Yesterday was a VERY, VERY cold day in Winnipeg. -45 degrees when I was walking into work. It was a very good thing I was wearing snowpants over my nylons and that I grabbed an extra scarf before leaving!
When I arrived at work, I had to find my pass so I could get into the building. I took my mittens off and opened my frozen purse to find it. (Note - it was so cold that all of the metal parts of my purse looked like a frosted door handle on a car - left outside overnight - not a "normal purse" that was outside for 12 mins...anyway...) I found it, and proceeded into the building.
It wasn't until I was all dressed up in all my gear that I realized I was missing a mitten.
These mittens are my favourites! I love them. My friend AG (who I still only think of as AL) sent them to me as a gift with a pink hat she knit for me. They're made in Greece and are leather - I'd like to say lamb - but I'm unsure. Anyway, they're very warm, wind resistant and soft. Oh, and they have a great grip. No slippery grasps at travel mugs...
Anyway, I knew that I'd taken my mitts of in the lobby - so I asked the security guard before I left... He said nothing had been turned in, but the Lost & Found is maintained at the other security desk (a long way back to where I'd just walked over from... and I feared if I walked back, I'd overheat in all my gear...). So, I asked him to call them for me... But I soon realized my error. He described my light brown mitten as "grey". Huh?? So, it didn't really surprise me that there was no record of a "grey" mitten being turned in... (Or, at least I knew it wasn't mine!)
I walked home with my right hand pushed deep into my pocket. Remember - it's still about -40 at this point... I told several people about it... And knew in my heart - this wasn't the end.
I arrived at work this morning and asked the woman at the security desk of the building where I lost my mitten... No, she doesn't remember seeing it. No worries. I walk through the indoor corridor to the other building to ask the other security desk. There was a woman working that desk as well. As I approached, I just held up my mitten with a look that was half hope and half agony (that's a little shout out to Jane Austen through my older sister... who's probably not even reading my blog...).
The security guard nodded with recognition and opened up the L&F report book. There it was listed "Right beige leather mitten". That's exactly what it was! Within moments we were reunited.
Maybe I should take my younger sister's advice and add an "idiot string" to them so I can't lose them again... I just don't like the idea of me looking like I'm 5 years old...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
The symphony!
How wonderful! I got to go to hear the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra AND Papa Mambo on Friday night. That's almost like checking two items off my Winter list at once!
KT contacted me over the holidays to invite me out to the symphony. Now, I'm going to come clean to her (I *know* she'll be reading this...) - when I got her email about it over the holidays - I wasn't really paying attention - I just said yes. Seriously, a night out with her, to see Cuban-African music for free - who could turn that down?
It wasn't until the night before, when she called to confirm our plans, that I realized we were going to The Symphony. (Yes, capital letters required).
I met them at Centennial Hall - by taking most of the indoor walking path. This was actually the first time that I walked through most of it. It's a pretty long, indoor route. I walked about three blocks from my apartment to the "start" and it led me almost right there - except for about two blocks at the end. And it was COLD out (this was prior to the balaclava purchase). So, thank you Winnipeg!
KT had put the word out, and so it was me, her husband, MT, their neighbour Lady M and a friend - K. So, we had our introductions in the lobby and then headed to our seats.
As you may recall from our night at the Opera - we ended up with great seats (fate? accident?). On Friday night, the seats were in the 2nd Balcony. I'm not a big fan of heights, but this really wasn't an issue. What was an issue, was the fact that I'm vertically challenged... I was sitting in the front row of the balcony, and I had to lean forward in order to see over the rails... Yes, a little embarrassing... And so, I moved back a row (it wasn't sold out), and it was better, but not great. At intermission, I decided to go to the very back row - which is one of my favourite places to sit in The Grand Theatre and Centennial Hall in London - but at this venue - my height was an issue still - and I couldn't see the front of the stage unless I sat on my foot. Seriously! Do not get balcony seats if you're bringing your kids to see something there... Or vertically challenged friends! :)
OK, seats aside (remember, they were free seats, so I was very grateful - and thankful that the balcony was vacant enough that I could move around and try different seats!) - it was a TERRIFIC concert! Papa Mambo is a Cuban group in Winnipeg that has been around for 17 years. They crafted some arrangements so they could perform with the symphony - and it was fabulous.
I actually saw a trio perform before - Trio Bembe - and they are an off-shoot of this group. All three members are part of Papa Mambo (I believe). I saw them at the Peace Concert at The Forks in November. I'm telling you, Winnipeg is the land of Free, Great music.
It was a really great night. Fun to meet some new people, great to spend time with KT and MT - and fabulous music that warmed the winter soul!
Thanks KT!!!
(I'd add photos, but I'm having some technical difficulties... Sorry!!)
KT contacted me over the holidays to invite me out to the symphony. Now, I'm going to come clean to her (I *know* she'll be reading this...) - when I got her email about it over the holidays - I wasn't really paying attention - I just said yes. Seriously, a night out with her, to see Cuban-African music for free - who could turn that down?
It wasn't until the night before, when she called to confirm our plans, that I realized we were going to The Symphony. (Yes, capital letters required).
