Moose, Snow and a Night Out

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last wrote. I will try to catch you up on what is happening in Alaska.

SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW.  We got about 6-8 inches of new snow this week. With snow comes warmer temperatures.  Yesterday and today we actually saw in the 30's.  I didn't even wear a coat yesterday or today.  I know that sounds crazy, but considering two weeks ago it was -51, we thought it was summer - well not exactly. With the snow also came the first adventure of being stuck.  Stuck in our own driveway and (I probably shouldn't write this, but) I was not the one to get stuck.  Richard had come home from work and was going back and forth on the drive to pack down the snow and found the edge of the driveway.  See pictures in my next post.  Someone saw him and stop to help.  He couldn't pull him out forward so he had to pull him out backwards.  Thank God for friendly Alaskan people. Richard made the comment this week that he is tired of white.  Sorry honey, I think it will be here a few months longer.

Two weeks ago today we finally saw a moose outside our house.  There was a mama and her baby.  It was pretty awesome to look out the window and see them both right outside the window.  I got brave and went out in the backyard.  That was amazing to stand there and see this huge moose only a few feet away simply staring at me.  Charlie got way too excited.  Pictures will follow.

We are now up to about 7 - 7.5 hours of sunlight.  It is starting to seem more like normal daytime.

We spent the Super Bowl with our Pastor's.  It was fun as always.  Nathaniel (our Pastor's youngest) was so excited all week that Doc was coming over and they were going to get to wrestle. 

My job continues to go well.  Although it would never of been my first choice for a job, I count it a blessing and believe there is a purpose for my being there.  I have a HUGE appreciation for all my special ed teacher friends.  I'm learning so much about the SpED system and working with learning disabilities.  I will say the highlight of my day is the last hour of school when I get to work with the high school kids.  This week we took the seventh graders to McDonald's one day - did I mention we walked (1/4 of a mile) with snow falling and the temperature was 4.  That was fun.   Then another day we went on an HOUR long walk - I was totally unprepared.  It was snowing heavily that day and the temperature was in the teens. We also attended the awards assembly for the History Day.  We had three students place.  I also got to see many of my friends from the high school.  This week is testing and then we will go on Friday to the UAF Museum to see a presentation on hibernation.  They try to take one field trip each week.

Last night we had our first couples night out.  We went to dinner and a movie with two couples from Richard's work.  It was so much fun to be with other people and get out of the house.  I believe we may make it a monthly occasion.

We purchased Richard's ticket to come to the optometry meeting in April.  I will be brave and stay home alone in Alaska for the first time.  Be prepared - I may be calling people to keep me from thinking about the fact that he is in Oklahoma and I am in Alaska.  I would say we have never been that far apart before, but I guess we were one other time - when Eric and I went to Hawaii. 

Well, that about sums up the last two weeks.  I can't believe we have been here over 7 months already.  It is going fast.  The Army has already renewed Richard's contract for another year, so we know we will at least be here another 18 months. 

I hope all of you have a blessed week and a Happy Valentine's Day.  Love and miss you all.

Sally