Palmer Alaska Buzz

Good bye January 2024— We survived January and now we are on the downside of winter’s darkness. Light is growing in huge chunks daily. Tormenting winds have ceased and most of us lived through it—with stories to tell. Despite all the cold, January was a very photographic month. Indigo skies, white mountain tops, frosted tree limbs, frosty crystals. We never get tired of taking snaps of our sunsets, sunrises, mountains and creatures. Sometimes social media has dozens and dozens of the same event, from many different viewpoints. It’s a phenomena because each Palmer area photo is better than the last one. I think documenting these events is one of the singular ways we appreciate where we live. It causes a pause in our lives, to stop, catch your breath and take a snap of our wonderful world.

Hello February 2024— February generally, in Palmer, is a very good month. Our light has returned and we are picking up five minutes a day. This month celebrates the Lunar new year of the Dragon! We think wishfully that the worst of winter is behind us. There are milder, seasonal temperatures. There is a snow moon. There isn’t a melt yet but with the bit of warmer temperatures and increased light—comes hope.

Sweet Gypsy— New Restaurant in Palmer—Sweet Gypsy is located at 327 E. Blueberry Ave, in downtown Palmer. It is at the location of the former Omnivore and Humdinger’s restaurant on South Valley Way. This restaurant’s launch is a wonderful thing for Palmer because it brings gourmet paninis, bread-bowls, cheesecakes, and pizza by the slice to Palmer. The food is delicious, fresh and full of flavor. The owner is committed to serving good nourishing food and she offer dinners, either eat in or totally prepped for your take-home cozy dinners.

February is One Year— This will be our one year anniversary of the Palmer Library Roof Collapse. Many will remember this scary event from last year and many more will have felt the changes since the old library had to close. It is heartening to see that our community has made the necessary adjustments in the transition. Planning and preparations are underway for a new library. Community leaders have led the way in acquiring funding and supporting the temporary quarters for the library.

Remember that the Ice is Not Gone —Our December and January wicked weather has left its legacy with the solid ice layer, hiding under the snow. It is brutal and hard to land on. It is sneaky because one doesn’t usually see it before it grabs you and yanks you down. Be aware and careful.

Beginning of February— We also know that Groundhog’s day is February 2. Celebration of rodent day is always a favorite. Groundhogs are sweet mammals but not found in Alaska; however the charming hoary marmot, often seen and photographed at Hatcher Pass, is definitely a clever cousin to the groundhog. There is also a certain history associated with February 2, often referred to as Candlemas. February 2 falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In Ireland this is a holy day celebrating St. Brigid, the Grain Goddess. The theme of all these celebrations is birth, fertility in the earth, and lactation; I’m not sure if this is significant in the Palmer area but I have heard of baby goats and lambs being born recently. Plus there are seeds being planted right now at local greenhouses. Hope for spring is clearly evidenced, with all the seed rack displays at the stores. Plus shovels and sleds are on sale now, signifying their prime season is fading.

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