Yesterday there was a Komen Breast Cancer walk in Nome. I really am getting a dose of this life style.
It was snowing, under 30 degrees, the wind was blowing and most of the road was ice. BUT, off we went on our mile walk around town to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.
The weather is highly unpredictable. Nomites tell me that it snowed earlier this year and they were not sure what to think about. That worries me. Locals do not even know how to take the weather, what is this Texan supposed to think? The amazing thing though is that I am more than warm enough, I have everything I seem to need thus far. I might need to invest in some boots but we will see once a donated pair reaches me from a generous individual in Texas.
The sun does not rise until well past 10 a.m. now. It makes the mornings hard to judge. I cannot distinguish between 3 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. I have to be at work by 8 and that makes it difficult since I am blind without my glasses and cannot see the clock, can we say ignorance is bliss?
I live with four other individuals and we all have a set food budget. We have a joint account so we share just about EVERYTHING when it comes to food. That is not the problem. The problem is we are slaves to the sales. I just wanted to enlighten you on our food shopping process, and is it ever an excursion.
We have two grocery stores in Nome. Yes, two. One is A/C and the other is Hanson's. There are sales every week and the adds come out on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We sift through the adds circling things that we need to buy, or want since it is on sale. Here are some 'sale' prices:
Milk: 2 gallons for $11
Avocados: 2 for $4
Canned Black Beans: $1.89
Dish Washer detergent: $25 for a bucket
12 pack of Pepsi: $6.99
Face wash: $6-$8
Bread: 2 loaves for $7
Just a little look into our 'sale' price world.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Yaktrax, The Office, Ice Rink
Well, as I previously stated in blog below I have found an incredible piece of equipment! They are called Yaktrax, and they are amazing for walking on freezing ice and snow. Google it, you will not be disappointed.
We are losing about 6-7 minutes of sunlight a day, so the sun does not rise until 10:15 a.m or so and it sets around 8 p.m. Also, the temperatures are dropping.
As I see the mercury drop I do ask myself how prepared I am. I just pray, that is about all I can do. I am taking the advice of people around me and it seems that my gear looks ok for now and layers is the real secret. Let nothing be exposed when we start to get to 0 and below.
That is odd to hear eh? When it gets below 0. Wow. What did I sign up for?
On a positive note, I am loving my job. It is a challenge every day. I am always busy and feelings that there is something new to work on. Perfect.
This past Sunday we watched the TV show 'The Office'. Amazing, I am not sure how I did not get more into that show before now! Well, it works out since we watch a season in one sitting. I know, I lead a hard life up here! I hang out with friends, enjoy television shows without commercials, and eat whale skin and blubber. You should visit.
We have a ice rink less then one block from the house. Really, I can see it from my window about 30 yards away. They have city league teams for ice hockey, I just want to learn to ice skate again. My roommate Jacob said he had never really been. How does that work? We have an ice rink in San Antonio, Texas. He is from Washington state, well I suppose snow is more of his forte.
We are losing about 6-7 minutes of sunlight a day, so the sun does not rise until 10:15 a.m or so and it sets around 8 p.m. Also, the temperatures are dropping.
As I see the mercury drop I do ask myself how prepared I am. I just pray, that is about all I can do. I am taking the advice of people around me and it seems that my gear looks ok for now and layers is the real secret. Let nothing be exposed when we start to get to 0 and below.
That is odd to hear eh? When it gets below 0. Wow. What did I sign up for?
On a positive note, I am loving my job. It is a challenge every day. I am always busy and feelings that there is something new to work on. Perfect.
This past Sunday we watched the TV show 'The Office'. Amazing, I am not sure how I did not get more into that show before now! Well, it works out since we watch a season in one sitting. I know, I lead a hard life up here! I hang out with friends, enjoy television shows without commercials, and eat whale skin and blubber. You should visit.
We have a ice rink less then one block from the house. Really, I can see it from my window about 30 yards away. They have city league teams for ice hockey, I just want to learn to ice skate again. My roommate Jacob said he had never really been. How does that work? We have an ice rink in San Antonio, Texas. He is from Washington state, well I suppose snow is more of his forte.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Weather, Passing Time
Well the current debate is 'Will the snow stick?' Well local Nomites say yes... we shall see. I know you are excited, and I will keep you posted.
There are days when the temperatures rise above freezing and the snow begins to melt. However, the mercury drops in the evening when the sun starts to set, and now that is during the seven o'clock evening hour, so the melting snow turns to ice. Awesome for walking let alone running.
I am succeeding in this department, despite very little prior ice experience. This is due to a simple piece of equipment, called Trax. I simply place it on the bottom of my boots and it wraps around sides and the bottom has metal coils that help me walk in the ice and snow. Pretty handy and worth every penny.
