Poem: The Soundless Invaders

The Soundless Invaders

By Dee Rusin, Kenai

A fragile flake

Came floating down

It was alone

As it hit the ground

Without a sound

More lacy shapes

Swirled around

Swishing seductively

All over town

Their beauty enticed

As they hit the ground

Without a sound

Soon joining were many

No one could count

Covering everything

Left lying about

Without a sound

These fragile droplets

Formed a tight group

Before you knew it

There was a large troop

Without a sound

Next thing that came

You just had to stay

While the troublesome

Gang held you at bay

Without a sound

So the flakes

That looked pretty

Now covered the city

Like soundless invaders

Oh what a pity

Without a sound

More in Life

File
Minister’s Message: Love born to endure

I spend time with people in the final chapters of their lives.… Continue reading

In his 1903 report to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Prof. Charles Christian Georgeson included this photograph of efforts to break recently cleared ground at Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. The man behind the bull was either station superintendent Hans P. Nielsen or his assistant Pontus H. Ross.
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 4

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A presidential executive order in January 1899 had set aside… Continue reading

This recipe makes a boatload of soft and delicious cookies, perfect for sharing at Christmastime. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Christmas cookies for a shared tradition

These cookies are so soft and delicious, it’s no wonder they’re part of a family Christmas tradition.

Daniel Craig (right), returning as Benoit Blanc, and Josh O'Connor are seen in this still from "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," released on Netflix on Dec. 12, 2025. (Promotional photo courtesy Netflix)
On the Screen: ‘Knives Out 3’ truly a film for our times

I often feel the need to watch a film twice. The first… Continue reading

Orange zest and extract bring this literary-inspired treat to life. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Whimsy and magic

This literary-inspired treat is perfect for Christmastime festivities.

File
Minister’s Message: Traditions should be things that support us

Regardless of how you find yourself this season, know that you’re not alone.

Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection
In Kenai, circa 1903, this trio was photographed on a well-used trail. Pictured are George S. Mearns, future Kenai postmaster; Kate R. Gompertz, Kenai resident; Hans P. Nielsen, superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station.
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 3

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Snow-covered trees and peaks are pictured from a frozen pond near the Herbert Glacier trail in Juneau<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Dec. 11<ins>, 2025</ins>. (Chloe Anderson/Peninsula Clarion)
Out of the Office: Breaking the winter cycle

There’s a learning curve to every new season and every new sport.

File
Minister’s Message: Good grief

Grief doesn’t take a holiday, but it can offer you something the holidays can’t.

This 1903 photograph of mostly Kenai residents shows (back, far left) Hans Peter Nielsen, first superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. Nielsen began work at the station in 1899 and resigned at the end of the 1903 season. (Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection)
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Served together on a bed of greens, these pickled eggs and beets make a light but cheerful lunch. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
A wealth of eggs for good health

Pickled along with roasted beets and dill, these eggs have a cheerful hue and bright aroma.

File
Minister’s Message: Lifelong learning is a worthwhile goal

Lifelong learning. That’s a worthwhile goal. Schools have been in session for… Continue reading