Endless daylight

Well, my new family has spent a few weeks here in Yellowknife, and the adjustment is going pretty well. The only downside for them, thus far, is the decided lack of what Southern Canada calls 'night'. Both James and Jennifer are having some trouble with this. Just so you get an idea, the sun generally doesn't set until after 11pm for about two months in Yellowknife, and the sky does not really darken much. Currently, we have a twilight of sorts, but for several weeks, you can go outside and read by the light that is still present. They find it rather eerie that the sun sets in the northwest, which is the way our balcony faces. Then, the sunset doesn't fade; it just moves around to the north, then northeast, and rises at three or so in the morning. Right now, it's up at perhaps five. Check www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca and click on Yellowknife to see the latest sunrise/sunsets.

In any event, Jennifer has had some sleepless nights, to be with me during my days off. I work a night shift and am pretty used to the days up here. Even in Southern BC, where I'm from, the days are very long at this time of year, so it was less of an adjustment. Her other sleepless nights are caused by the fact that just ain't any night that happens! For them at least. James, at ten years old, can't yet wrap his head around the fact that it is nearly midnight, and he REALLY should be in bed. Especially when there's still light to play outside. It's a struggle.

The other adjustments are such things as not having the same sort of groceries available here, and the exorbitant prices of certain items. Jennifer gleefully is sharing this information with her relatives in Georgia. I am always quick to point out, no, this is not a Canada thing, it's a NORTHERN thing, Jennifer. We do have different types of foodstuffs here, and sometimes we can't keep the things we take for granted down in the south. We only just were able to pick up leaf lettuce at the store the other day. You have to hit the store early to snatch that up. She was quite gleeful when she reported that she'd gotten some. It sometimes can be like the Soviet Union during the time of Communism. No lineups, mind you. Just having to be there at the right time. Perhaps lined up behind the truck!

Anyways, that just a few of the things they're adjusting to. I can't wait for the first snowfall; they'll be excited. That will be in....September?