baby it's cold outside

I wake up and it's dark but I still have to check the time as it doesn't start getting light til about 945am.

I walk outside and find it hard to breath, often coughing as the cold dry air hits my lungs.

I warm up my truck for 30 minutes then drive home and the hood is still frosted over, it's -35 degrees Fahrenheit tonight.

Welcome to Fairbanks Alaska in the winter.

I am constantly reassured that this is not normal. Usual the really cold weather doesn't come until Jan or Feb. Great!!!, I think to myself, that's encouraging. It's gonna get even colder. The locals say this isn't bad. They don't like it and ya never get used to it. However, there are plenty who love it here. All I can figure is the summers must really be amazing, in spite of the need for a head net. A head net you ask.... yes, a head net. Not for sanitary reasons in the kitchen, so the no-see-ems and mosquito's don't eat you alive.

I got myself a warm coat and pants to wear over my work clothes for the walk from the back of the store where we park. It's only a couple hundred yards but your pants will almost freeze solid in the time it takes to walk that far. Why, you ask, do we have to park so far away. That's where the plug ins are. Yes, plugs ins for your vehicle. There are three heaters added to my truck. One for the engine, transmission and battery. All to make sure the truck starts when you turn the key. Today, it was barely enough!

It is beautiful here and I found a great little church. It's about 200 people I think including children. Which, believe it or not, is about 1/3 of the congregation. Not teenagers down, youngsters! Like under 10. I think the avg family has at least 4. It's a little crazy but kinda fun too. There are some great folks and lots of knowledge as well. I really appreciate being able to listen to men who have obviously done there homework. Since I'm not a great researcher/studier, it is a great way for me to learn.