The Next 3 Days

Tonight John and I saw the movie The Next 3 Days. It was very good. I thought it would be an hour and a half chase scene, but it's actually pretty involved, well acted, and very engrossing. That said, the Top Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it only 38%... rotten. No Bueno. I guess one of us must be right!

Frozen Propel Bottle

Nine degrees. That's now the coldest weather I've been in. Truthfully, without the wind, it didn't feel any colder than the sixteen degree weather before.

But, I found my half full Propel bottle in the car... completely frozen!!! It's not like I couldn't have figured out that would happen; I've just never seen it happen before.

The biggest problem right now is that there isn't snow and there's ice everywhere. It's like walking on a skating rink... I'm being much more careful now though. Just makes me exceedingly thankful for our studded tires.

Thanksgiving

As a side note, I can't wait to come home and be "cold" at 4 Peaks ;) All those times I shivered in the open air bar... HA!! Bring on 40 degrees!!!

Burrrrr

It occurred to me that this is the coldest weather I've ever been in... ALREADY! Today the car showed the temp at 16 degrees. YIKES... but then, with windchill it was in the single digits.

Most amazing for me is that the kids just bundle up and head on out to recess. And, if there's a fire drill, you can't get your coats first... I'm tempted to just carry mine around in my hands while teaching ;)

It's an adventure!!!!!!!

Ebates

If you're doing any online shopping this season, I highly recommend going first to ebates and then clicking through to whatever site at which you're going to shop. What happens is, if you go through ebates, then click on member/affiliate sites the sites offer cash back. Ebates literally sends you a check... I think I've been signed up for 4 years-- and have "earned" almost $200. Even if you don't want the money, you can donate it directly to a charity when you sign up. They also often have coupons. So, two thumbs up-- definitely try ebates. (Oh yeah, it's free.)

Persimmons?

In our most recent produce box we got persimmons... HMMM... I've never eaten persimmons much less cooked with them. I think I've narrowed it down to these 2 recipes; but, if anyone's ever done something with persimmons and *liked the result*, do share :)

NUMBER 1--
Smoked Prosciutto & Fuyu Persimmons with Balsamic Vinegar & Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 medium or 2 small Fuyu persimmons (about 6 to 8 ounces total)
  
• 5 to 6 ounces thinly sliced smoked prosciutto
  
• 3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 2 to 3 tablespoons artisan-made balsamic vinegar

Using the tip of a paring knife, carve out the stem end of the persimmons. Carve out a sliver of meat and skin and taste. If you like the texture of the skin, leave as is; if not, peel the fruit whole. Cut the persimmon into very thin wedges, prying out seeds if there are any, with a sharp knife or with a mandoline. Arrange the prosciutto and persimmons, somewhat overlapping, on plates or a platter. Drizzle with the olive oil, and then finish with the balsamic vinegar.

From a Splendid Table and A Thanksgiving Menu from Judy Rodgers

NUMBER 2--
Persimmon Cookies

• 1 cup persimmon pulp
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1 cup dates or raisins, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

In the big measuring cup, put the persimmon pulp, add the soda & stir.

• Cream the sugar & butter, add the persimmon pulp & soda blend.
• Add the egg & mix well.
• Add flour, sifted spices & mix well
• Add the nuts & raisins

Drop by spoonfuls on a greased baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Living in Alaska is a bit like being Mister Rogers. Every day I bundle up. Pants tucked into my snow boots (that's a different issue all together). Big coat and sweater. Then, I get to school... this is where it should sound familiar... and I take off my coat, scarf, sweater, and boots... and promptly switch to my indoor sweater and my loafers. It really makes me giggle... I AM MISTER ROGERS!!! and, to boot, my kids have no idea who Mister Rogers is... so I guess, to them, I'll have to be Miss Fees ;)

Snow... and lots of it

We had our first big dump of snow... funny to compare this to the just-over-a-week-ago pic of the sunset ;)

What is most surprising is how bright it is... the 2 measly street lights (or in the case of the backyard, our one flood light) reflect off all the snow. I didn't use the flash and the sun hasn't risen. I actually woke up last night and it was so bright I thought the sun had risen and we'd overslept. I checked my phone and it said 2:22... but I got up to check the stove just in case my phone was off on the time again!

