Just like friends and family in the UK we have been experiencing a cold snap here, with temperatures down to -11c we even had some snow. Before it started melting we had up to about 5 inches of snow. Now we have none at all, although this fabled worst winter in 40 years is still being talked about by a great number of people. Good luck to everyone in the UK, particularly those on the North who have been putting up with this for over two weeks now not the measly 1 week which is being reported internationally. Towns and City's outside of London do exist.
Mission, BC is where were currently living. In terms of longitude it is about in line with Guernsey and in general the weather hear is quite reminiscent of the UK, summer is generally warmer and although there is generally more snow in the winter (maybe not this year) temperatures are very similar. Mission is a small city, with a population a little under 35,000. Like a lot of towns and smaller cities here the municipality, local societies, and business groups organise parades, shows and fates, the sort of thing I grew up with in the UK but seem to have long since died out.
Friday night was the Mission "Candlelight Parade" for Christmas. The parade was 2 minutes walking distance from our home so we took a walk down to watch floats, trucks, emergency vehicles and so on all coming past. I think its something the UK could do with a little more of these days. Some things to build a bit of community.
The weekend had us delving into what is becoming a tradition with Jaime's family. Harvesting a Christmas tree. Yes I said harvesting. Numerous places have gone into the very long term investment of growing Christmas trees. Many harvest them on mass and have them sold at green grocers or supermarkets, but a large number still offer a pick your own setup. By "pick" I mean by use of a chainsaw. We were along as an extra pair of hands and a critical eye for a good tree.
My efforts were modest... next year I'm going for a whole foot tall tree.
Saturday afternoon was still chilly crisp and dry so we took a chance on a short hike with Jaime's dad and all the dogs and having a little camp fire cook-out, much like last time but much drier. We hope we can get a few more of these hikes in this year. We have an ambitions plan to try this while snow shoeing.