KNOM has a Christmas play that airs every year and a former KNOM volunteer who is a creative writing professor writes it every year. This half hour program is edited by the production director. Yes, that would be me. So I will be working long hours on this begining in late November in order to have it done on time. The past plays have won awards and it is used in the submission for the Radio Station of the Year Award,which KNOM has won 13 of the past 15 years. No pressure.
Despite these things I am still enjoying everything in Nome. I have picked knitting back up again and I am trying to learn Hebrew. If I think that I am going to dig deep into scripture, I need to learn at least a little of the language it was written in.
My roommates and I do not watch too much television, however, netflix envelopes litter the coffee table as well as our time. So, if you have a movie recommendation please feel free to pass it on, we would be delighted.
Driving outside of Nome at the point is not an option, so I am probably here til the break up of the ice occurs in the spring and the roads are maintained once again. Cabin fever anyone?
There are days when the temperatures rise above freezing and the snow begins to melt. However, the mercury drops in the evening when the sun starts to set, and now that is during the seven o'clock evening hour, so the melting snow turns to ice. Awesome for walking let alone running.
I am succeeding in this department, despite very little prior ice experience. This is due to a simple piece of equipment, called Trax. I simply place it on the bottom of my boots and it wraps around sides and the bottom has metal coils that help me walk in the ice and snow. Pretty handy and worth every penny.
KNOM has a Christmas play that airs every year and a former KNOM volunteer who is a creative writing professor writes it every year. This half hour program is edited by the production director. Yes, that would be me. So I will be working long hours on this begining in late November in order to have it done on time. The past plays have won awards and it is used in the submission for the Radio Station of the Year Award,which KNOM has won 13 of the past 15 years. No pressure.
Despite these things I am still enjoying everything in Nome. I have picked knitting back up again and I am trying to learn Hebrew. If I think that I am going to dig deep into scripture, I need to learn at least a little of the language it was written in.
My roommates and I do not watch too much television, however, netflix envelopes litter the coffee table as well as our time. So, if you have a movie recommendation please feel free to pass it on, we would be delighted.
Driving outside of Nome at the point is not an option, so I am probably here til the break up of the ice occurs in the spring and the roads are maintained once again. Cabin fever anyone?
Friday, October 12, 2007
Snow! Snow! Snow!
Well, as you might have guessed, we now have snow! This south Texan is obviously not as used to this as the local Nomites. So, I have been working and looking out the window in reassurance that the white stuff is still covering the dusty roads of Nome.
I work on the second floor of KNOM and I have a nothing short of a fantastic view of the snowy peaks. The original 'snow' last week is called 'termination dust' which indicates that summer is now behind us, the long days and temperate weather is gone and winter is on the verge.
Right now it is about 24 degrees. What am I wearing? how am I keeping warm? Well, that is the funny thing. If you would have asked me what the temperature was, I probably would have guessed around 32 or so. Nope. I walk outside in a cotton button up, jeans, slip on shoes and a thermal vest. I really can see how people say that you adjust. Also, it helps to have the people around you not freaking out that it is below freezing.
The snow might melt in the next few days but rest assure that I have not seen the last of this white powder.
I am in the process of editing an hour long show called Music Detour, and if you want to know more about that you can look on the entry titled 'New Assignments'. This week I am doing a salute to royalty. I have B.B. King, Elvis (the king of Rock 'n Roll) as well as Sammy Kershaw... He has a song titles 'Queen of my Double Wide Trailer' and I could not resist.
My roommates and I take turns cooking throughout the week, however, our skills seem to be limited to enchiladas, homemade burritos, chili, and corn tortillas. Needless to say we are seeing that finding new recipes can be a daunting task since there are some things that we cannot get in Nome. Or, the ingredients are available, but we are on a nice tight food budget.
In case you are reading this and have some simple recipes that 4 twenty somethings can follow please FELL FREE to email them to me! I promise we would appreciate that. I guess I am not doing too bad if my only complaint is that we are getting sick of the food we are making. I know, I lead a hard life.
As always thanks for the prayers and support, I not only appreciate it, but I could not be here without it!
Do not forget PICTURES can be seen by going to www.laura-davis.com or www.flickr.com/photos/david-dodman
My roomies are far better photographers than I!
I work on the second floor of KNOM and I have a nothing short of a fantastic view of the snowy peaks. The original 'snow' last week is called 'termination dust' which indicates that summer is now behind us, the long days and temperate weather is gone and winter is on the verge.
Right now it is about 24 degrees. What am I wearing? how am I keeping warm? Well, that is the funny thing. If you would have asked me what the temperature was, I probably would have guessed around 32 or so. Nope. I walk outside in a cotton button up, jeans, slip on shoes and a thermal vest. I really can see how people say that you adjust. Also, it helps to have the people around you not freaking out that it is below freezing.
The snow might melt in the next few days but rest assure that I have not seen the last of this white powder.
