Hatcher Pass near Palmer

Hatcher Pass near Palmer is a lovely mountain top retreat. Whether you ski, hike, walk your dog and want to stop off for a meal, it's the most wonderful place to stop. You get the feeling that you are somewhere, in another country. Dress warm and bring your hiking shoes this time of year. Hats and gloves help to make the trip a wonderful excursion. Grandsons enjoyed an icecream as they made the windy road north to the mountain top of the old mine near Palmer.

Downtown Palmer

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"Give me a M, Give me a O, Give me another O, Give me a S, Give me an E" What's that spell? Moose! Palmer Moose, yeah! yeah! yeah!

Downtown Palmer resembles midwest towns (as I have been told). Could be because the settlers in the 1930's were from the mid-west when they relocated farmers to Alaska as an agricultural project. Have you seen the PBS Special on the Colonists? Well done. Where's one for Delta? Better get on it Judy Fergusen! She does some books about the Delta area.

Miss the Delta Library, will have to visit the Eagle River Library this week and the Palmer Bishop's Attic 2nd hand store. Just for fun and kicks plus, a great place to get grandkid toys. Just have to take them home and wash them up.

Pinch Yourself-Still Warm and No Snow

I'm traveling south to the Mat-Valley at this time but it's been incredible as far as a fall.  Talked with a friend this evening and she said the trees have been heavy with frost in the Tanana Valley area and Delta region but still no snow.  The roads have been very slick at times.  No more reason to use "cruise control" any longer as that can cause an accident should you hit a slick spot.  I still drive in 2 wheel though it may be time to put it in 4-H and make suIre the truck has weight in the back.  I see gravel pits have sandbags for sale for $5 a bag.  Good for weight and good for traction should you need it. 

The mountains have been so beautiful with just the hazy fog and dim colors.  As I drove to Fairbanks the sunrise was just the slightest pink above the grey mountains and it was amazing.

Enjoy this great weather.  If we have early springs and late falls will Alaska's population double?  Will the warmers temps make flu seasons worse and last longer?  Does the cold air prohibit the growth of viruses?

All things we hear.  I just know I love this weather.

"To be sick" = "nanit"

Grandson sick huddled under one of my quilts I made with Alaska prints. Poor little guys, this is an older photo but we all know that its been a tough early fall and winter with the viruses going around. Stay healthy, drink plenty of liquids and rest.

NOT an "artifact" = "algaaniqsaq"

Some projects I have been working on lately. Focused around the scenes of our bison and elk ranch. Mary Stenros patterns are so very cool (lower right). Learned how to sew an Amish quilt from instructor Lonnie Miller (black and red checks), a penny doile from Marcia (bison via felt in the grass), practiced applique and fiber with a herd of bison approaching (upper right), how to create "northern lights" with instructor Maribeth Miller, a fractured quilt ? using kitty cat fabric (not such a good idea, looks like Dr. Seuss had alittle too much eggnog) - sorry, can't remember the instructor, left over blocks from Russell's snowmachine quilt that I made a VERY rugged wallhanging with and I am working on finishing up jellyrolls, charm squares and layer cakes I think they are called.

Rerun this a.m. on the Nat' Geo station on DISH-"Alaska State Trooopers " - first segment was on Arctic Man.  I think there is a 10 part series. It's a reality based show.

Happy October--winter is nearly here!

Husky = "a lead dog" = "sivulliuqti" in Inupiaq Eskimo

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Volleyball tourney in Delta brought in small schools such as Barrow, Galena, Glennallen, Kotzebue, Monroe, Nenana, North Pole, Tok as well as North Pole. The Round Robin of sorts was on from 10 AM - 10 PM. Delta was holding their own with 2 losses. It would have been great to stay until 10 but I left a bit early. Today is the bracket competition where the points from Friday's games indicate who plays whom. It should be quite a day! GO HUSKIES!

Army = "Anuyaktit" in Inupiaq Eskimo

Photo of the farm at sunrise and sunset. In between we have lots of air action. Not just final flights of swans, geese, duck and cranes but also airways are alive with military flight training. Loud and intense, you look up at the sky and see the white streaks left behind by the jets. Its that time of year.

A little bit of "heaven" = "qilak" in Inupiaq Eskimo

I think we all believe that we live on a little bit of heaven. Alaska's natural wonders sure bring that to mind. While the world spins with discord and negative energy, our surroundings reflect calm and peace. Thank goodness. Walking outdoors this a.m. (note collage of photos I took) I saw flocks of chickadees (first heard them) as they scattered and gathered to leave the homeplace when I disturbed them. The field around the house is cut so birds gather to eat whether its seed from the last remaining dried flowers or voles scurrying for safety in the brome grass field. The ravens are playing in the upwind and downwinds of the warm breeze. The camprobbers are still out investigating "finds" in the grass where the dogs eat their "leftovers". Let's see if they like leftover Shepherd's Pie. Yep, they do.

Is it Important to "Finish" what we do? ="naat" or "naatchi" in Inupiaq Eskimo

I suppose it is important to finish projects and things but its just as important to spend the time creating. Lonnie Miller, our own Delta quilter and resident, spent the day talking to quilters and fabric crafters at the Calico Cow, sharing her knowledge of what she has learned of the Amish culture and extending her expertise in quilters creating their own wallhangings.

Laughter, good food and fellowship flowed. Thank you Lonnie for a great day. You are always a ray of sunshine and a hope of creativity.

Donnely Dome

Donnely Dome earlier this fall. It's our landmark here in Delta. Many classes climb it and its a common hiking - picnicking area. We have the prettiest hues of fall colors in the interior.

This Snow Won't "Melt" = "auk" in Inupiaq

At least not until spring----beautiful beautiful mountains, wouldn't you say?
We Alaskans are enjoying every moment of this fall knowing that these long falls don't come along every year.  It might be a cold fall to some people but it's not winter and that says alot!

Chena Hot Springs Resort - Chena Fest

Chena Hot Springs Resort - Chena Fest

Description: Location: Chena Hot Springs Resort

Admission: $25
5th annual harvest celebration recognizing agricultural production and raising funds for FFA leadership programs. All-Alaska grown dinner and entertainment.

Phone: 474-6916
Contact Name: Jeff Werner
Contact Email: jwwerner@alaska.edu
http://deltanewsweb.com/calendar/view_entry.php?id=6505&date=20091003&user=__public__

"To have hazy weather" = "niptait" in Inupiaq Eskimo

Just like this old corral, when the cold hits, I feel a bit weathered, old, creaky and poor on appearance but hey, I'm still here. I saw a lady in her 80's driving home from the post office the other day and said, "RIGHT ON!" (She is a good driver by the way!) I'm so glad the days have passed where "children were seen and not heard", "what happened in the home, stayed in the home", and "children born outside of wedlock were chastised and mothers rebuked". Some people always hate change, but its inevitable. Try to smile this winter and enjoy the changes around you! Happy winter, goodbye fall!

This old corral replicates a time tested, tried and true; still has a purpose and showing the wear but standing the test of time.