What an extraordinary day! Snow, melting, more snow, sun, more snow, and last, clear and very cold! (read treacherously icy sidewalks!) Couldn’t not snap a few more pics of our beautiful city in a delicate wrap of white.

2:35 leaving Ingredients: 5 minutes earlier it was a white out! Big fluffy flakes and lots of them.

3:15, the blizzard has stopped and the sidewalks are already clearing.

At about 4:45, still clear but more snow clouds are gathering.

The cure for a cold day: boozy hot chocolate!

At least once a week we indulge in breakfast out. There are a good number of excellent spots for breakfast in downtown Victoria, but one of our favourites is Mo:Lé on Pandora Avenue. The food is great; the service, tho informal, is exceptional. There are many incredible dishes and lately, several weekly specials, and it’s breakfast and lunch all day which I love. Despite the delicious options, like the Huevos Rancheros and Mo’s Biscuit, we often just have The Basic (free-run eggs prepared perfectly as you like them, yummy pesto roasted potatoes and gooood toast) – GJ always has a side of aioli.

http://www.molerestaurant.ca/home

Our "Basics" – yum, yum, yum.

Mo:Lé Restaurant, 554 Pandora Avenue, Victoria BC

27 December 2011   Wish I had some pics to show you of todays amazing snowfall. We were supposed to fly home today from Trail, but once we drove there discovered the flight was cancelled. So, since we were right there, we drove up the mountain to the charming town of Rossland. It was dark and snowing so decided not to take any pics. Had an amazing dinner at Drift Izakaya, then the slow drive home through the blizzard. Hats off to R for his superb driving skills!

http://www.rossland.com/home

http://www.rossland.com/directory/driftg_izakaya

26 December 2011   What a magic day of skiing! A new local for me, the Castlegar Nordic Ski Club. Sis and I did the 8km beginner trail with a midway stop at a hut for more marvellous grilled cheese sandwiches. The sky was clear for the 4km to the hut; small birds could be heard in the tree tops. That first leg, Booty’s Trail, had lots of small dips and climbs. The hut was warm and cozy. When we emerged after our delicious lunch, the sky had changed dramatically. We began the second loop, Ben Shaw Trail, just as a few delicate snow flakes began to fall. Home for Christmas dinner leftovers. Perfect day!

http://www.castlegarnordic.ca/home

Just before we arrived at the hut, we crossed a small bridge over this beautiful scene.

Our little sandwiches grilling on the stove in the hut.

The finished product, yum!

Our little luncheon hideaway, Ben Shaw Hut.

The Welcome sign at Ben Shaw Hut.

The beginning of the second leg, Ben Shaw Trail.

Looking back the way we came, Booty's Trail.

25 December 2011   Perfect Christmas Day! Another dusting of snow overnight set the stage for a wonderful, relaxing day. Lovely breakfast of Fol Epi panatone and fruit with yogurt. Then we left GJ to put the turkey in the over while the rest of us went tobogganing just next door on the snow-covered golf course. Once we were home, sis and I donned pretty aprons and set about creating the rest of the meal, with the help of the fellas who did not wear pretty aprons. Delicious dinner and restful evening with A Christmas Carol, the old, spooky version. Merry Christmas to all, and to all, good night.

Wishing everyone a joyous Holiday Season!

Sisters ready for tobogganing. Such a beautiful day!

Off we go for snow fun with toboggans.

GJ caught us in our frilly aprons!

Lots of chopping!

A table set for feasting!