Local Weather

Friday, November 30, 2012

My feathered friends


 I wondered where my little Bohemian Waxwings were ... and then they arrived today.


Cool Facts

  • The name "Bohemian" refers to the nomadic movements of winter flocks. It comes from the inhabitants of Bohemia, meaning those that live an unconventional lifestyle or like that of gypsies.
  • The Bohemian Waxwing does not hold breeding territories, probably because the fruits it eats are abundant, but available only for short periods. One consequence of this non-territorial lifestyle is that it has no true song. It does not need one to defend a territory.

Once the berries are gone, they will continue on their way south.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Winter again


Our first cold snap is just beginning.  Driving to dance class yesterday, my car registered -25C.  This was a good reminder of things to do to get ready for the cold weather.  1.  Methyl hydrate in the gas tank on the next fill   2.  Put cardboard in front of my radiator  3.  attach the extension cord to truck so I can plug in the block heater if need be 4.  carry extra warm clothes in truck in case of breakdown - of course I already have my winter tires on and winter-grade oil in the truck.


When it is cold, the sky is beautiful.  The above photo is driving into town along the Hamilton Road extension.  I always marvel at the clear crisp colours.


 Then along the South Access beside the Yukon River the fog rises off the water that is  not yet frozen giving the river a mystical appearance.

Just outside the window of the dance studio we watched the young children playing in a snow heap, oblivious of the dropping temperatures.  Oh to be young again.

On the way home I was reminded of what the dropping temperatures mean to a vehicle - seats as hard as rocks and square tires.

I had to smile this morning as I drove into town.  The temperature dropped a bit more to -31C and there was a Raven sitting on the top of the only lamppost that was lit.  What they do is sit on the light sensors blocking any light from entering and consequently the light goes on.  There the raven will sit to absorb any heat that is coming off the electrical light.  Smart smart birds.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

SKYFALL


Monday is a good night to go to the theatre in Whitehorse.  No line ups, you get your pick of seats (I have watched a movie with 6 other people) - in other words, none of that weekend packed-house stuff. Well, not with this movie.  It was difficult to find an empty seat once the movie began.  And all for good reason.  Daniel Craig plays a superb Bond - James Bond ... And Javier Bardem's role is worth the price of the ticket alone (I hear both are possible Academy Award nominees - and with good reason).  The story pulls much from previous Bond movies, is excellently filmed and of course who doesn't like to hear Adele sing the theme song.  This movie is long - 143 minutes, but the time goes by so quickly you don't notice its length.  I saw it on Monday and, yes Nancy, I will go with you again on Thursday on your return (if you haven't already seen it in YVR).  My rating:  8 Stars out of 5 !!!


www.bobsleigh.ca


If you haven't been keeping up on cousin Joe's blog, his son Joey Nemet is now a member of the Canadian National Bobsleigh Team.  On Joe's recent blog, he posted photos of Joey and his team mates.   In the photo above, Joey is 2nd from the left.  They are now travelling around the world honing their skills.  


Europa Cup Team
Taylor Austin (Calgary, AB)
Sam Giguere (Sherbrooke, QC)
Ben Klepacki (Boston, MA)
Joey Nemet 
Justin Wilkinson (Calgary, AB)

 The Europe Cup and America's Cup race series are the development level circuits for the newer teams. These races allow the teams to gain experience and earn the qualifications needed to compete at the World Cup and World Championship level. In addition to the senior World Championships, athletes under the age of 26 can compete in the Junior World Championships.

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Snow Snow Snow


We had a mini blizzard last night.  I'll tell you it was no fun shovelling the driveway this morning.  SR & Brooke are driving the Alaska Highway and of course I am trying not to worry about them.  Lily and I went out for a walk this morning, but as I was breaking trail, it was a slug for me.  Lily loved it, leaping in and out of the drifts.

This his one of her favourite spots in my house.  The window is just the right height for her.  Right now she is watching the grader and loader clear the snow off my street.

Christmas is coming


I know it sounds too soon, but our Christmas Fairs have started.  I think they started early this year to get the crowds in before Spruce Bog, which is the huge annual fair.  So we poked around though didn't see too much worth purchasing.  


One was held at the Yukon Inn.  The second one at the Gold Rush Inn.  Then out for coffee and a chat with friends.