I am in the process of editing an hour long show called Music Detour, and if you want to know more about that you can look on the entry titled 'New Assignments'. This week I am doing a salute to royalty. I have B.B. King, Elvis (the king of Rock 'n Roll) as well as Sammy Kershaw... He has a song titles 'Queen of my Double Wide Trailer' and I could not resist.
My roommates and I take turns cooking throughout the week, however, our skills seem to be limited to enchiladas, homemade burritos, chili, and corn tortillas. Needless to say we are seeing that finding new recipes can be a daunting task since there are some things that we cannot get in Nome. Or, the ingredients are available, but we are on a nice tight food budget.
In case you are reading this and have some simple recipes that 4 twenty somethings can follow please FELL FREE to email them to me! I promise we would appreciate that. I guess I am not doing too bad if my only complaint is that we are getting sick of the food we are making. I know, I lead a hard life.
As always thanks for the prayers and support, I not only appreciate it, but I could not be here without it!
Do not forget PICTURES can be seen by going to www.laura-davis.com or www.flickr.com/photos/david-dodman
My roomies are far better photographers than I!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Village Trip- Teller, Alaska
This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending my first cultural and dance festival in Teller, Alaska. Only a day trip, a fellow volunteer Jacob and I took off around 9:30 am and headed north in the 'highway' 71 miles, on a road not completely paved or even maintained past October 1st. I realize this might be a foreign concept to some readers in the Lower 48, but most roads outside of town are not maintained past specific dates since the weather tears them apart and the area is so desolate. It would be a constant struggle. So, The villages we are able to reach by car in the spring, summer, and fall are not accessible in the winter months.
The festival began on Friday with dancers from Savoonga, Brevig Mission, Anchorage, Teller, Shismereff and a few others. However we did not arrive until Saturday in the early afternoon.
As Jacob and I drove the 71 miles away from the 'big city' of Nome we were greeted with blue skies, fall colors draped over the tundra and two herds of Caribou. Now, 71 miles is not far, but on a dirt road full of pot holes and with eyes on the lookout for wildlife traveling can add a significant amount of extra time. That, and I am not really used to these Alaskan 'highways'.
Upon our arrival we found the school, which was not too difficult since the village consists of beach, and two streets. Pictures will never do justice to the beauty and majesty that Alaska provides. I have never seen anything that compares.
The elementary school was buzzing with women running food back in forth in preparation to feed their out of town guests. Jacob and I walked around trying to take everything in and trying to absorb the atmosphere.
Walking down the single hall of the school I could see the murals an artist I know who worked so intently on some time before. James Adcox, you should check his stuff out, really, he is amazing.
Going all the way down the hall we reached the back door, a cool breeze with water hit my face and I stool in amazement at the surrounding mountains and water that stood before me. Remembering that I was there working- I wondered how I got this job in the first place.
We were invited to lunch in the cafeteria with the dancers and drummers, festival coordinators and volunteers. Food is always a welcoming surprise when you are in a new place. So, I dipped the ladle into the white mixture with meat floating around, snatched some fried bread and sat down. As the introductions and conversation subsided the woman next to me looked at me and said 'Oh, you are eating reindeer tongue.' My thoughts? Well, I cannot stop now. I was wondering why it was a little chewy.
I told Jacob, and he wanted to try it- so we retreated back to the kitchen and scooped up a clean bowl and spoon for him to experience. I have been eating so many new things- always keeps me on my toes, looking out for one more experience while I am here.
We ventured to find the beading workshop and after a few minutes watching me stick myself with a sewing needle and drop colored beads all over the floor Jacob went to watch the Eskimo games in the gym down the hall. Funny thing was that the Nome newspaper the 'Nome Nugget' showed up, and I am in this weeks issue, beading with the ladies in Teller, and I look lost like I always do in situations when arts and crafts are involved.
After I finished my project triumphantly I found Jacob and we ventured back outside to walk around the village.
We had some downtime until the dancing and drumming was scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm.
Eskimo drumming and dancing are something to relaly see. I suggest if you do not have the option to venture up here to the Great Land you should venture online and find some videos. There was a dance done by the Savoonga performers called 'Rock n Roll' and the woman danced like 'white women' do for rock and roll songs. I have to admit, the accuracy was impeccable. Entertaining to say the least.
Between interviewing the coordinators and recording some of the drummers and dancers for air on KNOM Jacob and I could sit and take in the dancing. To watch these various groups gather together and entertain one another through drumming and dancing is powerful. I do not know what they are singing but you can still feel the passion and heritage that is being passed. The children mock the adults and seem to naturally feel the movements.
Since each group seems to play about one hour Jacob and I only really saw Savoonga and Brevig Mission. After all, we had a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive ahead of us.
