Snow Moon 2026

I read last week that the "Snow Moon" was coming... and that it would be extra bright.

I looked up the definition of  "Snow Moon" - and discovered that it was the name given to February's full moon. 

My daughter saw it in Toronto - commented on it, and sent me the picture below.

I saw bits of the moon between pine branches in our back yard early yesterday morning.

But it was our neighbour Mary who captured the first two amazing photos - the first, while driving on Fallowfield Road, south of our neighborhood at 5 pm last Sunday; and  the second, the following morning, shining over our house!

Thank you do much, Mary!!

New Month!

February has arrived!

Here is my phenology calendar for January... a summary of weather and activities in January 2026. 

Lots of indoor time - though I did walk most days (indoors), aiming for 10,000 steps.

My calendar has a new look... (And it will probably continue to change!) A little sketch of the view outside my window on top: a snowy berm, leafless branches on a tree.

Didn't see many animals - mainly squirrels (and dogs out on their winter walks).

But - good news! - we have gained an hour more daylight since December's darkest days!

The sun now sets a few minutes after 5 PM. The picture was taken on west-bound highway 417 - after the glare of looking into the sun disappeared.

Snow "Mountain"

I don't walk around the neighborhood much these days - for fear of slipping and falling on ice or snow.

But I'm very curious about a new "mountain" I see in the distance - on college property not far away.

It's a "mountain" of snow, created by bulldozers piling up all the snow that has been cleared from college parking lots. It hasn't yet reached the size of the plastic dome covering the soccer field.

But last week's massive snowfall must have added significantly to its size.... And it may grow even larger. Winter isn't over yet!

Not sure when I'll get a close-up view... But, for those who might like to climb it - DON'T! It isn't safe!

It may look solid - but with weight and movement - and sunlight melting snow - it could cave in!

Canadian-ish Winter

I woke up in Ottawa this morning, my brother messaged me from Texas last Sunday...

He sounded happy - excited!

Enclosed were scenes of snow taken through the window.

A few days later, I asked: Are you still enjoying Ottawa winter?

Yes, but hopefully not for much longer. It's really slippery out there!

(Don't I know it! I haven't walked outdoors on my own for weeks!)

Appreciating Physio...

I read somewhere that we have professional sports to thank for medical advances in physiotherapy - for supporting research into exercises and other treatments that help us regain mobility and strength when we injure ourselves.

I've had physiotherapy a few times. A number of years ago, I injured my thumbs and wrists by over-knitting - continuing to knit when pain told me to stop. I remember my panic when I wondered if I'd have to give it up. I was devastated. 

Physiotherapy helped me - as did some online exercises for knitters - and switching back to using metal knitting needles. I had started using bamboo knitting needles, because they had become fashionable. But wooden ones can create increased resistance - and hand pain, as in my case, unless one is knitting slippery, silky yarn.

Currently I'm being treated for a tingly right arm - caused by a pinched nerve, perhaps - and a stiff neck that doesn't turn to the left easily. Was a new pillow the cause of that?

In both cases - my wrists and now my neck and arm - I wondered if old age was creeping up on me.

Physio fixed the problem last time! How wonderful if a few physio sessions would fix my current problems, as well. I'd be thrilled!

Confession: They've given me exercises to do at home (see above) but I keep forgetting to do them!

A Different Kind of "Wonder Pot"

When I was a student living in Israel, I lived in a smallish apartment - and cooked on a 2-burner gas cooking stove.

There was no oven - but someone told me about an amazing aluminum cake pan, about the size of an angel food cake pan - with a lid and heat diffuser - that allowed one to bake cakes or casseroles on top of a gas burner, as one would in an oven.

I bought one - it was called a "wonder pot"  - and I used it for years! Of course, I brought it back with me when I returned to Canada... It had been my favourite cooking pot.

But I never lived in an apartment or house with a gas stove - so I never used it.

Now, all these years later, I'm thinking of giving it away. Maybe someone who enjoys camping could use it. 

As I look at it, I think of all the wonderful chocolate cakes, banana bread, and casseroles that this " wonder pot" allowed me to make -  even though I had no oven.

Beautiful Building

Terry recently needed an Xray.

 

Rather than wait for him in a cold car, I drove on a little farther to a nearby public library.

But instead of sitting and reading, as planned...

... I ended up wandering around and admiring its building.

It was built when our community was still called "Nepean" - before we were absorbed into neighbouring Ottawa.

It was built - debt free - to serve as Nepean's city hall and community hub. It houses counsellors' offices, a library, a theatre, a used book store for donated books - and even a skating rink in winter.

The rink was being used by skaters young and old as I wandered around.

Such a beautiful, PRACTICAL building! A great place to wait for someone, especially on a cold winter's day.