We had a couple of extremely cold days this week - I was barely out the door on Thursday and Friday and was very relieved when my car started this morning. The whole country was in the deep freeze, coldest were the Prairie provinces but the Maritimes got hit with a huge dump of snow and they still have power outages to contend with, so we shouldn't complain here. However, -23C with a wind chill of -30C is a bit much to take.
Today is almost balmy, -5C this morning and got up to just above zero for a while this afternoon. The wind had shifted and was coming from the southwest, decidedly preferable to the northeaster that had been bringing us the low temperatures!
Our ski day didn't materialize due to the extreme weather conditions. In fact one of the areas closed down because of the cold. I will certainly be waiting for better weather before I venture out! So, instead, I sanded and painted the cabinets in the bathroom. How dingy and yellow they had become without me really noticing. Now they are a lovely off-white and make the bathroom seem like it's had a facelift. It's amazing what a layer of paint will accomplish.
Saturday, 4 January 2014
Thursday, 2 January 2014
A New Year
It has been extremely cold this week, however, we have not been the coldest place in Canada by a long chalk - and at least we have power and are warm indoors. Many are not.
Yesterday was a New Year's lunch at Steve and Alison's out in Pickering. It lasted until about 3:00 p.m. and by then we were all stuffed and ready for a nap. Lots of delicious nibblies followed by pork tenderloin, broccoli casserole (my contribution), salad, and maple French toast (Judy's speciality). This was followed by a wonderful chocolate trifle made by Alison. The kids were fascinated by the cats who, unfortunately, were not too enamoured of all the attention and kept trying to hide. Steve did a stellar job of entertaining the kids with games on his computer while the rest of the adults were able to converse intelligently.
Today was to have been a ski day at Brimacombe for Judy, me, Natalie and Elliot. However, extreme weather warnings put us off attempting an outdoor day - minus 18C this morning with a wind chill of -29C. We will try again tomorrow which may not be quite as cold and some sun is forecast.
I got a few things accomplished today - finished the Minutes for the Bridlewood TC AGM, and sent them off to the executive, almost finished my current library book, an 800 page tome which, although a good read, is just too heavy to read in bed, but no housework other than fixing meals and washing up afterwards. I also completed a jigsaw puzzle but cheated as I had put it back in its box in chunks. Not much on TV tonight so may have an early night.
Yesterday was a New Year's lunch at Steve and Alison's out in Pickering. It lasted until about 3:00 p.m. and by then we were all stuffed and ready for a nap. Lots of delicious nibblies followed by pork tenderloin, broccoli casserole (my contribution), salad, and maple French toast (Judy's speciality). This was followed by a wonderful chocolate trifle made by Alison. The kids were fascinated by the cats who, unfortunately, were not too enamoured of all the attention and kept trying to hide. Steve did a stellar job of entertaining the kids with games on his computer while the rest of the adults were able to converse intelligently.
Today was to have been a ski day at Brimacombe for Judy, me, Natalie and Elliot. However, extreme weather warnings put us off attempting an outdoor day - minus 18C this morning with a wind chill of -29C. We will try again tomorrow which may not be quite as cold and some sun is forecast.
I got a few things accomplished today - finished the Minutes for the Bridlewood TC AGM, and sent them off to the executive, almost finished my current library book, an 800 page tome which, although a good read, is just too heavy to read in bed, but no housework other than fixing meals and washing up afterwards. I also completed a jigsaw puzzle but cheated as I had put it back in its box in chunks. Not much on TV tonight so may have an early night.
Monday, 30 December 2013
A Quiet Weekend
Not much happening - the Christmas tree is back in its box, cards and decorations are packed away until next year and leftovers are almost all eaten up.
Today I ventured out (even though the temperature was at -9C) and picked up some Christmas cards for next year - 75% off - and a new tree decoration. It was sunny and really quite pleasant, despite the low temperature. I really should have gone for a walk but took a nap instead!
My neighbours still light up their houses every night but I'm afraid I have dispensed with that ritual - my inner Scrooge revealing itself! However, still eating Christmas leftovers.
