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!

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!

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!

The Big Snow Storm

Neighbour Clearing Our Driveway

January 6, 2014

Like many in southern Ontario, we are still digging out from under a very deep blanket of snow.  The snow started in earnest Saturday evening, worsening Sunday.  The road conditions quickly deteriorated as the winds picked up whipping the blinding snow into a frenzy.  Then the freezing rain hit followed by more snow.  The plows off the road resuming operations this morning to start the clearing.  Residents have been asked to stay off the roads and there is a parking ban on all municipal streets to help with the clearing of the snow.   Still they were hindered by cars stuck on roadways.  There were reports of power outages and closures as the temperatures plummeted to record lows.  A lot of cars and generators won't start due to the cold.  Many are reporting frozen pips.  Warming stations are open. 

We are very, very blessed to have wonderful neighbours who cleared our driveway.  It quickly filled in so they cleared it again!  Our power has stayed on so our house is warm and cozy.  One of our friend's furnace blower quit so his house is in the 60's because he can only run the furnace for very short periods of time.  We lent him our electric space heaters.  He doesn't want to leave his house in case the pipes freeze!  The temperatures continue to fall. 

This storm has had a huge impact across North America due to the polar vortex.  I suspect it will be affecting many areas for several days yet...

The Cold From H E Double Hockey Sticks!

I'm just getting over a cold.  It didn't present like a cold.  In fact, it presented as a sore neck so I thought I had aggravated an old injury.  The sore neck gave way to a horrible sore throat.  A week ago Monday, the coughing started and there came my nightmare.  The coughing started suddenly making me feel my lungs were going to explode along with a beyond painful sensation of searing pins and needles (paresthesias) throughout my body.  For the next two days, I experienced that horrible sensation with each coughing fit followed by vomiting.  The sensation was a bring tears to your eyes worse than childbirth pain.  Once the cough settled down somewhat the residual effects of that searing pain remained so even today, I have some rather tender to the touch spots.  I'm still troubleshooting to find out what caused the pain.  I'm telling you this was the worst cold I have ever experienced and believe me I have had a few doosies.  And it was a cold because over the 11 day duration, I did not have a fever.

Be warned, there is a horrid strain of whooping cough going around.  Now this was not whooping cough as there was no fever or the tell tale whoop sound but it was brutal!  There is also a very nasty and very aggressive flu strain going around.  So do take a few preventative measures to stay healthy and happy during this cold and flu season.

Cabin Fever

Many can relate to the cabin fever The Roaming Gnome is feeling. I think he is on the right track. A vacation to the sunny south sounds like a great idea. Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Snowfall

Snowfall
February 11, 2010

I have been very worried this winter over the lack of snowfall in our area this year. We basically had very little snowfall up until February to the point my husband had only used the snow shovel once and that was more as a broom to clear the walkway rather than as an actual shovel. Farmers in our area need snow accumulation for field conditions in the spring. The area waterways depend on spring run off for their levels which is directly affected by the winter snow fall. As boaters we are well aware of the implications of lower water levels.

I was so excited to see a storm go through. Other than the kids that might have had the day off school and those wanting to use their snowmobiles I was likely the only adult cheering on the snow. We ended up with almost a foot of snow over a 2 day period so unfortunately my husband didn't close the office. Surprisingly the roads throughout the snow storm seemed to be pretty good. There were a few fender benders and a couple of jack-knifed trucks but that usually happens when folks refuse to slow down for winter road conditions.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

On the Path

On the Path
February 10, 2010

Mother Nature finally gave us a bit of snowfall. I know I shouldn't complain over the lack of snowfall but heck this is Ontario so I want my snow! Pictured is on pathway after the snowfall.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Wordless Wednesday - Rainy Drive

Rainy Drive
October 6, 2009

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Winter is a Coming!

