Life on an Island

Reflection

2009-11-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

Fletchers Bacon

2009-10-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's not easy to get inspiried about your day. Mondays, for whatever reason are even more difficult than say any Tuesday or Saturday. But this particular morning is going pretty well and I have to attribute most of it to one of my dietary staples..... BACON! Any bacon will do however when you fry up some Fletchers "thick sliced" Maple flavored classic bacon... you just know the day is gonna be good. Add two farm fresh eggs picked this morning and cooked over easy placed on a piece of toasted Columbia bread... and if that wasn't perfect enough add a little bit a ketchup. I've died and gone to heaven. But wait... there is more. A cup of Hazelnut expresso.
I'll let you know how this particular Monday turns out!
Enjoy the day... and have some bacon.

Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-10-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

These are delicious!! Nestle makes chocolate chunks that are perfect for these cookies. The recipe will make 30 small cookies... however I like them a little bigger so plan on 20 if you go that route. Make sure you underbake them to get the perfect texture.

1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large eggs at room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 1/4 pounds semisweet chocolate chunks

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter and two sugars until light and fluffy in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time, and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt and add to the butter with the mixer on low speed, mixing only until combined. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chunks.

Drop the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, using a 1 3/4-inch-diameter ice cream scoop or a rounded tablespoon. Dampen your hands and flatten the dough slightly. Bake for exactly 15 minutes (the cookies will seem underdone). Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Western Painted Turtles

2009-10-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

A while back we brought you some photos of a mama turtle laying a cluch of eggs.. well September first a new nest hatched out.

Look how cute these little guys are.

In relation to the size of a quarter... so they're pretty small.

Charlie and Tess think they might be pretty fun to play with

Really fun!

But today... they are heading to the pond and if all goes well we'll see them in a couple years.

Langley Winery Fall Harvest

2009-09-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Fall Harvest at our local Langley Winery is here. The incredible summer has led to a wonderful crop of grapes.

Volunteers come to help pick the fruit off the vines.

Miss Heather working away

The proper way is to hold the cluster and clip the stem

Today we are picking the white wine grapes

The green grapes are Madeleine Angevine
This variety originated in France's Loire valley. The wine is characterized by flavors of citrus, melon, pear and apple, and big flowery spicy aromas.

The purple grapes are Siegerrebe ~ pronounced . . (see-geh-RAY-buh)

This is a cross of Gewurztraminer and Madeleine Angevine and has incredible spice and floral aromas; with flavors of grapefruit, honey, spice, pears and apricots.

The picked grapes are going into the separator. Ya know the thingy that takes the grapes off the vine.

Here is what comes out the one side. Crushed juicy grapes.

Here are the stems that come out the other side of the separator

Now that most of the picking has been done.... we get to wander the grounds a bit.

And do a little sampling of the wines.

Preparing for a lovely harvest picnic

Kathy Paterson laid out a lovely spread. Pork loin with a fig sauce, humus, white bean spinach salad...

Now this is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

So what if we got a little dirty. Who doesn't like to play 'pig pen' for the afternoon?

Here's our friend Gene turning the camera on us!

Cheers to Colett... yes I do see your glass is empty. Don't get up.. let me fetch you another pour.

And then there was cake! With a little merlot! Delish

Just a few empty bottles

The buckets are washed and ready for the Harvest next year.

Day Trip #1 from Whidbey

2009-09-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Next Spring on a warm day when the tides are low, grab your backpacks and hike out to Port Townsend's Glass Beach. It's an unmarked stretch of shoreline that follows the high bank bluff to a point that once served as the towns dump. Hike from North Beach about 90-minutes which includes stopping a few times to gaze at the stunning views and to pick up a few pieces of glass, and once you corner McCurdy Point you will know you're there.

There.. glinting in the sun are bits of frosted green, amber, aqua-blue and clear glass. If you're lucky like us you will find a few ruby red, pink and yellow pieces. Heather would announce in delight when spotting pottery shards. Beautifully weathered and rounded, framing what's left of the glazed pastels.

The Trip Details:
From Whidbey... hop on the Keystone to Port Townsend Ferry. Jefferson Transit has a downtown shuttle #11 that runs by the ferry terminal every 20 minutes. From there you can enjoy the town of Port Townsend or stay on the bus to the Park and Ride at which point you transfer to the #14 shuttle that runs every hour to North Beach.

A few things we suggest packing in your backpack. Advil... remember this is a hike. Something to hold your hair back as you look for glass, change for the bus, an extra pair of dry socks, search and rescue phone number, sunscreen, snacks and water.

Check the tides before you go, get a ferry schedule, bus schedule.. and you're set.

