Friday, December 11, 2009

Frozen Friday



Oh my but it is cold. This morning I set my alarm clock as curling playoffs started at 8:30am....I wanted to be up and dressed, take my insulin and have breakfast before it came on TV. Canada is deciding which men and women's teams are to represent them at the Olympics. It has been on all week and I have enjoyed some excellent shot making. Since I really can't get out very much I am really thankful to have such good TV to pass the time. I am also enjoying TCM and all their old movies, especially the black and white ones. No matter what I find one can always find the good in any situation if they are open to it.

When I tried to open my front door to get my newspaper from the mailbox it took a lot of effort as my door was frozen. In fact everything outside is frozen solid and it is suppose to get worse before it gets better. It is -41C which is -41.8F, with the wind-chill factor. In fact it is very dangerous and one can get frost bite within 3 minutes of exposure......this Arctic freeze is suppose to last until Wednesday when they are calling it to warm up to -15, in my area that is bathing suit weather. Living north of the city we are always colder out here. Not many cars started in our parking lot this morning, everyone was trying to help each other but I am sure many are late for work or not going in at all as the parking lot is still full.

I have done some baking this week and am hoping to go into the city next week as I want to go to Costco to pick up fruit, vegetables and dips to make up some trays for my Christmas Tea.....all will depend on the weather. I am so happy I have my gift cupboard as I was able to fill stockings for all of my patients. I am sending a couple of gifts home with our little patients sister for her to open Christmas Day.
Sorry blogger friends, I had plans on sending small gifts to each of you in the village but know you all will not mind my using your gifts to make this Christmas a little bit better for those who are not well.

Oh no, I just heard on the news we are getting more snow tonight.....brrrrr! Time to light the fire, cover up with my snuggie and watch Curling.

Have a great weekend everyone, stay warm.........:-) many, many hugs


48 comments:

Kay said...

brrrrr....i heard about the bad weather up there...please, please, please keep it up there :) hope it does clear out in time for you to get a great christmas in! (or, rather, out)! :)

Anvilcloud said...

I remember one friend from Edmonton trying to convince me that it's colder here because it's damper. Can you believe that? :)

Bernie said...

Kay it is brutal here but is suppose to warm up before Christmas......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

A/C I am from the Maritimes and believe me it is much colder here than it ever was down home....Hugs

RNSANE said...

I sm so glad you are in, Bernie, safe and sound, warm and cozy, with lots to eat and drink and movies to watch and the curling competition to keep you entertained. Those sound like good activities for a snow bound weekend. It is really cold here as well.

Bernie said...

Carmen it is a great weekend to be warm and cosy and absolutely stay inside....I am blessed...Hugs

Gail said...

HI BERNIE-

I love the Winter photo. It is quite cold here as well and we are expected to get more snow on Sunday. I don't think any where near as much as you though nor as cold - so bundle up, bunker dwon, keep that fire going and enjoy your sports and TCM. :-)
I think your gift idea for your patients is perfect. :-)
I have been busy wrapping gifts and writing cards. I am pretty much all done. phew. My daughter Jen has been a big help. I can't quite do all the bending and liftng and so forth that I used to do. It is all good though because we spent the time doing it together. :-)

Stay warm my friend

Love to you
Gail
peace.......

Wander to the Wayside said...

That is just too cold for anybody. I hope you don't have many of the same kind of negligent pet owners that we have here in northwest Georgia, who never give a thought to giving their pets bedding in cold weather. I went over yesterday and put cedar chips in a neighbor dog's igloo doghouse when I heard we would be in the 20s, because they would NEVER have thought of it. Anyway, good thing you stocked up on staples and have a fireplace and tv! May as well sit back and enjoy your lovely home since you can! I bet all those Christmas decorations are subliminally adding at least 25degrees to the inside warmth of your home.

Bernie said...

Gail, so nice you had that time with your daughter, and happy she was able to help you.
Yes it is very cold here and I wouldn't believe it could snow when it is this cold but it is what they are calling for....stay warm my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Linda, this weather is not fit for man or beast. People here are used to it being this cold and for the most part are very good taking care of their pets. Very seldom do I hear of an animal being misused in my area thank heaven, most pets have better clothes than I do. I am warm inside my friend, wishing you a wonderful weekend...:-) Hugs

Jackie said...

