Here is the link to the Zoom recording of the talk: https://hamilton.zoom.us/rec/share/l-rMM3HLm0aAT_zYGiE9uAKOyUTIPf8tgQv_AGiLVdCavjOR2I6XfDsEFIx-Rqta.Z3-atrA7BPcnngBK
Bryan Emerson describes the thrill of off-grid living while his wife, Laura, sets the record straight. They'll share how they decided to leave their high-rise home in Houston and move to an off-grid log cabin in Alaska, 45 miles from the nearest road. While Bryan had grown up camping, hunting and fishing in Wisconsin, Laura felt totally unprepared to move to bush Alaska. Join them as they share their story and hear how Laura adapted to her new remote environment and now shares words of caution, condolence, empathy, and advice with spouses of other would-be pioneers to America’s Last Frontier.
Also, my book was just published today at
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZN1FZR9/ref=sr_1_1
My 7-year-old was fascinated by two facts of your life: you have an outhouse and you get bears in your front yard. I'm pretty sure that's the alpha and omega for a boy of his age.
ReplyDeleteThere is little in life better than eggs from your own chickens.
ReplyDeleteWe loved seeing and hearing you and Bryan last evening! It seems almost unfair that the two of you, who have SO MANY skills and abilities, should also be so personable and outgoing!
ReplyDeleteI'm about halfway through your book, which is engrossing and fun to read!! You always come up with exactly the right word!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it also!! Laura, your honesty about your feelings of coming to Alaska and living in the middle of nowhere was great. You have a gift of knowing how to state you true thoughts and feeling as just that, without regrets. It is wonderful that you and Bryan can commutate so well on subjects that you do not have the same feelings or opinions about. I thought the interview was wonderful!! You both did a great job!! Bryan also made some really good comments that gave some insight of the things that are the good and that bad things that can and do happen out there. The pictures you guys choose and showed were great!!! I loved that you showed the cold hole!!! I wonder how many people know what a cold hole is!!! I would love to have one!! Yours is a cat’s meow one I think. The shelves and way of lifting them is amazing. I am so glad that I have been able to see all you two have done for myself.
Much love and hugs to you both!!
My friends and colleagues are fascinated with your life in Alaska so I appreciate your offer to answer their questions!
ReplyDeleteI loved the pictures you had rolling in the background. That gave a great overview of all seasons.
We sure enjoyed your interview/talk. You two are really well matched! I have a couple questions about your living situation. Do you have a "refrigerator?" Is the dry well/hole a root cellar or your refrigerator? The photo went by too quickly for me to see it clearly and that got my curiosity going. Also, do you have a freezer? I am also wondering how you put up your garden? I don't know how to put up broccoli & cauliflower except to blanch and freeze. (I'm not counting freeze drying!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking. These two veggies are challenging to preserve in a way that retains any texture, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteI have tried four methods:
Pressure canning, blanching/ freezing (both end up rather mealy and soft), pickling (better) and soaking in a marinade.
We like the fourth approach best for many veggies that we can add to appetizers and salads the first half of winter... until we run out. I save the mealy, pressure canned stuff for rice dishes later in the winter. - Laura
Regards,
I started reading your book, and am over the moon about it. You are such a superb writer.
ReplyDeleteIts one of my goals to finish it asap and be the first one to leave a review on Amazon about it. I am already worried about doing it justice!!!
In the very first pages, you taught me a new word I have added to my vocabulary. Refulgent!!!! I almost texted you at 1:16 AM about it.
So Im 2/3 through your book now, and loving it.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in the process that you and Byran went through from metropolitan life to a simple, closer to the nature life style.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is going to college in 2 years. My wife and I are looking into different life styles for the future.
ReplyDeleteI had a great time listening to you and Laura describe "What were we thinking" at the Hamilton online event. You have both taken life on at its most basic level, my friend, and I hope you don't mind if I say that Laura stole the show!
Stay well up there!