Alyeska Resort - Girdwood, AK

 For my birthday last month Amanda bought me a stay at the Alyeska Resort Hotel and a day of skiing.  We dropped Phinn off at the Kennel (his first time) and drove the 80 miles south to Girdwood.  We saw 50+ moose, a bald eagle and a few sheep on the ride down.  The temps were -16 degrees but the sun was out and the snow was great.

 View of the ocean (Turnagain Arm) from the mountain

 Cold

This is what my feet looked like when I took my boots off.  I have had cold feet before but nothing like this.  I was whimpering for an hour before I could stand on them.  

 After we warmed up, we took the tram to the top of the mountain to the 4-star restaurant (Seven Glaciers) for a cocktail.

 We got back to the bottom of the mountain and headed across town to the Double Musky.  We have been hearing so many good things about this restaurant and it did not disappoint.

 Aurora Wine

Rare cooked Filet

XC Skiing

 This winter we have been skiing once or twice a week after work.  We are really enjoying it and actually getting pretty good at it.  There are a lot of professionals (olympic and world cup skiers in Anchorage) which we cannot hold a stick to but we are on the top tier of the amateurs (Ha!)  Anyways it has not been above zero degrees for weeks, then last night a storm front rolled in and the temps jumped to 40 degrees, but the winds were 40-60 mph with gust up to 95mph.  Today the winds died down but the temps were great.  as you can see from the parking lot everyone came out to enjoy the "nice" weather (typically we are the only ones here).  Anchorage has 200 miles of lighted / groomed ski trails.  Exploring these trails after work is a great way to exercise, get outside and let the traffic die down before we head home.  We also skied right next to a moose tonight but the camera just could not get a good pic with the low light.

One year of Blogging

 Well it has been a year since we packed up, left our jobs and our home and headed to the arctic and started this little blog about it.  I know you all have enjoyed it, and we certainly have enjoyed writing and sharing it with you.  If you keep reading we'll keep it going.
 Watching the weather across the nation seems like we are the only ones with snow.  Anchorage is actually on pace to have one of the snowiest years on record.

 Dog walking is an adventure all its own.

 So, Amanda bought me a Wii for Christmas.  Which in turn I realized I needed to buy a new T.V. (which is actually the first one I have ever bought).  Anyways we have started the New Year off with a healthy diet and religious use of Wii Fit.  I can't get over how much fun this is. And yes, Phinn has been chewing / destroying all his Christmas toys.  

Pajama jeans

"I'm gonna knock you out!"

Banana, Coconut, Soy Milk, Kale, Flax Seed and Sweat Grass shakes.  

 It has been very cold.  The picture below is the frost on the inside of our windows.  We have still managed to go skiing after work every week.  Anchorage has 200 miles of lighted, groomed ski trails.

Don't worry we are still eating meat and grilling.  Phinn is waiting inside for a taste.

2012 - Here we come

After last weekends epic tour to the wilderness we really did not want to do too much this weekend.  besides my feet have not healed yet.  Amanda booked a 6 course dinner at a really neat restaurant here in Wasilla.  We have been looking forward to this excellent meal with wine pairings all week.

 It was a cold clear night

In the basement...aka dungeon

 Brie en Croute with Dried Cherries and Fresh Thyme

 Good Luck Prawns and Seared Wasabi Tuna Tostada

 Moroccan Sea Scallop with Apricot and Olive Israeli Couscous

 Winter Greens, Poached Pears, Fresh Beets and Nut Crusted Goat Cheese with Pear and Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette

 Filet Mignon, Alaskan King Crab, Asparagus

 Almond Joy Cupcake, Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, Ginger Truffle

 We got back to our house at 11pm and it was -16 degrees

 We went out in our driveway at midnight.  There were a lot of fireworks and gunshots going off.  We had our own noise makers and celebrated a wonderful 2011.  We cannot wait to see the blessings 2012 has in store for us.

 Amanda had got me a cigar for Christmas, it was too cold outside to finish it.

 Earlier in the day on Saturday

Friday night we opened up our Homebrew ESB.  It was over carbonated (we'll know for next time) but it was a decent beer and a blast to make.  Amanda cooked up some Moose Kabobs on the grill in -10 degrees weather.  Thanks Brendan and Jessie for the meat.