snow, blowing snow, freezing rain - temps minus 7
I know - freezing rain when it's minus 7? But there's a crust under the fresh snow now and a layer of ice clinging to the trees. When the wind blows it sounds like guests at a wedding party demanding a kiss.
After a day and a half indoors with the blizzard Michael and I took the snowshoes out of the basement and decided to take Trudy around the pond. What a to-do. first we had to remember what clothes we wear (leggings and thermal socks), then we had to adjust the snowshoes to our new winter boots - falling all over each other as we stood on one foot, then the other. Dancing with the Idiots. All the while Trudy is staring at us, her ice-encrusted ball in her mouth.
Finally, after a struggle, we ready. It's snowing and blowing - but we're determined. For the first ten feet. Then I for one was ready to head back in and get a hot chocolate. We weren't even in the snow yet, but still on the driveway.
But Michael thought I was kidding, so on we went. Up to our thighs in snow. Ploughing through it. It was, I have to say, seriously exhausting. I looked back at the house (in the near distance) and realized if I was a pioneer I'd be the first one eaten. I'd just curl up and die. No way could I have done what they did. First canoe portage? Shoot me. First mountain range? leave me here to die.
I'm definitely more of an indoor pioneer. Exploring internal landscapes. They can be pretty scary too. And sometimes, I eat my young.
We made it halfway around the pond, gave Trudy her treat, and retraced our steps, into the wind and blowing snow. That was easier because we'd already broken the trail. Snowshoeing is great exercise. Probably better if you go more than 100 yards. But we did make a discovery. We like it by the fireplace better...but the only thing better than the hearth, is the hearth with a hot chocolate after being out in a blizzard. It was seriously fun.
Then I got on the phone, called our travel agent, and booked another week in St. Lucia. A few more paces through the snow and we'd have bought a place there. So - now it's 2 weeks at Sandals. We are almost giddy with excitement!
Had a nice day. Did some slight updates on the website. Read the mass market pages for The Brutal Telling, to correct any mistakes (16, 17??) - heading out tomorrow for breakfast in Cowansville (once we dig the car out) - and meeting Cotton for lunch in Knowlton.
I realize some of our friends here have strange names, but we get so used to it they no longer seem like anything other than their names. Cotton. Wilder. I once worked at CBC with a guy named Havoc. Indeed, Wilder and I worked together at CBC thirty years ago. This should have been a clue about what I was getting into when two of my co-workers are named Wilder and Havoc.
Speak to you tomorrow - hope you've enjoyed the day!
Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts
Monday, 4 January 2010
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Home
cloudy, snow forecast, temps minus 3
Stayed in Montreal last night. The snow had stopped (Montreal had about 30 centimetres) but it was dark by the time the train arrived and rush hour...and I thought...well this is why we've kept an apartment in the city. So I chatted with Michael a couple of time, walked to the store for dinner. Didn't feel like ordering pizza (I might be dying)...but at the store all I felt like was fruit so got two small buckets of sliced mangos and some yoghurt.
As soon as I got home I smelled someone cooking steak. And looked down at my pathetic pile of fruit. Had I really forgotten I'm a carnivore? Of course then all I craved all night, as I ate the mango, was red meat.
Michael and I are trying to do one day a week vegetarian. To save the planet and our waistlines. Its an imperfect effort. And result.
Had lunch today in Sutton with our friend Cotton. Just ran into her coming out of the bakery, and Michael was at the post office - so we all met up at the tea room for lunch. Always fun when that happens.
Lovely to be home - with Michael and the girls. And heaven to know we aren't going anywhere for a month...until A RULE AGAINST MURDER comes out January 20th in the US. I'll be going to Phoenix for a couple of days just then. Then off to Quebec City for a month to research the next book.
But for now - we're home. Bring on the blizzards. We have hot chocolate, christmas cake, duck tortiere (today is NOT the vegetarian day) and clementines. And each other.
Home.
Stayed in Montreal last night. The snow had stopped (Montreal had about 30 centimetres) but it was dark by the time the train arrived and rush hour...and I thought...well this is why we've kept an apartment in the city. So I chatted with Michael a couple of time, walked to the store for dinner. Didn't feel like ordering pizza (I might be dying)...but at the store all I felt like was fruit so got two small buckets of sliced mangos and some yoghurt.
As soon as I got home I smelled someone cooking steak. And looked down at my pathetic pile of fruit. Had I really forgotten I'm a carnivore? Of course then all I craved all night, as I ate the mango, was red meat.
