Tok, Alaska in Winter
From 2008 to 2013, I lived in Rural Alaska, not to be mistaken with Remote Alaska. We were on the road system whereas Remote Alaska is not. Tok (pronounced TOKE), Alaska is situated 90 miles from the Canadian border at the crossroads of the Alaska Highway. See what happens when you put a city girl into a very, very, very small town.
Posted by Aliza on February 11, 2012
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/living-in-tok-blog/
I’d love to have some sunshine right about now. It was a monochromatic day of white/gray today. Nothing like the sun we had same time two years ago…
Of course, I shouldn’t complain because today it is -13 degrees while two years ago, we were in the -50s.
So that’s global warming, right? Of course, next week, it could be colder. And last night was -38 so we’re not in the clear yet.
In these parts, around this time, we stop saying “MINUS thirty eight degrees” and instead simply say “thirty eight degrees” because everyone here knows that means BELOW ZERO.
So what kind of weather are you having now?
Posted by Aliza on January 6, 2012
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/let-the-sun-shine-in/
No need for an explanation here. This is Tok, Alaska.
Posted by Aliza on January 4, 2012
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/it-is-getting-cold-again/
Last year I blogged about how dry winters could be in these parts. I even had a doctor in Fairbanks compare the humidity levels in Interior Alaska, particularly in winter, to what astronauts experience in space.
Lately, I’ve been getting headaches, blurry vision and having trouble concentrating. I was concerned it was low levels of carbon monoxide (I’ve had my own CO scare several years back – you can read about the terrible ordeal here).
I did what any person with an Internet connection would do. I Googled. What I found was some pretty clear evidence that the low humidity level is obscenely low and most likely the cause of some pretty significant health issues.
I learned the the optimal relative humidity level for human comfort and health is anywhere from 30% to 50%.
A relative humidity level for an arid desert is 25%.
The humidity level in my home? 2%. Yes – TWO PERCENT.
Here are some of the results of low humidity:
1. Severe static electricity resulting in powerful shocks. CHECK. The static is so bad that I get shocks when I touch my computer, and it often causes my computer to freeze up.
2. Furniture dries out and cracks. CHECK.
3. Severe dry, itchy, red, flaky skin and cracked lips. CHECK.
4. Dry hair, split ends. CHECK.
5. Dry, itchy eyes. CHECK.
6. Sinus irritation, bloody noses, and respiratory problems. CHECK
7. Affects the human body’s ability to get oxygen and can cause headaches, migraines and lethargy. CHECK
8. Affects pets with all of the above.
The cure? A humidifier can do wonders. Even a vaporizer could help relieve some of these irritating symptoms. And the irony is that this house is a rental and came with an enormous humidifier in one of the closets, but we’ve never thought to use it. It’s coming out of the closet now.
Additional reading: Humidifiers – Mayo Clinic
Have you been affected by extreme climates? What happened and what did you do?
Posted by Aliza on December 14, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/the-dangers-of-low-humidity/
Received this via the blog:
Here is another event coming to Tok…..
Christmas Art Show in Tok
WHERE: Young’s Timber Multipurpose Building
MP 1308 AK HIghway
WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2011
12 pm to 6 pm
Tables By: Howard & Jane Fix, Riba DeWilde, Jackie’s Studio, HYDZ Clothing, and Other Local and Fairbanks Artists.
Close-Up Students will be selling Food and Refreshments
Come and check out the art and enjoy a day of shopping.
SUPPORT LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES AND ARTISTS!!
For Vendor Tables, Please Contact Riba DeWilde at 883-2239.
Posted by Aliza on December 8, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/dec-17-christmas-art-show-in-tok/
Last night, the aurora was active around 10 o’clock at night.
If you’ve never seen the Aurora Borealis, depending on how clear and intense it is, it can look like a glow stick has been emptied into the dark night sky and is flowing across the sky, back and forth, up and down, around, in and out. It can have an otherworldly feel to the way it moves, like alien lights, alive and dancing.
Here’s an image we took looking above our house from our driveway at the greenish glow.
Nature’s laser light show!
