Thornhill has been hit with 3 snow-storms in the five days (the 4th, predicted for Christmas Eve is now forecast to arrive as rain) and trips to the gym have been supplanted by hours spent shovelling snow and clearing the windrow the municipal plow leaves so generously across the driveway. But who’s complaining? Snowed-in yesterday, Frankie pulled the Cordon Bleu cookbook from the shelf, checked what was in the refrigerator and we pulled together a dinner that would ha set us back about $100 if we had been inclined to venture to the far side of our threshold. Including a bottle of house-wine, the total expenditure was about $15. Curling on the sofa and looking out the window at snow-laden conifers while listening to quiet jazz made for as good an evening as one could wish for.
The sun was shining brightly by the time we arose this morning and last night’s snow required only half an hour to clear, compared to double that the day before. Blue sky and fresh snow inspired both of us. Frankie retrieved his x-country skies from the basement and I went in search of my snowshoes which have lain unused for more than a decade. We didn’t undertake the most arduous course, but the park at the end of our street offered all the fresh air and exercise we needed and wanted. And then, having enjoyed that gourmet dinner the previous night, we went for a replay. A short walk to the supermarket for a couple of ingredients missing from our kitchen, an hour or so working together and voilá! Food fit for a king, or at least a couple of queens.
Fatigued muscles, wine, superb jazz interpretations of favourite Christmas carols and music on the radio and sparkling holiday lights induce a superb state of peace and relaxation.
Who says the finer things in life are expensive? Sometimes they are right at home just waiting for us to slow down and appreciate them. Were it not for the snow-storms, we both would probably have spent the day rushing to complete the holiday shopping, cursing the crowds and ourselves for having left things so late. Winter in Canada - maybe this is the life.
