-Jan 19th. Brilliant northern lights all last night: waved in the sky like multi-colored curtains swaying in the wind. We haven`t had them for two weeks or so even though it had been clear. For the past day or two Britain and Europe were hit by powerful storms. They had passed to the south of us which normally creates high pressure areas. The high wind I had noted was a byproduct of that storm while in the mid Atlantic.

-There`s a 19th year old fellow at work by the name of Sigurjon who started before Christmas. I thought he was one of the temporary workers; not sure he is continuing on but enjoy talking with him. While I`m on the morning shift or from 8-3 there`s not much to do in my department so I help him sort out various large mail bags. A month prior to Christmas we got a large container parked out back to store existing bags. Actually it`s the largest size container and is chock full of bags. Now with the rush season over, that fellow and an elderly man who helps out gradually are taking the bags in, marking them and returning to their respective countries. This all takes place way in the back of the large building out of sight of most people so we take it easy while at the same time steadily chopping away at the bags. On occasion are two other young fellows, Geir and Atli, who are good friends and make up a terrific comedy team. They stand in contrast to Sigurjon who is more serious and thoughtful. Geir is as thin as a rail with long hair while Atli is stocky and a bit on the macho side. On several occasions I saw Atli scramble inside the container and quickly get lost among the hundreds of bags. Then he`d emerge gasping for breath way on the other side. Keep in mind: this container is outside and those plastic bags are cold! All these fellows, like most younger Icelanders, speak fluent (American) English with absolutely no accent.