Back to the Grind

Well we are back to the grind tomorrow. We have had an awesome week off. It has been relaxing but at the same time we have gotten so much done. The weather this week has been beautiful. Every day since we have gotten here it has rained (and when it rains it pours here). Today it is so warm, that I was breaking a sweat on our walk (I don't sweat either). It feels like a summer day at home, with a warm breeze. I actually have all the windows of the house open and the heat turned off. It is so nice to air out the house and get the fresh air in here. I just thought I would share about the wonderful weather we are having since I am always telling everyone how cold it is here!

OH YAH.... we have been here a month tomorrow! Wow, time flys!

Day at the Beach

We spent a lot of time this week at school working on long-range plans and course outlines that are due for the principal and the ministry. We both feel good about our grade programs, grabbing a good grasp on the texts and resources. Since we are going to Thunder Bay next week, we needed to plan for the subsitute as well. Unlike subs at home, the T.A.s supervise the class. Meaning we need to provide seatwork/busy work for all five days we will be gone. It has been hard to plan engaging and instructional worksheets for so many periods/days.

This week the school has brought in a speech specialist to work with identified students. She works out of Burlington and it is her first time to Deer Lake. Claire, Amanda and I took her to the dam (rapids) and the beach (the local attractions). While at the rapids we decided to go for a little hike around the corner to see the other side of the lake, and to get a better view of the rapids.
This is a picture of us hiking. If you can see, the leaves have already fallen off the trees. Unlike at home where the leaves turn a variety of colours, in Deer Lake the leaves have all turned into the same yellow. Still nice, but not as beautiful as home.

I decided to show my strength by pushing down a tree that was simply resting on the huge rock. As you can see in this picture, the ground, especially rocks, are covered in different varieties of mosses.

After the rapids we took the visitor to the beach. As the following pictures will attest, it was such a nice day for a ....

The water was freezing but I wanted to swim while I was up here, and the locals have said that it doesn't get warm enough until at least July. So no time like the present. The day was actually beautiful, albeit the high was still only 10-12 degrees. As for the water, it could not have been any warmer than 3 or 4 degrees, close to freezing. Right now, there is frost on the ground in the morning.

Amanda was challenging me to go swimming, thinking there was no way I would actually do it. As many of you know, I don't have a typical inner thermostat. The swim was actually really refreshing.

After I was finished, Claire wanted a picture taken from the view of the water. So I had to go back into the water and take a photo. This is the photo. Notice everyone is wearing pants and sweaters, while I am standing in the near freezing water with drenched shorts and no shirt. Luckily the first picture passed Claire's inspection.

Bead Looming

Since Greg shared with you guys what himself and the grade 8's did at the cultural program, I thought I would share with you what the grade 9's and I did. We were supposed to go fishing but unfortunately it was raining so that got cancelled. Instead we did bead looming. This is a way to make jewelery. The pictures below are pictures of the bracelet I made. I really had fun doing it and I might even make more!

Channel 19

So there is a local tv station up here and it is channel 19. I actually really like watching it. They post notices about happenings in the community, they sell things, read the bible, sing and do other various activities. I just thought I would share some of the latest things on the t.v station. This is a random sign up on the t.v. station one day. I don't really get it but I thought it was funny. A moose dog chasing a man. It is Traditional Week this week, so a lot of the men and women go hunting so I am sure this picture has something to do with that. The next pictures you may want to use some caution with looking at.

We turned on the t.v. one afternoon and there was two dead moose laying on the floor. This was the most random thing we have seen yet. Although we thought it was funny.

Then later that same day, at night, they were cutting up the moose and packaging it. We thought it was kind of interesting watching 2 ten year olds (approx) cutting up the meat and packaging it with their parents. They were using pretty big knives too.

Just thought we would share some of the happenings on channel 19!

Beach Day

Today we thought we would have a little getaway. So we went to the beach. After a very bumpy ride there we finally made it. There is so many potholes in the road, and by then end of our trip today all three of us had headaches from going up and down so much. Some of the potholes are really deep. We walked the length of the entire beach, it isn't huge maybe 200-300 metres. At the end of it there is a little path that you can follow around to another part of the lake. Since there was a little path we thought we would risk it and follow the path (we have been told never to go into the bush without a local). This is a picture of the bush. It is very dense and completely covered in moss. It is really quite pretty. The moss makes everything so soft and nice to walk on.

