The first snow!

Today we had our first official snow flurries in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. (Yes, here in Alaska we don't believe in counties, we've got boroughs. After all we have got to keep up our reputation of having the biggest in everything, even how we divide up our state.) The trouble with weather is that people forget it very quickly. The amount of excitement surrounding the first snow is unbelievable. Honestly, did you not remember that a mere six months ago the snow that was surrounding you? It is funny how this always tends to coincide with the flu season starting. So, added excitement about life plus less health adults to regulate the children equals one interesting day at work. Like true Alaskans we struggled through it and have lived to tell (or improve upon) the tale of October 6th 2010.

It started out like any other day. Election results were getting in from the local elections. They were filled with drama and suspense, as usual. The unopposed candidates down in North Pole weren't beaten by any write-ins. (Luckily, there aren't enough people who know how to spell Murkowski yet despite the television ads.) There are a few newbies, a few oldies, but in the end not much has changed. Then it was on to the mid day snow fall. Which made my heart long for my studded tires, which are so conveniently located about 357 miles south of me. It was funny over hearing stay at home moms worry about the lack of clothing their sons or daughter had on this morning when there was no sign of precipitation. Then off to school. Full of paperwork, kids, and conflicts. Honestly, someday I am going to show up in full turn out gear, with the amount of fires I have to put out each day I feel like I am inadequately dressed. But after a few burnt biscuits, lots of practicing how to line up, and a catapult constructed successfully, we all got out with mainly smiles on our faces. Now the grand finale awaits me. What can it be??? A few minutes in a steam room to unwind perhaps. Or maybe a sauna.