I can honestly say that it’s well and truly fall here in interior Alaska now! I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, fall means the changing of the seasons, and this is our final fall here in Fairbanks. It’s one step closer to PCSing in about 10 months and, yes, two moves in four years is definitely wild. On the other hand, it’s the end of our final full summer here in at Fort Wainwright, and summer in Alaska is nothing short of spectacular. I will absolutely miss it, and I’m one hundred percent in denial that I’ll have to leave our little Chena Bend community here. But, I’m not going there yet. Today, I’m finally getting around to Currently – the August 2024 in Alaska edition in which we share five things we’re currently doing.
Currently: August 2024 in Alaska
Loving // I am loving the fact that it’s soup season here in Alaska now, though I’m absolutely in denial that that means it’s getting downright chilly already. On repeat this fall are avoglomeno (basically chicken noodle soup with lemon and an egg to make it richer), as well as my maple pumpkin chili and sausage tortellini soup.
On Repeat // We’ve been taking advantage of the final few weekends of fishing we’ll have before it well and truly freezes out here in Alaska. Porter and I went fishing Friday evening and caught five rainbow trout at one of our favorite fishing spots on Fort Wainwright. Then, Porter, Mieke, and I went fishing on Sunday evening, and we caught another eight! We’re loving it.
Smelling // Guys, it smells like fall here. Well, now, it actually smells like that wet “almost winter” scent because fall here is nearly done. The leaves are dropping rapidly (much like the temps), and it’s pretty clear that the first snow is coming sooner than later. Any guesses when it’ll be? Last year, it was the first week of October.
Looking Forward to // Ryan’s marketplace opens next week. For those unfamiliar with the military, this is what happens as a soldier enters his movement (or PCS) cycle. The marketplace opens, which shares the jobs available for his MOS and rank. I don’t think it’s any secret that we’re hoping, praying, willing, and manifesting Korea to happen again, so we’ll have a better idea whether it can truly happen by the middle of next week.
Admiring // Right now, I’m admiring all the hard work my kiddos are putting into their work at school. It’s been a transition for them, switching from homeschool back to public school for their final year in Alaska, but they seem to be enjoying it for the most part. I love seeing them embrace each and every challenge sent their way.
August 2024 in Alaska is one for the books. We closed the chapter on our final full summer here in Fairbanks, we were here for summer solstice and celebrated the Midnight Sun at the Midnight Sun Festival. We soaked up every single ounce of summer that we’ve had, and as we inch from fall to winter, I find myself simultaneously mourning the end of summer and also welcoming our final winter here.
I guess, now we just wait and see when that first snowfall hits, eh?
