Curling - Part 2

Besides the ice and rocks, there have been a number of changes in the recent history of curling.

Up until the 1990's to win a curling game usually meant one team was better able to hit the other team's rocks.  As teams became better at it, the game got boring for the viewers.....like watching paint dry is how many described watching curling at the time. The curling associations implemented first a three rock and then a four rock rule which meant no hits were allowed until the lead rocks were played.  In my mind this was probably one of the best rule changes ever made as it meant more rocks in play.  With more rocks in the play the game became more of "chess on ice" as having the best strategy (and ability to place the rocks) became the key to winning.

The prizes have changed too.  When my parents curled in a local bonspiel, a big prize was a set of stacking stools or maybe a bottle of whiskey.  Probably the biggest prizes given away previously were the four automobiles presented to the winners of the Autospiel held in Nipawin, Saskatchewan from 1947 to 1954.   Now, the prizes are usually cash and teams have become more competitive.

When I was a kid, it wasn't unusual to see the curlers smoking as they swept the rocks down the ice, with ashtrays at either end.  Today the term 'Huffin and Puffin' generally refers to the lead and second of the Randy Ferby team (Marcel Roque and Scott Pfeiffer).

Just watching today's game of Canada versus Finland, I see another change.  Check out the 'do on this guy!

One thing that hasn't changed is the social atmosphere at a curling event both on and of ice.  There are very few poor sports in the game of curling.  Occasionally someone will slam their broom due to a poor shot on their part.  A cousin often says if they allowed body contact in curling he'd be more interested in the sport.

The audience can sometimes be another matter, especially at a evening game when someone has enjoyed the libations a little too much.  But post-game you'll often see curlers and spectators discussing the shots missed and made in the game just played, while enjoying a beverage or two.

As you can likely tell, I'm a huge fan of the game.  I love the strategy, the ability of the curlers to sweep rocks to just the right place, to read the ice, and their love of the game.  Besides which, in what other sport can you hear....."easy, easy" and "hurry, hurry hard!"?

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

Curling - part one

Wow, it's been a busy few days.  Work has been uber-crazy with year-end and movement of staff among teams, which while getting over this ridiculous cold, results in me falling into bed at night exhausted.  No one is more grateful for a four day weekend than I!

On the home front, both of my kids have come down with the same head cold. Of course they are blaming it on me!  They didn't say I couldn't hug them when I was sick....

This afternoon marks the start of the final curling event of the year.  The Ford World Men's curling starts in Victoria, B.C. this afternoon so I'll be planted in front of the television for the rest of the weekend.

Several posts ago, Olga asked me if curling was a reality show about a beauty salon.  While that would be fun too, I thought I'd take a stab at explaining curling to the uninitiated.  Today, a brief history and a little information about the game:

Like golf, curling originated in Scotland, I assume so there was something else for men to do in the winter besides frighten the sheep.  It is a game played on ice so when the first immigrants from the British Isles came to Canada they brought the game with them as there is an abundance of it in this part of the world.  Especially this winter...but I digress.

Briefly, curling involves throwing rocks (or stones) down a sheet of ice, preceded by two sweepers with brooms, at the direction of the skip with the object of placing the rocks the closest to the center of a series of rings. Until recently no one did this better than Kevin Martin of Alberta.

There are two teams, each comprising a skip (the leader), the third, a second, and a lead, alternating shots until 8 stones are thrown by each team.  If you've ever played or watched shuffleboard played at a pub, you've got an idea of the game of curling.  Except in curling the drinking usually happens after the game. (I said usually....there have been notable exceptions)

Years ago, the game was played outdoors.  In some cases, rocks were simply old jam tins full of sand and even when real curling rocks were available the ice conditions were so poor, the best most curlers could do was chuck the rock down the ice and pray for the best!

