Larry Csonka and Our Helecopter

I can't wait until I get to ride across Alaska in one of these!

I love my summer home :)

Moose!!!

Since my iPad lacks a USB port I won't be uploading pics from my camera- so even though I have many great pics, especially of the wildlife, I can't shoe you them. But, I was so happy to have my iPod on me when we saw this mama moose in a neighbor's yard.

A dreary day on the beach: mike goes clam digging while CJ and I watch

The dreariest day of the week happened to be the best day for clam digging down near Ninilchik Village. Although CJ and I didn't feel right about digging poor little clams up, we wanted to check out the scene because the area is supposedly one of the best places for digging in Alaska.

It's alive!!

For the first time since I've been here, I saw Redoubt Volcano steaming up a storm! These pics were taken with my iPad from my bedroom window around midnight. Sorry for the poor zoom quality...
P.S. - that's a bald eagle flying in front of the sunset :)

Fiddlehead Ferns: From the Yard to the Table

The other day we found out there is an abundance of Fiddlehead Ferns and Stinging Nettle growing around the lodge, so Mike and I set out after work one night to gather our produce for the following evening. Here's how it went :)

And, Ta-Da! A Nettle and goat cheese casonsei, confit orange with tarragon and fiddlehead ferns :)

Rhubarb Streusel Bread

So our chef, mike, discovered some rhubarb plants growing in the yard of the lodge and yesterday he taught me how to harvest it. Since part of my job description includes baking morning treats for the guests, I found this rhubarb quick bread recipe to make. The bread turned out wonderfully! I love that you can truly taste the rhubarb too because it isn't masked by anything. This morning, I had several rave reviews- one from the son of a baker :) and another, requesting the recipe!

I got to say, I am loving my job :)))