Palmer: Heartbeat of winter

It started with a single, solitary snowflake on Saturday night. Tentative it was; cautious and slow in its’ descent. It was followed by another volunteer snowflake. And other. Soon there was a full team of snowflakes falling. Then their reinforcements arrived in a forceful flurry. Within an hour, legions of snowflakes descended fast. And they didn’t stop at one inch. Or two. They aggressively bombarded the brown leaves and dead grasses. Angular sticks and logs were softened into white mounds. Their goal was to make it all white. Within 24 hours there was a full foot of snow. None of the fall deadness remained.

The first snowfall is a wondrous thing. Perhaps there is nothing more peaceful. It is like Nature is taking care of itself and putting our earth to bed under a soft white blanket. For Alaskans, the first snowfall is usually a joyful occasion. The 100th snowfall is not. But for now we know some predictability and reassurance from our white world of snow.

Some are thrilled and waxing their skis. Some are digging out their snowshoes, doggie harnesses and sleds. Farmers are breathing a sigh of relief; whatever root crop remains out in the Palmer fields, now stays put. It’s senseless to try and dig out the few remaining parsnips or potatoes. Likewise folks with hoses and garden tools will gratefully not see these reminders of procrastination. They are covered now and can be forgotten until spring, five months away.

Life is quilt free now. There’s no mowing or fixing or pruning. It’s time for nesting and hobbies. It’s time for books and movies. Snow’s silence and insulation hushes the world. It allows us to figure out where the cat wanders, now that we can track her little footprints. We’ve had a glorious fall and an abrupt ending finale. Our Halloween-ers will once again be forced to Trick or Treat bundled in snowsuits, looking less like a costumed character and more like a mish-mash of accidental clothing choice and mask.

So get out your shovel and snow-machine. Fill your bird feeders. Drive Winter safe. Enjoy the snow season to the fullest. Dress warm. Winter’s here and it’s time to both play and hibernate.

PALMER DRIVE-IN

We have the coolest town. Our friends Kelly (Alaska) Picker and Gordon Humdinger created yet another fabulous event; Friday night was the debut Drive In movie at the Alaska Picker. I watched as the cars lined up and it was just crazy fun. Kelly says he will do it again but we don’t know the date yet.

PALMER HONORS OUR DEAD

Halloween is over and now we have the serious and wonderful opportunity to honor our dead in rich tradition. The Palmer “Dia de los Muertos—Day of the Dead” nondenominational ceremony will be held at the United Protestant Presbyterian Church at 713 S. Denali Street on Saturday and Sunday. The inspiring altar and amazing labyrinth is open on Saturday from 4-8 and the Family festival is on Sunday from 1-4.

PALMER THIS WEEK

There is plenty to do in Palmer this week. Here is just a snapshot of cool activities: Annual Harvest Dinner at Mat Su Senior Services on Thursday, Sherrod Teacher Appreciation on Thursday, Swanson Teacher Appreciation on Friday, November Song Writer Showcase at Klondike on Friday, Frontiersman 2018 Women of Distinction Awards at Raven Hall on Friday, “Murder on the Red Carpet” at the Annex on Saturday, Alaska Healing Hearts Art at Remax Frontier on Saturday, Palmer Illustrated Journaling Workshop at Level Seven on Sunday and the wonderful Joe and Melanie Trost Prime Rib Fundraiser at Palmer Moose Lodge on Sunday Evening.

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.