Best storm ever

It was last Wednesday night about midnight. The southern skies became very dark and turbulent. Clouds crashed into each other and thunder rolls echoed through the valley. Long layers of lightning arced through the clouds and large flash cracks speared the mountains. It really was the most wonderful storm to watch. Rain lasted most of the night and more than a few farm fields and gardens were trashed and pummeled by both the hard rain and hail. The picture on the top of this column was a lucky capture from this avid storm watcher.

First Big Palmer Parade of the Season—It was a few days ago and it did not disappoint. There were “twenty minutes of tractors,” yaks, horses, reindeers, smaller animals, bagpipers, reindeers, hundreds of flags, thousands of people, children, community collectives, sports teams, scouts, water towers, antique vehicles, fancy cars, politicians, firetrucks, massive trucks, beauty queens, linemen, first responders and so many great floats. The second summer parade coming up in Palmer is the Alaska State Fair parade in August. The third parade of lights is at year’s end during holiday time. How many towns have three excellent parades a year? Palmer does it so well.

Animal Shelter Success—Last weekend many homeless animals found homes. Can you imagine what it is like to live in a shelter? Of course you would receive care, food and water. But the critical element of “belonging” is missing. (This lack of agency happens with both people and animals who are homeless. There are organizations which also help homeless people but it isn’t as visible.) Our Mat Su Borough Animal Shelter is a respite for lost animals and helps get animals new homes. Thank you to all the generous people who found room in their heart to help the animals.

Fire, Haze and Smoke—It’s evident that fires are impacting our air in a big way. There are at least 45 active fires in Southwest Alaska and we have had nearly 250 fires statewide. There have been years where we, in the Palmer area, have been impacted by fires in Russia. This is not the case this year, thus far. These are Alaska fires which reminds us to be oh so careful even when it seems green and lush.

What If The Mountains Were Gone?—People were wondering about this unlikely phenomena this weekend when heavy smoke obscured our view of our mountains. In the Palmer area, we are accustomed to our daily view of the mountains. They are our directional compass and grounding landmark. Everyday, all year long, the mountains are there—breathing and offering solid connection. We watch them in all the seasons and they calm us in chaos and crazy turbulent times of our lives. When the smoke hid them totally this past weekend, there was a great sense of disorientation. We realized that without the mountains we would not be what we think we are…..we would be mountain-less and many of us would simply move away. Mountains are more than impressive, symbolic topography. Our mountains define our sense of place and are significant in our geographic identity.

Catch the Blooms This Week—This is the apogee of Wild Roses, Lilacs, Dandelions, Trollius and the very beginning of Peonies. This is such a sweet smelling time of year and a part of the year you don’t want to miss. There are far more flashier flower developments during our summer but this particular floral scent time is strong and worthy.

Strawberry Moon—If you can see the full moon this week, it is named the Strawberry Moon. The name reflects the ripening berries and baby animals being born. Summer Solstice is next week, so get ready.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Her “Palmer Buzz 2022 Community Calendar” is available at NonEssentials on Main Street. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222