Sheila and Pete

I'd like to introduce you to Sheila and Pete, old friends who kindly picked me up from the airport on Saturday night and made me feel very welcome in their home.

I'd also like you to notice the rather large hill of snow behind them. Everyone has commented so far that Ottawa's had a low snowfall this winter.

I'm pleased to report that -16C felt familiar and not at all unpleasant. The last time I was in Canada in the middle of winter was 15 years ago, for another funeral. I miss the cold.

There was a gathering of close friends and family this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's funeral for Flavie and it was beautiful. I got to have dinner with her parents, my old friends, and I'm grateful for their company.