Well, it's been busy but relaxing at the same time so far..

Conditions at 5:30: -3' with light flurries
Expected later: -6' and up to 5 cm of snow by this time tomorrow morning


I think the girls are having a good time. Friday night we drove into town and had supper at Swiss Chalet before we all went out to the Civic Centre where we met up with Brenda and Bernie, and Raymond. We found a table and by coincidence, Richard and Daralen and Brendan and Georgie were sitting there, so we scrounged up some chairs and joined them. They had a bit of an opening ceremony where all the curling teams were introduced, then Fiddlers Son came on to entertain. That was quite enjoyable. There was a bit of a break before Rawlins Cross came on and at that point the ladies announced they wanted to go home. I've never heard Rawlins Cross, but I'm told they are quite good.  Well, I still haven't heard them but maybe next time...

Saturday morning I went off to work and the ladies were going into town for the opening ceremonies at 11:00 and then the first draw was at 2:30. I left work at 2:00 but I stopped first at the grocery store and did a couple of other little errands so I didn't arrive at the Civic Centre until almost 4:30. I got there in time to see the last hour of the afternoon game. Brenda and Bernie were there sitting with the ladies but they weren't staying for the evening. It had started snowing in the afternoon and the roads were getting a little slick. The Van Gaals left at 5:30 and the evening game wasn't due to start until 7:30. So we went into the snack bar at the casino and had something to eat. While we were eating, Brenda called on my cell to advise we were best advised to skip the evening game and head home as the roads were not very good. So we made the decision to go home and watch on TV. In retrospect I think it was a wise move, as the roads went from bad to worse. By morning we were pretty much snowed in.
One note, after I had gone to bed Saturday night, I was awakened by the phone ringing. I answered it right away and in my half asleep state, I thought someone has accidentally dialed my number because all I could hear was noise and music. After listening for a few seconds and repeatedly saying "hello" it dawned on me that I recognized the music. Then I realized I was listening to Jesse Cook - live! When the song finished there was a lot of clapping and cheering and then Jana came on the line. She said James had an amazing time at the show. Then she put him on the phone. He seems to have really enjoyed it. By that time they were just walking out of the theatre. When I called Lloyd the next morning, he didn't realize it was me they were talking to. By all accounts another great show.

The snowbanks at the end of the drive-taller than the car

Sunday morning Brenda called and came over for coffee. She saw Frank just heading out with the snow blower so she moved the rental car that I had parked at the end of the driveway, just in time for Frank to clear us out.  Then we fed her and made her a coffee.  The ladies only had tickets for the afternoon draw so they left around 1:00 and were due back around 6:30. I spent the afternoon cooking dinner as Brenda and Bernie were coming over as well. I wanted to make everyone at least one special meal while they are here. Our menu for the evening went something like this:

•  Sesame crusted seared sea scallops in an asian vinaigrette (sausage rolls for Pat as she has a shell fish allergy)   Sausage rolls for everyone else as well (but only one each of the above items)
• Curried butternut squash soup topped with a pastry dome
• Salt crusted salmon topped with Salsa verde, risotto and string carrots
• Red velvet cake for dessert

My most accounts it was good, as nothing was left over except for a bit of rice and a tiny container of salmon

Monday, Islander day, dawned a little overcast but no precipitation, so that was good to see. We had breakfast and then watched the curling on TV in the morning. The ladies left around 1:00 again but this time they didn't get home until about 11:15 as they had tickets for both afternoon and evening. I spent a quiet day at home, catching up on some TV I've taped in the last week and while I was away. I did vacuum the carpet in the living room, do some laundry, have a nap and just generally had a lovely relaxing day.

Today, the ladies are just going into town for the afternoon draw so they will be home for supper. I have our meal all ready to be put into the oven when I get home and they should be here around the same time.

I think they're enjoying themselves. I'm hoping the weather holds out not too badly. They've made themselves at home and that is what I want them to do. I don't feel I have to entertain them and they all seem comfortable being here.