Today I ventured out (even though the temperature was at -9C) and picked up some Christmas cards for next year - 75% off - and a new tree decoration. It was sunny and really quite pleasant, despite the low temperature. I really should have gone for a walk but took a nap instead!My neighbours still light up their houses every night but I'm afraid I have dispensed with that ritual - my inner Scrooge revealing itself! However, still eating Christmas leftovers.
Saturday, 28 December 2013
More Catch Up
Wednesday 25th.
Early start to get the bird stuffed and in the oven by 9:30 a.m. I thought I had loads of time but before I knew it, the folks were at the door and the excitement was palpable! I had just got the potatoes started when it was time to open the gifts. Usually this is quite an orderly procedure - youngest to oldest and one at a time - but James was so excited that he could barely wait for his turn. However, everyone was very happy with their gifts and Ariel helped with the cleanup of wrapping paper and ribbons and bows.
Lunch started on time - shrimp, smoked salmon and smoked mackerel for the first course, capon, stuffing and vegetables to follow with cranberry sauce and gravy, and finally, the climax, flambeeing the plum pudding! I have to say it was spectacular. Elliot declared it the best ever. This was accompanied by custard, cream, strawberries and mince pies. So everyone had something to their taste. Coffee followed for the adults while the kids were excused to enjoy some of their new toys.
Later, everyone retired to the kitchen to clean up or the family room for more games and toys. I was quite happy to stay in the kitchen as the kids by now were getting hyper from all the excitement. Once the dishwasher was loaded (thanks Dave) it was time to relax. Soon things were being packed up and the respective families were ready to head home. Another load in the dishwasher and I was ready to retire - still no TV - it had been a long day.
Thursday 26th.
It had snowed most of Christmas Day which, although beautiful, meant more shovelling and scraping. I managed to get most of the ice off my driveway but didn't tackle much else other than a few clean up tasks. The house is almost back to normal and I will start putting away the Christmas decorations on the weekend.
Friday 27th
I was expecting a new stove and range hood to be installed and was delighted to find I was finally hooked back up to the phone, TV and internet. The delivery arrived just after noon but the guys didn't come to install the hood until 7:30 p.m., just as I was settling down to a movie on TV. Rather inconsiderate of them! However, at least it is done and I didn't have to spend another day waiting for them to arrive.
Early start to get the bird stuffed and in the oven by 9:30 a.m. I thought I had loads of time but before I knew it, the folks were at the door and the excitement was palpable! I had just got the potatoes started when it was time to open the gifts. Usually this is quite an orderly procedure - youngest to oldest and one at a time - but James was so excited that he could barely wait for his turn. However, everyone was very happy with their gifts and Ariel helped with the cleanup of wrapping paper and ribbons and bows.
Lunch started on time - shrimp, smoked salmon and smoked mackerel for the first course, capon, stuffing and vegetables to follow with cranberry sauce and gravy, and finally, the climax, flambeeing the plum pudding! I have to say it was spectacular. Elliot declared it the best ever. This was accompanied by custard, cream, strawberries and mince pies. So everyone had something to their taste. Coffee followed for the adults while the kids were excused to enjoy some of their new toys. 
Later, everyone retired to the kitchen to clean up or the family room for more games and toys. I was quite happy to stay in the kitchen as the kids by now were getting hyper from all the excitement. Once the dishwasher was loaded (thanks Dave) it was time to relax. Soon things were being packed up and the respective families were ready to head home. Another load in the dishwasher and I was ready to retire - still no TV - it had been a long day.Thursday 26th.
It had snowed most of Christmas Day which, although beautiful, meant more shovelling and scraping. I managed to get most of the ice off my driveway but didn't tackle much else other than a few clean up tasks. The house is almost back to normal and I will start putting away the Christmas decorations on the weekend.
Friday 27th
I was expecting a new stove and range hood to be installed and was delighted to find I was finally hooked back up to the phone, TV and internet. The delivery arrived just after noon but the guys didn't come to install the hood until 7:30 p.m., just as I was settling down to a movie on TV. Rather inconsiderate of them! However, at least it is done and I didn't have to spend another day waiting for them to arrive.
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