Ernie Evan
Lillies, Carnations, Roses and Orchids in Alaska. Who'd a'thought it?
Thank you for a wonderful sweet smelling & gorgeous array of flowers on valentine's day from Acacia Floral & Russ, Hannah and Leslie! 
Band Pantheon will be playing for the Festival of Lights
Pantheon, a steel drum band from Fairbanks, will perform in the old library room (located in City Hall) directly after the fireworks display at approximately 8 pm on Saturday, February 16 in Delta.
The band members include Rhonda Gilbertson (six bass), who grew up in Delta Junction, David Hollowell (double seconds), Christopher Lubken (tenor), Rose Meier (triple guitar), and Jim Vogt (drum set).
This tropical-themed event is free to attend and there will be door prizes, hot cocoa, hot cider, and dancing will be encouraged. This is event is sponsored by the Delta Community Library. For more info, please contact 895-4102.
It's been well below -50 oF but it's warming up!
What did mama buffalo say when her youngest went off to college?
"Bison."
http://www.free-kids-games.com/
A diet rich in berries may boost levels of good cholesterol and improve blood pressure, signifying its potential benefits for heart health, according to a new study from Finland, reported NutraIngredients.com. Full Story
http://www.usda.gov/2008/02/0036.xml
STATEMENT BY AGRICULTURE SECRETARY ED SCHAFER AND U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE SUSAN C. SCHWAB REGARDING THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S POSITION ON RECENTLY PROPOSED FARM BILL AMENDMENTS
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Interest Rate Summary
Rates valid from 2/08/08 to 2/08/08
Loan Programs
30 Year Factor ........... 15 Year Factor
Rural Housing *5.625 .005757 5.250 .008039
Rural Non-Owner Occupied * 5.625 .005757 5.250 .008039
Tax-Exempt FTHB (TEP) and Veteran Tax-Exempt (VTEP) 5.500 .005678 5.125 .007973
Veterans Mortgage (VMP) 5.500 .005678 5.125 .007973
Taxable 5.875 .005915 5.500 .008171
Non-conforming 6.125 .006076 5.750 .008304
Taxable First-Time Homebuyer 5.750 .005836 5.375 .008105
Got a recent email from a former Delta resident: I asked her if it was okay to put as an entry & she said yes.
Former 1971 Delta Graduate Tracy Taylor:
"Ruby,
I graduated in 1971.
I'm Tracy Hempstead, used to be Tracy Taylor.
I check the Delta NewsWeb often, and chuckled this morning
when I saw your post for summer flowers.
I'm in Virginia now, and it's entirely too warm. It was in the 70's
yesterday, which is completely stupid for January.
I miss 50 below and ice fog. I even miss buffalo!
You know the saying....'you can take the person out of Alaska,
but you cannot take Alaska out of the person'. it is so very true.
Your blog pictures are great. I really enjoy your postings..
Someday I intend to bring my husband to Alaska, and treck
around the Delta that looks entirely different than it used to, I am told.
And I am seriously considering bringing him "home" in late
January or early February.
He'll see better Northern Lights than he EVER saw in Vermont,
where he was raised. (he thinks he knows all about cold, coming
from Vermont.....)
Have a wonderful day, bundle up well!
"yes, you can add what I wrote to your blog.
thanks for the quick answer!
I'm sitting in my office watching red wing blackbirds and robins
in the yard. since my office is at my house, I watch deer a lot
also....especially when they're eating all my plants. they really
like to do that. This in February. It should be cold, but, no, we
have birds and green grass. There are plusses to a real winter.
Buffalo....I remember buffalo from as long as I remember
anything. are they still as unpreictable and stubborn as they
used to be, or have you guys bred some of that out of them?
what I really hated was driving down the road (in the dark, of course)
and seeing legs and glowing eyes in the headlight beams....
another buffalo planted in the middle of the road. all you could
do was slow down, hope they moved (50/50 chance), and start
watching for a nice place to go in the ditch. I'm glad you've found
something productive to do with them!
yes, I remember Keasters, I think they were a couple years ahead
of me. Cummings....Jimmie was in my class, and Fetts, I think
Dale was a year ahead of me. Bobbie Green was in my class,
is he still up there also?"
