Earth Hour observance

We observed Earth Hour again by stopping all non-essential energy consumption. So, as usual, we lit some candles, and watched the Habs on TV. Our personal overall drop in electricity use had to better the provincial average, which was a reduction of only about four per cent in hydro use during that hour.

Honk for spring

Another sign that we have almost said adieu to Old Man Winter -- the wild geese have returned.

Tagged

Ronna tagged me, so I found this photo of a singer, doing a Bon Jovi thing, at the 2008 Auto Expo in Hawkesbury, where throngs converge on the main drag to rev engines, kick tires, and contemplate the role of the automobile in the evolution of civilization.

Alexandria on the map

Good news, sports fans. Alexandria population 3,100 (on a busy Saturday), has advanced to the final 12 in the race for the 2010 Hockeyville title. The town has been showing its passion for the game over the last several months, gaining national media attention.

Immersion

One of the many duties performed by the Hawkesbury Fire Department is the rescue of unfortunates who fall through thin ice. This "victim" voluntarily broke through the ice of the Ottawa River and waited for his colleagues to rescue him during a drill on a warm Sunday morning in early March. Often, firefighters are called upon to save people who run out onto the thin ice to bring their pets back to shore and to reel in anglers who literally get wet feet when they retrieve ice-fishing huts. Ice rescues -- just another sign that spring is just around the corner.

Winners

The town of Alexandria has already won national exposure in its bid to win the 2010 Hockeyville title. A CBC TV crew visits this weekend to capture how hockey fever has overtaken the community. Next month, the 12 finalists in the country-wide contest will be announced in mid-March. The winner gets a $100,000 arena facelift and will host a NHL pre-season game. It just goes to show what can be accomplished when 3,300 people work together for a good cause --- the celebration of hockey.

High and low

In our part of the world we often encounter two speed limits.

This because

a) There are many pranksters out there;

b) Senior citizens like to race their scooters on rural routes;

c) Traffic sign people have too much time on their hands.

d) All of the above.

Six more weeks?

Well, there is one thing to be said about frigid winds -- they can occasionally carve out some interesting shapes.

Brr!

So, in a matter of days, we can go from plus 8 to minus 30. Only in Canada, eh?

Horse blanket

If you had a thick hide, a little dusting of snow would not bother you either, eh?

Cold cobs

A frozen stand of corn poses many questions, does it not?

Survivors

Contrary to that disastrous promo on WKRP, the turkey can fly, in its own special way.

These fowl were no doubt in high spirits after they discovered that they had survived another Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Cold casing

Incredibly, about a week after an ice storm hit us, we are still covered in a chilly casing.

Frosty morn

It is that time of year, time to get some frosty morning shots.

Olympic moment

The Olympic flame came to Hawkesbury Friday, attracting about 1,000 people, despite a strong, frigid wind. This was the second time an Olympic flame camee to town. It was here in 1976, prior to the Summer Games in Montréal. The best thing about the relay's stop in Hawkesbury was that for once the town was making news, for a good reason.