Eventually curling came indoors into community rinks.  My guess is women began curling and refused to freeze to death outdoors so they insisted the men build shelters!  The local rinks became the hub of rural community life in the winter time, with skating rinks attached to keep the kids busy, a lunch counter with homemade sandwiches and soup served along with coffee or tea to warm up the curlers after a long game, and a place to visit with the neighbours over a friendly game of cards.

Curling is a sport that can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone of any age, and ability.  There are leagues for children, men, women, seniors, wheelchair curlers, and even blind curlers.  For most, the game is more about comradery and fun, rather than winning and losing.  Both my parents curled for many years though my mom had to give it up when another curler slipped on the ice, fell on her and broke her leg, while dad curled until he was 92.  Check out this fellow; at 102 he`s the oldest curler in the world!

Despite having grown up at the curling rink, I never did take up the sport.  As a teenager I rebelled against anything my parents did or suggested, and it wasn't until 1989 that I got interested.  The company I worked for gave away tickets for the Brier (Canadian men's championship) and I won a pair to the Thursday`s three draws.  I invited my mom to join me in Saskatoon and we spent almost an entire day at the rink from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 at night. She spent the day answering my questions, "what are they trying to do, why that shot, how do they get the rock to do that?"  She was incredibly patient with me...a trait she rarely demonstrated...so she obviously enjoyed the day. I did too, as it was truly the start of a new relationship with my mom.

A few years later, I attended the Roar of the Rings (the Olympic curling trials in Canada) in my city.  I was blessed to sit with two couples, both of whom were well-known curlers in their own rights, who answered my questions and helped me gain a greater understanding of the theory of the game and the strategy.  Over time I've become a hell of skip....at least from my armchair.  

I did take a couple of lessons a few years ago, but it was about the time my mom died, so I gave up and I've never gotten back to it.  Perhaps when I retire I'll try again.  In the meantime I'll enjoy watching the masters (both men and women) of the game amaze me with their shots and strategy.

Oh yeah, and of course, there is the occasional eye-candy.  That's Thomas Ulsrud of Norway with Kevin Martin of Canada...guess which one I think is gorgeous...hint he has more hair!

I hope everyone is having a great Easter weekend!  It's even starting to melt here...maybe spring will follow the Easter bunny.

A long time ago

Fifty four years ago to be exact I met my mom and dad for the very first time.  I don`t remember anything of our first meeting but I know the details.  I know, because the nurse who delivered me  attended parties at my families home, and when T was drunk tipsy, she would pull me aside to share the story.

The doctor was delayed and I was in a hurry.  In such a hurry in fact, that I was born in the amniotic sac intact, which T had to cut open which resulted in fluid splashing all over her.  This was the sordid detail she liked to remind me of as often and as publicly as possible.  Not the thing you want to hear when you are 14, 17, or even 25, but now I think it`s kind of interesting.  It was a good thing I weighed in at a mere 3 pounds 6 ounces (1530 grams) or I suspect my mother would have hated me forever.

Mom always said I was a colicky baby, at least she took me off the formula the doctor prescribed, and put on Carnation 2% evaporated milk and corn syrup.  This would give any medical practitioner the fits these days, but I thrived on it.   Dad was the one who got up in the night with me, as he was a farmer and was away during the day.  I'm his first child, and as result was a little  lot spoiled.  He told me he would lay me down (on my stomach, another no-no today) and pat my back until I went back to sleep.  He told me he would count to 500 and occasionally fell asleep leaning over the crib.  Like I said, spoiled.

Today, on the anniversary of my birth, I've taken the day off work.  If I could pass one law in the world, it would be everyone would not have to work on their birthday, and be able to relax and enjoy it as they chose.  Since that isn't the case, ever since I've been able to arrange my schedule I've taken the day for myself.

It hasn't been an exciting day, but and enjoyable one...at least for me.  I slept in briefly, was woken up by a friend calling to wish me Happy Birthday and then I puttered around the house before doing some shopping.  What a treat to be able to shop on a weekday morning when the stores are less busy.

