Before The Storm . . .

The mid-afternoon snowfall gives a wonderful seasonal glow to the footbridge over Silver Creek . . . but winter hell is poised to whack us: An overnight storm is going to dump masses of snow onto our doorsteps, roofs and roadways later this evening and tomorrow morning, hitting transport, closing schools and generally causing chaos. But this is Canada, Jools and I are hardy souls. We're prepared for everything that the climate feels inclined to throw our way: the hatches have been battened down, the curtains are drawn, the fire is stoked up, the kettle's boiling - and we're staying in bed until Monday . . .