Well it's been just over a week since we arrived in Resolute. So far we've already been through two blizzards; actually the first one started just as we were landing, the Nurses who picked us up at the airport were almost contemplating if we needed to weather out the blizzard at the neighbouring hotel before heading into town. It was basically a total white out as we drove on the 7km track of road that led us into town.
It's been a busy week on the job. I thought I might have a chance to decorate the office and read policy, but there was none of that. With circuit court rolling into town and probations being one of my duties, meant I was busy. I'm hoping I have some time this week to organize myself a bit more, figure out where things were left off from the last worker, and get acquainted with how things are run up here. At the end of February I have been told I will be traveling to Pangnirtung for a week of training, and am hoping to get in a visit to Grise Fiord before the month's end as well so as get to know my other community. So I have a feeling things are not going to be slowing down.
Taiga seems to be adjusting all right. The kids in town were having fun playing with him at the Co-op Store. I am sure he will have many playmates in a couple weeks. Naoko has been taking Taiga for walks when there isn't a blizzard. She has also been mastering her bread making abilities; if she decides not to be a nurse in Canada, I think by the end of 2010 she'll be able to call herself a professional baker - they need a pastry shop in town anyways!
It isn't completely dark by any means. There's no sun yet, but we get a nice dawn/dusk kind of light for about four hours; so the horizon has a really beautiful pinkish hue at the moment. I think by the end of this week we should be getting a nice view of the sun. You might think warmth might follow, but locals in town tell me that is when it starts to get really cold.
Shall let you know when I sight my first polar bear. The word on the street is a mom and her cub have been seen walking near town; so fingers crossed I get to see some wildlife. Maybe right at my office window. Hey, I try my best to have an open door policy, never know the bear might take advantage of that!!
Hope all is well on your guys' end. Shall write soon.
ホワイトホース
16 years ago
Well, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you, and they really need you up there Michael. Maybe, don't have that door too wide open!! Those polar bears really don't need a social worker ... maybe some bread from Naoko.
ReplyDeleteStay warm, and hope it doesn't get too cold for you guys. Just heard it was plus 14 in Vancouver the other day!! I think that Fraser Valley is really calling us home!
Give a big hug to Taiga for us:-)
Love Mom, Dad and Furley (Furley is doing quite well on his meds)
Thanks for all the details Mike. So you are off to a roaring start. In terms of tasks and wind at least! We will stay tuned for your first live sighting of Ursus maritimus! Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to Ursus horibilis? Are they out of favour now? The last one I saw was in the Calgary zoo in ohhh nineteen ought fifty six.
ReplyDeleteMike, when you are in Pangnirtung (Pang for short) will you see whether they started the construction of the new harbour last fall; saw that Harper had promised funding. Their Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts looks like a decent place to shop for local art. Enjoy your week's training...Naoko and Taiga will miss you.
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