SNOW THE COAST TO COAST CANADIAN FORECAST

Winter brings snow especially in Canada. So looking to the north out my front door there are the children sledding on the hill at the library. Simple fun! Not a dangerous hill but sloped enough for a fun slide. Memories of childhood. A little hill in the school yard to use at recess. Family jaunts to Albion Hills north of Toronto to have a toboggan run. Children love snow and the joy it brings! Looking at it from inside the house- yes the snowfall today is pretty! No commute! Luckily unlike the Maritimes, not a storm. Some areas sure have been slammed with tons of snow this year. The good news for our area- the snow with its effect will help the crops in the Spring/Summer! If the grandchildren were coming today, perhaps I would build a snowman. However, they are not so I think I will putter inside and peak once in awhile to watch it snow.

MY FIRST SNOW

When the first real snow arrives, it is always a bit of a surprise and shock. Preparation starts weeks in advance with winter tires, buying the salt and putting the shovels and snow blower where they can be retrieved easily. The scarves, mitts and hats are in the front hall closet and the boots are by the the door. Physically we are ready, but emotionally it takes it toll. Adults think of all the hazzle of getting around in the winter. Children want to play in the snow. Explore! Mess up the clean paths! Make a snowman! Of course, there are many parts of Canada that have had their first snow weeks ago. For us in the GTA-Greater Toronto Area- the end of November or first week of December is usually the norm. The snow often does not stay. So the ugly Fall brown is in our face!
For those that want to ski or snowboard there are areas not far away where it can occur! Sledding is always fun! There is a small hill by the Richmond Hill Central Library-just a little dusting and it is full of children and adults sliding down! Funny with all the technology and computer savy kids- sliding down a hill is as much fun in 2013 as it was 200 years ago! The white stuff brings out the kid in many of us- as long as we do not have to drive in it! One of my favourite things about the snow is looking down a street at night with some snow and Christmas lights shining! It makes such a Christmas card scene! No matter what the end of fall and start of winter is occuring! As Canadians the white stuff is part of our conscienceness! I know many snowbirds head south to avoid it! Good for them! For most of us, finding a way to accept it and actually enjoy it can be an annual challenge! Luckily, as a grandparent  I dress warmly and frolic in the snow with my grandchildren! If being outside is not your thing, a hot beverage of choice sitting by a window reading a book and observing the outside works just as well! What does the word snow evoke in you?

EMBRACING A CANADIAN WINTER

Helps the winter to pass. Since I have started to walk to work and play with my grandchildren in the snow, I find the season passes quicker. Ice skating- on indoor rinks or outdoor ponds, skiing, snow boarding, or sledding and tobogganing down a favourite hill are activities enjoyed by young and old. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are rural necessities. One of our family members is trying to make an outdoor rink in their yard so I may even try ice skating again- but now need to buy a helmet so I am a good role model for the little ones. The garden being dormant gives time to pursue the indoor tasks. Closet cleaning, an exercise routine, writing projects and sitting reading a book or working on a craft are some of the things on my calendar. Do you find yourself trying to find enjoyable pursuits? This time of year also brings the boredom factor. The busyness from the Christmas season behind us often leaves a void. A good slap in the face from the cold can be invigorating! Needing to bundle up and embrace the season gets the juices flowing! Are you fed up with winter already? Are you trying to find ways to use the time? Remember like all the seasons it is always with us. It will pass quicker if you approach it with some enthusiasm! Now get dressed and go outside to face the cold!