Way too cold for the middle of April! - alaskamama@gmail.com - Gmail

All week it has been below zero every morning!  And the high for this week was 23°.  For about three days earlier this week, we had super gray weather and snow.  I do know that eventually we will have spring and summer, but it sure is taking it’s time to get here.  And, yes (mom), I know that April does this sort of things sometimes with temps and snow, but it hasn’t been so snowy and so cold so consistently in a long time if ever.  (Ok, you sour doughs, let me have it and tell me I’m wrong.)  For me, it was a rough week – that weather puts me on edge.

I forgot to mention that while I was gone, Al Lorenzen, Ann’s dad was taken to the ER in Fbks.  He had fainted and had high blood pressure.  They discovered an arrhythmia which I believe was fixed.  I think since he’s been home, he’s been doing okay. 

Rob doing better but still way to thin for my linking, hasn't hit 100lbs. yet...meds seems to be agreeing with him.  We see the endo in Fbks in May for an update and more blood work. Keep praying...

Have been going out on the snow trails on my own, still so gorgeous! I know we want the warmth but if you get it just right, right after my last class at around 2.30 it is warm and sunny and bright...just right to hit the snow with my snowshoes.

Ani busy with plans for her imminent move to TX to be with her aunt and Tesis. I imagine she is aprehensive about the unknown but she has some very good Words to confirm her going, so...

I will miss my long time friend Audrey Seman, she was about the ONLY person who ever gave me feed back on my blog posts...miss you dear friend!

Nobody knows what's going to happen to SAPA, they finally announced officially that they are closing shop and selling out...not sure what will happen to the 10+ folks that are there....if you want details get in touch with Rus Basalyga from The Land...

I have started some new ventures in translation and reading in english/spanish with varous agencies who use these types of skills. Check out my website at

http://www.grizzlytranslations.com/

Am also reading for LIBRIVOX, http://librivox.org/

 Public domain outfit making audio book readings in all languages to the public...and doing pro bono work for GOSPEL TRANSLATIONS, an outfit which also makes the biblical material in all languages available to the general public. I am enjoying both ventures alot and am getting some much needed experience in my line of work.

http://gospeltranslations.org/

The seniors have asked me to make their graduation slideshow, so that is keeping me busy...compiling hundred of photos, putting them to appropriate music...etc.....fun work for me...time consuming though.

No more to report, Have a great week end!

Over and out...

gri b

IMAGES OF THE LAND, DRY CREEK - ALASKA

Here are 2 links to albums on Facebook that show the beauty of Alaska and in particular the spectacular ranch God has given us as our dwelling....

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200487793389109.1073741834.1585591801&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1333272463630.46051.1585591801&type=3

APRIL EVENTS SO FAR.....

News for First Week of April

as  Kerri sees it

            On Saturday, we moved eight pairs of cows (with the help of Richard, Ella, and Aunty Sarah) to a different pen because they were hogging the feed. After two hours of stressfully running around, my father decided to have me shovel a half a ton of grain from the bins. After this incessant torture, I was covered with white powder. The young people from Tok came out at two that day. We introduced ourselves and then put on our winter gear. The sun was shining and it was clear and gorgeous. After three hours of crazy people driving snow machines and riding inner-tubes, we were tuckered out. They played their instruments for us after we rode home on the hay wagon. Then we played several extremely entertaining games, and stuffed our mouths full of pizza. To the extreme joy of Kathryn Nerbonne, John Clark surprised her with his homecoming.

Craig Mason came home from Wasilla that night, and we watched the Hobbit at his daughter’s house, which was a blast. My sister returned from Fairbanks with Miss Wenda who flew back from Kansas fromBethany’s wedding.

 On April Fool’s Day, there were no pranks played... What is wrong with people? I asked Amanda to get me some milk but I caught her mixing water with cornstarch, in a way I am happy that I caught her, but it would’ve been humorous. We had our first snowball fight of the year that night; I took several in the face which blinded me for about five minutes, but I soon got my revenge. Cody, Chris, Tony, John, Jarrod, Ben, Nate, and Joe went to Fish Lakearound ten to take hay, grain, and other assorted debaucheries to the cabin. To Cody’s dismay, they got back around eleven thirty.

On Tuesday, our eighteenth calf was born; we now have ten bulls and eight heifers. We have eleven more to calve.

Another trip was made to Fish Lake yesterday morning, this time Hope, Chris, Tony, and John Clark went. They got back after our sharing service. Praise was led by Cody and Kathryn. A list was put up for who will go to White Stone this Saturday. Madeline and Amanda offered to drive…Haha like they can! Seth is back today for a few hours to grind grain with his father. It’s been an eventful and beautiful week.

Kerri Geyer

&&&&&&&&&

I know Kerri wrote the news, but I thought I would fill you in on some more serious issues.  First of all… it was -11 degrees last night/this morning.  That was most shocking.  With sunshine, our temperature is warming up.  Presently it is 16 degrees. 

Kimmi is due next week.  I asked her what her birthing game plan was, and she doesn’t have one.  Next week could prove to be interesting.  Kelsey, due on April 28, went for an appointment last week and discovered that her baby is breach.  He has time to get in line and adjust himself.  Let’s hope he does. 

  

Sis Charity Titus, from Blueberry Farm, after having been in a car crash earlier this winter and after suffering from bad health for awhile, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning.  I know her uplifting, tangible presence will be sorely missed.

Concerning Lee Addison (Bill and Kathy Casey's son in law) – his healing progresses slowly each day.  Recently, his left arm cast and pins were removed, and it seems that he has good movement there.  His right arm, which was the more damaged arm, is recovering more slowly, but it is progressing as well.  Lee has physical therapy on a regular basis.  The doctors have advised him to patiently wait for six to eight months to see which nerves repair themselves.  After that time, another surgery will most likely be planned for nerve and ligament repair.  Jewel and Lee are encouraged, but it will still be quite a while before Lee is back to being fully healed.

Remember Rachael B Williamson was supposed to come to Bethany’s wedding and then was unable due to her son’s sinus infection?  Because Shane’s face started to swell along with some other symptoms, he was taken to the doctor.  There it was discovered that he has embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma running from his right eye to his lip.  If I have all my facts correct, they have started chemotherapy on the little guy (14 mo) while still in Anchorage.  Once Shane is up to flying, they will move down to Arkansas to stay with Grant’s folks so they can access the St. Jude’s near Memphis, TN.  Rachael’s mom, Nancy, and Grant’s mom, Tammy, are both in Alaska to help with Shane and with the other children.  And, Rachael is approximately 4 mo pregnant. 

Talked to PatLou on our way to Fbks t'other day and he and his 3 girls are doing ok, busy, busy....has a few good job prospects lined up. Miss them! Wish I could see them...

Tomorrow, we’re off to Whitestone!!!  For a good time!  Have a great weekend.

CLOSING DOWN MARCH WITH FUN AND GAMES ...WITH KIDS FROM TOK HOMESCHOOL

I have finally gotten around to the fun event with the young folks from the Tok homeschooling group. Sorry can't remember many of the names. There was a Mrs. Woody who organized everything, and a Barbara Cliver and another guy. Kids....lots of them, about a dozen or more, a couple of seniors who are going to attend the Pensacola University (the folks who put out the ABeka Christian series).

We went across the road to the William's side of the farm on 2 horse drawn wagons, sitting on hay bales. These kids were awed since they actually don't get a chance of doing this much.

Once over there there was much snomachining, tire sledding, snoboarding being pulled by the snomachines...much like the water skiing we use to do on the Parana River with my dad in BA. Not easy to do on snow though...even Jon Squires (our resident Paramedic) gave it a try!

Jonny Squires took me out on his snomachine, it was fun but not comfortable, since his machine is a one man...! thanks Jonny.

Then we all trooped back into the Tab to have some nice hot grub, a variety of pizzas, including Hawaian, made by Hannah Mason and Wendy Williams. Hot choc, and other things.

The evening was filled with fun games, (Mrs. Woody was a pro at this!), singing, laughing, eating and making new friends. They were a very nice bunch of folk and another outing has been planned in the near future.

I'm posting some photos below but most of them are on Facebook.

Have a good day everybody!

Michael Squires takes Rob and Clay on a ride.

 Ani enjoying a ride

SPRING HAS SPRUNG...KINDA...

