Day Four of Hibernation...

Baby, it's cold outside! On any given day by 10 a.m. I am dressed and we are ready for the day. We would be planning our walk and what great adventure the day will serve up. Today is not a normal day. The blinds have been drawn for three days; the dog has not been out for a walk and the only adventure we are planning is how to tackle the pile of laundry and ironing. This is day four of hibernation.

I have survived cold snaps before but this is the first with a little one in the house. I have adopted the philosophy of "I don't have a reason to go outside so I won't." Friends in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and the West Coast of Canada are enjoying a few snow days while the Prairies are in a deep freeze. For the third night it dipped down to -30 degrees Celsius and -40s with the windchill. Trust me - that is FRIGID!! Jasper the wonder dog usually loves playing & rolling in the snow. This morning the mere suggestion of "in the house" was greeted with a "get out of my way woman" dash for the front door. Love that dog! Of course his efforts were rewarded with treats. He has since retreated up to our room and cocooned under the covers on our bed.

The little master of the house has been tucked back in bed since the wee hours and is happy to be bundled up like a bug in a rug. If the blinds were open the photo would come out perfectly.

So, what will the day hold for the Cote clan? Well - it will be just like yesterday...snuggles, blankets and movies enjoyed in the comfort of our family room.

Holy smokes it is cold out there!!

I know understand why our furry friends hibernate from end of November through to March. Henri and I have spent the past three days inside due to Mother Nature shoving winter in our face. Yes, I know. I live in the mountains and winter is a part of the package and one of the lovely four seasons I must deal with. What I am unprepared for, every single year, is the blast that includes -30 degrees Celsius accompanied by windchills of -40 to -45 degrees Celsius. Sweet mother of all things holy is it ever cold!
A friend recently set off on a journey to "Follow the Sun." She was kind enough to share that it was +30 in Sydney Australia. Another friend noted she experienced a low of +16 overnight in Dubai. To this I say why don't I: 1) hibernate; 2) migrate south; 3) move!

Honest I love winter...the cozy sweaters, fuzzy blankets and the chance to experience snuggles with the little man. The latter is an experience I thought of first when I learned I was expecting this time a hear ago! For such a little person he is a furnance!

Winter also brings hearty meals that fill the house with the aroma I associate with my childhood. Stew, soup, casseroles (this is one of my favourites that is prepared & enjoyed when hubby is out of town). Nothing like comfort food when Mother Nature blusters away outside. I can't wait to introduce these lovely little tidbits to Henri when he gets older.

Jasper the wonder dog is embracing hibernation. He has decided it is a good thing to stretch out between us on the bed at night (not going to kick him off...he is better than an electric blanket) and snuggles up beside me on the couch as I sit here with Henri. If self portraits were easier to take when holding an infant and cuddling a 90lb retriever! ;) Wouldn't that be a site.

For those that enjoy winter and don't mind the cold...enjoy the next week. Pictures to come...