Public Defense

So, in a twist of irony, I called

Posted on November 20, 2009
So, in a twist of irony, I called the police today. Made a report. Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. I had no choice. The deal with the renters has gotten out of control. I won't go into details, but it really sucks. Last night I went over the house and discovered even more damage...

So, it has gotten cold. It went

Posted on November 17, 2009
So, it has gotten cold. It went from t-shirt weather a few days ago to -14 this morning when I went to work. It is about -10 outside right now. Even the animals feel it. We found this little owl right outside our back door perched on bottle of the finest whiskey...

So, my week of vacation is at

Posted on November 15, 2009
So, my week of vacation is at an end. I didn't do much. The weather finally turned cold and on November 11, 2009, Soldotna got the first snow of the year. I worked on the rental a little. I didn't do as much as I might have as G was here. We played a lot of video games...

So, I'm at the rental fixing holes

Posted on November 04, 2009
So, I'm at the rental fixing holes in drywall when I get a call for road kill moose. Hell yeah, I'm going. Trashed rental or not. Great news, I thought. It was a giant old cow. I'm thinking, this is a lot of meat. I have been lucky with road kill moose so I thought my luck would hold...

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So, I have this little rental.

Posted on November 03, 2009
So, I have this little rental. It is not much. It is the house we started in. I thought I would keep it as an 'investment'. I had a young couple move in. They were just starting out with a small child. So I agreed to keep the power in my name. I filled the oil tank so they could get through the winter and they agreed to fill it up when they left...

So, happy Halloween. The orange

Posted on October 31, 2009
So, happy Halloween. The orange stuff to the right of the moose was a pumpkin. The moose ate it and then promptly took a little nap. I think it is funny that in Alaska you have concerns that just don't exist anywhere else. Like moose eating your Jack o' lantern...

So, if people aren't looking information

Posted on October 30, 2009
So, if people aren't looking information on life in Alaska or the Public Defender Agency, they want to know what the salary is for a Public Defender in Alaska. To be honest I'm not really sure. I think most people start somewhere above $50,000. If you are in the Bush it would be more...

So, Snug Harbor road near Cooper

Posted on October 25, 2009
So, Snug Harbor road near Cooper Landing. I have tried twice before to get up it and have been turned around twice by the snow. Today I made it. Um, the end was only a few hundred yards past where I made it before. I did find a kick ass camping spot right on Kenai Lake though...

So, I am absolutely fascinated

Posted on October 21, 2009
So, I am absolutely fascinated lately by how people are finding this blog. Granted, searches for "Alaska Public Defender Agency" seem to be at the top. But nearly as many people want to know what life is like in Alaska. Do we get sick of the dark? The cold? What are the disadvantages to life in Alaska? The pros and cons to life in Alaska...

So, I have a small problem. If

Posted on October 18, 2009
So, I have a small problem. If you google "Alaska Public Defender Agency", this blog is now the first hit. So it is time to make clear, if it wasn't already, that this blog is personal. I am not trying to suggest what life would be like for every public defender in Alaska...

So, one of the programs I have

Posted on October 15, 2009
So, one of the programs I have installed allows me to see referrals to this blog. One of the people who looked at the blog Googled "are public defenders happy"? Well I can't answer that of course. But I think that generally we are. I think that generally we take a certain amount of pride in the words of Harper Lee...

So, I want to write a brief post

Posted on October 14, 2009
So, I want to write a brief post about basic immigration law. There seems to be this enduring myth among Americans that one can simply come to this country and become American. Ummm, no. In fact if I were not Canadian with the NAFTA treaty, I could not be in Alaska at all...

So, today is the day I hate being

Posted on October 09, 2009
So, today is the day I hate being an 'Alaskan'. Of course I am not an 'Alaskan'. Not really. Neither apparently are my girls. Nor my wife who is raising them here. Today is the day I get to see people who arrived here after me get their PFD. People who I goddamned well know will leave before me...

So, I just had a moment I had to

Posted on October 06, 2009
So, I just had a moment I had to memorialize. Not for anyone in the world but me. I am cooking a leek and potato soup. Starting with my own bacon. My own leeks. My own potatoes, parsley and chicken stock. My girls were with me. J was cleaning in another room...

So, have you ever had one of those

Posted on October 05, 2009
So, have you ever had one of those weekends? Where you are so sick? I slept from 10 p.m to 3 p.m on friday/saturday. Back in bed by 8 pm and slept until 1 pm today. I awoke during the night to wet sheets from sweat. Had strange dreams. Tossed and turned...

So, I just got back from my fourth

Posted on October 02, 2009
So, I just got back from my fourth annual Public Defender's conference in Girdwood. It was a good conference, but not the same without G. This year it was only two days, instead of 3 so it just flew by. It was also harder to get drunk with one less night...

So, to celebrate the end of another

Posted on September 27, 2009
So, to celebrate the end of another summer, and my 3 years with the Alaska Public Defender Agency (which was yesterday), I went to one of my favorite places on Earth, Tustumena Lake. The day was amazing. The fall colors stunning. The boat ran flawlessly...

So, there is something so satisfying

Posted on September 25, 2009
So, there is something so satisfying about having every single thing (other than a few seasonings) on the plate from the back yard. We often eat like this at this time of the year. Now it is pork, but I also have rabbit and chicken. I consider the fish I caught and even the road kill moose to be "my" food too...

So, time to kill the pigs. I always

Posted on September 19, 2009
So, time to kill the pigs. I always hate this part. But there was no choice. They were the right size and I finished them on barley, corn and molasses as well as strawberries and melons that Safeway was going to throw out. It was just time. And before anyone makes a stupid comment about why I am smiling, it was a social event...

So, this episode of Star Trek always

Posted on September 16, 2009
So, this episode of Star Trek always brings me to tears. This is not the entire episode but a video. God, life is short. This episode is called the Inner Light. Anyone who has not seen it should.

So, happiness in Alaska in September

Posted on September 13, 2009
So, happiness in Alaska in September is a meat locker full of moose. I mean full. You can't see around the door. There are 3 moose in here...and no I'm not poaching. I have the shop so I'm helping to butcher. These were all shot in Kotzebue around the same time I was there...

So, I took Kadee fishing for the

Posted on September 06, 2009
So, I took Kadee fishing for the first time today. It was the first time all four of us had been on the boat. It is a gorgeous day and I just went to Sports Lake. It is small enough that if anything went wrong we could be on shore in seconds. Kadee is already a better fisherman than I am...

So, the Noatak river! Simply stunning.

Posted on September 03, 2009
So, the Noatak river! Simply stunning. I am so disappointed that pictures cannot do this place justice. We went up to retrieve some supplies that had been left behind at camp. A storm came up and people had to run for it. Unfortunately when we got there we discovered that a brown bear had found the supplies first...

So, I went hunting last night.

Posted on September 02, 2009
So, I went hunting last night. Borrowed a 4 wheeler. Went towards where the caribou were. But, with my luck (those of you who know me know what 'Adams' luck means) Sadie Creek was too swollen to cross. First time in years apparently. So I turned around...

So, it is really, really sad.

Posted on September 01, 2009
So, it is really, really sad. I did a trial call today and 100% of the cases were alcohol related. What makes it worse is that there is no residential treatment here in Kotzebue. The DA is taking the unfortunate position that jail is the only remaining option...

So, Kotzebue! My first time here

Posted on August 31, 2009
So, Kotzebue! My first time here when it wasn't winter. What a glorious time to be here. The fall colors are just beginning. I can see the ocean from my room and my office. I am still feeling the sticker shock of things here but otherwise I love it...

So, here is to AJ. She makes my

Posted on August 28, 2009
So, here is to AJ. She makes my heart ache she is so beautiful. I wonder if I only think that because she is mine? Nah. She is simply stunning.P.S. So is Kadee. Here is she chewing on a rabbit bone. Pfffftttt. And she hasn't been given her PFD yet. How could she be more Alaskan?

