Well winter with the minus 12oC I think is definitely here as I have been sweeping snow off the sidewalks and the car before taking off to work in the morning. So no more yard cleanup, but can enjoy some of vestiges of the summer with potted plants such as this geranium brought in from the front porch. One of the things I have enjoyed this fall is the chance to complete a few projects on the inside of the house as well.  The front entry had rubber backed dingy brown 1960s vinyl tiles that took many hours of chipping to remove. Had covered for 3 years with a piece of carpeting, but pleased that I could finally get it re-done. These were 1/2 inch heavy ceramic tiles that had saved from the previous house and just enough for the space.

In October, I made some other serendipitous finds not only at a bi-annual auctions of found bicycles not claimed (good mountain bike and an older road one my only requirement being “tall” ) but also from a neighbors garage sale of an elderly aunt who passed away... got a complete set of stainless steel and copper bottomed pots and pan set. 
Here are my art finds from the same garage sale and where I have hung them. The small mountain scenes not signed but I like the colors and soothing nature in my office. The WK Phillips woodcuts are probably the best investment and I like the detail. The Evans one looks like a snowdrift and is-2/5. The Benjamin Chee Chee one I think is just a print but the craning necks of the Canadian geese are funky.

Have my first cold of the season which has been exceedingly frustrating and energy draining as my nose looks like Rudolph, scratchy throat but hoping with Cold FX it passes quickly…expensive ($15 for 18 tabs) but effective booster of the immune system. My 1991 Honda civic like my own aging body with parts that seems to be wearing out and needing assistance (e.g. succumbed to a pair of “ computer glasses to handle the mid range vision difficulties no longer coping with reading glasses or holding books at arm’s length. The Honda has had battery and ignition difficulties not starting at the most inconvenient times, been thankful for battery charger and booster cables and other kind motorists. The ignition tumbler just got replaced with a bill of $250 and still battery died today at the bank. The insurance company wants a vehicle inspection before policy renewal and I am feeling like I need one too…one 12 point checklist good for another year.

Christmas plans???? I suspect I will probably be in Alberta with travel and work north in early January. Talking with one of my colleagues at the hospital and he said I was the only one he knew who wanted to go north not south for the holidays. Made several inquiries at the beginning of the month and haven’t heard anything yet and it is getting to the point where am starting to schedule December events and not that easy to change at a moments notice.

Keep up with the northern news... noting with much sadness the deaths of the two RCMP members in NT and NWT and the devastating effects being felt in the small communities. Also noted that a flood at the school in Arctic B ay due to a window left open and frozen pipes.