With the pollock and cod seasons over, we are just a few crab deliveries away from calling an end to the 2009 "A" season, and with no boat delivering today, we had what for me was just the third day off this year (the other two I was running a very high fever and unable to work). It's funny, when you work for months at a stretch without a break, you have all these ideas about how you will spend a day off when you eventually get one, ideas you have formulated in your mind as you work all those long days. Inevitably, of course, it never quite works out as you planned . . . . Any first day off has to start with sleeping in, and at least this part when as planned - it was 9 am before I got up and got the coffee pot out of the cupboard over the fridge where I stored it months ago, knowing there was no point in keeping it on the counter when I'd be making coffee at work every morning. After that I messed around on the computer, working on getting my Story Corps interview into a podcast I could post on make available on-line for my family to hear.
My vision for my first day off was a bigger hike - at least Ballyhoo, possibly Pyramid, and then making a batch or two of soap in the evening. While I did work out quite a bit, it was in the form of 40 miles or so on the recumbent bike then a long dog walk with Goldfish and Chico. And instead of starting a batch of soap, I read and called my sister. All in all, a great day off though, and my batteries are charged to get the end-of-month reporting out tomorrow!
I also find myself way ahead on pictures, I'm not blogging enough to get ones I like posted so I'll try to blog more often. This sea lion was not actually yawning, he was giving Chico a piece of his mind the other day while we were walking along the beach at LSA.
7 comments:
Doesn't sound like a "lazy day off". Can't imagine how you guys do it without a break. I suppose you just get used to it knowing that the season will come to an end soon and then you will have that deserved time off. I am amazed that you don't have that first cup of coffee at home - LOL! I couldn't wait until I got to work - need it immediately when I get up and try to get going.......
Love the sea lion pic and initially thought he was yawning too!
More about making soap! What do you make, and how long have you been doing it? One of my favorite ex-hobbies. Since moving to Mississippi, I don't have a soap-making partner any more.
Nice shot Steve, glad Chico stayed out of the way!
You're full of surprises...soap making, what a neat hobby! I've only done it once or twice, but it was fun. Glad you've had a lazy day...well, not so much lazy, but it sounds relaxing and enjoyable. :)
Lori, i can totally relate, but I have no "commute" to work, so unless I'm working out in the morning, there is only 15 minutes between when i roll out of bed and when I'm making coffee at work!
Suz, I've been making soap off and on for a long time but it was only when I moved out here to the island when I decided to only use soap I made - it is a great hobby, and it makes nice gifts, and the island just brings out that side of me I guess. If you want a long distance soap-making partner, I'm there! I make cold process using olive, coconut and palm oils with lye for the base then dress it up. I did a cinnamon oatmeal cookie batch last time that came out good using a milk & honey fragrance oil from Sweet Cakes, some clove oil, a cup of ground oatmeal, some honey, some cinnamon, and brown food grade coloring (I use Wiltons). I'm making a Dutch Harbor guy bar next, marbled with royal blue and teal, with ground seaweed I collected on the beach for exfoliant. I'm using a mixture of a couple fragrance oils (Ocean Rain and Sea Breeze) and probably a hint of patchouli oil. Okay, enough on the soaping, I'll post some pics maybe and I'm always open to trading a bar with other soap makers!
Hey Little bro,
Thanks for calling last night. It was wonderful to talk to you. Take care of yourself! You wouldn't want me to do a mummy thing!
Love ya
Wow, Steve, you are a REAL soap maker! My friend and I made "Diana's Attic" as we cured it in attic,and made the most awesome flavors. Yes, from lye base, vegetable and coconut oils and fragrances. Cook it, stir it, cool it, etc. Gotta admire someone who does that too.
"Wake up Rosemary, Cinnamon Shave Cream, among others. If I come in August, we shall have to make a batch: "Unalaska Summer Soap". Diana and I had the perfect routine, but when I tried it alone, it did not come out as well. Guess I am not as talented as you. :)
I keep looking at this picture and am amazed at the clarity. a regular national geographic picture. great job.
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