See the World

What to pack in your pretty little basket? I think a beach towel, bathing suit, flip flops and an American Express Card. What more do you need? Dreaming of traveling the world on a bicycle with a basket.

What's in your basket??

Team Insanity Island - 2008

WE DID IT, WE FINISHED and WE HAD FUN and we beat our last year's time!!!!


So this is how it happened.... Our Van #1 with six runners left Friday morning for Blaine Wa. Our first runner jumps out and starts running at 9:00am. The rest of us stay in the Van and follow the runner along the route checking in to make sure all is Ok... does the runner need water? electrolytes? and the like...until the next exchange where runner #2 takes over. This continues until all six runners in Van #1 are done and we hand off the baton to Van #2. Here is where the runners in Van #1 get to rest...but only for a short time. So we eat a little, try to sleep a little and then jump back into the Van to start Leg number two. It's a little crazy but a lot of fun.





Here is one of the exchanges where runner #3 is handing off to #4.





Getting the tunes ready.



These guys were from Texas. The photo was taken purely because of what the rear window said. UH HUH! Hello rear window...






No matter how painful some of the runs were... all teammates had smiles on their faces.

Here are a few quotes from teammates the morning after.

"My quads are so painful i can barely move. Going to the dog park to try to walk it out a little. Ouch! I love how even through all the pain there is still talk of next year"

"Dear Van Driver .... You ran water to us, made sure we ate, ran to support Kelly when she needed it, constantly consulting the race bible to keep us on track. In the middle of the night, you were there on the bicycle on some unrelenting hills lighting my way to Deception Pass (hills that I would have much rather run than rode). Thank you!"


"Thanks for being the 11 other parts to my race! If it weren't for you, I could still be out there waiting my turn! My body is still very confused about what I asked it to do, so if I am even going to think about next year, I will have to do it quietly. Thank you for all you did to pull this off so all I had to do is be where I was told to be. The newfound friendships are a joy and I am glad to know you all. I suppose we are a rare breed of some kinda crazy and I love that about all of us."

"My quads are singing. Another year over and on to the next year ...we all can say we ran from Blaine to Langley!!!! As always it was fun and painful, great weather, made good friendships, couldn't ask for anything more "

Beatrix Potter's Birthday

As you first open the computer after checking email... Googles page pops up and the title is lovely with with soft child like colors and a bunny hagging off the G. What's the special occasion you wonder?

Beatrix Potter's Birthday.

I think of this silly rabbit often this time of year as I walk in my garden each morning and observe the damage done overnight by peters friends and family. Then I get a hold of myself and remember this is a fairy tale. "CHARLIE" Go get em! If he wasn't so slow he would but he gets the job done chasing them out to the right side of the fence. May my beans finally climb the pole.

For more on the world of Peter Rabbit and the wonderful lady Beatrix.
Happy Monday.

Running Ragnar

Ragnar!



2007 Insanity Island Team

UPDATE
** Team Insanity Island crossed the line in Langley Saturday afternoon finishing in 28 hours and 45 minutes . A few sore thighs, calves and feet however overall feeling pretty good. It only took one strawberry margarita and 5 advil last night to decide that I would consider doing this race again next year. However as I write this over coffee this morning and feel the throbbing of my toes... I'm considering the position of driving the Van.

Starting bright and early Friday morning ... myself and 11 other absolutely out of there mind friends will jump in two vans and travel far North to the town of Blaine Washington. This is as close to the Canadian Boarder you can get without having to show your passport.
We are participating in a running relay where from the Seaside town of Blaine you run through the day and night to the Seaside town of Langley on Whidbey Island. A mere 184 miles. Each person will run 3 different legs ranging between 3 - 9 miles each and with little sleep.

Why the heck for you ask?? Don't think we have not asked ourselves many times that very same question.
The answer we always come back with is...were doing this because it's fun! And for the sake that we can. Our team "Insanity Island" (explains alot don't ya think) starts running at 9am Friday. Hopefully if all goes according to plan... we will finish the race Saturday mid afternoon in our hometown.

