“The RoseBouquet”

Yesterday we were in the city of Saskatoon, and as I was driving down the snowy streets I entertained myself with the fantasy of having some of my southern USA friends in the car. As they exclaimed over various things I would explain why this and why or how that.

First I’d explain that this was a typical winter day, with a temperature of about -8 Celsius (17.6 F) and feeling like -16C (3 F). It is overcast and lightly snowing as you see by the whiffs blowing off the car roofs and drifts nearby. The snow we’re driving on is a powdery beige because of the salt the big trucks have spread through it.

What the visitors will be sure to exclaim over are the high ridges of snow in the medians between us and the oncoming traffic. These, I’d say, are not very high yet. It’s still early into winter. When we’ve had some more snowfalls, and perhaps some blizzards, then those ridges will be taller and taller - like walls!

Finding a parking space is tricky because the city workers clear the streets first, and the residents or businesses are expected to clear their own driveways and parking lots. But after 6 pm, when the downtown has more or less emptied out, even with long bumper to bumper slow creep-driving, - then the crews come work at clearing more streets and parking areas. (They probably had a shift before 7 am too).

Another typical winter day is a very cold, sunny one. When the clouds lift, the sky blanket is removed and the sun and the very cold temperatures can get in. Then everything is sparkling and brilliant as the sun reflects from the snow mounds and ridges and even on the cars that have not been dusted off.

A bitter cold oozes over everything like a polar ice cap that we can feel rather than see. We learn to bundle up in our thick parkas and caps, hoods, or whatever, and to wear good sturdy boots. (At least the smart people do; I always spot dunces who don’t seem to know enough to dress warm!)

Dad seems to have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). He gets very sleepy on the snowy days, but comes alive again when the sun comes out. However he’s afraid of falling on either of these typical winter days, so he mainly sits in his recliner and snoozes while he waits for spring. Spring is at least four months away yet.

Personally, I find a good plodding walk in the snow invigorating.