Woke up this morning and the first thing of note was "No snow overnight!" And it did look very different. Rather than a crisp freshness, there were lots of trampled pathways, footprints and on the roads and pathways, dirty, slushy icy snow.

Ian and Mindy were both at work today. Anthony hit the gym. We just lazed and talked our way through the morning, while stirring a super pot of pea and ham soup until Mindy popped in around noon for lunch.

Best joke of the day was on me.

We were trying to book LAST year's Christmas present for Mindy and Anthony.....a dog sled ride.(couldn't do it last year when Anth was here because there was NO SNOW).

Mac was doing the research and it looked as if everything was booked out till mid January. So I asked if an alternate could be found. (Note here that I have a bit of an "anti" thing going for the dogs pulling the humans along in the sled so do not want to take the ride.)

Anyway, the alternate list included snow shoeing, snow mobiles etc. And then Mac said there was "Cat Skiing" and described a small sled hooked up to a dozen cats that pulled along the riders. He suggested Mindy and Anthony could try it. He was so conversational it was like he was reading the details straight from the website. I was reeled in hook line and sinker. Was totally disgusted that they would do that. "Who would even think of that? Who would pay money to make animals to do that? Seriously...that is so wrong"! I was on a roll. Had me going for quite some time.

And have to say Mac got about thirty minutes of chuckle time out of that one. Random head shaking and smirking accompanied by "Cat skiing" randomly punctuated the morning.

And for the less gullible. There is such a thing as "cat skiing" but will leave you to do your own research.

Put on the layers and headed out around 3.30 (just before dark) to join in the family night in the Market Square. Did the retake of the photo with the Olympic Rings, watched the kids zooming around the outdoor skating rink took in the lights and lined up for "taffy" on a stick. A molten sugary toffee that is spread over a slab of ice and then rolled up on a stick.

Blenz Coffee does the best hot chocolate on the mountain. Lined up for a dark Belgian chocolate and a tiramisu before hitting IGA.

Rounded out the trip with a Christmas food shop. Felt like a hunter. Had to jostle with the crowds in IGA then carry it home on our backs. Last part of our back trail walk home has knee deep snow. Think we have the makings of a dinner. Still not sure on the turkey. They are sooooooo big.

Mindy and Ian joined us for the evening. Got the fire going for the first time. Actually, so easy! The "wood" comes prepared in labelled 2 hour or 3 hour parcels. Just pop it in the fireplace and light the wrapping. Everything else takes care of itself. We topped it up with a log a little later and then stretched out to enjoy with a "Sailor" of course.

Anthony has headed back into Vancouver with some friends from his previous visit. They are off to the casino. Two and a half hour drive each way for a hand of cards. Mac declined the offer, he is tapering for his first ski run tomorrow.

Think Michael had a great Alberta day. This is his message: "Just spent the day in the backcountry of lake Louise riding 45 degree chutes with a sponsored pro! Haha crazy." Was accompanied by some great pics of his adventures!

Hope the mountain can hold him...he's heading our way tomorrow. Maybe we can book him in for some "Cat skiing."