Doc playing with the Fairbanks Community Band
Thanksgiving at the Welch's. That is our Pastor standing up with the Dallas shirt on.
Doc and his new friend Nathaniel
Christmas at our church
I Believe.Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thanksgiving and other pictures
Doc playing with the Fairbanks Community BandThanksgiving at the Welch's. That is our Pastor standing up with the Dallas shirt on.Doc and his new friend NathanielChristmas at our churchI Believe.
Welcome December
Can you believe it is already December? Where has the time gone. I will attempt to catch you up on the happenings in Alaska.
First, while my interview with Flint Hills Refinery went very well, I did not get the job. Guessing it just wasn't meant to be, so I will keep on going to work everyday at NPHS. My plan is after Christmas to begin the process of becoming Alaskan ccertified just in case something should come along in my field.
We spent Thanksgiving with Pastor Billy, Aubrey, their family, the Pastor's from Jubilee Worship Center in Fairbanks, and a couple from our church. The food was great and the fellowship was even better - even though our Dallas Cowboys did not win. Everyone there with the exception of two people are Cowboys fans. I will post a video and pictures later. Following the game, we came home and I went to bed at 8 p.m. and slept till 11:30 p.m. Why? I went to my first ever Black Friday Shopping. It wasn't all it's cracked up to be, but nevertheless Monifa (a friend from church) and I had a good, cold time. Bought a few things at Old Navy and at the Exchange. Monifa is in the Army, so I got to shop at the Exchange. I got home around 6:30 a.m., took a shower and went to work with Richard. I finally called it quits around 9 that night.
Richard has been a real Saturday trooper. He endures bazaar's, Saturday strolls around Fred Meyer, and fireworks. We have been to several bazaars and have watched fireworks two weeks in a row. Guess since they can't have fireworks in July, they make up for it in the winter.
We have our tickets to fly home for Christmas. We will leave here the night of the 19th, arrive in OKC the morning of the 20th. We will fly back to Alaska the evening of the 29th. I am so excited. Richard - well I think he would have been just as happy to stay here, especially with the cost of tickets. One thing we plan to do is eat at all our favorite spots. Mom may not have to do much cooking. lol Sonic is on the top of my list and I think Olive Garden is on Richards and perhaps Wongs, Mazzio's, White Dog, Pedro's.......
We have found a boarding place for Charlie. It is called Holy Dog and is up in the "hills". He will not be very happy with us, but it will be better for him than us trying to find someone to stay with or keep him.
I bought him a snow suit along with some different booties. He doesn't like that either. He wants to be outside, but doesn't like the cold. One afternoon I let him in the front and all of a sudden he took off. There was a black fox running across the road. I didn't even know there were black foxes. (I may have already mentioned this in my previous post.)
Christmas is in full swing here. Lights are beginning to show up, bazaars are every weekend, fireworks, and the North Pole Ice Park opened yesterday. We will go later and check out all the ice sculptures. I will be sure to post lots of pictures.
Yesterday, we were able to watch the Clinton vs. Anadarko State Championship game on Dish Network. Now how crazy is that. It was fun to watch the game and see alot of familiar faces. Way to Go Big Reds.
The weather...well it is getting colder. Today it is 35 below. We haven't seen any snow in about 2 weeks, which is ok with me. They are predicting a possible 40 below later this week. I know I say this all the time, but it really doesn't seem as cold as the thermometer says. There is no wind and it is dry. You wear lots of layers and don't linger out too long. Walking to and from the car/school/church/store is really not that bad - yet. Our church has a policy that on Sunday Morning if the temperature is 40 below we have no Sunday School, but no matter the temp we will have morning worship. All evening activities at the church are cancelled if at 5 p.m. the temp is 30 below. I'm sure we are about to see those times. I will say the one thing that does get cold is my face and though this may sound GROSS when you walk out, you can feel your nose hair freeze.
