Big storm in Salluit

The air is full of snow today. We are getting the storm that hit Montreal yesterday. No wind and it is warm out. Really very pleasant. About 6 to 8 inches of snow fell overnight and I would think that much has fallen since I came to school this morning. The flakes are small and there are so many of them that it looks like a white curtain. If the wind does not come up it will be a great weekend to go fishing ( thur 12 feet of ice) and be out on the land.

When we go fishing we travel in a convoy of several ski-doos. Each vechile is totally equipped with what we would need if we are separated. The Inuit put we white folks in the middle of the convoy so we won't cause them problems... like get lost. When we get to the lake, the stoves are lit, the kettle is put on to boil and we start making holes with a gas powered auger. The fishing is very simple... you just put a line down the hole.. it is like a giant apple juice can and you jig it up and down. We use metal lures ( spelling?) Once the holes are are dug ( seems like the wrong term) the men ususally go hunting. Rifles are left with the women in case wolves or bears show up. Needless to say I am not allowed to even look at a rifle, let alone shoot one. I'd injure myself or some poor person but not the bear or wolf.

The rides out of the village to a fishing spot can be several hours. I do enjoy the ride out. We stop every 30 minutes or so to run around to get the blood flowing again. Some people exchange mittens. The Inuit are good about checking we white folk for facial frost bite. But the ride back on the ski-doo is not so much fun. By that time I am tired and cold. Often I am put in the sled with the babies. Now I cheerfully go there. Being an "elder" gives me an excuse and they cannot make fun of me... well they do, but as long as I am warm I don't care.

Yesterday was a very exciting day. I did not check the grammar etc on my blog as there was a gentle knock on my door so I hit send. A dear friend that I did not even know was in the north was flying thru Salluit. What a great surprise. The other news is that my parents, in Florida, purchased and installed a camera on their computer. I have one as well so we were able to see and talk with one another.

My students loved "meeting ' my parents and talking with them. They also saw Elias, Leslie, Jacques and my niece Georgia. Those of you who know me well will wonder how the hell I am managing all this technology. The answer to that is my student Abigail. She is only 10 years old but she is a computer whiz. The air rings with me, rather excitedly saying: "What do I do now?" Often it is easier for her to do it herself as I seldom understand her directions. My teacher's helper, Lissie, is a great computer person too... and she programmed my VCR as well. I often call her Shirley as she always knows where things are that I have misplaced.. just like my Mum.

I hope all is well in your little part of the world.

P