How deep will it go?

Since December 8th, we have have continued to receive snow and our little "root cellar" garden shed has almost become buried. It won't take many more storms like yesterday to make it disappear completely! Good thing it's not a snowblower shed, eh!

A new arrival . . .

Finally, we have a piano! One with 88 keys! Well, actually, it's a Casio XP-700 digital piano but it is so much better than what we've been working with. A friend was kind enough to lend us their little electronic keyboard so Toshio could practice at home rather than at the school, but it was getting a little tough practicing on his bed. The Casio was just the right size for our little place and with weighted keys and great sound, maybe all of us will give it a go!

http://www.priviapiano.com/products/PX-700/

Family Day

Today we celebrated Saskatchewan's 1st annual family day by going x-country skiing at Don Allen Trails north of La Ronge. The weather was great, with a sunny blue sky and fresh snow, all at a balmy -15c. Fresh snow meant the trails were yet to be groomed, so we were pushing snow most of the way. This was actually my first time on skiis this year, but the kids already had one race under their belts. The trails were absolutely beautiful, but I can only take so many hills. We called it quits after an hour or so. Tomorrow, it's back to work. This week, I am stationed in La Ronge, so there will be no travel stories for a bit.

Driving blind . . .

The snow just keeps on coming! Makes me happy of course, because I love a good storm. Driving in one, of course can be a different story. The lack of apron or shoulder at the edge of most northern roads can preclude safely pulling over. One thing for certain, you definitely want a vehicle that can handle the road.

Brabant Lake

Just returned from a 340km round trip north to Brabant Lake. The road north to Brabant crosses the Churchill River, once a route of explorers and fur traders. In spite of temperatures lower than -50 degrees celcius, rapids at the crossing keep the water open year round. Pushing further north, the terrian becomes more rugged and the road a tad bit rougher. Ice, blind curves on steep hills, and mine supply trucks ensure the road has a driver's full attention.