Not even winter yet.

Written by Catherine
Why wouldn't the benches be full on a sunny day like this one?
Why wouldn’t the benches be full on a sunny day like this one?

This last week has been unseasonably cold, even for Saskatchewan. It meant I had to bring out the eggplant parka before it was officially winter, and some recent snowfall made skiing possible, but cold temperatures made it VERY undesirable. There were some sparkling sunny days, which I barely saw on my way to work through my parka snorkel.

Sunny does not equal warm. Sunglass condensation from breath freezes immediately, but they do help block out the wind.
Sunny does not equal warm. Sunglass condensation from breath freezes immediately, but they do help block out the wind.

Saturday I went for a 30 min walk along the river to yoga class, in windchill listed around -40C. BRACING! But its a dry cold. (Does anyone honestly believe that matters?)

Lovely sunny-day view of the Bessbourough hotel, by far the most interesting building in toon town. How did this become 'Paris of the prairie?
Lovely sunny-day view of the Bessbourough hotel, by far the most interesting building in toon town. How did this become ‘Paris of the prairie?

I did get to walk over to an awesome craft fair this week, and also walk to a downtown restaurant. I once calculated the risk of walking home after a glass of wine – can’t afford to twist and ankle in the dark, 45 min of inactivity lying on the sidewalk might do me in. I think it must be very hard for people with mobility issues to live here with any degree of independence.

Warm-hearted people feel bad even for the bronze people, leading to knitting bombs
Warm-hearted people feel bad even for the bronze people, leading to knitting bombs
Front view. Legwarmers!!
Front view. Legwarmers!! I am always glad for signs of counter-culture and rebellion.
The 'best outdoor skating', yet somehow the rink is abandoned on such a SUNNY day?
The ‘best outdoor skating’, yet somehow the rink is abandoned on such a SUNNY day?

Some people embrace the cold. I am getting better at coping, but can’t say I love it. I think I could really enjoy it for 3 months, but 6-7 is TOO MUCH. Maybe I just need more Vodka, like this guy: