6 sleeps to go

So I seem to have started a trend of injuring myself in some way prior to moving...especially with knives! Here I was trying to do some cleaning (I'd already scrubbed the green copper residue off the tub) and then while washing my dishes, my ulu (traditional Iniut knife) slipped and cut my finger. Just what I needed! Anyway, fortunately I've had a tetanus shot within the past four years, so I should be in good shape. Just have a sore right index finger that I'm afraid to bend in case the cut reopens. Perfect way to start my moving week, wouldn't you say? (NOT!)

Anyway, I just came back from a lovely dinner at a friends place - friends will be shocked to know I had two servings of salad! We also enjoyed amazing homemade cheese burgers, potatoe salad and then homemade raspberry tarts for dessert. Delicious!

Tomorrow I'll be doing a few deliveries around town of stuff I'm donating and/or leaving behind to be sold. Movers arrive either Tuesday or Wednesday. Then I'm into the home-stretch -- maybe that's not quite the right term -- with cleaners and gatherings with friends before flying out on Saturday.

A few tears were shed at the end of the service this morning, but all in all I think we had a nice time, despite the choir outnumbering the congregation for half of the service! I managed to get some photographs of the church this afternoon when Bev and I went to do a bit of tidying around the organ -- now I will have a photo of my "picture window" that I looked out on each Sunday morning, watching the seasons change. Time to do a bit more sorting before bed. Goodnight!

Coming to the end of a chapter

So, six months later and I'm about to move back to "the south". I've spent a busy two years here in Iqaluit with lots of learning, travelling and other great experiences. I've met so many different people from all walks of life. I've worked on a lot of different projects both at work and after hours. I've survived two winters and the better part of three summers here in the Arctic.

I leave in a little over a week and have tons to do! Organization of belongings, instructions for successors and many goodbyes. One advantage of where I'm headed is that most people from Iqaluit travel through Ottawa to get elsewhere, so hopefully I'll see many of the friends again in the future.

I'm not ready to say goodbye yet. The people here are so welcoming and really do become a family of sorts. I'll upload more photos from my adventures up north when I get the chance. For now I must get back to my last minute to do lists!