I came home with my packages to find a lovely gift on the table; a lovely chocolate dessert.  I'm sure you'll laugh, I didn't realize what it was and stuck my fingers into the box to lift it out, and stuck my fingers right into the icing!

For the rest of the day I plan to relax, enjoy some cuddles with the cats, dinner with C and D, and simply enjoy my time off.  Didn't I say something earlier about being spoiled?

Have a great day everyone!

Making the most of Monday

I took the day off as my earned day off.  I usually take Friday but this time I switched it up as I planned a day of vacation tomorrow and I loved the idea of a four day weekend.

Of course, being sick all weekend, meant I didn't much housework done around here.  After my daughter left for work at 7 a.m., I got up to have a shower, and got on with it.  After much scrubbing, vacuuming, dusting, folding, tidying, and tossing the house is looking terrific and I'm exhausted.   I think it must be spring fever....at least I hope it is!

I stripped the bed, did three loads of laundry, and cleared the side tables.  I have a tendency to let stuff gather up so a lot of today was putting things where they belonged.  I got the filing of all the bills and tax information and used the shredder to cut up a bunch of last years paper.

Next on the agenda were the hall closets, one we use for linens, towels, and such, the other holds cleaning supplies, paper products, and cat food.  I'm not sure how they get so messy but they sure do.  I tossed some old items and cleared the clutter.

After a brief stop for a bowl of oatmeal, it was on to the kitchen.  The island tends to be the catch-all in this room and it was a disaster.  My children, wonderful as they are, are also not the best at keeping the counters and stove clean when they make their meals.  They do load the dishwasher...I'll give the that!  After clearing the counters, washing up a few dishes, scrubbing the stove and fridge, I started on the pantry.  I refuse to tell you how old the box of Rice Krispies was - it was tossed.

The living room was next.  I'm ashamed to admit this but the picture doesn't lie...it's been far too long since I moved the couch to vacuum!  Saku loves to chase things around the room until they find their way under the furniture.  His favorites are hair elastics, the pink cover for my daughter's cellphone, candy wrappers and cat toys.

The last area was the front hall.  Despite the cold, we've been tracking dirt in on our boots.  I vacuumed and scrubbed the floor, took the garbage, emptied the bucket.  AND collapsed in my chair!

One of the things I accomplished was to get rid of the winter decorative items.  That included the Rider Snowman, a reindeer, icicles, snowflakes, and another a door stop snowman.

I've decided it's my fault winter has been hanging on for so long is because I hadn't put away all the decorations.  It's a theory...we'll see whether it works.

I'll be so happy to be rid of this view.  It may not be spring outside, but inside my house...it's officially spring.

Hope everyone had a productive and happy Monday!

Time lapse

These pictures were taken on Friday.  The first I snapped at about 6:30 in the morning, when I looked at the window to see Mr. Bunny.

To my surprise, when I got home from work around 3 p.m he was still sitting there.

It had been snowing lightly all day, so he seemed to be settled in quite comfortably.

I was in bed early, by 8:30 that evening, and he was still hanging out.

From the first the last picture it hardly looks like he's moved at all!  Obviously he's better bladder control than I have.  I couldn't sit that long!

I woke up this morning feeling much better, I definitely slept well, and my ears have popped so I can hear properly again.  Thanks everyone for the good wishes!

I'm back!

I haven't completely fallen off the face of the earth, but there were moments this week when I wish I would.  And it nothing to do with my worries of early this week.

I've been spending my time doing lovely things like coughing to the point I hoped I'd hack up a lung, shivering during a hot flash, and most recently, trying to keep up with constant nasal drip.  Oh yeah, and just for fun I threw in a migraine on Wednesday.  Try coughing with a migraine...between nausea and feeling as though my head was going to explode...it was one of the worst days of my life.

Because I'm a loyal employee idiot I managed to make it into work the rest of the week, though it was probably not the best idea since I probably spread my germs around.  I didn't want to miss any announcements on Thursday though I should have known nothing definitive would have been provided.  We do know our budget has been cut again, however the work is going to increase.  Surprise, surprise...not!

