It seems as though today, we are having our very own “mini-ice-storm” right here in Guelph! I took this picture out of our back window a few minutes ago (hoping to catch the perfectly timed lightening shot) but of course, that’s just way too much to expect really. 🙂 Given that there is any lightening at all, I probably should not be on the computer right now, but if you’re reading this, you can rest assured that all’s well! The trees sure are pretty, although I hate to think of the damage the heavy ice is causing the branches of the cedar trees just outside our window.

My parents recently endured a very bad ice storm in the Wiarton area. They live on the edge of a small lake and the property is right in the forest, so the damage is all around them. In a conversation with my Mom earlier today, she was telling me that their property was particularily hard hit. This became obvious after a large branch fell on their car, smashing the back window, coupled by the fact that they were without power for several days last week. There are many downed trees all over their property as well.

I was very sad to learn of the devistation at Owen Sound‘s Harrison Park, a favorite and familiar landmark in my hometown. The park is known for its beautiful old trees, walking and skiing trails, and a waterfowl park. I have heard that many of the park’s trees sustained a lot of damage due to the ice. Hopefully, enough of them survived to provide shady picnic spots, and shelter to the hundreds of birds and squirrels the park is home to.

As Canadians, I think we often blame ourselves for fixating on the weather. We laugh at ourselves for never being content with the current temperature, or how much or how little sun we are getting at the time. At any given moment, the weather seems to be the topic of conversation between the closest of friends and complete strangers alike. But in a country where we can literally have high temperatures and humidity followed by a snow day, is it any wonder that we discuss it so much?

To make a short story…well…long, I wanted to say that this is just the kind of day where we need comfort food! Tonight for dinner, I made an easy stand-by meal that is comforting soul food.

Easy Alphabet Meatloaf

1 Can Campbell’s Vegetable Soup

1 Package Ground Chicken or Turkey

1 tsp. Dried Sage

1 Egg

1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs

1 Onion, Chopped

Salt & Pepper to Taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and mix thoroughly. Put into a loaf pan, and smooth top. Cover with foil, and bake for about 1 hour at 350.