Michael and I are trying to do one day a week vegetarian. To save the planet and our waistlines. Its an imperfect effort. And result.
Had lunch today in Sutton with our friend Cotton. Just ran into her coming out of the bakery, and Michael was at the post office - so we all met up at the tea room for lunch. Always fun when that happens.
Lovely to be home - with Michael and the girls. And heaven to know we aren't going anywhere for a month...until A RULE AGAINST MURDER comes out January 20th in the US. I'll be going to Phoenix for a couple of days just then. Then off to Quebec City for a month to research the next book.
But for now - we're home. Bring on the blizzards. We have hot chocolate, christmas cake, duck tortiere (today is NOT the vegetarian day) and clementines. And each other.
Home.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Just nuts - and lobster
cloudy, sunny, rainy - temps 22
Mixed day. Was quite nice this morning for our walk, but just sat down for lunch and the skies opened. We could hear it coming. A thrumming in the forest. We looked up and the mountain in the distance had disappeared. And we could hear it getting closer and closer. Then the rain broke out of the forest at the far end of our pond, hit the pond and raced toward us in the screen porch.
Almost frightening when it's that strong. But we sat sipping our soups all safe and protected.
Edited this morning - two more chapters. Down to 133,000 words or so. Getting there. Am enjoying the story.
Had a hilarious thing happen yesterday. We were on our way in to Sutton to meet friends and passed a neighbors house about 4 kilometers away. Loads of cars. And another neighbor blowing up balloons.
It was clearly a party, and clearly we weren't invited.
Well - they had to die. First, they had to be made to feel like crap, and then die.
It actually felt quite bad (though not as bad as they would feel). I realized my feelings were hurt. fortunately we were meeting some people so I told them all about it and they laughed too, and said similar things had happened to them recently.
What a relief. I might be insane, but I'm not alone. Phew.
As I talked I realized a couple of things - I don't like parties, anyway - and while we like these people we've certainly had lots of gatherings without inviting them.
That too was a relief. Maybe I didn't have to kill them. Maybe I could just anonymously call the cops and complain about the noise.
Went off after than and had dinner with Cotton and two other friends, Tom and Anne at the gold club...on the verandah. It was lobster night! Yum.
Life, even in the asylum of my mind, is wonderful.
Mixed day. Was quite nice this morning for our walk, but just sat down for lunch and the skies opened. We could hear it coming. A thrumming in the forest. We looked up and the mountain in the distance had disappeared. And we could hear it getting closer and closer. Then the rain broke out of the forest at the far end of our pond, hit the pond and raced toward us in the screen porch.
Almost frightening when it's that strong. But we sat sipping our soups all safe and protected.
Edited this morning - two more chapters. Down to 133,000 words or so. Getting there. Am enjoying the story.
Had a hilarious thing happen yesterday. We were on our way in to Sutton to meet friends and passed a neighbors house about 4 kilometers away. Loads of cars. And another neighbor blowing up balloons.
It was clearly a party, and clearly we weren't invited.
Well - they had to die. First, they had to be made to feel like crap, and then die.
It actually felt quite bad (though not as bad as they would feel). I realized my feelings were hurt. fortunately we were meeting some people so I told them all about it and they laughed too, and said similar things had happened to them recently.
What a relief. I might be insane, but I'm not alone. Phew.
As I talked I realized a couple of things - I don't like parties, anyway - and while we like these people we've certainly had lots of gatherings without inviting them.
That too was a relief. Maybe I didn't have to kill them. Maybe I could just anonymously call the cops and complain about the noise.
Went off after than and had dinner with Cotton and two other friends, Tom and Anne at the gold club...on the verandah. It was lobster night! Yum.
Life, even in the asylum of my mind, is wonderful.
Friday, 29 February 2008
Hello, Chief? Would you believe, it's minus 31?
Clear, bitterly cold, temp. minus 31.
Dear Lord. Minus 31. Can't even imagine how quickly flesh freezes in that. fortunately there's no wind. If there was no one would venture outside. Except Tony, who helps around the place and pretty much keeps us running. Around Christmas he looks like Santa. Bushy white beard. Quite a mountain man. But as the season progresses he looks more and more like a Yeti.
God bless Tony!
Quite a busy day. Writing this morning. Have learned to shut out all distractions - phone, email, visitors etc. I have to, otherwise I'd still be writing A FATAL GRACE/DEAD COLD. do you remember Get Smart? I loved that show as a kid. Would you believe I had a tiny crush on Maxwell Smart? But when I write it's as though I bring down my own 'cone of silence' - with results similar to the show. It doesn't always work. Missed it by that much.