The other item to come out of the budget is the goal of the federal government to renegotiate sick leave benefits for public servants.  Currently we earn 15 days a year, which can be carried forward if not used.  Should a significant illness occur, the employee can use up to 13 weeks of leave before disability would normally kick in.  Those who don't use the hours lose them on leaving their employment.  However, many employees use their sick leave as earned - I saw stats that say the average public service employee uses 12.5 days a year, while the private sector uses 8.5 days in a year (my numbers may be slightly off but it was in that range).

I suspect they may try to reduce the number of days we can earn in a year, and perhaps cap the amount of hours carried over.  I can't see the unions giving away the benefit entirely, as it would have an impact on the private sector as well.

So things at work aren't as bad as I thought they might be (at least not yet), and I'm starting to feel better.

I'm getting lots of couch time in with my Sasha. The cats seem to enjoy that I'm a hot water bottle, but not so thrilled when I start coughing and send them flying.

Time for me to catch up with the rest of you, I did manage to lurk a little this week but I don't think I commented.  Who knows, for a good portion of the week....brain...not...working.

Happy Saturday, everyone!

It's official

We broke the record for snowfall in our city this winter, with just over 196 centimeters of snow (about 6 1/2 feet).   Oh, yippee! :(

On one hand it is good since we'll have lots of moisture this year, on the other hand we have to worry about flooding.

The last house we lived in, was the lowest on the block, and I had a flooded basement two years in a row.   When we bought this place I made certain to check the lay of land (so to speak) and my house is actually the highest so hopefully we'll be okay.  If not, I could be in trouble as I don't have a sump pump or a backwater valve installed.

So even though there is still a lot of snow pack we're all hoping for a slow melt.  The temperatures we've been having will ensure that.

Spring arrives in less than 12 hours...I'll be ready and waiting (and waiting, and waiting!)

Overwhelmed

The view from my front window today seems to be an metaphor (or is it an analogy) for my life these days.  

The snow keeps falling, blowing in, and piling up in large drifts.  Sort of like my workplace, only it's not snow but another four letter word that starts with s...and ends with t.  I'll let you guess the rest of the letters. ;-)

I'm sure I've mentioned a couple of times we're going through massive changes at work.  It's all part of the governments plans to 'rightsize' the public service, thereby saving the public gobs of money.  Unfortunately all I've seen is less and less services for the public, especially the most vulnerable, and more and more work piling on those left to pick up the pieces.

I realize change is inevitable and I've been through this sort of exercise before in the private sector (we went from 27 to 18 employees in one day at another workplace). What I've learned is, it's not the change that is sending me into a tailspin but the uncertainty.

We're either not told anything until the change is imminent and/or the change is announced with no instructions on how to implement it.  When we ask questions, we either get corporate speak or no response at all.  It is so frustrating at times I find myself thinking I am going to lose my mind.

This week will bring another federal budget and we expect more announcements that will impact our workplace.  If management knows what`s happening, they are not sharing.  So we`ll all wait and see what Thursday brings.

I don`t know which is worse, the snow or the workplace, although I do know the snow will disappear sooner than the job.  Or maybe not...

If you could spare a thought for me on Thursday, I`d be grateful.  I hope all you reading this have a peaceful week!

Busy Saturday

I was up early this morning (at least early for a Saturday) and out the door by 8, as I had agreed to supervise an exam.  The professional body I belong to asks its members to volunteer for these events several times a year, and I usually manage to do so once or twice.

The exams last four hours, and I've had as few as one student writing and as many as 15.  Today was 12 writing four different exams.  One of the instructions is the students cannot ask me for assistance with the exam questions...I took a peek at the exams....I'd have been no help to anyone!

When I was a student and writing the exams, those four hours flew by.  Now that I'm supervising, the same amount of time drags on forever and ever.  I took a magazine with me and my e-reader, and a ball of yarn.  The first hour I read, the second and third hours I crocheted, and the fourth hour I read.

