Palmer Alaska Buzz week To remember

Last week was a week to remember. The Northern Lights performance was off the charts with high drama in the night sky. Purples, greens, golds, blues streaked and wavered across the sky and the awe of the show startled everyone……even traditional aurora watchers. Planets, stars and even the moon were in attendance. Without exaggerating there were hundreds of pictures posted on the Fb version of the Palmer Alaska Buzz. Pictures were chronicled from every angle and every backyard and it felt like we were drowning in wonder!

Last week there were the standard 40-50 small daily little earthquakes. There were some rather interesting bigger earthquakes that shook us up a bit. We also had a major wind storm which tested the staying power of lawn chairs. Else where in the country were the two monster hurricanes, huge flooding along with dozens of tornados. Locally library demolition is commencing soon, pre election tension is showing up with signers at intersections, and there was general unrest at Palmer City Council. Also all sorts of black flies are sneaking indoors to escape the nighttime temperatures.

Better Days Ahead—Although this past week was peak drama, the remainder of the month of October promises to be full of pumpkin spice, colored leaves, children and animals in cute costume, candy and snacks, sunny days, chilly nights, not too cold and not too hot, beautiful fall scenery and lovely outdoor fires to enjoy.

Murder on the Water Tower

Yes, it was a stunning scene, right on the very top of the Palmer water tower. An unnamed source reported the murder—on late Sunday afternoon. It seems there were a great number of ravens warming their tail feathers on the sunny reflective surface of the Palmer water tower tank. And, the plural name for a group of ravens, is a correctly termed “murder.”

The Buzz in Palmer is Prepping for Winter

Palmer winterizing is at full tilt. Tire shops are booked. Last minute outdoor projects are being thrown together in overdrive. Frosty gutter cleaning is a popular destination. Furnace filters and furnace technicians are in demand. There may be a few more days for sealing decks but you’re gambling this late in the season. More than a few homeowners have been sadly surprised with their outside frozen spigot because they didn’t disconnect their hoses. It doesn’t take much of a freeze to jam up that water system. Snow shovels are being retrieved, along with snow tires. Also look for that ice scraper and throw it in the car along with an extra blanket. Antifreeze is being added, but don’t spill any on the ground or you could kill your pet. Check your fire extinguisher and smoke alarms. Extra water bottles don’t do well in the car once it freezes but snacks keep pretty well. Folks are putting up vegetables with a vengeance and pulling in plants. Washing windows will help our shy sunlight come through during winter. And loading up on the little fairy white lights keeps things happy as the dark season starts to settle in. So much work is getting done, it makes you want to move south or start hibernation.

Lights Up In Palmer—We have a little over 10 hours of daylight now but it is shrinking. It’s kinda hard to deal with the active sunlight loss. But this is when we are proactive and planners. We know dark time is coming and we know outside lighting is more than merry. Outside lighting in Palmer is indicative of warmth, hope, and goodness, even in the darkness. It exudes a positive and safe environment. It is more than just being merry; it is welcoming and comforting.

Palmer Personal Lights On—Because of the loss of sunlight, it is definitely time to don the lights—on both you, your kids, and your pets. Reflective tape strips on your jackets, boots, hats, headbands, or snow pants is a huge help in the darkness. It doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase. Become a reflective pedestrian, biker or runner. There are many different types of convenient items that will make you reflective and safer. There are creams, bracelets, arm bands, belts, vests, socks, pants, jackets, head bands, shoes, and belts.

Palmer Animals Lit Up Too—Your animals might have the reflective material built into their collar. But if they don’t, you can always add some reflective tape to their leash or collar. Or, better yet, add a small little blinker—about the size of a quarter—available at Animal Food Warehouse. It’s small but rugged. I have used this for years and it works really well. Plus my dog feels extra special and important too when he wears it.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Email bhunt@mtaonline.net or text at 907.315.3222