Well the snow we knew was coming started at 4:00 in the afternoon Friday and has been pretty steady since then. However it has not been overwhelming and not too cold we are at minus 21 C at present.  This has however led to shoveling snow that most iconic of winter pastimes. However our portion is fairly small, we have neither driveway or car.

A number of poets have mentioned this winter rite.

"He had thrown himself into shoveling snow

as if it were the purpose of existance,

as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear driveway."

                                                        Shoveling Snow with Buddha

                                                                  Billy Collins

" I've learnt the beatitudes of ice,

something sacred, something cold,

demanding respect, a paraphernalia

of horned boots, cowl and padded vest,

for body nicely flexed to winter's mould."

                         From Shovel to Self-propelled Blower:

         The Immigrant's Progress

                                                                            Reinzi Crusz