I'm just popping in to brag: IT'S SNOWING!!!!! I know for many this isn't something to be so excited about, but I truly am! I know I'm not the one who has to shovel it, but still. It's so beautiful and calming, and besides, it helps to insulate houses from the -20C temps we've been having in these parts.
I'M SO BLISSED OUT RIGHT NOW :D
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
For Squirrel!
In my last post I mentioned snowshoeing, my beloved winter activity. Squirrel, over at Feelin' Swell: My Life With RA, questioned me as to what the heck this actually is. Well, far be it from me to get over-excited and blab on and on about snowshoeing!
For starters, here are a few pics of me snowshoeing over Christmas break:
In the top photo you can see the Franster joining me in a pose while modeling her Christmas bandanna (yes I am a nerd who puts a bandanna on her dog!). And, the bottom is an action shot. We don't have much snow, but I was desperate to get out! :)
Basically snowshoeing is the use of snowshoes to be able to walk on snow, distributing weight evenly to avoid sinking into it too deeply. This is pretty key for places that get many feet/metres of snow. Snowshoes are traditionally a wooden, ovalish frame with woven rawhide (or rope, or any other long rope-like thing). Modern snowshoes are metal, no real weaving, and are generally smaller. I can't really see them working in very deep snow, due to their size. These are not for me. I like the wooden/woven ones.
(Here is where I would insert a close-up pic of a more traditional snowshoe, but blogger is being a jerk. Instead here is a wikipedia link to have a look at one type of snowshoe).
Snowshoeing is my favourite form of exercise, it is my favourite way to burn calories, to socialize, to de-stress, to walk the dog, to re-energize and to enjoy the outdoors. When I couldn't snowshoe last year, due to my dumb ankle, I cried. When I tried again this year, and was able to do it, I cried again. I am in no way an exercise lover (I am in fact, quite lazy), but there is something about it that enthralls me. It works my muscles like crazy, while simultaneously linking me to nature (I live in Labrador for a reason).
As, I type this I look out the window to see snow softly falling, a promise of snowshoe days to come. This truly is my bliss. Thanks for the opportunity to share this, Squirrel!
For starters, here are a few pics of me snowshoeing over Christmas break:
Basically snowshoeing is the use of snowshoes to be able to walk on snow, distributing weight evenly to avoid sinking into it too deeply. This is pretty key for places that get many feet/metres of snow. Snowshoes are traditionally a wooden, ovalish frame with woven rawhide (or rope, or any other long rope-like thing). Modern snowshoes are metal, no real weaving, and are generally smaller. I can't really see them working in very deep snow, due to their size. These are not for me. I like the wooden/woven ones.
(Here is where I would insert a close-up pic of a more traditional snowshoe, but blogger is being a jerk. Instead here is a wikipedia link to have a look at one type of snowshoe).
Snowshoeing is my favourite form of exercise, it is my favourite way to burn calories, to socialize, to de-stress, to walk the dog, to re-energize and to enjoy the outdoors. When I couldn't snowshoe last year, due to my dumb ankle, I cried. When I tried again this year, and was able to do it, I cried again. I am in no way an exercise lover (I am in fact, quite lazy), but there is something about it that enthralls me. It works my muscles like crazy, while simultaneously linking me to nature (I live in Labrador for a reason).
As, I type this I look out the window to see snow softly falling, a promise of snowshoe days to come. This truly is my bliss. Thanks for the opportunity to share this, Squirrel!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
All I Want For Christmas....
...(aside from a baby, that is) is some freakin' snow. Even just a light dusting. I live in northeastern Canada and it was sunny and 10*C yesterday. Seriously. December 6th and it was significantly above zero. Last year we were out on ski-doo getting our christmas tree around this time. Looks like this year we'll have to borrow my mom's truck to get one. I'm somewhat getting into the mood of the season, but still get confused seeing all the houses lit up with no snow. At first glance I think, "why are they decorated so early??" And then I have to remind myself that it's not early. Christmas is just around the bend.
I don't want a green christmas, not in Labrador! If you see someone moving funny and flailing her arms, dont' worry, that's just me doing a snow dance. Please send all your good snow vibes my way!
I don't want a green christmas, not in Labrador! If you see someone moving funny and flailing her arms, dont' worry, that's just me doing a snow dance. Please send all your good snow vibes my way!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Winter Wonderland...in May
This was our backyard, this morning. I wish I had taken a picture last night, when all the trees were still covered. I think we had near 30 cm of snow yesterday, May 12th. That's pretty bad even for us Labrador folks. I don't mind winter, but you can't do anything in this snow. Here is a picture I took about a month ago:
Sigh.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, Monday
Blah, blah and flare.
