Happy Valentine’s Day - February 14th, 2022 was in the middle of this two week blog post.
This has been a rather difficult time period, not so much for me personally but more-so to do with events here in Canada - but some of these events that are directly related to COVID. This is when the ‘Freedom Convoy’ essentially took over Parliament Hill in Ottawa and also staged protests at several border crossing into the United States…and unfortunately it has changed from a ‘protest’ to what is now being called an ‘illegal occupation’. I know the news has been heard internationally - and what it so alarming is just how easily and strongly entrenched, a very right-wing, conservative faction could be seen to be ‘mainstream’ and have the power to disrupt life for so many. There’s no doubt that the weariness we’re all feeling after these past two years contributes greatly to the strength…but the underlying roots are far deeper than just COVID.
On a personal level I find my COVID-stamina levels are low. I am getting tired of having to ‘plan’ visits with friends based on when the weather might be good enough to be outside…or simply having to ask if friends are comfortable visiting inside…and although we are now allowed small social groups indoors life is still being lived by many (myself included) very cautiously!
That said, the government is making definite decisions around lifting restrictions, with the messaging being that we now need to ‘live with COVID’. I know that’s not wrong, that there has to be an end to this, but I’m also acutely aware that we’re heading into a provincial election in June and it’s very clear decisions are being made so that our premier ‘looks good’. I hope he’s not moving too fast, with capacity limits being increased and vaccine passports being eliminated at nearly the same time.
My neighbourhood tree decorated for Valentine’s Day.
I’m going to have to keep an eye on this tree now too to see if Valentine’s Day is the only occasion for decorations or if they’re going to go other holidays as well.
Look what one can find when the snow starts to melt a little bit!
The lunch bag I take to work just doesn’t compare!
A lovely message in the snow for everyone walking by.
Looks like he’s been here awhile…I’ve never seen him before tonight though.
Abandoned at the corner.
Lucky kids…this is actually in a backyard.
Another lone Christmas decoration, all by itself.
Much as I don’t really embrace life in the snow, especially not here in the city, sometimes when you see the creativity of kids you can’t help but realize how fun it is for them.
Saw the sun today so decided to go down to the waterfront. Knowing that most of the city’s walking trails are not maintained in the winter, which means walking could be very difficult as they would be ice covered now, I wasn’t sure what I’d find. I met with some success - there were some paths that clearly have been plowed and salted - others that were more like a sheet of ice.
Down at the water’s edge - even though it was a really cold day it’s still not completely frozen at the shoreline. And look, you can even see a bit of sand on the beach!
At the mouth of the Humber River - looking upriver.
With an extreme cold weather alert in place and a daytime high temperature of -13C degrees maybe that’s why no one was just sitting an enjoying the view.
Underneath, and on top of, some of the bridges (pedestrian, train and vehicular) that cross the Humber River where it meets Lake Ontario.
Walking over to a friend’s place and taking a route I don’t usually take - stumbled up this alleyway with some beautiful street art.
Hard to see in the small photo - but there’s a smiley face grinning at you on the mirror.
I think Frosty got well and truly buried!
And then we got more snow again!! There’s no doubt I don’t love it when it snows in the city as much as I do when I’m at the lake, but right after it snows (until the city makes it grey and slushy) it can be quite pretty here in the city too.
Out for a walk at night when the snow first started.
And then the next morning… (and back at Mount Pleasant cemetery).