Verrrrry bad cold weather your way, my friend. I can't imagine having to puuuuush the door open because it was frozen shut.
Now, that's colllld.
Stay inside....take really good care of yourself...and receive warm hugs from Jackie.
(A cup of hot cocoa with a marshmellow on top sounds delicious to me!!!)
Hugs,
Jackie

Unknown said...

oh my that is very very cold Bernie! I hope that your home stays warm and your electricity doesn't fail you. If so keep the wood on the fireplace burning! My perfect day would be to put on my snuggie and watch TCM (Turner classic movies) I love the black and whites! I am watching for White Christmas with Bing Crosby, and hoping they will play it before Christmas...one of my favorites!

Bernie said...

Hi Jackie, I had 2 cups of hot chocolate this afternoon with tons of marshmellows...yum.......

It is absolutely ridiculously cold here. Was shocked when my car started (from the living room with my car starter) thought I would warm it up a bit as don't like it sitting in this cold weather so long.

I will be fine.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Linda, it is brutally cold here, and White Christmas is one of my favorites as well....it was on the other night. I'm waiting for It's a Wonderful Life, oh I do love that one....:-) Hugs

Wanda..... said...

Hi Bernie...I'm wondering what's the most snow you've ever had. We were snowbound during the famous 1978 Severe Blizzard when about 40 inches of snow fell. The kids enjoyed it. We've got the wood stove burning, trying to keep warm, but no snow.
I've not done any baking for Christmas yet, but may start making the candy this weekend. Costco has the best Truffles, so I just buy them there, not very healthy, but it's Christmas! Plus I need to do my Christmas Cards.

Have a good weekend Bernie,
Love,
Wanda

Anne said...

Wow! It sure is cold there. Sounds like you are staying nice and warm. The Hot Chocolate with the marshmellow on top sounds real good. I would love a cup of that right now. Here when it gets cold, I laugh because it isn't really that cold when I hear about your bitter cold. Tonight it is one of those nights and believe it or not, we have the heat on.
I like your new picture. Very nice, Bernie.
Stay warm and enjoy your weekend.

Eileen said...

Well, your weather sounds horrid but your day inside sitting by the fireplace sounds wonderful!

I love black and white movies too! Today I watched 'The Canterfield Ghost' with Robert Young and Margaret O'Brien, it was so cute! I'm looking forward to Sunday and 'The Bishop's Wife' with Cary Grant and Loretta Young! I have 'It's A Wonderful Life' and I always save that one for Christmas Eve.

It was very cold and windy here today, poor Jayden was frozen by the time we walked home from school (and he had two jackets on, and a hat, and two hoods, and a scarf wrapped around his face!), it was bitter cold with the wind! Thank goodness the sun was out at least!
I hear it's supposed to be less windy tomorrow, so that's something anyway.
STAY WARM!
Love to you,
Eileen

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Bernie sweetie...
I absolutely love- L-O-V-E, love this picture. How beautiful it is. Now I know, it is not fun to drive in or get caught out in, but I love this photo. It says Christmas to me. Yes sireee, it sure does.

You have a gift cupboard and your shopping is done. I still have so much to do. I have some of the decorating done, but still have shopping to do. It will get done in time, but not without challenges.

I see you mentioned taking your insulin. How long have you been a diabetic? I take 5 shots a day, and then take Metformin 1,000 mg.
(2)times a day. We are trying to get my sugars regulated enough to maybe get on an insulin pump. That is my hearts' desire. I hate taking shots. I have been on shots for about 3 years now. My PCP was taking care of me, but not well at all. I found my own Endo. and she is getting me into shape.

Please be careful in this weather, and stay warm. No chances now. Play it safe. I wish I could bottle up some liquid sunshine and send it your way. Just know that I am praying for your health and safety. God Bless You Bernie.

Country hugs sweetie and much love, Sherry

Silver said...

Hey Bernie, you changed the picture! I like it! And that is such a nice thing you are doing to remember others during this time.

Bernie said...

Hi Wanda, We got 77.5 inches of snow in 1992, we couldn't open either the front or back doors and were snowed in from Friday night until Monday. It wasn't nearly as cold then as it is now. The whole city was shut down, one man on our street passsed away and they had to come and get him by snowmobile, that was the worse storm I remember.
I bought Truffels at Costco when Terry & I were there....I haven't opened them yet as sure as I do I will eat them.
I may go to M & M's just before the 23rd and pick up some trays of fruit and vegetables....wait and see how the weather is.
I am pretty well organized for Christmas......big hugs to Alivia, luv ya.....:-)

Bernie said...

