my life

Ice Fishing

This past week our river has finally allowed us to cross to the other side on snow machines and jig for smelts (hooligan) and tom cods. Many people line the banks of the Kun river pulling up fish throughout the day into the evening. The tom cods and smelts are common, but this year there is another fish that is unwelcome and annoying to its catcher. It is the "devil fish", although edible, this time of the year they are very small and unappetizing. They measure about 6 inches in length and have sharp horns that are dangerous if not careful. They are left behind for the few unfortunate seagulls to devour after the jiggers leave for the night.
This week is also thanksgiving and I want to wish all of you a very happy thanksgiving. I hope you all rest, spend time with family and friends, and get refreshed to finish off the semester. I want to thank you Skip for your patience, quick responses, and experitise in this class. I have truly learned useful lessons in technology.

Quarruuk

The Quarruuk or needle fish is trapped by the hundreds from sloughs. It is about 2 inches in length with needles all around it. It is harvested during freeze up and through out the winter. Many people eat it frozen with seal oil or boiled.It is also used as dog food by many dog owners. Some even use it as bait when fishing over the ice for tom cods and/or smelts.

troops are home!!!

On Friday our community had a welcome home celebration for the 7 young men that were deployed more than a yr. ago to Kuwait. The gathering began with eskimo dancing by our home town group and visitors from Kotlik. Half way through the young men marched in to be recognized by the community. It was a time of joy. The night continued with fiddle dancing and a potluck followed the next day with more dancing.
I remember when they were leaving the whole town was at the airport saying their farewells teary eyed. It seemed like a year would be such a long time to wait for them to come home. It's amazing how time flies, now with thanksgiving and relief the troops are all home safely. CELEBRATE!