We were up somewhat earlier than usual this morning, planning to get out early to do our grocery shopping. And since we dress differently on shopping-day mornings, Jackie knows instantly that he isn't going to be happy with us. Jillie is unconcerned, as far as she's concerned it's a morning like all others and she looks forward to her pre-breakfast cheese-bit treats. Jackie normally loves them, but this morning he sat gloomily refusing any form of treat, in high dudgeon.

The weather is no longer teasing us. Today wouldn't rise above the freezing mark, although we had a sunny early morning. When we returned from our shopping expedition, the puppies were overjoyed as usual, and as usual as we brought the boxes containing our shopping items they sniffed everywhere to see what they could find. It's the cauliflower they sniff out. When Irving cuts off the stem and green parts before I refrigerate it, he always gives them little floret treats.

 

We ventured out to the ravine in mid-afternoon, surprised to find quite a few other people out. A beautifully graceful large Great Dane wearing a lit-up harness dashed about everywhere as we descended one of the hills above a bridge. These huge breeds are fascinating; despite their size they're invariably graceful, their every movement one a ballerina could envy. He was interested in Jackie and Jillie, and they were their usual unaccommodating selves: play with you? no thanks!

I'm now wearing Norwegian-style woolen caps to hug my head when we go out in this weather. At 0C, with no wind, under an overcast sky it was cold enough. Makes me wonder how we manage to get out even when it's -20C. As soon as the snow flies we'll have to put little boots on Jackie and Jillie; the cold plus an icy surface paralyzes them after contact of ten minutes or so.

 

 

Before we had gone out, I'd gone through my clothes cupboard to finally extract items of clothing I haven't worn in ages and don't plan to wear again. They were destined for the second-hand shop operated by the Salvation Army. Irving planned to go out and he would take them over, two large bags full. His main mission, however, was to gas up the truck and fill a container of gas for the snow thrower. 

 

We've been informed by Environment Canada that a winter snowstorm is on the way. Expected total snowfall between 5 to 10 centimetres, not an awful lot, but it will need to be shoveled. While he was away I began putting dinner together. One of those dinners that take some time to prepare and assemble. Yesterday's on the other hand, took little effort. I'd put on a beef roast for a change, and we had it with baby potatoes and acorn squash.

 

 

Quite a different story today, an eggplant casserole. The eggplant had first to be peeled, sliced, fried briefly in olive oil, drained on paper towels. Then it was chopped garlic cloves and onion in olive oil. To which mushrooms were added, 'Italian' herb seasonings, chopped bell pepper, chopped tomatoes, and finally tomato paste. This was all layered with grated Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a casserole, to be baked for an hour. A bit time-consuming, but worth it.