12 January 2024 – But first, an acknowledgment. It is merely -11C as I write this, not (for e.g.) the -33C of Calgary nor the NWT temps that Lynette is recalling in her Baby It’s Cold post.
But still, for Vancouver, -11C is nippy. Yesterday, as Polar Vortex warnings hit our media and temperatures dropped to -3 or so, I decided I had to prove to myself that six years of Vancouver life had not rendered me incapable of going for a sub-zero walk.
Down to False Creek.
Snow-promising skies beginning to build, up there behind the World of Science dome…
and, by mid-afternoon, snow clouds massed even more dramatically all along the Coast Range Mountains.
It did snow.
Just a skiffle, nothing deep, but — given the temperatures — it has stayed on the ground.
Today, over those same Coast Range Mountains, the sunshine that comes with greater cold.
I bundle up once again. I am still not a wimp!
I decide I don’t need to go far: I can satisfy honour with a quick loop around Dude Chilling Park, and a respectful salute to The Dude himself en passant.
Other bundled-up people along the way (and some bundled-up dogs).
I reach the park. There’s The Dude.
With … what… something white… in the crook of his shoulder. Please don’t let it be litter, I murmur to myself. I’ve enjoyed, taken confidence from, the respect people show The Dude. Please let that continue.
Well of course it’s not litter.
It is the world’s smallest snowman, lovingly shaped and lovingly placed, cuddled up with The Dude.
Behind my face-scarf, I am all scrunched up with delight.
And then I take my tingling fingers back home, and wrap them around some hot chocolate.
WALKING WOMAN 
restlessjo
/ 12 January 2024Isn’t that just perfect? You got your reward. Stunning skies, Penny. I’d like to think I could be equally intrepid but this soft soul has gotten used to plus temperatures even in winter. I have an excuse though because I braved OC in the UK at Christmas. It’s all relative, isn’t it? Trouble is, I brought back viral flu and haven’t been over the doors since. New Year was cancelled…
icelandpenny
/ 12 January 2024I enjoyed your UK posts and your adventures there — so sorry to learn about this aftermath. Good luck with your recovery.
restlessjo
/ 13 January 2024Thanks 🤗🩵
Lynette d'Arty-Cross
/ 12 January 2024Thanks for the shoutout, Penny. The Dude is certainly chillin’ in this weather! I love the sense of humour in the mini-snowman placed on the crook of his arm – right now that’s his soul-mate. 😉 Good on you for getting out, even in the cold. I enjoyed your photos. Stay toasty.
J Walters
/ 13 January 2024Nope, no wimp in this story! Delightful, as always. Never heard of the Dude, so I looked it up and found that very interesting. Thank you.
icelandpenny
/ 13 January 2024My pleasure to bring the work to your attention. Did you look up artist Michael Dennis himself (https://michaeldenn.is/about)? I love another of his installations, a wooden two-figure piece in VanDusen Botanical Garden (https://covapp.vancouver.ca/PublicArtRegistry/ArtworkDetail.aspx?ArtworkId=609).
J Walters
/ 14 January 2024Except for the red “wild dance,” in cedar, I like the bronze sculptures better. Thanks again, love learning about artists new to me!
bluebrightly
/ 18 January 2024Good for you for getting out in spite of the cold! Kudos!! Second day of snow here…roads are bad…the kind of day for which living in a city would be better…but it will pass. 🙂
icelandpenny
/ 18 January 2024more snow here too, but sloippy rain on the way
bluebrightly
/ 19 January 2024Happening right now….
🙂