Cold, bloody cold

A mass of cold air has settled on Salluit the past few days. It is clear, sometimes a bit of wind but the cold is intense. My window in the living room has not been repaired ...just a patch job... but it only was broken last June. Eight months is not a long time to wait for such a repair. That makes the living room rather cool on bad days. ANd people wonder why I was sick for two weeks in Oct. Another teacher's home has the same problem but they are expecting a baby soon. That will be difficult for Mum and Dad with a newborn.

With all the cold clear weather people are skating and playing hockey on the river ice. What a hardly group. I couldn't do it for love, nor money. I havn't even walked down to watch. I know I should but it is a long walk from my home and the only days I have for a walk are on the week-end. Then I'd rather sleep. I do walk to the Northern for my groceries though.

My students have been working very well the past few weeks. January was a bit slow but these days I can hardly keep the work done up ahead. They are also cheerful little scamps most days. A serious, on going, problem is the lack of sleep . The young students are often at the arena until late into the evening. Trying to teach preteens who have had very little sleep is a challenge. It is surprising that so many show up when they are so tired. Several of my boys are now time keepers at the arena so they are up there all hours... not just when they are playing hockey.

There are several girls' teams as well this year. So it is not just the boys who are tired . One of my female students is playing in the women's league. She is a fine player at age 11.

The social life has been rather hectic as well. Hopefully that will come to a close this weekend. There is a baby shower for one of the spouses of teaching staff. I will be hard at it, baking again. Next weekend there is a birthday but that should be a low keyed celebration. Never have I cooked as much as I have the past two or three weeks. It seems like I was cooking and baking constantly. The day I had to get up at 6 am to do yet another cake was a bit much. But then things may heat up again the first of March. Several pals are due in for a prolonged visit. Hopefully they can do some of the cooking while I am at school.

My parents continue to ship huge, heavy parcels with a great degree of regularity. We received two this week. Kativik , my school board, has not allowed us any money for three years for art supplies. Recently there was a sale at Walmart on coloured pencils and we were lucky enough to receive 5 boxes. Almost all our materials for Valentine fun came from my deal ole oldies. Sara also sent up a large envelope of materials that she found at the Dollar store for us. My classs and I are so pleased that so many people remember us. I read somewhere that most teachers spend over one thousand dollars of their own money per year on their students. I think it is a great deal higher in the North.

When we are south we can see things that would help us and the students in the classroom. In an English classroom you can never have too many books. Not only do we have to pay for it but we also have to ship it north. There are no special discounts for teachers sending up school supplies. I am most fortunate that my parents take such an interest in my students. Right now my room is bursting with blooming flowers because of the bulbs that Dad sent up in the fall. He even sent a box of dirt. The students measure the Amaryrillis each day... you would not believe how fast it grows.

We have only had one half a snow day so far this year. The weather remains cold and clear day after day. Sara has lost more time to storms than we have in the north even though Nova Scotia has had a record breaking warm winter. Mum says she is wearing her Salluit fleece in Florida to play shuffle board. Hopefully the weather will stay like this for a few more days. The planes are arriving regularly with fresh fruit and veg. The last turnip I s aw in the Northern store was over $8.00. I have stewing beef, carrots and potatoes but cannot afford a turnip. Dad is sending one from Florida. What a treat that will be when it arrives.

I hope this finds you all well.
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