Mohindar came over yesterday afternoon for a little visit. They're planning a trip to Toronto to visit with their daughter Lovelin and son-in-law, and their three young grandchildren. They're so family focused and oriented to the exclusion of much else, it's been difficult for them, the last several years. Lovelin tells them not to bother, but they're determined to go. Imeran will go with them, he's living at home now since he's able to work remotely. Mohindar bore a gift for us from Rajinder. She's been busy in the kitchen preparing goodies to take with to Toronto, and thought we'd enjoy some of her beautiful creations.

 Monday is always busy, there's so much to do on cleaning day. When I was working full time Sunday was cleaning day, and when we were looking after our granddaughter I shunted cleaning day off to Sunday as well. Ours is a large house, lots to do in it, so I'm still doing cleaning on Sunday, mostly kitchen and bathrooms and laundering linen, but Monday's the thorough  house-cleaning day. Which means even though Irving does the vacuuming, it's late by the time I've finished washing the floors.

Today is also the second-shortest day of the year; the crown of shortest day goes to the 21st, tomorrow, also the official first day of winter. Looks like a traditional white Christmas coming up after all, with Sunday's snowfall -- and that should cheer people up a bit. I imagine it's hard to find cheer during these coronavirus pandemic days which actually have been years.

When we spoke with our Vancouver son we all agreed it would be best for him to cancel his usual winter visit with us, given the current circumstances of the Omicron variant spreading so rapidly. Both Ontario and British Columbia seem headed toward another lockdown and closed borders, and both have already advised their citizens not to make any travel plans unless absolutely unavoidable. Omicron appears more virally airborne, and the interior of a passenger jet isn't the most benign place to be stuck in for hours given its rate of infectiousness. It's been two years since we last saw him, and we miss him dreadfully. I thought he'd be here for my 85th birthday but it's not to be. Possibly things will improve by spring.

We set out this afternoon for the ravine at about quarter to four, and dusk had already settled in. On the street there was some illumination from the snow, and peoples' outside lights for their Christmas decorations were already flickering on. Once in the ravine enclosed by the forest, without the presence of snow it would have been completely dark. I've got my Nikon camera set to 'night scenes' but even so it doesn't like lack of ambient light.

The plush covering of snow still fairly fresh in appearance and the trodden trails all made for a very comfortable trek through the forest. With their tiny boots on their little feet Jackie and Jillie feel no discomfort from the cold and the snow has no opportunity to build up into irritating and sometimes painful ice balls between their pads. Our footing was excellent. There are still areas of ice that must be avoided, but otherwise it's a world of difference with the snow clinging to the ice that had coated the forest last week.

Many others had an urge similar to ours, to get out into the forest for a late-day swing through the trails, and we came across a number of people we've got to know over the years. Everyone pleased that the trails have once again become negotiable and with the general relaxed atmosphere to be found there.

Once we had finished our circuit, as darkness descended, we made our way out of the ravine, climbed to street level and ambled down t he street toward our house. On the way stopping briefly before some of our neighbours' homes, brightly and colourfully lit for the Christmas-New York combination of festive holiday seasons. To those who decorate their homes it is an attestation of their faith. For those like ourselves who have no reason to, the spillover of the season's glitter, glow and good fellowship is an admired tradition. One that both touches and pleases us.