Countless fun in Barrow's Water World

Just got back from 4 days in Barrow. Ate at every restaurant!  Arctic Lights has great burgers and fries and a new sushi bar. I hate sushi. Osaka's Wonton Soup is phenominal. Brower's Cafe has good everything, but the ice cream is more ice milk. Pepe's, well...nice atmosphere. I hear breakfast is good.
I now have my Life Guard Certificate and a great memory of obtaining it with lots of fine folks. I still don't understand why we have to swim the length of the pool carrying a brick, I mean, once we get it off the bottom, wouldn't one just take it out of the pool?  Whatever...guess that's in case we guard a beach, eh?
My inservice was very good. Gave me a new burst of enthusiasm for teaching math.
Overall, good visit.
Discovery Channel was filming my flight back to Atqasuk. Apparently, they found it interesting that the plane was hauling a ATV. I pointed out that the people were far more important than the cargo. But, when we arrived, the camera was on the ATV...uh huh. So, we now have a famous ATV in the village!
Brought lots of groceries home, including ice cream and rootbeer for my class. Managed to bring a box of cones as well w/o their getting crushed.
Time now to wash the chlorine from my hair and go to school to write this week's lesson plans.
Good to be home in my little house on the tundra. Need to make some chocolate chip cookies (:

Ptarmigan roast

Ate my first Ptarmigan. Roasted. The 'chef' said he'd soaked it in baking soda for two days. This was suppose to remove the 'gamey flavor.' The meat was dark, sort of the color of that deep red brown of a turkey leg. The taste..well...livery? gamey? Not bad though, just different.  It tasted healthy, after all, what does the bird live on but fresh veggies and berries? What the heck do Ptarmigan eat? Anyway, I ate one, or part of one.

Skunked

Came back from the 'swimmin hole' with very cold hands, frozen cheeks, and no fish. There was a little snow whirling about, if one looked closely. The wind was vicious until we turned our backs to it. The cold weather is upon us.
Ended up walking about 4 miles in this brisk afternoon weather. Laughed with my friend when he said, "There are probably a couple more ptarmigan there," as we looked at one lone bird. Suddenly, about 30 appeared! They are beautiful this time of year slowly transforming into a white bird. Spotted brown on white or white on brown...very beautiful.

First day of school

It's over, the first day. No matter how many 1st days I have, I can't help but have anxiety over them..until they're over.and it is over. I have a class or 6...eat your hearts out, those of you in the lower 48. Yes, 6 first and second graders. They are all cute and full of energy. They tired me out..but they shall keep me young as well. On to the second day..

How does one put photos on one's blog?

Scene along edge of lake, Atqasuk, AK

Atqasuk, Ak from edge of lake

A carving in a mammoth vertebrate...at the Heritage Museum in Barrow, AK. Vertebrate, old, craving is less old.

 Ptarmigans still summer brown in color. Remind me of grose.

Caribou way out there.

Caucasion creating a hybrid Yupik/Inupiat dance during a wonderful Pot Luck in Barrow presented for the new teachers to NSBSD by the community.

Help Mr. Wizard...

I haven't the foggiest idea how to make a blog. Or post on the blog. Or do whatever it is I'm trying to accomplish here. But here's the story folks. Facebook was my link with the world beyond Atqasuk. And now FB is not a choice. So, I am trying to create this post. Let's see.