Greg and I in the bush on the moss Dexter (Amanda's dog is trying to eat the stick in my hand).

Amanda and Dexter!

On the other side of the path is more of the lake. There was a little shelter frame set up and a fire pit that was basically in the water.

Amanda and Dexter again!

This is the frame of the shelter and if you look to the right you can see a dark spot by the water, that is the fire pit.

G+C Martin 2010- Greg wrote this on the rock with a piece of wood from an old fire.

Dexter thinks he is a big dog walking with a big stick. He doesn't like to carry a stick around to long. He gets bored.

Yard Saling

Wow, we have really posted a lot today, but we just have so much to update people on.



Yesterday we went yard saling. It was quite a different experience. Unlike at home, yard saling(it is called yard saling because they don't have garages) starts at 3pm. In the morning a list was posted on the local channel of who was having a yard sale. Crystal and Vicky copied this list down and then came to pick the three of us up.



We travelled from house to house seeing what they had to offer. Everything was inside peoples homes. The sold clothes and other stuff they wanted to get rid of but the biggest seller was food. The reason the yard sale doesn't start until 3 is so that people have time to cook and bake. I discovered yesterday that most people go for the food and the clothes and stuff is just extra.



Yesterday Greg and I bought an Indian taco for $5. It was so good. I added a little sour cream to it. SO GOOD.

This is a pizza pop. We also bought 2 of these. They were $4 each. Greg ate his and told me it was so good. I was still full from the taco so I am saving mine. It was pretty neat to watch them make these. They roll out the bannock, put the filling in it and then fold it in half. They then put it in a pan of oil and fry it.

We made a few more stops, one being to the Brown Store where we bought a slushie. They also have really good milkshakes there. The last stop was to a house for really good tarts. The pastry was so nice and tasted a lot like my mom and grandmas.

Later that night Vicky and Crystal came over. We hung out for a bit, played Just Dance on the Wii and played alittle Mad Gab. It was a nice evening. Vicky and Crystal also tried Smart Food Popcorn for the first time. They do not have it here. Mom sent us a bag so we shared it and they really enjoyed it. I am glad we are not the only people trying new thing.

This week is Traditional Week so we have the week off school. A lot of the fly in staff have left and went home, or have travelled some where. One lady is in New York City. Amanda, Greg and I are staying here and doing our long range plans and hanging out. I am really looking forward to this week. Hopefully we get a lot done.

The Mop Sequel

So I have been told that some of our readers would like a mop sequel. So here it is. I love my mop, and I am so happy to have it. I just love its long stinky hairs, that clean my floors so good. We track in so much dirt and sand into our house, so I really get a thrill out of using my broom and mop. It has become alittle bit of a Saturday morning ritual to sweep and mop our floors. That about wraps up the life of my beloved mop.

Indian Tacos

As promised by Greg, here is the picture of the Indian taco. I was quite jealous of his taco eating experience, since I lOVE tacos. However he was very nice and made me one, that I shared with Amanda. We loved them. Like Greg, I think I like Indian tacos more then regular ones.

Gone Fishing

For those of you following along at home, September 17 was our first snowfall. At mid-morning with another day of heavy rain, it quickly turned into snow. Since the ground had yet to freeze, no snow accumulated, but it was still exciting all the same. Everyone was pretty nonchalant about it, since this is normal to them. Claire and I were amazed and quickly told them that at home we wouldn't have snow for quite some time still.

Every Friday afternoon, one grade spends time in a cultural program. Last week, Claire and the grade 9s made bead bracelets. This week it was my turn with the grade 8s. We went to the rapids/dam and spent an hour and a half fishing. I kept thinking to myself that this has to be one of the greatest experiences in my lifetime. Taking an afternoon to fish, while still considered part of the curriculum. While at fishing, the snow continued as we survived a small, quick blizzard. The weather then turned again, as hail replaced the snow. All the while the students continued to have fun.

Unfortunately I didn't catch a fish, as I had to supervise the students. I had spent the longest time at one spot casting in all directions. After half an hour I moved along the shore. Vicky's (the Native Language teacher) husband came along to help. After I moved, he took my spot and caught a walleye on his next cast. Altogether there were around 5 fish caught, a mixture of walleye and pickerel.