I met them at Centennial Hall - by taking most of the indoor walking path. This was actually the first time that I walked through most of it. It's a pretty long, indoor route. I walked about three blocks from my apartment to the "start" and it led me almost right there - except for about two blocks at the end. And it was COLD out (this was prior to the balaclava purchase). So, thank you Winnipeg!
KT had put the word out, and so it was me, her husband, MT, their neighbour Lady M and a friend - K. So, we had our introductions in the lobby and then headed to our seats.
As you may recall from our night at the Opera - we ended up with great seats (fate? accident?). On Friday night, the seats were in the 2nd Balcony. I'm not a big fan of heights, but this really wasn't an issue. What was an issue, was the fact that I'm vertically challenged... I was sitting in the front row of the balcony, and I had to lean forward in order to see over the rails... Yes, a little embarrassing... And so, I moved back a row (it wasn't sold out), and it was better, but not great. At intermission, I decided to go to the very back row - which is one of my favourite places to sit in The Grand Theatre and Centennial Hall in London - but at this venue - my height was an issue still - and I couldn't see the front of the stage unless I sat on my foot. Seriously! Do not get balcony seats if you're bringing your kids to see something there... Or vertically challenged friends! :)
OK, seats aside (remember, they were free seats, so I was very grateful - and thankful that the balcony was vacant enough that I could move around and try different seats!) - it was a TERRIFIC concert! Papa Mambo is a Cuban group in Winnipeg that has been around for 17 years. They crafted some arrangements so they could perform with the symphony - and it was fabulous.
I actually saw a trio perform before - Trio Bembe - and they are an off-shoot of this group. All three members are part of Papa Mambo (I believe). I saw them at the Peace Concert at The Forks in November. I'm telling you, Winnipeg is the land of Free, Great music.
It was a really great night. Fun to meet some new people, great to spend time with KT and MT - and fabulous music that warmed the winter soul!
Thanks KT!!!
(I'd add photos, but I'm having some technical difficulties... Sorry!!)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Groceries in winter
Sorry I haven't blogged lately. This seems like an odd place to start - but it's a story I feel like sharing...
I had grand intentions today of taking the bus to the Superstore and then take a cab home... However, as the day progressed, I got a little delayed... (No big surprise!) So, suddenly it seemed like I'd barely have time to shop if I kept my original plan (remember - the world closes at 6pm here on Sundays). Instead, I got bundled up and walked to Safeway (my usual joint).
It was about -30 degrees with the windchill.
I started with a base layer: my workout pants, t-shirt, polar fleece sweater, thermal socks.
Then I added snowpants and my long winter jacket, my scarf, my hat and my new balaclava mask!
I showed my sister today on iChat - and she was scared! Apparently I look a little bit like a bank robber or Hannibal Lector... she couldn't really decide... It starts at my nose, covering my cheeks, ears and down my throat. I then wear my hat - which closes up the gap. When I put my hood up... I basically disappear. Completely.
Unfortunately, it doesn't totally stop my glasses from fogging up... Guess I better work on my plans to get contact lenses...
My walk to the grocery store takes about 20 minutes - and I wasn't cold at all! I was actually really impressed with how warm I was... Unfortunately, this meant that by the time I was done grocery shopping, I was overheated... I got home and was super sweaty. But - warm!!
Winter in Winnipeg REALLY is cold. Not as scary though when you're wearing the right gear!
KT and I will be going snowshoeing next weekend - so we'll see how I survive being out for an extended period of time!
(And yes Peggers, I know, this isn't even THAT cold!)
Here's a picture of me with my mask on... OK, maybe my sister's right... it is a little "Silence of the Lambs"...!!
I had grand intentions today of taking the bus to the Superstore and then take a cab home... However, as the day progressed, I got a little delayed... (No big surprise!) So, suddenly it seemed like I'd barely have time to shop if I kept my original plan (remember - the world closes at 6pm here on Sundays). Instead, I got bundled up and walked to Safeway (my usual joint).
It was about -30 degrees with the windchill.
I started with a base layer: my workout pants, t-shirt, polar fleece sweater, thermal socks.
Then I added snowpants and my long winter jacket, my scarf, my hat and my new balaclava mask!
I showed my sister today on iChat - and she was scared! Apparently I look a little bit like a bank robber or Hannibal Lector... she couldn't really decide... It starts at my nose, covering my cheeks, ears and down my throat. I then wear my hat - which closes up the gap. When I put my hood up... I basically disappear. Completely.
Unfortunately, it doesn't totally stop my glasses from fogging up... Guess I better work on my plans to get contact lenses...
My walk to the grocery store takes about 20 minutes - and I wasn't cold at all! I was actually really impressed with how warm I was... Unfortunately, this meant that by the time I was done grocery shopping, I was overheated... I got home and was super sweaty. But - warm!!
Winter in Winnipeg REALLY is cold. Not as scary though when you're wearing the right gear!
KT and I will be going snowshoeing next weekend - so we'll see how I survive being out for an extended period of time!
(And yes Peggers, I know, this isn't even THAT cold!)
Here's a picture of me with my mask on... OK, maybe my sister's right... it is a little "Silence of the Lambs"...!!
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