So, after only having a one-day weekend (working on sunday) I'm back at work for a thankfully short week. Having just the one day off has drained me beyond belief! I cannot wait for that glorious four-day weekend to sleep and just plain relax. And, maybe eat. I like to do that sometimes, too. And walk my dog, poor girl has only played frisbee in the backyard lately. Though she did get to go ice-fishing yesterday. Without me. While I had to work on a sunday. Is it ridiculous to be jealous of my dog?
Anyway, I'm noticing that my RA seems to flare a few days before my next shot of humira is due. It's like my body has run out too quick, or something. I wonder if this is just a coincidence, or if it is actually the case? I had always assumed the reason I took the meds every two weeks was because it stayed in my system that long. I suppose it is like any other med, sometimes they just don't cut it.
So, after only having a one-day weekend (working on sunday) I'm back at work for a thankfully short week. Having just the one day off has drained me beyond belief! I cannot wait for that glorious four-day weekend to sleep and just plain relax. And, maybe eat. I like to do that sometimes, too. And walk my dog, poor girl has only played frisbee in the backyard lately. Though she did get to go ice-fishing yesterday. Without me. While I had to work on a sunday. Is it ridiculous to be jealous of my dog?
Anyway, I'm noticing that my RA seems to flare a few days before my next shot of humira is due. It's like my body has run out too quick, or something. I wonder if this is just a coincidence, or if it is actually the case? I had always assumed the reason I took the meds every two weeks was because it stayed in my system that long. I suppose it is like any other med, sometimes they just don't cut it.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Negative Nelly
Sigh. It's only 9:30 in the morning and I am already hating this day. I was so slow and sore this morning, even my rockin' new haircut couldn't keep me going. A ton of snow fell, so the driveway had to be done, I'm guessing the ton of snow caused a ton of hurt in my ankle, slowing me down even more. My pants are totally soaked from the snow. And, I somehow managed to spill a mega amount of coffee all down my leg without even noticing! I was standing outside on the front step leaving for work when this happened, so there was no way in h-e-double hockey-sticks I was going back in, taking off ma boots, changing my pants (into what??? I have no clean clothes!!!), and putting ma boots back on again. Not happening. Fortunately I work at a place where, barring big meetings, I can wear whatever the crap I want to work. Even then, I would totally wear a nice pair of jeans to a big meeting. Just ones that don't have coffee on them.
Now I am off to get my legs checked out for paralysis or nerve damage, due to not feeling hot coffee running down my leg. Sheesh.
Now I am off to get my legs checked out for paralysis or nerve damage, due to not feeling hot coffee running down my leg. Sheesh.
Monday, December 21, 2009
What in the heck?!?!?!?
Okay. I live in Labrador. That would be in northeastern Canada. It's near the end of December. Connecting all of the aforementioned dots, one would come to the conclusion that there should be snow, right? Well, to be honest, we have snow. What little bit is left is covered in an icy wet sheen from the ridiculous amount of rain and above zero temperatures we've been having.
This sucks at any given Christmas. I'm a girl who likes her snow. I want to go ski-dooing, ice-fishing and snowshoeing (if my ankle cooperates), and just generally enjoying the prettiness that is big, fluffy flakes falling from the sky. What particularly sucks is that we have family coming in for the holidays. Family who should be able to enjoy all that Labrador has to offer in the winter department. Family who should be able to at least go outside without falling and breaking something. I seriously had to be helped to and from the car, it is that treacherous.
Not to mention the fact wild weather changes (cold to snow to rain to warm to wind) wreaks total havoc on my body. MAJOR flare this weekend. Yuck.
In an effort to stay positive I am going to wish for a major dump of snow, all the while still enabling the Labrador highway to be drive able. Is that even possible?
This sucks at any given Christmas. I'm a girl who likes her snow. I want to go ski-dooing, ice-fishing and snowshoeing (if my ankle cooperates), and just generally enjoying the prettiness that is big, fluffy flakes falling from the sky. What particularly sucks is that we have family coming in for the holidays. Family who should be able to enjoy all that Labrador has to offer in the winter department. Family who should be able to at least go outside without falling and breaking something. I seriously had to be helped to and from the car, it is that treacherous.
Not to mention the fact wild weather changes (cold to snow to rain to warm to wind) wreaks total havoc on my body. MAJOR flare this weekend. Yuck.
In an effort to stay positive I am going to wish for a major dump of snow, all the while still enabling the Labrador highway to be drive able. Is that even possible?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Wheeeee!!! Okay, it is no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I LOVE christmas!! I love the snow, the food, the family time, the time off from work, the music and the movies. My sister and I have already done our long-standing tradition of watching "The Santa Clause". She slept through the whole thing, as usual. What's unusual is that I stayed awake :). Domino didn't have to watch it by himself this year.