This is a picture of the grade 8 class. As you might notice, most of them are soaked from head to toe.

A picture of the spot where I spent the most time fishing.

Another interesting observation was the thickness of the bush. Trees are no large than 5 inches in diameter and have very small branches. This allows for many trees to grow in the same area, which creates a thick bush. You cannot walk through the woods by making your own trail. As well, the ground is covered in moss.

This is the rapids where we fished. It creates quite the current.

This is a view standing beside the rapids.

Standing beside the rapids.

After fishing we went back to the school and played games with the students. I played one student battleship, but lost miserably. Then we had Indian tacos. The students had been assigned different food items to bring. A picture of the taco will be uploaded soon, but I will describe its uniqueness now. Instead of shells or tortillas, they use deep fried bannock. On top, they put their meat, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. They then use a knife and fork to eat the taco. I sliced my bannock into two pieces and ate the taco like a hamburger. I will admit that this had to be the best taco that I have ever eaten. It was more filling and the bannock was excellent (it was homemade by supposedly the best bannock maker in all of Deer Lake).

On Thursday night we had our first fundraising event, a flea market. It was quite unique as it only lasted for only 20-30 minutes. People seemed to come altogether and then came at us like a school of piranhas. In less than half an hour we had sold just shy of $250. Pretty good considering almost every item was $1.

At the same time of the flea market, Mission Air was selling their goods. It is company that is owned by a man who used to run a flight service for the north. He now flies into reserves on pay days on sells meat and other grocery items. One interesting item was Big Macs from McDonalds. They were selling for $10/burger and were going fast. Since we were running the flea market we stayed at the school until the end. We found out that as the time goes on, the prices drop for certain items. The man is quite nice and friendly and understands the troubles that come with living in the north (freshness of food and things like that). We eventually bought 4 packages of bacon for $15 (they were selling for $10/package). They are less than a pound each, but were fresh from the butchers that morning. Afterwards, we bought a package of chicken burgers and a ham roast for $15, but I gave him a $20 because I felt bad for abusing his generosity. I told him that he had been nice to us (selling the bacon, burgers and ham for much cheaper) and I wanted to thank him. In turn, he told us to fax him an order for next pay day. He will bring vegetables/fruit/fresh milk and eggs for us. It will be around the same price as the Northern Store, but will be fresh. For example, the milk at the store expires in less than a week, so you can't expect it to last for a while.

Planning, Sick and Planning Some More!

Well it has been a good weekend, but like always it goes way to fast. Friday night was awesome, it was so nice to get off school and know that we don't have to go back tomorrow. It is nice having a day off. Greg and I had a "date night" on Friday. We watched a movie and splurged on pop and chips. It was so nice.

Yesterday we spent the day planning. We went to the school for a good chunk of the day and then spent more time working hard at home. There is just so much to do all the time and when you think you are done there is more to do.

Today Greg has went back to the school. The school has a little work out gym for teachers so Greg has went to work out, and spend more time planning. I am working from home today. Although it has been a good weekend I have been fighting a cold all weekend. It has not been fun and I feel like a truck rolled over me. I think Greg thinks I have the plague because he won't come near me or give me a hug. Mom, I miss your hugs when I am sick. I need you to come and take care of me (possibly make me some tea). I am such a baby when I am sick. I am hoping to feel better by tomorrow for school. I am praying I get better.

Our Week

Hello everyone,

It is has been a week since I last posted and it has been a busy week. We had a fairly good school week. I had one rough morning with my students. They did not want to do anything for me they wouldn't talk, answer any of my questions, or read from their books. I tried talking to them about why they weren't doing any work. The one student answered "I don't want to". So I told them if you are going to waste time in class, then you are going to lose your phys. ed. Unfortunately, I did have to take away their phys. ed. period, but they worked better in the afternoon while they were missing their phys. ed. period. I think they are still testing me a little bit to see what they can get away with.

Greg's week was good I can't say that he had any complaints. He was really excited to watch the first NFL game on Thursday night and is looking forward to tomorrows game also (he does not know who plays though). Out of the three of us I think Amanda had the toughest week. I hope that for her sake it gets better for her.

