Cool! And that's what it will be in a few months. Cold, even. Get some Sorels and/or Mickey Mouse boots and a GOOD set of cold weather clothes and gloves. Don't skimp on the price, either! If you have a car, get an engine block heater installed. Don't touch metal with a bare hand. It's a dry cold, but it's still awful cold.

These words of advice are from a friend who lived in Fbanks for several years.

Otherwise -- have fun! I enjoyed visiting Fairbanks.

And, well, shucks, I guess next August I'll have to force meself to go to that meeting in Sitka and then continue on to, oh, Anchorage to see Mr. Whitekeys and maybe visit some other places too. Oh, darn. I just don't see how I'll be able to force myself to do these things. Well, some of us must suffer so the rest can play, I suppose. I mean, I just can't hardly stand Alaska, with it's friendly people, breathtaking vistas, wildlife, mountains, enormity, and such. Well, I'll force myself to do it, especially since the costs of the meeting will be covered by work.