So much love and giddiness. We kick-started things last weekend by decorating the house. I actually realized how many decorations we have, and I guess didn't previously put out due to living in a one bedroom, basement apartment. Now that we are having our first christmas in our ridiculously big house, there's plenty of space for every knick-knack.
This weekend we are going out on ski-doo to cut our tree down. This is not a new tradition, but exciting none-the-less. We'll possibly throw the dog in the komatik, though last year she was not too impressed about sharing space with a tree. Despite the fact that she is pretty big, she demands to be lifted in and out. Except when a tree is involved, then she is as agile and high-jumper-esque as they come. We'll see.
Also, all of my in-laws may be coming in boxing day! Driving for at least two days!! Over a snow-covered highway!!! After just returning from Mexico!!!! Should be fun times :D And involving some serious acclimatizing :) I sincerely hope they make it, the parents have only been once (in may), and the brother and his girlfriend has never been. In my opinion winter is one of the best times to come to Labrador. Mind you, I like snow. Mind you, again, I don't shovel it.
Despite being a self-described "non-cook" I'm itching to do some kind of baking. Which is not helping my not-wanting-to-gain-any-more-fat plan. Hmmm, any easy ideas for those of us that are kitchen-challenged?
So much love and giddiness. We kick-started things last weekend by decorating the house. I actually realized how many decorations we have, and I guess didn't previously put out due to living in a one bedroom, basement apartment. Now that we are having our first christmas in our ridiculously big house, there's plenty of space for every knick-knack.
This weekend we are going out on ski-doo to cut our tree down. This is not a new tradition, but exciting none-the-less. We'll possibly throw the dog in the komatik, though last year she was not too impressed about sharing space with a tree. Despite the fact that she is pretty big, she demands to be lifted in and out. Except when a tree is involved, then she is as agile and high-jumper-esque as they come. We'll see.
Also, all of my in-laws may be coming in boxing day! Driving for at least two days!! Over a snow-covered highway!!! After just returning from Mexico!!!! Should be fun times :D And involving some serious acclimatizing :) I sincerely hope they make it, the parents have only been once (in may), and the brother and his girlfriend has never been. In my opinion winter is one of the best times to come to Labrador. Mind you, I like snow. Mind you, again, I don't shovel it.
Despite being a self-described "non-cook" I'm itching to do some kind of baking. Which is not helping my not-wanting-to-gain-any-more-fat plan. Hmmm, any easy ideas for those of us that are kitchen-challenged?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday Snow
We've had a couple of snowfalls this year, little ones. One in particular a few weeks back that involved waking up to some white on the ground. However, today is THE snowfall! Waking up to that hush, where all sound is masked by fluffiness. Where, even when it is cloudy (obviously! It's snowing!), the light is bright, filling the house. When, as we speak, the neighbours snowblower is going, and the steps and driveway need to be shoveled, to clear away the hump left by the plow.
I, being ever the lazy one, have chosen to stay inside and admire from a distance. We've had a busy weekend, volunteering friday evening and all day saturday at a local fair-trade sale. I'm not sure if it should even be classified as volunteer work, what with our gift certificate and a chance to look around before the masses descended. It was an awesome day, energizingly busy, and a chance to help out with an organization that promotes fair-trade. Time to walk the talk, I guess. But, I need a recovery day. And that day is today.
As I type, the smells of homemade spaghetti sauce and home baked bread are filling the air. What a perfect accompaniment to the weather. I know that the winter here is unbelievably long. That the days are going to continue to get shorter and shorter, to the point of nearly being invisible, and that snow shovelling will not be anywhere near endearing.
But, I love it. I love winter. The snowshoeing, fishing, going to the cabin, ski-dooing, throwing snowballs at the dog/boyfriend :) Winter is just not the same in a city, and for me, life is just not the same without winter.
I, being ever the lazy one, have chosen to stay inside and admire from a distance. We've had a busy weekend, volunteering friday evening and all day saturday at a local fair-trade sale. I'm not sure if it should even be classified as volunteer work, what with our gift certificate and a chance to look around before the masses descended. It was an awesome day, energizingly busy, and a chance to help out with an organization that promotes fair-trade. Time to walk the talk, I guess. But, I need a recovery day. And that day is today.
As I type, the smells of homemade spaghetti sauce and home baked bread are filling the air. What a perfect accompaniment to the weather. I know that the winter here is unbelievably long. That the days are going to continue to get shorter and shorter, to the point of nearly being invisible, and that snow shovelling will not be anywhere near endearing.
But, I love it. I love winter. The snowshoeing, fishing, going to the cabin, ski-dooing, throwing snowballs at the dog/boyfriend :) Winter is just not the same in a city, and for me, life is just not the same without winter.
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