The ice storm last weekend was spectacular! Not here of course, we experienced a slight drizzle of ice that had little effect. We know about the incredible ice storm only because we drove through the aftermath on our trip down to the little house in the city.
On Christmas Eve Day we headed out in the early morning for the little house in the city. The roads were cleared by then, and the sun shone brightly. As we travelled south we entered a fairyland of glitter and sparkle. The ice was more than a inch thick on all the trees, grasses, everything! The sunlight lit up the landscape such that I have never seen before. It was a joy to behold.
We arrived safely on Christmas Eve. There was a two foot high, solid ice barrier across the end of the driveway. Attila began the long process of chipping out an opening for the car, to get the car off the road for the night. Soon Terra drove up in her car, and then Lares drove up in his van. We were delighted when they opened the back of the van to show us our Christmas present, from Terra and Lares, Luna and Janus, a hot water heater! And to make the present totally perfect, Lares proceeded to install it for us, on the spot! After the water heater was installed, Lares helped Attila remove ice from the driveway, to the point where we could park the car off the road. Then off they went to visit other relatives in the area.
We spent the rest of the evening watching A Christmas Carol, the 1951 version starring Alistair Sim. On Christmas Day we opened our presents under our tiny tree, enjoyed our morning coffee, and listened to Christmas Carols. Then we drove out to Terra and Lares place to share a wonderful breakfast with them, and Lare’s long-time friend Gamers, again enjoying the ice encased scenery during the trip. Terra’s house was beautiful. She had several small Christmas Trees that they harvested from the back bush, and a large one in the bay window at the front of the house. It was festive and warm and wonderful.
The next day Attila and I headed out to Terra and Lare’s place again. We arrived in time to prepare the dressing, dress the turkey, and get it into the oven. Then Lare’s Dad and partner arrived, and Luna and Janus and the Grandbabies arrived, with Luna’s homemade cookies. Next Lare’s Grandmother arrived with her homemade rolls and apple pie, yum!
Terra’s house became to centre of our known universe for the next three days. Terra and Lares made us all feel welcome, safe, and warm.
And we had dogs, lots of dogs. First, the resident pooch, Dash, who was very pleased and excited to see all of us. Lare’s Dad’s dog, T-Bone, a good natured Bassett Hound arrived, much to Dash’s delight; they are best friends. Luna and Janus’s dogs Benny and Bim arrived. Benny is very good natured and affectionate. Bim is older now and easily overwhelmed by commotion. There were a lot of us, and we created a lot of commotion. Bim did very well, all things considered. Lare’s Grandmother’s dog Jeannie arrived next, another relaxed and good natured dog. And we also had cats, Terra’s three cats, who were not always enthusiastic about the dogs. Adults, kids, dogs, and cats everywhere, glorious.
We spent almost all waking hours visiting with Terra and Lares, and Luna, Janus, the Grandbabies and Gamers.
What fun to spend time with the the Grandbabies, Imp, Elf, and Tink!
This morning Attila removed most of the ice that remained on the driveway at the little house in the city. It was thick. The temperature today was above freezing, which facilitated breaking the ice into small enough chunks that they could be heaved aside. Most of the ice that had clung to the trees fell this morning as well, which means that there will be no further ice damage.
While Attila shovelled, I did made a whirlwind shopping trip, visiting five different stores, list in hand. When I returned from my shopping trip the drive was cleared. Attila and I ate a quick lunch, and then began the process of loading the car for the trip back to the country house. The very last carry out to the car was with Mist in her cage.
The trip home was uneventful. The roads were wet and clear, and dry and clear in spots. We encountered a wee bit of fog close to the country house. Although we were happy with the circumstances of our journey, Mist definitely was not. She yowled, mostly at the top of her lungs, through most of the journey. That is a lot of yowling! We brought her into the house as soon as we arrived home, and within five minutes she was ensconced on Attila’s seat and sleeping peacefully. Home sweet home.
The electric heaters kept the country house cozy and warm, so we arrived to comfort. The first fire is in the masonry heater, the car is unpacked, our belongings are put away, and we are beginning to wind down and relax.
Our time away passed in the blink of an eye!
Worldly Distractions
Weather
0°C
Date: 7:00 PM EST Saturday 28 December 2013
Condition: Mist
Pressure: 101.6 kPa
Visibility: 6 km
Temperature: 0.4°C
Dewpoint: -0.5°C
Humidity: 94%
Wind: SSW 8 km/h
Quote
“It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.”
John Andrew Holmes
