Winter Not Gone Yet

   Although we have had a couple of days with sun and above freezing temperatures, the snowbanks are so high I can barely heft a shovelful of snow over the top! Just praying we don't get another snowfall any time soon.

    However, the icy patches have more or less melted so taking a walk is not quite as hazardous as it was a few days ago.

   I kept busy today by making a batch of shortbread cookies which, unfortunately, I will now have to eat. Boredom leads to naughty things! I will keep them in the freezer which will make them slightly less tempting and easy to pop in my mouth. 

     I heard today that my age cohort will be allowed to book a vaccine in the last week of April but sounds as if the booking system has yet to be created so, once again, not holding my breath!

Chocolate Overload

    Out early for a slippery drive to the grocery store. We had several inches of snow overnight and I really should have stayed home until it had been cleared. However, a chocolate bar given out by the cashier at the store made it worth the effort - a customer appreciation gift. The store was surprisingly busy considering the driving conditions but I guess, like me, people were out of essentials after the long weekend. Trying valiantly to work through all the chocolate I have received this week.

   On returning home I got stuck on the slight slope of my driveway but dug my way out eventually. My neighbour's son came over to help and we got the driveway cleared by lunch time. Just as we finished the plough came by and left a considerable windrow across the end of my driveway, so more digging! I sincerely hope that is the last dig-out I have to do this year. We have got off pretty easily this winter, all told.

Family Day

    This is a Provincial (as opposed to Federal) holiday so the mail came today but I haven't ventured out to see what else is open. I had a walk this morning while the sun shone but now it has clouded over and snow is forecast overnight.

   Since I was staying home (and reluctant to do any housework) I decided to make marmalade today. I go through a lot of marmalade on my morning toast and it isn't expensive but home made is so much nicer. 

   A lemon, a tangerine and two cups of sugar gave me two small jars and it seems to have set well. Removing the pith from the rind and slicing it finely was time consuming but the end result was well worth the effort. I have to say I couldn't be bothered making a big batch - too much preparation required!

Now I just have a messy kitchen to clean up.

St. Valentine's Day

     Had a (socially distanced) visit from D and GD today, bearing gifts for St. Valentine's Day. We sat on the back patio in the sun for half an hour and chatted until we got a bit chilled.  Have already got into the Truffles, the wine will be next and the foil container holds a chocolate brownie which will be my dessert tonight. All good stuff - they really know my faves!

   I just realized that Lent is coming up and I will have to finish the wine (and all the other liquor in the house) as well as the chocolate before then as I usually give up both booze and chocolate for Lent. I may be a bit late in starting this year! I do this just to make sure I am not becoming addicted to either of them so no point in keeping temptation around. Wish me luck!