Carrie visits us!!

June 6th
Carrie Jones stopped by for a visit. Carrie was on a quest for a new car so she could drive to Fairbanks.
I picked her up and we spent some great time cruising around Anchorage - looking at two cars and getting them to a garage for a pre-buy inspection.



We were lucky enough to have her spend an evening with us which gave me a chance to grill up some dinner! And sit in evening sunshine.
The next day she found the right car, we found some parts that were needed and she met up with Jasmine and Conrad so they could head towards Fairbanks.

Summers = Grilling = Bliss

A barbeque grill is a mighty fine thing to behold and the invent of the gas grill certainly was a milestone for mankind. Now I realize some prefer the old charcoal style (such as my dad) but ... I love the simplicity of the switch.
We bought our first grill 15 years ago - it is lovely and dependable and loyal. Of course the 'lovely' is in the eyes of the beholder :-) .
I left it up in Talkeetna, last July, for our friends the Holt's to use as they were busy building their Yurts and did not have a kitchen as of yet. So upon arriving in Anchorage for this summer I was going to go up and get it. But they said they would bring it down to me ...

WOW!! Holy Moly!!

I happened to be outside when they arrived in their pickup truck. Strapped down in the back was NOT my old dear friend but a shiny new model right off the showroom floor!




This baby has three burners with a 'sear and grill' feature which claims I can now cook as good as a restaurant. Also a switch for a light so I can grill at night (you know cause the sun sets so early in the Alaska summer) :-) As well as reversible grills for meat and fish - who has ever heard of such silliness!






















Of course the loss of an old friend is an incredibly hard thing to deal with. The addition of a new friend also goes through a feeling out process. But after the next three nights with some steak, chicken, and ribs I feel like we are getting to know each other.



















Rick and Tiff claim this was the ONLY way they would of ended up with a grill at their place. If so then I am happy for them.






Of course all new things need a little tweaking. So last night I put up some hooks to hang the tools from and tonight we will have burgers, again!

I look forward to all the nights of cooking this summer here in Anchorage as well as taking a few trips to Talkeetna to not only see Rick, Tiffany, and their boys but also to reach out and touch my old friend who has moved on but is living well!

Checking Out!

Every school year ends with a trip to Unalakleet for the principal. The purpose is to 'check out' which means turn in paperwork. I left White Mountain, May 23 at 10:20 am and was on the ground in UNK at 12:15. I spent about 3 hours to find everyone I needed. We have a list (3 pages) listing each dept. and everyone we need to see as well as what reports and information they need. Friday morning found us in a meeting until noon. After that was time for folks to finish the process and then we all headed out. I was home in White Mountain again at 7 pm.










The evening activity is a barbeque for some good food and socializing. Here is Joe, the principal at Shishmaref, with his wife, Rhonda.













The food was great although the weather was cold and windy.










but as evidenced by the smiles ... enjoyed!
Elise, principal on Little Diomede, enjoying a burger!




























Kerry, blue jacket, is our Asst. Supt who is retiring. He has run the business dept for the past 18 years. John, red hat, is our Supt. who is retiring. John has run the district for the past 8 years.































It was a fun evening! Good food, good company, and good cigars (for those who partake).















Rick Luthi, back for a visit!














Conrad, the new asst. principal for UNK, and yours truly. A great year lies ahead!!

End of the year Picnic

May 18th
The end of the year picnic follows the end of the year awards. We gather in the gym and recognize students for their performances and academic progress. We recognize athletes for their accomplishments as well as students with perfect attendance.









We had a gorgeous day this Friday. The picnic began at noon and was held on the beach area by the rivers edge. The ice had not gone out yet so there was a coolness complimented by the hot sunshine. We had a super turnout of community and parents.









The time to gather and visit is always fun as you roast a hot dog over the fire. People talk about their summer plans.

Many times there is a game of eskimo baseball. This years picnic saw a very involved game that went on for about 2 hours with the players ranging from 1st graders all the way through adults.

There was also the parachute and a tug of war rope to play with.










The fire truck was brought down so the water tank could be drained out and freshened up with a new load!










The weather was spectacular and people relaxed and enjoyed the time to visit.

The picnic wound down around 3 pm. I gave Carrie a ride to see our new school site before getting her up to the airport to catch her flight back to Unalakleet.