Saturday 23 August 2014

IN WHICH BEAR GETS BUSY

Things have changed here, a bit. My beloved J has been in hospital for major surgery. Now she is recovering at home, and doing quite well, considering. (No, it wasn't anything related to cancer, if you're concerned!)

That has made life busier for your Bear. I've been cooking, waitering, cleaning, washing, and all that stuff. None of this is new; these are things I do much of the time. Except that there is only one of us doing these things now. (Though J sometimes goes down the stairs by herself to cook her breakfast. That's not really advisable under the circumstances; I would hate for her to fall on the stairs.)

So, if you don't see me for a while, you'll know that I've got other things I'm doing. 

One other thing is that I'm leading worship for our congregation tomorrow. That plan was made a long time ago, and the dates of the surgery and service didn't match quite as well as I would have liked. So, tomorrow I'll have our noon meal organized before I head off to church. 

Another thing: it's J's birthday today. She's . . . maturing wonderfully. The whole family will be here for a brief party. After which she will rest. Some more.

Blessings and Bear hugs, friends!


Today's Weather Report
It's partly cloudy, with a temperature of 15°C (or 59F). Today's high will be 17C (63F); tonight's low will be 9C (48F). This has just happened; what a change! I think we might be heading into autumn.


Thursday 14 August 2014

IN WHICH BEAR IS SURPRISED

When it comes to the weather, things are pretty ordinary in the land of the Bears. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter. Occasionally, when there is a chance of a severe thunderstorm or blizzard, we get a watch notice or warning from Environment Canada (the weather guys and gals).

Today, something different. A "Heat Warning." I don't think I have ever seen that before. 

The combined heat and humidity are going to reach 40C (that's 104F; it is also unusual — which, I guess, is why there is a warning). I suppose for some of you, 40C or 104F is not uncommon, so there is no surprise when your air temperature reaches that. But it's quite surprising for us. And very "uncool," in both senses of that word.

They didn't needed to tell the Bears it was going to be hot. J and I went shopping. The store was air conditioned. When we came out, the air immediately caught her breath. Nothing serious, but noteworthy. Harder breathing in the hot, humid weather.

We got home, got inside, turned on the air conditioning, and decided to lay low for the rest of the day. Which seems reasonable, as it is way too hot for doing much of anything. Though it might be great if you're drying hay or holding a pool party. (We have neither hay nor pool.) Even the birds and the neighbourhood cats are staying in the shade. Yes, it's that hot. 

Whatever your temperature. I hope you can stay relatively comfortable in your weather. 

And if we can't be cool, we can at least think cool.



That is the Hubbard Glacier, which we saw on our cruise to Alaska. Even it is receding quickly in the changing climate. Sigh. 

Anyhow, blessings and Bear hugs (if hugs won't make you too hot)!




Today's Weather Report
Nice, bright, sunny day. Currently 27°C (or 81F) going to 30C (86F). I've already told you the rest.