Thursday, or Thereabouts - January 14, 2016

Tired of Winter, Already?

But it's only just begun! Yet to hear some TV presenters tell it, Old Man Winter has unleashed a grueling succession of trials and tribulations to be battled, endured, and survived. And omg people, brace yourselves - there is more to come!

Well of course there's more to come - it's winter in Canada. We get snow. It can make roads slick and reduce visibility. It can disrupt schedules and plans. It can freeze locks on storage sheds like mine.

Which yesterday meant that the snowblower sat high and dry behind locked doors while...

"Woman over 60 forced to move mountain of snow from driveway using only a shovel!"

No, NO, NO

There was nothing sensational about clearing 10cm of white fluffy flakes off the driveway. It was frustrating that I couldn't get the shed open, and there were a few expletives in the air. But it was hardly the end of the world. I was not trapped in my house, nor was I struggling. I did get a great workout and few sore muscles to show for it along with a neat and tidy driveway.

It's winter.

Time to break out the Nanook of the North equipment -
     toque/tuque, mitts, boots, parka, sunglasses and scarf;
          snow brushes, ice scrapers, candles and matches/igniters;
               shovels and snow-scoops;
                    skis, skates, snowshoes, and snowboards.



It's winter. Make it fun!

©2016 April Hoeller

Monday Moanings - January 11, 2016

Better Late than Never

Winter has arrived and if the forecasters have it right, the old seasonal sibling is all set to stay a while. Well it's about time I say! After a November and December of record-breaking warmth, January has invited Winter to set the record straight, And Winter has been happy to oblige.











Yesterday morning's pouring rain and balmy temperatures (7°C) gave way to snow just after 3pm. Howling winds brought trees and temperatures low; -3 by 6pm and by 6:45 the power was out.

Tacos by Candlelight

Bravo!
Bravo to the intrepid HydroOne crews who braved the savage winds and cold to restore electrical power.
Bravo to roads department whose operators worked late into the night.
Bravo to all emergency services personnel - police, fire, ambulance, and even tow truck drivers who braved the elements.
Bravo Winter!

What? Is this woman insane? Why?
Because all those May flowers we so love to see, need winter's chill and snow as much as the April Showers we long to sing about.

So let's mosey along with winter's visit, knowing that as surely as it arrived, it will leave.

Bring on the snowplows, salters and sanders. 

Fire up the snowblowers, woodstoves, and stewpots. 

Come, rest, cozy in winter's embrace.

©2016 April Hoeller

Thursday, or Thereabouts - February 19, 2015

Sheep, goats and rams -  on a Siberian Express

The Siberian Express has roared into town yet again bringing with it more bitter cold accompanied today by a beast of wind whose sole intent seems to be to bite my face off. This is getting tiresome - we are headed for the coldest February on record!




But when brilliant white cold light of this unwelcome weather phenomenon meets the south facing windows of my house, the rooms are filled with wonderful stretches of soothing warmth. Truly delightful display of "day star" power.


Every moan, every groan, every hint of despair within me melts away, leaving me with images of sandy beaches...

...or even grassy hillsides filled with trilliums,

or strawberries,

or perhaps even a segue to grazing sheep...

Welcome to the Year of the Sheep! Chinese New Year exploded to life at the very beginning of this day, and though there is some debate about whether it's the year of the sheep, or the goat, or the ram (apparently only a problem for the English speaking world according to the New York Times), there is no debate about the celebration. Lots of red, lots of fireworks, lots of dancing featuring lions and dragons; and food, lots of food.

Last year at this time fuelled by an upcoming trip to China, I celebrated by preparing a Chinese Feast for my family. I'm not feeling so ambitious this year. Homemade almond cookies and store bought fortune cookies will have to do their best to mark the Lunar New Year this time.

Gung Hei Fat Choi!

And a few photos from our Chinese Adventure last year:

Wishing you, "Happiness and Prosperity" in this Lunar New Year.

 ©2015 April Hoeller