The Latest

Given that this is the final day of a grueling work week, we don't have a lot of adventures to report. We do have some cool news, though. Thanks to the geneological research of Genevieve's mom, Ann, we found out, if you want to get technical, that Genevieve and I are a biracial couple. That's right. We're both part Native American. (Algonquin, Delaware, and Shoshone). I think since we're both part native that means we are a bi-biracial couple. And Genevieve is part French-Canadian. Very exciting. Kevin, Jodasm and I have been to Quebec and can verify that. That French-Canadian = exciting, I mean.

Other exciting news... my brother has officially applied to jobs in Alaska, both here in Bethel and in Anchorage. I don't want to get my hopes up too much, but it's very exciting to think about.

And last night we watched Hustle and Flow. It's a pretty darn good movie. And it is not a comedy, but it had one line that kept us laughing for quite a while...

"You Mormons are some brave motherfuckers."

We probably think that's so funny due to our Utah history, but I'm sure some of you can relate.

Genevieve changed the feng shui in our home sweet home, and it is now super awesome. We got some library books on feng shui. I'm not sure if I buy into the whole concept, but it's fun to think about anyway.

In the uplifting news department, I've been working on a brutal rape/assault trial all week. It's worse than you would probably imagine, and I'll leave it at that. But I don't mean worse in a judgmental way. Just in a 'whoa' way. But don't think about that. Think about pleasant things. Developing a caustic sense of humor works, too.

Big Thanks to Senator Jodasm!

We're going to rename this blog the blog of hearty gratitude.

Thank you Super Jodasm (Jonathan Daniel Smith) and Renee for sending us the massive Trader Joe's infusion of goodies. All of the items are looking mighty tasty, especially the chocolate covered peanut-butter filled pretzels. Genevieve is pumped about the spiced chai. And thank you for the reading material infusion. Lots of humor, some promising magazines, and great classical books. I do think you were reading my mind, because I've been meaning to read some Mark Twain, and you sent up both Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Thank you very much!

I always love reading Tom Tomorrow, which definitely isn't printed in either of our local papers. Surfer's Journal, nice! "George Bush, Dark Prince of Love" looks especially promising.

Thanks for the excellent line up! I'm looking forwar to it, right after I finish my latest dose of The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power.

Super Awesome Adventures

For those Alaskans employed by the state, yesterday was a holiday. Good old Seward Day. And the weather rose to the occasion, providing three straight incredible blue sky days. And firefighter class was cancelled on Saturday. Oh joy! Free time! It was like a vacation.

First, we drove upriver as far as we could. Unfortunately, this is the first winter in years that they haven't maintained the ice road, which usually connects Bethel with Aniak 150 miles up river. The road currently ends at Akiachak, 28 miles upriver. Still, it was nice to go out for a drive and have an excuse to listen to books on tape.

Saturday night was big time here in Bethel... live music! A Bethel group called Farthest Frost played some punk/metal type tunes. Then The Basile Band played. They are locals who play frequently, but creatively change their name about once a month. Their best name so far was "The Infidel Castros". Then Bethel's own Eminem, Luke Vanasse dazzled the crowd. The last time we saw him, he did a cover of "Oops, I did it again". Highly entertaining. And finally, Da Douce headlined the show and kept the party going til late. They did a sweet Weezer cover early in the night as a warm-up.

Of course, I missed all of it but the opening. I was getting ready for my big adventures into the mountains and beyond. Back in September I started getting pumped about a mission to 3 step. Our first foray was rough. But this time, the weather was awesome and it was pure joy. On Saturday, Rich and I rode out to 3 step. We took the direct route, which is only about 30 miles across the tundra. I brought my board and was able to get in a few turns, probably about 800 feet of vert. Unfortunately, I had to hike back up because I left the Bravo at the top of the mountain and Rich's snow machine couldn't get us both back up. The day ended well and we wandered back home. The picture is of Rich huddled behind a wind break on top of Three Step, looking towards Bethel. The wind was howling!

On the way home, we passed what they call the mud hut. It's an example of an old eskimo style dwelling. Of course, the plastic isn't old style. But the sod roof/wood construction is.