Anne it is very cold, hard to describe unless you actually feel it...enjoy your nice weather my friend and oh yes the hot chocolate was very good. Have a great weekend......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Eileen, I love the Canterfield Ghost but it was on the same time as my Curling....I really love the old movies and The Bishop's Wife is one of my many favorites.
Poor Jayden, he must of been really cold, the schools were still open here but many buses weren't running and my neighbors kept the children home today.
I don't remember it being this cold for so long ever....it has been this cold before but not for a week! The wind-chill is brutal.
Have a great weekend sweetie, big hugs to Jayden & Mia....:-)

Bernie said...

Hi Sherry, I take 2 shots of insulin a day for my diabetes, morning and before I go to bed. I do not take any tablets thank heaven. It will be nice if you do get the pump as 5 times a day can be a bit hard to incorporate into your daily life....Good Luck sweetie.
I haven't been away from the fireplace or out of my snuggie all day.....watched curling and old black and white movies...loved it. Will be staying put until the cold weather breaks... Have a wonderful weekend.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Silver, I thought I should update my profile picture and this turned out better than I look....
How are you? I have been thinking a lot about you over the past few days, I know how tough the holidays can be......:-) Hugs

Valerie said...

Bernie, at least if you couldn't get out you have a most comfortable house to stay in. What with that and your sports programmes you'll be laughing at the white world outside. No sign of snow yet where I am but the clouds are beginning to look ominous. Have a brilliant weekend. Hugs.

Tranquility Speaks said...

-41 degrees Celsius! Jesus Christ!! Where I went the temperatures just dipped to +10 degrees and I was so uncomfortable!! Minus should be BAD! I hope you have enough supplies till the weather gets better!

You're being your noble self when you give away gifts to people who need that little bit of cheer to get by. We're all just glad that you thought of us.

Wear as many wollens, turn up the heating and drink warm drinks as much as possible. Stay warm and take care Bernie. I am very anxious !

Rebecca said...

First of all, I like your profile picture. Either it's new or I've been unobservant!

We share the cold with you. Still no snow, though.

Delighted you're using "village" presents to give to those around you with needs of all sorts.

Speaking of "village", any chance you'd have time to write up a little history. I came late into village friendships and don't even remember the route by which I traveled myself! Do you know ANY of the early web and how it came to be?

I'm missing many. Many are busy, hurting, or stressed. Can't wait for the New Year when things settle down again into a pattern.

Meanwhile, stay warm and let your friendship and wisdom be the warmth for many around you who need it. You are SO dear.

Bernie said...

Hi Val, so true. I am so happy to be safe and warm inside. It is even worse here today and still ever so cold.....I hope that someone is able to get to the street people in the city, there is no way they will survive outside in this weather.....:-)Hugs

Bernie said...

Stillness, I am very warm and cosy inside by the fire, not able to go out in this cold, they have issued a wind-chill warning and unless it's absolutely necessary they are advising everyone to stay in, believe me they don't have to tell me twice.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Rebecca, I changed my profile picture a couple of post ago. I thought it was time to update it.
The village began when a few of us found each other when we first began blogging, and Terri was the first to call us the village I think. It began with Terri, Wanda, Marcy, Diana and myself and we have added many others along the way. Jackie and Tranquillity were the next to move to the village and then I lost count of everyone coming and going....I love them all.
I am safe and warm inside....have a wonderful weekend....:-) Hugs

Rebecca said...

So, did anyone know any one else "in person" before the blogs?

(Thanks for the little history lesson.) We're all so blessed to know each other. Doesn't matter how we got here!

Bernie said...

Hi Rebecca, Terri and I knew each a little from working at GE several years ago, I started one day and encouraged her through Facebook to start her own a few days later.....:-) Hugs

Teresa said...

Hi Bernie,
I sure hope that you are staying warm and cozy. Can you believe how cold it is here! I think we are going to break some records for cold weather in December. How is your Arthritis? Thinking of you. ((((HUGS)))) T

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, Bernie...I could not live where you do...too, too cold...I would never leave the house!!! I'm so glad that you will be making Christmas a little brighter for those who need some cheering!!! You are such a beautiful lady, Bernie! You encourage me to follow your wonderful example!!! Sending you much, much love, Janine XO

Bernie said...