Daylight Saving Time

Today was my first time ever switching off Daylight Saving (apparently it's not Savings, since it is 'saving' the time-- so Tammy learned). I briefly fretted over "falling back" or whatever. But, we thought we had it made since our cell phones would switch automatically.

By the time this morning rolled around, I wasn't thinking much of it though. (Honestly, I forgot.) So, John and I went about our day.

We were supposed to pick up Tammy and Steve for tonight's film, but called and asked to meet them there. We were running short on time and were out running errands. As it turned out, the store didn't have what we were looking for... John and I had about 20 minutes to kill. We wandered into the gaming shop (more on that another time) and Play-It-Again Sports. When we arrived at the theater, we were pleased to be the first in line. After a couple minutes, John noticed that we were still the only ones in line... and that was *NOT NORMAL*. We checked the time... nope 4:50 and, yep, the film started at 5:25. We were good. A couple more minutes passed and we called Tammy and Steve who are rarely, if ever, late. They then checked to make sure we knew it was only 3:55, because of the change in time!!! UGHHHHHH!! Our phones didn't change over. We were there over an hour and a half in advance.

Daylight Saving-- YUCK!! My first impression is not a favorable one. Plus, now we're 2 hours off from Arizona. This DST thing leaves much to be desired.

Correction

So I keep saying Mastermind, but I really meant Megamind. Doesn't much matter... it's totally not as awesome as Despicable Me!!

A Weekend of Movies

This weekend John and I have been catching up on movies...

On Friday we saw Mastermind with Steve and Tammy, which was cute and has an awesome soundtrack.

Yesterday we saw Salt. The premise and plot line was solid, but it could have been a billion times better with a better screenwriter (Aaron Sorkin??) and director. The one thing that I found utterly irksome was this: In one scene Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) steals a Russian-style hat. Fine. But then, in the next scene she has on a matching cape!! Where did the cape come from?? Really!

Tonight we're going to the Bear's Tooth to watch Despicable Me again... He's so FLUFFFY!!

Hope you're having a nice weekend!

Fake Back to the Future Screen Tests (SNL sketch)

Joe shared this with us... pretty funny ;)

Spills and Stops

Ice is terrible! I had my first spill... It was in our school parking lot on black ice. I scared John terribly, as I AHHHHH-d prior to slipping, which sent my phone flying (and disconnecting) and me on my butt and hands (don't even know how that happened). I'm okay... the base of my palm is a bit bruised, but otherwise I'm fine... YUCK! I'm going to go buy those metal claw feet things to add to my shoes.

Another spill was an oil spill... on the road near Talkeetna-- the road to Fairbanks, which put a full stop to the Fairbanks trip. I was feeling very uneasy about it, so I was pleased with the decision.

We had dinner with Joe at Imperial Palace--a Chinese/Korean restaurant between Pin-Ups Espresso and Castle Boutique... very tasty and nice staff and ambiance, though its location was a bit iffy.

We're going to go see Mastermind tonight.

Snow

Yesterday was my first time driving in snow... ice is worse, but it was still a "first". They don't plow very well, so you mostly get driven on slush. It's so messy! My poor pants :(

The biggest problem I've run into is walking Hayden. She still pulls on the leash and that's dangerous on the ice.

Otherwise, all is well in the great-white-yonder.

This weekend is the Michigan v. UAF game, so we're headed to Fairbanks.

I miss everyone and am glad Thanksgiving will be here sooo soon!!!

Worse

In July and August I complained about the weather and even pasted in the forecast in a post. However, we've stepped it up... look at this week's forecast... EGAADS!!! I read this and just see-- ICE, ICE, ICE :( We'll be careful!