We have decided to take our Eskimo impression to the next level, thanks to our new home's subtrades, or more accurately, some of the equipment they installed.

We returned from a warm little getaway this past weekend to record low temperatures in Calgary. The last recorded time it was this cold at this time of the year (-40 Celsius with the wind chill), people were commuting to work in Conestoga wagons, and Laura Ingalls still had pigtails and a petticoat...

So, we were just starting to get used again to charming little things like frostbite and brittle automotive steel, warmed only by the Celine Dion cds in our family room sound system.

Then we got dealt another surprise. yesterday.

I returned from downtown to find the homestead just a bit nippier than usual, and our sled dogs were nowhere to be seen. Looking at the furnace thermostat, it was 17 degrees, instead of the programmed preference of about 20.

Our furnace, just over a year old, had died it seemed, leaving an open invitation for Jack Frost and Hypo Thermia to stay awhile and party. As of this morning, we have survived by the grace of a gas fireplace, a couple of little ceramic heaters, and the body heat that is provided by incessant sobbing.

We hope to report a return of heat by tomorrow...

Chow for now!!