The Grind

My route into town everyday (the Cross Trail)

Teaching 1st grade

We're quite proud of our firehouse

Arrowhead and The Sisters

My friend Leopold

It has been snowing regularly over the past week. I can't really tell how much snow is on the ground, but, I figure we got around 8 inches last night, so that should tell you something about it's depth. Spring seems like a distant, foreign concept; they say that the ice doesn't break up until May and that we get snow each and every Easter Sunday. I guess I won't be shipping up my seersucker suit. The snow is thick, heavy, and always swirling; remarkably similar to a snowglobe in the hands of a five year old. I am subbing everyday; teaching subjects ranging from honors english at the high school to 1st grade art at the elementary school. Most weekends I am somewhere deep in the mountains, immersing myself in Alaska's continually reviving wilderness. Life is simple and slow here; but, all the same, it moves at an enjoyable pace. A trip through the woods to the grocery store is a two hour affair, and a trip into town requires nearly an entire day. Each evening the clouds break around dusk; allowing for a beautiful Pacific sunset. Every morning there is fresh snow resting on top of the precipitation from the previous day.

The coffee mug resting neatly in my weather-beaten, callused palm is warm and welcoming. The brew's sweet aroma and bitter taste brings back memories of home and hours spent in the local establishments; notably The Dripolator, Malaprops, Beanstalk, and Crossroads. I can't put a finger on when I began to appreciate coffee, but, I know for a fact Alaska would be a bleak place without it.

That's all I have to say.