Abandoned Bikes, Snowmobiles, and 4 Wheelers.

Ever since we have been here we randomly see a Bike, snowmobile, 4 wheeler or any other mode of transportation abandoned around town. Keith and I have both wondered how in the world has that object has come to where it is left. Some are left in the oddest places... in the middle of a field, on the side of the road, in the middle of a forest, in a pond, in a snowdrift and anywhere else you can imagine. There are still machines and bikes in spots that have not moved since abandoned there. For the life of us we could not figure out why someone would leave a $10,000 snowmobile in the middle of a field or on the side of the road.

Well we finally found out the reason last night. Keith had returned from watering the garden and it was about 11:00 pm. When he came in the door he told me that there was a man passed out in the road in front of our house. Apparently this guy was passed out DRUNK and had eventually fell off his bike after driving in 4 or 5 circles in the road. Keith watched for a few minutes not know what he should do. But some other man on a 4 wheeler drove by and attempted to wake him up. It took about 5 minutes to get the guy awake and loaded on to the back of the 4 wheeler. The driver apparently knew who the drunk guy was and took him home leaving his bike abandoned on the side of the road. Thus it hit us that is why there are random modes of transportation left in the oddest places. I guess some that are left out in the woods are left because the person FORGOT where they left their $10,000 machines or their bike.

Since Galena is a Wet town, where Alcohol can be sold, there is a big problem with Alcoholism. Sadly this is all year round. The first barge that arrived here was loaded down and most of it was alcohol for the local bar or for peoples own consumption. The stories I have heard from people that someone had to much to drink, and then decided to drive themselves home and then hit a snow drift and freeze to death. Sadly this happens quite a bit. There have been attempts by some people in town to make this a dry town but it always fails to go very far since the Liquor store owner is a very powerful person in town. Keith and I have gone to the Snack bar where you can get a hamburger or some other kind of food on different days of the week and at different times and the bar which is connected to the snack bar is ALWAYS full of people. I am amazed at how many people will be there on the weekday and even in the morning. It is nice to be able to grab a burger and me not have to cook it but it makes me sad of how many people go to the bar. Yes it was kind of funny that the man outside rode in circles till he finally fell off his bike but that could have been a deadly situation if it were winter with freezing temperatures and someone would not have seen him fall off. I pray that God will work here in this town to show people that Alcohol is not the answer to whatever problem people are facing here.

S'Mores and friends!

To me there is nothing better then gathering around a campfire on a nice evening and enjoy the company of friends while making S'Mores. I loved doing it as a kid with Mom and Dad in Africa and I find that even in Alaska it is one of my favorite things to do. There is just something about roasting marshmallows over the fire and eating it squished between 2 crackers and Chocolate. Can life get any better then that? I don't think so! Yes life in Alaska is hard but man being able to make these sweet savory treats makes it better. =) The other day our neighbors Tim and Karin invited us over to join them for S'Mores. It was a wonderful evening. Kaden and Ida had a great time and what normal 2 year old would not like eating marshmallows and chocolate?

Kaden and Ida enjoying the sweets

Of course Keith has to give a lecture and demonstration of how to roast the perfect S'more.
Good thing he learned from the master S'more maker -ME!=)

Galena Water Park

Who would have known that Galena Alaska where temperatures reach -60 degrees below, would have a pool that you can swim at year round. It is a awesome pool with a cool water slide and all kinds of neat activities. We finally went to swim the other day and had a blast. Kaden was fearless going down the slide all by himself and he loved to swim with his friends. We had such a good time. Can't wait till winter so I can take a picture of us outside in 10 feet of snow and in our parkas and then have pictures of us swimming inside. If you come visit us bring your swimming suit. You would not want to miss this awesome fun!

The fun, fast water slide.

Gardening

OK Farming was added to the list of things I don't want to be when I grow up. I don't know how people plow field after field to get a Harvest. I have a great respect for the Zambian people that do this everyday of their lives. I would not want to plow fields as a job.

We have a plot at the community garden that we get to plow since it is a location with good soil. We had to plow the rows and plant the veggies that we wanted to put down. Some seeds we had already planted months ago and we grew them in our windows till the weather warmed up to put them outside.

Here is our little farm being plowed

I don't know how all the pictures are of Me plowing... wonder where Keith is? I guess next time I will race him to the camera so I don't end up doing all the plowing=)

Planting Turnips..... yeah I need recipes since I planted millions of those little seeds. I may never want to see a turnip again.=) hahahaha Hope they all come up and are delicious!

The weather has been great! In the 70's is what it has been for the last 2 weeks. But Everybody said "Plant June 1st to make sure you miss all the freezes." Yeah sure enough... June 1st Keith and I woke up to snow falling down and tempreatures in the 30's. Now we face the fear that farmers has every time it freezes.... "I hope the crops make it."