So, today's topic- "Things Islanders and Others Say".
"Others" refers to Easterners and what they say about islanders. Just so they don't feel left out.
Sour grapes?
Perhaps.
I blame the filthy, freezing weather for some of these outbursts and words of wisdom that are weather-related.
Snow here in B.C. makes driving a little like a "Demolition Derby". That from a friend- who lived in Vancouver years back. These days, I think snow clearance is done in a more timely fashion. Years ago while living in Ontario, I heard that Victoria- for instance, had only one lowly snowplow and they shared it with the entire island. I expect that wasn't true- the sharing part, since Courtney- up island, is 3 hours from Victoria and Campbell River an hour further. A long distance to share one snowplow!
A Vancouver BCer says it's rare we have snow but when we do we just take a day off.
Simple.
Streets can be a little messy after a bit of snow.
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| Yup. This is a residential street a day after a few cms of snow |
Your poor trees!"
I know where our brush is, however, it wasn't needed- but thanks. Our one, small, red shovel was hanging in the garage. The Mister used it to push a few cms of snow off our drive and a neighbour's. It's now once again hanging up in the garage. Our driveway is bare.
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| Snow on Trachycarpus Palm |
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| Palms along the ocean in Vancouver |
"I thought you'd have a reserved sign on our table."
She says-
"It's reserved in my heart!"
How sweet! An oral Valentines Day card.
Later, when the Mister and I texted a friend to say we were going out for a walk after brunch, the friend texted back-
"Be careful, none of us needs a broken hip."
She was referring to the ice on some sidewalks after yesterday's snow. Then, I lamented about the arctic air currently playing havoc with our Mediterranean climate that is to continue for a couple of weeks. She- being a former Ontarian just a couple of years back, reminded me-
"Ontari-oh- NO!" Flooding on the Thames in Chatham, whiteouts in Midland! Remember the long-range forecast on the island is often wrong."
I feel better.
Another former Ontarian- and Orillian, texts me to say the unusual Island weather is just "a little blip that will be gone in a week or two. It's still better than back east! A least we can get out and walk!"
True, as long as we don't fall on the temporary ice and fracture a hip!
A former Montrealer now a long-time Island resident says after the most recent snowfall-
"The snow around here is supposed to be up in the mountains!"
I replied- "Somebody needs to explain that to someone!"
His wife adds- regarding my snow-bitching- "I see you are not impressed!"
Too right!
Another Orillian when looking at a picture of my snow-covered palm says- "Poor things. Looks like they need you to knit them a sweater! We'd welcome you if you're moving back to Ontario."
Nope.
This is the first snow since a year ago last December and I am dealing with it as best I can. Refer back to the second paragraph above.
Another Islander- and yes a former Orillian, says that Honolulu sounds like an excellent plan to escape an Island winter for a week or two. Please note, there are many Ontarians here and even five or six Orillians that I am aware of- probably more.
Lastly, I was passing an Islander while I was walking in shorts along the trail in late January on a balmy 10c Island day, I was asked by the approaching walker-
"Are you from Alberta or Ontario?"
"Ontario..."- I said wondering if I had won a prize.
"I knew it!" She slapped her sides and trotted off in the opposite direction dressed with a heavy, woolen scarf wrapped around her neck, a puffy winter jacket- matching the scarf, on her upper body, heavy winter boots and warm, red mittens.
It was 10 degrees for cripes sake!
Geeze. The things Islanders say...
