Elements

I must admit - I am not the kind of person that pays a lot of attention to weather (the day to day fluctuations) or discusses it often. I've never quite understood this courtesy of striking up a conversation about the weather. If anything, it says to me: "there is so bloody little to say or talk about, that we need to state the fact about the fact that the sun is out or that it snows in the winter". But being of this generation and culture, where environmental awareness is becoming an intrinsic part of our post-modernistic consciousness, I am becoming more appreciative of these weather curiosities and conversations...particularly of the oddities we are witness to as the earth starts to spin a slight skewed axes.

I must admit, I was surprised at receiving e-mails inquiring about the odd weather in Calgary. However, I suppose, snow in late spring is a bit of an oddity, so it will draw attention.
So, in response to a few e-mails - yes, we had an impressive snow fall at the end of May in Calgary and it was quite the site. Waking up to a world covered in snowy quiet, especially when the day before everybody was basking in the splendor of patio season (a great Canadian tradition), required a couple cups of coffee to register that yes, it's the end of May, and yes, this white is stuff is out of place! The budding flowers and new leaves full of bright greenness were covered in a thick, wet, white blanket. It wasn't powder snow, or flaky snow, it was the wet snow that is perfect for snowball fights or building snowmen.

I fondly recall the drama that would take place in the Toronto area when there was a snow fall...it would be mayhem. Here, there was no school closures, no significant increase in accidents on the Deerfoot (which is equivalent to the TO 401 or Ottawa 417) no major delays in traffic. Everybody just carried on, some shaking their heads in mild amusement. I was impressed with how quickly and seamlessly everything adjusted from spring blissfulness to a winter wonderland.

And then, just as quickly, it all flipped again and we are packing the winter boots and gloves and pulling out the flippers - sorry, flip flops! Truth be told, most Calgarians don't pack those too far away - I've seen these nutters walking around in them in the middle of February! Yes, it was a day when the Chinook cast its warm magical spell, but still, for someone from Ontario who is cold even when its warm, seeing bare feet next to a snow bank results in an involuntary double take!

Anyhow. To satisfy the curious minds of those who are impressively affected by earth's temperament:yes, the weather here is variable and it can change mighty fast (I am told it has to do with the mountains). You always dress in layers (just like in the mountains!). It snows in the winter, but also in the spring, fall and even summer...apparently it is common to get a snow day in June!!! Now that I will write home about:) Otherwise, it can be blistering hot, but then moment that sun sets its course behind those mountains, it gets very "fresh".

Otherwise, the only other thing I have really noticed in terms of the elements is that it is damn dry (especially after living in the sticky humidity of Ontario and Cambodia); you feel it everywhere when you are not used to it - in your lungs, skin, hair.

Alright - pictures would probably capture a snow fall in May more poetically, but there you have it - story of the elements.