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It has been a long time since I made my favorite walk around this “ lake” in Angrignon Park. The temperature was still low and I was glad of my winter coat and hood but the sun was so bright I could not resist. I took some birdseed in hopes of feeding a few hungry chicks. A couple of pretty fat robins hopped along but, silly things, they would not approach. A few chickadees appeared and pecked up a few seeds from my palm. I spotted several of the most vivid and beautiful cardinals I have ever seen but they stayed aloof too. I know the weather is the eternal subject for Canadians but really I think we can all agree that this year things have been long and tiresome. It is getting particularly difficult to put up with Amazon photos serving me up anniversary snaps taken in Greek or Spanish springs.

I mean,come on people! I could not even make it around the lake today as the pathway was so icy I had to walk along the verge.

At one point it was turn around or wade into the water!

Another waiting game has been a health issue. I will spare you most of what a witty friend of mine calls the “ organ recital”. Suffice it to say I had to cancel my latest Camino enterprise set for February 15 at the last minute. When your GP pokes your abdomen and asks” what’s that?” You pay attention. How about a very large non- malignant mass? Because of the situation with waiting lists à central system has been set up and I got sent to à French hospital in what we used to call the “ east end” ( spoken in a subdued tone) .

No objection from me … but what ever happened to laicite ( the great push by the provincial government to erase any and all religious signs from public venues? ) The other thing that amazed me was the willingness of everyone to speak to me in English at just the sight of my name! I wrestled my way up the list for all the diagnostic tests and now I am told I must wait for a letter for my surgery date. Can’t be soon enough for me!

À letter? Im inclined to look out for a carrier pigeon on my balcony railing!

So yes, it is a long Spring season of waiting and let’s hope the payoff is worth it!