So, it begins. Fall. Went out

Posted on August 23, 2009
So, it begins. Fall. Went out camping on Tustumena Lake this weekend. Beautiful out there. But this little patch of color is the first sign of fall I have seen. The boat ran like a champ and we went out for a ride last night after the wind died down...

So, the hogs got out the other

Posted on August 22, 2009
So, the hogs got out the other day. Put a hole in the fence and took off. By the time I got home they had been gone hours. To make a long story short, we found them. I wish I had had my camera. We were walking down the road. J was pushing AJ in a stroller...

So, you know what I hate? Clients

Posted on August 20, 2009
So, you know what I hate? Clients who lie to me. I have been doing this job long enough (almost 10 years already!) to know when a client is lying to me. Pisses me off. I always try to explain that we each have a job. My job is to keep my mouth SHUT...

So, last night I took the girls

Posted on August 15, 2009
So, last night I took the girls out to the Big T lodge. Hell of a place. To get business the food items are half off so you can buy a pretty darned good prime rib dinner for less than $10. In Alaska, that is a great bargain. As you can see, the girls really tucked into their meals! Summer is winding down and it is time to get ready for the quiet time of year...

So, tomorrow, I am taking the day

Posted on August 11, 2009
So, tomorrow, I am taking the day off to go to Anchorage to fight for Kadee's PFD. Legally, I have never been more excited. This really does seem to be a case of first impression in the history of the United States. I am ready. I think that I have an answer for any question that may be thrown at me...

So, once again, I went to Tustumena

Posted on August 09, 2009
So, once again, I went to Tustumena lake. God I love it up there. The reds have made it to Nikolai Creek. I was walking around in chest high grass, with dead salmon and raspberry bushes everywhere. Let's just say the Desert Eagle I was carrying felt too small...

So, victory! The freezer is finally

Posted on August 02, 2009
So, victory! The freezer is finally full of halibut. To celebrate I cut the gill plate of the first halibut I landed and put a drop of my blood on my tongue. The boat was overdue for a load of halibut. It took a lot to get there. Not only was the boat fubar and the mechanic had to rebuild the jet after only 10 hours but I worked my ass getting it ready to go out (with thanks to Intern Scott)...

So I know I said that anyone who

Posted on July 26, 2009
So I know I said that anyone who fishes for salmon with a rod and reel is a chump or a tourist. That was before I went silver salmon fishing in Seward. Wow. Within 30 seconds of stopping the boat we had 3 salmon hooked. The salmon in these picture I actually hooked...

So, thank you to whoever hit the

Posted on July 22, 2009
So, thank you to whoever hit the calf last night. I feel sorry for him but he did not go to waste. It was the first moose I had to do all by myself and I am glad it was a small one. I have now butchered 8 moose. Remember to take the quarters off first and then the hide and THEN gut it...

So, I did something I never thought

Posted on July 18, 2009
So, I did something I never thought I would do: I went out on Skilak Lake. Note to future self: always take coordinates for location and a tent. Although we got out on the lake, we did not get to Doroshin Bay Cabin. 2 of us wanted to proceed and 2 wanted to turn around...

So, dipnetting continues. I am

Posted on July 17, 2009
So, dipnetting continues. I am the proxy for someone I know through work. In Alaska a person can fish or hunt for someone over 65 or who is disabled or blind. This guy is 70 and hurt his shoulder so we will get his fish too. Fine by me: I love to dipnet, even though it is a little trashy...

So, I have been accused in the

Posted on July 14, 2009
So, I have been accused in the last few days of being 'different' since I moved to Alaska. Not different in the retarded way, because that has always been true. But different as a person. I don't know. I saw this picture of Potter Valley California, the place where I met J so many years ago...

So, dipnetting on the Kenai kicks

Posted on July 12, 2009
So, dipnetting on the Kenai kicks ass. That is all I can say. The freezer is coming along nicely. The Kenai reds are quite a bit bigger than Kasilof reds. We went out tonight and were just killing them but we had to stop early as one of our party was catching a plane...

So, it was about 75 degrees when

Posted on July 09, 2009
So, it was about 75 degrees when we left for Tustumena Lake. God I love that place. We just screwed around and lost track of time with a sun that never really set. We drank beer and made a fire that was an affront to God himself it was so big. A nice 'break' from dipnetting...

So, the State has denied Kadee's

Posted on July 06, 2009
So, the State has denied Kadee's informal PFD appeal. Very, very nice. It is impossible to get to the Supreme Court of the United States if the administrative monkeys don't keep screwing up! Hell if the State needs that $3269 more than we do, they can fight like hell to keep it...

So happy birthday to me. Although

Posted on July 02, 2009
So happy birthday to me. Although there is nothing "special" about being 36, I must admit being a little sad the last few days. I think it started when I was doing some investigation for a case in a cemetery. It struck me how fleeting life is and how quickly we all will be forgotten...

So, I rounded out the weekend focused

Posted on June 29, 2009
So, I rounded out the weekend focused on food. Funny that. It seems that gathering/growing food, getting firewood or making booze consume most of the short Alaska summer for me. I took the interns clamming on Saturday. I didn't personally check the tide book so we missed most of the tide but we still got enough for a nice chowder...

So, Kasilof River dipnetting. As

Posted on June 27, 2009
So, Kasilof River dipnetting. As I have said before, but for dipnetting and road kill, I would not take much of Alaska's bounty. A few hours of standing in the river netted 3 fish tonight. That is ok...there will be many more. Besides, the view was amazing...

So, I am truly the world's worst

Posted on June 21, 2009
So, I am truly the world's worst fisherman. I went where I was told the fish were. I had the right bait. The right gear. Yet this weekend's trip produced not one halibut. Damnit. On the upside the boat ran like a champ. It did suck up a lot of fuel but it was carrying 5 guys and our gear...

So, we have a sick pig. It is funny

Posted on June 18, 2009
So, we have a sick pig. It is funny how much you can care about the welfare of an animal destined for the table. I thought he might have something in his mouth so everyone came over to help hold him while I looked. Nothing. He appears to be dying and I don't know what to do...

So, today we put away 36 chickens.

Posted on June 13, 2009
So, today we put away 36 chickens. Cornish Cross are amazing birds. 8 weeks from egg to freezer. As usual, nothing was wasted. The birds are in the freezer, the feathers and heads are going to the worms and the pigs ate the boiled heads and feet. It was another stunningly beautifulday in this part of Alaska...

So rabbit day. I write this not

Posted on June 10, 2009
So rabbit day. I write this not to revel in the killing, which was unpleasant(although I am certain there will be those who refuse to believe that). I write to remind all of us who eat meat that we have a responsibility to ensure the animals we eat do not suffer in life or death...

So, camping up Palmer Creek Road

Posted on June 07, 2009
So, camping up Palmer Creek Road near Hope. I never knew this place existed until yesterday but it is the most amazing place to go 'car' camping. It helps that we are having near record high weather this weekend. It is simply amazing outside. The best part of the trip was taking a walk by myself last night...

So, interns. Three of the little

Posted on June 04, 2009
So, interns. Three of the little bastards. Some think of interns as useful only for writing motions and keeping the DA's busy for the summer. While I applaud the traditional uses of interns, I have other ideas. Like getting them to split next years wood...

So, today we took the boat out

Posted on June 01, 2009
So, today we took the boat out to Kenai Lake. She ran like a champ, except I figured out at the end of the trip that I wasn't running her hard enough. Good trip. Didn't see any wildlife but did get to hike up a snowpack and check out a waterfall. Otherwise it was standard: we drank beer, cooked pork sausage over a fire and enjoyed a summer day...

So, here is a real picture of

Posted on May 31, 2009
So, here is a real picture of the baby and mama moose that was outside my office yesterday. Of course, I got into trouble for commenting on how good it would taste stuffed with rosemary and garlic. Soon, little man. Soon.

