The Day After

One dog, five toys, twenty minutes, one very big mess!

Precious and Rudy received a suitcase-full of new toys for Christmas from their wonderful Auntie Elaine. And Precious wasted no time in claiming each toy as her own. Then she spent the next week systematically destroying them one-by-one. At this point in the game, the only thing left is the tiny remnant of an enormous "dinosaur" bone. Not being filled with fluff or any type of squeaky toy has extended its usefulness immensely.

I wish I could report that Precious is a kind-hearted dog that has learned to willingly share toys with my older (less agile) dog, Rudy. But, alas, this has not been the case. If Rudy makes the mistake of even sniffing one of her toys (even the scraps of what once was a toy) Precious swiftly and rather ferociously sets him straight. He doesn't do much about it. He usually just looks up at me with large soulful eyes that very clearly say, "Well...I guess she is the boss of me."

Poor Rudy.

Around Midnight...

As some of you are aware, we're already gaining sunlight again! With every passing day the twilight in the southern sky noticeably increases in both duration and intensity. Toward the end of this month the sun will venture above the horizon for the first time in approximately sixty days. But, until then, the dark sky provides a perfect backdrop for any type of illumination.

Around midnight on New Year's Eve I heard the familiar percussion of fireworks "thunking" against my window. I left my two extremely irritated dogs yapping wildly inside the house and ventured out into the -20 degree air for a better view of the show staged on the southern bank of the pond directly in front of my house.

The stiff breeze of 15 to 20 mph made outdoor viewing rather uncomfortable, but that didn't deter the community from coming out in full force. Snow machines were darting and zooming from every direction. A few slowed up and parked right in the middle of the frozen pond as if arriving at an arctic drive-in! My photos don't do justice to the impressive scale or variety of the display, but I thought the vibrant colors and feathering effect of the wind made for some interesting (if not high quality) images.

For about forty minutes, this could have been Anytown, USA...each explosion reflected in the sparkling eyes and delighted cheers of the crowd. It's a touching thing when a community comes together. People who have been somewhat hidden from each other, huddled in their respective houses, quietly shake off their winter mantle just long enough to wave and call out to each other, "Happy New Year!" before moving on.

I really have to hand it to the Ivanoff brothers. Being the fire chief and first assistant, it's a little ironic that they are so good at setting fires! For several years now they have put on a New Year's Eve extravaganza at their own expense. I, for one, sincerely appreciate their generous efforts.

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(To see more photos...click on any image.)






This is the preferred mode of transportation in the winter here. Apparently, it comes in handy for fireworks viewing as well. Although the wind caused -20 to feel like negative 50's that night, I think Stephen was plenty warm in his camouflage parka. I can't be sure about his poor face, though.

My New Year's Eve

Apparently, my relationship with the telephone began rather early in life. But that may actually have been a good thing. A well-developed dialing finger comes in handy when you live this far above the Arctic Circle and a firm grip on the receiver is an absolute must! Okay, I'm kidding, but only a little.

It's been a quiet New Year's Eve interspersed with happy phone calls from thoughtful friends. While it takes a bush plane to conquer the geographical isolation of this village, bridging the expanse between hearts can be accomplished via satellite. And what a blessing that is!

I began this blog with a little fear and trepidation, but it's turned out to be something of a joy. Thank you to all who have supported my little adventure. May 2008 far exceed your hopes and expectations and even be a year of unleashing dreams!

And, as it unfolds, let's keep in touch and remember...friendship is just a satellite signal away!