May 4, 2009
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Sudden Breakup
A few days ago, snow covered everything here, except for areas that had been plowed or shoveled. Yesterday, I was surprised to see that the only snow I could see was in a few shady places.
Last night, when Doug opened the door to let the dog out, he reported that he could hear the frogs (Rana sylvatica) singing in the muskeg across the road. Mosquitoes are as thirsty as always at this time of year and more numerous than usual. Sticky trap strips on the insides of several windows and inside the shade of my bedside reading lamp filled up with skeeters after only a few hours’ exposure.
Last night, I even put a sticky strip on the end of the printer here beside me ’cause they were bugging me to distraction, and we blocked the door shut so the cats can’t push it open. They never shut it all the way, and that was letting lots of mosquitoes in.
The sudden breakup of ice on the rivers has caused some transportation issues in the Valley. I heard the news this morning on the radio and recalled that it had been unusually quiet last night, except for one train that just didn’t sound right — none of the usual deep rumble felt through the ground — probably a work train out of the Anchorage yards, headed to the washout.
Track north of Talkeetna has been affected by one confirmed washout and heavy ice on the track. Crews are surveying the damage between railroad mileposts 241 and 254.
Passengers on the southbound train that left Fairbanks for Anchorage this morning will board buses at Hurricane for the remainder of the trip south. Freight service between Anchorage and Fairbanks has been halted.
Comments (8)
Does that mean Spring is spronging Kathy? Ding dang “drive you buggy” mosquitos! I remember one time up in Chico, they were so thick I was tempted to wrap one of those strips on my head. I hate bug spray, but I finally sprayed it on my hair to keep them off. People stayed away from me too. hm.
@Jaynebug - When we have to use repellent, we use 100% DEET, and put it on our clothing, never on skin. Bush hats and headnets are not uncommon around here, on people who have to work outside. I hate inhaling mosquitoes!
@SuSu - I hate slapping myself in the face.
@SuSu - Did you get my letter? “This One’s For You?”
I gotta go. Off to town to get some supplies for this hungry household.
Spring has sprung here in Missouri it has been raining raining raining so I am so tired of muddy puppy feet
that seems so sudden!
happy spring- bugs and all!!
@Jaynebug - Thanks for the heads-up. I have been spending very little time on Xanga, mostly just to blog. Facebook has me. I’m growing a zoo over there, started a petting zoo with a few chickens and a goat and now I have over 600 animals, of 70 species, and am breeding endangered species. If only it were real life! But the activity does support protection of endangered species, so it’s more than just a fascinating simulation.
I have been trying to decide who to write my FG letter to, and in a very roundabout way I think you have resolved my dilemma.
What can I say… it’s sweet that someone has been paying attention? I am glad that I could do a few little things to make you more comfortable here.
Springtime in Alaska, always exciting