Re-Adjusting to the Midnight Sun

"Late" Spring and Midnight Sun Greetings to You All!

May 2015
10:30 p.m.

     During the past week, we have experienced an "explosion" of spring growth as all of the buds having finally returned to the trees and shrubs.  The color is an amazing green, that borders on being almost yellow.  Add to that the splashes of dark colored spruce trees, and it makes for an amazing backdrop!  We are very curious to see what happens during the shortened, but heightened, growing season here.

Moon Fall and Sunrise
5 a.m. May 14 2015

Ethan and I started our little family garden plots, and although the seed packets indicate 80-100 days until we see growth, we imagine it will be half that time or less - thanks to the midnight sun.  So far we have planted tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, cantaloupe, and watermelon.  Well, and Michael...he planted an avocado pit to try and grow an avocado tree! Too funny!  The midnight sun works wonders and creates havoc!  I cannot even begin to describe the effect that it is having upon all of us.  We had remembered how difficult it was to rest in the summers here, but we hadn't really remembered.  The pictures do not do the daylight justice.  Suffice it to say that we could sit outside and read a book without additional light at midnight now, then turn around and do it again at 5:30-6:00 a.m.  We will continue to gain daylight until June 21.  As a result, sleep is very elusive (except for Alex who could sleep through anything)!  Even little Ethan is having difficulty adjusting.  We all find ourselves awake at various intervals throughout the night with our bodies trying to convince us that it's time to rise -- even though it's only 2 or 3:00 a.m.  We think the adjustment may become the most difficult for Michael soon, as he will transition from day shift to midnight shift.  It may not really matter though, since we'll all be trying to sleep during some form of daylight!

Cantaloupe Seeds in the Ground

The new spring growth has also brought a plethora of wildlife back into our lives!  Moose abound EVERYWHERE now, and it has not been unusual for us to see them in the backyard and all along the roadways into town.  I'm trying to be careful, but I am so intrigued by the moose...they remind me of horses, except bigger.  Ethan laughs at me daily, especially when I say I'd love to try to "rope and ride one of those things!"  Earlier in the week we had a real "princess" come into the back yard.  She visits so regularly that Michael purchased 2 salt licks to try and get her to bed down in the backyard. That will be interesting in a few weeks when we have a puppy and a garden...!  At any rate, she came through as Ethan and I were preparing dinner.  We both went outside and stood on the deck and attempted to "call" her.  I don't like to brag, but Ethan and I are becoming master moose callers!  Well, he is at least.  He says I sound like a sick cow!  Every time he bellows, though, "all the single ladies" look his way! Ha ha! He actually got her to turn around and run back up into the yard.

Good thing we were on the deck!  Last time he did that he was on the front porch, and the moose cow across the street looked so intently at him that it scared him, and he ran back into the house!  Anyway...we started throwing carrots into the yard for "princess" -- supposedly moose like carrots.  Don't you believe it!  She dropped her nose, sniffed at those things, shook her head "no," snorted at them, and then walked off slowly into the woods as if she was too good for our carrots!  Can you imagine?  Our goal is to eventually hand feed a moose from the back deck!  If that encounter is any indication, we may be waiting awhile!

In addition to the moose, the migratory birds and mosquitoes have returned.  Since the sun doesn't seem to set, the birds' chirping is evident 24 hours a day.  We actually don't mind their songs though, and we are thankful to have the hearing capacity we do to enjoy them.  The only ones that may need to be wary are the woodpeckers.  Our house has evidence of previous summer visits, and Michael has given Ethan permission to use his bb gun to take care of any of those types of "pests."  So far, though, they are boring their holes in the trees.  The difference in variations of the bird species makes their sounds a welcome change from the crow calls and seagull noises.  That has been another odd feature of where we live.  You would think that in the mountains of Alaska seagulls would be the furthest specie of bird from here; yet because of our proximity to the Knik Arm they abound!

Skipping Rocks at Finger Lake

Noisy Goose Cafe

When not at home, we are able to view all of these lovely creatures at many of the lakes within Wasilla.  On the nicer days, that's where Ethan and I can be found after lessons.  Last week we traveled to Finger Lakes Recreation Area and spent the better part of the afternoon skipping rocks and watching the boats.  It's amazing to think that less than 4 weeks ago, that same lake had ice fishermen on it!  We also spent noontime on Thursday at the Wasilla Town Office Flagpole gathering with other citizens for the National Day of Prayer.  Sadly there were only about 10 of us, but what a neat experience.  We were able to meet other brothers and sisters in Christ.  One of the elders was a Native gentleman, and when he prayed, we couldn't help but weep.  He prayed for his kinsmen specifically, the Native tribes within Alaska, to come to a saving knowledge of Christ.  But it was his prayer for the millions of innocent lives touched by abortion and the addictions that plague the villages that truly moved Ethan and me.  The villages are so remote that addictions and abuse are allowed to run rampant with little intervention or assistance.  It was so sad to hear him describe that lifestyle.  After the prayer meeting, Ethan and I went to Palmer to check out another bucket list restaurant -- the Noisy Goose.  For those of you that have already visited...please, please, please accept our apologies.  The Noisy Goose is the best restaurant ever -- from food, to service, to decor, to $!!!!  Since we don't eat out often, it's taking us awhile to discover our faves.

We rounded out the week with a Mother's Day luncheon at church on Saturday, and Ethan and Alex were such troopers!  They happened to be the only men there, but they were gracious enough to play along with the "girly" games and crafts.  They were even gracious about the petite finger foods, dainty desserts, and homemade lemonade.  Alex helped me do a flower pot craft, and Ethan helped me almost beat Alex at the word search game.  We planted marigolds, but I think the pot got tipped upside down when Ethan and Daddy brought it home.  Michael said he tried to get everything back inside, but if the marigolds don't sprout, we'll replant them.  Marigolds are said to keep the mosquitoes away.  If there is much truth in that I will surround the house with marigold plants!

We are preparing now for Michael's birthday, and are excited to be receiving guests again next week from the mountains of Virginia!  Alaska may never be the same, but it will certainly be in photographs!  We love and miss you all!  Praying that you are safe and having wonderful adventures wherever the Lord has you!

Until Next Time!

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14