The Great White North

Even though our trip to Canada was for a sad occasion, I still took my camera along to capture a few pictures of what will probably be our last ever trip into a Canadian winter. (Well, first and last for me.) There is a reason why they call it the Great White North!

 Flying In

Looks a bit icy...

It was cold while we were there -- well below average for Montreal in February. Several locals assured us that we were experiencing for-real-cold and said we should be proud of ourselves. And the thermometer doesn't lie!

Although there was already snow on the ground when we arrived, it was mostly sunny for our first couple of days. Then we woke up to this on Friday morning:

 Hello? Street? Are you there?

You may remember that a recurring theme from our August trip to Montreal was that it was much hotter than average. We kept joking that Montreal made it a point to treat us to both extremes, and we thought Dort certainly would have gotten a kick out of that! Between the two trips, I think we got close to experiencing a full 100 degree temperature range.

 August vs. February

Even though it was cold, it was really pretty! And we were able to enjoy it since we don't actually have to live, go to work, shop, etc., in it, which I imagine is not so pretty.

So I think we'll stick with the South. ;)

Grandma Dort

We had to make an unexpected trip to Canada last week because we lost a very special and important member of the family: Grandma Dort. If you have followed along with us for awhile, you already know about some of our happy memories with her, but all you really need to know about her is summed up in these photos and a few words by Andrew:  

Even at 91, my grandmother read at church. She collected stamps. She played bridge with her friends. She cooked for Meals on Wheels. She walked her block. She hung laundry on the line. She visited every Christmas. Those simple, little things fulfilled her life. We already miss her dearly. 

 

 

(Notice who's leading the pack!)

She loved her family and friends, and she loved life. We could always count on her for a few encouraging words, and she was so supportive of our relationship. We're so thankful that we had a great visit with her at Christmas and especially grateful that we had the chance to visit her in Montreal last August.

 So, here's to you, Dort! You were a great lady.