Tuesday, January 12, 2010

January Thaw



Hello my friends......well we have had a real change in weather here in Alberta. It has warmed up and I love it. Now it is cloudy but it also is plus 6 right now, yesterday it was plus 5. I'll take a cloudy warm day anytime over the brutal cold we have been having. I was driving on the highway yesterday and ran out of windshield washer and what a horrid time I had to see, I finally made it back to Morinville and the first thing I did was stop and have my washer container filled up.

I spent some time cleaning up around my condo. I was able to shovel the deck, and pick up old bottles, bags and such that must of been blown in during our blizzard a while back. I also filled my bird feeders, they were completely empty. It has been so cold and the snow was so high and frozen that I had no way to reach them before the thaw came. I am going to have to think where I can put them so they are easy for me to fill before next winter, perhaps outside a window. I do like hanging them from my trees though. The trouble with living in a condo, you really don't own any land and I am one of the few who even have trees in my yard let alone a large deck.

I think you burn over 400 calories for every hour of snow shovelling, in that case I have an extra 1200 calories I can save up for whenever I feel like a treat. I am thinking about the bag of truffles I purchased from Costco before Christmas....if I open them I'll eat them all, I have no self discipline at all when it comes to chocolate.

One of my best friends and such a good neighbour is in hospital right now. She suffers from COPD and has taken a turn for the worse....please pray for Jackie that she may be well and return home to her family who loves her ever so much.

The days of 2010 are really going by quickly, have you noticed? The older I get I find the times just zooms by. I don't want to waste a second of it and that is why I enjoyed being outside a couple of hours yesterday and another hour today. Today I walked a few blocks to a friends house for coffee than walked home. Being so warm outside I found the children happier, the soften snow has made it easier for them to make snowmen, dogs were grabbing mittens and running from their owners and even met a usually grumpy old man that seemed frisky, it was so nice to have a warm conversation with him on the sidewalk, perhaps he is not really grumpy, he was probably just cold the other times I ran into him. I also managed to pick up a few groceries and pick up a few things I was low on. I will be glad when I am able to pick up my camera, it will be ready on Friday. Oh I do love a good January thaw, I know there is more winter to come but this break has been wonderful.

I hope you all are enjoying better weather as I know how cold it has been here and across the pond. I worry about my blogging friends being able to go out grocery shopping and keeping appointments. Stay warm my friends......

God Bless...........:-) Hugs


55 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gosh Bernie I am so glad the cold snap has broken. It is getting better here too. Gonna be up in the 6 50's next week. Hard to believe. Missed your post for a few days. I don't feel like doing one for tomorrow either. Will pray for your friend. Oh the earthquake in Haite worries me. We have sister parishes in Haiti.
QMM

The Retired One said...

Wow, I am first to comment? That has never happened before. ha
I am so glad you got a winter thaw..we are supposed to have the same here all the rest of the week...up to the 30's F with sun! Yay!
We hope to go to my daughter's in Kenosha Wisconsin on Friday for the weekend..we have been trying for 3 weekends to get there but because of bad roads, we had to cancel each time.
Our birds in our feeders seemed to like the better weather too.
Do what we did..we put a tray on top of one of our deck poles..we screwed it right into the pole...the birds like to land on the tray's edge and eat out of it and it is close to the house to refill. I had my husband build a three decker one this year because they liked eating out of the tray so much last year.
I am so glad you are feeling better and enjoying going out for those winter walks now! Later this week, I hope to strap on some snowshoes and try walking into the woods a bit...wish me luck! luv to you...

Lisa Smith said...

yes 2010 is zooming right by!!! i can't believe you think single digits is a thaw...it was a balmy, beautiful clear 66 here today and I went out and cleaned out my car =) I can't stand it when it's 50 and below. i might freeze if i was your neighbor!!

ps did you find your keys??

Wanda..... said...

I'm glad you got out for a walk today Bernie.
We thawed out too, actually had some sunshine today and a colorful sunset tonight. I think there was a ton of sunflower hulls I swept off the porch. I only feed them there when it's bitterly cold or very deep snow!
When you mentioned the truffles from Costco, I had to get one of mine. I guess I can always go out and shovel the drive, if I eat any more!
Hope your neighbor Jackie improves and comes home soon.
Enjoy the thaw Bernie,
Wanda

Bernie said...

