Hanging on to Autumn

Early last week we woke to rooftops covered in shimmering frost. An icy northern wind whipped through the valley and like much of Canada temperatures abruptly plummeted below zero. After a week of frosty weather every plant in our yard was jolted into hibernation. While most plants have yielded to their fate there are a few remaining leaves that are clinging on so desperately. I understand those leaves because I too hang on to those last few signs of autumns before the darkness of winter overtakes me.

Today I dug out our winter gear and discovered that there were a few missing items. Throughout the year I am on the lookout for good quality used or discounted winter gear but there are usually several items I cannot find. This year Teddy needs boots and good mitts. I will most likely order what I need from MEC. It’s important that we have good winter gear because I hold by the saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad outdoor clothing. The truth is that being able to spend time outdoors throughout the winter is crucial in maintaining happiness in our home, for myself and my little ones.

With all the winter gear out everyone was keen to test our their “new” stuff so we took an afternoon nature walk up through the hills. My eldest found some interesting moss and lichen which he has been fascinated with lately. We had a few prickly pear incidents but to be fair we weren’t following the well trodden path. And on returning home, everyone felt refreshed and happy.