Yesterday brought us a mixed bag of events and news; in a way almost just like any other day, but somewhat a little out of the ordinary. We had hoped that the temperature of minus-ten would enable us to have a nice ravine walk, and it did, because under the sun illuminating the snow in the forest it was beautiful, but the wind had a razor-sharp edge that bit our exposed flesh a little more than was almost bearable. Despite which, Jack and Jill didn't seem to mind. They're enthralled by the world around them, and obviously trying to understand as much of what they're exposed to as possible. Which doesn't stop them from trying to scarf up everything on the trails if we're not quick enough to stop them.

Something we didn't know; the woman from whom we'd adopted our two little black rascals had sent on to us transfer-of-ownership papers with the Canadian Kennel Club. And among other things it was noted they had been 'stamped', as it were, on their little bellies. Can't see anything there unless the hair is shaved, but as she explained when she called us yesterday, should either or both ever get lost they can be identified and their owners notified by the information contained on the tattoo. Which, she said, she much preferred over micro-chipping; they tend to wander, she said.

And of great importance, yesterday I spoke with my younger brother. He and my sister-in-law had their interview with the radiologist and oncologist looking after his stomach cancer. The good news, he was informed with some degree of enthusiasm, was that the chemotherapy he had been undergoing succeeded in hugely reducing the lesions on his liver; in his stomach not so much, but they're hopeful, and another round has been scheduled. My brother sounds fine, and he's pleased with the results but not shouting from the rooftops. He's been busy finishing up two manuscripts for publication; one, in fact, has been sent off to the publisher, completed. And he plans to forge ahead in the coming spring with his earlier-laid plans, from acting as a scientific adviser on cruises to Alaska to going to Point Pelee for some bird-watching.

Well, we did get more snow overnight. Just as well it's of the light and fluffy variety. My husband was out from 7:00 a.m. clearing the snow on the backyard pathways for Jack and Jill. He had been contemplating using the new snowblower to clear out the driveway and front pathways, but those front pathways were done by shovel too, this morning.

Yesterday, he had topped up the oil in the crankshaft of the new snowblower, and filled it with gas, after having read the instructions for use of the newly-acquired machine...but the beast must have overheard my husband gloating that it would be put right to work on the following day. That being the case, it went on strike, and refused to even start. Giving it time, in case it had flooded made no difference. Last night, this morning, no action.

So it had to be loaded back onto the truck to be returned from whence it came. A good, sturdy, expensively reliable product, it is.