Yet more talk about the weather.....

Looking back over recent posts, I note that a large proportion are directly related to the weather. After living here for three years, you would think I would have gotten over it. However, it is a fact about life in Calgary that your day to day is completely dominated by the weather.

This is partly because of how variable it is in Calgary. I check the outside temperature before getting dressed each morning. This time of year, the temperatures vary from +10°C to -30°C in the space of 24 hours. Calgary enjoys 4 very distinct seasons. Summer and winter sports are completely different. Cycling in the winter is impossible, not just because of the cold and snow, but the grit on the roads making them very hazardous. Even running on the icy pathways is not recommended. So we pack away our hiking boots, put our bikes on the wind trainer indoors and pull out skis, sleds and snow boots. (Or in some households, the quad bike gets parked up and the skidos come out...)

Our cars are winterized and equipped with winter tyres, ice scraper and emergency kit. The emergency kit contains blankets, gloves, a candle, matches, safety triangles, flares and a torch. Everything you need to survive a break down in -20°C and signal your distress to others.

Waldrobes are completely different. Winter coats, boots, scarves, mitts, and touques (beanies) clutter the shelves and hooks at the front door. Going outside is a good 5 minute exercise in bundling up - and quadruple that time if you have kids. Car windows need to be scrapped free of ice and the car warmed up. I did think warming up the car was no longer required with modern engines but it is actually for the people. Getting into a freezing car is frightful and I have a new appreciation of heated seats, garages and covet a heated steering wheel.

Winter storms can close the roads and make the commute to work very long or impossible. Traffic jams and accidents occur on hills where cars and buses struggle to get up the slippery slope. Add snow ploughs to the mix and the traffic can be nightmarish. The 3 hours drive North to Edmonton is rarely attempted in the winter as the highway can close suddenly - particlularly the section through Red Deer. Flying is not much more reliable. The planes can be delayed by a snow storm in Nova Scotia.

It is little wonder we talk about the weather so much!