Of course, I did take a look around the room on occasion to ensure no one was using crib notes or passing notes, or any of the other potential infractions I'm supposed to watch for.  I also took a walk to the back of the room, to get out of my chair and stretch my legs.   Boring!

I did manage to just about finish this beanie.  I'm not really happy with the way the finish looks, so I may tear it back and work the last few rows again.  I mentioned earlier I got the yarn at Zellers closing sale.  It took just on 50 g ball to make this child size beanie, and the yarn was 99 cents.  Darn cheap and it helped me fill in a couple of hours.

When I got, I watched the Women's World curling match I'd recorded while I was away.  Canada vs. Scotland - we lost 5-4 but it was a pretty good game overall, though both teams had misses as they got accustomed to the rocks and the ice.  After it was over, it was time to tackle the housework which has been the bane of my existence these last couple of weeks.

I don't know if it's the weather, the stress of work, or just plain laziness but I've letting things slip.  Even the cats have noticed!  So I spent the rest of the afternoon, picking up, washing up, and tidying up.

Tomorrow the curling starts at 6 a.m. - no sleeping in for me this weekend!

Hope has a wonderful weekend!

Nothing funny about this Friday

Sigh, we woke up to this.....AGAIN!

Spring may be arriving somewhere next week, but it sure isn't going to be here.  The weather forecast is for more snow almost every day this week.  Generally not a lot of snow, but enough when added up is enough to make driving difficult.  (AND annoy the crap out of me!)

It's said that being defeated is a temporary situation, giving up makes it permanent.  I'm there...I've officially given up this winter will every end.

If you happen to see spring somewhere, would you do me a favor and sent it my way? Thanks!

It's been a long day.....

I was work shortly after 7 this morning, as we had an all day meeting scheduled to start at 8:15 at our other building.  I had some things on my desk I wanted to handle before I left the office, and it's about a 5-6 block walk over.  Of course, this morning would be -18C with windchills of -25C, so not only was it early but it was cold too!

The meeting agenda had to be changed mid-morning as we had a presenter coming in from another city and the roads were still not particularly good, and he was unable to make it in time.  It turned out well for us, as it gave us more time for discussion as we're working towards consolidating the offices in two cities into one unit.  We're also making some significant changes in the way we do our work, and even the work we do, and all of those items make the transition even more complex.    We certainly haven't reached any consensus about a number of issues, but thankfully we have a year to get there.

The organizers had arranged for dinner at a restaurant nearby for 6 p.m.  As a result, most of those who live in our city chose not to attend because it was nearly 90 minutes after our meeting ended.  I felt there should be some representation from our office (there were just few) so I hung out downtown for awhile.  I was still the first to arrive but one of the managers from the office showed up within a few minutes so we sat and had a drink while we waited for the others.  Several of us ended up in the bar before six, and joined of the rest of the group upstairs for dinner after we finished our round of drinks.

I hadn't been to this particular restaurant since it opened a few years ago, and I had not been impressed then with either the food or the service.  Tonight was a totally different experience.  We were a large group of about 25-30,  but the service was very good, with drinks, starter courses, and entrees arriving very quickly after our orders were taken.  I had a aged cheddar and bacon burger that was soooooo good (not healthy but very yummy!).  Several of the group at my table had a prime rib sandwich that looked very good as well.  Prices were actually pretty reasonable too, so all in all it was a good evening.

It was after 8 before I got home, so bedtime is not far off.  We start again tomorrow morning for a half-day before it's back to our regular work, while our counterparts head home.  The weather is supposed to be better tomorrow, +3C so the highway conditions should be better as well.  There is a saying in Saskatchewan, if you don't like the weather wait 15 minutes.

Monday blues

I truly think Monday's should be banished.  Of course, as a coworker reminded me today, if we didn't have Monday, Tuesday would become Monday, so perhaps it's better to get it over with.

Sigh....that's far more sensible than I want to be today.

