Category: Just Unalaska

Gracious tea parties are alive and well….

…in Unalaska, thanks to the most gracious of hosts, Zoya Johnson.   We spent a wonderful afternoon filled with delicious food, blooming tea, and great conversation and laughter in honor of Bailey Kirkland and Leizel Esnardo.  Bailey had just celebrated her 21st birthday, and – good grief – had it already been four months since Leizel’s 21st?  Time sure does fly when you are not looking. 

Zoya puts the finishing touches on the table set for tea.
The famous Zoya cake - many layers of goodness.

And what is a party without presents?  Bailey is one of those slow, meticulous unwrappers.  You know, the kind that drives you crazy so that you just want to rip the paper for her! 

 We all had a good laugh when Leizel opened up my present to her, after she had just told a story about receiving a cookbook from her brother and how she vowed never to use it! 

Graciously accepting another cookbook!

I highly recommend taking the time for friends and tea, and look forward to the many more to come.  Especially the ones in the greenhouse!

Beginning preparations for the Chocolate Extravaganza.

In amongst the Unangan classes (2nd grade this week, 27+ strong) and taking care of SP full-time, it is also time to start preparing for the annual Chocolate Extravaganza put on by the Museum of the Aleutians.  Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25.  You can get them at the Museum, or from Board members:  Chris Hladick, Kristine King, Don Graves, Forrest Bowers, Denise Rankin,  or myself.  Come mingle with old friends, meet new friends, and indulge in a variety of chocolate offerings, ranging from cakes to cookies to candies.  If you would like to make a chocolate deliciousness, give Zoya Johnson a call at the Museum, 581-5150.  Hope to see you all there on Saturday, February 13th.

Matter of Fact 1.

Webster’s dictionary defines exhilaration as a gladdening or enlivening; the act of enlivening the spirits; the act of making glad or cheerful.  It is the state of being enlivened or cheerful. 

One of the facts of life in the Aleutians is that the weather is never boring.  In fact, it is somewhat… exhilarating.  One of the values of the Unangas is that you should never say anything bad about the weather.  And so we don’t; or, at least if we do, we immediately note that we have inadvertantly done so.

The Aleutians are known as the birthplace of the winds; the cradle of the storms.  It is rarely ever still.  There is always a breeze wafting around, even on our calmest days, and a calm day is any day when the wind is below fifteen to twenty miles per hour. 

I often find myself in awe of our weather, either because of the wildness, the force, the absolute beauty, or the serenity.  I am contantly exhilarated.