This week we had some moderate weather finally.  The snow is getting just a wee bit soft and crunchy, and the temperatures are more moderate.  A bunch of the guys went out snow machining today in the hills around the farm.  Tomorrow some of the guys will probably begin trips to Fish Lake with the supplies for the upcoming fall hunts.  They will make as many trips as they can before the snow is completely gone.

The wedding party that went to Bethany and Isaac's wedding in Kansas, came back. They had a great time by the looks of it.

So far, this spring, Tommy cows have had 16 calves.  Tom is pretty pleased with his outcome so far.  A couple of Richard’s cows have had calves and have freshened so we have plenty of milk, butter, and cheese. 

Thomas, Brad, Craig, and Kevin are in Wasilla doing that job for the railroad.  As always, there a few glitches, but things will work out.  Apparently they are staying in a coolly warmed building owned by the guy they’re working for. 

Ben attended the homeshow in Fairbanks last weekend as a vendor and did well in sales.

  

Floan is doing better with her sprained knee issue.

Robin has finally been diagnosed with Grave's so we are treating him with some nasty drugs for a period of time, in the hopes that he will go into remission. Prayers always welcome.

Pat went up on the cabin roof to clear off the snow and then...it snowed....oh well.

Have been trying to go snowshoeing before the snow gets too mushy. It is rather lovely at this time of the year.

A group of young homeschooled kids from Tok came out to play and be with our school kids. Alot of snomachining, snoboarding, eating and laughing was done. A good connection. Hoping to send Rob to their summer camp this summer...if his health stabilises.

Presently, it is 30° and trying to snow. 

Have a great week.  

                       

ROB'S ONGOING ISSUES...

Family and Friends,
I am not sure if you all know that Rob has been dealing with rapid weight loss (about 20lbs. since November), profuse sweating and trembling. After research and profesional diagnosis, we are still baffled but it all points towards a form of hyperthyroidism which is rare in individuals with DS, they are usually on the other end of the spectrum of thyroid disorders.

In Rob's case it seems to be an excess of iodine in his system which is causing his metabolism and his thyroid to be on overdrive - as it were. His endo has recommended all iodine based products to be cut out of his diet - that means NO FISH or fish products of any kind. He loves our fresh farm salmon so that will be a biggie for him, plus any brain omega's that he takes in supplement form, are out as well.

Our farm water contains iodine as well as other minerals so bottled water it will have to be for a period of 3 weeks.

AFter this we are to spend a couple of nights in Fairbanks at FMH for an iodine uptake. What is an iodine uptake? Glad you asked...

You can read all about it here:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/radioactive-iodine-uptake-test

I could post some of the photos I have taken of Rob but you would  be taken aback at how much weight he has lost and how scrawny he looks....so I have refrained from scandalizing you...

Iodine is a trace element, water soluble and actually rare on the planet. It is, like so many things, ESSENTIAL for thyroid health BUT TOO MUCH OF IT IS NOT GOOD...

kind of like that xtra chromosome dealy, where too much of a good thing is actually harmful.

You can read about how too much iodine in the system can affect the whole works in a bad way:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/454495-symptoms-of-excessive-iodine-intake/

Pray for Rob, we know God has him in the palm of His hand.

Blessings to all

have a great week!

MARCH MADNESS PART 2

LATER…..

I knew I left something out of last week’s email… a weather crew came out to film the loggers doing their logging thing.  They followed the guys in the woods for one day and then here for two days.  They had to wear mikes and have cameras in their faces.  We met the film crew (two guys and a local from here sound guy); they were super nice.  If I ever figure out where our 11 minute segment is airing, I’ll let you know. 

  

Katrina Miller from Whitestone, daughter of Jay and Amy Miller (granddaughter of the late Dick and Jane Miller and of Jon and Carol Dufendach) won the Interior State spelling bee and will go to state at the end of June.  Here is a link for an article on her.  It is so “Katrina” sounding.  From a very young age, Katrina has spoken in big words about life’s happenings.  http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/article_af5ce216-83de-11e2-98c6-001a4bcf6878.html

Gosh, I’m always apologizing first thing.  In my last email I said that the night temperatures had only been getting to zero degress.  After perusing my little weather book, I realized that was a very incorrect assumption.  The night temperature had been steadily getting as low as -15° regularly.  Yesterday, was very windy with the high at 29°; this morning it is still 15°, and windblown piles are everywhere. 

