First Snow, Housesitting, Sheepadoodles and Recovery

To answer everyone's first question:  Yes, it's cold.

Last Saturday brought the welcoming of snow - though I've been told that it was considered very light and most of it is in fact now gone...we're well on our way into winter in the Great White North.  Light jackets have now been traded in for pea coats, scarves adorn most everyone's neck and beanie hats aren't really a fashion statement so much as a necessity.  It's officially winter in Canada.  Many of my colleagues and friends just laugh at me when I make comments about how "brisk" the weather is becoming - their simple replies all mimic the same casual statement of "you ain't seen nothing yet."  In many ways though it's been a welcome change for me.

After Friday's little accident at the house I spent a weekend of R&R at Greg Mercer and Kate Robert's house here in Guelph..many of you know Kate (or have heard her mentioned) from my Ag Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) days at college (college by the way is referred to as University in Canada and the term College is used to reference our community college equivalent).  Greg and Kate are currently in the throws of wedding planning for their June 4, 2011 nuptials so big congrats to the engaged couple!  Needing to get away to visit Greg's grandmother for the weekend and not being able to take their Sheepadoodle (an Old English Sheepdog mixed with a Poodle to make a hypoallergenic and shed-less dog) they asked me to watch their house and Leroy and of course I couldn't resist.  The soon-to-be Mercer's bought a great place on the older side of Guelph and I thoroughly enjoyed raiding their cable television while introducing Leroy to his first snowfall.

The housesitting also gave me to the chance to take it easy on the hand and keep it elevated.  After several re-dressings I'm down to two fingers (index and middle) wrapped with recovery coming along well.  The nurses tell me that will continued care there shouldn't be any scarring so a little light at the end of the tunnel.  Though I will say that learning to drive in the snow one handed has been an....interesting....experience.

Snowfall In My Neighborhood

Leroy's checking out this new cold, white powder substance

Greg and Kate's House - like something out of a movie

Just a closing note - I will be back for 2 weeks during Christmas time.  Returning to California Dec. 18th and departing Dec. 30th to New York City to ring in the New Year.  I'll likely be spending the 18th - 23rd in Sacramento and the 23rd-29th in Hanford...hope to see many of you while I'm home visiting.