Sunday night was more good fun. Genevieve and I went out for a nice x-country ski mission, and even did some extreme descents of our own. The dog mushers were out enjoying the weather as well.

Monday... ahhh Monday. It was probably one of the best Mondays of my life, and I owe it all to William Seward, or technically, whoever it was who made it a holiday named after Seward. On Monday, I strapped enough extra gas to the Bravo to give me a range of 180 miles and went for the hills past Three Step. From there, the mountains, well, pure incredible goodness. Complete sentences don't do justice to the complete sense of exhileration involved. Pure positive life energy. Maximum stoke factor. Perma-grin.


It was hard to go back home, seeing as I could the other mountains within reach, and a clear path to them. But alas, I had managed to puncture my extra gas can. I salvaged most of the gas, but the loss was enough to keep me from venturing to the next mountain range. Oh well... it's always good to leave wanting more. Yes.

Big Thanks again!

We continue to be blessed by such generous friends and family!

Thanks to Sallie and Gerry in Missoula for sending up some literary resources to help prepare us for the coming months and years! They look to be informative and entertaining. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy: or everything your doctor won't tell you--I started the first few chapters and decided to look at the bio on the back to see just who this lady was---turns out her qualifications include 4 children under the age of 7 as well as a pre-mom past which includes law degrees (who would ever get more than 1), careers as a television producer and radio talk show host as well as a former Playboy centerfold. Now that's a resume; I guess I'll listen closely to her advice!

In the Beginning...There were no diapers: Laughing and learning in the First Years of Fatherhood--a sure to be entertaining book for Dawson.



















And Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder--a more serious book at the effects of today's "wired generation".

So thanks alot Sally and Jerry!

AND....

Thanks Nate and Nicole for a fantastic Lapacaca care package. Tasty treats from Trader Joe's (it's great how everybody picks different things--a real favorite in chocolate covered almonds as well as an assortment of Girl Scout Cookies, cashews and nuts and mint cocoa for the Coco-motion machine). Plus a very sharp looking filet knife for all the fish that we are going to massacre this summer (it should make things a lot easier than last summer when we were practically butchering away with a butter knife)! And I'm not sure if it's all the hormones or just great memories, but a gift which brought tears to my eyes...Nathan's favorite book of all time, The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit: as the inscription states it's a book that he calls the greatest literary contribution to the 20th century. Thanks guys and lots of love from the North!

After Work Riding

One of the beauties of the lengthening days is the ability to go on small adventures after work. Last night Rich called and we rode out to this abandoned orphanage up the Kwethluk river. Thanks to spectacular conditions, the Bravo reached it's top speed ever (50MPH), and we made the trip in just over two hours. From the orphanage, great views of the mountains abound. And so I'm super pumped about the upcoming 3 day weekend and some forays into those mountains.
Finally, here's an example of how cool the new digi cam is. This first picture is Rich on his snowmachine with no zoom, the Kwethluk village skyline in the background. The next picture is the max zoom setting. It's the kids sledding in the background of the first picture, the specks to the left of the snow machine. 12X optical zoom is awesome!

And other duties as assigned...

We have this running joke around the courthouse. Whenever one of the law clerks has to do something non-lawyerly for their judge, it's chalked up to the part of the job description "and other duties as assigned." Other duties range from giving rides to the airport (my favorite) to iguana sitting, dog walking, or snow shoveling. Last night we partook in some serious snow transplanting in order to get the judge's mighty Toyota Echo back into its home sweet home.
My least favorite part of the job was the berm.

Yes, it is uncommon to have two feet of new snow on the ground on the spring equinox, but we're having a great winter this year. Aside from the shoveling, the snow = pure fun.

In other news, we have more people to thank for awesome gifts. Thank you Justin and Elle for the infusion of chocolate, spices, books on cd, music, GW Bush calendars and 1-800 transvestite porn ads. I was a little offended by one of the gifts. Yeah, the calendar is totally out of line. Freedom is indeed on the march. That's what they said on the 800 numbers too. I heard.

