Fire and Ice Fireman's Ball

This past weekend we had a great time at the annual fireman's ball. First time in history we sold out for attendance. The room looked great, the food was delicious, the comedians were hilariously crass and everyone looked wonderful. Enjoy the photos.

Ice inukshuk made by Leah's boyfriend... one of the main attractions.

Life sized photo background of a firefighter putting out a fire and the stream of water is frozen.

View of the frosty and flamey room from a distance.

The award presentation..... AWKWARD!



Brian, FF of the year; Leah, boner award of the year; Josh, rookie FF of the year.  Congrats.

Our hosts John and Paul.

IVFD departmental photo.

Helga and the fire Chief.

Cheezy!

Josh and I   :)

Eagle Plains - Day 2

A caribou stands in the corner of the bar at Eagle Plains

For the first time in many many many years, I successfully did nothing for an entire day.  I went out for two dog walks, sat in the lobby for a few hours, sat in the bar for dinner and a few hours, layed in my room Skyping people for a few hours and then updated my blog.  I'm certain I cannot do this for another day.  We'll see how tomorrow goes!!!

the bar dinning room





view from our bedroom window

Trip down to Whitehorse

At first glance this trip looks like it should have been the greatest adventure ever.

Corin and I at the Arctic Circle\

We made it to Whitehorse in record time.  We made it in only 13 hours...  saw a fox, bald eagle, two deer, a baby linx, ptarmigan (which had a literal run in with my windshield), and a rabbit.

We headed back on Friday after a few days of shopping, relaxing, fine dining and massages.  We were making record time once again when we arrived at Eagle Plains. 

Let me tell you  a bit about Eagle Plains...  It has a sign that says population 9 which is crossed out and the number 8 replaces it.  The "town" consists of a gas station, tire repair shop, motel and that's it.  All of the town dwellers live and work at the motel/gas statioin/tire shop year round.  They are an interesting bunch of people, and a bit odd, as they have chosen to live just south of the Arctic circle in a motel.  Have you ever seen the movie with the Bates motel?  That is very close to what this place looks like. 

I say this place, because I am still here.  Road closed on Friday the 13th... and still hasn't opened yet.  The weather is beautiful, the sun is shinning, but the wind is 110km/hr.  When the wind gets this bad, the passes near the Richardson Mountain range get blown over with snow.  Like 10 feet of snow.  So here I am.  Stuck in Eagle Plains for an indefinite amount of time.  Paying $150/night.  Eating greasy spoon meals.  In a dog/smoking room (cause that's how it goes with the damn dog).  With not even a book to entertain myself (so glad I brought my computer).  It is official, the road will not open until the earliest at noon tomorrow, and then we'll all wait around again to see if it will open long enough for us to pass. 

Rukus just chilling out during our trip.  Notice how loaded the back of my car is with purchases from Whitehorse.  Included in this load is a wedding dress.  No, not mine.  Nice try.

My project for tonight... to take as many photos as I can of this lovely place so that you can really see what I'm dealing with here.  A taxidermists dream.  I'll post these photos as soon as I can.  Anyone wanting to skype me can try to find me online, no cell service here.

(Hi Judy)

Mexico

I just got back from a great family trip to Mexico.  The resort we stayed at was near Cancun and it was an amaxing little place.  The food was the best I've eaten at any resort and the hotel employees worked their butts off.  The best part by far was spending time with Jack and Poppy and having the family together for a trip.  Thanks again mom for a great gift.

Jan 2012

As many of you know, I played the part of a minister type person and renewed marriage vows of one of the nurses here in Inuvik to her husband after 25years.  This is my official look... thanks mom for making the judges robe (which also doubled as my Gargamel costume at hallowe'en!

I also got a few new lenses for my SLR camera this  Christmas from Josh.  I'm still trying to figure out how to take great photos... Here's what I've managed so far.  These are of my new apartment overlooking boot lake. 

Less than a week until Mexico!  I'll post more photos when I get back.

 



Inuvik Fire Dept. curling team travelled to Hay River a few weeks ago & lost every game!  Victor, Blair, Andrea, Josh.



Christmas in Inuvik (and 2nd annual Yankee Swap!)



Rukus and I in our festive sweaters



Gearing up for the Yankee gift swap.

This year a few days before Christmas we hosted our annual Yankee gifts swap.  All of our friends were invited and encouraged to wear a somewhat ugly sweater- thanks mom for supplying almost the whole party.  Lots of laughs were had, and the gift exchange took a record breaking two hours to finish. 

Chrismat cracker for all the guests.




Robyn, Meegan, Corin, me, Jane, Leah, Colleen and Judy.

 
Most of the guests were nurses and health care workers and many people on the fire department came.

Josh and I.

Christmas Day itself was somewhat uneventful.  I spent the night in my new apartment and did a 8am gift exchange with Josh.  He got me a few new lenses for my SLR camera, so hopefully the photos I post will be more and more interesting and technical.  Once again I had a great Christmas despite being away from family back home.  

Working girls on Christmas day.  Long Term Care put on a great meal with a turkey and all the trimmings.  My scrub top was a gift from Jack and Poppy. 





Fire Hall Christmas Party

This photo is a prime example of what happens when there is a gift exchange where clippers are received as a gift.  Note to self... don't ever casually mention that if a grand is raised for charity you will shave your head.  And then as a last resort, don't demand that media show up to include it in the next edition of the Inuvik Drum.  Yes folks, there will be a full spread of this nights money raising evens in this coming week's news paper.  More photos to come.