Homer Alaska - Announcements

It's spring break.

If you're one of the 300 souls left behind because you couldn't afford a getaway to Maui, well, did Ma Nature ever shine on us. Sometimes that stupid little curly haired girl gets the song right. By gosh, the sun did come out tomorrow. After the Blizzard That Ate Kachemak Bay, danged if we didn't get five straight days of sunshine.

Don't tell our friends in Hawaii that. The official story is, "Gee, that blizzard just kept coming. You're so lucky to have made it out." They don't need to know that we were blessed with the best week of weather this winter.

Consider it our reward for plugging away last week. This won't always happen. Sometimes things go from bad to worse to horrible. But not this time. Not this week. We survived, endured and pulled through.

It kinda gives ya hope, doesn't it? So celebrate your good fortune and the arrival of spring, maybe with some of these Best Bets:

BEST BUOY BET: Along with this great weather, there have been cool things to do this week, thanks to the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitors Center and "It's Spring Break, Baby" programs. Decorate a buoy from noon-5 p.m. today and Friday. How about decorating eggs to look just like the ones birds will be laying real soon now? Join the fun from 1-2:30 p.m. today. On Saturday, search for eggs from 1-3 p.m. in an egg hunt at the Wynn Nature Center, Mile 1.5 East Skyline Drive. See more events in the Calendar, page 14.

BEST WINTER MYSTERIES BET: As the snow melts, who knows what mysteries will be revealed in our back yards? What weird things do we hoard or just forget we left there. "Backyard, Alaska" is the name and theme of a new exhibit by Asia Freeman and Michael Walsh. It opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Pratt Museum.

BEST RUN, BABY, RUN BET: Training for the Homer Spit Run this summer? Get in shape with weekly Friday community runs. Join the pack from 5-6 p.m. at Two Sisters Bakery and take a good 5 kilometer clip around downtown Homer. All skill levels can run and all are welcome.

BEST ICY LINES BET: A sure sign of spring is the Winter King Salmon Tournament. Vie for $100,000 in prizes and enjoy a day on the bay. Lines go in the water at 9 a.m. Saturday. Register at the Homer Chamber of Commerce by Saturday. The awards party is 5 p.m. Saturday at Coal Point Seafoods.

BEST HIGH AND DEEP BET: You could be in deep doo-doo this Saturday during the second annual Homer Broomball League Alpaca Dung Pile Challenge. Test your psychic skills and win prizes by predicting the spot alpacas will bless with their offerings. Yes, it's as goofy as it sounds. The event runs 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the Down East Saloon. Proceeds benefit your local broomball league.

BEST HOROSHO BET: "The illusion which exalts us is dearer to us then ten-thousand truths," said the Russian poet Aleksandr Sergeyevich Pushkin. Known as the Russian Shakespeare, Pushkin has inspired literature lovers for generations. Found out why when visiting writer Julian Henry Lowenfield, author of "My Talisman," speaks at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Homer Public Library. The Friends of the Library sponsor the event.