And given that today we're in the midst of an ice storm, and tomorrow we're traveling to America (well known to be the most painful place to get to via air travel, no matter where you're coming from, never mind two days before Xmas), let's just say the Christmas spirit is not infusing me with warm, egg-noggy joy.
Toronto in the winter is one of the drabbest places I have ever been. In case you think I'm lying, we're going on a week of this being the brightest light the day sees:
And this lasts merely from approximately 8:00 till 4:30. It could easily go on this way for 3 weeks. Three slushy, dirty, dark, damp weeks.
Honestly, it's difficult to deal with, especially if the lure of gifts and elves and trees are having no impact.
Here's a shot of my dwarf lavender today:
If the power lasts and the ice turns into rain, that's the best we can hope for (which is quite a lot, actually). I guess I should be grateful that we weren't booked on a flight today.
Posts
Lol! Love that post title. In a spirit of Grinchy camaraderie, day'light', I.e., as you described above lasts from 9am to 3 pm here in Southeast Alaska (just over the mountains from B.C.) in the interior, it's an eve shorter window. We do have a lot of snow on the towering Douglas firs that reflect light & are a liiittle like weak sunlight if you squint. Perversely, I love the gray misty winters here.
ReplyDeleteBut, travel at Xmas!? Zero love for that shit. Are you going to attempt to take (very small, plastic, non threatening) knitting needles on your flight? I haven't even bothered to try that the last 10 years. Good luck. And don't forget to load 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' & 'Home for the Holidays' onto you iPad. Just in case you spend more quality airport time than you uh, expect.
I'm so glad I'm not alone! And Lord, that sounds even worse - though I take it you might have natural beauty of your landscape going for you. I'd take that at this point, fyi.
DeleteAnd yeah - Xmas travel is insanity. But someone's gotta do it and this year it's me. I do take needles and yarn with me. Have done the last 6 times I've gone away. It's allowed, believe it or not...
Sunshine is so very important, but I do hope you and your family have a Wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you Faye! I wish the same for you.
DeleteYuck! Much sympathy! It's been grey here as well, but I'm weirdly pleased now that the weather's moved away from freezing into a week of temps at 4 to 7 degrees and Rain. I'll take rain (and easy mobility) over ice anyday, even if I sacrifice some sunshine for it. Much sympathy for you, especially for the travel. btw, I always knit on flights. Double-points are great for that, because I can get them in wood, so they don't trigger security concerns, but I've also brought circs on with no problem. Take care. Maybe drink . . . ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think that's what the weather will be like in the mountains I'm going to (Appalachians, 3 hrs away from Charlotte, where I usually stay). I do bring my needles - the metal ones are fine because they just go through the security gizmo, like my bag.
DeleteOf course I will be drinking as much as possible - but I leave at 10am. At the airport at 7:45. So I don't suppose alcohol is going to fly at that hour :-)
Happily, my husband will be with me (and M). He's much less anxious than me so I hope he'll keep me calm. Alas, he's fighting a cold.
Don't get me started...
Not the mancold . . . .might consider making an exception for drinking in the morning . . .
DeleteOh, you know my pain...
DeleteBeen there in North Western Washington, just south of BC. 2 Words: Vitamin D3.
ReplyDeleteKathy
So smart! I'm taking 4000 IU per day. Naturopath's orders :-)
Deletei hear ya, we have the lack of daylight thing happing where i'm at as well. of course, when it's not gloomy it's super bright out and keeps triggering migraines! i just can't win. hope your travels go smoothly, my sister just drove through 300 mi of that ice storm yesterday, and thankfully didn't end up in a ditch!
ReplyDeleteHa! OK, I suppose I've got to be grateful that the dull does not provoke those light-based migraines. I so hope that you can enjoy your time with your sister and family now xo
DeleteUgh. The weather sounds a lot like Germany, not that that's any comfort. I always admire your energy and upbeat nature, and I hope it returns in time for Christmas. Happy holidays, Kristin!
ReplyDeleteSomehow, I imagine that Germany is very lovely at Xmas. Perhaps I'm on my own planet... Happy holidays to you Uta. I'm about to get more upbeat, I swear.
DeleteWe flew home this past Friday. The knitting needles (circular with metal tips) and the metal crochet hook were no problem. The screener asked about the scissors - cuticle with blunt tips - but did not even open the bag.
ReplyDeleteMimosas and Bloody Marys are considered breakfast appropriate. ;) Safe travel and have a good visit.
Lois K
It was no problem for me - scissors, needles, yarn etc. So grateful.
DeleteI was thinking about you last night while watching the news. YUCKY. Hope you get out and home for the holiday and things around your home stay safe.
ReplyDeleteWe got out alright! Woohoo!
DeleteI was wondering how you were doing today. Friends of ours were booked to go to Bermuda yesterday. Their flight was cancelled and their house didn't have power when they left and still doesn't so far as we know (updates from neighbours). So they spent the night with us and are rescheduled to leave mid afternoon.
ReplyDeleteBe safe, be patient, you'll get there and hopefully there will be sun.
Oh, that sucks so bad. We are incredibly fortunate to have retained our power and to have got out of TO, more or less on time today. Thank you for thinking about me.xo
DeleteWe are suffering the same dreary issues in Seattle. The difference is that it is rain and not snow. I lived in Michigan for several years and the low light combined with snow and slush was almost too much. Best wishes on your travel.
ReplyDeleteThanks V! I hope that the dreariness dissipates for you. And for me!
DeleteConsider yourself lucky you don't live on my street. No power since the week hours of the morning on Sunday. This means no heat, no hot water, no phone (because my cell ran out of juce and the landline is heavy with ice and dragging on the ground in the backyard so the line is dead), no internet. We do have a food thanks to a gas stove. And thank goodness also that Mr. Stitch got here on Saturday afternoon before the trees started to come down under the weight of the ice. One very large tree is responsible for taking down the hydro pole and crushing three cars. We've been told it could take until the weekend to bring the power back. I have never been so happy to be at work. Happy holidays and enjoy your escape to the U.S.!
ReplyDeleteOh, A, that is HIDEOUS. So sorry to hear that. I should have left you my keys... If you can, get yourself to a fancy hotel. (Not that I imagine it'll be easy for the next couple of days.) Giving you lots of positive vibes!!
DeleteMy sincere condolences on travelling on X-mas.
ReplyDeleteAnd the weather. I know from experience how much it gets on our nerves.
Thank you! Hope you have got wherever you're going, with ease.
Delete