This may be the most beautiful moose I have ever seen. We spotted her on the way to McCarthy. My husband, Shon, stopped the truck, I rolled down the window, and I talked softly to the pretty girl. I was amazed at her coloring and muscles. At one point, she dipped her head to the water to get a drink, keeping those big eyes fixed on me as I told her how wonderful I thought she was. “Oh, I know I’m magnificent!” she seemed to tell me as she batted those eyelashes my direction. Have you ever seen a moose as impressive as this one?
Did you know that there is white sweet clover in Alaska? I mean A LOT of white sweet clover… It is all over my yard. I love it. It smells divine. I go out on my porch when the clover is in bloom and deeply breath in the heavenly smell. I have learned, however, that not everyone in Alaska is impressed with it. It might smell good, but it is considered invasive. There are people who think that it is interfering with the pollination of the berry plants. Apparently the bees are neglecting some of the blueberry and raspberry plants because they like the clover as much as I do! I haven’t tried it, but I read that the clover blossoms are quite delicious and high in protein. Have you tried it? I’m pretty sure Shon would wonder what was up if he found it in a salad.
If you look closely, you might even notice one that is broken off. A few years ago, spruce beetles came through our neck of the woods. We did our best to protect the huge spruce trees around our house, but to no avail. They got every single one. Thankfully, the beetles were not interested in the younger, healthier spruce trees. When the wind is blowing, we don’t get out in the forest. Even standing on the front porch, we sometimes hear dead spruce trees snapping in a strong gust. During the winter, our trails are often blocked by newly downed spruce. We have heard from some of our neighbors who have saw mills that much of the standing dead spruce trees are getting so rotten that it is no longer good for lumber. It will be a long while before our forests look healthy again.
Even the largest, most stately tree can be brought down by a host of quarter-inch bugs.
The wild iris in Alaska fascinates me. It was one of the first flowers I noticed at the cabin on Cub Lake. My front flowerbed was filled with them, packed in so tightly that nothing else would grow. I tried using a shovel to dig some up, but had no luck. Shon couldn’t even break through that thick root mass. We eventually got a grubbing hoe to thin them out a bit. I pulled them up and threw them in another area where I thought they might take root. I didn’t even dig holes! Sure enough, they have taken hold and are filling in that area nicely. I’m not sure I could kill them if I tried! They love the moist soil, but can also survive in rocky areas. I frequently see them next to lakes, in bogs, and in swampy meadows. Basically, they aren’t too picky. Right before they are finished flowering, they develop a seed pod, as you can see in the picture. In the fall, that pod dries out and a bunch of little brown seeds get spit out onto the ground. The first year we were here, I tried to catch each and every seed so I could plant them where I wanted them. Little did I know that I didn’t need to bother. They grow wild and are super easy to transplant. After a little research, I have learned that they are also found in much of Canada, Maine, and New Hampshire. In some parts of Asia, such as Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan, they can also be found. I sure hope those people have a grubbing hoe! (Research found at lwpetersen.com.) #alaskawildflower #alaska #wildiris
It is one of the best things about living in the Land of the Last Frontier. My closet is full of clothes that are in style and it doesn’t look like the fashion is going to change anytime soon! Muck boots or XTra Tuffs are perfect for any occasion. They can be found out in the bush, in the grocery store, and can even be spotted at church. They are worn over a nice, thick pair of Darn Tuff socks. Blue Jeans are perfectly acceptable, either wet or dry. Those nylon pants that can be turned into shorts by zipping off the legs are also pretty handy when it is hot (75 degrees) or when there is a possibility of getting wet. They dry quicker than my jeans. Many women in Alaska also feel like leggings are acceptable apparel. That can definitely be debated. I wear them at home, but if company comes, I slip on some “real” pants. When we see a woman with them on in the grocery store, Shon usually comments, “Hey! That lady forget to wear pants!” Most of my shirts are long sleeved. I like t-shirt material because it is comfortable. Cotton is ok, but polyester seems to help with the mosquito bites. I have found that a bandana sprayed with OFF tied around my neck also helps keep the little devils at bay. If they are terrible, I wear a head net. I often wear a vest. It helps keep me a little warmer without constricting my arms and it covers my pistol. Yes, many women in Alaska are packing. I don’t particularly like wearing a gun, but then we see a big bear with cubs and I find myself strapping it on, even without Shon’s encouragement. It probably wouldn’t stop a bear if it were determined to get me, but it might scare one away. To top off my fashionable attire, I pull my hair up into a ponytail and slip on a ball cap. It helps keep my headset in place when flying and is a wonderful “shelf” for my sunglasses when it is cloudy out. Gloves are optional, depending on the situation. I prefer leather gloves because they usually last an entire season. I decorate mine with a Sharpie so Shon doesn’t accidentally confuse them with his. When I really want to get dressed up, I put on a pair of earrings and slip on my wedding ring. And I know I look especially nice, because Shon will comment, “Woo Hoo! You sure are dressed up fancy today!”
I never knew growing greens was so easy until I moved to Alaska. Since going to the grocery store isn’t as convenient as it once was, I decided to give it a try. During our first summer, I used the totes that we used for moving to Alaska as my container garden. We drilled holes in the bottoms of the totes and filled them with soil, some from here and some garden soil brought from town. I mixed in my egg shells and other organic matter. I planted several varieties of greens. They have all grown well! I don’t know why it is so satisfying, but I love picking the greens for a fresh salad. I also cut some chives that are growing in the yard. Today I am adding some strawberries, walnuts, parmesan cheese, and chicken. I’m topping it with a raspberry vinaigrette. Mmmm… What garden goodies have you been enjoying these days?
