Temporary Sanity
24 December 2018 | Guelph, Ontario
Monday 24 December 2018
Best of both worlds. It's snowing enough to coat the ground, but not so much to 'skating rink' roads (don't you just hate it when people use nouns as verbs?). Kids can make snow angels, throw snow balls and don't have to wear brightly colored tuques to allow their parents to find them when they disappear into head high snow drifts. If clouds remain and temps stay below freezing we may see a traditional white Christmas. This, as previously intimated, could be considered a mixed blessing.
As tropical sailors (half the crew is from Florida and the other half has been disowned by Canada for no longer liking the cold) we prefer our winter whiteness, except in short bursts for skiing and relatives, to consist of sand (sorry Bing). Many nice Canadians who feel the same migrate to St. Petersburg, my home town, during inclement weather. Surprised to just discover, however, that there are actually a few grumpy Canadians. Evidence suggests that during this time they remain at home.
Another mixed blessing during Christmas is children spiked up on cola caffeine, sugary candy and presents from Santa. As none of crew produced any personal examples of the genre, the attendant noise, frenetic activity and debris is an adventure in chaos for which we realized in time neither was suited and is to be relished only in short, usually intense bursts. They're kin, we love and take great pleasure in seeing them, but like Turkish delight, a little goes a long way.
For everyone out there who is enjoying his own cheer, havoc and wreckage, may you have a wonderful holiday and a great 2019 even better than you imagine.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Jack & Jan