Why I Like Lethbridge

In the past few days, within 3 kms of our house, we've seen 2 pheasants (or pheasant-like birds, anyway), 12 deers, 3 bunnies (or the same bunny 3 times!), and a huge white hare. I've also seen an owl and a mouse on my ride to work. There is another bunny that is always in my way on the trail I ride on. The darned thing won't move! Then it'll suddenly run off, usually right into my path.

Molly and I also had a weird thing happen a few weeks ago. I was taking her outside for a piddle before bed, and a large bird was in the backyard, right by the deck. I scared it, and it took off, but unfortunately it flew into the side of the garage. It was shaken, but took off again. I don't know what it was, but it was large!

Loads of Snow!

We're having our first real snowfall of the season. It hasn't stopped snowing since Saturday night. I don't know how much we've rec'd at this point, but it's a fair amount. John has shoveled about 6 times since Sunday morning. I definitely won't be riding this week! By Wednesday the temp is supposed to be above freezing, so although the snow will disappear, the winds are bound to come up again.

We had a really nice dinner out on Saturday. We went to 360, which we've been trying to get to, and it was really nice. They do a steady business, so that's good. Apparently they change their menu every 3 months, so we should be able to go there regularly.

Ice Fog

This morning we experienced something called ice fog. Apparently ice fog is fog made of ice crystals in the air instead of water droplets, and it forms when there are clear & calm conditions in really cold (Arctic) air. It was quite beautiful, although it disappeared when the sun came out. You could actually see the ice in the air.

I'm used to ice on the trees like this because of freezing rain, but in this case, there is no precipitation, it just forms from the air.

I took a bunch of pictures when Molly & I went out this morning. She's really feeling the cold these days. She used to love the cold, but now she shivers and justs wants to get home. I bought some new coats for her to try today, so we'll see if either of them fits. Hopefully they'll be a bit warmer than the coat she currently wears.

A Celebration!

Today was the grand opening of the new Wellness Centre at the University. They had a huge party tonight, which we attended because friends of ours were involved. Sarah is the Promotions & Marketing Coordinator for Sport and Recreation Services, and her partner Nicholas was the MC. They both did amazing jobs. The whole event was almost flawless. It's also the 40th anniversary of the University, so this event kicked off a year of celebrations for that too.

There were performers showcasing the many kinds of activities that you can do at the Centre, from tiny girls doing ballet to women doing belodi. The new Pronghorns mascot was revealed too, and he's quite something! Many well-known Canadians were there too. Ian Tyson & Susan Aglukark performed, and Norman Kwong (first Chinese Canadian to play in the CFL, now LG of Alberta), Preston Manning, and others gave speeches. All in all, it was an impressive lineup.

John's department chair's daughter Alice was a dancer in the show. She danced with a partner and 3 other couples. She did really well.

I've attached a link to the development of the new Centre, and hopefully tomorrow I can add a link to some pictures in the Lethbridge Herald. I go to the gym 4 days a week, so I am definitely getting my money's worth! It's still under construction, but it's a great facility.

http://www.uleth.ca/hwc/overview.shtml