Life

Nick Varney

Unhinged Alaska: The little tree that could

Each year I receive emails requesting a repeat of a piece I wrote years ago about being away from home on Christmas.

 

The mouth of Indian Creek in the spring, when the water is shallow and clear. By summertime, it runs faster and is more turbid. The hand and trekking pole at lower left belong to Jim Taylor, who provided this photograph.

The 2 most deadly years — Part 6

The two most deadly years for people on or near Tustumena Lake were 1965 and 1975

 

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Baking family history

This recipe is labeled “banana fudge,” but the result is more like fudgy banana brownies

 

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Off the Shelf: Nutcracker novel sets a darker stage

“The Kingdom of Sweets” is available at the Homer Public Library

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Luminaria light the path of the Third Annual StarLight StarBright winter solstice skiing fundraiser at the Kenai Golf Course in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Winter solstice skiing fundraiser delayed until January

StarLight StarBright raises funds for the Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society

Luminaria light the path of the Third Annual StarLight StarBright winter solstice skiing fundraiser at the Kenai Golf Course in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
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Minister’s Message: The opportunity to trust

It was a Friday night when I received a disturbing text from my son that every parent dreads — especially when you’re 4,000 miles away.… Continue reading

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Map courtesy of Kerri Copper This map of Tustumena Lake was created in 1975 by John Dolph as he planned an Alaska adventure — and delayed honeymoon — for himself and his wife, Kerri. On the upper end of the lake, Dolph had penciled in two prospective camping sites.

The 2 most deadly years — Part 5

AUTHOR’S NOTE: The two most deadly years for people on or near Tustumena Lake were 1965 and 1975. This series discusses the tragedies of those… Continue reading

Map courtesy of Kerri Copper This map of Tustumena Lake was created in 1975 by John Dolph as he planned an Alaska adventure — and delayed honeymoon — for himself and his wife, Kerri. On the upper end of the lake, Dolph had penciled in two prospective camping sites.
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Peanut butter balls for Ms. Autumn

This holiday treat is made in honor of the Soldotna El secretary who brings festive joy

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Blue sits for a photo with Santa during Bark, Block and Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Food bank to host Christmas meal, Santa photos

The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank will this month host an opportunity for photos with Santa in addition to its annual Christmas meal. Office Manager Claire… Continue reading

Blue sits for a photo with Santa during Bark, Block and Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Marathon Petroleum Kenai Refinery General Manager Bruce Jackman presents a novelty check for $50,000 to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Marathon donates $50,000 to Kenai Peninsula Food Bank

Funds were raised during fishing fundraiser held this summer

Marathon Petroleum Kenai Refinery General Manager Bruce Jackman presents a novelty check for $50,000 to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)

Life in the Pedestrian Lane: A Little cheese with the whine?

No matter which side of the political fence we stand on, as a generation we are intolerant of pity parties

Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)
Photo by Clark Fair, 1990 This is the cabin on Pipe Creek, along the north shore of Tustumena Lake, where Harold Galliett sought shelter after surviving a commercial airlines crash in the lake in September 1965.

The 2 most deadly years — Part 4

The two most deadly years for people on or near Tustumena Lake were 1965 and 1975

Photo by Clark Fair, 1990 This is the cabin on Pipe Creek, along the north shore of Tustumena Lake, where Harold Galliett sought shelter after surviving a commercial airlines crash in the lake in September 1965.
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Minister’s Message: Living out the incarnate love of Christ

Jesus showed the compassionate love of God to all He met

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The cast of Nikiski Bulldog Theatre’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” rehearse at Nikiski Middle/High School on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Nikiski stages student-directed production of ‘Wonka’

A chocolate factory, the Oompa Loompas and a familiar tale of morality are all displayed in the Nikiski Middle/High School auditorium this weekend as Nikiski… Continue reading

The cast of Nikiski Bulldog Theatre’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” rehearse at Nikiski Middle/High School on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
These traditional southern Christmas Divinity Cookies are soft, extremely sweet and might provide some nostalgic joy. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Celebrating divine Christmas traditions

Grandma came to our door this weekend with a gift and a smile. She unrolled her handcrafted masterpiece and explained to our wide-eyed little boy… Continue reading

These traditional southern Christmas Divinity Cookies are soft, extremely sweet and might provide some nostalgic joy. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A butterfly rests on a hand in this undated photo. (Photo by Meredith Harber/courtesy)

Minister’s Message: Whispering our dreams into the world

Maybe that’s precisely what we need — to place our hope, our wish, our dreams — in something altogether impossible

A butterfly rests on a hand in this undated photo. (Photo by Meredith Harber/courtesy)
Harold Galliett, the sole survivor of a 1965 Cordova Airlines crash into Tustumena Lake, is seen here raking his lawn in 1958. (Photo courtesy of the Galliett Family Collection)

The 2 most deadly years — Part 3

The two most deadly years for people on or near Tustumena Lake were 1965 and 1975

Harold Galliett, the sole survivor of a 1965 Cordova Airlines crash into Tustumena Lake, is seen here raking his lawn in 1958. (Photo courtesy of the Galliett Family Collection)
The cast of Soldotna High School’s “Grease” rehearse in the Soldotna High School auditorium in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Greased Lightnin’ takes Soldotna stage

Soldotna High School Drama’s “Grease” opens next weekend

The cast of Soldotna High School’s “Grease” rehearse in the Soldotna High School auditorium in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
These light and savory cheesy ring puff snacks are piped pate a choux with a generous handful of shredded Edam cheese. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Puffing up Thanksgiving

These light and savory snacks are piped pate a choux with a generous handful of shredded Edam cheese

These light and savory cheesy ring puff snacks are piped pate a choux with a generous handful of shredded Edam cheese. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Henry Dera, of Crooked Creek Birch, chats with shoppers at the 33rd Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (Jonas Oyoumick/Peninsula Clarion)

Holiday craft fairs bring seasonal cheer, locally made gift options

The bazaar had a variety of vendors displaying their wares, including hot sauces, quilts, furs, soaps and more

Henry Dera, of Crooked Creek Birch, chats with shoppers at the 33rd Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (Jonas Oyoumick/Peninsula Clarion)