And another mystery gift... the original version of The Razor's Edge on DVD. It's an awesome movie, and Bill Murray's rendition of it was already in my top ten, so I've really been enjoying this 1946 movie. It's a great story. My favorite part is its celebration of loafing. I've tried to live my life like Larry. I'll admit it. It's one rare instance where I've enjoyed the movie (both of them) more than the book.

To whoever sent that to us, thank you very much! St. Augustine, FL. My godfather Charlie Wilson? Hmm... Thanks to whoever!

And finally, I just want to publically thank Genevieve for an awesome birthday present. It's got to be one of the most shocking high school mascots still in existence. Hooray to Aniak for boldly bucking the PC movement.

Tasty Vittles

I found this recipe in a Fishing Alaska magazine on a flight home from the village of Toksook Bay. Apparently the magazine had a recipe contest and this was the grand prize winner (compliments to Teri Robl from Homer, Alaska). I made it on Sunday to rave reviews, so thought I would post it in case anyone else wants to eat some tasty salmon...International Alaska style. I'll give my variations as well.

Moroccan Style Wild Alaskan Grilled Salmon

Marinade (Charmoula Sauce)

Mix in a small bowl
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 tbsp sweet paprika
2 tsp kosher salt
dash white pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Place in food processor
4 cloves garlic (a little less for Dawson)
1/2 cup Italian flat leaf parsley (what's the chance they have both fresh flat leaf parsley and cilantro at the Bethel grocery...I used double cilantro)
1/2 cup cilantro
juice of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lime
zest of 1 lemon (as one who dislikes zest, I omitted these ingredients as well)
zest of 1 lime
1/2 cup olive oil

Mix all together in food processor (including spices above) and add the olive oil slowly at the end with the motor running.

Drizzle 1/2 of sauce on salmon and put in fridge to marinate.

Raita
1/2 small seedless cucumber
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 cup plain yogurt
salt to taste

Process in food processor until smooth. This is garnish for a cool, smooth contrast.

Cous Cous with Veggies
Veggie Saute
1 clove garlic
1 medium white onion diced
2 Alaska carrots sliced thin on the diagonal (Alaska carrots???)
1 cup fresh tomatoes diced (I did these on the diagonal too for flare and to keep pace with the carrots)
1 small zucchini, cut in half, then in quarters
1/2 red pepper (cut on the diagonal of course)
1/2 can garbanzo beans (I made it about 1/2 cup and used the other cup in the can to make some hummus to serve with it)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in pan...saute garlic and onion. Add veggies, broth, spices and cook 3 minutes. Cover to keep warm.

Cous Cous
1 box cous cous with pine nuts (amazingly, on the day before I was planning on making this, we received a care package with both cous cous and pine nuts?!---not a lot of pine nuts in these parts--thanks Justin and Elle!).
1 1/2 cup chicken broth.
2 tsp olive oil
Cook up the couscous, cover and remove from heat.

Grill the marinated salmon (or in our case, bake as it isn't really grilling weather yet). The assembly is couscous, cover with veggies, set salmon on top, drizzle a little more marinade sauce and raita on top of the salmon and on the side of the plate. Garnish with additional cilantro, parsley, tomato and lemon as desired. I served with both the raita and fresh hummus on the side.

It also says pairs nicely with a sauvignon blanc wine (in short supply as well!).

VERY TASTY!

P.S. I'm sure this recipe looks long, but it's actually pretty easy and quick.

Wow

I thought I saw some strange cases come across my desk, but in terms of pure shock value, Chris Pettelle pretty much takes the cake by working on this case.

I can't quite compete with CPT, but... Bootlegging is still illegal up here in Bethel. Alcohol causes so many problems around these parts, it's quite amazing, so the community has made the sale of liquor illegal. Bootlegging is a felony, and generally vigorously prosecuted. This guy got sentenced to write a letter of apology to the community for his bootlegging, so he sent the following to the local paper:

"Dear Letters to the Editor,

As many of you know, in the past I sold alcohol in Bethel. Well, I got caught. So I got me a good lawyer, Jim Valcarce, and received a sentence, where after, I did not serve any jail time. The judge, however told me that I needed to apologize to all through a letter, and submit it to the newspapers. I am doing just that with this letter.

William Samuelson."

