It was so cold last week, municipal councillors and politicians had their hands in their own pockets instead of the taxpayer’s. It was so cold I wish I had Michael Jackson’s other glove to help keep me warm! It’s was as cold as a sled dog’s snoot! We’ve heard all the jokes! Yes, last week, it was cold! Bitterly cold! Especially when the cold front went through whipping up winds! Still, we live in a terrific place her in northern Alberta. It might get a little cold from time to time and the summers seem so short. But it’s a lot better then earthquakes and hurricanes! Yes, we have it pretty good. I love the seasons. Winter brings sports and Santa Claus, spring brings the warmth and the gift of life, summer is for being lazy on those short days and enjoying the campfire at night. Fall brings the crispness of cool mornings and a freshness not unlike a spring shower! We never have to worry about hurricanes. Tornadoes are very, very rare. The ground may shake a bit from time to time but we’re on solid ground. The beauty of the prairies near Falher in inspiring. Golden crops of wheat and barley and the brilliant yellow of canola is such a special sight we don’t appreciate it. Canada’s Bird Capital, McLennan, is a special place. Bird lovers can spend weeks identifying the many species, each with its colours and sounds. The High Prairie and Slave Lake areas are blessed with forests. There is nothing like a shady tree on a hot day. If you take the time to look, a tree is teeming with life. Many caterpillars are blessed with brilliant colours and the butterflies scoot around like tiny rainbows with wings. And our Jewel of the North, Lesser Slave Lake! A virtual paradise of beauty offering people such a wide variety of recreation we haven’t begun to tap its potential. Even the cold doesn’t stop hardy ice fisherman from enjoying their sport. Simply climb into a hut, close the door and turn on the heater! Let the fish bite and the refreshments flow! We always have a few days of cold weather each winter! So what! As Albertans, we make the best of a bad situation. We can stay inside and enjoy our winter sports on television or go outside and brave the elements. As a child, there was nothing like a good game of road hockey on the driveway when school was canceled because it was too cold. Trust me! Been there, done that! To all you snowbirds, take your motorhomes or airplane tickets and leave! Go and enjoy the sunny south. If you want to miss winter, go ahead! Have you forgotten what you’re missing? Last week it was as cold as a polar bear’s paw! Nah, it was colder than a politician’s heart! That’s nothing! It was so cold even the northern lights wouldn’t come out to dance! What’s your favourite joke regarding the cold weather?

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