We are learning the art of car parking and leaving your car running when you go to the store. We both plug in at work but at home we have a heated (lol 60 degrees) garage so my car doesn't get plugged in at night. Richard has his on a timer that comes on at 3 a.m. and off at 7 a.m. He is going to have to set it for two different times now that it has gotten colder. He didn't start it this morning before church and this afternoon it won't start. It is currently plugged in so hopefully it will start later today. Oh wait...he is out there now and I heard it start. I have convinced him I need tires. I have some problems with slipping and getting started and he didn't believe me until he drove my car a few times. I really want an auto start, but I'm afraid tires will have to come first.
One problem we are having is our windows in the house freezing. They tell us this is normal, but it is very weird. Richard was opening the windows and scraping, but the maintenance man told us yesterday it is a waste of time and only makes it worse. Richard is glad there is no more scraping. I can only begin to imagine the mess when they begin to thaw out in the spring. The screens are on the inside and the windows are on the outside and they crank to open. Reminds me of the first mobile home I lived in.
On the 15th we will be attending the Military Ball. This could be interesting. They told us that since we are not military we don't have to dress real formal, just a nice dress and suit for Richard. I will let you know how it turns out.
Seems like we have many activities happening between now and the time we leave but that will be a good thing.
We still have not seen a moose or any real cool northern lights. They tell us the lights are happening, but it is usually at 2 or 3 a.m. and for some reason Richard doesn't want to wake up to check them out.
Oh, I did get a Happy Light. Can't tell if it is making me happy or not, but I do like the light that it produces.
Well I believe that is about all that is happening. Sorry I haven't been very good at keeping this BLOG up on a weekly basis, but I will try to do better. Until next time. Have a blessed week and stay safe. See many of you in 18 days.
Love to all.....Blessings during this Christmas season and remember Jesus is the reason we celebrate.
Sally
First, while my interview with Flint Hills Refinery went very well, I did not get the job. Guessing it just wasn't meant to be, so I will keep on going to work everyday at NPHS. My plan is after Christmas to begin the process of becoming Alaskan ccertified just in case something should come along in my field.
We spent Thanksgiving with Pastor Billy, Aubrey, their family, the Pastor's from Jubilee Worship Center in Fairbanks, and a couple from our church. The food was great and the fellowship was even better - even though our Dallas Cowboys did not win. Everyone there with the exception of two people are Cowboys fans. I will post a video and pictures later. Following the game, we came home and I went to bed at 8 p.m. and slept till 11:30 p.m. Why? I went to my first ever Black Friday Shopping. It wasn't all it's cracked up to be, but nevertheless Monifa (a friend from church) and I had a good, cold time. Bought a few things at Old Navy and at the Exchange. Monifa is in the Army, so I got to shop at the Exchange. I got home around 6:30 a.m., took a shower and went to work with Richard. I finally called it quits around 9 that night.
Richard has been a real Saturday trooper. He endures bazaar's, Saturday strolls around Fred Meyer, and fireworks. We have been to several bazaars and have watched fireworks two weeks in a row. Guess since they can't have fireworks in July, they make up for it in the winter.
We have our tickets to fly home for Christmas. We will leave here the night of the 19th, arrive in OKC the morning of the 20th. We will fly back to Alaska the evening of the 29th. I am so excited. Richard - well I think he would have been just as happy to stay here, especially with the cost of tickets. One thing we plan to do is eat at all our favorite spots. Mom may not have to do much cooking. lol Sonic is on the top of my list and I think Olive Garden is on Richards and perhaps Wongs, Mazzio's, White Dog, Pedro's.......
We have found a boarding place for Charlie. It is called Holy Dog and is up in the "hills". He will not be very happy with us, but it will be better for him than us trying to find someone to stay with or keep him.
I bought him a snow suit along with some different booties. He doesn't like that either. He wants to be outside, but doesn't like the cold. One afternoon I let him in the front and all of a sudden he took off. There was a black fox running across the road. I didn't even know there were black foxes. (I may have already mentioned this in my previous post.)
Christmas is in full swing here. Lights are beginning to show up, bazaars are every weekend, fireworks, and the North Pole Ice Park opened yesterday. We will go later and check out all the ice sculptures. I will be sure to post lots of pictures.
