We could really use some more snow. In a year when we've already received a record-breaking amount of the white stuff. Either more snow, or a warming atmosphere, tout suite. The simple fact being that here we are in February, approaching March, and while the 'normal' temperature at this time of year is supposed to be -2C, we're frozen in a cold spell that is giving us day-time highs of -15C. That's cold in spades when one factors in the wind. And we've had plenty of that, as well.

We don't particularly want more snow, and would appreciate a warming atmosphere, if for no other reason than to mitigate conditions that have made for glacial surfaces everywhere. We realized, while trying to balance ourselves adequately, safely, to negotiate the inches-ice-thick surface of the road in front of our house leading up to the ravine entrance, that municipal crews had trucked in sand to sprinkle on the road at some unknown time.

Not very much of it, but it helps. The sun was higher on the horizon yesterday and shone brighter and warmer as the season progresses toward spring -- yet still a long way off. That warming sun too helps as it will eventually result in an erosion of that Arctic ice causing dangerous conditions everywhere on ground surfaces. We are, in fact, expecting some snow late this afternoon and if it's of a wet variety -- unlikely given the high of -15C -- it would add a sticking layer of snow over the ice; otherwise if not much snow falls and it's dry, it will simply add to the slippery conditions.

We breathed a huge sigh of relief once we traversed the street and made it safely to the ravine. Where the trails have been well tamped down since the last snowfall, followed by a few milder days and then rain, which resulted in softer conditions making the-then smooth trail erupt with deep depressions here and there, soon afterward freezing solid once again to produce a bit of a treacherous surface that could result in twisted ankles. So more care is required on that too-slippery and dented trail system.

The conditions of extreme cold, whipping wind and cloudless sky gave us a view of a wide, blue heaven above the forest canopy. The contrast of the bright blue against the naked forest profile and the sun's illuminating effect made for a spectacular landscape. Outfitted in sweater, jacket and rubber boots Jackie and Jillie took no mind of the cold, taking full advantage of the opportunity to leap about and race well ahead of us on trails as familiar to them as the interior of the home they share with us.

At one juncture we came across Mad Max, an apricot-coated miniature Poodle, twice the size of Jackie and Jillie and evidently doing just fine without boots or coat. Max is everywhere at once, a bundle of unrestrained energy. He's just two years old and generally the younger the dog the more active, the less aware of discomfort due to cold as long as they're not too small in size. Max is a bit large for a miniature, just as our two are extremely large for toys.

When we parted, newly re-energized, Jackie and Jillie spurted once ahead again, possibly on the lookout for the presence of others of their acquaintance, but none appeared. And little wonder, given the challenge of the cold, wind and icy conditions underfoot. When we arrived home and they were divested of boots and jackets, post-treats and a little round of wrestling, they settled down to enjoy the comfort of the house interior.

Jillie's favourite spot when the sun is full out and blasting its warmth through the sliding glass doors leading from the breakfast room to the deck, is a little bed sitting beside the doors enabling her to soak up the comforting rays. They two, like Button and Riley before them, occasionally agitate to be allowed out to sit or stand on the deck when the sun's out, as needful of vitamin D, one can assume, as we humans to ensure good health.