Representing More

As all Alaskans should know, Western Alaska legislator Richard Foster passed away last month from ongoing illnesses. Richard represented Nome and a good chunk of rural AK in the House for about 21 years. The stories, memories and condolences have been many for his service, personality and ethics. I just wanted to share a few memories because, one, I could not attend his services and, two, he represented more than politics to me.

Growing up I did not interact and rarely even knew who were my legislators. That has a lot to do with me, my interests and position in life at the time (busy college student, etc.). Holding office was far-off, foreign and "high up" to me. I wasn't civically engaged and only knew of law-making and processes from classes.

I moved to Nome at the start of my young adulthood and was ready for lots more life learning and experiences. Actually talking to politicians was definitely a part of that. So there I was, a 22 year old with a microphone, flying to the village of Elim to cover a new school opening. I was in the bush airplane sponsored by the school district. That's when I found out our Representative was also on the plane. Oh man--how intimidating! I figured that's someone I should meet and speak to, but what the heck to say to a "politician?" I hadn't figured out yet that elected officials are real people too, and that in Alaska you surely will rub elbows. I scanned the airplane trying to figure out the person. I came to learn later it was the white-haired man wearing camouflage pants. He seemed kind.

Our group spent the day in the Elim High School and I got my news stories. We flew home to Nome but got in later than expected. The air hangar didn't have a working phone and I needed a ride to the radio station. The guy in the camo pants offered me one, because he was going that way (I didn't know at the time he lived right by KNOM). I got into his antique truck and off we drove at nearly 20 mph. It was one of the strangest vehicles I had ridden in, and I was at a loss for what to talk about. No worries, Richard took care of that and from then on I looked forward to seeing him (and the characteristic camo pants) around Nome when he wasn't in Juneau.

Fast forward four years and I was on a personal trip to Juneau. I called Richard's office and my Senator's to ask for a visit as I stopped in the Capital building to check it out. I went from intimidation to seeking out. Richard took great care of me, ushering me around on a tour before the day's session. We took our picture in his office, as all visitors did, and when I seated myself in the Gallery he sneaked in cookies to eat. There were signs clearly stating "No food or drink allowed in the Gallery." Then he introduced me as his constituent, as is tradition. He explained I worked for KNOM in Nome but had come down (to Southeast AK) to lobby him for renaming the station to K-A-M-Y. More words were said and the entire House laughed, smiled at me and continued with the business of the day. I got my Richard postcard a week later (another tradition). Yes, politicians are real people and some of them are ones we actually enjoy getting to know. I thank Representative Foster for that simple and kind lesson.

Nearly everyone I know up here has a Richard Foster relationship and far many more memories or stories than me, but I feel good having shared a little. His son, Neal (my friend and former landlord) has been appointed his replacement. I wish him the best with this public service.

I was touched to read in last week's Nome Nugget that his coffin was driven in that antique truck I remember from several years ago. And I'll keep my Rep. Foster bullet key chain.

*Amy

Truth, Justice and the American Way

A week ago today Andy dressed up IN COSTUME for Halloween and I'm happy to report that fun was had! Thanks for the earlier feedback; we went for the Clark Kent/Lois Lane option and it didn't require too crazy of a get-up.

I dare-say that Andy got into the costume search at Value Village and thought of some nice touches for authenticity. Sadly, I failed in that the superman shirt I ordered arrived the Monday after Halloween, but he faked it with a bright blue Miller Lite shirt underneath the dress shirt. Clark & Lois enjoyed other costumed company at a party in Anchorage.

Ready for a big day of reporting with The Daily Planet.Andy made up some very spiffy reporter badges to clarify our identities. I set them up for wearing.At the party we investigated some suspect characters like the Slap Chop guy (actually nice guy, Trevor) and El Diablo the butcher (Jodi). Were they up to any good?Of course it can't be all work and no play, hence the Limbo. Clark was the last guy in the competition and Lois nearly clinched the win. Hope no one noticed Clark's red cape peeking out from his suit jacket. Identity nearly compromised; I think that Blues Brother was on to him!Clark had to fly into hero status to protect the innocent party guests from the evil ways of Slap Chop guy. Thankfully the mission went well and he saved Lois' life once again!*Lois

Sunday Battles

We are a mixed household and it can create tension. People have asked how we plan to raise our future children. Many people don't even understand how we co-exist. But Andy and I have reconciled our core beliefs, and like good relationships we try to appreciate and come to terms with a difference in opinion, without disrespect.

Today, as nearly every American knows, the Minnesota Vikings play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau field. Apparently a big deal because a quarterback in purple named Brett Favre returns to a field that was home for so many years.