Hi Peggy, we have been warmed up since Saturday and I absolutely love it....I too am worried about the people of Haite, have been following it on CNN, those poor, poor people. Thank you for praying for Jackie, I am very worried about her......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Joan, you were almost first. Great idea for me to be able to feed the birds, I'm sure I could keep the feeders filled if I do what you suggest.
Hope you get to visit your daughter this weekend Joan, it's so important to be close to family and I know how much your family means to you. Let's pray the highway stays clear.
You will love snowshoeing, at one time I used to live near a golf course and my friends and I met every morning to snow shoe the course, I can just imagine the beautiful photos you would of been able to get as it was one of the prettiest places I have ever seen.
Luv you......:-) Hugs

Brian Miller said...

still waiting on my thaw...it was supposed to be warm today...got to 36 and the sun hid behind the clouds...still took time for a walk myself though. always good to be out.

Bernie said...

Hi Lisa, it was plus 6C which is around 42F, I know that's still cold but we have been between -35 to -50 the past several weeks, so 42 is balmy to me.
I smiled when you asked if I found my keys as that was the motivation that took me outside yesterday and today and unfortunately I didn't.
How did you make out with your house showing?.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Wanda, your weather sounds better as well, I want to enjoy this warm snap as it is suppose to turn cold again next week.
Jackie is still in ICU, I spoke with her husband earlier and he is only thinking the best so I am going to as well. I want her home so very much.
Have a great day tomorrow, luv ya.
Big hugs to Alivia....:-) Hugs

Donna said...

Bernie, We made it into the 30's today here in the South. Tomorrow in the 40's with sunshine Yea!! I feel for you having to shovel snow ... we would not know what that was like! Love that you feed the birds. I like to feed them also. Stay warm.
Blessings,
Donna

Bernie said...

Hi Brian, you were colder today than we were, we would of been around 42F.....cold is suppose to be back next week so I'm enjoying this while I can. Fresh air is good for all of us, so glad you managed your walk.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Donna, actually it was about 42F here today....beautiful for Alberta this time of year. Cold coming back next week.
I love watching the birds from my window....was feeling bad when I couldn't get out there to fill the feeders......have a wonderful Wednesday my friend.....:-) Hugs

Mary N. said...

BRRR! Cold here in New Hampshire, you must have sent it all our way ;)
I will pray for your friend, Bernie. God be with you!

Anne said...

Hi Berni,
The cold snap has broken everywhere. Today was a beautiful day. It is supposed to get warmer and warmer here. Just what I came here for!
Those truffles sound yummy! Wish I was there eating one with you!
Take care.

Margie said...

Hi Bernie
So nice to be here again!
Missed being here!

It was the most beautiful day here and I took a long walk with Jake.
How nice that you got out on a walk also!

I will keep your friend Jackie in my prayers!

Have a wonderful and beautiful New year!

Blesings to you my friend!

Margie:)

Bernie said...

Hi Mary, thank you for praying for Jackie, I am quite concerned for her and her family.
Hang in there as perhaps this warm air is heading your way, I hope so as we all deserve a break after weeks of freezing weather....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Margie, so happy your back, I hope you are well enough to stay.
It was wonderful to walk in the fresh air today, I'm sure you enjoyed your walk as well.
Thank you for your prayers for Jackie, she is such a sweet friend and a wonderful lady....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Anne, so glad it is warming in FL. my brother and his wife winter there and they have been freezing. If you were closer I would give you all of my truffles as I don't need them.......:-) Hugs

Eileen said...

I'm so glad it's warming up a little for you (although it still sounds super cold to me!), and I'm glad you were able to get out and get a few things for yourself.

Our weather is much better, cold but no wind and there is lots of SUN! So it feels beautiful out. And at the end of the week it's supposed to get into the low 40's ~ it will feel like SUMMER!

I'll say a prayer for your friend.
Love to you,
Eileen

Bernie said...

Hi Eileen, it really does feel warm compared to what it was but we haven't see the sun in a while, hope it warms up for you as well sweetie. Thank you for your prayers for Jackie, means very much to me.......:-) Hugs

Brenda said...

I have been reading through your last several posts--catching up so to speak on my blogging friends. It was good to hear just normal life stories. Our birds bring us much joy as we also have feeders just outside our breakfast window. Yes, it is almost scary that January is just zooming by! I am ashamed to say that I still have some Christmas things to box up--tomorrow, I hope. Blessings and hugs to you.

Bernie said...

