Of Inuit and Epidurals

Every email, every SMS, every facebook update from home, is telling me about Melbourne’s heatwave. Thanks to the internet, I know that as I write this at three am Melbourne time its still 28 C. I’m sure it’s awful, I’m sure no one is sleeping and every one’s grumpy, but right now I can’t remember what 30C feels like, let alone 43C or was it 44C. I do have -30C in my recent memory, and am hunching my body into the foetal position just thinking about it. So I thought I’d offer some helpful advice for coping with the heatwave, illustrated with some of my recent photos.

1. Go for a drive in the climate controlled environment of your car.

2. Enjoy a cooling sea breeze at the beach.

3. Go for a walk in the late afternoon once it’s cooled down a little.

4. Make the most of the absence of rain and marvel at how nature adapts to the harsh environment
.

And finally,
5. Make hay while the sun shines for you never know what’s around the corner.

Thinking of you, and hope you are not sweltering too much. I’m sorry I can’t be wishing for cooler weather for you, as I’ll be there in two weeks and I can’t wait to feel too hot!

I’ve been trying all week to write about the fog that is enveloping the city but it seems to be enveloping my brain as well. Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words, I certainly like this better than what I’ve been writing.

Awoke today to a still white world and wondered. New Year's Day holds promise that other days simply can't and beneath that blanket of snow, lies the endless possibility of renewal. And I realise over the last couple of ... [Continue reading this entry]

There is an oft quoted urban myth about the Inuit having four hundred words for snow. This week in Vancouver, I have learned a few of my own. First, and most importantly, we have "skiable". Then, a ... [Continue reading this entry]

Quote of the week this week goes to the lady at the information booth in Whistler village, who reassured us that although there were only two lifts open, the runs wouldn't be crowded. "A lot of people will be ... [Continue reading this entry]

The day dawned dark, as days are wont to do this far north, this far into November. It was the kind of morning for lazing about in bed, but I had a sweeping statement that needed to be set right ... [Continue reading this entry]

Taken from a boat on the Fraser River, not far out of Vancouver. We saw literally hundreds of bald eagles, but I think this is my favourite shot, of a solitary seagull. [Continue reading this entry]

Where were you when the USA made Obama president? I was at the hockey. One of my bosses has season tickets but he was optimistically planning to host an Obama party on 4th November. Jessie and I ... [Continue reading this entry]