It is a beautiful route and the folks at Ragnar that put this together do a fantastic job. There is live music at the exchanges (where Van #1 hands off to Van #2), food and good spirited fun. Check out the Ragnar Web site. They have races across the country and most likely somewhere near your hometown. You should try it if you are a runner... and if not they need volunteers along these routes. It's a fun way to participate in your community. The charity this race sponsors is Room To Read




2007 Insanity Island Van #1

So in the Spirit of Ragnar ... this weekend go out for a nice walk, jog, run, bike ride, or something active and fun... just because you can!

Learn to Sail

Can we all learn how to sail little Pelican boats....you can build them from a kit , I don't know if you could go around the cape but it works for our little corner of the world, aren't they lucky?




I want to be eleven, sleep till 10 sail till 4 ...remember the days of summer fun....

P-Dubb.. you're in our thoughts

In honor of Pioneer Womans dog Nell...

Sweet Charlie and Tess take a moment





More of Tess & Charlie

Baseball at the Beach

We just love summertime. There is nothing better than warm days and nights spent mostly outdoors. In the Northwest the season is short and days are long. So from sunup to sundown it's all about enjoying the warmth of summer. Living on an Island the best place for this is at the beach... and there is one to be played on any direction you turn.




This night after dinner it's outside to play a little ball. Here is Idaho Anna's youngest up to bat. We call him... Jennifer (don't ask)!




One thing about Photoshop... if you chop a head off in a picture... there is no fixin it although the smile makes up for the missing forehead.





How goes it Jen?? I mean Jo??




After a few balls hit up on the roof.. it's time for the adults to show up the kids. Why is it ... we as parents have to prove something to the kids??? Someone always ends up getting hurt and it's usually the adults feelings!





I feel a Grand Slam coming on.... however there is some background noise that's getting my attention.








There is nothing better than a warm summer night playing baseball on the beach and watching the boats go by....

FREE!!

It had to be too good to be true. Most photos you see here on Life On An Island are .... or should I say "use to be" SOOC (straight out of the camera). One day however as I was reading through Pioneer Woman's photography site this picture posting was ruined forever. She takes her lovely photos and chops, crops, colors, highlights, and many more touch ups... until they look... fabulous.
Since I have not the money to buy the photo chop, crop, highlight Photoshop P-Dubb has nor the hours it would take me to figure it out, I went in search for something much simpler and heck FREE! I will now share a little secret with you. This is what I use. Adobe Photoshop Express.

Here is an example of minor changes made to an already cute boy... Idaho Anna's boy!

BEFORE


AFTER


Nothing drastic however a few little changes to a good picture and voila, the grass is now greener and who doesn't love greener grass. Which reminds me.. I think I left the sprinkler on at home.
Download and try it... practice a bit on your own and we'll go over the details next time.

Strawberry Pickin

This is one of our FAVORITE things to do when the season is right. We are blessed to have one of the best strawberry patches on Whidbey Island. Located near the town of Coupeville facing west looking up the San Juan straights it makes for beautiful views as well.


Bells Strawberries! It makes your mouth water just thinkin about it~




Hi Jacki... she's wearin Red for the occasion.. and red lipstick to match. I guess that way if she gets a little strawberry juice on her... who would know?




Getting those flats full. It makes your mouth water just looking at them... did we say that already??




Idaho Anna and her brood. It goes pretty fast with help... although I sense there is tastin going on while pickin. One in the basket... two in the mouth.




Oh shoot... I shouldn't have said that. Now look what happened.





I'm afraid Joseph has had more than his share... he's getting that strawberry pirates eye




Man... my mouths watering just thinkin about it




Good thing we ate a few off the top. These boxes are heavy but we're dreaming already about Jam, Smoothies, and Strawberry Margaritas!!


That will make a perfect Christmas Card boys.




The car is full and so are we. Stay tuned for Strawberry recipes!

Let your sails fly

Take advantage of summer... it's here for such a short time. Enjoy every moment of free time by doing something you love.

Inspirational Tears

Christian The Lion


Here are two very wonderful clips from you-tube. Just Click the name under the photo. If you are going to cry this is the best way to go about it. Gets us every time.





Dick and Rick Hoyt

Someone pass the Kleenex Please!!

