Living in the Ice Age

Never before this trip to Alaska have I been so awed by ice. The glaciers are truly phenomenal and unbelievably picturesque for what is otherwise a big, old block of ice.

Ice can add a cool (pardon the pun) element to your next dinner party. Of course, you could always order one of those ice sculptures like you see at fancy weddings or black-tie galas. (I did some googling and believe it or not they aren't terribly expensive.) If you are planning a special event for a client or your office, an ice sculpture is sure to spark some conversation.

But why not make some neat ice art yourself next time you're serving a cold drink. Simply fill a candy mold (commonly found in crafts stores) in the shape of a seashell, snowflakes or just some unusual shapes with water and freeze. Or how about making individual ice bowls to serve shrimp cocktail from. (I haven't tried this, but will when I get home and welcome comments on how to actually execute this idea.)

Next time, don't relegate the ice to an afterthought. It deserves more attention.

(Photo of an iceberg which just moments before calved off Portage Glacier, near Whittier, AK)

Planting Postcards

When Jim and I travel, he takes pictures and I buy postcards. But I especially love when the hotel or inn we are staying in has put a nice postcard in the desk drawer. (Come 'on, who doesn't love a freebie!?!)

You know the prettiest sights in your own hometown. Next time you are at the local drugstore or gift shop, pick up a few 25 cent postcards or, better yet, make some yourself with your own photos featuring local points of interest. Print them from a color printer on 4x6 card stock paper that has a little heft to it.

Then when company comes, just place a few on the nightstand for them to select from. If you really want to bring a smile, put out a few stamps, too!

(Jim humored me and took this shot of one of my favorite postcards from our recent trip to the Kenai Fords National Park in Alaska of a puffin. I bought this card because it reminds me of a trip my mother, sister and I took to Maine where we fell in love with these little birds!)