Cotton just called. We were supposed to go to dinner with her tonight but she's (not surprisingly) caught a cold so has cancelled. We have a small gift of home-made (not by us but by Manoir Hovey) granola. This granola is like heroine. We've hooked our friends, and now dole it out sparingly when they start 'jonesing'. It gives us power over everyone around us, which we like.
Pat just called - to thank us for the dose of granola we gave her! Lovely woman.
Am off for lunch with Cheryl - the one that was truncated a couple of weeks ago after a call from my agent. Have granola for her too.
Wish I could give you all some - perhaps it's time to introduce it to the bistro in Three Pines. I think I will. Will be writing a scene there today. Ha, that's fun. Granola on the menu now. With a nice hot cafe au lait. Yum.
Stay warm. Thanks for the company.
Dear Lord. Minus 31. Can't even imagine how quickly flesh freezes in that. fortunately there's no wind. If there was no one would venture outside. Except Tony, who helps around the place and pretty much keeps us running. Around Christmas he looks like Santa. Bushy white beard. Quite a mountain man. But as the season progresses he looks more and more like a Yeti.
God bless Tony!
Quite a busy day. Writing this morning. Have learned to shut out all distractions - phone, email, visitors etc. I have to, otherwise I'd still be writing A FATAL GRACE/DEAD COLD. do you remember Get Smart? I loved that show as a kid. Would you believe I had a tiny crush on Maxwell Smart? But when I write it's as though I bring down my own 'cone of silence' - with results similar to the show. It doesn't always work. Missed it by that much.
Cotton just called. We were supposed to go to dinner with her tonight but she's (not surprisingly) caught a cold so has cancelled. We have a small gift of home-made (not by us but by Manoir Hovey) granola. This granola is like heroine. We've hooked our friends, and now dole it out sparingly when they start 'jonesing'. It gives us power over everyone around us, which we like.
Pat just called - to thank us for the dose of granola we gave her! Lovely woman.
Am off for lunch with Cheryl - the one that was truncated a couple of weeks ago after a call from my agent. Have granola for her too.
Wish I could give you all some - perhaps it's time to introduce it to the bistro in Three Pines. I think I will. Will be writing a scene there today. Ha, that's fun. Granola on the menu now. With a nice hot cafe au lait. Yum.
Stay warm. Thanks for the company.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
The Flat Bottom Society
sunny, cold, highs minus 9
Had a wonderful mini-storm yesterday, then it all blew over and left us with a brilliant day - sun bouncing and magnifying off the perfect snow and pouring into the windows. We're in the living room, Michael at his computer and me reading over notes for the next book - fire lit (not for the notes - yet) and tea on the mind. Lovely.
We're off tonight to see our friend Cotton. She's in her late 70's and quite spectacular. She called the other day to say her two huge grandchildren (one of whom is known as 911 because as a child he always threatened to call it whenever he didn't get his way) were leaving today (Thursday) and she felt the need for all grown up company. Did we want to meet her for dinner at the Italian restaurant in Sutton.
We said yes, wonderful.
Then she called back to say would we like to see a movie in Sutton? Now, Sutton doesn't actually have a movie theatre, so we were wondering if Cotton has begun (perhaps thanks to some magic element brought into the house by the grandsons) not only hearing voices in her head, but seeing pictures too.
No, she explained - it's at the Salle Alec Pelletier, an intimate space on Rue Maple where community groups put on productions, and in fact, The Cruellest Month had it's local launch. Every now and then they show a film.
We said, great.
Then she called back and asked if she'd remembered to tell us it was a Chinese film.
No, but that's OK, we said. Our enthusiasm still strong. Don't know why, but I quite like Chinese films. Even Jackie Chan. But mostly Raise the Red Lantern etc.
It has subtitles, Cotton said - which we all agreed was helpful.
In French, she muttered, and hung up.
French? Now, our French is good - but to have to read it, quickly, for two hours?
Then she called again. Don't forget to bring pillows, since the seats are extremely uncomfortable.
We're expecting another call any moment reminding us to bring hammers to hit ourselves with.
I promise, if I blog tomorrow, I won't tell you all about it. Good thing we love Cotton. Is this what's meant by 'unconditional?'
Talk to you tomorrow - flat bum and all.
