Since winter set in on Alaska, I've learned a few things about life up here that I'd like to share with you:

1. Walking to working in jeans when it below zero hurts, it burns everywhere that is not covered in at least 3 layers

2. Anything above zero is considered warm

3. If the sun is out the town looks like a winter wonderland, snow the covers everything, and it sparkles. Don't be fooled though, sun = below zero

4. Alaskan’s have snow plowing down to an art. They plow everything to the middle of the street then a snow blower and a dump truck follow and clear the center of the streets. I’ve never seen anything like it. Plowed streets rock!

5. People do not use their garages for cars. Garages are filled with stuff. Why someone would want to have to wait 20 minutes to start the car, and stand outside in -15 degree weather to chip ice of the windshield is beyond me.

5. Beware of moose. They can be found just about anywhere, your front yard, the side of the highway, or the Fred Meyer's parking long. I still get excited to see moose, you’d think I would be tired of it by now, but I’m not.  

Moose story: A few weeks ago, I walked to work (see 1). I work at a coffee shop about a mile from where I live. I’ve walked this many times and this day was not any different, aside from my concern for my face freezing off. My shift ended at noon, and I began my trek home. It was crisp and sunny (see 3). A lady had already stopped and asked if she could give me a ride. I declined. I was determined to make it on my own.

My pace quickened as I rounded the corner to the final stretch, excited to soon be warm. I’d made it about a quarter of the way down the street when I saw a calf down the way, munching on a tree. Calves are so cute, of course, but if there is a calf, a cow is sure to be close by and this can be deadly.  Mothers are very protective.

Time seemed to go by slowly at this point as thoughts raced through my mind as my frozen brain tried to make a decision. Should I detour? Walk all the way around the other block and hope the cow was not at the end of the road. But to be honest, I did not know if I would make it, going that much further and survive the stinging cold. I debated on calling anyone because I knew in the time it took for their car to warm up (see 5) I could walk around the block. I tried calling anyway.

Just as I was in the middle of my first call, a 4-Runner pulled up and a lady asked, “Are you stuck? Would you like a ride?” Yes, Yes! I wanted a ride so desperately. I hopped in and as we passed the calf, we saw the cow on the other side of the street. Whew, that was a close encounter!

The lady introduced herself and as I was getting out of the car she said thoughtfully, “Okay, today was a good day. I just saved a life." I am grateful for random acts of kindness.