And December Begins
December 5, 2009
We made it through November without much in the way of snow or cold but the past few days ‘Old Man Winter’ has been subtle in letting his presence be known.
A small dusting of snow and winter like temps of minus 20C greeted us this morn. Still a far cry from my most recent memories of Decembers past… but winter-like, none-the-less.
In the photo below a brave soul still jogs down the street. I guess they don’t refer to us as ‘hardy Manitobans’ for nothin’ :-).
This past November was almost gift-like and even now, with little snow, and the yet to be felt unrelenting gusts of the North wind, winter has been kind. I can’t help but feel a little lulled into hoping for a mild (in comparison) next couple of months.
Sadie may not wholeheartedly agree with me and I know that the reality may well prove otherwise.. but for now.. fingers remain crossed in my red Canadian Olympic mitts.
We Made a wish…. and you came true
November 27, 2009
And then, with the blink of an eye.. you are one.
Happy Birthday Alyssa and Zachary!!
Teddy bears and skies of pink and blue
Smiling in honor of the two of you
Infants, not so long ago
Now, one candle is aglow
You both are growing up so fast
How quickly a year has passed
You are special, sweet, and wise
Each a present before our eyes.
Cordite Trail
November 20, 2009
Looks like it is official .. the path through the field behind our house has been designated as a Winnipeg trail, named the Cordite Trail. Kind of exciting … and a great place to walk. I wonder if the city will keep it cleared during the winter months.
Here’s a bit of interesting history (that I knew nothing about ) as per the Winnipeg Trails webpage:
The Cordite Trail is named after the Cordite Plant that was built in Transcona because of close proximity to water, fuel, power, labour and rail lines. Between 1941 and 1945, the plant manufactured cordite, an explosive material used in munitions along with nitrocellulose and nitro-glycerine, also used in explosives. When the Second World War ended, the plant was used as Japanese Interment camp for a few months.
Eventually the site was cleared and today this peaceful area provides an ideal environment for marsh birds, hawks and other wildlife. The bulrushes provide shelter for nesting geese and ducks in the spring, and often you can see foxes sneaking around! The trail is popular with area residents for walking, cycling, dog walking, and children’s play.
The Cordite Trail is situated in a very open meadow-like field area and runs along the northern edge of Transcona. The western section which begins at Lagimodiere Blvd is north of Kildonan Estates and the east section crosses Redonda in East Transcona. Currently there is a gap in the trail between Plessis Rd and Day Street.
(click to enlarge)
Sunshine and Santa
November 16, 2009
♪♪ Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high ♪♪
I have been finding myself either silently singing or humming this John Denver tune quite often these days for it seems that Manitoba is experiencing one of the sunniest Novembers in my memory.
Yes, it is most certainly colder than July or August (although not that much if you compare this past summer) but usually, come November, any thin slice of warmth and sunshine is such a gift… and we have had days of it.. with only more in the forecast for the coming week.
This makes me very happy, happy, happy.
Fore, it seems that no matter what the day holds… if the sun is shining, the livin’ is easy (as least in my books) :-)
This past Saturday was the perfect example. The plan for that morning was to meet with “The Girls” for brunch at one of our favourite haunts, the Transcona Golf club. Don’t let the name confuse you.. it is not a fancy dancy place.. but it is a place that usually serves a good breakfast and will keep the coffee flowing for the two to four hours that we sit and gab. (I kid you not… a three to four hour brunch is the norm) :-)
Anyway.. I arrived early. The days are quite short this time of year so the sight of the early sun gracing the frost covered greens had me pause and pull out my ‘point and shoot’.
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So pretty!!
After brunch / lunch, with the frost now gone, the sky nothing but blue and plenty of sunshine on my shoulders, I headed out to shop and then home for a quick walk with the dogs.
My schedule was tight. The plan was for me to meet with the kids and grandkids that evening to take in the Santa Clause parade.
This parade is a big event here in Winnipeg and especially big this year with my grandbabies about to have their first experience with Santa. The weather could not have been more perfect… mild, with no wind.
We all met at BJ and Paul’s.. bundled up the kids and walked from their home to the parade route just over the Provencher Bridge. As we turned on to Provencher Avenue, we merged with other parade goers heading in the same direction, many pushing bundled kids in strollers, or pulling two or more munchkins in wagons. It was a happy walk. :-)
Our timing was near perfection. We had just placed the strollers in the front seat position, when the first float started towards us.
