For the most part the Ottawa River remains frozen and snow-covered. There is the exception closer to the water filtration plant opposite the Western Parkway, where the river is open, and hosting a flock of returned geese. All the ice-fishing huts have been removed. Viewing Gatineau across the river into Quebec, it always appears as though one has moved a century back in time, looking out on a small village. We passed the Governor General's residence, the gates at 24 Sussex Drive, home to Canada's prime ministers. It was a quiet, peaceful drive, but then it always is, there, as we headed uptown to the Byward Market, on one of our irregular jaunts.

The turn into a new month always signals to my husband that his favourite magazines will be available to him at the market's magazine shop. It's owned and operated now by a family from Somalia, the most friendly and informed people we'd ever recalled operating the shop. The range of magazines addressing every topic under the sun is staggering. My husband's field of interest runs to art, antiques and architecture; we don't often get past those basic A's. Yesterday, for the first time, we noted that the owner's daughter was behind the cash register. She is likely a university student, and so beautiful in appearance, helpful in her attitude that she is certain to conquer many hearts during her lifetime.

No trip to the market could possibly be complete without popping into our favourite cheese shop, and there we indulged in a variety of cheese purchases, vastly different from what most supermarket shelves hold, and at a far more congenial price. On then to the Rideau Bakery to stock up on rye breads, French bread, and matzoh.

Driving through the market to Rideau Street we saw a man leading a tightly compact little pony along the street, out for a walk in the cool, damp and windy air.

Noting, on our return trip, that though spring is tardily returning, winter's chill on this overcast, damp day bearing no resemblance to spring, the willow trees obviously feel differently for their appearance has taken on that tell-tale yellow appearance.