What's New?!

What's new in the mall? Terry often asks me when I join him at the food court after my walk.

I forgot to tell him that there was a small skating rink for children to skate on. It would be too small for most adults.

It's not made of ice - it looks like a large plastic panel tough enough (and of the right consistency) for ice skates to be able to glide.

I think it's free to use, too.

I'll have to look for it again next time I walk on the lower level. It's a temporary installation. Don't know how long it will be there.

Good Neighbours

Terry's wrists have been sore for several weeks, but he won't stop shovelling. Like crumbs on the floor - he just has to pick them up... or, in this case, move that snow away.

Our son offered to do it - but he won't be here for several hours. 

"I'll just shovel a path to the shed," Terry tells me as he heads outdoors. "Maybe this is the day I'll teach him how to use the snowblower,"

When I check on him, a few minutes later, he's done more than a little path. I suspected he wouldn't be able to stop...

But when I look out again, I see "all hands on deck"... Neighbours have appeared to help him!

It's gratifying to live among caring neighbours! I'm so thankful for them all!

Snow Storm

Last Saturday evening, we had a snow storm that made driving difficult. Lots of blowing snow!  

By Sunday morning, it was all over - except for the shovelling!

The forecast for the next few days is for sunny days - but snowy evenings. More shovelling ahead!

Ah, To Be Agile!!

Ah, to be agile... (I almost added "again" - but the truth is that I never was that agile!!)

I get a little nervous when my grandchildren want to show me what they can do - in acrobatics...

(What if they get hurt... on my watch...?!)

Yikes! And now Jericho can do the splits... and he's working on a handstand!

Winter Puzzle Time

Cold winter days bring on the urge to do jigsaw puzzles. 

This one has bright colours and flowers - just what I need to brighten my indoor days.

There is a certain thrill at watching the pieces come together.

I remember, as a child, starting puzzles on the dining room table - where our family ate only on rare occasions. 

There was no need to rush a puzzle.

One of my uncles, now in his 90's, and his wife still enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles in the evening. They buy puzzles of places they have visited. Over the years, they have collected quite a few.

When the puzzle is done, it's framed and hung in their basement or garage - a reminder of their travels - and of the winter evenings they put the pieces together.

A Small Celebration

When I was in high school, there was a popular TV program called "Route 66." My friends and I watched it...

Ever since then, I was curious about the real "Route 66" - the first cross-country highway built in the USA, that runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Would I ever have an opportunity to drive down this iconic road?!

After completing a few shorter virtual walking challenges, I noticed that one of possibilities was "Route 66"... But it was so long! Could I walk 3670 km in 2 years - the longest time I could set to finish...

I decided to give it a try! 

I guess it's all about persistence - because yesterday I finished the trek - in less than 2 years!

So I'm celebrating.... (No party - just smiling a lot!)

In the big picture, it's really a small thing. But we all need challenges to strive for... And  we all need occasions to be happy. 

Another Daylight Milestone

Yesterday our community reached another  daylight milestone as our days lengthen EVER SO SLIGHTLY towards spring...

We have gained about 14 minutes of daylight in the two weeks since our shortest days in December. ALL that daylight was gained IN THE AFTERNOON... until YESTERDAY... when we gained 2 MINUTES - one in the morning and another in the afternoon...

Soon we'll be enjoying longer days!! The sun will soon be rising BEFORE 7:30 am and setting AFTER SUPPER - not in the late afternoon (currently 4:35 pm)!

More daylight changes EVERYTHING!