Jockey
September 12, 2009

Oh my gosh! Things are rather hectic at the moment as we are into the heavier harvest so the kitchen is a buzz of activity. That's a good thing for the pantry but a bad thing for blogging. I can't believe September is more than half over! The weather is already cooling and leaves are starting to turn. The cooling weather is starting to affect the garden as well. At the same time it has sent me into a frenzy of checking for more air leaks and winterizing in my spare time. I've heard the predictions for a mild winter buy I'm not buying that one so will scurry along making all my winter preparations.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

The Verdict is In

Oh Sure!
February 2, 2009

Six more weeks of winter as predicted by those scaredycat groundhogs. You've got to be kidding! Now where is my groundhog stew recipe? Or I could braise them in a lovely maple syrup glaze [evil laughing!]

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Wordless Wednesday

Silver Birch
November 10, 2008

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008

Blog Your Blessings Sunday - Winter Storm

Winter Wonderland
December 16, 2007

Family has always been one of my cherished blessings. Knowing the kids would be traveling in snow storm last night really put me ill at ease. I was very relieved to get that phone call to say they were home safe and sound. Over night the storm turned everything to a winter wonderland. The thick blanket of snow was quite pretty despite the dull, heavy grey skies threatening more to come.

The water has taken on a cold, bluish grey cast and the snow is still coming down. The winds have picked up causing drifting. The visibility is greatly reduced as well so it is not the time to be out on the roads. As I went about taking pictures of the storm from the warmth and safety of our home, I was reminded how lucky I was to be able to enjoy such beauty. Even though the sun wasn't shining to reveal the multitude of snow diamonds, the view was still spectacular.

Our pantry is very well stocked so there is no need to go out for anything. I've spent the day so far cooking and doing a bit of catch-up for the holidays. The storm is not supposed to let up until tomorrow morning so my husband will work from home instead of going into the office. The electricity has so far remained on unlike our previous house where the power would have been out several times by now with this type of storm. The ability to stay tucked safely in our home during this storm is a blessing that I'm very thankful for.

Icy Waters

Icy Waters
February 28, 2007

We are under a storm advisory warning from Environment Canada. A near crippling snow storm is fast approaching. By tomorrow night we should see upwards of 35 cm of snow. We are all set except the expectant kids (see ticker above) are down, traveling home tonight so of course the protective Mommy mode has kicked in. I will be doing the pacing thing until I know they are home safe and sound. I should mention we felt soon-to-be second grandbaby kick today! I affectionately referred to grandbaby as Herman but grandbaby's Mommy wasn't too keen on that name. Go figure! Hermy is a perfectly acceptable name for any baby, male or female.

They are calling for possible power outages with this storm. This is something that has always bothered me since we first bought our first home that heated by a magic button that controlled a thing called a furnace. Now mind you we were coming from using wood heat meaning if the power went out, we still had heat and a means for cooking. Plus, the wood heat was a nice, warm to the bone heat not like the new fangled furnace! The furnace was easy. Just press the button and on came the heat. It was natural gas but the fan is electrical. If the power goes out the furnace will work unless electronic ignite but the fan won't work meaning no heat. So one of my primary concerns has been finding a way to secure heat in the event we lost power during the winter. Ok so fast forward to this house. It too is heated by forced air but unlike our last house with its "oh there is a cloud in the sky" power outages this house is really stable as far as electricity. We also have a natural gas fireplace that my husband is sure will work even if the electricity is out. We haven't tested this but he said it is the same type of ignition clicker that the outdoor grill has so will work without electricity. I know, we should have tested this theory before any threat of winter storms but we didn't. Other than that we are very well prepared. So now we wait.

The kids have left on their way to a smaller Christmas party. They will be on the roads heading towards home about 8:30 pm. The snow has started here but is still really light. Once we hear they are home safely we can relax and snuggle down while we watch the world around us turn into a winter wonderland.

Jack Frost

Back years ago through the eyes of a child I loved Jack Frost. He would come though the night when I was sleeping and paint my bedroom window with his amazing paint brush. Oh the innocence of someone with sparkles in her eyes! Fast forward to now and you know what, Jack Frost means energy loss. But for one brief moment, I was transported back to my childhood wonderment!