So January turned out to be a record month here in New Brunswick. It was the coldest January for 25 years and we managed to get the coldest January 16th recorded in Fredericton since 1884 it was -34.4c  Pah we had -39c on our outside thermometer.

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February has been cold too, we have still been out skiing and this coming weekend we are off on a sleigh ride, bit of ice skating (for the girls) and some more cross country skiing. I might get in some snow shoeing on Sunday. Gosh we sound so outdoorsy.  Just to add to the image, I have promised Gemma we will go and do some rough back country camping in the summer. This was ok when I was a soldier in 1983, but now I am fifty it sounds more daunting. I will certainly be very creaky in the mornings. I will have to teach her a few old survival tricks.

It is Julie's birthday tomorrow, and yes I have remembered (I don't think I have ever forgotten but everyone assumes I will). I have brought a nice present and a card, plus I have already brought a valentines card (yes I have never forgotten that day either).

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We have had a round of lay-offs at work. Being 'laid off' is a North American term meaing to be 'made redundant'. The company announced 500 managers were to go and then it became clear that manager is loosely described as non-union staff. I am ok and busy at work, plus I am being put forward for some senior work at a couple of Government departments. I have no worries about staying employed.

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We seemed to have watched a lot of international news on BBC World News recently, seeing all the problems with the credit crunch in Europe, wildcat strikes in UK and the disruption caused by the weather. Also the terrible tragedy of the bush fires in Australia. Enough to make an aethist pray for the victims.