A short post this week, featuring cricket, and a few moans about feeling the cold. Cricket and complaining? Welcome to a PlaidCamper feel good zone.
I’ve just returned from a walk around the neighbourhood, and goodness me, it was a tad chilly. The forecast had called for about -5C and a few flurries, but when we set off there was a hint of sunshine and no sign of snow, so I prepared accordingly.
Half an hour later, I was cursing my stupidity in opting for lining gloves only, and wishing I had a heavier beard. Blustery northerly winds appeared, blowing icy pellets sideways, and my delicate face was feeling the full needly force. Ouch! We scurried back as fast as we were able, along sidewalks coated in fresh ice created from the thaw-freeze of the day before. Tomorrow, I will attach ice cleats and wear appropriate gloves or mittens. The temperatures are a real yoyo this winter. Funny how -5C can feel colder than -30.
After the heavy snowfall last week, we went out to survey the scene mid-afternoon, as the snowstorm was easing off, and then the following morning, when it was cold, -30C cold, but skies were blue and the sun felt warm.
The Bow looked good, partly frozen but still flowing under the snow, and the Peace Bridge stood out, bright red and shiny, matching the winter berries you can still find along the river bank. The bridge is a favourite Calgary landmark of mine, although I’ve not crossed so often in recent months, with the noisy construction site on the south side.
Staying on the north side, the Sunnyside, our closest park is Riley Park, where from mid-May until mid-September, you can sit on a bench and watch cricket. Ah, the thud of leather on willow, the smell of a linseed oiled cricket bat, the five days it can take to play a match (unless you’re the English cricket team, when losing an Ashes Test takes less than five days, sigh…) Yes, it’ll soon be spring then summer, except in Calgary. Spring will get here, eventually. Good thing I like winter – I even like complaining about it! Did I mention it was cold today?
Right, that’s enough – short, unlike cricket – I’ve got to go find those ice cleats. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
It looks like Scout has the same idea about snow that Zoey does. Silly dogs. I have also fallen victim to grabbing the wrong gloves on the wrong days. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Yup, Scout sees deep snow and figures she has to dig. And dig. And dig…I’m just hanging on, waiting to be pulled in or over!
Hope your weekend is going well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad good you’ve got a good dose of winter there in Calgary, PC. Those photos really seem to catch the spirit of it, too. Cricket may be out of season there, but Scout’s playfulness reminds one that it isn’t really that far removed!
LikeLike
Thanks, Walt! Yup, we’re in the full grip of winter, and cricket seems far behind or ahead of us. You’re right about Scout and her playfulness, and she has us out in the snow (fully, completely, in the snow) whether we’re ready or not. All good fun.
I hope you’ve found some fun of your own on the rivertops over the weekend!
LikeLike
Lovely winter photos, especially the photos of the Peace Bridge and Scout! After we finish clearing the driveway in the winter, we always have to spend time making paths throughout the yard for Gabby (the squirrels enjoy them too) and luckily Scout has no problem making her own path. I have no idea why, but even after all these years Gabby is often dressed more appropriately for the winter weather than I am. Always enjoy the humor and complaining!!
LikeLike
Thank you! Don’t worry, there’s no end to my complaining when I put my mind to it – although it’s generally weather or sport related, so inconsequential stuff overall!
We met a friendly Dachshund in the park earlier today, and it was funny to watch him chase Scout into a snowdrift and come to a sudden halt halfway in. It was a bit of a mismatch…
Hope you’re having a good weekend, and making progress on your Oscar movie marathon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s cricket season here and I see many of the lads out each weekend but no snow in sight. Looks like your season is way off still. Scout looks like she’s having so much fun. Enjoy! 🙂
LikeLike
Haha, yes, the cricket season is some way off here! When it does start, there’s always a chance snow can fall in May and September (and the months in between), and that never happened back in England. Then it was the summer rain stopping play!
Enjoy your week, and your ongoing summer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
do you play or have you played Cricket Adam?
LikeLike
Played for hours and hours when we were kids, in and out of school. Taught cricket when I was teaching in the UK, but never played seriously – good reflexes in the field, could always take a catch, but I was not a good batsman. I could bowl a bit of medium pace, but gave away too many runs in return for the occasional wicket!
You ever played?
LikeLike
only in my mind…….funny,whatever I played I always did great at & always won!……..not
LikeLike
Oh how I loved hearing about cricket, the familiar sounds and smells, and the bench where you can watch. I only know cricket from watching British mysteries. But geez, those are some cold days you’re having now, pc. I like that in spite of the cold you ventured out to see what the snowstorm did. The Peace Bridge is as beautiful as ever, and the snow seems to enhance the geometrical design. Great post, as always…stay warm my friend–
LikeLike
Haha, your comment about only seeing cricket in British mysteries made me smile! There’s always a dark underbelly to those seemingly genteel games being played on a village green – never trust a sticky wicket…
Glad you enjoyed this one, with all the snow. It has warmed up (highs in the single minus digits!) and there’s been a bit more winter sunshine, so it’s all good for taking a walk. Nothing blooming, though!
Thanks, Jet, and we hope all is well with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person