So, I just got home from a vacation

Posted on May 27, 2009
So, I just got home from a vacation in the city of my birth, Victoria BC. I had forgotten how warm and green it was there. I must admit that I am still feeling a little homesick as I sit here. It was great to see the country and see so many of the people that I care about...

So, Alaska wants to pass a law

Posted on May 19, 2009
So, Alaska wants to pass a law exempting certain firearms from federal regulation. The Alaska Firearms Freedom Act (HB 186 and SB 146) would mean that 'made in Alaska' firearms would not be subject to federal regulation. There would be certain requirements, like a "Made in Alaska" stamp...

So, Kachemak Bay State Park! It

Posted on May 17, 2009
So, Kachemak Bay State Park! It was my first time over there. We camped in Halibut Cove. Going over the seas got to about 3 feet, which was fun in a skiff. I was a little nervous until I remembered that I was born on an Island. Many of my ancesters were Navy men...

So, I just want to say that food

Posted on May 15, 2009
So, I just want to say that food production is in full swing. The greenhouse is up. All of the garden crops that need to be started instead of being directly sowed are planted. The potato patch is tilled and the ground is being heated up with clear plastic...

So, let?s talk about domestic violence

Posted on May 13, 2009
So, let?s talk about domestic violence in Alaska . Apparently, Alaska is simply awash in violence. We are all going to be burned in our beds tonight. The Supreme Court just used domestic violence as an excuse to gut our right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure...

So, another great weekend here

Posted on May 11, 2009
So, another great weekend here in this part of Alaska. Not as warm as last weekend but still beautiful. Or, as Kadee says, a 'nice sunny day'. We got the garden tilled and the rows made. The worms we have been feeding all winter went in too. For those of you interested in gardening in Alaska, worms are a valuable commodity here...

So, Alaska became a little less

Posted on May 09, 2009
So, Alaska became a little less free today. The Supreme Court handed down its decision in Miller v. State (see http://www.state.ak.us/courts/ops/sp-6369.pdf). The bottom line is the police can now investigate people for merely having an argument. The Court seemed to suggest that merely having an argument is so dangerous that it can lead to violence...

So, life in Alaska continues. Tonight

Posted on May 07, 2009
So, life in Alaska continues. Tonight when I got home the power was out in half the house. It is hard to tell from this picture but the meter is crooked. As the ground melted the frost heaved the meter up disconnecting half the house, including the water power supply...

So, I can't even begin to describe

Posted on May 04, 2009
So, I can't even begin to describe how nice it has been this weekend. With weather in the 60's and 70's we had a nicer weekend than all of last summer combined. You really can't appreciate a Spring day until you have waited 20 months for it. Simply amazing...

So, yesterday I had had it. I had

Posted on April 30, 2009
So, yesterday I had had it. I had even had it with Alaska. It started with the boat. It turns out that I had improperly drained the heat exchanger and it cracked. Oh, I learned how to do it while taking the broken parts off. Then I had to go fix the cracked faucet in the butcher shop (which did not crack last year so I thought would be fine)...

So, in the grand tradition of

Posted on April 26, 2009
So, in the grand tradition of all the names I have been called over the years (Tractorboy, Hillbilly, Squidbilly, etc..you get the point) I got up early yesterday, picked two nice ones out of the horse trailer they arrived in, and put two piglets in the back of the Suburban...

So, happy birthday to my "number

Posted on April 24, 2009
So, happy birthday to my "number 2" girl. It's too bad your sister gave you her eye infection. I can't believe it has been a year and I can't wait to see you grow up. I don't know you that well yet because you are just starting to really move around on your own...

So, all I can say is that an Alaskan

Posted on April 22, 2009
So, all I can say is that an Alaskan spring is for muddin'.

So, get this. Today I got a letter

Posted on April 21, 2009
So, get this. Today I got a letter from the Bank of America. I have been a customer for almost 9 years. I have 3 credit cards with them (I know, I know). I have an account with a few grand on it that I have been paying down each month. I have never, ever, ever missed a payment or been late...

So, there are firm rules about

Posted on April 19, 2009
So, there are firm rules about living in Alaska. Like, no screwing around. Ever. Don't ever get into a 1980's "zodiac" (ahem....)with a 1980's Evinrude, neither of which has seen in water for years. Don't fail to take the right gear and have to borrow a purple poncho, which freakily was also from the 1980's...

So, I just wanted to show the

Posted on April 16, 2009
So, I just wanted to show the progess of the log pig house we are building. Spring is coming, the rabbits had babies and all is turning to muck and mud. God Bless Spring in Alaska!

So, I did it. Here is the new ride.

Posted on April 12, 2009
So, I did it. Here is the new ride. I hope that one day these pictures will appear as quaint to my girls as the ones showing my dad in front of his 1950's Chevy or whatever it was. I mean how many times in life do you get to come home with a new truck?

So, you know it is spring in this

Posted on April 11, 2009
So, you know it is spring in this house by the chicks. Sure, there may be 2 feet of snow in the backyard. But in our spare bathroom, there are 40 meat chicks and 6 new Delaware pullets. A guy in the store today made a comment about why I would bother with all the "work"...

So, happy birthday to my number

Posted on April 08, 2009
So, happy birthday to my number one girl! Wow. Three years since you came into my life and changed it forever. And what a little lady you have become. The way you insist on wearing your rubber boots and pajamas to help me get eggs. The way you climb onto the boat and use the binoculars to look for bears because "brown bears mess me up"...

So, if you ever want to know what

Posted on April 06, 2009
So, if you ever want to know what a stroke feels like try going to Chuck E Cheese's. Good lord. Flashing lights and screaming kids. Kadee loved it though. She got hopped up on Cherry Coke and had the time of her two year old life. Sometimes I am glad we live 2...

So, there was an open house for

Posted on April 03, 2009
So, there was an open house for the new courthouse in Kenai today. I got a chance to see some of the inner workings that I normally don't get to see. It was also a chance to get some pictures of where I spend my life. I thought I would share them so you can see where, well, where I spend my life...

So, I?ve changed my mind. I must

Posted on April 01, 2009
So, I?ve changed my mind. I must admit I was shocked enough by some slander to consider making this whole thing private. Stupid little anonymous comments I can handle but slander is a whole other thing. Then I remembered something. As one regular reader put it ?you are becoming quite the pussy?...

So, I am going to do something

Posted on March 31, 2009
So, I am going to do something that I should have done a long time ago. I am making this blog private. If you want to see it you can email me at btadams1@yahoo.com. I am allowed 100 readers and that seems like more than enough. I am leaving this up for a few days and then making it private...

So, I am back. I (literally) made

Posted on March 30, 2009
So, I am back. I (literally) made a run to the border. No problems....got the new TN visa. We are good until March 2012. I am glad too...the stress of these trips cannot be good for me. I must say that I celebrated with a screwdriver on the way from the border to Tok...

So, I leave tomorrow for the border.

Posted on March 27, 2009
So, I leave tomorrow for the border. My yearly quest for the holy TN visa. Except two things. First, the TN visa is now a 3 year visa. That is great news. Second, at the end of this visa (assuming it is granted and it is always nerve wracking) I am thinking of moving on...

So, let me tell you one of the

Posted on March 22, 2009
So, let me tell you one of the dumbest things about living in Alaska. People here tend to assume a person is correct based solely on the number of years they have lived here. So, for example, here is an example of a typical conversation in Alaska.Man 1: The sky is green...

So this old gal wanted the hay

Posted on March 16, 2009
So this old gal wanted the hay that I am feeding the rabbits. Luckily she just didn't kick open the glass door and help herself. For scale the step ladder in the background is a 6 foot ladder. Even her hind quarters covered it! She just stepped over the 4 foot fence like it was nothing...

So, in preparation for my trip

Posted on March 14, 2009
So, in preparation for my trip to Victoria on May 21 (which I am incredibly excited about), I decided to join Facebook to look some people up. I'm going to admit it felt a little strange at first. But I am really, really glad I did. I found people that I haven't spoken to in years...

