Everyone seems to be wrapping things up. The snow has finally melted. School is out. The geese are flying and everyone is excited. The river is flowing again with high water, and the giant slabs of ice are floating past and everyone is more excited. Humming. People are talking about going out on the river. I see trucks pulling trailers through town with boats loaded full of gear on their way to the river. I hear shots in the distance and imagine birds falling. The weather is gorgeous. And here I am chained to my desk, with more to do and less inclination than at any other time of the year. It's this way every year. It eats me up not being able to strike out and go as well. A few more days.

Jacob has had a week of dramatic changes. His top two teeth are finally poking through. He has taken a couple of steps, and in just a few days he's increased those to five or six steps a few time a day. He loves riding the four wheeler and loves being outside. It's a good time of year to be outside. I've been thinking about selling the four-wheeler, but it's so much fun riding with him, I think I'll keep it. It reminds me of my dad taking me for rides on his motorcyle when I was little.

Stephanie and I had dinner at the Pettets tonight. They invited us over for one last before they are gone. This Sunday will be their last at the Assembly of God church here in Fort Yukon. They are packing and getting ready for their move away from Fort Yukon and into the Anchorage area. Everyone seems to be wrapping things up.