Friday, January 20, 2012

Winter Dreaming

I told myself I wouldn't complain about the weather here in Alberta.  I'll just state the unembellished facts.  It's cold.  One day last week it was -43C.  Keeping in mind that for some reason -40C is the same as -40F, those of you on the farenheit scale can appreciate how cold it has been.  Today wasn't as bad. I think it was about -23 when I was out.  Thank goodness for furnaces, car heaters, warm coats, gloves, boots, hats and scarves and blankets.  Not complaining...just stating the facts. 

When Mickey and I were out driving around we came upon the scene of a huge apartment fire from last night just a few blocks from where I live.  The fire fighters were there doing their investigation and bringing down the damaged apartments.  Everything was glazed with ice from the fire hoses - thick walls of ice.  I can't imagine being a firefighter in such frigid temperatures.  No lives were lost in the fire but many people are now homeless and have lost everything.  A bad start to the year for them.  The firefighters had to demolish part of the building to keep the fire from spreading to any of the other apartment buildings in the area.

This video was taken after the fire was over and the fire fighters were still hosing down the smouldering ruins.



I'm looking forward to three weeks in Arizona in February, where there's no snow or ice or sub-zero temperatures.  In the meantime, I'll look at my pictures of warmer places and times.

Keep cosy.  Pat

9 comments:

Mickey said...

That really was a devastating fire. All the frozen water made it look so dramatic. Doug & I got to look at it again when we went to get James & Wynne for basketball.
It sure was fun getting out with you girlfriend, to shop for the things we both love, first a delicious lunch then scrapbooking supplies and bath and body works! When you mentioned warm things you forgot those lovely warm seats in your car!
Nice to catch up with you after being away for a while!

Bev said...

I'm with you...4 more sleeps for me and I'm out of here!!

Magpie said...

Glad you'll be heading back our way to some nice warm weather. You're so right. Fighting fires is already dangerous and difficult then add the element of weather.

Southhamsdarling said...

I really feel for all those poor people who have lost their homes and possessions in that dreadful fire. Hopefully there were no fatalities. My goodness, I can't even imagine those kind of cold temperatures my friend! Bet you can't wait to hit Arizona!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

We are much warmer at 24 degrees F. here but still any temp below freezing is not good. You are fortunate that you have a warm place to get away to. Fires are devastating in any degree, but that one was really bad. Take care and keep warm!

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

There have been a couple of devastating fires here in Nova Scotia as well. But our temps at the worse this year have only been minus 17 C. Enjoy Arizona; I will still be here in minus temperatures. Boo hoo!

Granny Annie said...

I can understand when firemen have to put their lives on the line to save lives but to save "things" is so sad. What a terrifying job that would be to have and they seem to be truly under-appreciated most of the time.

Chatty Crone said...

One time in Chicago it was 69 below zero with the wind. My guys were at Indian Guides up in Wisconsin. They couldn't ever start their cars. The house you could see the drapes moving from the windows which I guess weren't sealed so well! It was awful. I feel for you. THINK WARM!

sandie

Haf Dozen Reasons....... said...

-40.....BRRRR!
With our first real snow of the season my mom is really wondering why she isnt in AZ!! I am too!!