Misadventures of a Midlife Married Couple

We have definitely moved into rapidly cooling off and it is evident that winter is rapidly headed in, our highs daily are in the 30’s and we are seeing temps in the teens in the mornings and evenings. Most mornings my walks/four-wheeler rides to work are in the 20’s now. It’s actually really not bad at all. Somehow 20’s here feel more like mid 40’s at home. I’m not sure if it is the absolute lack of ANY humidity in the air but the cold is no where as penetrating as what we are accustomed to. I usually wear a pair of gloves, maybe a scarf, and my very light weight down jacket. The one morning I broke out on of my heavier jackets I was almost sweating by the time I got to work! My one concession to the temps has actually been my footwear. I have been wearing warmer shoes and… wait for it…. smart wool socks. I don’t normally even wear socks… much less wool.. but I do appreciate the smart wool.. and no, they don’t itch at all! #win!

The Aurora has started to be visible, but at odd hours when we are sleeping. We WILL manage to see it, but for now I am content with pictures my students air drop me… let them stay up till odd hours taking pics! I enjoy sleep!

I was mostly updating today to share some pics and videos. It has been so interesting to watch the tundra change, to see the rivers start to fill with ice, and to watch how much the view changes literally from minute to minute.

Every evening we look out the window at the mountains in the distance, they are mostly snow covered now, and they appear much closer. What is so interesting to watch is that in the evenings, as the sun starts setting, the mountains almost seem to be illuminated from within. The snow on top just glows. As the evening progresses and the light changes they start to take on a pink cast.

The small ponds/lakes that dot the tundra surrounding us have all started to freeze over and earlier last week the school’s Arctic resources management classes went out to start testing the ice. Marty videoed them and sent me the video below asking “what are they doing?”, the truth is I am not exactly sure, they said “testing the ice” but they were enjoying themselves (their antics just reinforce that kids are kids and fun is fun, the first day we had snow flurries they were so excited!)!

We continue to struggle to get our teachers here, the two coming on Visa’s are as frustrated as we are! I understand the trepidation of teachers to undertake this adventure, to uproot, move to a remote location, and teach in a culture they are unfamiliar with. But I have to say it is incredibly rewarding. I desperately want to improve our student’s options after school and improve their experiences while IN school.

Ahhh well, that is another matter entirely. #schoolreform

We extend the invite to all who want to visit, come soak in the simplicity and complexity of this place. The rugged beauty and the amazing spirit of the people who embrace their lives and all that the world has to give, while appreciating the modern machines that make life easier.

Until next time!