Reconnaissance Mission

2009-09-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

It started early Tuesday morning with a short drive up the island to the Keystone ferry.

With a current ferry schedule, bus schedule and tide chart in hand... all was in place for a perfect day ahead.

The kids are in school, the crockpots are on low with tonights dinner. These girls are ready for adult Adventure Ed. Why should the 8th graders have all the fun?

Leaving the dock at Keystone ... there is no turning back except to take in the beautiful snow capped Mt. Baker in the back ground.

Our backpacks are filled with sunblock, water, plastic bags, Search and rescue phone number, first aid kit, tissues, PB & J's, and for those who were aniticipating eighty degree weather... a polka dot bikini. Really!

About mid channel we are slowed by a passing freighter. He has the right away... and we don't question that fact.

Getting closer to the dock of Port Townsend... Mynda and Nisa fight the crowds to the front of the boat.

And there it is... the illusive city of Port Townsend. We have talked about taking this trip for months.

The adventure begins... now if we can just find the bus stop. Does anyone have change for the bus. ($1.50 for the entire day anywhere you want to go in Jefferson County)

City of Port Townsend

What time is the bus...?

Why are the rest of you at work?

First one to find the red glass wins a prize!

Looking... looking.... looking...

Can you spot the glass?

Hope my double chin doesn't show! Is it time for a PB&J?

Have you ever seen pink seaweed?

Beauty all around us... and not another soul on the beach.

Take time to look around

We love rocks

but our pockets were already full with glass. Note to self... wear a belt next time.

Back at the beach where it all started.

We did it... who says we don't accomplish anything?

Bikini and glass... need I say more!??

tired..wet.. feet. Walking 8 miles (maybe 9.5) in wet shoes and socks is not ideal but we survived. Blister count to come.

Tyler Steet Cafe... because we deserve it.

Can you smell it? Cafe Vita... nothing better.

Carrot cake split three ways is 1/3 less calories.

Heather loves crossing things off her bucket list.
What's next?

Our ride home

back where we started and reality

Take a break from the hunt, lift your gaze to the horizon and appreciate the fact that you live in a place that is so amazingly beautiful... it's most important to enjoy where you are — on the edge of the continent.

Stay tuned to more Island Girls Adventure Ed.. featuring public transportation, pastries and phun times with phriends.

Coffee with Friends

2009-09-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Tyler Street Cafe in Port Townsend

There is something about a good cup of coffee with the company of friends that makes us happy.....

Did we mention there was cake involved too?

Details of our trip to Port Townsend coming tomorrow.

Glass Beach

2009-09-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today is a big field trip for some of us Island Girls. We're heading out this morning to Port Townsend. Destination... 'Glass Beach'. The weather is perfect with temperatures in the 80's. So grab your Sunhat, Sunglasses, Sunblock and head outside.
Enjoy the day

Soup Box Derby

2009-09-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! The Soup box derby is the kick off for Langley. Weather is a crap shoot but the rain subsided for the big races this past weekend. What started in 1972 as the soup box derby is going strong in 2009

There are some great entries this year. The outhouse is a favorite

So there are two photos for your enjoyment.... well actually if you didn't notice in the first picture 'Booger Boy'. How's that to start out your Monday morning??

Here is the Langley Winery on the right... and not too sure who's on the left. Photo finish of course.

Praying mantis

Landscaping company on the left.

But it's the people we come to see. What you wear to a function like this is key.

After all how many functions can you wear your 'lactating mole' outfit to?

This guy was having a great time. He ran into the bales of hay more than once. Rumor had it if you ran into the cop car at the end you got a 25 dollar ticket.

Gary Piper the local real estate agent

Sue Frause is the MC and notice the fancy sponsor boards. They pay big bucks for advertising I'm sure.

Then you have the awards. Boy I'm entering in next years event. I would have really liked to take home the big eye prize.

The end!

Summer Vacation

2009-07-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Some of you are asking ... where have you been?

We are on Summer Vacation and will see you back here in the Fall!

2009-07-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

2009-07-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Val

2009-06-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

Countdown to the big 4-0

2009-06-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

Waiting to escape

with a one boat wait we're so close to celebrating on the main land

Shelly is working on the best ten years of her life between thirty nine and forty... starting NOW.

and we're here to help you through it

Let the older ladies lead you down the path.... of... well...
You finish that sentence!

Valarie has two days left to go.

The crowning of the Party Queen

Countdown to Forty.... what else in in store for you?

Here's to good times.... tonight is kind of special

Add some Jewels and a little bit a sunshine...

And a little something for when you laugh

Hey Valeri... what's in the pretty pink bag?
Some would call them laughter liners.

