The present cold spell is coming to an end today, with above freezing temps for next week, thanks to a Chinook coming in from across the Rockies. This cold period started well before last Christmas and hang around until now. Old Man winter was tough to beat back, but Napi’s Chinook is now poised to push him back north, where he dwells!

But then, when Napi finally pushes Old Man winter all the way north, ‘spring comes’.

This is the way our local Native people describe the winter weather’s to and fro in this region. They see that as a battle between Napi’s Chinook and Old Man winter, as these fight all winter long. But then, when Napi finally pushes Old Man winter all the way north, ‘spring finally comes’. Such a poetic and personalised way of describing our regional winter weather experience! It is like one single weather forecast that is good for the whole winter and every year!

Last night I watched and listened to the speech by Obama as he said farewell to his nation. He admonished like a minister his fellow citizens to work hard to maintain and defend their democracy and gracefully thanked his wife, daughters and the Biden family who stood by him the eight years of is presidency of the United States. ‘Fight for your democracy if you want to keep it and show the nay sayers wrong’, was his message.

He pointed to the need to face the unpleasant realities of the divisiveness and recalcitrance of their nation’s political and societal processes.

To me, Obama as president of the USA, showed that nation its limitations and pointed to some short comings. He gave it a reality check I would say, making its citizens look beyond their much cherished idealised exceptionallism. He pointed to the need to face the unpleasant realities of the divisiveness and recalcitrance of their nation’s political and societal processes. It was a rallying cry to present a constructive alternative view to the incoming administration of Trump as a way forward.

Later today my regular visit with Juliet, which will involve a side trip to London Drugs for some printer ink and medicine. The temps should have climbed some by then I hope, but the Chinooks come with forceful winds, so its blessing is mixed at the start.

Yesterday I made a satisfactory start with formulating ‘my message’, as I have come to call that. I hope to continue with this formulation under ‘Writings’ below.
<8:35am.