Yesterday, we were able to watch the Clinton vs. Anadarko State Championship game on Dish Network. Now how crazy is that. It was fun to watch the game and see alot of familiar faces. Way to Go Big Reds.
The weather...well it is getting colder. Today it is 35 below. We haven't seen any snow in about 2 weeks, which is ok with me. They are predicting a possible 40 below later this week. I know I say this all the time, but it really doesn't seem as cold as the thermometer says. There is no wind and it is dry. You wear lots of layers and don't linger out too long. Walking to and from the car/school/church/store is really not that bad - yet. Our church has a policy that on Sunday Morning if the temperature is 40 below we have no Sunday School, but no matter the temp we will have morning worship. All evening activities at the church are cancelled if at 5 p.m. the temp is 30 below. I'm sure we are about to see those times. I will say the one thing that does get cold is my face and though this may sound GROSS when you walk out, you can feel your nose hair freeze.
We are learning the art of car parking and leaving your car running when you go to the store. We both plug in at work but at home we have a heated (lol 60 degrees) garage so my car doesn't get plugged in at night. Richard has his on a timer that comes on at 3 a.m. and off at 7 a.m. He is going to have to set it for two different times now that it has gotten colder. He didn't start it this morning before church and this afternoon it won't start. It is currently plugged in so hopefully it will start later today. Oh wait...he is out there now and I heard it start. I have convinced him I need tires. I have some problems with slipping and getting started and he didn't believe me until he drove my car a few times. I really want an auto start, but I'm afraid tires will have to come first.
One problem we are having is our windows in the house freezing. They tell us this is normal, but it is very weird. Richard was opening the windows and scraping, but the maintenance man told us yesterday it is a waste of time and only makes it worse. Richard is glad there is no more scraping. I can only begin to imagine the mess when they begin to thaw out in the spring. The screens are on the inside and the windows are on the outside and they crank to open. Reminds me of the first mobile home I lived in.
On the 15th we will be attending the Military Ball. This could be interesting. They told us that since we are not military we don't have to dress real formal, just a nice dress and suit for Richard. I will let you know how it turns out.
Seems like we have many activities happening between now and the time we leave but that will be a good thing.
We still have not seen a moose or any real cool northern lights. They tell us the lights are happening, but it is usually at 2 or 3 a.m. and for some reason Richard doesn't want to wake up to check them out.
Oh, I did get a Happy Light. Can't tell if it is making me happy or not, but I do like the light that it produces.
Well I believe that is about all that is happening. Sorry I haven't been very good at keeping this BLOG up on a weekly basis, but I will try to do better. Until next time. Have a blessed week and stay safe. See many of you in 18 days.
Love to all.....Blessings during this Christmas season and remember Jesus is the reason we celebrate.
Sally
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Just a few pics.
Our adventures in the snow today.
Snow on the way to Fairbanks
This was the temperature one morning this past week.
This is what Char thinks of his new booties.
In deep thought at the SALT Thanksgiving Meal
This is the view from one of my classrooms
Poor baby, does not like his jacketWe are still alive and well
Good evening. Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I will try to catch you up.
Today it has been snowing all day. We have about 8 inches all together. This is the total since the first snowfall. When it snows here, it doesn't go away. It is beautiful, but then I like snow. Today it was 47 degrees warmer than it was earlier this week, and even though it was snowing, we only had on sweatshirts. Call us crazy. Guess we are acclimating to the weather. Richard says he will take the cold temperatures and no snow over the warm temperatures and snow.
We bought a heated mattress pad and usually turn it on about 30 minutes before bed and turn it off when we go to bed. Honestly it really just doesn't seem that cold. We have our thermostats set at 68. I cannot explain the temperature, but it always feels warmer than the temperature really is.
I finally talked Richard in to letting me get Charlie a jacket and boots. Well, the jacket is too little. We recently took Char to the vet and the vet said he needed to loose about 5-7 pounds, but don't we all at this house. Guess we will be taking the jacket back. As for the booties, only got one on and he had it off in about 15 seconds. Maybe when it is REALLY cold outside he will change his mind.
