Not a lot of happenings!

There hasn't been  lot going up here in the Cold North- or now, Warm North:) So until March when things start up again, i.e. trips, projects, etc. I think I 'll leave you with a link to my roomie's blog:


http://mangusalaskaadventure.weebly.com/tales-of-toksook-bay.html

Until March!

Always on the Hunt

On our last walk the wind was a little crazy, but that didn't stop us from enjoying a long brisk walk up to cliffs:)

One has to wonder what is still moving under four feet off snow in the dead of winter.

Winter Storm Season...

isn't exactly upon us just yet.

It keeps warming up after a cold spell causing things to get a little bit messy once again. But that doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed my last couple of days. Coming back to Toksook Bay before the first of the year wasn't exactly easy ( four hour drive to SLC to catch a plane that would allow Bogart's crate in the hold, losing B's health cert. right before checking in, getting B out at the Anchorage airport and back on again two hours later, losing his dog food somewhere b/t TSA and the gate, arriving in Bethel only to wait for a taxi large enough to hold his crate, and then arriving in Bethel with a tub o' food missing some key snacks:( ) but once I did make the return- I received a warm welcome from the locals. It's always nice to come back to smiles followed by a "Happy New Year!"

Now I am waiting for the others to return. A few have been held up in different airports due to weather holds and the such. Bogart and I are looking forward to reuniting with the teaching staff here in village as things have been quiet for too long.

School starts on Tuesday, and I am looking forward to that last 4 1/2 months of school, as I believe that this one has been another baptism by fire kind of year:) 

Staking a Claim

Either Bogart is extremely sad and misses Dawne OR he is considering himself to be a new tenant if Dawne doesn't make her flight out of Bethel.

Getting in the Spirit

Thanks to mi madre, and a gracious roommate- our home was filled with laughter, Christmas goodies & music, along with the makings for pretty Christmas ornaments. 

It was a nice time of letting creative whims whisk us away from the crazy week we just experienced. Thanks to the supplies my mother sent up, the company and treats that were provided, I was beginning to feel like I could enjoy the holiday season, even though it's 40 degrees outside!

And there's only one more week left until I am back in the lower 48!!! Here's to 7 days of preparation for the Christmas program, Christmas parties and Christmas gifts!

Ice Ice Baby

It's 40 degrees.

It's warm.

It's not normal.

And there is nothing but ice baby. Talk about a slide and slide on the way to school. I have to be very careful while walking at o' dark thirty simply b/c I am not fully awake to realize what I am doing at that time.

I am grateful, however, that Bogart is home in Boise for I fear for his hips when he runs on this sort of icy ground. Thanks mom and dad for keeping him safe at home!

Catch Up

I love this time of year.

There is a break in the long haul of days that is the first two quarters of the school year and with it some time to breathe and catch up on homework and sleep.

Last week I was able to take a few days off work and head in to Anchorage for a conference on bilingualism and multicultural school settings. I learned quite a bit from the keynote speakers that were brought in from South America, Washington, and Southeast Alaska. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel where it had a Starbucks kiosk and great views- heaven!

 Not only did I enjoy my time with some great colleagues from LKSD, but I ran into many members of my cohort from UAF. Being able to commiserate over some of the program's assignments was very helpful as sometimes I feel like I can't keep up with the assignments.

After a couple of days attending the conference, I was then able to spend some time with my parents:) We were able to drive around and see some spectacular views, eat some good food, and do some shopping.

By the end of the weekend we were all on our way back to our homes, my parents with Bogart ( plane embargoes) and me back to Toksook for three more weeks until Christmas Break begins.

Two more weeks!