Had a wonderful mini-storm yesterday, then it all blew over and left us with a brilliant day - sun bouncing and magnifying off the perfect snow and pouring into the windows. We're in the living room, Michael at his computer and me reading over notes for the next book - fire lit (not for the notes - yet) and tea on the mind. Lovely.
We're off tonight to see our friend Cotton. She's in her late 70's and quite spectacular. She called the other day to say her two huge grandchildren (one of whom is known as 911 because as a child he always threatened to call it whenever he didn't get his way) were leaving today (Thursday) and she felt the need for all grown up company. Did we want to meet her for dinner at the Italian restaurant in Sutton.
We said yes, wonderful.
Then she called back to say would we like to see a movie in Sutton? Now, Sutton doesn't actually have a movie theatre, so we were wondering if Cotton has begun (perhaps thanks to some magic element brought into the house by the grandsons) not only hearing voices in her head, but seeing pictures too.
No, she explained - it's at the Salle Alec Pelletier, an intimate space on Rue Maple where community groups put on productions, and in fact, The Cruellest Month had it's local launch. Every now and then they show a film.
We said, great.
Then she called back and asked if she'd remembered to tell us it was a Chinese film.
No, but that's OK, we said. Our enthusiasm still strong. Don't know why, but I quite like Chinese films. Even Jackie Chan. But mostly Raise the Red Lantern etc.
It has subtitles, Cotton said - which we all agreed was helpful.
In French, she muttered, and hung up.
French? Now, our French is good - but to have to read it, quickly, for two hours?
Then she called again. Don't forget to bring pillows, since the seats are extremely uncomfortable.
We're expecting another call any moment reminding us to bring hammers to hit ourselves with.
I promise, if I blog tomorrow, I won't tell you all about it. Good thing we love Cotton. Is this what's meant by 'unconditional?'
Talk to you tomorrow - flat bum and all.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Shovelling it
blowing snow, mild, highs -1, dropping to -20 tonight
Sure feels like winter and Christmas. I love it, but then I don't have to cope with it. I remember when I lived and worked in Montreal and had no off-street parking. Trying to cope with a car in the Plateau Mont Royal quartier after a snow storm was a real pain. Now Michael and I just look at each other over our second cup and decide we don't need to go into the village.
Though actually, this morning we're having breakfast in Sutton with Joan Matthews, a great friend. She runs the yoga and meditation centre in Sutton. We don't do yoga and she doesn't read my books and it's all in perfect balance. We know and support each other where it counts. Joan is also our friend and contractor Gary's mother. So it's payback time for all his antics.
Had breakfast in Knowlton yesterday with another friend, Cotton Aimers. Great name. Her 'real' name is Kathleen, but as a child her younger brother couldn't say Kathleen. It came out Cotton. Could have been worse. I have a younger brother, so I know what they're capable of. Cotton gave us a Christmas gift - a donation to the Guardian's chosen project this holiday. The newspaper is asking readers to donate, and instead of spreading the money around they chose one large project for a single community. This year they're providing water for a village in Africa. Great gift. We gave her a bag of home-made granola.
Must be off - Michael's fed Maggie and Trudy and is now digging the car out. Must help. Eventually. Oh, he's back in. Phew.
Speak soon and hope you're well and content.
Sure feels like winter and Christmas. I love it, but then I don't have to cope with it. I remember when I lived and worked in Montreal and had no off-street parking. Trying to cope with a car in the Plateau Mont Royal quartier after a snow storm was a real pain. Now Michael and I just look at each other over our second cup and decide we don't need to go into the village.
Though actually, this morning we're having breakfast in Sutton with Joan Matthews, a great friend. She runs the yoga and meditation centre in Sutton. We don't do yoga and she doesn't read my books and it's all in perfect balance. We know and support each other where it counts. Joan is also our friend and contractor Gary's mother. So it's payback time for all his antics.
Had breakfast in Knowlton yesterday with another friend, Cotton Aimers. Great name. Her 'real' name is Kathleen, but as a child her younger brother couldn't say Kathleen. It came out Cotton. Could have been worse. I have a younger brother, so I know what they're capable of. Cotton gave us a Christmas gift - a donation to the Guardian's chosen project this holiday. The newspaper is asking readers to donate, and instead of spreading the money around they chose one large project for a single community. This year they're providing water for a village in Africa. Great gift. We gave her a bag of home-made granola.
Must be off - Michael's fed Maggie and Trudy and is now digging the car out. Must help. Eventually. Oh, he's back in. Phew.
Speak soon and hope you're well and content.
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