So, we are all sick. Sucks. It

Posted on March 08, 2009
So, we are all sick. Sucks. It was 'just' a cold but it knocked us all down. To make matters worse I was in trial all week. Trial can be stressful enough but being sick really, really sucked. I beat the Assault 2 but lost on an Assault 3. I am very excited about the appeal...

Posted on February 28, 2009

So, let me tell you something incredibly

Posted on February 23, 2009
So, let me tell you something incredibly stupid about practicing law in Alaska. Some clown in the Department of Law has to approve certain plea bargains. I had a DA go to this clown and ask to reduce a very, very serious case of mine. Lots of reasons for that request that I can't get into obviously...

So, Jesse and I went out to Nurses

Posted on February 16, 2009
So, Jesse and I went out to Nurses cabin last night. It is my goal to visit every cabin the National Wildlife Refuge. We got to tool around Tustumena lake too. I'll tell you this much: my machine scares me. I don't pretend to be some hot-dogger when it comes to these things...

So, I made another brilliant financial

Posted on February 14, 2009
So, I made another brilliant financial move. I have this little rental house. The renters fell behind. So they traded me a 2002 Arctic Cat ZR800snowmachine for some rent. I felt like Steve Martin in Planes Trains and Automobiles (one of the best movies ever)...

So, I just got back from Homer.

Posted on February 05, 2009
So, I just got back from Homer. I was doing a felony DUI trial. I won the DUI count but lost on the refusal count. In Alaska the police cannot force you to give your breath or blood like they can in California. But the refusal is a seperate crime and, if convicted of both, the refusal carries a consecutive sentence...

So, I have been catching some flak

Posted on January 30, 2009
So, I have been catching some flak lately from anonymous commenters that I am not ?balanced? enough. That my view of the criminal defense system is ?rancid?. Apparently I should acknowledge that cops are good people and victims are sympathetic. What a joke...

So, I was late for court today.

Posted on January 26, 2009
So, I was late for court today. This little guy was enough to delay me but the prospect of having to push past his much bigger, and much 'meaner', momma was worse. I kept trying to wave him off with a file but he pinned his ears and spun around. Eventually I just had to step out and drive him off...

So, Anon # 2 in comments to the

Posted on January 24, 2009
So, Anon # 2 in comments to the last post accused me of having a "narrow view" about our system. I tell you what. I will immediately retire from the practice of law and sign over everything I own to the first person who can point to the word "victim" in the Bill of Rights...

So, I'm back from Philadelphia

Posted on January 23, 2009
So, I'm back from Philadelphia and Washington DC. And glad for it too. Too many damn people. Damn there were three times the number of people in all of Alaska right there on the National Mall. Besides the people I got a touch of the stomach flu on Monday...

So, get this. I am leaving for

Posted on January 14, 2009
So, get this. I am leaving for DC in just a little while. I just got a call from Senator Murkowski's office. I got a ticket to the inauguration! It is like winning the lotto. Instead of being in the general crowd of 2 million people, I get to be up front...

So, it has finally warmed up.

Posted on January 11, 2009
So, it has finally warmed up. When it goes from -30 (or more) for a few weeks to -6 (like it is right now) it feels downright balmy. Thankfully I got the Subaru going too. That $750 car has never left me stranded before but she just couldn't handle -34...

So, I wanted to post what was has

Posted on January 05, 2009
So, I wanted to post what was has been written for Kadee's initial PFD appeal. For most of you this will be boring as hell. But for the lawyers or law students out there I would love some feedback on this. And this little girl isn't an Alaskan! What a crock of shit...

So, this video says it all. The

Posted on January 04, 2009
So, this video says it all. The water is gone before it hits the ground. It was cold shooting that video...I just stepped out. Right now there are three cars in the yard that won't start. Even the starting fluid that is supposed to help is too cold to come out of the can...

So, this cold streak continues.

Posted on January 03, 2009
So, this cold streak continues. I remember reading somewhere before I moved to Kenai that the average is 12 in the winter. Not now. I left the house to cut wood at -30 this morning. It is supposed to be -40 or colder tonight. That is cold. You can't really tell from this photo but this vodka is frozen solid (click on it to look)...

So, the cold continues. It is around

Posted on December 31, 2008
So, the cold continues. It is around -20 to -25 constantly. The wood stove is as full of spruce and birch as we can make it. Yet the house is not uniformly warm. We have sealed off several rooms. In every room there is ice around the windows. J and I both get up several times a night to feed the stove...

So, winter has settled in. We

Posted on December 28, 2008
So, winter has settled in. We got a lot of snow on Christmas Day. And it has gotten cold. I was outside today working on the Suburban and it was -10. The sun has just started to go down and it already -14. For my Canadian readers that is -25 C. You know what is weird? I went out this morning in sneakers and not wearing gloves...

So, Merry Christmas. As usual,

Posted on December 25, 2008
So, Merry Christmas. As usual, the family spoiled the kids. Kadee just stopped being interested at one point: there was simply too much. We are having a quiet day at home. It is snowing like crazy outside and Kadee and I enjoyed a sled ride. We are going for a Rhino ride after we all get dressed...

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Posted on December 21, 2008
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Posted on December 18, 2008
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Posted on December 16, 2008
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So, the State has denied Kadee's

Posted on December 14, 2008
So, the State has denied Kadee's PFD. I had hoped they would be smart. But this way will be way more fun. First, I will exhaust my administrative appeals. Then, to paraphrase a line from my favorite movie (Braveheart), I charge. Fools. I have bled in court for murderers...

So, victory! Two assault with a

Posted on December 10, 2008
So, victory! Two assault with a dangerous instrument cases and two acquittals. Well, not exactly. I beat the count involving an assault with a truck. I hung the jury 9-3 in favor of acquittal on the assault with the fish bonker. The DA may re-try the case...

So, I am still in trial. Tomorrow

Posted on December 08, 2008
So, I am still in trial. Tomorrow is day 7. We'll see. I must admit that I am sick of working nights and weekends. Leaves me little time for anything else. Like hanging out with AM, who leaves this week. This time in a week 2/3 of the men in this picture will be gone...

So, it is cold. It is dropping

Posted on December 02, 2008
So, it is cold. It is dropping to -10 tonight. Despite that fact, Kadee and I just came in from playing outside! She is tougher than I am. Or she will be. I am in trial this week. My client allegedly hit someone with a fish bonker. Bah. We are arguing self defense...

So, happy Thanksgiving. Here is

Posted on November 27, 2008
So, happy Thanksgiving. Here is the one day when all people in America, despite all the troubles in the country, need to remember how lucky we are. Today, of all days, we should put aside the stress and remember that we do not live on $1 a day. Live in a garbage dump...

So, life goes on. Winter is settling

Posted on November 20, 2008
So, life goes on. Winter is settling around us. It was -6 F the other morning when I went to work. Ha. G. What was it in Sacramento? A balmy 60? For once I can rub the "cold" in the face of a Fairbanksan. Life has been a little stressful lately because of my rental house...

So, G is gone. Let me tell all

Posted on November 16, 2008
So, G is gone. Let me tell all of you attracted to Alaska something you need to know: she exacts a heavy price. A heavy, heavy price. Either you will leave all those that you care about to get here or you will watch those that you care about come and go...

So, today G, Andy, Alaskan Madman

Posted on November 12, 2008
So, today G, Andy, Alaskan Madman and I took the machines up Snug Harbor road in Cooper Landing. I still think that Kenai Lake is one of the prettiest places in all of Alaska. It snowed like hell today and we had a great time. I guess this will be the last ride like this...

So, G. is here. One last hurrah

Posted on November 10, 2008
So, G. is here. One last hurrah before he begins life in California. We have been relaxing so far but intend to get out and spend some time outdoors the rest of the week. Of course we have been riding the hell out of the Rhino, drinking whiskey, target shooting and playing WW II games...

