Monica made it out of here safely on Friday afternoon. I took her out to the airport in the stretch limo (a snowmobile pulling a toboggan). This was during school, so when I got back to the classroom, all my students had their faces pressed against the windows. They turned and looked at me with an accusatory glare. “Why didn’t you stay out there until the plane left?” I tried to explain that she was able to get on the plane by herself, and that just standing there wasn’t going to make her flight any safer. It ended with me yelling, “It was cold, ok? Don’t judge me!” They didn’t say anything, but I know they were thinking bad things about me.
Monica was able to spend some time in my classroom while she was up here. She took my place and read to them after lunch. They liked listening to her read more than listening to me, so she’s got that going for her. I think its because she didn’t make them sit still while she read to them like I do. She did well and the kids really enjoyed having her here. We have drawings hanging on our living room wall made just for Monica. She’ll start her college work when she gets out here in Aug. so she can teach too. The school districts out here in the bush really like teaching couples, so it should not be a problem finding someplace to for both of us to teach. This village will be difficult for both of us to teach in because there are only two elementary teachers in our school and that is what she is going to teach too.
We have less than four weeks of school left. The school year is winding down and the kids know it. Even though it feels nothing like spring here yet, they know the end is near and are acting accordingly. They are able to communicate silently, coordinating behavior that is similar to wolf packs. Or a school of sharks.
It is weird being here alone again. When I look over at the couch, I expect to see Monica sitting there, plotting how to rearrange more of the house. But it does look much nicer than before she got here. I’m going to try and not touch too many things, so they’ll stay the way she put them. I am able to live like a bachelor once again, at least for a few weeks. I can eat out of the skillet again without getting dirty looks. I can use the bathroom without shutting the door. My neighbor may not appreciate that, but she should mind her own business and keep her curtains closed.
It is warming up some, getting above freezing for the past two days. Three days in a row above freezing is called the start of spring around here. It looks like it will be warmer for the next week, getting above 30 for most of the days. I’m not looking forward to the snow melting into a muddy mess. The tundra doesn’t drain well, so there will be lots of standing water and mud. Knee high rubber boots are a necessity here unless you like walking in wet shoes. We had Cabela’s send Monica’s boots here so she’ll be ready next fall. That should let the kids know how thoughtful I am, thinking of Monica’s feet that way. I hope that will buy me about 3 more weeks before they find some other character flaw in me.
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