It’s been awhile since I checked but I’m still alive. I came home for a short visit to surprise my mother and brother for their birthdays. It was really odd going from highs of 45 to highs of 84. The day I left the village it was 26 and there was ice on the creeks. I got home and everyone is wearing shorts and tshirts. When I got back some of the native teachers were asking me about the weather in Mississippi. I told them it was great and the temps were mostly in the upper 70’s. They started talking about how hot and miserable that would be. I really enjoyed their take on our weather.
There is a process here where citizens of the state of Alaska, those who have lived here for more than 1 year and filed taxes, get a PFD check. Each person in a home got $3,300 this year. This happened the day I left. I came back and the place was crazy. Alcohol is illegal in the village. However, with the PFD bootlegging is a real thing and people get drunk and stay drunk. Time doesn’t mean anything for being drunk. I was walking to school the other morning and someone who was very drunk was outside screaming the lungs out about who knows what. It was 6:30 AM and about 23 degrees. It didn’t matter. Apparently when the PFD hits people go a little overboard until the money is all gone. Some of the home have 15 people living in them so that’s 15 x $3,300 for that house. Some years it’s more money some years less.
I’ve been pretty busy catching up on things I missed while I was home. Nothing important happened just the typical school business. And then from Wednesday to Saturday we had our ASB conference and administrator conference in Bethel. Wednesday was supposed to be a travel day. The plane didn’t show until just before dark. There were 6 passengers and 5 seats. I drew the short straw and had to sleep in my own bed instead of a cot. I caught the morning flight out Thursday and made it to the conference before lunch. I didn’t make the training on Friday due to a medical issue but I was back Saturday and that completed Saturday afternoon.
Wanda decided to come for a visit so right now I’m sitting in the Anchorage airport waiting on a flight to Juneau where I will sleep in the airport. I’ll catch a flight to Seattle tomorrow morning and meet her there. We’ll travel back to Bethel together Wednesday and hopefully get to the village on Thursday.
The weather for this week is cooler. Starting Wednesday the snows are supposed to start. Highs will reach 28 with lows in the upper teens. The edge of the river is already showing signs of ice. I’m looking forward to seeing the freeze that is coming soon.
A quick update. People in Seattle have a hard time telling you true distance. I was going to a place called Fred Meyers to pick up a few things. I asked the lady at the desk how far it was. She said I could take a bus and that it was only 4 miles away. I said if it was that close I would just walk it. 6 miles later I got there. Me and my 60 pounds of goods ubered back to the hotel.
I do believe that it is a very different culture than we are use to here in Mississippi. You have already shared so many differences that most of us will ever experience. I’m sure there will be more experiences yet to come. The PDF sounds great but I just don’t believe I want to live in Alaska for a long while. I figure you could stay drunk for a while on $3,300. Of course I’m sure everyone doesn’t drink it away. Safe travels and stay warm.
What?!?! First, so glad we got to see you when you were home. You look fantastic! Secondly, so glad Wanda is on her way to you! Love you guys! Have fun and keep us updated!