Finally, a nice long walk this afternoon after what seems like a month of minus fuck-off temperatures. Counted TWO guys in shorts (it was around -6C), a rare snow-faced Buddha, and one super impressive 20-foot snowman.
Oh winter….
Author Archives: Donna
Whirlwind
And it was. An absolute whirlwind.
In late August, Tom and I decided to move in together, by which I mean, selling his house and buying another, and exiting both of our homes. Sounds simple, but it was very complicated, and the severe amount of adulting required sapped me of all energy to write in my blogs, or really do much of anything else but plan, pack, and stress. We bought a beautiful townhouse just west of Glenora in Grovenor, and we’ve been here since November 15. Actually, November 17. We got possession on the 15th, and although our move in date was November 16, we rescheduled to the following day because we got the first dump of winter on the 16th — 20 cm of snow, blowing winds and frigid temperatures. And no shovel.
In spite of my efforts to downsize, I still have a lot of stuff and it took a long time to pack, and unpack, especially the books. At times, often in fact, it feels oppressive. I don’t move easily or happily but the end result of this move is one of the positive things in an otherwise shitty 2021. I paused looking for employment from September to December because this move was a full-time job. Perhaps that’s a cop-out but it’s been incredibly difficult to hold different and sometimes opposing thoughts in my brain these last few months. I’m not a good multi-tasker, and I was lucky to be able to focus on one thing (with many tangled facets). Tom was able to walk most days, but I was just too busy. All of the things I love to do have fallen off the priority list. I hope I find them again.
The other thing preventing me from walking is the weather. Soon after the massive snow fall on November 16, we had several freezing rain episodes. The roads and sidewalks were absolutely treacherous, iced to a mirror sheen. We haven’t taken off our spikes at all this winter. Since then, however, it’s been cold. Almost a month of record-breaking cold.
CTV weather guy Josh Classen: “10 of the past 12 days in Edmonton had highs below -15. Eight of those days had highs below -20! The last deep freeze THIS cold for THIS long was 1996-97. If you factor in the forecast – we’ll top that. Sunday (Jan 9) should make it 13 of 17 straight days where we don’t get above -20.”
Our view of the neighbourhood is very pretty, especially when it’s sunny, but other than Sunday, January 2, no walks.
Starting Monday of next week, it’s supposed to warm up to 0C. Can’t wait.
And…I start a new job on January 17th! Back at the U of A as a communications associate, focused on writing, but with three new faculties. Still remote for the foreseeable future.
First Walk of 2022
First walk of 2022! When I got groceries this morning (loading up before another round of horrific weather), it was sunny(ish) and warm (-7C). When we left for our walk, it was overcast, windy, and -13C. But, still wonderful to get outside and move. 15,946 steps total.
A Snowy Walk
A gorgeous walk around the greater ‘hood (Grovenor and Glenora) after a fresh snow last night, and the requisite latte at The Colombian . (And yes I have hood hair)
–13C to -10C 11,186 Steps
A Walk Around the New ‘Hood
Back along our usual routes today, just starting from Grovenor now instead of Glenora, with a latte stop at the Sweetpea Cafe in Laurier Heights. Same gorgeous views!
3C. 16,181 steps.
Halle
Following my departure from Oliver, and during the intercession between old homes and the new one, I stayed with Sharon, and then from November 9 to the 16th I dog-sat at Val and Jay’s place. Halle is a gorgeous and at times, challenging dog. At a little over a year, she’s still a puppy (in Chocolate Lab terms), so is full of endless puppy energy. On the first day, she knocked me down, not because she’s mean, but because she’s a powerful dog who doesn’t quite know yet how to reign in her energy. Always game for a game of fetch in the backyard, and forgiving when I throw poorly (always) or accidentally over the fence (once).
For most of my stay, there was no snow, but we still didn’t go for walks. I was uncomfortable with the choke collar and I was afraid that she would get away or pull me over. She has a bit of the wanderlust, apparently, and has broken through a screen. However, we had lots of plays inside the house and especially outside in their vast backyard. In her quiet moments, Halle was a wonderful cuddler and snoozer. And a gobsmackingly beautiful model.
I was grateful for a place to stay, but it was a lot mixed with all the moving stuff. Once Tom’s house was cleared out, he joined me at Chez Halle. She really loved him. Not so sure it was mutual, but the stay was short-lived!