Oh Terri, my arthritis is terrible but anyone who has arthritis is going through the same thing so I shouldn't complain.

Morinville is almost shut down, wind-chill warning and they are calling us to stay inside, I don't like missing Mass but it is much to cold for me to go outside. Thank heaven I have great Curling to watch by a cosy fire.

How are you doing with your broken wrist.....it must be hard.... Please let me know if I can be of any help. is Bailey okay? Saw on Facebook she was not feeling well....:-) hugs

Bernie said...

Janine, it's much too cold for me as well but what can one do except stay inside by a warm fire and drink hot chocolate....Loved your post today.....:-) Hugs

Garnetrose said...

It has been cold here too so I am keeping nice and toasty warm this weekend. I have been keeping the house warm by baking.*s* What is curling??

Bernie said...

Garnet, not only will your house be warm but I bet it smells delicious as well.
Curling is a game played on ice, 4 on each team trying to rocks of granite closer to the middle...it's more than that really Garnet but I have given you an little idea of it....:-) Hugs

Maggie May said...

I don't think that I could stand it as cold as you have in Canada.
It is seldom that bad where I live and even in the heart of Winter we might have some mild sunshine, though it IS cold, don't get me wrong.
When I was very little I swear it was exceptionally cold in those days and we had snow regularly. (A sort of mini ice age! ) LOL!

Nuts in May

Cindy said...

Bernie, this is some crazy weather, I went out Friday night, and it is official, I decided I was crazy. lol.'was so glad to get home. Glad tv has been good though. take care, stay warm.

Barb said...

Hi Bernie,
Catching up with your news as I'm at Bachelor Gulch - we had the twins here with us since Thurs. They just left for home. It's blowing and snowing now, but, thankfully, we had a couple days of sun so they could be outside and ski. Keep warm and safe, Bernie. One must be careful in such cold weather. CO has been in the deep-freeze, too.

Bernie said...

Hi Maggie, I have been blessed to travel quite a bit during my life, now I have spent time in England, Ireland and Scotland and the coldest place I have found for me was Scotland.....I found it cold in Scotland even in June but everyone there was in sleeveless tops, they didn't even notice the cold so I think it depends on what you are use too. When my sister visits she finds it much too warm and finds the house even warmer.
Now saying all this, it is far to cold right now for man or beast, I don't think anyone can ever prepare for this kind of weather but hopefully it will break soon.
Take care.......:-) hugs

Bernie said...

cinner, unless one lives in this kind of weather it is hard to describ isn't it.....stay warm my friend.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Barb so you are now receiving this cold weather.....please stay warm and safe inside until it passes. I know you would of enjoyed the twins and was happy to hear they were able to ski while there. Have a great day......:-) Hugs

the wild raspberry said...

i'm not going to fuss about it being cold here anymore :)
hope you have a lovely day snuggled up by the fire...
chasity

Bernie said...

Hello Wild Raspberry, it is brutal cold here....am still praying for your sister.......:-) Hugs

The Retired One said...

Wow Bernie..that is COLD!!
We flew back yesterday from Florida. We did have one last warm wonderful day there..it was up to 80F and sunny and we spent a great day at the beach and at a place called John's pass full of cute shops on a water causeway...then had the best Grouper (fish) dinner ever. It was sad to say goodbye to my daughter, we always miss her and she is so far away! Plus she is expecting in April so it is doubly hard to leave her now. Anyway, we landed to 18F degrees and plenty of snow. It was like stepping into another planet. Today is snowing too. I have been sitting by the fire too, in between doing all of the laundry and bills, and reading blogs that I have missed.
It was wonderful being in our own bed last night but my body is getting used to the cold again (and rebelling!) My arthritis is hurting too.
Now I have to decide if we are going to do much Xmas decorating or not..only 11 days to go but we aren't having either of our kids home with us, so we wonder if it is worth the effort or not. Although looking at your photos, it does tempt me to go through all that work. ha

Bernie said...

Joan, I am glad you had time with your daughter....I know you will miss them at Christmas but am happy you still will be with family.
It has warmed up very much here thank heaven but my arthritis is telling me we have more bad weather on the way......:-) Hugs