The Ice Storm Cometh

Spot the Vizsla

A couple of days after the ice storm, it snowed.

Considering the extent of the damage caused by last weekend's ice storm, we were very lucky that only one of our trees toppled under the weight of the ice. Although there are hundreds of damaged trees in the immediate neighbourhood, only a few hydro lines were downed so we were without power for only 27 hours. We were very grateful to have heat in the house before the temperature plummeted to -10 and creating the potential for burst pipes (twice the worry when you have radiators). 

It is estimated that 20% of the city's tree canopy sustained damage and 40% of the power lines (enough to cross Canada twice) were affected by the storm. 

We send a HUGE and HEARTFELT THANK YOU to all of the Ontario HYDRO WORKERS and to those who traveled from other provinces and the U.S. for working round-the-clock throughout the week of Christmas in sub-zero treacherous conditions to restore power to hundreds of thousands of people.
 

Merry Christmas

The Varazs Vizslas Pantomime Choir
(Miska, Vadasz, Tyro, Diva, Quest & Bodi)

AND here are a few choir members

practicing their Fa La La La Las

Saturday's Smile

Happy First Day of Winter!

Greatly enjoying last week's super 6" snowfall!

(Today, I'm slip-sliding around in the slush caused by

the recent rain and above-freezing temps.)

 
This year, it actually looks like winter on the first day of winter!  Last year, there was no snow in sight 2012 so we had to create our own "snow" for our Christmas Greeting 2012.  The year before, there was a light dusting of snow 2011 followed by a heat wave 2011.

Caught in the Act

I was having a
NICE
 visit with Santa

then he spoke

and things took a turn for the

NAUGHTY!

"What do you mean I can't have a pony for Christmas?!"

Wildlife Wednesday

So, yesterday, I was outside getting a brief breath of frigid fresh air
(-14c windchill) when something caught my attention.

I had no idea what it was.

I licked my nose to get a better sense of the scent.

Then, when I heard rustling in the leaves,

I leaped into action!

There it is!!!  There it is!!!

Can you see it?!?!?!

What is it?!?!?!

Didelphis virginiana
"Virginia Opossum"

North America's only marsupial is known as "Nature's Little Sanitation Engineer" because it eats almost anything: insects, snails, rodents, berries, rotting fruit, grasses, leaves, carrion, snakes, eggs, and all veggies!

Opossums are not native to cold climates but they have been surviving and thriving in Southern Ontario for approximately thirty years. Although nocturnal, in cold (and snowy) weather, they will venture out in search of food during the day.

You can read more about opossums here:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/251071.html

http://opossum.craton.net/

http://opossumsocietyus.org/ 

Wrecking Ball Wednesday

While riding in the car the other day, I was smittten with a kitten and found my voice. Since she was driving, all Mom could do was hit the record button to capture just my musical stylings.

Once you click on the audio only file, click on the PG ("puppy generated") slideshow for your viewing enjoyment.