Temptation

A trip to the market always is fraught with temptation. I managed to walk past and only feast with my eyes. My bags were full of healthier victuals.

Another Day Out Snowshoeing

Even early in the afternoon there are long shadows. My legs look like a pair of tree trunks!



Winter opens new horizons. As we snowshoed on the summit in Westmount we could look down on the city right to the river. No curtain of leaves to obstruct the view.



The snow outlines the branches, bringing the natural sculpture to one's attention. With temperatures just below freezing, it was a perfect day to be out.

Double Duty

This store is doing double duty. In warmer seasons it is an ice cream shop, one that is very hard to resist.  While my mind knows a visit there is unhealthy, my feet are happy to lead me there. Now it is not just an ice cream shop but also a winter accessories and more  store. You can buy a fur muff (all furs are recycled) along with your double scoop. It's odd to see the hats perched on top of the freezers - but maybe the cold ice cream entices buyers to buy something cozy to hear in the winter months.

Bilboquet
Harricana

Walking in Winter

A perfectly cold day but great for a walk. All it takes is knowing how to dress. Layers definitely make a difference. I was snug in my

• boots and wool socks
• long underwear and jeans
• camisole, long-sleeved jersey and sweater
• winter coat, neck warmer, hat and mitts

The thermometer said -17°C (1.4 F) with the wind making it "feel" colder, but I was warm and energized by the bright sun.



Colours popped against the bright blue sky! I'll take a cold winter day in the sun any time over grey rainy days. It was glorious to be out.

Wedding White

The city is dressed as if for a wedding
Dabs of fluffy white icing
Decorate the branches




Each tree is dressed in its finery

<

Did Cinderella pass this way,
 Losing her slipper as she left the ball.
I saw no sign of the prince
Perhaps he danced off with another



Meanwhile these bushes huddle
Half dressed in rough burlap
Half in their winter coats of snow.

The city is transformed into a land of fantasy.

Splashes of Colour

I love to see traces of joy. Some children obviously had fun with their snowmen, adding colour to their creations.

I don't love to see the Disneyfication of joy. I'm not surprised the blow-up snowman looks shocked. Why is this pair of Micky Mouse characters there to represent the Christmas holidays? Sigh...

A New Year

Winter has arrived. A storm last Tuesday dumped 40 cm  ( a little more than 15 " ) of snow on the city. Even on a cloudy day, everything seems brighter with the snow. With the temperature hovering just below 0°C (32F) it is delightful to go out and enjoy it.



We finally took out our snowshoes and tramped around the woods in Summit Park.
While I have more modern aluminum snowshoes, my spouse prefers a traditional pair, complete with deerskin moccasins. There was plenty of snow - soft, fluffy - perfect for snowshoeing.



We are so fortunate to have this park - nothing but woods with paths through it - to enjoy in the middle of the city.

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My EdTech friend Alannah has challenged me to try another 365 photos this year. I can't promise to post daily, but I will be trying to post more frequently - even if it is just the photograph!