Tundra Talk

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:35:00 +0000

A wonderful "ladies night out" at an Alaskan lady's home - Marcia Ward's. She invited Sawmill Creek ladies out to her new home for a delicious menu of quiche and angel food cake with raspberries.

Friends Come for "Breakfast" = "itqutaq"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:24:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:50:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:06:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:29:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:05:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:46:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:39:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:04:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:59:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:55:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:41:00 +0000

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!

Hatcher Pass near Palmer

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:54:00 +0000

click on to enlarge

"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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:54:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:50:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:28:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:21:00 +0000

click on photo to enlarge

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:12:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (buffalogal) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:07:00 +0000

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!