There aren't too many times in any season when prevailing weather conditions convince us on occasion that it might be better to hesitate before deciding on our usual tramp through the ravined forest at our close beck and call. Yesterday was one of those days, with its piercing cold wind and a high temperature of -19C. We'd enjoyed a prolonged hike through the forest trails the day before and though it was only -8C that day, by the time we were halfway through our circuit we both felt the effects of the cold nipping fiercely at our faces and our well-mittened hands.

Jackie and Jillie, dressed in double coats and boots appeared oblivious to the cold, obviously suffering no discomfort. By the time we arrive back home on such days we have to pry those boots off their tiny feet. The boot tops become iced over, clinging to their hair, so the ice has to be melted before it will release the tops of their boots. And of course their legs over top of the boots become crusted with snow, though it doesn't seem to occasion much discomfort for them, until we arrive home and then they're irritated at the ice and try to tear it away themselves.

So that was yesterday, no ravine walk. When the puppies go out to the backyard sporadically throughout the course of a day they tend to submit to the grip of a desire to race madly after one another, the presence of light snow recently fallen seems to incite them to a frenzy of exhilarated action, a treat for us to watch, before they suddenly break off and race up the stairs to the deck, pawing at the sliding doors to magically open into the warmth of the house.

As matters turned out, last night dipped to -26C, the kind of cold that one doesn't imagine will generate snow, but snow it did, all through the night, leaving us with a respectable layer by morning. But the snow persisted throughout the morning and on into the early afternoon and Environment Canada warns that the storm warning hasn't been lifted. It's expected that the snow will resume dropping another five to 15cm over the 15cm already down.

The snow, added to the high for the day of -17C and winds gusting to 50 kmh creating white-out conditions represents quite the combination. One certain to make any kind of foray into the great outdoors risky for frostbite, and certainly some level of discomfort, however well one is prepared to face the elements. So, we chalked up another day without venturing into the ravine. A day of enforced idleness for our puppies, other than for their sudden short bursts of energetic playfulness.

Tomorrow? The forecast warns of more of the same, although Tuesday is set for the relief of moderating conditions, while Wednesday begins to veer toward immoderation again and Thursday-Friday offer more of the same; dipping temperatures and blustery winds. It's the dead of winter in Ottawa. Typical of weather conditions that always eventuate at this time of year.