Temperature's dropping - time for a coffee

The temperature really dropped this afternoon - there's a cold snap on the way. When I got home Beth had the Baby Gaggia all warmed up to make her Vanilla Con Crema. I took the opportunity to take the chill off by making a cappuccino. In the picture you can see espresso with a nice layer of crema ready for the steamed milk. I've been making espresso drinks for at least 16 years. The Baby Gaggia has served me well for over ten. Have you seen the video?

Snowbank alert!

On the way back from church, Liam and I noticed this snow bank. I think you can tell from this photo that it's taller than him. It was a glorious morning to be out walking - about 5 cm of snow on the ground, sun, and crisp clean temperatures.

Sunday - that must mean pancakes.

I dusted off the buttermilk and oatmeal pancake recipe this morning. This was a first for Luke - he cut up his own pancake. He calls them "fingers."

Saturday - that must mean hockey.

Saturday means two trips to the rink. I was there at 8:30 with Luke and then back again at 12:30 with Liam. Here he is ready to get on the ice for his hour of hockey-school.

Should I be biking?

I took these pictures on Friday. With the roads looking half-passable and other hardy souls out cycle commuting, I wonder if I should be out there. The bike hasn't moved since December 15th and I miss it.

32 degree spread

The windchill was -20 C this morning at 8 a.m. and in Naples, FL it was 12 C. That's over a 30 degree spread. I love the winter, but March can't come soon enough.

The Sorel Replacements

We have been hit by some messy snow over the last two days and the replacements I bought for my leaking Sorels have been fantastic. The Keen Summit County Boots are warm, light, dry and provide great traction. I've loved my two pairs of Keen shoes, and these boots seem destined to follow. Thanks Mom.

Tuesday lunch

I just had to get out and go for a walk today at lunch so I treated myself to a rare lunch out. First stop was an amazing burger at the Gourmet Burger Co. on Parliament. Check them out at: http://www.thegourmetburgerco.com/
Then it was off to Jet Fuel for a $2 latte before afternoon classes started.

Cottage update

Dad and I went up to the cottage on the 30th. Despite the big Boxing Day melt, there was quite a bit of snow. I took the opportunity to take a picture of the Hobie Cat and the canoe in winter storage. I'm looking forward to many happy hours out on the lake this summer.

Luke takes a liking to Lego

The boys have never really been really keen about playing with Lego. That all ended this week when Luke made this set (that Liam got for Christmas) almost all on his own.