That's right, I'm a Vikes fan and Andy's allegiance lies with the Pack. MN and WI can play nicely as neighbors unless we're dealing with football. We've acknowledged our differences from the very start, but with Favre in purple this year it adds an extra element of careful cheering.

I have strong memories of purple Sundays between my dad and brother and I can't say if that's why purple has always been my fave color. Of course the team tends to disappoint in the end and I'm merely a fairweather fan. Andy's green and gold runs deep and doesn't waiver. It hasn't had to, he's always had Favre. Until recently.

We've come to terms with our fundamental opposition because Andy feels very strongly about the UW-Madison Badgers and would really suffer if I was Go Gophers. Of course I root for the home team but he can have his Badgers and I'll stick to

purple. It's where we find a meeting place. I can't say how our future children will be raised but they will have healthy doses and exposure between both NFL teams if their grandparents have anything to do with it. I suppose they can freely choose, as long as it's not the Seattle Mariners.

Anyway, I want to highlight a bit of the inner workings between Gorn & Flaherty. We shall enjoy the football game circus happening in a few hours...as long as we don't slam the other's team, out loud.

*Amy

Hogan's Halloween

Howling

It would be neat for this time of year to have wolves howling at a full moon set against a creepy old house. Instead, we have howling winds, a big moon and a creaking house withstanding the force of nature.

Last night on my Facebook status I wrote, "Mighty winds in the Mat-Su; the witch flew by, Toto too." That kind of sums up Mother Nature right now.

I planned to go to Walmart for groceries after work but when I could barely walk to my car from the commuter van and saw a Walmart cart corral tipped over, I figured it was safer to head home. Good thing I did because I found outdoor furniture strewn about, UPS packages blown around too! I nestled in thinking our birch trees would snap over. Andy worked 13 hours yesterday due to staff shortages and he said it was like that all day in the Valley.

Parts of Wasilla lost power, but thankfully not us. The Valley has breezy tendencies, but winds gusting to 50mph are expected through Saturday. I think it could make for a spooky Friday night as we watch a scary movie and carve the pumpkin!

The other unusual thing is the lack of snow cover. I think we'll make it to November with no snow! The mountains continue to show more white but I only saw spitting flakes with rain a few days ago. How is it that Southcentral AK is the only area without snow?! Oh well, feels more Halloween-y!

Better brace myself for any flying monkeys, horses or fences as I leave for work today.

*Amy

A Fall Ride

Some unusually spectacular fall weather prompted us to take the new four-wheeler off the home trail to the Knik River Public Access area. It's an adult go-cart land for motorized vehicles set in Mother Nature. The weather was sunny, about 47-degrees, and windy. We threw on the long johns for the first time this season and loaded our Grizzly into the Silverado.It's a myriad of muddy trails near the Knik River and the sand dunes give you a great view of the Knik Glacier and beyond.

Those photos were just to prove to our parents that, yes, we wear our helmets. I thought it would be funny to drive off and leave Andy stranded but as you'll see in the video, I had a change of heart!

We were glad to see only one abandoned vehicle and that there wasn't much for hooligans in the area. It's cleaned up so nicely in the Butte that maybe next time we'll leave the gun at home. Another ride will hopefully take us all the way to the Knik Glacier. The snow arrived on the mountains as we played outside and it made for a nice parting shot.

*Amy & G3

Decisions

Andy & I (mostly Andy) have endured many questions and decisions lately regarding the wedding: theme, stationary font, printing pictures, back and forth on honeymoon ideas, cake design, etc.Whew! We've got a lot accomplished on a pretty advanced schedule, I think. I figure I'll keep working on things and get ahead for the time when I'll fizzle and need a break.

There's one decision that is plaguing me lately and I think Andy's not interested to figure it out any time soon...

...what costumes to wear for Halloween. SHRIEK! SCARE! BEWITCHING!

Halloween holds great potential for us this year because 1) It's on a Saturday, 2) Andy has the weekend off from work, 3) our 1st time celebrating the Ghoulish holiday together. Oh the ideas for what to do and who to be! We've batted around a few, but it's really been ME pushing the dress-up as I want to get crackin' and hit the thrift stores for materials.

Andy has expressed interest to be Danzig. Do you know who or what is that? Me either. It's an 1987 heavy metal band. That would be pretty stellar if he really wants to go for it.

I'm advocating for a Clark Kent and Lois Lane team. Wearing our glasses and pursuing our natural life-saving and journalistic natures...there are many versions and eras to explore within this theme.

Another idea drew laughs from us the other night, but was so good I've forgotten it. Guess the pursuit will continue, assuming Andy actually wants to get in the spirit and have some fun for one year. Not that the pressure is on or anything!

*Amy (the witch)