So, thank God! I cried for my

Posted on November 05, 2008
So, thank God! I cried for my daughters tonight. Let the whole world rejoice. The only downside is that Palin comes home to ruin our lives in Alaska. Yet even that horror will not diminish my joy tonight. I did cry. I kissed my girls and told them that everything will be alright...

So, GO VOTE!!!!!!! Go. Seriously.

Posted on November 03, 2008
So, GO VOTE!!!!!!! Go. Seriously. I would give my left nut to be able to vote tomorrow. To help remove the Republican douchebags who have changed this country so much. When I got to the United States 8 years ago it was a different place. Now there is extraordinary rendition...

So, Happy Halloween! The girls

Posted on November 01, 2008
So, Happy Halloween! The girls went as witches this year. Here in Soldotna, the younger kids seem to go to the (only) mall as it is cold outside. I must admit it is only the first of November and I am already getting tired of the relentless cold. I don't mind the cold (really) but I wish it would warm up above freezing once or twice so I could do some of the things that I need to outside...

So, it has been a while. The computer

Posted on October 27, 2008
So, it has been a while. The computer went down with a virus. $189 later and I am pissed. There is really no choice, as both J and I need the computer to stay sane in the winter months. But who the hell get their kicks out of creating programs that do nothing but cause others misery? Winter is here with full force, despite the fact that it is only October...

So, Washington DC! I can't say

Posted on October 15, 2008
So, Washington DC! I can't say I saw a lot of the city but I did get to the United States Supreme Court. It was fun to push on the door. I wonder how many hands seeking justice it took to wear the doors like they are. I wonder how many of those people actually got it? I was quite impressed with DC...

So, we got our first snow today.

Posted on October 09, 2008
So, we got our first snow today. Bad timing as I am off to Washington DC in a few hours. I had to fork out the money to fly from Kenai to Anchorage as there was 80MPH winds and bad roads. But I have to go. I just have to see where so much evil congregates...

So, really Governor? Really? You

Posted on October 03, 2008
So, really Governor? Really? You could not name even one other Supreme Court decision that you disagreed with? Is abortion really the biggest problem in this country? Not surprising that yet another millionaire has no f%^$^&g clue about what real people in this country are going through...

So, note to self. Next year more

Posted on September 30, 2008
So, note to self. Next year more potatoes. They grow great here. More manure in the potato patch too. Less lettuce and kale. More things that can be frozen. I am in the process of putting away the garden. This was my first Alaska garden and it had mixed results...

So, Tustumena lake. What a beautiful

Posted on September 28, 2008
So, Tustumena lake. What a beautiful day! As we were launching a guy came up to look at the boat. Not unusual. Except he pointed out that he had spent many, many hours on her. We swamped stories of fires and taking on water. He owns a machine shop and been her former mechanic as well as a friend of the former owner...

So, it is my TWO year anniversary

Posted on September 24, 2008
So, it is my TWO year anniversary with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. That has several consequences. First, on a personal note, where the f^%$ did the last year go? And time only speeds up I hear. Second, I now don't have to pay the State back $3000 for moving expenses...

So, fall is here in the Great

Posted on September 21, 2008
So, fall is here in the Great Land. The leaves are changing. You can see your breath at night. Not much is new with me. I am just preparing the place for winter. Trying to get in a last few 'summer' activities before the snow arrives. I had hoped to have some great pics of the landscape but the camera crapped out on me twice today...

So, today most of the people in

Posted on September 13, 2008
So, today most of the people in the State got their PFD. Am I bitter? Hell yeah! $3269 per person. I didn't think I would be bitter. After all I chose to move here and I know that non-citizens have different rights than citizens. I guess it just pisses me off that I am considered an Alaskan when it comes time to take my money but not to give it to my family...

So, the nonsense of this new Republican

Posted on September 06, 2008
So, the nonsense of this new Republican party aside (Palin actually mocked Obama for caring about the rights of suspected terrorists...Jesus), life goes on in Alaska. I got another road kill moose tonight. This time a nice little bull calf with a broken leg...

So, of all the things I've read

Posted on August 30, 2008
So, of all the things I've read about Governor Palin being the VP pick for McCain, I haven't heard any criticism for 1. effectively leaving the state without an executive branch and 2. leaving her family. The easy one first. She is now off running for Vie President...

So, victory! Ok. Roadkill. But

Posted on August 29, 2008
So, victory! Ok. Roadkill. But good God what a roadkill. It is 4:20 a.m. and I just got home from a 4 hour roadside butcher job. A BIG cow. The best part was that the only injury to her was a broken leg BELOW the knee, so there was no wasted meat. At all...

So, I just had to post this picture.

Posted on August 24, 2008
So, I just had to post this picture. Made me laugh. Alyssa is so beautiful. Wow. Today, I am trying to cut, split and stack 3 cords of wood. Taking a break from moose hunting. There are just too many damn people on the Kenai Peninsula. As usual, my house is a hub of activity today...

So, my first day moose hunting

Posted on August 23, 2008
So, my first day moose hunting this season, this was my view. No moose were taken by my hunting party tonight. But, what a night to drive around and hunt. Work is crazy right now and I was glad to get out of this (short) week. My time off for the summer is over and it is time to buckle down for the winter...

So, my brother and his family

Posted on August 21, 2008
So, my brother and his family left today. Sucked. I haven't seem them in 2 years and 3 days was just not enough time. At all. I had this moment when they were here. My niece and I were cooking an Indian dinner. '80's music was playing. I was drinking a Cosmo out of a mason jar...

So, let me tell you something about

Posted on August 19, 2008
So, let me tell you something about life in Alaska. At least for me. I am damn proud of where I live. Damn proud. I love this place (even though I despise the government.....but what else is new). Alaska is the best place on earth. So when friends (old and new) and family want to visit, I am happy to accomodate...

So, my brother Darren and his

Posted on August 18, 2008
So, my brother Darren and his family arrived today. Super cool as I have not seen them in years. Will tour the Harding Ice Fields, halibut fish and to to Tustumena. Will hopefully see a little more of Alaska. Stay tuned. Now going upstairs to visit!

So, get this. The State of Alaska

Posted on August 12, 2008
So, get this. The State of Alaska has decided to give out another $1200 to every man, woman and child in Alaska to help with the high cost of energy. Well, that is almost true. The Senate, at the last moment, attached this 'help' to the Permanent Fund Dividend ("PFD")...

So, the boys just left. 10 minutes

Posted on August 02, 2008
So, the boys just left. 10 minutes ago. Am devastated. So many goodbyes. And it will get worse for me. My brother will be here in a few weeks. Have said goodbye too many times this year. Could tell more stories about fishing. Tustumena lake. All my recent pictures did not work...

So, yesterday we went to the great

Posted on July 31, 2008
So, yesterday we went to the great little town of Hope to do a little fishing for Pink salmon and pan for some gold. We all took the RV out and made it a party bus. Had a great time in Hope and the guys finally caught some fish. We stopped in the Seaview bar in Hope and had a great time there too...

So, we went halibut fishing today.

Posted on July 29, 2008
So, we went halibut fishing today. There were pro's and con's. Pros: the boat ran like a champ. A champ. We even got the radio working! We were flying across the ocean at 30 MPH. It was a beautiful day. I learned how to launch the boat using the logging skidders at Deep Creek and how to troll for salmon...

So, fishing on the Russian River.

Posted on July 27, 2008
So, fishing on the Russian River. Not many fish caught but a beautiful spot. Very nice day, despite the rain. Tomorrow is halibut fishing, weather permitting. Midnight. Time to go drink. Have I said it lately? God I love this place

So, the boys are here! Awesome.

Posted on July 26, 2008
So, the boys are here! Awesome. They arrived in the RV last night. We promptly started drinking, riding the Rhino and, of course, fishing. Stay tuned for some great pictures. Several of the crew are down with hangovers so it will be a slow day.

So, Nabesna. God I love Alaska.

