Sunday, September 23, 2007

A Venture to the Tundra

With out fourth volunteer for the 2007-2008 KNOM year we decided to venture out onto the tundra. Even though this area is not known for their endless trees due to the permafrost do not be fooled that we would not experince the colors of fall. The tundra turns astonishing colors of red, orange and yellow- and I hear this is the best time to pick cranberries. A former KNOMer Liz, has lived here for three years and apprently after the first real freeze the black berries are the best. I had in fact tasted them before the freeze and she is right, the first time not so good, but tonight I actually enjoyed them.
I work on Saturdays- all day. I record/read the weather, hotlines, and news and DJ a good portion of the morning and afternoon. Also, after KNOM hotlines I host the 'Saturday Music Request Show' and you guessed it, I take requests. While KNOM has strict guidelines on what get airtime we try to play what people call and ask to hear. When KNOM decides not to play a song it could be sending messages consisting of: promiscuity, glorifying alcohol or drugs, or even suicide. And if you listen to the lyrics- some songs are ridiculous. Talented, but ridiculous.
So this Saturday I had some requests for some 80s rock band as well as Cross Canadian Ragweed and they were not in our computer system or on CD, but they were on record. Yes, that is right, I was able to play with a turn table! Get excited.
For some reason the past few days I have been excessively hyper. I think it is because of the rain we have had lately. However, I have learned that you get to a point where you stop carrying and just go walk regardless of current precipitation levels.
Today Jacob, David, Laura, Dan (who works at the National Weather Service), and former KNOMer Liz, all went on the Teller 'highway' (nothing like I-10 in Texas or 85 in NC) and drove far enough out of town to take a small hike up the side of a small mountain and look over the town of Nome and into the Bering Sea. The wind was strong- but we took advantage of it and Jacob put up his jackets like wings and I followed in suit and I promise I almost could almost stop supporting myself and rely on the wind to keep me up. Phenomenal. I need a kite.
During my Saturday work schedule I have a three hour break from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. which is nice I must say. So, the house deceided to go see the Bourne Ultimatum. Which was absolutely amazing... go see it, now!

I am also now in contact with my Mom's 1st grade class- they call me and ask me questions about Alaska and living in Nome. They thought it was shocking that we did not have a Wal Mart. Awesome.
The weather is getting cooler and windy. Yes, windy. The past two nights the electricity has gone out. Go figure- and I have remained on time for things. Knock on wood. I need to buy a clock that takes a battery- so I can be sure to make it to work.
We are losing about 5-6 minutes of daylight a day and let me tell you it is weird that the sun does not rise til past 9 a.m. This is my life so far.

Looking to be a promising year.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Bread!

This past Sunday the 16th a former KNOM volunteer that still lives in Nome came over to the house and educated me in the fine art of bread and jam making. It was amazing! Needless to say I had a GREAT time and I throughly enjoyed learning what all goes into making homemade bread and jam. Also, the bread just tastes so much better! I mean who knew? It does take a few hours but it was worth it, while we waited at various times for the four loaves to rise I learned how to make peach spice jam. I know I am going to be little miss suzie homemaker...


yeah, right.

I am also LEARNING how to play the guitar. Right now I am learning off of my church's extra one so I only really get to practice 2 times a week. Thanks to a friend at the weather service here in Nome I am learning to play 'Smelly Cat'... if you know the show FRIENDS you know what I am talking about. It is a grand old time.

New Assignment

Well I officially have taken over a hour long show titled 'Music Detour'. Basically, I take a look down the 'musical road less traveled' if you will. My first one was on Texas singers and songwriters. So I only did the best. Check out the line up:
Guy Clark
Selena
Buddy Holly
Willie Nelson
ZZ Top
Destiny's Child

Yes, that is right. Only the best representation for Western Alaska! The next one is going to be done for broadcast next Friday the 28th. My topic? I am heading to the Foothills. The place that I miss deeply, the Blue Ridge Mountains. My genre is going to be 'Bluegrass of the Blue Ridge' and I am excited.
I really learned to appreciate bluegrass in North Carolina- so I felt the need to spread the love.
We have a full house now. Our final volunteer, Jacob, arrived this morning. He will be a News Reporter here at KNOM.
If you are interested in checking out the things we are doing do nto forget to check out the website: www.knom.org
Over the next few months we should be getting a internet face lift so visit often!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Fall Time!

Well as the locals are informing me fall is here! This means nothing but windy weather. We still have not had our real first frost that I am aware of. However, I am rather enjoying the gray sky and the wind. It reminds me of the NC foothills and mountains. Not a bad thing, just the fact that it is cool, breezy and relaxing!
I was driving an elder home from church yesterday and we drove past a TREE. Granted, it was a small tree. But she said 'Yes, fall is here.' All the leaves had changed- something I really miss. There is nothing like a fall drive along the parkway.

A few weeks ago I was on the radio talking about how I enjoyed comic books and their movie counterparts, which are NEVER as good but they try. A few minutes later a man was ringing the radio stations door bell and a man was standing there with some old comic books to loan me to read. How sweet was that? I mean Nome is all like that for the most part.