You know there is always someone in the group to make you laugh... sometimes a little more than you can take

Happy Birthday Miss. Val! Enjoy every minute

It will seem like just a blur

But for now... we're all here to help you celebrate.

Northwest Heat

2009-06-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

If you live anywhere in the Northwest... today and tomorrow are perfect for heading to the waters. So put some paint on your toes...

Grab the dogs and a floaty.....

And maybe a couple chairs a good book and Long Island Ice Tea in a can.

All right I hear you screaming ... sunscreen and water would be a good idea too.

~Enjoy the Sun

Best 10 years are between 39 and 40

2009-06-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Shelly

Thanks for making us smile!

2009-05-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love beach days?? Although no one more than Charlie. He starts howling two miles from the parking lot.

Warm May Days at the Beach. With the low tide it's a perfect time to run the tide flats

Or chase after sticks in the water

Or watch the tankers cruise up the shipping lanes

Eagle on the flats looking for something to eat

Here is the Eagle Footprints left behind on the sand...... You know how big they are??

Here is in comparison with my foot.

Then we have the sea treasures.

Hermet Crab... minus a shell. Someone obviosly needed his shell more.

Dungeness Crab.. caught off gaurd

It's been a good day at the beach...and before we pull away from the parking lot headed for home... Charlie is fast asleep.

One Quarter Wild Duck

2009-05-27T09:27:00.001-07:00

This is our 'somewhat' wild duck Caramel and her new brood.

She hatched out fifteen little ones about a week ago.

She's a good mommy.

Lonely Lion

2009-05-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

One of many lawn ornaments. This guy is Mr. Lion although it's hard to tell with all that dried up slobber on his mane and his defenseless position.

Tess is very gentle with her toys.

She really doesn't like it when they squeak.

So most of the time she just holds on and enjoys the scenery around her.

Until Charlie comes into the picture and steals the toy away. What's good for Tess is much better for Charlie.

Sure he looks like he'll be gentle too and for some reason Mr. Lion is spared from having his stuffing scattered in the lawn.

Unlike my petunias that were sitting on the deck waiting to be planted.

Nothing is safe around here when it comes to things to play with... you should see what they did with my new snow ball tree!

Flower World

2009-05-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to do in the spring is head to Flower World

Here is Michelle... Queen of the Road Trip. She's our driver. Her sweet husband let us borrow his beast of a truck. It's HUGE.
We're along to help navigate.

Spring is such a beautiful time of year here in the Northwest.

This is one of five carts we have to fit in the HUGE truck.

It will fit Michelle... our mantra for the moment.

We just need to move some things around ... put some plants in the back seat... Sorry Michelle's husband... we only got your truck a little dirty~!

Time to start planting.

But first... let's talk breakfast! Part of the Flower World experience is to eat at the Maltby Cafe.

Have you heard of the Maltby Cafe?? If so, then you know about their famous Cinnamon Rolls

Today on the 'Specials' Menu was Watermelon Mimosas

Times three Please!

~Cheers

The Color Green

2009-05-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Polka Dot Cupcakes

2009-05-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

If you havent noticed... Our friend Jacki LOVES Red and white polka dots.

So for a little twist on the coconut cupcakes we added red dots to the frosting.

Nothing more than some strawberry flavored Skittles, but the presentation was Oh So Jacki!

Try this recipe NOW!! Perfect way to start out the week. Barefoot Contesa Coconut Cupcakes.

Jacki's Birthday

2009-05-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

It's Jacki's birthday... technically it was yesterday. So in honor of this special day for a special lady we made these!!

Here is the recipe for Barefoot Contesa Coconut Cupcakes... Can you say YUMMM!

Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut

For the frosting:
1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut

Trespassing

2009-05-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we shared with you a little section from our local Whidbey Island Newspaper called "The Sheriff's Report".

It's still unclear WHY they publish this, but I'm glad they do because it's stinkin funny!

This weeks episodes included:

Tuesday at 1:32 p.m. - A caller reported a silver or gray Mercedes heading south on Hwy 525 that had a board sticking out of the sunroof. The board was sliding around, and the caller thought is was unsafe.

Tuesday at 5:31 p.m. - A man wanted to ask questions about the noise ordinance, because his grand children's band was practicing at the end of Grimm Rd.

Wednesday at 11:05 a.m. - A caller said there was a 33 year old man who was on a sandbar and couldn't make it to the shore. (Hazards of living on an Island)

And the Kicker.....

Thursday at 12:21 p.m. - A Woman said her neighbors were trespassing on her davenport. It's an ongoing problem, she said!

Seriously?!!

I guess it all depends who's on your couch!

This guy can stay.....

Someone please call 911!!