Ethan's Summary of "A Tale of Two Cities"

"Sydney bought two medicines that will knock Charles out for hours. So, Sydney took the place of Charles and Sydney was taken to the place where he was to be beheaded! While that was happening, Miss Pross was fighting Madam Defarge, but Madam Defarge was armed with a gun and a knife. Madam Defarge died by Miss Pross hitting the gun that was going to shoot her. Back at the guillotine, Sydney was the person who had the most peaceful face before he died. Charles and Lucie had a baby and named the baby Sydney and Sydney had a baby and named it Sydny and that Sydney saw the place where a brave man died!"

I know this may not make sense, however, Ethan and Romay were so moved by this book that I wanted them to post one of their daily summaries from a chapter. We finished "A Tale of Two Cities," with slight moisture in our eyes and awe of such classic literature. The kids have mostly read the classics this year and have on more than one occasion, been emotionally moved by the characters, which we all seem to attach ourselves to. We recommend "A Tale of Two Cities" with no reservations and hope you can also relive historical France with understanding!

Salmon. Happy.

Silver, tucked into brown rice that is smothered with Cream of Mushroom soup. On top the Silver, I put Garlic Butter and some Bar-B-Q sauce to add a little zing. Bake and serve with Cranberry Sauce and a glass of Shiraz, I wish...

Fur You

How many ermine does it take to make a parka? That is the same kind of question as how many licks to the center of a tootsie pop... the world may never know. Well, until now. Myra has begun upon a project that may very well answer that question.
I couldn't be prouder. While Myra's Gram was here, the two ladies sat down and began stretching last year's ermine catch (a whopping 8 ermine). They could not help but giggle as they took the very small furs and stretched them out to be used... picture a viscious all white ground squirrel and you have an ermine. The giggling only got worse as Gram talked of where to split them... "You start at the goo goos." I had no idea that goo goos was an animal part, but it looked painful to be split there.
The heads came off next and... then went back on... Myra's thumbs for an interesting redition of the Eskimo "Where is Thumbkin". Talk about a cultural experience.
The ladies worked together and began sewing them together... it is bound to be the cutest baby parka ever sewn and should main-48 ladies get a look at it, may want full size versions for themselves... good thing that ermines are in large numbers. You can see the progress that they have made in the photo. They have such amazing silver-white fur.
It is so important to Myra to carry on her (now our) culture. What a lady!
Until next time... goo goo ga choo.

Sick of Being Sick

Romay: She hasn't been sick for one year, she is a trooper! When I told her that she can't play in tonight's preliminary basketball game, this is the look she gave me. She has a slight fever and is coughing (skiied in colder weather and got cold). She's already feeling better, kids really do bounce back quickly!


Trying to copy Romay's expression without any real success. :)


Update on the land in Koyuk: The city gave us an answer of "maybe," for our request to acquire the lot in town. Of course this means that we've halted our detailed plans in building in Koyuk. For a week, Jay and I were feeling "blue" over the city's decision, wanting to sleep in and just lay around and feel negative. Well, we bettered our attitudes and began to consider our options of moving. All this is in suspension with time and as a month goes by, we'll know better. Jason and I are playing the waiting game (hurry up and wait) for teaching positions near Fairbanks as one of our possibilities. I'm learning to be content with where we're at, although its very challenging at times. Nevertheless, time will tell and we'll remember this season of life as a growing pain.

This picture was taken about 1/2 hour later from the living room kitchen. In our 5 years here, we have never had to cancel anything due to a blizzard. Yesterday, I had to cancel Elementary Basketball practice, I couldn't see the school, which is only about 35 yards from our apartment. We never cancel for snow, wind, freezing temperatures, but this storm did it and to my memory, was the first time I can remember cancelling a scheduled event, due to some heavy wind and snow!

Good Tunnel Building Weather

Romay worked hard in building her snow castle (thanks Nancy and Dennis for the building set!)



Just an idea of why we're staying inside today as you peek out through our living room window. There aren't even any signs of the ever present Ravens either, oh wait, they're all picking at the school's freshly placed trash.

Snared Rabbit

Ethan tested out his snare and was surprised, as we were, to have this caught. I believe he even checked it the same day. Here, he is pictured with his buddy, Ben Otton.