Merry Christmas

Click "Read More" to see elf video starring me!

I Believe

If there is a sun god or goddess, I believe. I would bow at his or her knees and drink from the goblet of light. I miss the sun that much.

Shortest Day on Video

Here is a time lapse video showing the sun's path over Fairbanks on the shortest day of the year.

Winter Solstice!

It's finally here. Winter Solstice. A very exciting day in Fairbanks. The shortest day of the year. From here we can only go up: more daylight, more sun. Oh yes, please, more sun! It's only been in the past two weeks that I've felt the oppressiveness of the dark, and I am over it. I've been popping Vitamin D like candy. 

I'm off work for a few weeks now and find myself with a lot of time on my hands. It's been too cold for snowshoeing or skiing. Heck, it's even been too cold to snow! I spend the morning with the paper, my coffee and Happy Light: 

Notice that it's pitch black outside. This was at 9:00am.

A Comparison

Here's a comparison of the same scene in different seasons.

This was taken May 23 at 9:20pm:

Bus Ride

This is video of my "bus" ride to Aleknagik school yesterday. It was bumpy and I have to admit I was a tad worried that if I should fall out, the driver would never hear my screams.

A Day in the Life

Reflecting upon today, it struck me how odd the following conversations were. Especially to have so many in one day. But the more I think about it, the more I realize this was a typical day in the bush.

Dillingham stormy skies.

Sic-Sac

I made it out of Togiak today but it wasn't easy. Visibility was good, wind was not. I almost had to use this. If I hadn't been so nauseated I would have smiled at the bit of assurance the Sic-Sac had to offer.

Would You Rather?

Would you rather have forgotten your shower flip flops or your towel? Lucky for me I didn't have to decide, for I forgot both this week. I have my hair dryer so I am able to blow dry. I'm using ziplock bags for shower shoes.

I Don't Believe

The back of this notecard says that Polar bears hide their black noses with their paws to disguise themselves while waiting for seals at the water's edge.

Taxi

Taxi rides in Fairbanks are an adventure. It's great when it's negative 35 degrees and the cab goes to the house at the end of the block and you have to chase them down.

It's also fun to have an argument with the same driver about where you're going.
Me: Warbelow's is here, on the right.
Driver: No, that's not it.
Me: Yes it is. See the sign that says Warbelow's? That's where I need to be.