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The “little ones”, I am sure, had no real idea what was going on.. but they sat through the entire parade, munching on snacks with their moms and taking in all the hoots, bells, and lights.
After an hour, or so, of standing in the same spot, the night chill did start to settle in some.. but no one could have asked for a better night for the celebration of lights and Santa.
As the last float passed, the parade crowd quickly dispersed and we joined the many now heading for home, fingers a little cold, noses a little red, memories tucked away in a warm and safe place.
November Sun
November 11, 2009
“The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
With one of the coldest and wettest summers now behind us, Mother Nature has decided a small dosing of sun may be in order. This past week has been glorious, especially being that it is November.
The dogs and I have been making up for lost walks and have been out and about under the blue of the sky, trying to take in as many of the sun’s rays as possible. With the ground now dry, most of our walks are taking place behind our house… on the dike at the far end of the field.
The entrance to the field is just a short jaunt to the end of our block. I love the long shadows of this time of year and how the sky just seems to open up and welcome us.
At the far side of the field there is an elevated dike kept somewhat groomed (not sure by who) for walking. The rest of the ambiance is as natural as any a prairie field with each season offering its own unique colour scheme.
Lately, while walking, I have been a little startled by some noted tell tale signs of man. Surveying posts now dot the path, every 50 feet or so. And out of no where, one day there appeared a bench… cemented in, no-less. I have to wonder… what is up with that!
It looks like changes are coming to our little prairie out back… not quite sure on my feelings about that.
Anyway.. right now this place is my and the dogs own little piece of Manitoba paradise and we love it, especially in this late autumn sun. The dogs are happy to tear through the grass, so many smells to explore. I am happy to feel warmth on my face… mitts come off, jacket zippers come undone.
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After our walks it has been too nice to head indoors so I grab a book, a coffee and head out back to my favourite bench to read and bask in the November sun. Coco finds his own comfy spot near by.
Every once in awhile we both look up to watch Sadie as she runs on by.
Where, oh where, does she get all that energy. :-)
Flying High
November 4, 2009
The end of October was a busy time for us. Both of my “older” grandkids graduated from high school and the graduation ceremony was scheduled for October 23rd.
The grandkids live in a small town near London, Ontario. Not wanting to miss such a monumental moment in their lives, their dad (Paul), BJ, Zach, Roland and I hopped on a West Jet flight.
Any concerns about how an 11 month old might deal with such a trip were quickly put to rest. Little Zach turned out to be a great little traveler.
This was my first time visiting their quaint little town and I must admit to being quite impressed. I loved the rolling country side, dotted with red barns and cornfields. The explosion of autumn colour made me realize how much I was missing our own usual (but not this year) fall display here in Manitoba. I was glad to be able to get my fill.
| For the most part, the weather was cold and wet (seems to be the way of it this year no matter where we go) but that didn’t stop us from seeing the sights and checking out a London Mall. |  |
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The town itself is small but its high school (from which the kids were graduating) has a large catchment area that includes much of the surrounding communities. We were surprised to hear that the graduating class would number over 200.
Even more surprising was the turn out.
We left early for the ceremony… but not nearly early enough. By the time we arrived at the school, parking spots were at a premium, the place was packed.
As we tumbled out of our van and grabbed the stroller from the back for Zach, we were a bit surprised at the numbers and the continual stream of proud parents and children filing into the school.
We quickly joined the flow and let it lead us to an already packed gymnasium. Luckily we were able to grab the last few seats on the side bleachers near the back of the room.
Even after every seat was taken, people continued to enter, quickly filling any standing room and then over flowing back through the doors and into the hallway.
I wondered and marveled at the attendance. So much love and pride on so many faces. The ceremony hadn’t even begun and already I could feel the tears and the excitement.
As the lights lowered and all those in attendance rose for the singing of “Oh Canada”, I knew I was in for an emotional ride. There was just something so satisfying about seeing all of these people come together to partake in the celebration of promise for so many of our young people.
The support and pride emanating from those around us had a palpable nature, enveloping us with that sweetest of emotions.. hope … not only for those being acknowledged, but for the future of everyone there, young and old. I felt humbled and honoured to be a part of it.
Sitting through such a long ceremony was not the easiest of endeavours for wee Zach but he managed to hold it together to see his brother and sister receive their diplomas.
Way to go Zach!
Way to go Chris and Cynni!!!
Grandma is so proud.