On Friday's the Native Language teacher takes one grade out and away from school to do some kind of Native activity. Each grade (4-9) takes turns on Friday afternoons going to participate. Yesterday the grade 9's went and because I teach them in the afternoon I went with them to chaperone. We were supposed to go to the rapids and go fishing but because it was raining (by the way when it rains here it pours, and it pours ALL DAY). So we stayed back and learned to make bead jewlery. The technique we learned was called bead looming. It was so much fun. The whole bracelet I was making is made from beads. Anyone who knows me, knows I love arts and crafts so clearly I was totally enjoying myself in this class. I also think it was good for me to sit with the students and be a "student" myself. It showed them that I still am learning too.

Today Greg and I are heading back to the school to plan a good chunk of our week. Hope all is well at home.

EXCITEMENT

I just feel like I need to share my excitement over the fact that we got a.... MOP!!!!!!!!!! Our apartment has all tile floors and they have been quite dirty. We track in a lot of sand and dirt. I try my best to keep things swept up all the time, but it just wasn't cutting it. Today, all that changed. We got a mop and now I have washed my floors. I think it helped a little bit with the dirt, however I think I will have to keep up with it in order to make the stains come off. That was the excitement of my Sunday.

We haven't done much today. We went for a walk and I have lesson planned a little bit. Greg has played Madden and Super Mario and he has also done a fantasy sport hockey and football draft. So it has been a very laid back day, which is nice. Tomorrow we have to work really hard on lesson planning in order to get ready for our week.

Anyways I better go and start getting dinner ready. We are having a roast tonight. What a classic Sunday night meal!

Deer Lake Excursion!

Today the principal, Julia, took us around Deer Lake and showed us some nice places. She wanted to be sure that we knew of places that we could go just to get away for a bit. Places were we might not feel so trapped. Here are few photos from our ride around town today.

This is the local television station. On all the t.v.'s it is channel 19. They do all kinds of stuff on this channel. They have auctions, they play t.v. bingo, they have singers, on Sundays people read from the bible. They even post announcements. It is really quite a neat channel to watch, especially if you want to keep up with what is going on in the community.

This is the penecostal church. I think this one we could possibly walk to, however it would be a long walk. Amanda, Greg and I are still trying to find out more information about how we will get to church and what times they start at.

This is Amanda and I at the beach. It is beautiful here and is a nice walk.

Greg and I at the beach.

The beach. It is beautiful, and is a nice place to get away from things.

This is another nice place we can come to unwind. There is a bench to sit on and read a book in this area. From this spot you can see the beach, it is just across the lake a bit. However, this picture was taken facing the other way.

This is the Hydro Station, it is at Shoulder Blade Falls. It is quite aways from town.

These are the rapids by the Hydro Station. They are natural rapids. This is also a beautiful place we can go to unwind.

This is the airport.

This is the other church by the Northern. It is alittle to far for us to walk. This is the Mennonite church. Apparently there is a strong Mennonite influence in this community. Hopefully we will be able to make it to chuch at some point.

A house. Not all houses look like this.

This is an old teacherage. Some of the first nations people now live in the old teacherages. Houses here kind of have to get passed down to you. Housing is not easy to come by at all. The old teacherages were on the lake. To bad ours weren't still on the lake, it is beautiful.

These are the nurses homes. They are REALLY nice. These are like mansions here. They are better then our house (although ours is nice too).

The view the nursing station and the nurses homes have.

The back side of the nursing station. I am standing on a dock used by water planes.

Today was a big eye opener. This is really a beautiful place and it was great to see things.

Moose and Bannock

Here are a few more pictures from our adventures.

This is a picture of Greg and I on our first day of school. There was no one here to take a picture of us so that is why it is a worms eye view photo.

Tonight we had some of our co-workers over, and they brought some food for us to try. Actually there was a memorial today and it was left overs. Here, Amanda and I are about to try Bannock. It is really good. This bannock was baked and it was much like a biscuit. Bannock is also often fried. When my jam gets here (thanks mom and grandma) I will really enjoy bannock with jam.

Greg and Amanda are trying moose meat. I was to nervous to try it, maybe next time. They said it was really good and tested very similar to beef. I am such a pansy.

The moose had to be salted first.

Tomorrow we are going out for another adventure. We are being shown more of the area so I am sure I will have more pictures and stories.