Tracy
Sienna the "bison guard dog" checking out the young bison stock calves........
Ron Liewer, the founding father of Delta hockey, at the Kenny Lake vs. Delta game in February
Ron is visiting for a couple of months from his farm "outside". He was the teacher that started the hockey program up in Delta Junction many, many moons ago.
Scott cutting the firewood brought timber-length by logger, Harry, from Cummings Road
Delta Farm Forum Set for Saturday,
March 1st From the University of Alaska Fairbanks,
Cooperative Extension Service
This annual agricultural event will be held at the Delta High School small gymnasium on Saturday, March 1st beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourning at 3:00 p.m.
Producers and professionals from Delta and around the State will be presenting information on a variety of agricultural related topics at the Delta Farm Forum.
The local 4-H group, DJ Saddletramps, will act as Master of Ceremony and assist with the program. Fresh doughnuts provided by the local IGA and hot coffee will be served during the morning session. Several ag-related businesses and special interest groups will set up in the hallway to provide information and answer questions during the forum.The first speaker has yet to be confirmed, however they will be delivering the “Welcome” address.
Geographic Information System Program Manager Collin Barnard with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District will discuss the results of the geographic information system in farm management, followed by Agricultural Extension Agent Phil Kaspari, UAF Cooperative Extension Service who will present information on the fertilizer forecast for 2008 and the weed free forage and straw program. After the first break a panel tentatively consisting of Peter Fellman, Bryce Wrigley, Phil Kaspari, and Jeff Durham (all local producers and/or professionals) will host a brainstorming session in regard to the Alaska State farm bill. Next on the agenda Director Franci Havemeister with the State Of Alaska, Division of Agriculture will give an update on the Division of Ag.A highlight of the forum is the potluck luncheon, which will begin around 11:30.
Main meat dishes, scalloped potatoes, and rolls will be provided through donations. Guests are asked to follow this schedule when choosing a dish: A-F = Potatoes or equivalent, G-L = Salads, M-R = Desserts, S-Z = Vegetable. Please be sure to put your name on utensils or serving containers you want to keep. Otherwise, check with the extension office for items left behind after the forum.
The afternoon session begins with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District Chairperson Rex Wrigley will be giving the districts annual report; followed by the SDSWCD speech winner and cooperator of the year – to be announced. Next on the agenda this year’s feature presentation will be an update from the 2007 Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation District Cooperator of the Year, their operation, current practices, and what’s in store for the future.
Kyle Buse, manager of the new milk processing plant in the Mat Valley will follow with an update on South Central’s dairy situation.Proceeding the afternoon break District Manager Bryce Wrigley - SDSWCD, will present information on barley stoves. The forum is scheduled to adjourn at 3:00 p.m.The Forget-Me-Knot Quilters Guild will have their fabulous quilts on display throughout the day for the enjoyment of the audience.
The Fairbanks – Tanana District CES Home Economics Department is putting together a “ladies day out” which will be held in a classroom as a breakout session – topics to be announced. Check with extension if you are interested and to sign up. Seating will be limited. Contact the CES office at 895-4215 to reserve your space and for additional information.The Calico Cow fabric shop is offering a pillow making class at the school, they will have kits available – for a fee – and will keep to an agricultural theme. Call the Calico Cow at 895-9895 for information.
There’s lots to do and things to see so come join the crowd for the best potluck luncheon of the year; while visiting with folks who travel near and far for the 2008 Delta Farm Forum on Saturday, March 1st. Come listen to the latest in agricultural developments and other topics of interest from around the state.The 2008 Delta Farm Forum is co-sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Delta District @ 895-4215 and the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) @ 895-6279 both are located in the Jarvis Office Center in Delta Junction.
