Extreme Weather

   We woke up to another thick (15cm.) covering of snow this morning but I am so sick of it I didn't bother with a photo. Suffice it to say I had to get the snowblower going before I could go anywhere this morning. Luckily I had remembered to plug in the Lithium battery last night. So 8:00 a.m. saw me out with the shovel to clear a path to the garage and by 8:30 I had the snowblower humming along clearing a path for me to the road. The wind was fierce!

   Before I went out to clear the driveway, I phoned my tennis friend to make sure we still had a game on. Several phone calls and texts later everyone had confirmed that they would be there. The roads in my subdivision weren't cleared so I had a wild ride getting to the main road. There, it was just a slushy mess but I got there on time and we had some close games. The first set went to a tie-break!

   I had arranged to meet friends for lunch but there were several who didn't (or couldn't) make it so we were a select group of six. This actually was more conducive to conversation so it was well past 2:00 p.m. before we broke up. More shovelling when I got home as the wind had piled up some snow drifts and we are due more snow tonight. Will it never end?

Shrove Tuesday

   A pancake breakfast at the Seniors Centre today but it didn't stay strictly to the customary meal. Two big pancakes, sausages and bacon with unlimited coffee and, of course, lashings of maple syrup. Now we are supposed to not eat meat, eggs or dairy until after Lent but that won't be happening here.

   I got there just after 10:00 a.m. and hadn't eaten anything first - my longest fast ever! The place was hopping but I managed to get a seat with some friends so we had a good natter as we ate.

   Next stop was Bridge around noon and I just took an apple with me to keep me going until dinner. My cards were good for a change and I had some knowledgeable partners, so managed to hold up my end of the bidding and play. Still not too starving but will have a normal dinner soon, mainly because I need to take my pill with food.

   I have a nice evening planned. I picked up a movie at the library this morning, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", which I missed when it was in the theatres. I have been waiting for it for quite some time so the anticipation is building. I hope it is as good as its reviews. I had also ordered a copy of "Howards End" by E.M. Forster and it arrived this week too. I had watched, and enjoyed, the TV version recently and decided I wanted to experience the whole narrative. So, no worries about staying entertained for the next week or two!

A Vision in Orange

    It may not be very Spring-like outdoors, but look at what greeted me indoors the other day!

I don't usually manage to get my indoor plants to flower in the winter due to low light, but this one surprised me. There are two more buds forming so I hope they continue to fruition.

An Early Sign of Spring

   The sound of dripping water is usually a good sign at this time of year, but I think I may have a small leak in my eavestroughs as this is what was created yesterday.

It was sunny again today so it has collapsed but it was quite impressive!

Today was even milder, getting up to 4C but I'm sure we will have more winter weather before things start to grow. I spent the afternoon in the kitchen making a batch of scones - they turned out really well. They are so good straight from the oven (I did have one, just to test them, you know) but these will be consigned to the freezer for future emergencies.