These photos were taken a couple of months ago when we looked out our window and saw a large group of harbor seals swimming and frolicking in the bay. One of my favorite things about living in our duplex is that we look right out over the water and catch some amazing sights of the marine life in Unalaska. As always, if you click on the photos, they will enlarge for you and you can get a better look. I can tell I am back home because our slow internet will not allow me to upload big pictures so I have had to go back to resizing.
The Raven Bay is a local boat that belongs to the family of one of my coworkers.
Cropped and close-up!
I love these cute little sea otters. Occasionally, we will spy one outside our window, usually all by him or herself! I read once that a sea otter floats on its back while eating, "using its stomach as a table." That's what this one is doing here.
The eagle is either enjoying or toughing out the snow in our yard. We had so much snow yesterday that my car is stuck in the parking space in front of the house. The snow plows have a habit of coming by and clearing the road but, at the same time, creating a huge berm that my not-such-a-good-Alaska-car cannot get through. Sometimes I like being stranded since it allows me to hang out at the house and get some things done that I might otherwise ignore. I spent most of yesterday cleaning out closets and drawers.
A couple more views from our doorway.
A few years ago, I heard people talking about fish tacos. Having lived in Texas for a long time, tacos meant beef to me, maybe occasionally chicken, but FISH? No way. Sounded disgusting. :) But after experiencing Rich's halibut tacos, I became a huge convert! These are the best tacos you will ever eat, fish or otherwise. From the (just right) soft tortillas to the perfectly battered and deep-fried halibut (we avoid a lot of fried foods, but we make an occasional exception for these!) to the tangy chipotle sauce, topped with a crisp, fresh slaw of cabbage, cilantro and jalapenos, lightly pickled with lime, sugar and salt, it's a taste combo that can't be beat. We both gained weight on vacation (note all of the blog entries about food and restaurants and you know why) so it was our last treat before getting back into the eating-healthy-and-going-to-the-gym routine. 
I've begun a new phase of my work life as a part time employee. I am calling it "semi -retirement" and I am enjoying it already! I will be able to do some of my work from home and will go in to the office at other times for meetings and specific activities. Thursday I had lunch with my fabulous co-workers Darcel, Judi and Donna, and I know I will miss seeing them on a day to day basis but we will also have plenty of opportunities to get together and to work on certain tasks. They are definitely the very best part of my job. (Thanks, gals!)
With a little more time on my hands, I hope to keep up with the 100 book challenge, take part in more community activities, stay on top of housework a little better, get more organized (LOL) and learn some new things.
11 comments:
Nice story, nice photos, and exceptional fish tacos--from my own taste test! I actually lost a few pounds in Belize, and am starting my health plan...as soon as I get over whatever ailment I have picked up that is forcing me to eat chicken soup and Sprite. :)
Nothing like coming home sick. Hope you get better soon. On the bright side, with chicken soup and Sprite as your diet, you will probably lose a few more pounts. LOL
I've heard fish tacos are good- people from California always ask about them, and locals are starting to come around to them here. I will never know, and that's ok with me. I am looking forward to retirement from teaching this June and will probably do something part time, so you will have to keep me posted as to how it's going for you, Gigi. The pictures are fab. as usual- I'd love to be able to look out my window and see sea otters and bald eagles! Eli and I witnessed a hawk swoop down and grab a grackle last week. It freaked me out- poor grackle was completely caught by surprise, but Eli thought it was the coolest thing ever. He did feel badly for the grackle but said, "How many people EVER get to see that?" I wish it had been someone who wanted to as swooping hawk grackle grabbers have now invaded my dreams.
That's pretty scary and I don't think I would want to see it, either!
OHHHHHH Photos!!!
For a second there I though you two ha both lost your minds and went to eat at The Galley!!
LOL
ANd Really Glad to have you two back!!
I love fish tacos but have never tried to make my own. Welcome home to the crazy weather kalidescope!
I imagine Rich would be happy to share his recipe if you want to give them a go, Steve. We are glad to be home, weather and all.
CB, don't be disparaging the Galley. They serve some very tasty food, too. Or were you disparaging the look of the tacos?
I HAVE made fish tacos at home and it was a ton of work! (the Graves made homemade tortillas which were yummy) Rich's look delicious! Hmmmmm you know what sounds good another fancy dinner...I'm still dreaming about the squash (or was it pumpkin? ravioli and the halibut cheek sliders!!)
Mmmmm, the fancy dinner sounds good to me, too. I think they are doing a special Valentine's menu in the Chart Room but I don't know of anything else on the horizon yet. I will work on Rich. :)
I never get to do anything fun on Valentine's Day....it's Mandy's birthday and Troy is ALWAYS at sea for whatever season is that month (opies??) I'm tired just thinking about eight 10 and 11 year olds here for a slumber party....
Oh, that's right...what a bummer! I am kind of in the same boat as Rich is usually working to make sure other people have a lovely Valentine's Day. :) Hey, I saw your blog but you need to get to work and write something on it!!
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