Break-up?
Break-up v. to separate into parts with suddeness; to collapse or give way, to change suddenly
A friend of mine from Arkansas was visiting one winter/early spring. Took her to one local hotspot where we sourdoughs shake the cabin fever by dance, dance, dancing the night away. She overheard Jim talking about a "break-up" and remarked it was too bad he was having girlfriend troubles...I explained that break-up had a different significance in the Last Frontier:
Webster's Dictionary cites the above definition of break-up. The second portion of the above is the most appropriate: " to collapse or give way, to change suddenly". Our breakup is nature's melting process: snow and ice melt fairly rapidly - usually within several wks. anywhere from late March - April...even May some years! Many Alaskans would argue the point that breakup does not come quickly enough - after months of shoveling driveways, dodging potholes and darkness to/from work....When I was new to Alaska and still a cheechatko (a newcomer to the ak), break up could be a little unsettling...the sound of ice "cracking" on a lake is frightening when you are boring a fishing hole with your trusty auger - once firm ice - now softened into a top layer of slush! Fortunately that slush covers another two feet of good ol' ice pack. It is amazing how quickly this, too, will disappear. You drive by Jewel Lake on your regular work commute and it is blanketed with its winter ice coat...then take your usual glance one afternoon and voila! the ice is just a memory!
One of my favorite break up activities is betting the Nenana Ice Classic/Breakup Lottery. It has been going on since 1917. A bunch of really smart folks in Nenana, (or maybe they were just bored out of their light deprived minds) - anyway, these sun starved hustlers got the idea to set a tripod up on the Tanana River come January. They set up the tripod, attached a rope and then tied the rope to a clock on the river bank. When the ice gives way sometime in April or May, the tripod falls down tripping the rope and this records the exact time the ice gave way! Last year, the ice let go on April 27 at 3:47 pm -Alaskan Time. 22 people split $303,272.00 - and that is no bullchitna (ak for BS - Chitna is a town on the Copper River).
Ok, the best part about breakup is it signals the end of winter and the beginning of ...no, not spring/summer - you guessed it construction season! (We only have two seasons winter and construction - whoever thought up gold stars on a field of blue for our state flag was way off...our standard/banner should have been those orange pennants the flaggers use).
You asked....
My full blog is found at akfriendanch.blogspot.com
You asked about Fur Rondy...
Many Alaskans live by this motto (to paraphrase/I don't know who made the original quote) : "Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, salmon jerky in one hand - Alaska Amber in the other, body used up/worn out - yelling: whoo hoo WHAT A RIDE!!!
Hence the reason for Fur Rendevous. It is one of the largest winter parties in the United States. Modern Alaskans didn't come up with the idea: bk in the good ol' days miners and trappers would gather at an agreed upon meeting place to sell their furs and in the process catch up on news and cure their loneliness/socialize. In our times, it is salve to our lightless souls. The Rondy, as it is called, breaks up our long winter and brings happiness to all!
http://www.furrondy.net/ see this site for a list of all events and you can also watch the Rondy tv commercials here (or on Youtube).
We have had Fur Rondy in its more updated form, since 1936 (name became official in '37) and over the years many events have been added. Some that I recommend:
Miners and Trappers Ball - A charity costume ball with 2 to 3 live bands, drinkin and dancin'!
Great place to people watch. Folks dress in outlandish costumes and i guess because of a feeling of anonymity, their behavior is sometimes bizzare/eccentric. One year, a group of about twenty coworkers from our local electric/gas co-op dressed as "the Kenai River Dancers" a take off on "RiverDance" that was popular at that time. Michael Flatley would have been proud - as they danced their version in hip waders and flyfishing vests/hats! Contests held for best costumes/beards. As I mention, in blog below, my old neighbor John P. was Mr. Fur Face/Best Beard for many years. The ball is so popular, people line up in the bitter cold early morning to get tickets. You never know what you will see at the ball - one year my friend, Mike, dressed up in a tux instead of costume. We had no idea why - until later that night, he climbed up on stage and asked for Karen's hand in marriage!
Fireworks, carnival, snowshoe softball, the World Sled Dog competition and Frost Foot race are a few of the other fun events.
Remembering Timmy originally posted in Dec. "07
IN MEMORIAM Timothy Stephen Sellers February 25, 1982 - October 20, 2007
Our son and beloved brother passed away on October 20, 2007. He was our biggest hero.This is his eulogy:
The name Timothy means "Gift from God" and Timmy was exactly that! We were blessed to have him as a son, brother, uncle and grandson even though it was for only 25 years. We were all inspired by Tim's bravery during his long battle with his medical conditions which included severe cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Teachers, doctors, nurses, therapists and friends all commented on Tim's sweet, loving and happy nature. He was especially known for his beautiful smile. People said his smile would "light up a room" - many times they remarked that all handicapped children are special, but Tim had a shining, angelic spirit that drew you to him.
Timmy, you taught us to value every day and appreciate the simple things in life. How could anyone have a bad day when we watched you enjoy a Frosty from Wendy's, laugh when you were given a mouthful of "pop rocks" candy, cracking up when your dad drove you over a cattle guard/bumpy road, or just enjoy a hug and big kiss?
Tim may have been the size of a boy physically, but there is no doubt that our Tim was a wonderful, strong and brave man! You fought, struggled, cried and kept on battling, Tim! Your courage/determination and happy nature are what helped you to stay with us for 25 years, when the doctors said you would not make it to your 16th birthday!
To quote a poem by Joy Lundberg: "within your child's restricted frame, lies a great and noble spirit". That poem also says: "Learn from him, nurture him with all your heart and soul. And one bright day, beyond this time, he'll rise up well and whole". That day has come, Tim. As Proverbs says: "now there is new life in your soul and grace in your neck. You shall walk in your way safely, and your feet will not stumble". When you lie down, Timmy, you won't be afraid: yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be painless and sweet! You have earned it - we are so very proud of you! Now God has lifted up your hands and feeble knees and made straight paths for your feet, your illness and hurt are turned out and you are healed sweet son! We are grieving because we miss you, but are joyous because we know you are healed and walking into God's arms plus the loving arms of your grandma and Aunt Judy who proceeded you. We love you and are so grateful that you are at peace....
Forget Aristotle, Plato, Neitzsche, Confuscious...
The above philosophers have nothin' on Larry!
"Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, What the hell happened?" - Larry, the Cable Guy
I remember when I was 20 working as a nurse's aide at a skill care facility...I asked one of my eighty year old patients: "what is it like growing old" and she replied: " you feel the same on the inside, it is just the outside that changes" Hate to admit it, but at 50 I can relate/understand that statement. When I mentioned this truth to another octegenarian recently, and also made the statement - that the older you get the quicker time goes he replied: "Barb, it takes one hundred years to be 21 and two weeks to be a hundred"! Ain't that the truth!