Posted on July 23, 2008
So, Nabesna. God I love Alaska. Jeremy and I hiked up the Caribou Creek Trail, which is at mile 19.2 of the Nabesna Road. At the end of the ATV trail, there is a plywood cabin. We used that for the first night. Then we climbed. We set up the tent on the edge of a cliff on an unnamed hill...

So, if I thought dipnetting

Posted on July 16, 2008
So, if I thought dipnetting on the Kasilof rocked, fishing on the Kenai off the boat was amazing. Check out this video. Big, beautiful sockeyes. There were so many fish that we even caught some by 'accident'. Or two at a time. And the fish haven't even entered the river in any significant numbers...

So, I'll never fish with a rod

Posted on July 15, 2008
So, I'll never fish with a rod and reel again, unless it is for halibut. That is for chumps and tourists. Damn, dip netting kicks ass! Went again tonight and got another 7 reds. Only stopped because Ken got 8 more and we didn't want to clean more than 15...

So, yesterday I had an Alaskan

Posted on July 12, 2008
So, yesterday I had an Alaskan rite of passage: dipnetting on the Kasilof River. There is nothing like standing in glacial water with a giant net trying to catch salmon. And catch we did. The three of us caught 8 salmon. We are allowed 155 for our families...

So, victory! Sometimes a Public

Posted on July 11, 2008
So, victory! Sometimes a Public defender just needs to hear the words "not guilty". I got to hear these words when the jury acquitted my client of all charges. Sure, 3 people said my client went after them with a pickaxe. Sure there were some minor injuries...

So, I'm in Homer doing a felony

Posted on July 07, 2008
So, I'm in Homer doing a felony assault trial. There are pro's and con's. The pro's are evident in these photos. Homer is still one place in Alaska that takes my breath away. These photos were taken from the hotel room. As always in Alaska, the camera doesn't do the place justice...

So, happy Canada Day! Today I

Posted on July 02, 2008
So, happy Canada Day! Today I celebrated being a citizen of the greatest country on Earth. I know that characterization always drives Americans crazy. I almost always get the comment "then why are you here?" Great question. There are, of course, two answers...

So, you want to see a good time

Posted on June 29, 2008
So, you want to see a good time in Alaska? Check my my digs last night. I slept on the beach in between tides waiting for the salmon to come in. Sleeping bag. .44 pistol. Tarp. Good to go. God I love Alaska. I really, really do. I have not posted a pic of the kids lately (this blog tends to get a bit 'selfish' in the summer) so here they are...

So, I am learning to make the

Posted on June 28, 2008
So, I am learning to make the best of what is a seemingly bad situation. One of my character flaws is that I tend to be a bit high strung. Ok, maybe a bit more than a bit. Anyways, I am learning to deal with that. It is helpful to have a guy around like Josh, one of our summer interns...

So, the boat has sucessfully gone

Posted on June 24, 2008
So, the boat has sucessfully gone on the water twice now. Tonight we took it out of the Kenai river and into Cook Inlet a half mile or so. There are a few minor problems but no fires. It didn't take on water or leave us stranded. Hell, that's a good night...

So, I got my camera cord today.

Posted on June 19, 2008
So, I got my camera cord today. Sweet. Here are some random pictures of life in Alaska in the last week. The best place on Earth. Drinking beer by the ocean. Watching my boat take on water (again). Getting firewood. Riding in planes. Catching fish...

So, I am home. Am full of mixed

Posted on June 15, 2008
So, I am home. Am full of mixed emotions. I don't know why I do this to myself. On the one hand, for example, I got home last night after Kadee was in bed. This morning she opened the door to my room and just said "wow" and climbed into bed. I can't describe how that makes me feel...

So, I find myself quite sad today.

Posted on June 13, 2008
So, I find myself quite sad today. Strange really. I have only been here a week but a big part of me doesn't want to leave. Perhaps it is because I was born and (mostly) raised in a place very similar and only a few hundred miles south. The smell of the sea air, the green ferns, the rain and the blue light of the hills all seem so natural to me...

So, despite being away from home,

Posted on June 11, 2008
So, despite being away from home, it seems like I am managing to do the same sorts of things. Drink. Shoot. Admire Alaska. The weather here continues to be great. I am hoping to get out on the water and explore a bit of the island for some other pictures...

So, Ketchikan! The last two days

Posted on June 10, 2008
So, Ketchikan! The last two days have been very beautiful here with bright blue skies. Quite the contrast to the way it looked when I first arrived (to the left). I am enjoying the town and am enjoying the work here...I have only been here a few days but it does seem less stressful than being a Public Defender in Kenai...

So, camping! This was the first

Posted on June 07, 2008
So, camping! This was the first time we had gone camping. This is what life in Alaska is all about. The weather was perfect and the view was amazing. Next to us, set-netters were pulling in salmon.J was a little worried about camping with the girls, but they loved it...

So, I keep hearing that Kadee looks

Posted on June 02, 2008
So, I keep hearing that Kadee looks like me. No. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is to the left. Done. I got a nice surprise today. The State's medical plan has a $1000 maximum out of pocket. Except it isn't. I learned that J's doctor is an "out of network"provider...

So, chicken killing day. Time

Posted on June 01, 2008
So, chicken killing day. Time to put protein in the freezer for the winter. In only 20 days, the days will start getting shorter. So, today a number of friends and I put over 30 birds in the freezer. Thank God too. With my luck with the boat (which is still in the shop), I need all the help I can get...

So, set-netting! Awesome day.

Posted on May 29, 2008
So, set-netting! Awesome day. Helped my Native buddy with his set-net. Caught a number of great Kings. Bennie got some and the Elders got some. I can't believe the vacation is almost over. Next week I am going to Ketchikan to cover the court calendar down there...

So, I had the most amazing moment

Posted on May 27, 2008
So, I had the most amazing moment today. It had nothing to do with my vacation. I was walking with Kadee down the road. I had to pick her up. The sunlight was streaming through her blond hair. She was laughing. And I was acutely aware that the moment would only last a few seconds...

So, partial sucess! We got the

Posted on May 26, 2008
So, partial sucess! We got the boat out and running. These are rare pictures indeed. Because at the end of the trip, it was clear that something was wrong. Once again, it is back at the shop. Am frustrated. Do I sell it? There is a hell of an argument there...

So, the first day of vacation started

Posted on May 24, 2008
So, the first day of vacation started at 5 a.m. By 7 or so the boat was on fire. And taking on water. Panic ensued. Everything that could fail, did. First, the hose shown here burned. Then the boat started taking on water. The bilge pump failed. So I started my new "emergency kicker", which promptly stopped working...

So, a busy weekend. I find that

Posted on May 19, 2008
So, a busy weekend. I find that I can easily work another 8 hours after work at this time of year. It is light, and I mean light, until 11 p.m. Soon, I will be able to stay outside to 2 am. J and I fight about whether the kids should have a routine...

So, I had one of those days. It

Posted on May 14, 2008
So, I had one of those days. It just seems like everything in my life is broken or about to break. It started when I went to take the studded tires off of J's car. I learned that, despite the fact that the other tires only have about 20,000 miles on them, they are worn out...

So, I'm back. Despite all the

Posted on May 11, 2008
So, I'm back. Despite all the stress, my new TN visa was approved without difficulties. Now I have to come up with $300 tomorrow for J's visa. It just never, ever ends. I am back a day early as the process went faster than I expected. Partly that is due to the fact that G was supposed to join me...

So, tomorrow I make my second

Posted on May 08, 2008
So, tomorrow I make my second run to the border. Time to apply for a TN visa. Last year I did it in about 26 hours of straight driving. This year I am not doing that again. I am taking the camping gear and taking my time. Part of me dreads going for 4 days and leaving my family...

So, the snow is almost gone. Is

Posted on May 05, 2008
So, the snow is almost gone. Is it time to panic? Why yes it is. Because the snow will be back in a few months. So today, I focused on meat and wood. My day started at 5 am with a road kill moose. That is my fifth road kill since getting here. A couple of buddies (thankfully) helped and it only took a couple of hours to get from the roadside into the truck...