Hi Brenda, I could tell by your post that you have been very busy and enjoying family. Stop in any time my friend.......:-) Hugs

Kelly said...

Did you founded ths story my dear abut Violeta ?
I will pray for you sister wich you have in hospital !
-:)hugs and i will keep going to follow here .

Bernie said...

Kelly I am so sorry but I couldn't find the blog you were speaking of. Are you sure you gave me the right name.
Jackie is not my sister she a dear friend, thank you for praying for her......:-) Hugs

Midlife Roadtripper said...

A delightful post today, Bernie. Just seemed happy.

Our arctic air has passed and now I'm assessing which plants I think will come back. Lost quite a few. January Thaw - has a calm sound to it.

C. JoyBell C. said...

Hello there...I'm glad to hear that the ice age is nearing its end for you! :)

Lovely day to you! :)

C

Cindy said...

Bernie, I am loving the weather for sure. it is such a wonderful break. I was outside for a while today, just in the yard, opened a couple of windows for fresh air in the house. we ran out of washer fluid in out truck, and what a mess it was around the city. Take care Bernie, sorry I have not been around the last few days.

Kelly said...

Yes my dear ,is the right mane on Google you will find .http://meditationsfromthecardinalsnest.blogspot.com.
This lady have facebook also and she`s name is Ruth Johnson.

Also Violeta have another friend with blog Tammmy -Nischan and this woman have the blog with this name :
My Heart His Words -look at archives Noovember 2009 at post
Humbled and Convicted - you will find also the story .-:)Hugs

Valerie said...

I'm glad your weather has improved, Bernie. Ours is just getting worse and worse. I missed a hair appointment because of it. I agree about the fast moving days, I hate to say it but we'll be planning Christmas soon... grins.
Hope your neighbour gets well soon. Hugs. Heehee your word verification is PANTER ... you really must stop shoveling snow!

Maggie May said...

I had never heard of the word *condo* before. Is it a bungalow or flat owned by someone else?
Glad your weather is warming up. We have had fresh snowfall but not before I got home from the hospital! I am lying low now. Very tired but nothing too bad so far.Thanks for your continued support.

Nuts in May

Violeta -Romania- said...

Hi Bernie,

i1m Violeta from Romania !
Kelly wrote me one mail that you cant find the blogs where my story and my work is .
So this is the one :

http://meditationsfromthecardinalsnest.blogspot.com

I just love what i readed here on you blog at ,, about me ,, you personality are the same with mine .
I`m so blessed from above to met and know such a peoples like you in my life .
I received many mails from womans wich said that i`m so inspiring person to them .
So i will read now you beautiful blog !
About me a little :
what i love :
my faith ,my kids , i love poems ,
i adore our Oueen of Peace ,our Lady -MARY , i cant live without to help the poors childrens becouse i was like them !
I love Jesus ,He is my life and i work in HIS name for all HE`s love !!
My childhood was so hard but now i`m happy in my life.
After many tears of suffering now i have tears for HIM , and i will be at at his feet forever !!
I found on him after the suffering and pain,i will take you mail and will writing you my whole story !
I pray God for His great love! Love that reaches out to enfold the
sheep of His pasture, and beyond to lost ones who do not know Him
who hold no regard for Him.
with love in Christ !!!
Violeta

Anvilcloud said...

As we head to the cottage, I don't want a thaw, but I don't think it's going to be as warm here as it is there.

Gail said...

HI BERNIE-

So many blessings in your day - a bit of a warm up, children playing, feed in the feeders, chocolate, and on and on... :-) Delightful huh?

Enjoy every moment of freedom'

Love to you my friend
Gail
peace.....

Rebecca said...

I need to follow your lead and get outside. I see the blue skies and sunshine out my window!

I ALSO like the way you stored up calories spent shoveling and are planning how to spend them! I would definitely choose truffles, too. I'd have to be sure to only have as many as reasonable in the house thought since I, too, am uncontrolled when it comes to chocolate :)

Keep making each day count, Bernie. You are an inspiration to me.

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
It was so good to hear that you had all of that energy! A truffle treat sounds like a perfect reward.
It is starting to warm up here, which is good for Kate as she can walk to and from school again. She shared her flu bug with me so I am down for awhile. I wonder if she'd fix me a cup of tea?
Love Di

Bernie said...

