Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

I am reliably informed that Reykjavík, Iceland, is the world's northernmost national capital. I am rather less reliably informed that a whole buncha Scandinavian countries (Both Helsinki and Stockholm f'rinstance - and this, people, is the gosh-darn problem with wikis...) appear to claim that distinction for mainland Europe.

Therefore, we in Ottawa are mere pikers. Pissants. Poltroons. Hell, there's still half a continent north of our latitude. Which isn't to say we don't get a little winter once in awhile.

Take today. Media weather types are all a-tizzy. Not sure why. As another blog so recently noted, approximately: "It's Canada. It's winter. Suck it up." Amen.

After last month's string of cranky eco-rants, I promised myself I wouldn't go all David Suzuki on your asses anymore, at least for awhile. But hey. Our federal environment minister? The one that had his face rubbed in it? Severely? By the world in general? In Bali? Last week? He's still doing his gosh-darn twisted-boy-scout best to speed up global warming. Enjoy this great weather while you can.

Oh, and that Schreiber/ Mulroney thing...?

...Kinda like watching eels Mazola-wrestling. Don'cha think?

Urban Pedestrian Still Missing-in-Action

As you know, our meta-contest, runner-up, Urban Pedestrian has disappeared from the blogsphere. I am worried. Of course, over here on the ESI blog, we always think it's ALL ABOUT US. My first thought when Urbie disappeared was that perhaps she was going underground in order to make herself the Muse... We have been looking for a new muse for quite a long time now.
Another possibility is that she found herself a new crowd. I hope she didn't have a bad blog experience -- like someone making a mean and nasty comment that led her to delete her whole blog. Or, maybe she has blogger burnout. I hope she is ok. It would be nice if she would just give us a little sign.

Bringing down Somerset House

Demolition crews crunched down about ten per cent of Somerset House today. CBC says it's an attempt to gain engineers and repair crews access. Depending on provincial and city officials' assessments, they could soon begin foundation repairs that may save the rest of the building. Or not.

Unfortunately, for the street vista, work centred on the building's easternmost wall, decorated with an iconic mural depicting what street life in Ottawa may have been like around the time it was built. The old gal didn't give up easily -- one bystander said the big shovel 'could only break off about seven bricks at a grab'. After the first shots were done, the engineer went up in a manlift to take a look at the situation, then ordered a little more crunching. Being suspended by crane was the only safe way for him to check the building, apparently. There was a lot of 'hurry up and wait' while it happened.

Nevertheless, there were a buncha rubberneckers, watching a fair storm of brick and masonry dust flying around at times. And one coyote. Who still has a lot of antique brick dust in his coat...

Presenting..... Tiana's Prize

Tiana's prize is ready. Remember that confusing metacontest when contest participants could win the prize he or she requested? Tiana requested a handmade ornament, and she won!
This ornament is a miniature log-cabin quilt square. I thought this seemed appropriate for Tiana right now as she settles into the holidays. I like the symbolism of the log-cabin motif. The red in the centre symbolizes hearth and home. I used red and green because of the Christmas thing, but I like the tropical feel of this piece. The lighter colours represent the lighter things of life (the sunny side of the cabin!) The darker colours represent the darker and deeper sides of life. I hope you like it, Tiana. It is ready for delivery!