StanleyandGus

It’s bright and sunny here, unlike, well, everywhere else. It’s warmed up to -30, (-22 F for southerners!) James has taken Thor to the dog park, because he’s missed being there due to extreme cold. For those who aren’t where they’re spending Christmas, travel safely everyone!

Thank you so much!

That’s lovely! The frame is nice too.

Here’s our Christmas tree- every year we think about replacing it, then a cat climbs into it, and we say, “Maybe next year”. Apparently antique ornaments are fashionable now- my tree has my great-grandparent’s, grandparent’s and parent’s ornaments. The cats don’t climb high (now), the bottom is non breakable stuff. And my oldest son is back from his deployment- the dog will be leaving after Christmas. The cats are thankful!

I checked the weather this morning. I wish I hadn’t; it’s -35. The wind chill takes it to -49. The dog still needs a (very short) walk!

Nothing to add to the vaccination requirement, but have a wonderful time with your grandson!

Umm…I have 2 pickle forks. One is sterling for formal use; the other is stainless. Needless to say, they were inherited!

Where is he working?

Actually, you were very articulate in your response. I didn’t know what to say, but you encapsulated it nicely!

That is heartbreaking. I am so sorry that you have lost your soulmate.

Thor found the dog park to be very tiring!

That sounds…odd. Still, it’s carbs on carbs, which is never bad!

Thank goodness! I was thinking of you, and hoping there wasn’t bad news, either with with or your daughter!

We got the Ultimate Dining Plan on our Miami to LA trip next November. The price was $396 Cdn, which I didn’t think was bad for 14 days. I know there’s not many restaurants, but we like a wide variety of things to eat, so it’s not like it’s steak every night.

Chris went to SFU for his Bachelor’s! Forensic anthropology was his interest then- now he does training for the RCMP. We loved Vancouver. We were extremely lucky to live in the Married Quarters at Jericho Beach. We couldn’t have afforded anything around there then, and especially now!

@Jimbo You and your wife saved Graycie from being a feral kitty, and if my memory of cat trees and cat toys is accurate at your place, she was a spoiled princess, as all cats deserve to be!

I left after university (UBC). I was posted right across the country to Gagetown New Brunswick. I know what you mean- even though every area of the country is beautiful (except for some areas of Ontario), mountains are where I feel most at home. If there’s an ocean, even better! My husband loves the prairies- he was born in Edmonton. We do have plans to move to BC eventually, around Osoyoos.

I was wrong- it’s really the night sky, which has stars all around because it’s flat, and the Aurora borealis! You were right.

I could be wrong (I’m from BC as well), but I think Land of the Living Skies” refers to the incredible amount of sky without any any geographical features interrupting the view. We’re the north end of the Great Plains. Frankly, there’s not much else to look at! It’s beautiful, just different from mountains.

I’ve never been to California, although I’d like to go there- someone is enjoying better weather!

Here’s an old picture of Stanley and Gus! Gus is considerably heftier now. He has big bones 😁.

I took my temporary dog for a walk in -20 (Google tells me it’s -4 Fahrenheit). It was a pleasant walk, but one has to be dressed for it! James returns next month to have Christmas with us, and pick up the dog. The cats will be relieved. Thor really likes Gus, and washes his ears. Gus, being a cat, is horrified.

Take care of yourself! Lots of sleep.

I freeze individual meal portions. That way Chris just has to microwave it. I’m sure he could cook, but after 37 years, there’s no indication of that!

I like snow, unless it’s blowing sideways, which it was for some of today! If you visit, summer is better, unless you have a nice down parka! And studded tires.