"The Extreme Cold Weather Binds Canadians Together."

It was really nice staying in our cosy warm bed this morning as the wind was howling outside and the soothing music flowing through our bedroom. My dear husband was getting ready for work while I had the option to stay in bed.

Today would be a good day to stay in bed - the temperature outside was minus 24 degree C.  but with the wind chill, it felt like minus 39 degree C!!! I honestly could not remember the last time we had this frigid temperature. In some part of Canada such as Winnipeg, Manitoba, the temperature was even lower at minus 45 degrees C. Wow! No wonder Canadians talk about weather all the time. It is a daily topic at work and in social situations. If we don't pay attention to the weather, it could mean a life and death situation for us.

Canadians experience extreme cold weather every year

The cold weather binds Canadians together. There are only a handful of countries in the world where the inhabitants experience  such  extreme cold temperatures each year.



It was so cold today that Toronto's Pearson Airport issued a Ground Stop - means no planes could touch down on the airport.


We, Canadians, have all the comforts and luxury in the world - central heating, hot water and climate control year around, 24 hours a day, big houses and yards. An average Canadian usually can afford  a car while it's not uncommon for some families  to have two or even three vehicles, along with our free universal health,  free top ranked education, television sets and cell phones etc etc.

But it doesn't matter how well off we are, we have to deal with this kind of extreme cold temperatures every year. This is a Canadian thing! We are vulnerable in our harsh cold winter. We accept it and learn to deal with it. The cold weather does not limit our work or ability to have fun. We just have to plan ahead, get things ready and cannot take the elements for granted.

It was cold but Canadians are out there skiing & having fun!

Because of the cold weather, Canadians are also willing to help each other to ensure our survival. The other day, after we finished skiing and were loading up our skis to drive back to Toronto, the driver of another vehicle not far from us was having difficulties starting his car.

He was all alone; he walked around his vehicle trying to fix the problem while we were busy loading up our stuff. Unable to start his car after a few tries, the driver went back to his car and sat - which was a smart thing to do in cold weather.

Since we had two vehicles with us,  I went over to ask him if we could offer him a boost to start his vehicle or a ride to go somewhere. He thanked me profusely and informed me that he had called and was waiting for roadside assistance.

The other day before driving to my exercise class, I cleaned off all the snow on my car windows. I came to a red light and stopped. From my side rear window, I saw this driver jumped out of his car behind mine. Holding a snow cleaning brush in his hand and with lightening speed, he brushed off the snow on my rear window blocking my view, got back to his car as quickly as he got out before the traffic lights turned green. I turned and gave him a thumbs up to show my appreciation before driving away.

Offering our assistance when needed without being asked - this is the sort of things we do for each other, strangers or friends in Canada.

Yes, we may have to deal with the extreme cold temperatures for a few months each year in this great big white north, but we also experience the Canadian spirit and compassion that go along with it at the same time!

R.T. 12:30p.m., Jan. 7, 2014
Toronto
Current Temperature : Minus19 degree C.
Windchill : Minus 35 degrees C