Posted by Aliza on December 4, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/12/04/the-aurora-above-tok/
We’ve got a new massage therapist working out of Mooseberry Inn. Amelia Bentele-Edwards is now offering a variety of custom massages. She studied in Salt Lake City and is nationally certified in professional massage and bodywork. She has had training in Swedish, sports, deep tissue and reflexology. She also offers pre- and postnatal massage.
Her introductory rates are 50 minutes for $50, 80 minutes for $80, and a 20 minute seated massage for $20. Call 907-328-9051 for an appointment.
Massage is a great preventative health measure, not just a luxury. Here’s an article from the Mayo Clinic about the benefits of massage.
Posted by Aliza on November 24, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/a-new-massage-therapist-in-town/
Kids waiting to see Santa at VFW, Tok, Alaska
A few things coming up in Tok according to the Mukluk News:
Saturday, November 26th from 11am-2pm – Free Cross Country Ski Clinic – All ages – at Log Cabin Wilderness Lodge (Mile 98.5 Tok Cut-Off Road) with Debbie Berg, Tok Ski Coach. Bring your own skis (limited supply of adult skis available for loan) and a sack lunch or hot dog to roast on the fire. Hot beverages provided. 16 miles of groomed trails! Call John or Jill at 883-3124 if you have questions.
Friday, December 2 – 7pm VFW Hall – Special Bingo – $500 to go if at least 25 people
Sunday, December 11 – 2-3pm VFW Hall – Santa is coming to town for 0-11 year olds. Parents must accompany children. There will be a short cartoon, refreshments, goodie bags, and of course, Santa. Sponsored by VFW Auxiliary.
Pick up your Mukluk News around town including Three Bears! Only 50 cents and chock full of news and information.
What else is happening? Feel free to let us know or post it on the Tok Facebook Page.
Posted by Aliza on November 22, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/upcoming-tok-events/
While it reached the minus double digits again this morning in Tok, it was more than balmy inside. Practically like Hawaii. But without the sun, the sand, the surf and the umbrella drinks.
And it got hotter a little while later, topping off at 86 degrees
I guess the wood stove is working. Really, really well.
How are you keeping warm this winter?
Posted by Aliza on November 17, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/baby-its-cold-outside-but-hot-in-here/
It has been a strange few weeks.
First, our beloved sled dog was dognapped. I don’t know what else to call it. Basically, one morning he wandered into the woods around our house to do his business and didn’t come back. This was highly unusual for him as he never wandered far and always came home quickly, especially when called.
After 24 hours, we were worried and 8 hours later set off on a search, following his tracks. The tracks led to a nearby house, and then stopped. Upon knocking on the door, the residents – without opening the door (and locking it first) – said they had not seen our dog.
But the sound of our dog’s collar could be heard muffled. Then a muffled yelp. A few minutes later, he came bounding from around the house. Why did those people say they hadn’t see our dog? This incident was reported to the proper authorities.
Then the other night, my husband was almost attacked by two other dogs at night while walking his dog. It was dark so he wasn’t able to see them well, but he said they were vicious, relentless, and clearly trained to attack people. He was able to fend them off, however, it gave us pause when we thought what might happen if someone less physically big and strong – particularly a child – was faced with these dogs. Again, this incident was also reported, but those dogs are still out there.
We’re headed for a long, cold and dark winter. Here’s hoping we’re not going to have any more strange or dangerous dog incidents.
Keep your dogs close and safe. Keep your kids close and safe, too.
Posted by Aliza on October 27, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/dognappings-and-other-dangers/
It is an epidemic and only gets worse each year. Lice infestation of our children at the Tok School.
What can be done about it?
Here’s a fact sheet that can be helpful: http://www.nuvoforheadlice.com/method_explained.htm
You can find a head lice removal kit online here: http://www.fairytaleshaircare.com/
What are some of your best head lice prevention and removal tips?
Posted by Aliza on October 25, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/another-head-lice-outbreak-at-tok-school/
From the Tok Facebook Page:
Hey all. Ballroom Dance class is starting up.
We’re going to be starting the Waltz. over the weeks we’ll move onto the:
Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha and Swing
Thursday November 3rd in the Tok School multi-purpose room.
Check it out!
Posted by Aliza on October 25, 2011
https://livingintok.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/ballroom-dancing-in-tok/
Living in Tok Alaska: City Girl Meets Rural Alaska 