our traditional outing is to drive out the roadsystem with the spotting scope and look at all the new spring migrants. Zoya's birthday falls at the peak of the annual bird migration back north, and many of these birds pass through Kodiak. Some of those birds have pretty amazing colors when viewed up close through the spotting scope. I see it as very apropos that Zoya's birthday marks the return of life to the north country after the hard winter. Patrick

Missing Library Books

Right now it feels like I"m the only one on earth who has ever lost a library book.

Two library books are missing and I'm horribly bummed about it. I SO DREAD having to go in tomorrow to tell them we can't find them.
I'm hoping there was a library computer error and when I go in, the library people will say, "Oh, we found those two books. No problems at all!". But, that probably won't happen.
We are good about keeping our library books in a certain canvas bag, so they don't get mixed up amongst our other books. Our house is relatively neat (hold your comments, Ella) and not terribly disheveled...I like to think there is a tiny bit of order where things go.... So when the librarian said that two were missing, I was quite surprised. That said, I figured we'd find them right away on a shelf at home.

A week and several thorough searches later, they are no where to be found. The only that we found were some MAJOR dust bunnies under beds/couches and odd small plastic objects in the couches. I know that someday the books will turn up, because the they never left the house. But they probably won't turn up before the Tuesday May 6th due date.

My friend Marias said, "Zoya, don't let this get you so down that you don't take Nora to the library anymore to get more books. It is such a good experience for her." I agree with Marias and after discussing it with her, I realized that from now on Patrick and I will have to be even more diligent with keeping tabs of the books in the canvas bag.

Zoya

Shoup Family Visit

Anne, Dan, Sonya, Katja and Talia all left yesterday after a wonderful 6 day visit. It was so fun to be Auntie Zoya to the girls. Everyone stayed here at the house, and Dan, Anne, Patrick and myself would stay up late laughing, talking and drinking a glass or two of wine. I had a cold which got progressively worse, but I didn't care because I see Anne so little. It was worth losing much needed sleep for a few days to catch up on our lives. Anne and Dan live in Michigan and I haven't spent time with them for many years.

Sonya, Katja and Talia got along well with Nora and Stuey-there was the occasional "no!" or crying but with 5 kids in the house it was less chaotic than I would've expected it to be. Sonya and Katja play well together-they would disappear for a long time playing dolls or pretend play. Sonya is the oldest one (6), Katja is the middle (4) and Talia is the youngest (18 months). Katja enjoyed being older than Nora and telling her what to do. Nora would follow her around in awe. Stuey and Talia basically followed the older kids around and they are both into hitting, biting, pulling hair (Stuey more so than Talia).

Last night Patrick gave a public talk on his hike to Shisaldin Volcano in 2005 as part of Island Trails Network presentation. I wanted to go so badly but really needed an evening of rest and sleep, so I stayed behind. I slept for about 10 hours and am starting to feel rejuvenated.

I miss the Shoup family here at our house! :(

Zoya

Photos
Dan and Stuey
Sonya and Katja building a block fort on a table so the little kids couldn't get to it.
Anne reading a book to the girls
Katja with her doll.

Chief Cove

Yesterday I caught a ride to Chief Cove with the USF&WS and Alaska Department of Fish & Game. I checked out archaeological sites for the Wildlife Service and helped Fish and Game with their deer mortality studies. Basically checking out how many deer died this winter out there. Walking around looking for fur piles and bones in the bushes. Then we'd do a little forensic archaeology and determine to the best of our ability the sex and age of the critter and how much fat was in the bone marrow. Pretty cool stuff actually. They compare this year's results with those of year's past to get an idea of how the deer population did this winter relative to year's past.

While out there I even found a previously unrecorded archaeological site. A 2,000 year old village. Chief Cove was a pretty nice place to live. Lots of seals. whales and cod.

Photos: Top - the team prepares to depart on the survey. Alaska Peninsula on the other side of Shelikof Strait. Reflection of a mountain in a pond. The team preparing to depart in the floatplane - Tanya, John, Brandon and Willy the pilot. Patrick

Sweet Tracks

I love when I'm done skiing, driving home, and when I look back at the mountain I can see my tracks. This was my view back of the mountain today. I had to play with the photo colors and contrast to get the ski tracks to show, but there they be - right down the ridge into the south bowl of Pyramid. It gave me a sense of accomplishment. I must admit I stopped the truck multiple times to look back and admire the view.

After the blizzard of the last few days we ended up with 2 feet of new snow on Pyramid, and some of the biggest drifts I have ever seen. If you look closely at the photo you can see the new cornice at the top of the south bowl. I intentionally avoided this obvious avalanche hazard. Right now the snow is the deepest I have ever seen it on Pyramid. Patrick

Davis' Birthday

April 30th is Davis' 14th birthday so we decided to celebrate early.
Brooks made a moist, scrumptious carrot cake-from scratch. It had coconut, mandarin oranges, grated orange zest in it along with the carrots. So yummy. Davis got to wear the birthday hat and we all joined in chorus (including Nora and Leo) to wish Davis a Happy Birthday!

Happy 14th Davis!

Zoya

Snow Storm in Kodiak

Right now we have big snow storm in Kodiak which has left Ella and Dicky unable to leave on time and Anne and Dan (and family) unable to get over to Kodiak. It is a full blown winter storm-high winds, lots of snow and poor visibility. Recipe for disaster for trying to get on or off of Kodiak Island.

What a great visit with Ella, Dicky and the boys we had! Highlights included baking with Brooks, skiing trips up Pyramid, watching Nora and Leo go after eachother and getting to know our nephews better.

Zoya

Photo:
Group shot this afternoon.
Nora and Stuey at breakfast this morning.

Kitewing Kodiak

Finally after days of bright sun and calm winds we got some wind and flat light. Dicky was ecstatic. So we took tele gear and the kitewings up to the ski chalet and hiked on up on the south side of the pass. It was not quite windy enough for Dicky's tastes but the wind was blowing up slope so it was quite easy to rip back and forth across the hill slope and slowly lose elevation. Nothing like the feeling of high speed and immanent takeoff!

Today we got even more wind and a blizzard! I love it. Winter is not dead. Patrick

Easter Egg Hunt at the Haakanson's

Last Sunday was an Easter Egg hunt at Balika's house-see photo attached. Nora was more into playing with Isabella's outdoor fake kitchen over hunting for eggs, but I think she understood the concept of egg hunting by the end of it. The day was sunny and brisk and there was lots of laughter had by the kids!

Zoya