Times of Sewing, Feasts, and Security

A few of us have been getting together on Saturday afternoons for a craft club of sorts.  After piecing together sewing machines from the sad array of parts and machines owned by the school, we have 2 that function well to share.  We've been learning how to sew the traditional garb qaspeg (pronounced kus-puck) using the method passed down from mother to daughter in native villages.  It is very interesting, and quite efficient.  No pattern, no cutting, no pinning.  You measure a garment that fits you to gauge the size, and rip the fabric instead of cutting.  I've been cheating and using pins, though!  Pleasant hours have been passed while sewing and chatting... I'm reminded of old fashion quilting bees.  

I had moose 3 times this week!  'Tis the season, I suppose.  We celebrated a birthday at a native family's home with Moose & Potatoes, Fried Halibut, Fry Bread, and a Crisco and berry dessert pronounced a-goo-duck.   Even the teachers who don't like fish gobbled it all up!

I was amused when they served pizza at the first year teachers' training and some of the teachers were groaning how long it had been since they had eaten a slice of pizza.  I've had more pizza than ever here in Toksook!  Our science teacher has some serious pizza skills, and regularly hosts pizza and game nights.  Last night I played 2 games that were a riot: Banana Grams & Balderdash.  I'd never played either of them before, and thoroughly enjoyed them!

There are a couple of sobering security issues looming here, though.  A judge ruled last week that a troubled young man would be allowed to return to the village, even though he fired shots at school personnel last spring.  We'll be practicing our lockdown procedure next week.  Unfortunately, my classroom doesn't have a wall or doorway, so we will be screened only by bookcase on wheels.  

The other issue involves vandalism... a large rock was hoisted through the window of a teacher's house.  Shattered glass and shattered emotions have been gathered, but a feeling of insecurity still lingers.