Midwinter Musings

Winter is more than halfway over and so is my job, but as of today there is still snow and I am still employed so I will rejoice.

Winter was a long time coming and still isn’t sure if it wants to stay. Here in the Sault we have had a milder than normal winter, there have been frequent mild spells which often cause my much-loved snow to melt and disappear, or settle and become hard and crusty- so unlike its original fluffy white self. But even though winter has been milder than normal at least we have had winter unlike many other parts of the country. I have been able to do a bit of X-country skiing, skating, and some snowshoeing too. So I guess there really are no complaints. All that remains to be done is to go for a sleigh ride and to go tobogganing and my winter to-do list is nearly complete.

The view from here lately has been a lot of this.

I see a lot of other things while I am out skiing but I usually see the best things when I don’t have my camera nearby; like the time I came within a meter of a gorgeous downy wood-pecker drumming on a tree as fluffy flakes of snow gently fluttered to the ground. Unless my painting skills greatly improve some things will just have to remain memories.

As my job contract nears completion I am feeling the wander bug set in again. Sadly the motivation to refresh my resumé is greatly lacking. I feel I am ready for a new place and a new adventure. I just wish I could take all my dear friends from here and bring them with me.

The snow sparkles outside my window and soon I will go out and enjoy it. But for now I am cuddled up in a blanket and sipping a large cup of magic mango mate. (It was an excellent Christmas present from my darling little sister. I would love it if she would send me some more! Hint hint) I have been enjoying it a lot lately which isn’t a bad thing. Apparently yerba mate is also called the “liquid vegetable” since it contains a pile of vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants (more than green tea!)

So get out and enjoy the snow then brew yourself a pot of deliciousness and settle in to some great music. This month’s discovery was a sweet band from Calgary Alberta called Lauren Mann and the fairly odd folk. I greatly enjoyed their sounds at a recent concert in Sault Ste. Marie and have subsequently been enjoying their CD. They are currently on tour so look them up and see if they will be near you- you won’t regret it! Or check them out on noisetrade where you can download some of their newest songs for free (although I am sure tips are appreciated.)