Hearty Gratitude

We'd like to thank all of those kind folks that have been keeping us happy up here in the hinterland with magical boxes of goodies that randomly show up on our doorstep. Well, since the PO doesn't actually do home delivery here, that's not exactly accurate, but let's not let harsh reality spoil the imagery.

Anyway, thank you to Jane Joyner and Genevieve's mom Ann for the large box of Trader Joe's goodies. I know Genevieve is the pregnant one, but thanks to that box I've been bulking up as if I'm the one eating for too. Or two. And thanks for the idea for irish soda bread. We're having that and corned beef and cabbage to be true to Genevieve's heritage for St. Patty's Day. Being true to Genevieve's heritage in the more traditional way would be too harsh on our little raspberry. (Week 7 = size of raspberry.)












Thank you to Sam Schoeneman for the ultra fancy pants chocolate and stack of High Country News to get us pining for the good old days when we all comprised Team Utah. And of course, since the Trader Joe's Fudge Brownie Mix is fat free, we can eat them without any worries about bulking up.








And thank you to Tarifa Laddon (and Lewis by proxy), for the box of girly girl stuff that I couldn't possibly ever hope to know about or ever think of supplying Genevieve with. Seriously, Tarifa's got Genevieve figured out. My favorite item from her special delivery is the highly comedic, Don't Name Your Baby.... Esther is out. (Bad nickname potential -- Esther the Molester.) Paige is also out - "it means servant. Aim a little higher." (sorry Team Libby). Thanks also for the New Age Baby Name Book. Yes, you know we are hippies at heart.


This is a picture of Lewis and Tarifa in Brazil. Speaking of Brazilians, is it just me or does Tarifa have a sibling who is a sci-fi super hero?

Thanks to all of you! I'd write more, but there's fresh powder to tend to. Time to go Bravoing.

Pet Sitting

I've been pet sitting for my boss, so with my new camera I'm sharing some pictures of the creatures. My boss is allergic to hairy animals. His pets don't have names, so I've named them myself.

First, here's Guana-man. He (or she) is about 4 feet long, and very mellow and friendly.













This is Hedgey.













Here's Lizzy.


And I'm too lazy to upload pictures of Sucker Man, and Hog Boy. Hog Boy hogs all the food in the fish tank.

Another year around the sun

Happy 32nd Dawson!

Hail to the champs

The Iditarod might be going on around these parts, but our friend Jodasm and his team Blue Light Special just crushed the Idiotarod, the D.C. version of the event. They took home the trophy for best sabotage. I think this achievement is probably something the Michigan Law Alumni page should be featuring prominently. Michigan law alums have more fun, or something like that.

Political Radar

We just got back in touch with our friend Damir, who gave up life in paradise (SLC, Utah) and moved to New York City after a short stint in India. One thing we always enjoyed was a good political conversation, so in his honor I'll throw out a few political items that have been on my radar recently.

Back in second grade, long before any understanding about anything political, I remember shaking Pat Williams' hand in some small Montana town, and my dad telling me, "that's who represents us in Washington, DC, and he's a Williams." Of course, we aren't actually related in any way, but I was impressed to see this article he wrote about George W. being featured on one of my favorite informative websites, Common Dreams. It's called "Buyer's remorse for Bush" and is all about how GW's approval ratings have been sinking like a rock in the Rocky Mountain states.

And while I'm bringing up politics, I was certainly impressed by Molly Ivins call to action in this article. Die-hard democrats may find it offensive, but I enjoyed it. For those who don't know who she is, she's a feisty old Texas lady who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She can be quite funny too.

I'm also interested in the new Turkish movie called Valley of the Wolves, Iraq. It's your standard patriotic action Hollywoodish show. But with a twist of cours, because its Turkish and of course from the perspective of the Turks. And it is incorporates some events that have actually happened, and then they fictionalized a story from there. For example, in the english language trailer, there are references to the massacre in Afghanistan that for whatever reason didn't get much airplay in the States. Anyway, Valley of the Wolves was a hugely popular tv show in Turkey for four years, and they recently made a feature film out of it. It's been described as similar to 24, which I know is hugely popular with at least one person.

And last of all, lest I seem to be letting politics and the political situation seem depressing, I'd like to add... of course it's not depressing. It's a hoot and a holler! Politics shmolitics. I'm trying the daring experiment of pronoia, the antidote of paranoia. Inspiring me in the self-help positive attitude genre these days has been Rob Brezsny's article called "The miracles we miss every day." We found the article in yet another mystery gift from somebody we don't know who to thank... a subscription to the magazine "Ode." The source of that gift must be a Montanan or somebody from that point in our lives, because the subscription is addressed to "Genny Dawson Williams Cook Dgwilco". Anyway, to whoever sent us that, thank you very much! We love it!

Mountain Village

Mountain Village is so named because it is the first town you'll see with mountains nearby if you are headed up the Yukon river. Here's a picture of the mountain. It's not the biggest mountain you'll ever see, but what it lacks in grandeur it makes up for in dead bodies stored inside. The two large clearings are actually the town's two cemetaries. I guess they wanted the spirits to have a nice view.







We originally were going to stay at the Hilton in Mountain Village, but it was a bit out of our price range. Seriously. It costs $75/night per person. Of course it's free if you are associated with the Lower Yukon School District.








So we ended up staying at the clinic. It's amenities include a microwave to cook up breakfast, lunch and dinner, waiting room chairs to comfortably sit and read the AARP magazine from 2004, and examining room tables to sleep on. That's right, I forgot to bring a book. Just like last time when I also spent 8 hours reading the same AARP magazine. I know all about Katie Couric, a powerful woman newsleader turning 50, dealing with the death of her husband, raising two daughters who she wishes she was involved with.









This is the parking lot at the school.

























Here's a shot of the Post Office in Suelynn's honor.

Team Idaho Falls Chimes In....

A suggested name for the full-grown, potentially male sesame seed:  Gacson
Wilco, with a soft "G", as in Genevieve.  It honors Dawson's name creation but
uses Genevieve's initials.  I do foresee having to explain the phoenetics more
often than possibly desired however.  Good luck Team Tundra!


COMMENT UPDATE:  Hey we just learned our comment procedure had magically changed
somehow and we didn't even know people were leaving us comments (back to Jodasm's 
comment about our authoritarian comment policy in Janurary!) Anyway, now 
it should be fixed, so comment away!!  And thanks to Bad Rev. Bruce for his 
reverandly blessings.  I think baptism will definitely be appropriate at some point 
(maybe a similar celebration to a lapacaca) and somebody has already suggested a 
ceremonial dunking of the blessed one in chocolate (thanks to Kevin for that one).


And here's a shot of our favorite plane on the river.   And a mystery semi.

Wakeboarding, Bethel Style

I think I understand why people enjoy wakeboarding so much. It's been snowing, and we finally got out and enjoyed the nice powder.
With Genevieve pulling me, the bravo's top speed was 25, but there's some kind of whipping momentum effect on the curves that really sends you flying.

I would recommend this activity to anybody living in a flat snowy locale.

On a totally unrelated topic, this type of thing is what gives the whole self-improvement genre a bad name.

"Are you ready? Babies Change Your Life!"

The Bethel Family Clinic had some helpful informational fliers laying around the office, so I picked one up while hanging out at Genevieve's appointment. From the flier:

"Finding out all you can about parenthood can help you make smart choices about having a family. Good luck in making your decision. And best wishes for a happy and fulfilled future.

Before the baby: Go to the park and shoot some hoops with your friends. While you're there, you can check out the cute new guy or girl in your English class.

After the baby: Take the baby to the playground. While you're there, you can talk with some of the other young parents about your baby's diarrhea."

It goes on from there, but you get the idea. Whoever wrote this pamphlet would make a great attorney. Despite the pamphlet, I am still looking forward to a happy and fulfilled future.

For the curious, November 3rd is the official due date according to the clinic.

Watch out, world!

Genevieve is gestating. That's right, a small rug rat is brewing in Genevieve's belly. According to the internet, it's the size of a sesame seed about now. Feel free to submit proposed names. We've already thought of Racecardriver, so you don't need to bother with that one. But we're still considering other options.

This is probably where the magic happened. But it could have been here, here, here, or here.