It’s a miracle. Jack is walking on water. He’s Jesus-Jack.
It’s been wintering here since early morning, even though winter doesn’t officially begin until Sunday (Dec. 22/19). We’ve had brisk north-westerly winds bringing in snow squalls and Lord Thunderin’ Jesus, but it’s been bitter. With the wind chill factored in the temp was -19°c when Jack and I were out for our walk this morning, and at times the wind was driving snow into our faces and visibility dropped to just a few metres. Brrr!
I shouldn’t complain, though, Harsh weather is harder on Jack than me. Today, I put on 2 pairs of socks, and then my boots, but poor Bubba has only a layer of vaseline for boots, and I don’t think it gives much protection from the cold. Jack also doesn’t have a long, cozy down-filled parka, nor a tuque, nor gloves, yet he never complains about the cold. He’s very stoic, our Jack. Me? I like to complain about the cold. It’s part of my culture and the opening line to most conversations. It’s something that we Canadians do. We comment on the weather, both good and bad, and storm days like today allow us a bit of drama with the talk as we stamp our feet to shake off the snow and rub our hands together or blow on them or stick them into our armpits for warmth.
If only we could share the cold, I’d send a good bit of ours down to Australia, where they’re dealing with sweltering heat. Since I can’t do that, I’ll share a frosty photo of Jack and send our good wishes that our Australian readers stay cool.
I was once told that the winter greeting in Ontario is “this is BULLSHIT!” is that true?
Mmm, dry water. I’d have to scrape out the freezer to see any of that down here!
Thanks for that, I sure wish you could -- and we could send you some of our warmth to get things more pleasant for all of us.
Its gone over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) here (Adelaide hills) now -- for the third day in a row witha forecast maximum of 44 degrees C (111 F) Soaked my garden and hoping everything survives. Put out water for tehwildlife and for passing dogs and topping it up. Hiding from the heat inside and feeling lucky I’m able to do so. Too many from those fighting the bushfires to the homeless and those terrified by the high cost of power out of using what air conditioning they have aren’t.
See also : https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50837025
Marcus,
Yep, and it’s less polite friend, the “this is fucking BULLSHIT!”
Lofty and StevoR,
Stay safe.
@ 4 voyager
I have never heard that. “Shitty weather” is the norm at my end of the province but that can also apply to heavy rain.
Balmy -20 here this morning but lots of sun. The cat is not impressed.
jrkrideau,
We call bullshit mostly as a snow shovelling greeting. Or brushing your car off in a parking lot.