Colony Days: like most celebrations, the original meaning has been lost. It is generally two days of festivities here in Palmer, Alaska, a celebration which is honoring the early settlers, who came up here in train and shiploads, and turned the area into an agricultural community.

Each year, Palmer gets further and further from its agricultural roots. The few large acreages left are most likely going to housing developers. And anywhere they can punch a road in, they do. Palmer is also a bedroom community of both Wasilla and Anchorage, so as they grow, so does this small town.

Palmer can’t be saved. Circumstances won’t permit.

Our area is off the grid, and this has curtailed neighborhood growth. But I don’t kid myself; in time power will be brought in and this is going to change things for the worst.

There should be yearly awards for those who make note of such things and say “Hey!”

Kids at parade

So today I ventured to town and passed out books to appreciative readers, of which there were hundreds. It was quiet in the Vagabond Blues café, but outside, lining both sides of the street, were hundreds of adults and children. Robert, who was giving an assist, stayed inside, but I went outside and passed out books to the masses. And I got it right this time. This time I had just the right amount of board books on hand – I passed out two small totes.

This event wasn’t like the ones at the Performing Arts Center where (at least the ones I met) the parents had the time and money and were investing the same into their children’s education. No, this event was far more random: there were kids there from all socioeconomic classes.

Robert, the BLBP president, gave me a much-needed assist.

I couldn’t help but think that we got this event thing down. I had filled the tub with just the right types of books, and I had the donation box and the banner handy. I got to Vagabond Blues in time to get a parking spot and left enough time to straighten out the bookcases.

After, I went back to the Meeting House and sorted and categorized books for approximately one hour. I was prompted to do this by the fact that if I get things in order, I can accompany Pete on a horse trek.

I then came home and ate a late lunch. After, Pete abandoned his gardening chores and went for a horseback ride with me. He rode Raudi and I rode Hrimmi. After, I rode Tyra.

This evening, I cleaned the goat pen. Too late now, but that was the high point of my day.

Next: 160. 6/11/23: My Hero