Shovelling

     Several inches of snow overnight and I hadn't plugged in my snowblower battery so I was out early, shovel in hand. 

   It was quite easy work and I had half the driveway cleared before I left for my day at the Seniors' Centre. Surprisingly quiet there today due partly because it is the Chinese New Year today but also because the more cautious were staying home until the roads and sidewalks were safely cleared. I didn't have any trouble on the roads and my side street had been cleared by the time I got home.

   Another half an hour of shovelling got the whole driveway clear but by then the wind was picking up and, combined with a drop in temperature, made it a bit of a struggle. It's currently -8C but with the wind chill it feels more like -18C. I was very glad to come back inside to warm up. Tomorrow should be an easier day.

   

Starting a New Regime

    Went grocery shopping this morning after my Fitness class (Stretch and Strength, and, boy, did Alison stretch us out, we were gasping by the time we finished). I visited the bulk food store first to stock up on various items then a quick whip around the grocery store for fresh things and a few staples. I'm sure I was in and out in 20 minutes even though the store was quite a bit busier than my usual early morning shop. I will be back to my normal routine next week.

    That was pretty much it for today although I baked caramel bars this afternoon to use up the rest of the chocolate chips. The bars are now in the freezer away from temptation and all the chocolate in the house is used up. Let the resolutions begin!

Testing my Resolutions

   Minus 17C again this morning but it is set to rise from now on to the end of the week, thank goodness! I usually go out early for my grocery top up on Wednesday - mostly fresh fruit and veg - but decided to postpone the trip until later in the week as I still have plenty to keep me going. 

   I am finally using up the last of the holiday supplies and liquor as I plan to go "dry" for Lent. Tonight's dinner will be a smoked salmon and goat cheese salad and tomorrow I will return all the empties accumulated over the holidays. I had the last of a bottle of sherry for my pre-prandial snack today and all the wine is gone. I'm also going to go chocolate-free until Easter. That may be the hardest thing to do! I may get into the baking chocolate at some point to satisfy my craving for some dark chocolate.

   Yesterday was our monthly retired teachers' lunch and, although it was lovely to meet up with friends and share news, the meal was rather uninspiring. A nice enough salad and a very yummy Tiramisu for dessert,  but the main course Lasagna was very mediocre - just pasta and a bit of tomato sauce, not much meat and no cheese which are essential for a proper lasagna. A lot of complaints so we may have to look for an alternative location. Good spots that can accommodate 75 to 80 people are hard to find in our part of the city.

   That's it for today. Stay safe and warm wherever you are!

Polar Vortex

    Some severe cold heading our way tomorrow due to a polar vortex (strong winds circling down from the Arctic). At the moment it's only -6C but will drop down to -14C overnight and stay around that mark. So, in the minus double digits for the next few days and the wind chill making it feel several degrees colder. Only advantage that it will likely be too cold for snow.

    Last week went by fast but I came down with some sort of virus on Friday and have spent most of the weekend in bed, sleeping or reading. Today I finally feel like eating again so I must be on the mend!

   The coming week looks to be quite busy so I will just have to bundle up and brave the elements. I will definitely be skipping a daily walk unless the sun is shining.