After a successful Christmas dinner which we hosted at the condo, we headed to the cottage Boxing Day. Minus 2 when we arrived at 2.30pm - shovelled, sawed the swimming hole and stoked the fire before the sauna and dinner. In the absence of weather forecasts which told us that big changes were coming, everything seemed fine - a big snowpack, pretty thick ice for late December, calm winds - all signs pointed to the beginning of a great winter. As was forecast, Saturday brought warm breezes and showers which became torrential rain and a balmy 10 degrees. By Sunday at 8am, half of the huge snowpack was gone and the temperature was holding at 10. Then, the winds came. Power went out at 9.15am and we were ready to go by 10.30am. The road was an luge track except with many large downed branches which we had to get out and clear. Had to wait until Barrie to find a Tim Hortons with power. Home just after kick-off in Buffalo.

The Bills looked like they were going to be able to run the ball effectively but also looked like they might not be able to stop the Patriots from doing the same. In the end, poor clock management and play-calling, among other things, were their undoing on this day when the wind severely limited offensive options and really simplified each team's game-plan. What a great call on Cassell's punt down to Bills one yard line in the fourth quarter. The "quick kick" which my dad talks about from old time CFL games - a perfect call at this point in this game with the wind at their backs. Gotta respect Belichick. As for Dick Jauron, well, not much to respect in this game but he has been very consistent in his 3 years in Buffalo, posting 7-9 records each season. That's 21 wins in 48 games. Are we not entitled to results better than that?

So, we will head back up to Muskoka Tuesday night for New Years Eve and a 5 day weekend. The long range forecast is for much colder towards New Years Day with a low of minus 23. That means the potential for excellent skating on the lake if it freezes evenly with little or no snow. We need more snow to soften the snowpack for skiing so, either way, I am happy as long as it stays cold.

Happy New Year to everyone.