We are doing our best to stay busy. Doc is playing not only with the Fairbanks Jazz Band, but also the Fairbanks Community Band. That keeps him away two night of the week. He has a concert tomorrow, so guess I will get to see just how good they are.
Richard continues to enjoy his job and stays busy at work.
One of my friends at work gave me a gift certificate for a massage. The first one I have had in 11 years. The lady was amazing. She and her husband moved here from Texas. He is a radiologist at the hospital where Richard works and they attend one of the Assembly of God churches in Fairbanks. She they too were ready for a change and just asked God to open a door and this is where the open door took them.
I had an interview this week with Flint Hills Refinery for an administrative assistant position. While being a building sub isn't a bad job, it is not near as rewarding as teaching in your own classroom, so I am exploring my options. I said if it is meant to be then I will get the job, if not, then I will keep going to NPHS and doing what I'm doing. Flint Hills is a division of Koch Industries and would pay much better and have BENEFITS.
We still haven't seen a moose. Everyone is surprised when we tell them this. Maybe one day we will look out the window and see one in our yard.
We are still planning and hoping to be home at Christmas. Been waiting on the closing of our building to purchase our tickets. Pray it closes this week. We hope to be home around the 20th and stay till the 29th.
One of the hardest adjustments we are making is getting used to less and less sunlight. The sun comes up around 9:30-10:00 and sets around 4. My brother keeps telling me to learn to sleep by the clock and not the sun. It really only bothers me on weekends when I wake up and think it isn't time to get up and then look at the clock and it is already 8 a.m. The getting dark early isn't too bad, but it still makes me think I need to go to bed and it is usually not even 8 p.m.
Finally got my car back yesterday. YIPEE. There is nothing as frustrating as being without a car and depending on others to get you to and from. A chip went out in the steering column and they had to order the part from the "lower 48".
Oh...ladies you will understand this...I have finally found someone to cut and color my hair. She is amazing. I can check that task off my list. LOL
We have been attending the once a month SALT (Seasoned Adults Living Triumphantly) group at our church. While we neither one feel we fit in this group, we are still having a good time.
We will be spending Thanksgiving with our Pastors. Pastor Billy is a Dallas Cowboy fan so we will be watching the game. Tonight another lady from church text and asked if I wanted to Black Friday shop with her. We will get in line at the Exchange on Post at THREE (3) A.M. Call me crazy, but I have always wanted to Black Friday shop but never had any one as crazy as I am willing to go with me. I will let you know the outcome.
Well I think that has caught you up to date on a few of our activities. Sorry it took me so long to write. Hope all of you are doing well. We love and miss all of you. Stay safe and Be Blessed. OKLAHOMA bound in less than 30 days - I HOPE..
Sally
Today it has been snowing all day. We have about 8 inches all together. This is the total since the first snowfall. When it snows here, it doesn't go away. It is beautiful, but then I like snow. Today it was 47 degrees warmer than it was earlier this week, and even though it was snowing, we only had on sweatshirts. Call us crazy. Guess we are acclimating to the weather. Richard says he will take the cold temperatures and no snow over the warm temperatures and snow.
We bought a heated mattress pad and usually turn it on about 30 minutes before bed and turn it off when we go to bed. Honestly it really just doesn't seem that cold. We have our thermostats set at 68. I cannot explain the temperature, but it always feels warmer than the temperature really is.
I finally talked Richard in to letting me get Charlie a jacket and boots. Well, the jacket is too little. We recently took Char to the vet and the vet said he needed to loose about 5-7 pounds, but don't we all at this house. Guess we will be taking the jacket back. As for the booties, only got one on and he had it off in about 15 seconds. Maybe when it is REALLY cold outside he will change his mind.
We are doing our best to stay busy. Doc is playing not only with the Fairbanks Jazz Band, but also the Fairbanks Community Band. That keeps him away two night of the week. He has a concert tomorrow, so guess I will get to see just how good they are.
Richard continues to enjoy his job and stays busy at work.
