Tortoise Weather

We are in the midst of a great Canadian winter! Today alone we are supposed to get 20 – 30 cm of the white stuff. And not the kind you need a razor and mirror to enjoy. This is a gift from Mother Nature and I thank her for it! It has been many a good year since we had a winter of any substance and to those complaining, I say poo poo to you!

It would be better if this was a week day and we all had the day off work, however, it is still a day to enjoy. Last year on my birthday, I received the witty little “How to be Idle” for my birthday. It offers up various suggestions on how to do nothing with your time and not feel guilty about it. On a day like today for example, read, eat, sleep, have sex, bake, meditate, make beef stock, darn socks, paint – relax!

One recipe for idleness is the purchase of a tortoise (hands off Mrs. Beeton!) that you need to take for walks. Can you imagine a more idle activity than walking a turtle? What an opportunity to meet your neighbours! Sure, you would be known as crazy guy that walks a turtle, but is that so bad?

I tried putting little boots on Horace to take him for one such walk today but he was having none of it. He kept pulling his little legs in and knocking them off. Oh well. Wanting to appreciate this weather for no real reason, I bundled up and headed out for two hour walk. I had no errands and no purpose, just aimlessly wandered. The lake served up some spectacular views as the ducks diving for food. I haven’t seen that many asses in the air since I don’t know when.

Noticing the lack of other walkers, I became somewhat sad. I pictured everyone inside cursing the weather and longing for spring. But of the tortoise people I did meet, I noted that they are all good people. Or at least they seemed so at first blush. They stopped and chatted, commented on how nice it was to get a winter like this. Some of them wrestled in the snow with their dogs, others pulled kids on sleds and I even saw some cross-country skiers and people out with snow shoes!

As I turned up 11th Street, I smelled a fire. That alone made my walk worth while – a real wood burning fireplace – how sweet is that? Fond memories of life on Shadylawn Court (yes, that is really the name of the street I grew up on) swirled about in my head. Ahhhhh.

Well, the kettle is calling. LSC and AC brought me some Green and Blacks fair-trade organic cocoa last time they were here for dinner. I off to enjoy a cup and be idle. I hope you will too!