The beef and dairy cows have started having babies.  It is the time of night checks and birthing s.  Last night Chris Toby called for Rich because one of Rich’s moms’s birthed her calf in the gutter. Rich and Chris took care of that. 

Yesterday, Liz and I went to town to collect Zayden who will be staying with me for a few days and then with Jeni for a few days while his parents are on vacation. 

A bunch of folks have gone to Kansas. to be with the Chartier family as Bethany Chartier (who graduated with Ani) is getting married to a family friend from the town.

Sis Audrey from Sapa farm passed away last week.  A Master Teacher whom we will all miss. The original WRTR instructor and one of my mentors.

A memorial will be held for her this Saturday at noon at the Sapa farm.  Garth, Kim and a van load were supposed to be at the memorial at Sapa but were turned back by snow and stormy weather at Blackrapids. Ani had made a ton of cookies for the occasion and they ended up on our Sunday service snack bar! At least they did not go to waste… :(

The Loggers, Thomas, Craig, Kevin and Brad have left for Wasilla to begin a job for the railroad – Tom says they will be working 7-12’s for four weeks. 

Wendy and Rus have started planting seeds for the greenhouse plants.  I heard the greenhouse is being opened up soon. 

May is thinking "garden" and planning for what needs to be done.

Fresh snow has made Pat's trail manageable again, so we're gonna use it again for a bit before it gets bad again.

May and I went out on a 2 hr. trek looking for new trails in the snow and almost ended up Horn Mt. ! it was a lovely sunny, bright and crisp afternoon, May was trying out her new snowshoes from DepotPleinAir in Canada....

Here are some photos

We had a costume party recently, all the young folks participated in making their own original costumes. Here are some photos of the occasion.

ROB AND MICHAEL

MY 3 IN THEIR COSTUMES

Sooo… 

Here’s some links to pictures I’ve posted to facebook. 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200333504451982.1073741829.1585591801&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151342082601569.1073741826.674561568&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151345133866569.1073741827.674561568&type=1

Have a great week!

MARCH MADNESS...PART 1

How are you?  We are still having February weather in March!  Most of our weather has been hanging out around the 0° line, but mostly a little below it by ten degrees.  The other morning, we woke up to -40°, but it warmed up somewhat when the sun came out.  Over the last week, we’ve had fierce winds and approximately 5 inches of fresh snow.  This morning it is +19°.

Jennifer went for a prenatal check this week and found out they are having a girl.  (So, in April, Kimberli is having a girl, and Kelsey, my niece,  is having a boy; in June Kylin Casey [Fbks] is having a girl; at the end of July, Jennifer & Phanta are having girls; later on Marki Geyer [Fbks] will be having a baby)  It seems to be the year of the girl except for Ben’s grandbabies!

Floan is still housebound with a bum knee, but she is doing MUCH better.

Pat is gearing up for the firewood season and making sure the equipment is OK so that he can start delivering wood to folk's cabins.

Seth Jepsen came home and left again.  He arrived home on Sunday from his time down at the Mexican farm, bringing some fresh clams, cockles, and crab to share with various folks.  Wednesday, he caught a ride to town with Tony to “move” to Whitestone for several months to pursue his "walkie" with Amaris R.

Joey Casey has left again to return to work in Dutch Harbour or in the middle of the ocean somewhere as an "on ship medic".  It is always refreshing to have the boys come home – they effortlessly fill in doing jobs that need doing or that need young strength to complete. 

Chris Toby did very well in his Ferrier Oklahoma school, and he is now home too.  Again, it is nice to have our young guys home!  Also, Hope Margraf arrived for a visit and is staying with Jim and Bonnie Mason.  There is some interest between Hope and Chris so we will see how this pans out. 

Prins Samuel sent an email from his trip to India..  I will paste his message here.

“Greetings from Sri Lanka. I was in India for 32 days and had over 59 meetings in 3 different states. Now I am in Sri Lanka and will be here about 8 days. I am writing to request your prayers for this time. I was in Sri Lanka for 3 days in November and felt the Lord speak for me to come back on this trip. The Lord has opened some doors but now I need you support in prayer.

I can testify that the Lord moved in a powerful way during the time inIndia. I believe a new part in the south India has been opened up for this word to be preached. Will send a full report after I get home in March. Thank you.

