Why I Haven't Been Posting

Mainly, I haven't been posting because I couldn't find time! Michael was unemployed all of July and August right along with me so we kept busy. We were rarely home and when we were the last thing I wanted to do was sit at my computer.

It was so nice having so much time with him. We spent a lot of time outdoors, visiting family and friends, and just being together. It was really nice and if my pocketbook wasn't almost empty, I'd be sad that it is over! :o)

I miraculously managed to make my final paycheck last all summer long. I'm just now starting to get nervous about needing money. At least I was, then my dad gave me some money for my birthday. He said he didn't have time to shop so just gave me money. Little did he know the money is a lifesaver and I am so grateful he didn't shop!

The whole month of August was a whirlwind. We started off with two potlaches. One of our dance groups reached their 20 year anniversary and another their 10 so they each had a potlatch to celebrate. We also had our new road dedicated. It's not complete yet, but I think they wanted to have the dedication ceremony on the anniversary of the ground breaking ceremony.

I've seen articles and blog posts about this road. I don't think anyone really knows the "real" story. When they talk about this being another "Road to Nowhere" (That is what a new road on the neighboring island has been dubbed), it only shows they don't understand the full impact of what this road will offer. I've even seen it written that "The road isn't even complete or connected to the town. They can't figure out how." That is entirely false. The road is built, just not paved and ready to use. The last few yards that connect the road to our town were done last to keep people from going where they didn't belong. It IS connected now, but remains closed. This road will have a huge impact on our lives when it is open. It will allow us to go to Town to shop, work, eat, or even see a movie and then COME BACK home. We won't have to move over there to work, or spend a night in a hotel just to watch a movie. It will also force our grocery store and gas station to have competitive prices. They will no longer have a monopoly because we will have a choice. The road will help tourism because it will provide easier and quick access. This road has also helped the military. I saw an interview on CNN a while ago...they were interviewing a soldier who had been to Iraq. He was in charge of building roads for their military vehicles to travel. When asked how he learned to do this, he said, "I learned it on a little island in Alaska, called Annette." Tens of thousands of men and women have been through here for the past 10 years. If nothing else that's good ever comes from this road, they got some necessary training and were able to use what they learned in service for our country.

The day after our road dedication, was our Founders Day. We celebrated 120 years this year. We had a parade, fun and games, food booths, and fireworks. It was a lot of fun. There were a lot of out-of-town visitors and many family and friends who came home for the occasion.

We had family visiting until around the 10th. Then we started in with birthdays. August is full of family birthdays. I don't care if I never have another piece of cake! I'm still trying to finish up my own.

On the 20th I headed back to work. We had two seperate two day workshops. That made for an exhausting week. On the 27th, the kids started school. The first week was so much fun. Some of the kids acted as if they hadn't seen each other in years and I KNOW they played together all summer long! :o)

I didn't have any visitors on my birthday because we were at a memorial service. Michael's dziish (grandmother)passed away at the age of 97. She was a wonderful lady who loved everyone and was loved by all. She called everyone her baby. She wasn't afraid to tell you if she thought you were doing wrong. But was always quick to tell you when you had made her happy or proud. She will definitely be missed by all who knew her.

So there you go...we had a lot going on...I just didn't make time to come and tell you about it. Hopefully now that I'm back on a regular schedule, I'll find time to write a post every now and then. Certainly more than the one a month I've been averaging!