That "S" Word!

snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow

Okay, what's the big deal?  It's February, it's the middle of winter, snow is expected, right?  Yes it certainly is, but so much?  The fluffy flakes started around noon yesterday and carried on through the evening stopping for a brief few hours.  I know the snowfall hadn't resumed at 2 a.m. when I turned out the light for sleep time.  When I woke in the morning the visibility was really diminished as the snowfall was quite heavy and winds had picked up tossing those flakes everywhere.  The storm of the winter thus far is supposed to carry on until at least midnight in our part of the province. 

So what's the big deal?  We're just not used to seeing so much snow.  At this moment, about 30 cm has arrived in my town with another 4 to 6 cm expected before it stops.  This is the largest storm in 5 years and in the intervening years, the winters have been mostly mild, hence the big wallop to the psyche.  This day didn't turn out to be an official snow day, but some businesses closed early, libraries, the town government offices, the regional gov. offices closed early also.  There were few people out on the roads so these places wouldn't be carrying on any business anyway. 

photo credit:  Province of Ontario traffic camera

Only in Canada would shovelling occur to assist cars to make it on to a major highway.  This is the main east-west route through Southern Ontario.

photo courtesy of my friend James

 What's under the blanket of snow?  Any guesses?

I've been through many blizzards/snowstorms in my life.  I'm an old gal, I'll survive this one too!!!  I've been indoors for two days and do need to get out tomorrow for some pics of this winter wonderland.  :)

The Day After The Day After

This is what my world outside looks like the second day after Christmas. 

Taken from my perch a few floors up in our vertical village.  The pic is a bit dark as it is gloomy out there, however the snow has stopped and residents are into driveway cleanup.  A major advantage of living in a VV (not the store.... LOL!!), I don't have to do any clearing of snow.  This is the first major snowfall of the '12-'13 winter.  Not sure how much snow fell, looks like about 5 cm. 

Christmas Day was a wonderful, happy day.  Lots of gifts were enjoyed by the family.  The food was very tasty, as always.  A fresh turkey which was roasted to moist perfection.   There was much negotiating by the young ones as to who would enjoy the drumsticks this time.  But one participant was quick on the draw and indulged before anyone else had a chance.  I think this is my favourite picture of the day.  Sorry but lighting was somewhat subdued in part of the room.

Granddaughter Michelle enjoying Christmas dinner

Also in pic are GS Chris,  two DD's and at the end in blue MIL of daughter in middle of table. 

I passed on the Boxing Days sales, opting to relax all day at home.  I was very, very lazy, eating what I wanted when I wanted and doing virtually nothing.  Many hours were spent catching up on the many blogs I am following.  So many brilliant people out there with so many brilliant things to say and many, many displaying talent and skills which are so inspiring to me, a frugal grannie living simply on a budget.

Today's plans are simple..... 1)  move my @ss, tidy up my home, then..... 2) walk to library, pick up holds, then..... 3) review goals for Carla's January challenges..... 4)  review January's budget.  Busy day, time to get going! 



Reminder that Winter is on it's Way

"It's a marshmellow world in the winter, when the snow comes a tumblin' down...."

Not so fast!   No snow here just yet, but it's trying. 

I spent some hours yesterday shopping for Christmas in nearby Ajax and Pickering.  As I drove toward Ajax I could see the dark, angry looking clouds in the distance with the snow showers descending.  I just had to pull over to snap a couple of pics.

Mr. Sun is struggling to overtake the snow clouds.

Small specs in the picture are snowflakes on my car window.  The snow came down really hard for about a minute and none of it stayed.  

So winter isn't here just yet.  Yay!