Late again   ----

Here are some tidbits from Alaska   ----
- Last Friday (2/14/14) new Alaska wind chill record of -97 degrees in Brooks Range (north toward Arctic Ocean.)
- The Iron Dog Snowmachine race is a  2031 mile race which will end in Fairbanks probably this weekend. The racers average nearly 100 mph on the smoother parts of the course.  One of the favorites to win was Todd Palin (husband of you know who) who was forced to withdraw from the race because of mechanical difficulties.  Just before withdrawing he was averaging about 21 mph.
- In the grocery store recently: ground buffalo for $9.48 per pound, buffalo rib steaks for $14.98 per pound, and boneless buffalo chuck roast $9.49 per pound.  At the same time fresh ground turkey was $3.99 per pound.
- 141 "Golden Heart Greeter Volunteers" helped bring over $9,000,000 into the Fairbanks economy during 2013.  Elva and I were among them.
- Length of possible sunshine today is 9 hours 0 min 46 sec.
- Length of possible sunshine December 21 is 3 hours 41 min 29 sec
- Length of possible sunshine June 21 is  21 hours 10 minutes.

While the Iron Dog snowmachine race is big time.  Fairbanks has found another way to celebrate winter - the Tired Dog Snowmachine race.  All entrants must use machines 35 years old or older.  Some have air cooled engines and some liquid cooled engines.  The race will be 24 miles long. Here is a picture of preparations for the race.  This is about 3/8 mile from our apartment and the course goes by our apartment.  Along with the race there will be activities for children and families.

We had our best northern lights viewing last evening at about 10:30.  Usually the lights are toward the northern horizon.  Last night they were not only there, but directly above and even to our south.  Here are some of the better pictures.  God has put beauty into all parts of the world.

The white dot in the last picture is someone's yard light.

God's blessing to each of you.  May you find ways to enjoy the beauty God has put into your world and into your life.

Larry and Elva