Remembrance Day 2015

On the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month we will remember...

Union Station Chicago

Union Station Chicago

January 27, 2014

We took a long weekend last January to do a bit of travelling by train last January.  Honestly, I don't think we could have chose a colder weekend!  It was bitterly cold as in chilled to the bone, did not thaw out until a couple of days after getting home.  Union Station in Chicago was gorgeous but there was no heat!  We found a little restaurant there that thankfully had heat but just barely.  Still we had a hot meal before heading back into the very cold terminal to catch our train.  The train ride was also bitterly cold, wind blasting in each time the door between cars opens.  Along with the wind, came a good blast of fine snow.  The snow was so bad, the crew closed the dining car due to drifting.  The cold affected the tracks slowing the train and at one point, the crew had to stop to check the track because of an error code.  Goodness, I'm shivering just writing about it!

Such Sad Times

We live in such sad and trying times!  Like many, we were shocked and saddened at the new of the Charlie Hebdo shootings this morning.  Our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives today at the hands of such senseless violence.  Our thoughts are with them and France as they grieve.  #JeSuisCharlie

Snow Piled High

Snow Piled High

January 6, 2014

As the snow continued to fall and the winds howled, the drifts grew a year ago today.  Almost half of our crescent shaped window was covered by snow on the small roof below it!  There really wasn't any point trying to clear the sidewalk or driveway as the street had not been plowed.  It was a winter wonderland!

Snowstorm in January 2014

Snowstorm in January

January 5, 2014

A year ago today, our little corner of the world was covered with a deep blanket of snow.  This picture was taken as the snowstorm let up enough to be able to see the snow accumulating on our street.  By nightfall, the winds picked up causing the still falling snow to create large drifts.  It was still snowing the next day, huge drifts everywhere!

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Winter Classic 2014

January 1, 2014

My husband celebrated New Year's Day 2014 at the Winter Classic game in Anne Arbour, Michigan.  It was a bitterly cold, snowy day.  I think he was still froze through, this time last year!  A year ago today, we were in the midst of a deep freeze with blizzard conditions.  We couldn't even see the houses across the road!  The weather just turned much colder here today with the first snow storms going through but so far aside of a little freezing rain and sleet, the weather has been very good compared to last year. 

I am quite surprised at how good the weather has been.  We were able to make the trip from Florida to home on Dec 22 without encountering any snow, just a bit of heavy rain around Atlanta.  Other than that, the roads were dry.  The kids were able to get their holiday travels in without driving in nasty conditions too.  It's cold and the wind is howling but so far the roads are still quite drivable.  It wouldn't hurt my feelings if it stayed this way all winter.  Don't get me wrong.  I love the look of snow, like taking a rare walk in the snow when it is crunchy, and the smell of crisp, clear winter air.  I just don't like driving on snow covered, icy roads!

Arriving Home

Arriving Home

December 23, 2014

We spent the month of October at our vacation home in sunny Florida, came home for three weeks then back down for five weeks.  Those last five weeks seemed long as the weather had turned cold so we were indoors more.  Still, it was warmer than Ontario!  We left Florida just before 7 AM on Monday, December 22 with the intentions of stopping in Kentucky for the night.  However, by the time we reached Kentucky, my husband was still feeling good and surprisingly despite being cramped in the car, I didn't feel too bad either.  We stopped for a quick break and continued on planning to stop a couple of hours down the road or when we got tired.  Suddenly we realized that we were only five hours from home so decided there was no point stopping overnight.  We stopped for gas and close to 1:30 AM were greeted with the beautiful sight of the Ambassador Bridge, like a beacon in the night welcoming us to home sweet home, Canada.  After a quick stop at Duty Free and gassing up, we crossed the bridge to clear customs then were on our way to our home.  It had been a long but uneventful 18 1/2 hour drive!  Home in time for the holidays...