Fairbanks Twilight

I reported for Grand Jury alternate duty this morning, but they didn't need me. I can't believe that! I was so ready to learn about the grand jury. Instead, I did a quick visit around the Fairbanks riverfront to see what was new.

Looking back across Golden Heart Park, I could just make out (heh, heh, I said "make out") the log cabin that has just become the headquarters of the Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race. It was just twilight at 9 am and looked very wintery. The sidewalks were plowed so it made a comfortable walk along the riverbank, but I was glad I wasn't in a wheelchair. A thermos of hot chocolate would have been a nice picnic.

This lend-lease memorial is really detailed. I especially liked the look with snow on it. The bags and gear that the Russian and American are holding are very exact- with creases and buckles. Apparently the artist studied real artifacts. As you probably know, this commemorated the Lend-Lease program during WWII when the US loaned planes and personnel to the Russians to help defend the northern Pacific Ocean against the Japanese.

This new building, The Morris Thompson Center, holds the Visitor and Convention Center, the Alaska Public Lands Info office and Denakaanage (Native Elder program) as well as a few more offices. The exhibits will be up in a few months and it will be a small museum of natural history. There are 4 computers for public use. It was very nice and bright and inviting.

We went at lunch time to Sam's Club for $2 pizza and bought wool-polyester long johns for $21. I hope they are light enough for carrying since they will make great pjs.

All the Christmas stuff is out, but my Scrooge-like alter ego told me it was way too early. I'm still planning our Thanksgiving feed. Since our children are far away, we usually invite young people from the ARSC (Arctic Region Supercomputing Center) to join us as well as other friends. I enjoy making the traditional feast of turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, fruit pies, potatoes-gravy-dressing and the company of interesting people. I wish my kids were here.

I've been looking up senior benefits for my husband who will be 60 this year...he can get a free-for-life Alaska hunting and fishing license since he is a resident. When he is 62, he can get lots more free or cheap stuff, including park passes, Amtrak discounts (not for Alaska of course) and reduced fares on many mass transit systems. Ain't that grand?

I hope you enjoy my "shelfari", a new layout on the right. Good book ideas are always welcome.