I’m tickled pink over this year’s Yukon Quest.  You all know Hans Gatt broke the record and finished the race in just 9 days and 26 minutes.  Odd thing is, what were the chances that two other mushers would also break the finish record?  And what about a 1,000 mile race and only 2 teams stratching?  I’d say we’re surrounded by athletes that rate right up there with  Olympians.  And by golly, I like doing it the Alaskan way!  I’ve been rootin’ for that young man from Fort Yukon, Josh Cadzow, for years.  Congrats on receiving the Rookie Award– keep up the good work!

Keep that snow a-coming down.  We need it for the Open North American which is just a few weeks away.  And while we’re waiting for that and more outside fun, we’ve been busy as beavers inside the store getting gussied up for spring.  You’ll need to come by to see what the staff put out this week-new scarves that appeal to your arty side, books, stuffed animals, bright new bath fizzies (I’m about ready for a bath this time of year), handbags, and lots more.  Come on by–it’s a party!

10 February 2010 Whew!  Can you imagine driving a dog team almost 400 miles in three days?  That is some fast driving!  I’m dancing with glee that no one has scratched yet, and even though some teams have dropped dogs, it’s on toward the next check point for all 24 teams.  I understand Steer and Mackey have broken some distance records on this trail already.  It’s anyone’s guess how soon the winner will be in Whitehorse.  It can be pretty fast sledding in the flat places.  Hold onto those dogs and keep your hat on!Keep tuning in, as I do, to the updates on KUAC and check the Yukon Quest website for the latest information.

5 February 2010 Tomorrow is the start of the Yukon Quest!  Don’t miss joining me downtown to wish the mushers well as they begin their long journey.  As you can see by the photo on my photo page, we had more snow for this race two years ago when it last started here in Fairbanks.  I’m pleased as punch that one of our own drew Number One out of the chute.  Go Abbie–you can do it!  Lead those teams right out of Fairbanks and over Eagle Summit!  I’m rootin’ for you all the way.  Let’s give all the teams a great send-off tomorrow morning and keep tuned in to Quest updates on KUAC and the Quest website.

19 January 2010 January’s a bleak month to stand out here on the sidewalk.  It’s cold.  It’s dark.  Hard to be positive, even though I try.  Ravens fly by, land on lamposts-they make me smile with their antics and their puffed feathers.  The postman, the UPS guy and the Fed Ex man all make me smile as they deliver boxes to the store.  Some of those boxes will spill spring colors out into the street, and I’ll know that soon my world will be warmer and brighter.   All you need to do is come on by the store for a good dose of spring.  It will cure the winter blues!

 26 December 2009 Wishing you the very best this holiday season!  I hope you take time to be at home with family and friends, enjoy our warm weather and some outdoor sports during our brief period of light, and do something special for and with those you love. 

 I always take some time during the holidays to reflect on the year and make plans for the future.  I hope you will, too.

8 December 2009 I’m cooking up a storm in the kitchen, making candy and cookies, fudge and brownies, holiday treats for all my sweet friends.  During the day as I watch all of you go by, I think of how I can wrap all my concoctions for my friends to make beautiful presentations.  I love to make folks smile, don’t ‘cha know!

I can pick up many of the things I need right inside the store.  Holiday wrapping paper, beautiful glassware, trays, bento boxes, bowls and mugs.  All of these finds work well for me when I’m giving cookies and hot chocolate, fudge and caramels, and other treats to my friends.  Come on in and find what works for you; our staff is very happy to assist you with your selections.

 20 November 2009 We are blessed to live in Alaska where there is so much wide open wilderness.  It is full and rich with meaning and life.  This morning the alpenglow of the predawn sky was magnificient with the Alaska Range crisp and bold beyond the valley.  Ravens puffed to warm themselves, and the frost and snow shimmered on the trees as light advanced.  I am thankful for all of this and more.  Interior Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I know!

And here at the store there is beauty unfolding all around.  Much of the 2009 holiday collection is inspired by nature.  You’ll want to make a point to come in and see the center table, an elegant yet understated statement of the entire holiday season.  It is awe inspiring and festive and helps to open the heart to thansgiving, love and compassion.  I’ll be looking for you to come by soon!

 12 November 2009 I can’t decide whether to sing or recite Robert Frost.  You know the poem, “Whose woods these are, I think I know…”  I just love feeling the snowflakes on my face and watching the snow mount up beside the road.  Snow signals the beginning of all the wonderful winter sports-skiing, skijoring, mushing-I love them all.  But right now, I want to draw your attention to the inside of the store.  The elves are working until late every night getting ready for this holiday season.  Everyday there is more glitter, shimmer, and sparkle.  So come on by and feast your eyes!  Just stomp the snow off your feet before you come in!

 18 October 2009 Well, here I am, all gussied up in my Halloween outfit!  It’s just now chilly enough to warrant my wool cape.  I’m sqeezing everything I can out of fall, just like you would the last bit of toothpaste in a seemingly empty  toothpaste tube.  I’ve pressed some fall leaves so I can look at them when the ground is white with snow, but mostly I’ve worked with the staff here at the store to bring fall inside.  After all, it’s my most favorite time of year!  The harvest table sings with deep greens, golds and browns.  Plus, the specialty food selection puts a sparkle in my eye and a yummy in my tummy!  It’s soup to nuts-literally!  So get on down, one more squeeeeeeeze to go.  The forecast is for snow on Monday.  You don’t have long.

02 September 2009 Hip, hip hooray!  We just completed an inaugural launch of our newsletter with a selected list of our Super Special customers.  In the future we’ll be adding others of you who have notified us that you want to receive newsletters and updates on store happenings.  So be watching for future correspondence!  And if you’re not on our mailing list, go to the contact us section of the website and sign up.  You’ll be glad you did!