When we moved here to Ottawa, on December 15, 2011, the grass was still green, the temperature was well above freezing, and a soft rain was falling. That year we didn’t see snow until a few days before Christmas and the whole winter season was milder than usual.
The coldest day of the year was the day my sister from Bermuda came to visit. The temperature that day was -25C. It must have been a shock for her! I had to lend her my long “yard-duty” coat that I had used when I was a teacher.
Last year, it didn’t snow until a few days before Christmas but Winter bit us in the derriere in March and April when we had several snow storms and the temperatures were frigid! It was very difficult and perfect strangers were talking to each other about how horrible the winter had been.
Not as bad as 2008, which set a record for the most snow EVER in one year in Ottawa.
This year, it has hit us early, and hit us hard, and while it has put us in the festive spirit and we do admit that it is beautiful, I fear we are in for another record-breaking year.
Today, December 11, 2013, it is -8C (17F). But when you factor in the wind speed, it feels like -16C (3F). Tonight it is going down to -19C (-2F) but the wind chill factor (which is a Canadian invention guaranteed to make us feel terrible (we are so cold) and wonderful (we are so tough) at the same time) will make it feel like -25C (-13F).
We went Christmas shopping today but were mostly inside so this afternoon we went for a walk on the Greenboro Trail. We took a few photos to prove how hardy we are.
And I admit – it was beautiful.
What do you think of my new WARM winter jacket?
At 3 p.m. it was getting quite dark.
Two of my grandchildren built their first snowman of the season.
Over a week until the winter solstice and the sun is setting at 4:19.
I fully expect my Bermuda sister to comment on this post telling us how “cold” it is there, but do not believe her. We have had this discussion before and I know winter in Ottawa blows her puny Bermuda winter right out of the water!
Thanks for reading and have a great day! Stay warm.
Old Girl New Tricks 
Yes but she will claim that they don’t have any heating systems in Bermuda! I still won’t buy it.
You guys are ganging up on me as I sit outside on my patio in short sleeves I feel a slight chill as night draws nigh.
Ha ha.
Well my sassy Canadian Chilled sister, I was about to complain about the heat here in Bermuda but I stand before you ashamed of my moaning and groaning nature. In fact, except for some soft rain today, the weather here has been glorious. Last night we almost turned on the ceiling fan to be comfy but braved the warmth like the strong resilient eople we are, ha ha
LOVED your post! LOVE your winter jacket and LOVE you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Grandma Frostbite warning this morning Love Owen. PS can you do an article for the home news?
I’d love to write for The Home News! – Grandma
The light looks absolutely gorgeous there. Great pictures.
Thanks Renee. I just use my iPhone but they seem to turn out okay. I love all your photos. – Maureen
It is colder, with more snow on the ground, for a longer sustained period than I can ever remember here in Oregon. And my memory is still good enough to remember such things:) It’s all okay, because I have warm clothes and a warm house. Still I am ready for sun and warmth. C’mon Mexico!
One of my daughters just got back from Mexico, another is going to Florida next week, the third is going to Bermuda on March break, and the fourth is thinking about Florida or Bermuda.
Yep, I’m happy here in Mexico this month!