July 2010

We are here. It has been 13 days. Our household goods and vehicles should arrive around the end of the month. We have realized how spoiled we were in Kentucky. It is like taking a step back in time. We learned quickly to lower our expectations and "That's Alaska" is a phrase we are hearing a lot.

We are settling in to our new home and meeting people. The boys and Abbi have made friends with kids on our street. Because it doesn't get dark here, it is so easy to lose track of time. The sun rests on the horizon (doesn't set) around 11 or 11:30 P.M. and rises around 3:00 A.M. Paul is working 10 P.M to 6 A.M so the lack of darkness is definitely helping him stay awake. Room darkening shades were put up last week. I couldn't sleep because of the light at night and he had trouble during the day. Wait for 6 months and neither of us will have that problem.

We have seen a lot of seagulls and moose. Moose are always more exciting to see than the seagulls, unless they are devouring salmon, then that is pretty interesting to watch. Paul says we should start seeing more brown bears soon. I have mixed feelings. It is always neat to see the bush planes flying above. There is a small airport in Soldotna, little bit bigger airport in Kenai, and regular size airport in Anchorage.

The temperature can jump from the 50s into the mid 60s by early afternoon. That is when we get to wear our summer clothes. Pants, long sleeves, or light jacket in the morning, shorts and t-shirt (some wear pants) in the afternoon, and back to the long sleeves in the evening. I have also learned that if the weather is nice, stop what you are doing and enjoy it while you can. Most often we experience light showers on and off then the sun, then light showers or clouds, then the sun. When the sun is out and the sky is clear, we can see Mt. Kenai and a volcano (last ruptured June 2009). The mountains are gorgeous. Never get tired of looking at them. After the rain, mixed with the cool air, the air smells so clean.

We are really enjoying life here. It would be nice to drive our own vehicle and sleep in our own bed though. Next year Paul and I are definitely getting bikes. There are some great bike paths around here. You can get to most places by bike. In fact, when I went to the store, the sales lady was surprised I drove.