Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel!

As we approach Christmas Day, many families have to deal with the aftermath of the ice storm that hit a good part of Ontario yesterday.  Many are without power and for some, it is doubtful that power will return for Christmas.  Mother Nature sure has a way to put a damper on things.  The weather is one of a few things in life that is totally out of our control.  Most of us spend countless hours reading about the weather forecast so that we can plan our lives.  Crazy, isn't it?

Russell and I are no different.  This past week, we had to make a small change to our plans because of the impending ice storm.  We had planned on leaving Friday morning for Toronto but decided to leave on Thursday instead so that we wouldn't be affected by the storm on Friday.  Our friend Darlah gave us the push that we needed to make this decision.  So, on Thursday, after Cooper's bath, we packed our bags and drove to Richmond Hill to drop off Cooper.  We then made our way to Mississauga where we spent the past three nights.  We stayed at the Novotel near Square One. It is within walking distance to the mall and to many restaurants.

So, on Friday, we woke up feeling relaxed about not having to tackle the drive from Huntsville in bad weather.  We even took the Go Train for our hair cut appointment in Toronto.  It was actually nice not to have to drive to downtown Toronto.  Saturday, we hit the mall quite early and we were done shopping by lunch.  In the afternoon, we visited with our friends and old neighbours on Parmeer Drive.  It was the first time since we moved to Huntsville that we were back on our old street.  We had a very nice visit with Roland and Loraine and we spent a few hours talking about all kinds of stuff and reminiscing about the past.  We also took the time to visit with Ken & Keitha, our old friends from 30 years or so. It was nice to see them again. We ended the day by having dinner with Gord and Karen.  We had a good time and the food was very good.  Luckily for all of us, the roads were still in fairly good condition when we left the restaurant.

This morning, we woke up early, looked outside and decided that we would drive home regardless of the weather.   When we got to Richmond Hill  to pick up Cooper, we couldn't believe the damage that the ice storm had done to the trees.  It was both amazing and sad to see all those trees bent or broken.  I attach one of many pictures that Nathan took.  Just incredible to think what an ice storm can do to nature, let alone the damage to houses, cars and injuries to people.  The drive to Huntsville took much longer than usual as the roads were very snowy.  We took our time but made it home safe and sound.

So, here we are, back home with our Cooper.  We didn't get ice but lots and lots of snow fell while we were away.  I will say though that snow is far better than ice, both for humans and our lovely pets.

I hope that your preparations leading to Christmas go well.  As for us, it will be a quiet one, in Huntsville.  Merry Christmas to all!  Hugs from the Duncan family!

The Duncan Family....Christmas photo!

Cooper, all decked out to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Ice storm damage in Richmond Hill.....the awesome power of Nature.