And the Living is Easy
October 17, 2009
My sleep lifts just enough to sense the soundless pitter-pat of little paws suddenly materializing at the foot of the bed and marching up to just short of my face. My eyes still closed in a futile attempt at feigning sleep, I hear the beginnings of a low-pitched purr and feel the faint brush of a soft nose and pointy whiskers against my cheek… little kitty kisses.
My smile beats my eyes at opening and Bear lets out his morning meow, knowing he has won.
Sadie, in her bed next to ours, now stands and leans in so that her face is resting right next to Bear. Now two sets of eyes greet mine. Coco, ever the last to stir, remains warm and snuggled under the comforter.
I lift my arm from under the covers and give my demanding Bear his morning pat. Sadie’s tail starts vibrating in anticipation. Ever hopeful, she tentatively reaches up with her big paw and rests it beside her big nose.
As I reach over to remove Sadie’s paw and give her sweet face a rub, I remember about today and a little cheer inwardly escapes.
Is there any better feeling than waking up to the first day of vacation? I think not.
and on another happy note:
This past week my grandson Chris was in town to attend the Metallica concert with his dad. Here he is with his wee brother Zach. I look at this photo and my grandmother heart simply melts and overflows.
A Time to Give Thanks
October 13, 2009
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhardt
Yesterday the kids, grandkids and my mom made it over to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We shook tradition up a bit this year by serving Roland’s most wonderful Lasagna. Even to me.. the combo of Lasagna and pumpkin pie seemed a little far fetched.. but none-the-less, it went down very well. :-)
With the two grandbabies closing in on 10 months,you may well imagine the chaotic scene at the dinner table. Babies being fed in-between parents fork-fulls, spoons being banged to mimic drums, cries from the floor, little ones demanding more lap time, laughter and motion from all sides. I sometimes found it difficult to carry any particular conversation from beginning to end.. but what fun! I am sure the tone has now been set for any future family dinners. :-)
I was too busy to focus much time on picture taking … but I did land this one, which I rather like… the two babies sitting front and center with their great grandmother looking on while trying to catch some of the Blue Bomber football game on the TV.
This morning the pumpkin pie is history… but the gratitude lives on.
First Snow
October 10, 2009
This year I feel as if I am stuck in a perpetual “wait and see” mode .. first for summer, then for fall. Neither one really materialized. It’s a strange year, that’s for sure.
Since the heavy frost two nights ago, the leaves are falling… but they are covering the lawn and gathering in the gutters still green. Many of the trees lining our street continue to carry a full plumage of green, showing off very little in the way of fall colours. It just all seems kind of weird.
And now, as of last night, snow.
This morning the ground is white. Flowers, still in pots, peek through a blanket of snow.
The lawn furniture and umbrella still sit on the patio, a colourful contradiction to the now wintry scene.
Anyway.. no time to sit and pout. Sadie and I are out and about early, hoping to grab some first-snow photos.
Coco was out as well… but only for a second. And poor Bear… his time outside was even shorter.
I think the furkids are feeling as weather-confused as we humans.
Of course Sadie couldn’t be happier. I guess I may as well follow her lead. :-)
October First… how can that be!
October 1, 2009
I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that the calendar is reading October 1st. It hasn’t been our usual summer or fall .. that’s for sure. Cold and dreary for much of July and August, thankfully September stepped in to save the year and our sanity. Summer in September, who would have thought.
Secretly I think a part of me is still yearning for our summer-that-wasn’t, but too bad, so sad. Reality, in the form of Jack Frost, has come a knockin’.
In the space of a week my garden has gone from finally displaying red tomatoes to once more being a patch of turned earth. Too quick for this old girl to take it in I suspect.
All that aside, with the cooler days and depleted number of mosquitoes , the dogs and I have had some glorious walks out back in the field behind our house. Much of the prairie grass is starting to show fall colours… rich waves of red and yellow.
I have always believed that the trees and the geese… they know… and that seems to have remained true even during this upside-down year. The leaves on most trees have held on to their green, and the geese, although seen practicing their V formations, have yet to fill our sky.
But last night I heard more than saw them. The night sky was alive with their waves of leave-taking calls. I knew the time had come.
The sight and sound of the geese gathering and flying over head is bitter sweet. Their honking in the distance and then the whoosh-whoosh sound of their wings as they pass directly overhead leaves me feeling small and in awe. I sometimes feel that it is the prairie equivalent of standing by the ocean… imparting that same sense of wonder.
As much as I wish it wasn’t so, October seems to have arrived. Time to let all summer thoughts go and get with the program. Now if only I could remember where I tucked away that box of sweaters.