Hi Julie, I do hope you can save some of your plants....hardly anything would survive our winter weather, it is nice to know that you can keep plants outside during this season. I really enjoyed your last post my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

C...it is lovely here today as well, no sun but it is still quite warm.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi cinner, hope you are feeling better....oh it is so nice outside, we all deserve this warmer weather........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Kelly I will try and find your friend this afternoon....:-)Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Val, I thought I might find my lost keys but I didn't. So sorry the UK is having it so bad but boy none of us are having it like Haiti is today...Heartbreaking for sure.
I know, my old heart was really pounding while shovelling it's called being out of shape. So enjoyed your Part 2 story my friend........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

My condo is like a town house, I own it. It has 3 stories and is quite nice....We own our homes but not the land it sits on, you can buy condo's that are like apartments and on one floor which I think I would like better, far less work to clean it but still for living alone I am quite pleased with mine.
I hope you are resting and that you have no side effects from your last treatment. Always praying for you sweetie......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Violeta, thank you for stopping by, Kelly has told me all about you. I will be over for a visit this afternoon......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

A/C oh the cottage will be fun for hiking and snowshoeing this time of year....it is suppose to stay warm here until Monday and I am going out for an hour this afternoon and enjoy the fresh air. I hope you and Cuppa have a wonderful time.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Gail, I really hope your cold is better, my cough is still hanging on.
It is warm again today and I love it.....just have to go outside for a while......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Rebecca, oh my friend it is you who are an inspiration! It is still warm today and I am loving it, I have a couple of windows open right now to allow the fresh air in....another blessing my friend.
Rebecca I shouldn't even have chocolate in the house as I have no will power whatsoever and once I start I don't stop, just one of my many weaknessess.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Diana, that is a horrible bug I am still trying to get rid of my cough.....I hope Katie will take as good a care of you as you did of her.....you deserve it.
It is still warm here today Di, I hope the warm weather stays with you for awhile.......:-) Hugs

Jackie said...

Bernie...I read your post with much concern...for your friend. I pray for her...and thank you for your concern and for putting her on our prayer list.
Take good care of yourself, too, my friend.
I'm so excited to hear that it has warmed up in Alberta. Don't overdo...please. Take the best care of Bernie....you are always looking out for and thinking of others...know that I am thinking of you....always.

Bernie said...

Jackie I am so concerned for my dear friend, named Jacke as well, they had to shock her heart again this morning (this is the second time) She needs every prayer we can send up for her.
I feel guilty as I am complaining about my cough, I only wish I could do something for her.
It is still warm here and I am going out for a walk with a friend shortly....bless you my friend...Hugs

Barb said...

Hi Bernie, Be very careful with all that shoveling - you don't want your arthritis to flair. (Listen to me, giving you medical advise!) Glad you had a little warm-up so you could be out and about.. Snow is forecast for the mountains and flurries for Denver. My D-i-L "babysat" for me today - she took me mall walking. (Can you believe that?) I hope your friend and neighbor feels better and recuperates soon. Thank you so much for your good wishes to me - you make my heart feel better!

Cheryl said...

So glad that you have had a reprieve from the cold grip of winter. We haven't had a January thaw yet but its predicted that Friday we will get up to 40! Yay! Hope your friend is better soon. Take care.

Bernie said...

Barb I so hope you are feeling better and it sounds like you are. Mall walking is a good way to start and get back to your normal routine. Not too fast thought sweetie we want you stay healthy.
It was still warm today and I got out for another walk, no shovelling today. You are always in my thoughts and prayers dear friend.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Cheryl, it is around 40 here now, still cool but much better than it was last week.
My friend is not doing very well today, I am so concerned for her but will continue my prayers. Enjoy your warm up when it arrives.
Have a great day.....:-) Hugs

Anonymous said...

Sounds fabulous Bernie. If you still have those truffles from before Christmas I'd say that is enormous self control ;0) I hope they are merely an empty box in the bottom of your trash now.

Bernie said...

Oh ED, there were 2 bags in the box and I opened one of them today and they are soooooo good. Hope you and Mec are doing well my friend.......:-) Hugs

RNSANE said...

Hi Bernie,

I have spent about ten hours today trying to catch up on blog posts
( my posterior is aching! ). I am so glad to hear the weather has warmed up enough to give you a bit of fresh air and a visit to friends, even if the reprieve is only temporary. You've gotten your coffers restocked which must be nice!
Let's hope it stays nice for a few days, at least!!