Lewis
Carroll muses, “I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields,
that
it kisses them so gently? And then covers them up snug,
you
know, with a white quilt...and perhaps it says,
Go
to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
Many would love to escape winter! While others revel in the beauty of
drifting snowflakes...the luster of snow-laden evergreen boughs...the
human thrills of sleigh, ski, skate..and sled-dog-racing in the crisp
freshness of a winter's morn.
Yet, others will complain and bitch about summer's hot, humid days!
Be advised, that Nature has solution-ed the foregoing
by giving us Spring and Autumn!
We are so fortunate to live geographically where we have four
seasons!
Winter is just around the corner.
We hear of January/February heavy snows...we hear of slippery, icy
roads...seniors fear to walk outside their doors...and for them,
boredom and ennui set in! Oh, what? Oh what shall we do?
Cheer Up! Recent magazines and news give us reason
to delight in
Christmas with seasonal activities.
RBG
Blends Nature With the Holidays!
It's
a Winter Wonderment! It's a Paradise! It's an Exhibition of Decor
with Christmas niceties! It's a Place of Awe and Personal Enjoyment!
It's a Garden
of Light
(as photographed by John Rennison:
David Lee and Hy Nguyen stop for a kiss under the mistletoe in the
'light tunnel'
at the end of a kilometre-long tour of the Rock Garden
which is illuminated by almost 150 coloured lights.
“Winter
Lights at the Rock” is part of the RBG's Holiday Traditions ~ and
the light display is one of the Ontario
150 Celebrations
marking Canada's 150th
birthday.
Five interpretive stations along the tour explain how WINTER
has influenced our various cultures.
The
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington, is a pillar of the
community, offering endless opportunities to learn and explore.
Both the largest botanical garden in Canada and a National Historic
Site, RBG is a registered charitable organization with an established
mandate to
bring together people, plants and nature.
Four distinct formal gardens are contained within 1,100 hectares of
nature reserve, nestled into the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment
World Biosphere Reserve.
Families
and friends can connect over mutual admiration and awe of the many
historical plant collections...the Mediterranean Greenhouse...and 27
kilometres of nature trails. The
changing seasons in Canada only add to the RBG's allure
presenting new sights to see upon each visit. The RBG is also home
to many excellent events, courses, tours and activities. The venue
comes especially alive during the holidays with wonderful events and
remarkable decor.
“Holiday
Traditions” runs from Nov. 18, 2017 to Jan. 7, 2018.
Join the RBG performances, Santa experiences, exhibitions and more
as we welcome the holiday season.
Winter
Escapes
A snowy vacation has a feeling of its own ~ cosy evenings in front of
the fireplace...adventurous days on the slopes...relaxing moments at a spa...and delicious dining. This winter, discover a
vacation that embraces snow! If unable to check out these
destinations...at least, one can dream about them:
Bavarian
Alps, Germany:
One of the most picturesque landscapes, offering blue skies,
majestic mountains and rolling hills. Take in a beautiful dusk,
atop Watzmann, Germany's third highest mountain. Stroll through the
Garmisch-Partenkirchen village filled with cosy Bavarian-style inns
while you walk across the crunchy, glistening snow...you may even
hear yodelling.
Patagonia,
Argentina:
Peaks, glaciers and rivers are just a few of the many beautiful
scenes to be experienced in South America's outdoor wonderland of
Patagonia. Also, home to the best whale-watching and penguin
watching. Los Glaciares National Park is the most accessible ice
fields in the world with cascading ice mountains stretching 30
kilometres long.
Jukkas
Jarvi, Sweden:
Jukasjarvi village is home to the famous Icehotel, a hotel made of
ice from the Torne River....which is remodelled each year with a new
design. Travel to view the stunning Northern Lights in Abisko
National Park. Enjoy the Laplands via dog sled and immerse yourself
in the Sami culture with the option of indulging in an authentic
meal.
Gstaad,
Switzerland:
The Gstaad Palace is a family-friendly hotel. Offering 5
restaurants, a full-service spa and located around the corner from
some of the most magnificent hot springs. View the landscapes from
above via hot air balloon...stroll in the sky on the Peak Walk, a
suspension bridge connecting two peaks...or ascend into the sky on a
paragliding tour.
Whistler,
Canada:
More than just snow covered mountains, Whistler is a great place for
all ages. Best known for its glorious abundance of powdery snow
(ideal for skiing), explore the beautiful village based around the
lifts for Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The accessible walkway
is perfect for outdoor excursions...taking you through forests, over
creeks between stores and galleries. Take in the magnificent arts
and culture scene. Known for excellence in food, wine and
hospitality.
Save
Driving Tips for the Winter Season
From heavy snow to slippery ice, Canadian winter weather conditions
can change without warning and provide challenges on the road. Sean
Griffin, vice-president of operations at UPS Canada...where drivers
are trained to deal with the harsh winter weather says, “Safety
means everything to us! Our training helps ensure our drivers master
safe driving methods, no matter what road conditions they're faced
with.” Here are his top tips:
Minimize distractions. Leave your phone out of reach and map your
route in advance.
Stay on the main roads. Snow is often cleared off these roads
first.
Leave plenty of space. It's ideal to leave at least 2 car lengths
between you and the vehicle ahead.
Adjust your speed for road conditions. Icy or snowy roads call
for slower speeds.
Check the weather. Plan your trip around changing weather patterns
and difficult conditions.
Stay alert! Pack water and snacks to keep you energized for the
trip.
If you're feeling too tired: stay at home!
Anne
Bradstreet's Philosophy:
“If
we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant;
if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be
so welcome!”
Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...November 25, 2017
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