Thursday, or Thereabouts - February 11, 2016

Away with You! Be Gone!

According to forecasters, the barrage of frigid temperatures, -17°C this morning,  will continue for four days with just a little snow.

Alright Old Man Winter I'll take this as your last stand, then it's time to hop it to the southern hemisphere. Oh and don't expect a good grade from me for this season's performance. Quite frankly it's hard to give a grade to someone with an absentee record like yours this year! But if a Truant Officer hassles you as you try to leave, just offer up a frigid huff and continue on your way south. Got it?

And while I'm in a commanding mood, let me also read the riot act to a few too many bacteria partying in my body. Buzz off! Or perhaps the metaphor should have more to do with water, seeing as it's a kidney infection that is gumming up the works. How about "haul up your anchor and set sail"?

This is the fourth time since July that microbes have attacked my plumbing and the second time that they have progressed as far as the kidneys. Visits to doctors and urgent care centres have taken over as my #1 social activity. I am impressed with neither such prowess nor such success! It's time for these little nasties to hop it too!

"Go find someone else to populate! 

Or better yet, 

latch on to Old Man Winter's tailcoat and die of the cold!" 

Now there's a thought that brings a smile to my face, as does this:

In the mean time, I'm off to another 'social engagement' this afternoon - all will be well, in due course all manner of thing shall be well!

©2016 April Hoeller

Monday Moanings - January 4, 2016

Indeed it is January! 

I have the grand freedom of  greeting this first day of the first work week of 2016 with delight and some corrections.

Old Man Winter has dropped in for a visit. Brilliant blue skies, whiter than white snow (a covering of just 7cm accumulated over the past week) and -17°C energized my spirits this morning.
All that sparkle and fresh air is the best tonic ever.

To be honest though, the uplift began yesterday with a not-so-wintry stroll through the Allan Gardens Conservatory. Warm, earthy fragrance and bright blooms along paths adorned with greens and poinsettia of every character...

A garden does so much for the soul. As does sunshine.

Wishing you sunshine and renewed energy this week as we all return to regularly scheduled programming.


©2016 April Hoeller

Monday Moanings - January 20, 2014

A Letter to my Seasonal Amour






Dear Old Man Winter,
I have been a big fan of yours since forever. I quicken to the first touch of your fresh breath each year and my heart warms in anticipation of your star crystals and icicles. I love the melt in your mouth taste of fresh snowflakes and the squeak of wintertide footsteps on super cool ground. And that polar vortex thingy ya got going this year? Well, that's got everybody talking, even the BBC!













I remember with delight the screaming joy of hurtling down snow packed slopes on my red "flying" saucer or
sometimes even the big old wooden toboggan with my Dad or sister on board for ballast.

And honestly nothing can top one of your bright, crisp snow sparkling days set underneath a sky so blue that it is beyond words. I love the cocoon you encourage me to burrow into when the weather outside is frightful; thick fleece and hot tea by a crackling fire, so warm, so safe and oh so very content.







Indeed I have loved you all my life, BUT here's the thing dear old, yet somehow ageless friend bounding with ceaseless energy, I am not six or sixteen or even six and forty any more. Though I still revel in the gifts you bring, at least at first, you must know that snow and ice now present a great threat to life and especially limb. Age has brought me a huge fear of bone breaking tumbles, occasioned by the meeting of a slower reaction time with a slippery slope. Also my old arthritic hands can never come to terms with your new-fangled  polar vortex. So, I think it's time for you to go. I still love you. I will still eagerly await your return, same time next year. Just remember to schedule your departure for January 20th, give or take a day - I am after all, flexible.





Have a great trip back south of the equator. I'm sure they'll be thrilled with your early arrival!
Hugs and kisses,
April

p.s. Our snow blower is busted and in the shop. BACK OFF!
p.p.s. The solar panels can't enjoy your brilliant sunshine. BACK OFF!

©2014 April Hoeller