Living in Alaska: Mom's 40 Below Zero & Thanksgiving Visit

On Thursday, November 17th, my mom braved the elements and the airport to travel over 5000 miles to North Pole, Alaska. When she left Alabama, the temperature was 55 degrees (above zero) and when she stepped off the plane in Fairbanks, it was 42 below zero. From the look on her face, I truly believe that she felt every degree of the 97 degree difference.

During her visit, Mike and I introduced her to UAF Nanook Hockey. Since it was her first hockey game, we thought it would be appropriate to give her a true hockey experience. So, we bought tickets in the first row by the glass. Numerous times, my mom ducked, flinched and winced as players crashed into the boards right in front of her OR as the puck came flying into the glass at 100+ MPH. Personally, I think my mom was secretly happy when the game was over. What gave it away? The sheer fact that she had her coat and gloves on before the final buzzer and was half way to car before the players finished shaking hands with the opposing team.

We also took my mom down to Salcha for a visit to the Knotty Shop and then back to North Pole to the Santa Claus House. After looking at the reindeer for a few seconds at 35 below zero, we hurried inside to see the big man. Since, Santa has been in high demand, Mike, my mom and I had to take a number. We were number 9! Somehow that just seemed like a good number.

As we were browsing through the many souvenirs that had been made in China for probably a quarter and being sold for $50, our number came up! It was our turn to see Santa. As we walked up to him, Santa insisted that my mom sit on his lap. My mom politely declined, but when Santa tells you to do something, you do it. So, my mom eventually obeyed Santa's orders and sat in his lap. Just like she was ready for the hockey game to be over, my mom was even more ready to be off of Santa's lap! Once the picture was taken, she bolted from his lap, gave a half smile and a thank you, and was out the door and almost to the car before I could say, "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus!"

Since the weather has been so cold, we limited our outdoor activities, as much as possible. However, we did get out to do some last minute thanksgiving shopping. On Thanksgiving Day, we hosted a dinner for us and our neighbors, Terry and Julie. By 9:00 p.m., we were almost as stuffed as the turkey we roasted!

Today (Friday), my mom leaves to go back to Alabama. Her late night (1:30 a.m.) flight is on time and we are getting ready to head to the airport. We have enjoyed having her for this short time and hope that the next time she comes it's much warmer!

Mike and Mom at the Knotty Shop.