Culture Shock

Today is May 10th, the sun’s rays are slicing through the curtains, the birch trees are budding, and our 41 Alaskan malamutes are howling the most harmonious and heartfelt song you’ve ever heard.  It’s hard to believe that 20 days ago, we were breaking trail in a land that knows no cars, white noises, radios blaring, and emails, which by the way, I have 26,952 unread emails!  (I do not intend to go through them, so if you’ve emailed, please try again.)

Every spring, I have a tough time adjusting to our ever-growing technological society driven by money and fame. I haven’t seen any people for several months, swiped my card at the self-checkout in a store, or said hello to strangers there. I had lived in a world of total silence, except for the dogs’ music and melodies that they sang to the heavens daily and night, and an occasional wind that rustled the willows along the frozen rivers. 

And of course, I could talk to my loving wife, Jan, on the satellite phone for a limited time.  Unless you've been absent from society, these things aren’t much thought of.  And as usual, my outlook on life is viewed from a different angle.  One view is blurred while I am here, but clear while I am distant from it. 

The other day, I couldn’t get the self-checkout to work at Costco.  It kept blaring “Attendant on the way”. Then, a kind old lady, with long gray hair and reading glasses on the tip of her nose, approached me, smiled, and said, “Sweetheart, you must swipe your Costco card first before you check your items.”  Such a simple thing escaped my memory.  I guess my mind was still in the Arctic, wondering how to get my loaded sleds and team over a steep mountain pass, or surviving a brutal blizzard, but not about getting all I need with a single swipe of the card. 

I appreciate your enduring patience for all who have anxiously waited for more stories, videos, and photographs. And I appreciate your support!! I hope to post daily and share the gifts our Good Lord has given freely to me. Until next time: God Bless!!