Teeth-chattering through the week

We're almost through the first work week of 2018; yay!

Current temps in our city this morning:

That's -9F with a windchill of -35F, for those who don't use Celsius. I'm very thankful for thermal layers and a toasty winter coat, and I'm sure the boys are thankful for their cosy napping spots.

I really haven't been out taking pics this week, except for one lunch time when I walked over to Bellevue House, one of Sir John A. MacDonald's homes, and the one that's open for tours through the spring and summer.

That's the only glimpse you can get from the street.

A great old home in the same neighbourhood:

It looks askew, the fence line is throwing me off!

I did get around to clearing the back space last week (we've since had more snow), and both boys went out, briefly, to check their territory on a couple of days that were less bitterly cold. 

 Look closely at Derry, below, and you'll see a bit of snow on his nose.

 Being inside and warm was much better!

It only looks pretty in photos.

I had a moment of foolishness and ordered the boys a new pet fountain, a different one this time. It came yesterday and I set it up, though I've seen neither drink from it. Nicki sat and stared at the "waterfall" last night, so it remains to be seen whether they'll adjust and drink from it or whether I'll go back to a static bowl.

I'd had a stainless steel model before (different brand than this new one), two of the same in fact, and while that model was very well reviewed, I found it extremely finicky and equally extremely difficult to keep clean. The jury is out on this one, on all counts, though it was easier to get apart (including the pump) than the previous type I'd had.

On another cat note: Nicki has an appointment next Tuesday afternoon, the 9th, for his regular anal gland expression and nail trim. (Don't tell him!) If we get a snowstorm I'll have to reschedule, because no taxi will show up in the snow. It's always a roll of the dice as to whether you can get a taxi even on a good day! 

As for other things: Work is work, lots of changes forthcoming in two-three weeks with the shuffling of space (offices, cubicles), our new director starting on the 29th, two other new staff people coming in at the end of the month as well...changing times. 

I had a few minutes of apprehension before the end of the year when I saw a U-Haul van outside, next door at the adjoining neighbours' unit. I went outside to ask if my "wonderfully quiet" neighbours were moving out, but a young (probably early 30s) woman said no, she was moving in. I first assumed it was a third person, but I now think that it's the girlfriend (?) who occasionally would stay over (she has a car, he doesn't). Her car is there all the time now, which is how I've made this brilliant deduction. (Okay, Sherlock Holmes I'm not.) She's a bit heavier on her feet than he is, but for the most part, it's still been very quiet, thank goodness.

That's about it, I think, or all that I feel like rambling on about. If you're also being affected by this record-setting cold, please stay safe--bundle up in layers, make sure you have an emergency kit in your car (if you have a vehicle), etc.

And keep in mind we're one day closer to Spring!  :-)

Moon snapshot this morning.

Peace.