A BRILLIANT SUNNY MORNING!!!

It has been a very busy two days of meetings re school start-up. I am so impressed with the school, the staff and administration, and the high level of professionalism on EVERY level. The resources are unlike anything I've seen in any school, public OR private in my entire teaching career!! It feels SO good to be back doing the thing I have always loved the most after 8 years of feeling underutilized.
This morning the movers are to deliver my things from Ontario. Then I will go to the school to finish setting up my large, bright music room. After that I will going to the church to see the new Clavinova Keyboard they have ordered for me, and meet with people to plan tomorrow's music. Then I plan to explore Inuvik and check out the community centre to get the pool and fitness schedule. I will post pictures over the weekend.

Arrival in Inuvik!!

After a flight from Toronto, I spent last night in Edmonton. My flight this morning left at 7:30 with 1 stop in Norman Wells, where a large number of passengers deplaned to set off for oil and gas jobs offshore and in the community itself. It is not a "residential community", as such, but serves industry. From the moment I arrived in the HUGE lineup this morning for Canadian North Airlines, I was struck by the diversity and friendliness of everyone. There were people heading up to visit family who live North,industrial workers,media coverage people for the Prime Minister's visit here with Cabinet, RCMP officers,(If you are reading this Bob, I saw 2 shirts like the one you gave Uncle Jimmy on Sunday!),professional people on 1-2 day business trips, and OF COURSE many teachers who all(including ME) report for 2 days of meetings tomorrow and Friday.
My first impression of landing here and seeing the topography, is SO much like portions of the Avalon Peninsula home in Newfoundland. For all my Nfld. family and friends, it reminded me of the drive from St. John's to Whitbourne on the TCH. My hook-up installation person for my internet this afternoon was from Heart's Content- he agrees with me. Of 3400 people here in Inuvik over 400 are Newfoundlanders! That gives me comfort.
I sign off for now from the " Land of the Midnight Sun" where the sun is shining brilliantly on"Big Lake"-a wonderful view from my apartment windows.

PEI WAS WONDERFUL!!It is such a summer haven with it's gently rolling hills, impeccable farms with fields of many colors of green and now in late August golds as well with the ripening grain. Endless water views, sandy beaches, abundant harvest,(much of which is organic),red rich soil, glorious sunsets, and a pace of life that represents"life" as it should be lived with relaxed friendly people, clean air with refreshing breezes, all speak to both of our souls!
A highlight of our visit was spending quality time with Paul's brother Bob and his wife Karen, Paul being an only adopted child reconnected with his biological family only 2 years ago. It has been such a blessing for us to have wonderfully warm and loving people in so many cousins, aunts and uncles. We love them so much.
I leave for the Arctic today. Ifly to Edmonton for overnight and then up to Inuvik tomorrow morning, where I will be teaching K-6 music at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, and will be Director of Music at the Church of the Ascension Anglican Church. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers! I will miss Paul and my doggies SO much.

Vacation Before Adventure

10 days before my departure for Inuvik, Paul and I are on Prince Edward Island for 9 days of much needed R&R. We only arrived on Friday evening, and already feel the effects of tranquility and peace that only this place can give. We attended a wonderful concert at the Indian River Festival last evening, which among others featured Isabelle Gallant(pianist) and her new husband Jacques Arsenault(baritone). Isabelle is our Godchild, daughter of dear friends. Tomorrow we celebrate her 24th birthday, before they leave for Edmonton where Jacques starts his Master's Degree. They are both so incredibly gifted!

We plan to spend our days walking beaches, eating lots of great seafood, spending quality time with family and friends,  breathing clean, soft air, and enjoying gentle Atlantic breezes at our seaside cottage.  MORE LATER!