It’s getting cold again, the weather making its inevitable march toward winter. The plumes of steam and smoke from the power plant, equipment, and out-buildings stretch for hundreds of feet in the wind. The air is crystal clear, as if frozen in place. The snow crunches differently, more loudly, more sharply. People are dressing heavier again - skin is covered and clothing for short hops has gone from fall and spring stateside clothing back to our heavy ECW gear. You can feel the wind creeping into the Jamesways, and poorly insulated buildings struggle to stay warm.

It’s -35 F with a -60 F wind chill. That leaves me several months to get used to another 65 degree drop in air temperature.

The moon was up in the sky today and I can’t help but wonder what it will look like in the dark of the winter freeze, if I see it differently than in Minnesota, standing upside-down and all. The sky is powerful here, and I look to it often. We may even see a solar eclipse (partial) next week, or so goes the word of mouth. I’ll be looking into that. My first season here was opened with a 90% totality eclipse - a view of the world quieting for a moment as an entire community paused their breathing, spoke few words, and the sky dimmed.

Cold, yes. But beautiful and serene too.