Long shadows and drifting snow ...

The wind might be hard to bear with the bitter and extreme windchills, but there is simply no denying that the patterns and sculptures created by the wind playing in the snow are beautiful.

Whether it is the drift between the house and the car, a drift across the path or sidewalk, or the majestic drifts that line the ditches along our highways - the creations of nature are beautiful and worth pondering ...

The up side of recent weather has been unrelenting sunshine, vivid blue skies and unique one of a king art works under foot and around every corner ... It helps make the cold worthwhile!!

It's THAT Cold ...

The water that

USUALLY

pours over the spill way

is FROZEN!!

What MINUS 47 looks like:

Standing Temp: - 28C (-18.5F)

Wind steady NW 41Km/hr (25 M/hr)

Meaning:

a wind chill of -47 C (-53F) !!!

IT'S COLD !!!!

Little Tin "Soldiers" ALL in a Row

Thankfully Chipperfield Coffee Company is more than just coffee ...

Their selection of loose teas is simply exceptional,

and if the guest book is any indication

people from ALL over the world have

stopped by to enjoy the setting, the ambience,

the staff and the fine selection of

coffee, tea, specialty beverages and fresh baking.

Icy and Pristine

Created Clouds

Sometimes it is worth looking UP

Old Heritage Buildings have their appeal,

often though, the high ceilings and the ornate ceiling finish

just add to the charm of their story.

Cold Day along the river

Sunny and UNBELIEVABLY Cold

Today the temp is around minus 30 C,

with extreme wind chill warnings for much of the Province.

The minus 40C threshold for windchill makes

the minus teens of Ontario seem absolutely tropical !!

Afternoon Moon

A Winter Meander

Looking Back, Looking Forward

On October 24th, I offered almost the identical view of this scene. Sans the steam cloud, the snow and ice though - Check out the Posting here - Where today's vista differs from October's "A River Runs Through It" is in more than the production of ice and snow from several days of sub-zero temperatures.

The steam cloud itself is the result of ethanol production at the now fully operational (Why does saying that remind me of the Emperor in the original Star Wars Trilogy films talking about the second Death Star?) Husky Ethanol Plant located on the western end of town. The heart of the plant is the distilling process that transforms wheat into ehtanol which is then be added to gasoline throughout the Prairie Provinces.

Most days as the cloud drifts over town the smell of fresh baked bread accompanies it. It's a slight change from the previous smell of toast, albeit NOT an unwelcomed one. One could call it the sweet smell of progress.

All in a Row

Chipperfield Coffee Company is a remarkable corner of town: gourmet coffee, fine loose teas, delictable fresh baking, friendly staff and a comfortable enivornment in a heritage building - what more could you ask for?

Stop in if you're on Main St and add a little flavourful zest to your morning coffee!

The Castle ... Tilson Place B&B

Over its century of existence, this majestic old house has been many things. But today it has become a fine Bed and Breakfast establishment with a breath taking interior restoration. Pat and Daryl, the owners, have created a gorgeous residence they gladly share with others.

To learn about the beautiful home and the business that it houses click here to visit the web page for Tilson Place B&B

Ice and Water

Sentinels

Sorry ... been a busy week ... gonna get caught up soon!!

Peeking

Fresh Snow and Fresh Tracks

Birds on a Wire

Row on Row

The River Runs

Mid-winter thaw

Downtown

Footprints in the Snow

Merry Ukrainian Christmas!!

Voicing Her Opinion

A last glimpse of the hoar frost

A Wintery Walk

Waiting

A new year begins on Main St.