A holiday mailing

This image is on the holiday calendar/greeting card from one of the Native Corporations (sort of the Alaskan Substitute for a reservation).

negative 15 degrees today with a big negative wind chill (-40).

Today's ride in was totally Ice Planet Hoth on the taun taun. Sock liners, socks, and disappointing North Face boots -easy on and off cause the zippers don't stay zipped and one ripped before I had it 2 weeks. I mean to complain to North Face. I think if I ever DO go Ice fishing - i'm gonna have to get those toe warmers (assuming Ice fishing involves sitting around).

Another Kotz resident sort of offered to take me out of town on a pretty day and go fishing.

3 layers on legs (last has been the polyester outside/fleece inside pants I've been wearing everyday for weeks). But only two on the top (a silk long shirt and fleece-ish shirt). That-s not counting the down parka.

But somehow I must have amazingly set up my goggles, balaclava, coat collar and hood that my glasses did NOT fog up inside my goggles (which often happens if the balaclava in covering the nose - sends warm moist air up into the goggles).

I'm starting to think about actually pestering to follow through with getting the Wolf Fringe I never did get... But since I plan on going helmet shopping in Milwaukee (did you now snowmobiles were invented in Wisconsin?) - the possibility that I might get an enclosed helmet would negate the need for a fringe for now. Of course, if I go ice fishing or something and am not wearing the helmet - I'll miss not having the fringe.

Snow Day

Veterans Day school, work, and most offices in town were closed - but not for the holiday - rather the first big snow of the season.
http://picasaweb.google.com/usernamesareannoying/SnowDay#

Ok, My commute Attire

Prep the Ice Planet Hoth references.... NOW

What's in your freezer?

To those of you who thought it funny that I used to (in Fairbanks) leave frozen groceries in the car - up here they leave frozen 'groceries' around the house. I've seen frozen (I assume) seal (whole seal) outside on tables... and tonight walked by Frozen Fish (guessing Shee fish) sitting in the 'arctic entryway' I share with my neighbors. huh- and I wondered whether it was consistently cold enough to keep my tortillas - this fish is nicely frozen solid.

http://www.fishalaskamagazine.com/fish/sheefish.htm

Obey the Kitty

Um... haven't quite figured this out, but finding it quite funny and can't wait to take a picture of a sticker in Kotz.

Friend of Chairman Meow

Airplanes and Seals

Well - the most exciting thing to happen in the few weeks here - I got to fly an 'advanced flight simulator' as part of letting the Chukchi employees see the toy some grant money paid for in part of an effort to train and retain pilots in the region. I have one not too exciting picture where you just see me sitting in the cut away pilot part of a plane.

The most - 'we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto' moment -- riding in the truck from the post office back to campus and boaters are cleaning up from fishing - there was a lump covered in a blanket and blood splashed... I figure gutted fish right. NO apparently - my co-worker says "Oh, I guess they got a seal".

About a block later, I think - awwww cute seal face. waaaahh Ya know there weren't many vegetarian eskimos.