So, a good Alaska day. Dug in the

Posted on April 27, 2008
So, a good Alaska day. Dug in the garden. The 4 inches of snow or so that fell yesterday is just about gone already, thank God. The vegetables I have started in a cold frame are sprouting and I am eager to be able to garden outside. Before anyone makes a stupid comment about why I wear a pistol while gardening, I'll stop wearing a gun when I stop seeing brown bears in my back yard...

So, p.s. Here she is. Click on

Posted on April 25, 2008
So, p.s. Here she is. Click on the second picture. See the look in Kadee's eyes? There is going to be trouble. But, god help anyone who ever messes with the Adams girls. They may fight with each other but they will put a hatchet in the back whoever messes with her sister! I can see it already.

So, why do I love life in Alaska

Posted on April 19, 2008
So, why do I love life in Alaska so much? It isn't just the magnificent setting, the outdoor activities or the wide open spaces. Sometimes, just sometimes, it is also the law. Like yesterday when the Court of Appeals ruled in State v. Brown, which can be found here: http://www...

So, in the grand tradition of

Posted on April 12, 2008
So, in the grand tradition of Adams (partial) self-sufficiency we now have 40 chicks in our spare shower. The damn weather here has been too cold to keep them in the shop so they are inside. I'm sure my mother will get a kick out of that. Remember the time we had that blizzard in Victoria and I had all those chicks and ducks in the bathtub? They were in there far too long and stank like hell but it was impossible to put them outside...

So, happy birthday Kadee! Hard

Posted on April 08, 2008
So, happy birthday Kadee! Hard to believe that it has been 2 years. 2 years since I stood in that hospital room and cried my eyes out over you. You are still the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. This time next year your sister will be here and my life will be a sea of pink...

So, all I can say is that I love

Posted on April 07, 2008
So, all I can say is that I love Alaska. I really, really do. Like someone emerging from a coma, where my waking thoughts seem to be an extension of the dream. It is days like today I hope will flash before my eyes when my time comes. P.S. Happy Birthday Kadee! Tomorrow it is has been two years since the best thing that ever happened to me came along...

So, summer is COMING!!!!! To celebrate,

Posted on April 06, 2008
So, summer is COMING!!!!! To celebrate, have been preparing all day for a big trip to Ninilchik beach to clam tomorrow. Spent money I don't have on this trailer to move the Rhino (and other things). Am kegging some booze and marinating some rib eyes bought by another of the paticipants...

So, I have a doppelganger. This

Posted on April 05, 2008
So, I have a doppelganger. This is NOT me, but it sure looks like me. Does anyone out there know who this creepy little fella is?

So, I just had to bitch about a

Posted on April 01, 2008
So, I just had to bitch about a quirk in Alaska criminal law: the court approved third party custodian idea. The Alaska Statutes allow for a 'third party' to be approved by the court so a criminal accused can get out of jail. The idea was that those without funds (ahem: like 85% plus of those in the system) can bail out without cash...

So, Kotzebue. Meant to update

Posted on March 24, 2008
So, Kotzebue. Meant to update when I was there but I forgot my camera cord. I worked my ass off during the day but really enjoyed my nights and weekends, despite the lack of any 'facilities' in Kotzebue. But just to make G in Fairbanks feel better, I had a horrible time...

So, a damn good day. Damn good.

Posted on March 17, 2008
So, a damn good day. Damn good. Spent the day snowmachining up in the Caribou Hills. An absolutely perfect day. The weather was amazing, the scenery breathtaking and the feeling of just being alive was overwhelming. The three pictures above were taken looking down on Tustemena Lake, where I intend to spend a big chunk of my summer...

So, I have been acutely aware the

Posted on March 10, 2008
So, I have been acutely aware the last few days of how quickly life is going. Every thing around me seems to point to that fact: the melting of the snow. Seeing my friend Dan in his casket. Watching my little girl play dress up. J's rapidly growing belly...

So, death is a funny thing. It

Posted on March 05, 2008
So, death is a funny thing. It can come for anyone of us at anytime. I learned last night that my friend Dan Miller died. He got the flu and just up and died in his bed. He was only 62. Once again, I found myself in tears. I was going to call him last week and put it off...

So, it appears that J has "gestational

Posted on March 01, 2008
So, it appears that J has "gestational diabetes". We're not sure what that really means yet but it sucks ass, whatever it is. Right now all we can do is hope that mother and daughter come out of this pregnancy healthy. I'm sure it will work out: J is generally healthy...

So, I hate to do it. I really do.

Posted on February 24, 2008
So, I hate to do it. I really do. Not only because it gives support to the misconception that all public defenders are "liberal", but mainly because of his anti-gun position. But I hope that Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States...

So, I'm back from Vegas. And

Posted on February 19, 2008
So, I'm back from Vegas. And glad of it, in a way. The trip was amazing....Jeremy was more than generous. But I can only take Vegas for a few days. We ate incredible food. I drank incredible liquor. We gambled, took in the sights and I enjoyed the sunshine...

So, my great arctic adventure is

Posted on February 13, 2008
So, my great arctic adventure is nearly over. Early tomorrow I fly home for a few hours before heading to Vegas. I have enjoyed my time here and I have enjoyed the practice of law here. Being away for almost two weeks has been hard. I have been almost brought to tears by my daughter's voice on the phone...

So, what else does one do in the

Posted on February 11, 2008
So, what else does one do in the evening in Kotzebue? Well for me, it is all about the sauna. Trying to get my body ready for Las Vegas. But more importantly I enjoy how after 30 minutes in a sauna, it doesn't seem cold outside for a while. I stepped out into -20 but I felt too warm to even close my parka...

So, I just took an hour ride by

Posted on February 09, 2008
So, I just took an hour ride by myself into the tundra. -27 degrees, without the wind. Saw ptarmigan by the dozens. And that's about it. God I love Alaska.

So, people keep asking me what

Posted on February 08, 2008
So, people keep asking me what I do at night. I seem to keep busy. I must admit I have been enjoying riding the quad around Kotzebue. I am watching this dog and we go for little rides. The only problem is he gets too cold....when I ride at night it is at least -20...

So, the hardest part of being

Posted on February 07, 2008
So, the hardest part of being here is the food. Or the lack of food more precisely. There are only two restaurants in town and for some reason both are basically Chinese. There used to be a KFC and a Dairy Queen before the bars were voted out of town...

So, I'll have to post pics later.

Posted on February 06, 2008
So, I'll have to post pics later. This is the worst possible time for my camera to break. I have already seen a lot of neat stuff. G was good enough to go get me a new one in Fairbanks but it hasn't arrived yet. I am having a grand adventure. Last night I drive a quad around at -36...

So, greeting from Kotzebue! I'll

Posted on February 04, 2008
So, greeting from Kotzebue! I'll try and post pics later. Wow. It is a different world up here. I was told to be careful of the polar bears around town. I'm not kidding. There are snowmachines going down the sea ice and all over the roads. Tonight I am going over a new friends house to help her butcher two caribou that she got all by herself yesterday...

So, tomorrow I head out for three

Posted on February 02, 2008
So, tomorrow I head out for three weeks. First to Kotzebue. Look at this map on the western edge. Way up, above the Arctic circle. I have never been away from home for this long and I must admit that I am nervous. Kotzebue can be described as a Native village of just over 3000 people...

So, despite the fact that it was

Posted on January 26, 2008
So, despite the fact that it was 16 degrees below zero when we left the house, we went to the Peninsula Winter carnival. It had all the standard events those of you outside Alaska might expect. Toss a frozen salmon. Dogs pulling hundreds of pounds of nails...

So, we are back from Fairbanks

Posted on January 21, 2008
So, we are back from Fairbanks and Chena Hot springs. Long trip but a lot of fun too. The first night we stayed in this cabin at Sheep creek lodge (http://www.sheepcreeklodge.com/). It was super cool and you can't beat the $63 price. Saturday we pushed onto Fairbanks...

