We have been having extremely cold weather recently, which makes it really difficult to be outside for any length of time, but we had to get out. Fresh air was much needed after being cooped up into for so long. I took these photos over Lake Ontario near our house one early morning. It was so cold, I was surprised the camera even worked, but it was worth it. The lake looked so beautiful with the shining sun over it. There were also low lying clouds that formed just above the lake from the water evaporating. So amazing to see, and definitely worth the cold trip!

Finally, Jeff and I are feeling better and were all prepared to get to work this weekend. Then on Saturday, as we were about to start a project, the power went out! And it stayed off until around 11pm. So we ended up heading to Ikea to look around and get some ideas for our downstairs living/entertainment room. 

Sunday was spent dealing with our icy driveway. We knew we needed to get rid of the ice, but Saturday night confirmed the need. We took the car out to a friends place, after getting tired of hanging out in the dark, and we actually slid, a little sideways, down the driveway in the car.  When we got back we just parked the car on the road and climbed up the yard to get to the door. So on Sunday we started chipping away at the ice with a metal shovel, taking turns, as the other person tired out. It was quite literally three inches thick in many areas. 

Then a very kind neighbour came by and offered us a large metal rod to hammer away at the ice, which worked a lot better! So nice to have real neighbours now. 

The ice was breaking up in huge chucks. It was great that it was now breaking so easily, but it was ever so heavy! It took about two hours or so to get to the bottom. We both are a bit sore today.

AND done! Well mostly, we carved a path for the car to get up the driveway and anyone walking won't kill themselves now. We will continue to work on it over the next couple of days as it is going to be warm. Good friends of ours also came by with some salt, so we will have to put that down too. We have the best friends and neighbours!

It's amazing the things nature can make! The beautiful, intricate, patterns that are seen on this sand dollar are everywhere. Sand Dollars are from the family order of Clypeasteroida; it is simple sea creature, yet humans have always been fascinated by collecting their skeletons. From afar the sand dollar has the unique flower shape on top, but once you look closer there are tiny indented holes on the surface, and lined patterns in the crevasses. It is a beautiful form. Take a closer look next time you hold one of these interesting creatures.