Snow Snow Snow!!

Well, if we weren't sure before, its now official! Winter has hit Southern Ontario.
In the past few hours some 20-30 cm fell on the GTA (other places had more snow) creating a winter wonderland and slowing the pace of the city.

There's something that happens when the unexpected happens in the city so that it has no choice but to slow down. In the blackout of 2003 (I think) there were spontaneous neighbourhood block parties as people pulled meat out of freezers and had massive bbqs. Well today there were no bbqs, but the community was out in full force -- on foot of course! Though some were out driving, Queen Street was quieter than i've ever seen it. Families walked down the street, all clad in snow suits, dragging tobaggons and sleds, enjoying the snow world we'd been blessed with. Neighbours talked with each other and passers by as they shoveled their drives. As I wandered in the area, snapping pictures of the snow covered beaches, and waves that crashed onto rocks with the force of oceanic waves, and snow ladened trees, I marveled at the pre-Christmas beauty. It certainly looks like we may have a white Christmas this year after all!

I know that not everyone enjoyed the slower pace today. Delays on the transit systems frustrated some, many airlines were canceling flights and stranding people in Toronto, and preventing others from arriving. Some were unable to make it to their places of business, while others (myself included) felt somewhat stir crazy at being unable to go out as freely and easily.

It is too bad that Mac missed this, the first big snowfall of the winter. Though, as he reported on the phone to me tonight, he and Tim have been surrounded by snow throughout their entire trip. "The legend of the Great White North is true!" he exclaimed. And, truthfully, with the state of the roads around here, I'm quite thankful that he and Tim are still a few days away from the areas hit by the storm. It give road crews plenty of time to get things cleaned up so they can arrive safely.

For those looking for the guys' progress, tonight (Sunday) they have made it to Winnipeg. Tomorrow they head to Minneapolis and then Chicago on Tuesday evening. Wednesday evening will find them back in Ontario!! I'm certainly looking forward to his return!!

I hope this finds you all well