December 2, 2006
While those of you in Washington were having snow and cold temperatures, we were having a small heat wave with day time highs in the 30’s. Thankfully life has returned to normal and temperatures are back in the teens. I am eagerly awaiting the green light to travel on the Kuskokwim river - on the ice that is! Soon the Hovercraft will resume it’s deliveries up and down the river and passengers can tag along for only $20. In the ice fishing pictures you can see the part of the river as it runs past town - people snowshow across to an island. If you Google Bethel and look at the satelite pictures, you will see that the river is actually an offshoot of the main Kuskokwim river.
Bethel is preparing for Christmas. Christmas lights and Saturday bazaars abound. I have seen seal coats ($2,500) seal hats and gloves ($200-$500) ivory carvings, grass baskets, dance fans, yupik dolls, and many more interesting things for sale. I can honestly say I’ve done my part to support the local economy!
Life and school go well. At the elementary school the kids are practicing for the Christmas program and making decorations, as well as building vocabulary and math facts. The junior high and high school are wrapping up first semester. I can’t believe we’ve finished over three months of school! Everyone is counting down to Christmas break, starting December 21st.
I’ll be home until January 8th and look forward to visiting with friends and family.
