Home improvement

Last spring, the state implemented a fabulous program for Alaska homeowners. Basically you have your home rated for energy efficiency, make improvements and then the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. will reimburse you for about 50% of your costs (up to $10,000) based on a point system. In reality it's slightly more complicated that that, with lots of rules, but overall a great program for everybody.

After months and months of waiting, an energy rater showed up on Wednesday to conduct our rating. I was at work, but according to D the guy hooked up a big blower to the front door and sucked out air from inside the house, which then allows him to determine where cold air is sneaking in.

From his preliminary results (the detailed report will arrive in a few days) it appears that we should probably replace some windows, seal a few minor areas and maybe look at additional insulation. What's nice is that the energy raters will take into account the changes the homeowner wants to make and then factor that into the report. Seeing as we had plans to upgrade this fixer-upper from the beginning, it is quite a blessing to be able to participate in the program and have some of those costs recouped!

Oh and D says the energy rater was quite impressed with the quality of work in our remodeled master bathroom. When it's all done (and staged perfectly!) I'll take a few photos and post them.

It's Breakup time

Ahhh, springtime in Alaska. That unique time of year when grass is green, flowers are blooming on every corner, and people walk around in shorts and t-shirts...

Well, anyone who has actually been to Alaska or has the pleasure to live here KNOWS that the above description is just wishful thinking. Although people do shed their layers rather quickly when the temperature rises above 40 degrees! In reality, the grass is brown, new flower buds are at least 6 weeks away...but Breakup has finally arrived.

Most people hate Breakup (with a capital B) -- it's an unofficial season here in Alaska. Think puddles, gray snow, dust and very, very dirty cars. Me? I've loved Breakup for as long as I can remember. I love the melted and refrozen puddles, dusty streets and most especially, the warmer temperatures that come along with our brownest and dirtiest season. We are finally emerging from what has turned out to be a long and cold winter. I'm on the other side and it's glorious!

My car says it's 43 degrees...time to get out the shorts!

Light it up

The design blogs have been talking about an aesthetic called "modern rustic," which I have been identifying with. It sounds like an oxymoron - how can something be rustic and modern at the same time, right? Just think natural materials and cabin chic but with clean lines and a contemporary twist.

These candles kind of evoke a modern rustic vibe -- they've been showing up everywhere from Pottery Barn to one of my favorite sites, Apartment Therapy.

I've been jonesing for these candles for a while now, but couldn't bring myself to pay $10-20 EACH. So I picked D's brain and he figured out a way to make my candles at home. All it took was an inexpensive drill bit I picked up from Home Depot and birch logs that D previously cut down for firewood. Add tealights and presto!

Aren't birch logs gorgeous? I'm hoping to display a nice little stack in a wicker basket next to the wood stove.

Breaking News - Beer!

I just found out that the Alaskan Brewing Company, located in Juneau, has released a brand new beer -- Alaskan White Ale!

It sounds delish: "Alaskan White Ale has a soft, slightly sweet base with the unique spice aroma of coriander and crisp, citrus finish of orange peel. A light and effervescent body combined with the smooth palate creates a complex and delicate beer that is deliciously refreshing in any season. "

I'm a sucker for the wheat-y and Belgian style beers. Can't wait to find it at our local shops.

Rollin' and shakin'

Holy moly -- we're having an earthquake! We always feel them strongly here on the 7th floor of my workplace. Everything shakes and okay then -- my bathroom door just slammed shut. That was pleasant.

It lasted a longer than most -- about 15 seconds I'd say. If that doesn't seem long to you, sit still and count to 15 -- believe me, it's a good stretch of time.

Update: Anchorage Daily News says the Alaska Earthquake Information Center reports the tremor was mag. 4.7 - moderately strong.

Sham WOW!

I forgot to mention that at the Sportsmans Show, I finally broke down and purchased some of those damn ShamWow towels. It really is amazing to see the live demo -- especially the part where the towel slurps up the cola spilled onto carpet.




We're putting a couple in the kitchen and bathrooms, while the other set is going on the boat and to use as scent lures for fishing (another tip gleaned from a seminar at the show).

On a related note, D heard that the annoying ShamWow tv sales guy was arrested for canoodling with a "lady of negotiable affection" in a hotel room recently. ShamNO!

Weekend fun

This past weekend was filled with more bathroom remodel excitement (the last little touches are being done now). We're so close!

On Sunday, D and I hit up the annual Sportsmans Show at the sports arena. Lots of fun stuff to see and do -- we sat through a couple seminars and browsed our little hearts out.

The Bird Treatment & Learning Center (one of my clients back in my ad agency days) was there and this volunteer was displaying a live little owl. He was so very cute. Bird TLC rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned birds (owls, raptors, eagles, etc). The ones that can be released are set back into the wild -- the others are kept for public education purposes. A very, very worthwhile organization.

Since this was a show for hunters (among others), we saw mounts galore! This one of a mama moose defending her calf was HUGE.

Did you know that black bears can bowhunt too? The Alaska Bowhunters Association had this display. I entered into a raffle for a free bow -- didn't get a call so apparently I didn't win. Poop.

Last year I bought my snazzy new waders from the Sportsmans Show -- can't wait to get them out again!

Here I am, ready to flip for reds (sockeye) on the Russian and Kenai Rivers. Speaking of, we have a new fly to try out this year...secret info gleaned from a seminar at the Show!