Lord Bless, Prins Samuel”

POST CONVENTION NEWS #2

I guess I forgot to post some belated convention news...
BTW we had a quiet and uneventful convention, food was good as always thanks to the awesome cook crews headed up by Ali Squires and others, weather was very harsh in the -50's which was a shame for those travelling and we did not get as many guests as we would have - had the weather cooperated...
If you want specifics on the words you can contact LWM to get them...I believe Whitestone Farms has them on mp3 format.
here is a short report from Sarah...

**************

This morning dawned beautiful, moonlit, ice fogged, and very cold.  Andy said our low was -54°.  Right now it is still a crisp -41°. 

Convention is over and most everyone has gone back to their respective homes, except the ministry who traveled on today to Haines.  Bro Ernest and Bro Joe stayed with us.  They were up and ready to go well before their ride arrived.  I’m trusting that one of them will check in to let us know that they made it there safely. 

Yesterday we had one meeting but we still managed to have four speakers.  Amazing!  Paul Basalyga led worship.  Before taking the children out to practice their play, Bro Dick Kunz quickly told us that it isn’t good enough to know the truth, we need to buy it with paying the price.  Bro Ernest in few words said be alert to the night and of what is going on in the darkness.  He exhorted us to love spending time with the Lord and to love His gospel. Andrew Giles preached on the immeasurable power that God brings through the blood of Jesus.  Bro Buddy closed by telling us that we are in daily jeopardy because now we are responsible for what we hear. He said we learn about God through our natural understanding; but the Spirit reveals God by the way, the truth, and the life. 

Last night we had a nice meal with the ministry and some of the Whitestone guests that had spent the day with us.  Bro Dick and the kids did a small play on David and Goliath before singing us a song and playing a song with their colored bells.  A good time was had by all.

Today has been day of rest for most of us here.  It is a good day for resting since it is too cold outside to do much.

Oh, by the way, the sun came up over the mountains today!  A beautiful thing when the sun appears!

Have a great week!  Sarah

POST CONVENTION

Hi!  Monday’s very cold wind did warm our temps to -19° for 36 hours; now we are a calm -9°.  I can handle that.  We’ve had to dig our way out of wind swept paths yet again. 

Steve A, then Bro Garth, and finally Bro Joe wrote to let us know that they had a long, uneventful trip to Haines on Monday.  They left here around 7 am and arrived in Haines around 7:30 pm.  There were rumors that the pass was closed, but it wasn’t.  After the border, they had good roads and milder temperatures.  I heard that today Steve A had to leave the meeting due to his coughing, etc.  Bro Buddy had this while at Whitestone, and Bro Ernest was sick with that, too, while at our convention.   I hope the sickness stops right there!

I forgot to say that Pat and Bethany and the twins came up for the convention and to hang out for a few extra days.  The twins are super cute and remind us all of the Buongiorne kids when they were that size. 

Erica, with her son, Caleb, came for a 10 day visit.  At nearly five months, he’s pretty cute as well.  While here, Erica is throwing a baby shower for Kelsey.  Last I heard, the shower is to be at one pm at the tab. 

The Buerges have gone to visit Whitestone for the week.  They will drop by Friday before driving home. 

Thomas had a rough day in the woods yesterday – Delta received a lot more snow than us so even though the Pogo road had been cleared, the guys’ road from Pogo to where they are logging was uncleared.  Thomas said there was 8 inches of snow on that road.  Anyway, Thomas got stuck twice while on that road and slid off.  He was very close to falling into a ravine.  He was able to inch his way back onto the road and out of his stuck spots only by dumping his load of logs down the ravine (he only had to dump his load once). 

This week, Micah is having therapy in the afternoon in Delta.  The therapist comes from maybe Fairbanks, and she must stay at Lonnie’s because that’s where Micah and Ann have their therapy session.

Jannis had an unknown problem with her stove causing water to spew all over her house (she must have a water jacket heating system of some sort).  Marilyn’s pellet stove fan went out today and Allyson had to run to Delta late this afternoon to purchase a new fan. 

Hmmm…. I should end with some cheery news.  Well, we had a short and sweet prayerful prayer meeting tonight.  Interesting enough it started out with Seth and Liz leading worship accompanied by Cody and Kathryn on the keyboard and piano. 

Have a great week.

my niece Erica with her little guy Caleb the smiliest kid on the block!

Pat and Erica are cousins