Gasp... the horror

Snakes!! Not a lot a people are big fans of them. However despite this fact you will have to agree the next photos are.. well ... kind of wild kingdom like. Maybe not as dramatic as the ever so fast Cheetah chasing down a gazelle but in this neck of the woods... quite impressive.
You can click on the photo to magnify this worm eating action. Yes that's a worm!



Feel fortunate I have spared your from last weeks vole attack.



Rats... (he wishes) he's been spotted. Off to higher ground



Almost gone


And there you have it folks... the worm eating snake. Applause Applause

Farmers Market

Do not adjust your set. This is the Whidbey Island Saturday Farmers Market


Can you read that?? Wicked Woopie Pies!!! Yes... they are Wicked indeed.










Always beautiful flowers. What colors!


This little twinkie and her lamb!




Chess Anyone??


Tell us where your closest Farmers Market is and what you buy. We're stickin with the Whoopi Pies & fresh seasonal berries.

Love Where You Live

Yes... it is true we live on an Island and it is pretty hard to beat. Often we look at each other and say "Arn't we Lucky"?


This is the time of year our little Island is overrun with tourists and from the looks of this sign in a car window they would agree that Whidbey is a magical place.

Raised by Sea Captains

Being raised on an island down by the beach... a majority of our teenage years were spent harvesting the tide flats of Useless Bay and the waters of the Puget sound. Despite all the fish, shellfish and clams that we gathered.... even though we had heard of a goeduck before, not once did one cross our path.

However on Sunday when the tides were low ... Idaho Anna and I were taking a leisurely walk across the bay. Along the journey we spotted the illusive goeduck. Well Anna did which I quickly told her (because I'm always right & my husband would agree) that it must be a horse clam. Despite Annas dislike for clamming and the fact we were minus any aid of a shovel we dropped to our knees and fiercely started digging with our hands.

After about ten long minutes and two broken finger nails we successfully had captured the bad boy.


Now here is the warning and censorship... with much contemplation ....the decision was made to publish this post... and yes with photos. So if you have young children reading along with you, fair warning that you may want to cover your youngins eyes.






Tutorial on how to clean a goeduck.



Try not to cut your fingers and look like you are having a good time





Idaho Anna isn't showing as much enthusiasm as earlier in the day.

Would you every guess that she was a Homecoming Queen back in the days?? I am reminded of this every time she visits.

After the goeduck experience here are a few things we are reminded of....

1. Unless you bathe in bleach one tends to smell clammy for days

2. Wait to have a manicure or pedicure until after a day at the beach.

3. Even though some would consider goeducks a delicacy ... we think condiments are a must (ketchup, wasabi, ranch dressing) and lots of it. Better yet we decided this could be something to pass on altogether the next time around.



Here is the recipe for Gooey Duck Fritters in case you want to give it a try!

Just replace the horseclams with "one goeduck".

Maxwelton Beach Parade

Welcome to the Maxwelton 4th of July Parade.

Imagine the music folks W



All are invited to participate no matter what your cause, political party or float design.... heck you could just bring a flotation device and call it good.



The route follows along the Maxwelton beach road a short 1/4 mile or so to the old baseball field.





Everyone seems to be having a festive fun time... " where is my Game Boy "?



Can't wait to see this guy mowing the back 40 after the parade.




This would be a perfect representation for "Life on an Island" any sponsors??



Finally the parade is on the move. Here are some shots from inside one of the participating cars.



Hey Mister... What do you mean you're out of taffy?? Don't you know I have bottle rockets in my pockets??

Happy 4th

Down on Useless Bay... and we'll discuss the bays name on another post.... they have an old fashion kids parade. Some of these chillins belong to my girlfriend who has since moved to Idaho.
From the beaches of Whidbey to Idaho.... what is wrong with that picture!?? Anyway her folks still live on the beach so she must bring the grandchildren to visit from time to time!















Have a Happy and safe Fourth of July everyone!!

