Wednesday I went skiing with Susan on the groomed University trails. We took the Estle Connector to make a 4 mile circuit and were rewarded with a gentle, easy ski and the sound of new snow surrendering to our glides.
Paul and I finished our walk that day of every street in Fairbanks. We walked 211.6 miles, but that included 26 miles outside the city limits before we set our goal. Our temperature limit was -30 and
Paul was not allowed to walk new territory when I was out of town, so he usually walked inside the Big Dipper. We kept track on his Motion-X tracker on the phone so we could trace our route on the phone book maps. We generally walked about 5-6 miles in the 2 hours. Our final walk was around the box stores off the Steese and the Johansen Expressways. For the very first time, someone stopped to offer us a ride (which we declined). We never got chased by dogs or were treated other than friendly by anyone we met. Next, we are going to keep walking neighborhoods outside the city but in the borough. The Fairbanks North Star Borough is about the size of Connecticut so we don't expect to finish. Like the city, I expect we'll see some interesting areas.
Also, Wednesday was my brother's birthday, so his wife Leah (thanks!) treated us to dinner at the Turtle Club, followed by birthday chocolate pie. Happy Birthday, JB!
Thursday was my volunteer day, so after aquasizing and having coffee with Susan, I went over to help at the registration booth for the Library Conference at the Westmark. In another life, I'll be a librarian. I chatted it up with the 3 Anns and several other people I knew there. Then I walked over and volunteered at the girl's hockey tournament at the Big Dipper. Teams from California and Washington were glad to be here but the cold and high prices had them in shock. They were friendly though and the Ice Breakers Hockey Team laid out a big spread in the hospitality room.
We finished out the day with a dinner of creamed smoked salmon over potatoes and carrots and the movie Hugo at the Blue Loon.
On Friday, we did our tax planning pretty much all day. How much was your heating bill last year? Ours was $5720 for just fuel oil (not the electricity that keeps the furnace pumping) even though our themostats are on timers and go down to 62 part of the day.
Finally, last night we went out to Motown Review at the Alaskaland gallery. Bobby Lewis and locals (I know Willie Blackburn and Diamond Fuller) performed some of the great songs of Motown and we all danced. I know they know that Whitney Houston was not a Motown gal, but we even enjoyed the "after Motown" selections. I used muscles I'd forgotten about and laughed with Paul, Susan and George until my smile tired out.
Today, Paul is at the robot practice at Lathrop and I am planning to do some long postponed house organizing. Tonight is the last home hockey game- the Governor's Cup against Anchorage. It should be fun.
This time of year is the most difficult for people who are alone or depressed. It still looks like winter although we have 9-10 hours of daylight and fewer very cold snaps. The suicide by a 10th grader in Hooper Bay has crushed the community and the teachers are no exception. Even those who have been there for years are contemplating leaving. I can't help but think that depression is the feeling that there are no choices. Because, if you can see them, there are unlimited choices for making meaning for your being.
1 comment:
Congrats on walking all the streets in town. That's a fun accomplishment!
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