I left sunny Florida to return to a storm that had dumped at least 20 cm of snow on Ottawa. While I didn't want to see the snow I have to admit it was pretty. The streets were very hazardous for drivers & walking was a challenge. I sometimes hit snow up to my knees!




As if the storm wasn't enough the Ottawa City Transit went on strike! This created a nightmare for commuters. It wasn't unusual to hear reports of people taking over 3 hours to get to work! Fortunately I don't rely on the bus to get to work so snow or sun it's about a 20 minute walk for me.

I have some appointments that I was concerned I'd have to cancel due to the strike. Taxis will not allow pre-booking & the wait is very long, if you can even get through to one on the phone. My friend Kawal came to my rescue & gave me the use of his car. Thank you so much! I was a little worried about taking his car with the weather & the fact that it is a standard shift. It's been a while since I drove one of those but...I had no problems at all & had forgotten how much fun it is to drive a standard! Only one issue, I couldn't find the gas cap to fill it up & he wouldn't tell me where it was. I WILL find it next time, I just won't look in the usual places for it.

Tonight is our units big Christmas party. I won't be attending as I have to work. Well somebody has to. I am told that one of the staff & her husband prepare a feast for those of us who don't get to attend the party. I'm looking forward to that, seems I will have a better meal than the party goers as they only get appetizers!

Hope all is well with you!

Take care & keep smiling!

It's been a while since my last post. My last stretch at work was very busy, the ICU was overflowing. We had to put a couple of our children in the recovery room across the hall because there was no room in the unit. By the end of my four shifts I was exhausted as were all my team members. We were ready for a much needed break.

I just returned from a quick trip to Nova Scotia to visit my parents. It's still nice & green there. You would never know they got a major dump of snow last week.

My parents are doing reasonably well. Mom has her good & bad days. I guess that's to be expected. Dad does a great job taking care of her.

Mom & I got some shopping done, she was very pleased about that & I think Dad was very glad he didn't have to go! We had a very nice Turkey dinner on Friday with my daughter & her boyfriend. It was fun to have everyone together even if it was just a short time.

My sister and her girls met me for lunch at the airport today. I always enjoy the company while waiting for my flight.

The flight back to Ottawa via Montreal was good. Quite bumpy between Halifax & Montreal. Hard to read with the words jumping all over the place. I'm not sure how the flight attendant was able to serve everyone with the amount of turbulance we had.

Back to work tomorrow. Hopefully things have settled down a bit. Then the best part...my return to Florida on Friday for my days off. I can't wait!

Take Care & Keep Smiling!

Today is the middle of my days off & I have managed to keep very busy. I joined a local gym here with plans to stay active over the long winter. I had a training session today with one of the Trainers there. She pushed me a bit so that I could see that I really was capable of more than I thought I was. It was a very good workout, I expect to be sore tomorrow.

I have been walking a lot these days, enjoying getting out & about. Not sure how I'll feel about it once the really cold weather with north winds & snow get here. Just thinking about it makes me shiver! Also brings back memories of the cold Frozen Arctic.

This picture is from Qikiqtarjuak on Baffin Island. I worked up there for 3 weeks last year. Very beautiful place. Mark, you could take some awesome pictures up there!

Another busy day planned for tomorrow, a little shopping. Time to get some ideas for Christmas. Also plan to get out my poles for some Nordic walking. That's a great exercise! Helps maintain a better posture while walking which is good for the abs & breathing.

Hope you are all well & keeping active!

Take Care & Keep Smiling!

Picture sunny Florida...now picture this. I forgot what the sun looks like! It's raining today but temperatures are still very mild. I'll enjoy this while I can because winter is just around the corner.

The flight back to Ottawa was good. We arrived early, & the pilot & his crew received a round of applause from very satisfied customers.

Work was very busy these past couple of days. My co workers were glad to see me back & jealous of my tan. George, one of my "team" members gave me a big hug telling me it was about time I got back. hmmm, I was thinking I wasn't gone long enough.

Today a couple of friends & I are heading off to a Photographic,Video & Digital Imaging Show here in Ottawa. I'm hoping to get some good pointers as I would like to be able to take pictures as good as Mark's. First I have to learn what all the buttons mean, and how to focus.

I'm working nights tonight & tomorrow. Somebody has to do it.

Time to meet my friends. Hope you are all enjoying a great day!

Take care & keep smiling!

Welcome to Caveside

This is it, the first instalment from my cave, on what promises to be a very interesting winter. I thought it would be a good way to keep all of you updated as to what is going on in the frozen north while you & Mark enjoy the warmth of sunny Florida. Sigh.......it is only one winter......it will go quickly.....

There will be lots to keep me busy here, work, the gym, I might even get in some winter sports like snowshoeing, and of course the occasional trip to Florida! I will also be taking some pictures of the winter scenes to share with you.

Mark & I, (Buddy too) are very excited about our trip to Florida next week. So much to do! I have 4 more shifts to work. We start our drive after I get off work on the 30th. Can't wait to see you all again!

Take care & keep smiling!