We’re a small family living in the heart of Alaska, balancing our love for the rugged outdoors with a passion for technology, fiber arts and freedom. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of tech insights, Alaskan living tips, and creative projects, from crochet to tech consultancy.
What The Peterson’s Are About
(according to ourselves)
Open Source Technology Solutions
In a world dominated by big tech, we believe in supporting tools and platforms that prioritize privacy, independence, and user control. Our blog explores alternatives to FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) and shares solutions that empower businesses and families to thrive outside the big tech ecosystem.
- Dolibarr ERP/CRM: Practical Power for Businesses That Want ControlDolibarr ERP/CRM is not a new kid on the block. First released in 2002 and actively maintained ever since, it’s a mature, modular, PHP-based business suite that combines ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) capabilities under one roof. It’s open-source, self-hostable, highly customizable, and comes with a thriving community of users and… Read more: Dolibarr ERP/CRM: Practical Power for Businesses That Want Control
- Resurrecting Photographs with XSane: A Linux-Based Workflow for High-Quality ScanningWhen it comes to scanning on Linux, most people are looking for one thing: something that just works. But if you’re doing more than the occasional document scan—say, if you’re digitizing slides, negatives, old photo prints, or high-resolution artwork—you’ll quickly find that simplicity alone isn’t enough. You need control. You need a tool that respects… Read more: Resurrecting Photographs with XSane: A Linux-Based Workflow for High-Quality Scanning
Slice of Alaskan Lifestyle
Living up north means embracing a life that’s as unique as it is beautiful. From stunning landscapes to close-knit communities, Alaska shapes who we are and what we do. Join us as we share stories, tips, and photos from life here in the last frontier.
- Happy Birthday, GrandmaWhen I was seven, I left behind the familiar rhythms of Alaska—the soft hush of river water, the quiet strength of village life—and found myself in North Carolina, where the air felt heavier, the accents were different, and I was suddenly the one who didn’t quite belong. But then I met her. My grandmother—my stepmother’s… Read more: Happy Birthday, Grandma
- Tundra to Table: Homemade Citrus PectinCitrus doesn’t grow wild in Alaska—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t grow at all. Some folks keep a lemon tree by the window, coaxing blossoms through the dark months with grow lights and patience. Others tuck potted citrus into greenhouses, small rebellions against the long winter. But for most of us, citrus shows up in… Read more: Tundra to Table: Homemade Citrus Pectin
Crafting / DIY
Fiber plays a big role in our family, and we’re excited to bring you along on our journey. With a focus on crochet and homemade crafts, we’ll share project ideas, tips, and inspiration for those looking to bring a bit of handmade warmth into their lives.
- Tundra to Table: Homemade Citrus PectinCitrus doesn’t grow wild in Alaska—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t grow at… Read more: Tundra to Table: Homemade Citrus Pectin
- YarnSub: The Ultimate Tool for Finding Yarn SubstitutionsIf you’ve ever fallen in love with a yarn, only to discover it’s… Read more: YarnSub: The Ultimate Tool for Finding Yarn Substitutions
- How to Knit Two Panels at the Same Time: A Simple Trick for Matching ProjectsWhen you’re working on a project that requires multiple identical pieces—like socks, mittens,… Read more: How to Knit Two Panels at the Same Time: A Simple Trick for Matching Projects
- The Best Budget-Friendly Yarns for BeginnersWhen you’re just starting out with knitting or crochet, it can be tempting… Read more: The Best Budget-Friendly Yarns for Beginners
Why Blog?
Peterson’s Input / Output is a blend of our interests and experiences. It’s about tech for those who want freedom from big tech giants, stories from Alaskan life, and the joy of creating—whether it’s with yarn or code. We want this space to feel personal, welcoming, and useful to anyone looking for a little inspiration to live life on their own terms. Read more about us here.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re interested in tech advice, need help with a specific project, or just want to chat about Alaskan life and adventures, feel free to reach out. Real conversations fuel the best ideas. Find more ways to connect with us here.