Well, 2026 has already started to fly by! The rush of the holidays is behind us now and ringing in the new year with some down time feels great. December brought Alaska our shortest days and longest nights but filled with joy as we spent time with friends and family for the holidays. Our December days were some of our coldest as well. Many of our days were well below zero-degree temperatures (Fahrenheit), but I will not complain about all of the clear-sky days we had what little but of sun rays we got.

Christmas and New Years were filled with lots of gatherings at friends’ houses and outings for skiing and walks. The cold won’t slow us down! (mostly…). After the New Year, we took a trip down to Georgia to visit my family. I usually make this happen during the holidays. It worked better with price of flights and the arrival of my brother and his family from Zimbabwe, Africa to make the trip in mid-January. Though a short trip, it was nothing short of boring. Eight nieces and nephews under the age of nine, extended family, and holiday/birthday celebrations had my return to work feel more like a relaxation vacation. But, I would not change the chaos for nothing. Heading down to Georgia meant that we were taking the cold weather out of Alaska and bringing it to Georgia. I guess it is a win-win because the Alaskans were finally able to see positive double digit temperatures and the less visited snow came to Georgia. Not particularly excited to see snow when I am going somewhere out of Alaska, but at least my nieces and nephews were able to enjoy the snow. Some have never seen it!

Back to Alaska, our days are inching longer, and we are all noticing and loving it. Wild ice skating on frozen lakes and rivers still remain in great condition despite having the snowiest January in history in Anchorage! Cross country skiing still remains in good conditions for outdoor activities. February will bring us the pre-celebration of the Fur Rendezvous (“FurRondy”) events leading into the Iditarod race at the end of the month and first week of March. We are excited to start doing more outdoor activities with the milder temperatures and increase in daylight. As the rest of the holidays start to wear off, I am hoping to get out more and capture more breathtaking moments.

To all my friends and family in the lower 48, stay warm but enjoy the snow!!

Brighter Days

“Shakesgiving”