One of my friends at work gave me a gift certificate for a massage. The first one I have had in 11 years. The lady was amazing. She and her husband moved here from Texas. He is a radiologist at the hospital where Richard works and they attend one of the Assembly of God churches in Fairbanks. She they too were ready for a change and just asked God to open a door and this is where the open door took them.
I had an interview this week with Flint Hills Refinery for an administrative assistant position. While being a building sub isn't a bad job, it is not near as rewarding as teaching in your own classroom, so I am exploring my options. I said if it is meant to be then I will get the job, if not, then I will keep going to NPHS and doing what I'm doing. Flint Hills is a division of Koch Industries and would pay much better and have BENEFITS.
We still haven't seen a moose. Everyone is surprised when we tell them this. Maybe one day we will look out the window and see one in our yard.
We are still planning and hoping to be home at Christmas. Been waiting on the closing of our building to purchase our tickets. Pray it closes this week. We hope to be home around the 20th and stay till the 29th.
One of the hardest adjustments we are making is getting used to less and less sunlight. The sun comes up around 9:30-10:00 and sets around 4. My brother keeps telling me to learn to sleep by the clock and not the sun. It really only bothers me on weekends when I wake up and think it isn't time to get up and then look at the clock and it is already 8 a.m. The getting dark early isn't too bad, but it still makes me think I need to go to bed and it is usually not even 8 p.m.
Finally got my car back yesterday. YIPEE. There is nothing as frustrating as being without a car and depending on others to get you to and from. A chip went out in the steering column and they had to order the part from the "lower 48".
Oh...ladies you will understand this...I have finally found someone to cut and color my hair. She is amazing. I can check that task off my list. LOL
We have been attending the once a month SALT (Seasoned Adults Living Triumphantly) group at our church. While we neither one feel we fit in this group, we are still having a good time.
We will be spending Thanksgiving with our Pastors. Pastor Billy is a Dallas Cowboy fan so we will be watching the game. Tonight another lady from church text and asked if I wanted to Black Friday shop with her. We will get in line at the Exchange on Post at THREE (3) A.M. Call me crazy, but I have always wanted to Black Friday shop but never had any one as crazy as I am willing to go with me. I will let you know the outcome.
Well I think that has caught you up to date on a few of our activities. Sorry it took me so long to write. Hope all of you are doing well. We love and miss all of you. Stay safe and Be Blessed. OKLAHOMA bound in less than 30 days - I HOPE..
Sally
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sunday, October 21
Greetings from cold and snowy Alaska. We awoke this morning to -3 and it is currently 24.
There hasn't been much going on here this week, just the usual routine, with the exception of car problems.
It snowed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and there were flurries on Thursday and Friday. I survived with my Oklahoma driving skills. (Pictures will follow). The only problem. Friday, I stopped for my weekly tea at my favorite little shop and when I got in my car to leave, my car wouldn't start. The car was not recognizing the key fob (either one). So, on Saturday the car was towed and hopefully the dealership can get the car running again this week.
Since, I really don't have much information, I will simply share snow pictures from this week.
Have a blessed week. Miss and love you all.
Sally & Richard
Trees behind our house
This lamps are on the patio
Beside the house
Behind the house
So far, Charlie loves the snow
Walking to take the trash out
There hasn't been much going on here this week, just the usual routine, with the exception of car problems.
It snowed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and there were flurries on Thursday and Friday. I survived with my Oklahoma driving skills. (Pictures will follow). The only problem. Friday, I stopped for my weekly tea at my favorite little shop and when I got in my car to leave, my car wouldn't start. The car was not recognizing the key fob (either one). So, on Saturday the car was towed and hopefully the dealership can get the car running again this week.
Since, I really don't have much information, I will simply share snow pictures from this week.
Have a blessed week. Miss and love you all.
Sally & Richard
Trees behind our house
This lamps are on the patio
Beside the house
Behind the house
So far, Charlie loves the snow
Walking to take the trash out
Sunday, October 14, 2012
It Is Getting Cold
I can't believe two weeks have passed since I last wrote. I'm not really sure there is a lot to write about, but here goes.
