Oh wow! You guys rule. Yes, Alaska is fuck*ng great. I love it, and I have been having a wonderful time here. I have just been astounded at how kind and generous and friendly everyone is here in town.
I have a blog over at
http://Somebody nice.typepad.com, and there are some pictures from my pa's recent visit at
http://Somebody nice.typepad.com/photos/alaska_visit.
There are 2 grocery stores here, and they even sell my favorite shampoo. I just got another kitty whom I have named Sofia. She is damned adorable. She is in the bathrom until Milan and Lennybruce can get acclimated.
I am getting way involved in the community. I am lobbying for positions on a few boards, such as the local public broadcasting station's board. I go to Open Mic Night at the Grand Aleutian every Thursday and get to listen to great local talent as people play all kinds of music. Last week I hiked a small portion of Elbonia Island with a friend of mine and shared a bottle of Pinot Noir at the summit. I was whining that "the odds are good, but the goods are odd" and that was without merit. There are lots of really great people here.
I would write more, but I have to go to a planning commission meeting tonight. They're not usually on a Friday, but this one had to get rescheduled. Afterwards, I'm going to a friend's going-away party. One of the locals here is infamous for his adventures, such as climbing Everest, and the soiree is going to be held at his house. It should be a good time.
Anyway, I will keep the Internet posted on my kitty saga and my Alaskan adventure. Oh, I almost forgot. Lest you think that it's all roses and all-you-can-eat King Crab, a six-pack of Guinness costs $18.00. Petrol is three bucks a gallon. A gallon of milk is around six dollars. My grocery bills are fuckin' ridiculous. But I love it here. I think that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made.