Magnificent March

This is a time of liberation. Our light has returned. The sun has warmth in it. Many of our friends, neighbors and relatives have received their vaccinations. Seed packages are for sale at the grocery store. Owls are hooting. Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend. It feels as if we are free of some of the stress and concerns we have lived with for quite a while. One year ago we were just entering the Covid chaos and subsequent events. It’s been a difficult year for so many of us—children, elders, teenagers, parents, teachers, and friends. But now it feels like we can get ready for a return to open life and connection. Hooray for March! Be careful but go outside and enjoy the energy.

Palmer Area Pothole Designations and Names—This is the time of year when the pavement cracks, under the strain of a long winter. Potholes around Palmer are known quantities, but now we’re starting to name them. Here are the crowd-sourced nicknames: On the corner of Mars and Clark Wolverine is “Valles Marineris.” “Infinity” is located at the corner of the Old Glenn and Clark Wolverine, although it also has a nick name of “Permanente.” “Insivibilia” is the pothole at the entrance to Midtown Estates; it remains hidden despite its depth and width. And residents are afraid of it! “Corner Round” is at the intersection of Tait and Seldon; neighbors say it is always a game to miss the hole and often drive off the side of the ditch. “Big Dipper” is nominated as an exciting frost dip, second to none, on Outer Springer. Apparently it is only seasonal. “Dodder Dip,” or also known as “Shaky Lane,” is a long rut at the Trunk and Palmer Wasilla Highway intersection; this one makes your tires wobble. “Lotsa Pits” is located at the entrance to Subway and Burger Jim’s on the PW highway. “The Thunder Dome” is on the Old Glenn highway, after you leave the Matanuska River bridge. In the same area is “Grand Canyon,” which is a series of potholes on the eastern approach to the bridge. And finally, favorite “Old Clunky,” is a special pothole on the Springer System.

Palmer Pie Day—This Sunday is Pi day. Or Pie day, if you live in Palmer, Alaska. And actually we will just celebrate pie—all weekend. 3.14 is the traditional mathematical concept but fresh Pie is the reward. At exactly 3:14, in the afternoon on Sunday, people will be eating pie in honor of Pi Day. Some people will bake their own pies. Some will buy their own pies. Special little mini pies will be prepared and sold in Palmer for $3.14 on Saturday at NonEssentials, on Main Street, across from the Depot. These little pie-lets will be dangerously delicious. Usually other Palmer Pie Places also get into the pie-game for this day. Prepare yourself now to practice Pie Day safely and joyfully.

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.. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222