Friends Come for "Breakfast" = "itqutaq"

Another great time as Jacob, Nancy, Julie and their family stopped by for waffles and ham on their way out of town. So much fun to see them and it was Gracie's first time to see snow and she was so jazzed! Jacob's family came up from San Angelo, Texas. Jacob, Nancy and Julie are all Delta High alumni.

Happy "Birthday" Jim = "annivik"

Thanksgiving in Alaska, as other places in the great US of A, means college kids taking a break and being able to join friends "off campus" to visit others' homes. This was the case for our friends, Jim and Gayle, as their daughter, Roberta, brought friends from the campus home for dinner. With family and friends in the neighborhood, Scott and I snowmachined through the fields and woods, over the river and to their place to join in for a surprise birthday for Jim. It was so nice and Scott and I had so much fun on the trip to and fro. Good food to all from the great Cummings Road crew.

I remember going to college in Fairbanks for 3.5 years from 1972 on. The culture at that campus is astounding, I not only survived my studies but I also enjoyed the symphony, the plays and fine arts. It has such great fine arts and the museum just takes your breath away. I first lived on Bartlett and then moved to Stevens Hall. I have to admit, I liked the lower campus better to maneuver at
-40oF or colder and trying to run from class to class. Smile, good memories.

Lie, Cheat and "Steal" = "tiglik"

On 11-27-09 at approximately 1050 hours, AST responded to the Delta Elementary School for a report of vandalism. AST investigation determined persons smashed windows out of the doors on the west end of the building during the early morning hours. Once inside the building the suspects smashed interior office door windows and destroyed other equipment. A small safe was stolen from the office. Damage to the equipment and building interior was estimated in excess of $10,000. The case is being investigated by AST. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact AST.

On 11-27-09 at approximately 0448 hrs, Troopers received a report of a burglary at the Alaska Steak House. Investigation revealed that unknown person(s) broke into the Alaska Steak House and stole approximately $1000.00 in cash. Estimated value of damaged property in $2500.00. Investigation continues.

On 11-27-09 at approximately 1608 hrs, Troopers received a report of a burglary and criminal mischief from the Delta Hockey Rink. Investigation revealed that unknown person(s) broke into the Delta Hockey Rink causing extensive damage to an outside door. Once inside the building the person(s) broke glass and damaged the door to the score box. Estimated value of damage is $900.00. Investigation continues.

Break - ins, theft, burglary and destruction.  Who could have violated our children's school and rink?  Who probably continued on to the Steakhouse Restaurant (presumed to be same person)?

• Someone familiar with the school layout and safe location
• Someone famliar with the rink
• Someone familiar with the Alaska Steakhouse
• Someone who is desperate for money
• Someone who may be deep in drugs
• Someone who is angry and dangerous

Talk, ask questions and help our community find this culprit(s).

Principal Gets "Stringed" = "aklunauraq"

Delta Elementary School Principal, Ms. Beito, gives children a chance to "string" her as a reward at the local assembly held Wednesday, November 25. There were rewards for reading, attendance, fundraiser cookie champs, good artists' behavior and more.

"Runaway" Sleds = "mitchaagvik"

Pinch me, I must be dreamin' . Have we had a good fall and winter or what? For Halloween, children near my daughter's home in Eagle River were actually trick-or-treatin' WITHOUT snowsuits, mittens and hats.
And here it is Thanksgiving and warm enough to be out all day!
May your Thanksgiving memories bring a smile of joy to your face. Blessings to all at home and away. Prayers for those who are in need and know that they are loved.

I See the "Sun" = "siqiniq"

Seeing the sunrise is essential this time of year, its a gift in this cold, white/blue winterland. Usually most of us who can, position our homes for the most daylight that we can get and enable us to watch the sunrises and sunsets from various rooms in our dwellings. That is, if we are lucky enough to do so. Building a place in Alaska, it's all about the view. I think most seasoned Alaskans will agree. Happy Sunday and Sun- Day to you!

Driving along the "river" = "kuuk"

Driving home from Fairbanks along the river is always a beautiful site no matter what time of year. Of course, this is a very blue-white scene now. The roads were good, not too caked with new snow or terrible ice. No animals to be seen either, except on the way up seeing that cow moose nibbling some willow along the Birch Lake shores.

It's the time of year where everyone checks their vehicle heaters, listening carefully after it is plugged in to see if it's still working. No square tires yet though, warm enough to just warm the vehicle up for a few minutes and off we go without that bumping along the roads on square tires that will probably happen in January/February.

Enjoy the scenery!

A messy "grass" eater = "ivigaaq"

Bison and Elk in "interior of Alaska" = "Alaskam qitqani"

Niece, Lisa St. Clair, went out with Scott while he fed the main herd of bison and elk. Getting out at daylight and beating the darkness, the herd of elk and bison are ready.

Brrrr! It's getting cold here!

Keeping Ahead of the Flake "Snowflake" that is = "qannik"

Wow!  More snow, light and fluffy.  Time to put my boots on and take the shop broom outside to sweep the walk.  It's the best way if you can get out there right after snowfall and sweep it away.  We seldom get dense, wet snow here like other places in Alaska.  It's light, fluffy and difficult to make into a snow sculpture.

It's dark, time change is NOT meant for Alaskans.  Don't like it and I think we need to gather together and write our Senators and Representatives and get that changed for Alaskans.  It plays havoc on us.  It was changed once, right?

I am reading "True Compass" by Edward M. Kennedy.  It is his last book.  I'm through the first half and its been a very good history informational book along with the dynamics of parents who raised their children with conviction and purpose.  No matter how you feel about the Kennedy's, they weren't just rich kids that sat around and prospered on their parents' wealth.  They were service orientated.  I peeked at the second half the book and its not as uplifting but I am enjoying it thoroughly.

I enjoy reading biographies.  I enjoy reading about history.  I enjoy "who done its" for leisure.

Enjoy the weather you have out in your area today. 
ADLA, Inc. meeting tonite http://www.adlainc.blogspot.com/
Farm  Bureau Annual Meeting in Anchorage this week, at the Millenium if you get a chance to attend.

Kodiak "Island" = "qikiqtaq"

Friends in Kodiak deer hunting. The island is a favorite place to visit.

I hear that Anchorage area got their snow. Lots of it. Here comes winter AK.

I saw a male and female pine grosbeak (sp?) this weekend, they were beautiful! In Chugiak I saw some very small little chickadee types, can't remember their names but they were blue and colorful.

"Wind or Gale" = "Anugi"

It has been very windy around the state. A breeze or gales of enough proportions to cause damage to buildings and fences happened recently in the Matanuska Valley and surrounding areas. Delta is getting its fair share of the wind now also. But it could be colder, temperature wise. The windchill adds so much to the temp though that many residents would just as soon have the cooler temps and no wind.

Jake visited albeit so brief. We are having alittle over 7 hours 30 min. of daylight now. The shortest day of year is approaching and then all Alaskans smile knowing that despite the colder temps coming, so is more daylight.

We might plug our vehicles in but at least we don't have to tie them down like planes!