Things are well here. We have snow today. Not much, just a light dusting on the ground, but more is expected this week. We did have ice one morning this past week and while I am used to driving on ice, I will admit I was a little nervous. Since the days are shorter, I go to work in the DARK and it was difficult to determine if it was ice or not. While it is getting cold, it still isn't OKLAHOMA cold. NO WIND. The temperature this morning was 17 and I had on a sweater and gloves. There was actually a lady at church who was wearing flip flops. This afternoon we went walking and the temperature was upper twenties and while it was cold it wasn't miserable. The coldest was my face. We are taking heed all the advice to get out while we can.
Richard is still plugging away at the hospital. We didn't make it to Oklahoma this week, due to a lack of correct information from the Army and when it was finally figured out it was really too late to get tickets and it was past registration deadline. Just means he will have to come to Oklahoma twice in the spring.
My job is still.....well....it's there. I never thought I would miss having my own classroom and teaching as much as I do, but I do. Most recently I have been a Chemistry, Life Science, Government, Spanish and special education aide. I have also been working in the front office, which I will say is my favorite. I keep reminding myself that God has me there for a purpose.
Last night we had a progressive dinner with the SALT (senior adults living triumphantly - I think that's what it stands for - and while I don't feel like a senior, according to the age bracket for this group, I am...). There were about 23 people. It was a lot of fun, we met many new people and ate WAY too much, including MOOSE. I will say it was good.
I have been attending a Beth Moore Bible study on the Book of James. Wow, who knew there was so much information in the book of James.
Richard continues to play the drums with the Fairbanks Jazz Band. He is a happy drummer.
For those who have been helping us pray, we do have a contract on our building. It isn't really what we had hoped to receive from the sale, but it will be nice to be out from under that monthly expense.
Well that about sums it up for us here. I don't want to ramble on, but did want you all to know we are still alive and well in Alaska. We miss all of you and still plan to be home for Christmas, but haven't purchased our tickets yet. YIKES...better get on that...
Till next time....Love you all...Be Blessed..
Sally
Snow Pics from this morning. - Having trouble with my computer. I will post later...
Things are well here. We have snow today. Not much, just a light dusting on the ground, but more is expected this week. We did have ice one morning this past week and while I am used to driving on ice, I will admit I was a little nervous. Since the days are shorter, I go to work in the DARK and it was difficult to determine if it was ice or not. While it is getting cold, it still isn't OKLAHOMA cold. NO WIND. The temperature this morning was 17 and I had on a sweater and gloves. There was actually a lady at church who was wearing flip flops. This afternoon we went walking and the temperature was upper twenties and while it was cold it wasn't miserable. The coldest was my face. We are taking heed all the advice to get out while we can.
Richard is still plugging away at the hospital. We didn't make it to Oklahoma this week, due to a lack of correct information from the Army and when it was finally figured out it was really too late to get tickets and it was past registration deadline. Just means he will have to come to Oklahoma twice in the spring.
My job is still.....well....it's there. I never thought I would miss having my own classroom and teaching as much as I do, but I do. Most recently I have been a Chemistry, Life Science, Government, Spanish and special education aide. I have also been working in the front office, which I will say is my favorite. I keep reminding myself that God has me there for a purpose.
Last night we had a progressive dinner with the SALT (senior adults living triumphantly - I think that's what it stands for - and while I don't feel like a senior, according to the age bracket for this group, I am...). There were about 23 people. It was a lot of fun, we met many new people and ate WAY too much, including MOOSE. I will say it was good.
I have been attending a Beth Moore Bible study on the Book of James. Wow, who knew there was so much information in the book of James.
Richard continues to play the drums with the Fairbanks Jazz Band. He is a happy drummer.
For those who have been helping us pray, we do have a contract on our building. It isn't really what we had hoped to receive from the sale, but it will be nice to be out from under that monthly expense.
Well that about sums it up for us here. I don't want to ramble on, but did want you all to know we are still alive and well in Alaska. We miss all of you and still plan to be home for Christmas, but haven't purchased our tickets yet. YIKES...better get on that...
Till next time....Love you all...Be Blessed..
Sally
Snow Pics from this morning. - Having trouble with my computer. I will post later...
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