It started out when I got in the car and realized I'd forgotten to stop at the gas station over the weekend as I was closer to E than I like to be.  You would think at 7 a.m. the gas station would be quiet, but not so today.  There is nothing I hate worse...oh no there probably is...but one of the things I hate is being late to work.  I did make it on time but just barely.

We had a meeting early in the morning, and when I got back to my desk there were a flurry of e-mails describing problems my staff were having with various systems.  I spent much of my day contacting various areas and individuals trying to resolve these problems.  Unfortunately this was merely the tip of the iceberg ......argggh!

The weather turned ugly again this afternoon.  It warmed up to -2C, then we got snow and freezing rain.  The drive home wasn't bad in the city, but I have an employee who was out of town, and is travelling on the highway.  The news announcer advised travel is not recommended on area highways, so I'm a little concerned.  He promised to text me when he gets back and until he does, I can't help but feel anxious.

So basically, my memory sucks, work sucks, and the weather sucks!  And Monday sucks most of all.

Hope your Monday was better than mine!

Keeping it simple Sunday

The Canadian men's Brier wraps up today in Edmonton.  I've been watching as many games as possible during the week, and all weekend.  With the time change, this morning's draw began at 8:30 and I planned to be up 15 minutes ahead of time to get the coffee on.  But last night, my daughter (having napped all afternoon) was restless so it was nearly 1 a.m. before I feel asleep. You'd think I'd be accustomed to the noise ...she is 31 years old and has lived with me most of that time!  OR maybe she would have learned to be a little more quiet.  A little of column A, a little of column B perhaps?

The alarm went off shortly after 8, I shut if off, and woke up just before 9.  I only missed the first end, but coffee didn't get started until the 5th end break.  At least I know I should sleep well tonight.

The second game is streaming live on the internet as I type this. There is a time delay between the video and the sound, so I hear the sound of the hits before I actually see them.  It's rather disconcerting!

Between games I got my taxes done and filed. I sat with my daughter as she did her taxes for the first time.  I've always done it in the past, but I figure it's about time she learned how.   My son's information slip has yet to arrive, though it should have been mailed by the end of February.  Once it comes in, he gets to learn how too!  Maybe next year, I'll make them do mine. :-)

I've managed to finish all the blocks for my afghan while watching the curling.  Now it's a matter of sewing them all together.  Our local Zellers has been sold to Target so has been selling off all of their goods.  I picked up another 14 balls of various yarns for less than $30, enough to make an baby blanket and several pairs of mitts and toques.  Of course, spring is around the corner...at least I hope it is, so I probably won't get much done in the next few weeks.

I anticipate the rest of the day will be just as quiet.  The Brier final starts at 6:30 local time, with Brad Jacobs of Northern Ontario playing Jeff Stoughton of Manitoba.  Either team will be great representatives of Canadian curling at the Worlds in Victoria B.C. in a couple of weeks, but I am pulling for the Jacobs team.  Stoughton has been to and won the Worlds previously, so I think it is time for a new (and younger) team to have a chance.   I would prefer if it were Saskatchewan, but we have not made it to a final in several years, nor won the Brier since 1980.

After the game today, it will be almost a week before the start of the World Women's curling.  I might just go through withdrawal!  Of course it will give me more time to keep up with everyone I follow in the blogging world.  I know I'm been remiss in my comments!

Hope you've all had a wonderful weekend, and a great week lies ahead!

Random Friday

We got a little more snow yesterday and CBC ran a story yesterday we're close to a record year.  The record is 165.7 centimeters of snow.  The converter tells me that's just over 65 inches or nearly 5 1/2 feet. There are areas of the province that have gotten more snow this winter than that. Makes me grateful...at least a little bit.

The city plows came down the street today (three of them!).  I went out to the store between curling games and the street is less rough, though I suspect there is still a good six inches of snow out there.  Hopefully it melts slowly, otherwise the street is going to be a huge mess for a few weeks.