Pototo Salad & Grapefruit Margaritas

Heather is off and running this week helping with her sisters wedding ...who is getting hitched this Saturday July 5Th. I guess when that's the only day you can get the band you want at the reception... you book it! Some would schedule a wedding around renting a certain location or date, but not these two.
Heathers sisters future husband (that was a mouthful) plays in a band. Their nocturnal lives revolve around music. The reception should be quite the Party. Which reminds me .... this is the usual time for our annual Patriotic Party However with a wedding in the midst and too many other obligations we are postponing the shindig for later in the summer. Figuring this being an election year .... as long as we get it in sometime before November we'll be fine!!

Instead, we've been hosting a few small get togethers with family and old friends. After all in my book summer is about outdoor BBQ's, fruity drinks, and potato salad!
And do we have a good recipe for you!!




Yummy Potato Salad:

5 Cups cubed Red Potatoes cut in small and large pieces & skins on
1 Cup chopped sweet pickles
1 Cup Chopped dill pickles
1 Cup Chopped celery
1/2 Sweet onion chopped
4 hard boiled eggs chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
Mayo, Mustard, Vinegar

Boil your potatoes to a little more done than AL dente (not too mushy).

Put the next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Drain the potatoes. While hot pour 4 tablespoons white vinegar over them. When potatoes have cooled a bit but still warm place in the bowl with the other ingredients. Add Mayo and mustard to your liking. You can also add pickle juice if desired (which I usually desire sweet pickle juice). Mix well. Sit down and share bowl with friends... or not! This is sometimes too good to share. I like to use a fork when eating so if anyone gets too close it's an easy jab!



Cheers & Happy 3rd of July to you!

Grapefruit Margaritas courtesy of the Food Network... and they are delish.

Horse Clam Recipes

After Clam Diggin what's better than eatin em. Now with Horse Clams or Gooey Ducks ya can't just clean em and fry em... if ya do they have the texture of a leather boot... ack!! So below are two recipes originally designed for gooey ducks however horse clams will work just as well and a heck of a lot cheaper!

Horse Clam Fritters

2 cups flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt (or to taste)
3 eggs, beaten
1 T. dry white wine or sherry
½ to 1 cup milk (see instructions)
Meat from 3 -4 good-sized Horse Clams, finely minced or ground; save and reserve juices

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Combine the eggs, wine, clam meat and any clam juices; add to the flour mixture, stirring until combined. Add milk as necessary to make a thick but not gluey batter, mixing well.

Drop by heaping teaspoons into hot, deep fat (375 degrees) and cook, turning carefully as necessary until entire fritter is a deep golden brown. Lift out with a slotted spoon (or frying basket), drain briefly on paper towels and serve immediately, with tartar sauce, chili sauce or sour cream for dipping.

Note: If you just can't handle deep frying the fritters, preheat a skillet or griddle, spray liberally with vegetable spray, and cook fritters until golden, turning carefully to do all sides.

A delicious dish for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner is this geoduck hash, which you could make with canned clams, I suppose, but nothing ever tastes quite like geoduck.

NORTHWEST HORSE CLAM HASH

1 cup sour cream
¼ cup Dijon mustard
½ t. horseradish (creamy style or not, your preference)
½ t. each salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ t. grated lemon zest
1 ½ T. chopped fresh thyme, or 1 t. dried thyme
1 ½ cups coarsely ground Horse clam meat
1 cup sliced green onions, including some of the green
1/2 cup mixed chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or all of one kind if that’s all you have on hand)
3 cups peeled, coarsely grated russet potatoes
3-4 T. olive oil
Slivered green onion, minced cilantro and lemon wedges, for garnish

In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mustard, horseradish, salt and pepper, lemon zest and thyme; mix until evenly combined. Add clams, green onions, bell pepper and potatoes. Stir mixture until all ingredients are lightly coated with the sour cream mixture.

Add the olive oil to a heated, large nonstick skillet. Add the hash to the pan, cover and cook over med. heat for 7-10 min, or until hash begins to brown on the bottom. Turn it over (if you're not adept with a wide spatula, put a plate over pan, invert pan and drop hash cake onto plate, then slide back into pan). Cook, uncovered, on the second side until browned on the bottom, 5-7 min. Turn hash out onto serving platter, garnish with minced cilantro and slivers of onion and put lemon wedges around edge.



Recipes by South Whidbey Record Columnist Margaret Walton