We had a full and powerful day. A great way to really understand who I am here to serve in Western Alaska. I am thankful that KNOM enthusiastically sends out the volunteers to see and understand who we are here to serve and support. I look forward to future village trips- although I am still working on writing my news stories, not exactly something that comes easy for me. I am working on it, always challenging. KNOM, I feel as if that is their motto. They expect nothing less than your 100% best efforts. Not a bad way to be introduced into the working world.
I would like to say thank you to everyone for their support and prayers. Sometimes it is hard being here- away from Borders, coffee shops and friends, but it gets easier day by day. The community at the house is amazing, and we are all getting along so well. Thanks to my packages, the house now has Scatagories-Bible Edition- that should make for an interesting Saturday night in winter weekends to come!
Stay safe and I am praying for all of you as well. Feel free to send me a letter, give me a call, or better yet- plan a trip up here!
PS- IT SNOWED TODAY! FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE!
The festival began on Friday with dancers from Savoonga, Brevig Mission, Anchorage, Teller, Shismereff and a few others. However we did not arrive until Saturday in the early afternoon.
As Jacob and I drove the 71 miles away from the 'big city' of Nome we were greeted with blue skies, fall colors draped over the tundra and two herds of Caribou. Now, 71 miles is not far, but on a dirt road full of pot holes and with eyes on the lookout for wildlife traveling can add a significant amount of extra time. That, and I am not really used to these Alaskan 'highways'.
Upon our arrival we found the school, which was not too difficult since the village consists of beach, and two streets. Pictures will never do justice to the beauty and majesty that Alaska provides. I have never seen anything that compares.
The elementary school was buzzing with women running food back in forth in preparation to feed their out of town guests. Jacob and I walked around trying to take everything in and trying to absorb the atmosphere.
Walking down the single hall of the school I could see the murals an artist I know who worked so intently on some time before. James Adcox, you should check his stuff out, really, he is amazing.
Going all the way down the hall we reached the back door, a cool breeze with water hit my face and I stool in amazement at the surrounding mountains and water that stood before me. Remembering that I was there working- I wondered how I got this job in the first place.
We were invited to lunch in the cafeteria with the dancers and drummers, festival coordinators and volunteers. Food is always a welcoming surprise when you are in a new place. So, I dipped the ladle into the white mixture with meat floating around, snatched some fried bread and sat down. As the introductions and conversation subsided the woman next to me looked at me and said 'Oh, you are eating reindeer tongue.' My thoughts? Well, I cannot stop now. I was wondering why it was a little chewy.
I told Jacob, and he wanted to try it- so we retreated back to the kitchen and scooped up a clean bowl and spoon for him to experience. I have been eating so many new things- always keeps me on my toes, looking out for one more experience while I am here.
We ventured to find the beading workshop and after a few minutes watching me stick myself with a sewing needle and drop colored beads all over the floor Jacob went to watch the Eskimo games in the gym down the hall. Funny thing was that the Nome newspaper the 'Nome Nugget' showed up, and I am in this weeks issue, beading with the ladies in Teller, and I look lost like I always do in situations when arts and crafts are involved.
After I finished my project triumphantly I found Jacob and we ventured back outside to walk around the village.
We had some downtime until the dancing and drumming was scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm.
Eskimo drumming and dancing are something to relaly see. I suggest if you do not have the option to venture up here to the Great Land you should venture online and find some videos. There was a dance done by the Savoonga performers called 'Rock n Roll' and the woman danced like 'white women' do for rock and roll songs. I have to admit, the accuracy was impeccable. Entertaining to say the least.
Between interviewing the coordinators and recording some of the drummers and dancers for air on KNOM Jacob and I could sit and take in the dancing. To watch these various groups gather together and entertain one another through drumming and dancing is powerful. I do not know what they are singing but you can still feel the passion and heritage that is being passed. The children mock the adults and seem to naturally feel the movements.
Since each group seems to play about one hour Jacob and I only really saw Savoonga and Brevig Mission. After all, we had a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive ahead of us.
We had a full and powerful day. A great way to really understand who I am here to serve in Western Alaska. I am thankful that KNOM enthusiastically sends out the volunteers to see and understand who we are here to serve and support. I look forward to future village trips- although I am still working on writing my news stories, not exactly something that comes easy for me. I am working on it, always challenging. KNOM, I feel as if that is their motto. They expect nothing less than your 100% best efforts. Not a bad way to be introduced into the working world.
I would like to say thank you to everyone for their support and prayers. Sometimes it is hard being here- away from Borders, coffee shops and friends, but it gets easier day by day. The community at the house is amazing, and we are all getting along so well. Thanks to my packages, the house now has Scatagories-Bible Edition- that should make for an interesting Saturday night in winter weekends to come!
Stay safe and I am praying for all of you as well. Feel free to send me a letter, give me a call, or better yet- plan a trip up here!
PS- IT SNOWED TODAY! FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE!
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.
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.
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.
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