It's Shaping Up to Get Busy

    No change to the scenery outside my front door as we had a light snowfall overnight. I did venture out to walk to the drug store (ten minutes there and the same back) as I had a prescription to pick up but it was bitterly cold so I didn't linger too long. Still well wrapped up in layers and struggling into my boots before venturing outdoors.

   I spent the afternoon catching up on world news (very depressing) in the newspaper but now need something to brighten the mood. Hope there is something decent on TV tonight! Other than that it's been a quiet weekend with just a few chores and lots of time for reading. This month's Book Club book is "The Women" by Kristen Hannah and I am well into it. It's set during the Vietnam War so, again, rather depressing, but maybe things will turn around as the story progresses.

    Tomorrow is a busy day with Crafters group in the morning and Bridge in the afternoon. Then the week tends to get even busier and there's a lunch out on Thursday so lots to look forward to.

Chinese New Year

     Tomorrow is actually Chinese New Year but I celebrated today by making dumplings and fritters, Chinese style. I used leftover vegetables and meat from last night's dinner and wrapped small spoonfulls in Wonton wrappers. They are in the fridge chilling at the moment and I will fry them up soon to serve with pickled ginger and soy or plum sauce. It should be tasty.

   It's milder at the moment but rather dull and dreary. Good news is that I received an email from the tennis club saying Early Bird registration starts in March so I can start to look forward to getting out on the tennis courts. The club doesn't actually open until May 1st. but at least it's something to anticipate. Can't wait!

Winterlicious

    Blogger told me that "Winterlicious" is not a true word but, here in Toronto, it certainly is! We also have "Summerlicious", and these are two festivals put on by local restaurants to encourage new customers (or regulars) to try their meals.  They offer a set menu of a starter, main course and dessert for a ridiculously reduced price (today it was $34) and the lunch we had today was truly delicious! 

    I went with a group from the Seniors' Centre and had ricotta and caramelized onion Bruschetta, seared salmon with a barley and walnut salad and cappuccino trifle and coffee for dessert. Other choices were spaghetti and meatballs, spicy chicken and pork tenderloin but I think I had the best choice. I also had a glass of rose wine which was extra but perfectly complemented the salmon. No dinner tonight although I may snack on something later. Right now I'm still stuffed, I don't often eat a three course meal.

   The weather has warmed up a bit but the snow piles are still huge - I am still digging out the last snow fall which, after some rain yesterday, has now developed a crust of ice, very hard to heft onto the pile at the side of my driveway which is now over my head. No need to work on my biceps!

Snowed In Again!

    Huge blizzard hovering over this part of the continent and we have already received about 30 cms. of the white stuff. It started snowing overnight and has continued all day so who knows how much of the white stuff will have accumulated by the time it stops? The wind is also very strong blowing the snow into immense drifts. 

    I went out with the snowblower this afternoon and cleared the driveway but it will need to be done again tomorrow. First I had to dig a path to the front and back doors before I could even get the snowblower out and my hands were already frozen before I even started. So, after a warm up I was out again, this time I got it done. I will plug in the battery before I go to bed so it is ready in the morning. Luckily I don't have to be anywhere tomorrow (my Bridge game has been cancelled) but I hope the snow plough comes round to clear the road as I would like to be out by Tuesday. 

   It is supposed to be cold all week, never getting much above -10C. With the strong winds it feels much colder but not as bad as some parts of Northern Ontario and the Prairie provinces who are experiencing extreme wind chill temperatures!