So, time to suck it up. First,

Posted on January 16, 2008
So, time to suck it up. First, J, Kadee and I are headed to Chena Hot Springs this weekend. Hoping to see the northern lights. On the way we are staying at the Sheep Creek Lodge. Then it is off to Kotzebue for almost two weeks. Then I go to the Mandalay Bay for almost a week...

So, the weather has turned cold.

Posted on January 13, 2008
So, the weather has turned cold. Yesterday it was -10 F (about -20 C) but I went ice fishing anyway. I bought an 89 Subaru for $750 to replace the Suburban. It's the only way I can afford to drive these days. I figure it won't take long to pay for itself when it gets about 28 mpg versus the Suburban's 8 mpg...

So, despite the advice of some,

Posted on January 04, 2008
So, despite the advice of some, I did it. The Rhino kicks ass too. Hell, I'm so far in debt why wait until I'm in my 40's to have a life. A snowmachine or quad won't allow for family activities. This will. And G and I will kill things off it. Go fishing...

So happy new year. I had hoped

Posted on January 01, 2008
So happy new year. I had hoped to post some pics of the little get together I had last night. However, I got too liquored. Like puking liquored. I hated it and didn't mean for it to happen but I just drank too much on an empty stomach. Then to make things worse the emotions of the last few months just poured out of me in the form of tears...

So, Merry Christmas! I hope everyone

Posted on December 25, 2007
So, Merry Christmas! I hope everyone everywhere has a good day. Thank you to everyone who sent Kadee gifts.

So, last night we went over to

Posted on December 24, 2007
So, last night we went over to a friend's place. Did a little snowmachining. Our friend's brother had a Yamaha Rhino so we rallied that thing down on the Kasilof beach. Both J and K got on a snowmachine for the first time and both loved it. Snowmachines are already on the wishlist...

So, its has been a while. Life

Posted on December 21, 2007
So, its has been a while. Life goes on. It finally got cold here. Yes, yes G. not Fairbanks cold where it was -44 F this morning but it was a respectable -25 F last night. We are still heating with only wood and let me tell you if you don't get up to stoke the fire when it is 25 below outside, you sure feel it when you get up...

So, just wanted to show you my

Posted on December 12, 2007
So, just wanted to show you my office. Here, in all its glory, is the Kenai Alaska Public Defender's Office. I'll never be rich. I'll never be famous. But, one day, when my little girls ask "daddy what does it mean to be free?" I'll be able to tell them about this place...

So, very, very little news to report.

Posted on December 08, 2007
So, very, very little news to report. For the first time since starting this blog over 2 years ago, I'm not sure what to write. One new thing is that I enjoyed my trip to Glennallen last weekend so much that I am seriously considering buying this piece of land up there...

So, some buddies and I decided

Posted on December 02, 2007
So, some buddies and I decided to throw our gear in a truck and drive to Glenallen to do some rabbit hunting. G drove down from Fairbanks. You know it really is the moments like that that make life so fun. We tramped around in temperatures ranging from -5 to -15...

So, I just wanted to show you all

Posted on November 24, 2007
So, I just wanted to show you all our new daughter. If you look carefully you can see her face and her hands. So far, all is well. To be honest I'm not sure how I feel about having two children. I can see how it will be more difficult and more expensive...

So, life goes on. We have finally

Posted on November 19, 2007
So, life goes on. We have finally had a good dump of snow and winter activities have begun. However, for me, depression still creeps around the edges. Today at work something happened to me that has not happened for a long time: I simply could not stay...

So, with the falling of the first

Posted on November 12, 2007
So, with the falling of the first snow my mood has improved. I have become firm friends with a guy whose dog we watched a while back and we spend almost part of every weekend hunting or fishing together. Most of the time hunting really means driving around in the middle of nowhere drinking beer...

So, it appears that I am going

Posted on November 09, 2007
So, it appears that I am going to be a dad to another little girl. J had promised not to tell me as I wanted to be surprised. That lasted less than a week before she spilled the beans. Nothing is for sure but the Doctor says the baby is formed enough for him to tell...

So, I am starting to feel better.

Posted on November 03, 2007
So, I am starting to feel better. 100%? No way. But better. I appreciate all the helpful comments. For me, I find the old standbys are helpful. A black-powder pistol. Killing things. Alcohol. The right music. G breaking my balls and threatening to hurt me bad if I didn't snap out of it...

So, happy Alaskan Halloween. I

Posted on October 31, 2007
So, happy Alaskan Halloween. I had intended this time to talk about my grim vision of the future and about how the choices that we make are sliding us into an ugly future. I still intend to write about that soon. Instead, despite the fact that this is a public forum, I intend instead to write about an intensely personal subject...

So, I'm back. And, as predicted,

Posted on October 25, 2007
So, I'm back. And, as predicted, the most useful part of the conference was meeting many of my fellow attorneys. I am amazed at the ability of the Agency to gather such a fine group of people. I didn't get to meet everyone but I think I was impressed with every one I did meet...

So, life goes on as it must. That

Posted on October 20, 2007
So, life goes on as it must. That includes a little spruce grouse hunting. Winterizing the boat. Making beer. You know, the usual stuff. Next week I am going to the mandatory 3 day training the Alaska Public Defender Agency puts on each year. This year it is at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood again...

So, the cost of life in Alaska

Posted on October 16, 2007
So, the cost of life in Alaska grew today. Last night a moose (apparently) kicked my old hound dog in the head. Today, I had to have him put down. That seems calm enough but I wailed like a baby at the vet. There was no way I could do it after all we had been through...

So, it begins! This is the blessed

Posted on October 12, 2007
So, it begins! This is the blessed stuff that keeps all the people in California and other similar hell-holes from moving here. Oh God, it is below 80! And other such nonsense. God, I love this weather. I am a cold blooded person and the cold makes me literally giddy...

So, just a quick note. Tomorrow

Posted on October 09, 2007
So, just a quick note. Tomorrow I have to go to Homer to do a felony DUI trial. It'll be the first time since we moved here that I have to leave my family for a week to do a trial. I am not happy. At all. But I have to go. At least the weather is beautiful...

So, here is our new kid. 9 weeks

Posted on October 04, 2007
So, here is our new kid. 9 weeks old. Approximately 1 inch long. Already has arms and legs. No wonder I think abortion is wrong. I'm not trying to create a debate here: I realize reasonable people can disagree on this topic. But for me personally, and only for me, I'm amazed at this little life already...

So, I had one of those "public

Posted on October 02, 2007
So, I had one of those "public defender" days today. Unless you have been a public defender, you will not know what I am talking about. Even private defense counsel don't know what it is like, although it is close. One of those days where you realize that the "justice" system is corrupt...

So, today is my one year anniversary

Posted on September 25, 2007
So, today is my one year anniversary with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. Some thoughts. First, contrary to public opinion I do not hate all DA's. Quite frankly I don't trust any defense lawyer that says they could never be a DA. I also don't trust any DA that says they could never be a defense lawyer...

So, moose season is over. Saw my

Posted on September 20, 2007
So, moose season is over. Saw my first Alaska bull last night. When I realized he wasn't legal, I played with him. I am learning how to call. Very cool stuff. Good thing I obey the law...I wasn't 25 yards from him and he was curious about my (bungled) cow and bull calls...

So, I got a letter from the Canadian

Posted on September 15, 2007
So, I got a letter from the Canadian Embassy today. It turns out that I didn't complete all of Kadee's Canadian citizenship papers right. It is a priority. It always amazes me how you Americans are so content to piss away your rights. Hell, if you don't have anything to hide, why not let the Government do what it wants, right? I guess the Founding Fathers were criminals when they insisted on the Fourth and Fifth Amendments? The latest outrage for me is this Department of Homeland Security plan to require all Americans to get government permission to travel...