The letter f on my keyboard keeps sticking.  I'm thinking it may be getting ready for St. Patrick's day, as I frequently have to correct the spelling in the post like "three o them" and six inches o packed snow".

My friend C got back from Jamaica a week ago.  She brought me a new cat, isn't he cute?

Just four more weeks until I'm off to Hawaii.  K and arranged a car rental for our last weekend there.  We figure we'll have become accustomed to the time change, we plan to drive up to the North shore for one day, and we'll have it for our transfer back to the airport when we head home.  We've been researching walking tours, luaus, and other must-sees.

I'll be so happy to get away from this. (This is from last year spring melt)

I know I'll enjoy this puddle much better!

Have a great weekend everybody! 

Not so bad - for me

We didn't get nearly the amount of snow forecast in yesterday's storm, and although it was expected to continue through the morning, that didn't happen either.  Thank goodness!






My daughter and I got up early to shovel the driveway.  Although there wasn't much snow, the wind had blown it about, with a fair amount ending up drifting in.  It was heavy, wet snow so I was thankful for my little electric shovel!

It became even more obvious how windy it was when I saw the garbage can had been blown over. The wind even kept the one side of the car clear of snow.

Under the snow was a layer of ice.  Driving to work was an experience as the main road I use to get downtown was a skating rink.  The traffic at 7 a.m. was moving at a crawl and even impatient me, was okay with the reduced speed!

According to the CBC online news reports there were 155 motor vehicle accidents reported in the province due to the storm.  Thankfully, there was only one fatality; with the sheer number of rollovers it could have been far worse.   I think we all need to learn to stay off the highways when travel is not recommended.  Unless it a life or death situation, venturing out when the conditions are as bad as they were yesterday, just isn't worth the risk.  Of course, it's easy or me to say as I live within the confines of the city and my livelihood doesn't depend on my travelling far to work.

Spring cannot come a moment too soon!

Sucker Sunday - Updated

Last night the forecast for our city called for 25 centimeters of snow over the next two days.  That's 10 inches! :(  We've already gotten 150 cms. this winter (5 feet); in a normal year we'd get closer to 100 cms.  No matter how you add it up it's still a lot though as long as it doesn't come all at once it's do-able.

I woke up this morning and was relieved to see the storm has missed us last night! The forecast is now for only 15 cms. of snow starting this afternoon and ending tomorrow morning.

The radar image updated about 20 minutes ago, looks like this.  The X marks where I live.  We're surrounded by the snow but so far nothing is falling here.  In aviation terms, when a break in the clouds occurs it's referred to as a sucker hole because it suckers one into believing the storm may pass by.

We seem to be sitting in such a hole at the moment.  I'm hoping the storm continues on it's way and missed us entirely, but I suspect that's "sucker" thinking.

Update (6 hours later)
Here's the radar now - I don't have to enlarge it for you to know we're right in the middle of the storm.

This is my view through the front window.

Have I mentioned lately, how much I hate winter?

Think of me tomorrow morning, when I'm shoveling my way out of the driveway. :-)

Have a great week everyone!

Silly Saturday

I had something else in mind to post today, but I'll save it for another time because this is too funny not to share!  

LINDSAY, Ont. - There wasn't much beer left but apparently there was enough chip dip to go around at a home in eastern Ontario.

A Lindsay, Ont., couple are facing charges for allegedly assaulting each other with chips and dip.

Police say they were called early Friday to a home in the community west of Peterborough, where there had already been 15 previously documented domestic disputes.

When officers arrived at the scene of the disturbance just after 1 a.m., they found both people covered in chips and dip after apparently fighting over the last beer.

A 39-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman both face charges of domestic-related assault and will appear in court on March 28.

Their names were not released.

My thought - you can't make this stuff up!

Friday Funny

Here's what happened when the Ecobubbles brand of cloths washer was filming a commercial in the Canadian wilderness  (Be careful out there!)

This footage was caught by one of the crew.  Make sure you watch to the very end!

Have a great weekend everyone.