I am sitting here in a local independent coffee house in Fairbanks, Alaska – College Coffee at the corner of College and University. Only one person is here who looks college aged. Perhaps it is too early in the day.

My laptop is out and my latte is next to me. Other conversations are happening around me. A group of women are talking about their Secret Santas, and two older men are discussing motorcycles and auto repair. Light jazz ballads are playing. I could be sitting in a little coffee shop in Seattle, San Francisco, or New York. How urban.

We all look forward to different things when we come to town from the bush. Jacob wants to go swimming in the hotel pool. Stephanie wants to go shopping and see other people. Jamiee wants to see friends and walk around Wal-Mart. I want to sit at a coffee shop by myself or browse a bookstore. We all feel like we’re on vacation.

Today we will visit Gretchen in the hospital and do some grocery shopping. Stephanie and I have a date tonight while Jamiee watches the boys. Tomorrow it’s back to Circle and back to work. My mom is coming to Alaska this coming Wednesday for a visit and to spend time with the boys while Stephanie teaches. I can’t believe it, but we have only four weeks left until the Christmas break. Tempus fugit.