Monday morning was the coldest morning to that point, with a temperature of -37C when I went out to feed the birds at 8:30 in the morning. I won't tell you the wind chill because at that point it just doesn't matter. Just know that my nose hairs froze in the few minutes I was outside. Usually the birds don't arrive at the feeder for several minutes after I've left the back yard, but there were several waiting in the tree in the next yard as I filled the feeder. Inside the house I watched them from the kitchen window - they were definitely hungry and the feeder was empty by mid-morning.
I needed to run an errand for D on Tuesday so ordered my groceries for pick-up that afternoon. I stopped in at Value Village since I was in the area and found a pair of Osh Kosh shoes for Eli for $5.99 - regular price is about $20. When I checked my receipt I realized I got the senior's discount so paid just over $4 for them! They are gently used and should be good summer shoes for him. Later that day I needed to mail an envelope so made a pit stop at the Dollarama and also Walmart for a few craft supplies. I also picked up Eli's birthday present, a bike helmet. His mom bought a bike for him last year but he really wasn't interested, although he could reach the pedals he couldn't figure out how to make them go around. This year, he's taller and I suspect he'll have no problem. He turns four in under three weeks. I'm hoping to make a trip out to help celebrate as he won't be able to have friends - it's all weather dependent.
The cold weather has continued through the week. This morning it was -38C; I continue to go to feed the birds first thing in the morning before the wind gets up. It's definitely cold but not as bad as it would feel with a wind blowing in my face. I went around the side of the house to check the furnace exhaust. I'm glad I did as there was ice from the exhaust stretching down to the ground, about 18-24 inches. It wasn't blocked - good thing as when the exhaust blocks the furnace shuts down. Thankfully we seem to be near the end of the really cold weather; we'll be back to more seasonal temperatures by Monday.
Some more good news this week, our province announced that Phase 2 of the vaccinations will start in April, and my age group (60-69) will be eligible. With the increased volume of doses expected over the next several weeks, I'm hopeful I'll be able to get my shot(s) sometime in April or May. It was also announced that they will be using pharmacies to deliver the vaccination. I'm quite happy as I've received my annual flu shot at a local pharmacy and not had any issues beyond a sore arm for a couple of days.
Today is "Hockey Day in Canada", with three games throughout the day. In between the first and second game I made dinner, caught up on blog reading and finished this post. Just in time for the next game and more knitting.
Take care everyone, stay well and stay warm!
Oh dear! I've lived through few -37C winters, but they were mostly in the 80's and 90's. But I do remember that feeling when your nose hairs freeze... but yes, it's indoors weather with or without windchill.
ReplyDeleteDo you have such cold weather often? Every second year? Once in a decade? Being just middle aged I'm not getting vaccine until summer, I suppose.
Brrrrr! I think the big chill has hit us all. I, for one, am about over it! LOL
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good week. Stay warm and safe
Yikes, I can't imagine that temperature. I have been dreading the -2 degrees we are facing tomorrow and that is almost just sweater weather for you:) Do stay safe, warm and keep those birds fed.
ReplyDelete-37! That is cold alright. -22 here this morning, looking forward to our -5 this coming week. :)
ReplyDeleteUgh, it's been cold enough here in Ontario, I will take a hard pass on your temps. Brrr!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there's light at the end of the tunnel for you regarding vaccinations, and I wish I could say the same here. All the talk now is about the third wave, thanks to the variant that first came out of the UK. This REALLY is testing everyone's resiliency. Believe me, I sure as hell don't want to be living in this province when the next pandemic hits.
Anyway, one day at a time!
Take care and stay well, have a great week. Oh, and happy Valentine's Day! 💖
We are only -34 this morning so that means we are warming up! It was a hard cold spell. I only go out when necessary to feed the birds or get the mail....and yesterday I didn't get the mail...maybe tomorrow! Stay warm
ReplyDeleteSo far this year we have been in the single digits, but not below 0 degrees...Fahrenheit. Unusual. We generally get some below 0 but nothing in the world like you guys do there. We had one year when it got to -28 F. and that killed about everything.
ReplyDeleteMy daffodils are starting their green spears upward from the ground. It is always so wonderful seeing them reappear.
I finished a lot of cleaning today. Little things like dusting where I should have and didn't. Now I have. All the small awkward places. All the wash done and put away. Keeping an eye on Katie...she seems stiff legged walking today
Isn't it exciting to know that we will be warming up very soon. I am so tired of the constant cold and wind over the last while. I am looking forward to phase 2 as well. I just hope that Harvey who is 70 can get his shot shortly. There are a great many in that age group here in Estevan who live alone that still have not gotten their first jabs of vaccine.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
It was similarly cold here reaching -20F. It now feels very very warm with normal winter temps! I hope that it's the same for you!
ReplyDeleteWe had similar temperatures here. Someone asked why I don't take the bus on such days. I could stand out in the cold for ten minutes (as the bus sometimes comes early, sometimes late, and never by the same amount of time) or I could be biking during that time, and getting somewhere. It seems logical explaining it indoors...
ReplyDeleteHere, vaccinations start for those 75 years or older on February 24th. That's good news. I can wait my turn.