G.I. Jane

-8 and clear in Tsiigehtchic today.
Sunrise at 8:45 and Sunset at 21:18.
56 more minutes than my last blog!  Time to break out the spring jacket!

BINGO TALLY - 9 Losses and 2 Wins!

This week's episode of Hell's Kitchen will be on Friday.  I switched my cooking day this week so my firing and the hiring of my culinary successor will be postponed until a later date.  Maybe I will stay in the game yet!  Host Gordon Ramsey will let you know if he is here by then!  I think he is too busy in California and the other sunshine states so I may make the cut and stay on as chief cook and bottle washer for another round. 

Well this past week I have been contemplating the idea of joining the Canadian Rangers.  There was a recruitment officer here last week and he will probably be back in the summer.  The people registered with the Canadian Rangers survey the land for access points to remote areas in the case of an emergency.  They map out dead radio areas and assist in search and rescue operations.  The brigade monitors a 300 km radius around the city.  That definitely does not cover Afghanistan so no worries.  But there is a rifle involved.  Seriously!

They use a #4 MK2(F) Lee Enfield Rifle.  I missed the land and parade drills but can join in the next time a recruitment officer is in town.  They are having a parade on Wednesday when they get back from their patrol.

It involves camouflage uniform pants, boots and we'll have to forgive them for the bright red shirts.  Not so covert.  I am not sure what colour the parka is as it is new I believe.

New on the adjustment front:

Wearing running shoes, capris and a hoodie outdoors is a sign of getting used to the North.  This doesn't happen in really cold weather but even at -25 it can be seen.  Today was a perfect day for it though.  Awesome temperature!  My amazing Canada Goose jacket was way too warm to wear.

I have been walking around with a shoe bag so that when I take off my boots indoors, I will have some shoes to wear.  This week my shoe bag stayed home and I walked around in my socks like everyone else.  Gasp!

You realize that animal fur really keeps you warm and has it's purpose in the North.  You might even get a pelt to put up on your wall.  It hasn't happened yet but just saying I drooled over a gorgeous fox hide today.

The store here is more expensive that in Inuvik and Fort McPherson.  When you can pay $6.22 to buy a large bag of chips and a pop you are starting to fit in.

And here is the big one.  This week I caught myself talking with an accent eh!  Hoooneeestly! 

Drin Gwiinzii