Boy, I used to be some who used to shrug off with respect to climate and move on. Couldn't do this time even despite no shoveling involved this year.

The health took its big toll around the family this time. At a point, both my kids got infected and needed antibiotics, within two days it caught me and wife at the same time, we went through hell for two days having no account of time, any activity around, couldn't even sip water, couldn't talk at all with sore throat.

What would I have done if my in-laws are not here and we both are immobile ? can't bring in friends as it is almost certain the infection would spread. I can not do that. If I had called 911 what the Govt would have done ?

Some of my friends got so much knee /joint pain this time, they are seriously looking into the options of moving to warmer places (Past rocky mountains in USA), I know a move is in progress with me but in my case it could be like "Jumping from the frying pan to fire" as I am in the process of moving to the area which gets much more snow than Toronto and it gets even windier.

After years, I felt my ground shaken due to the weather and its subsequent after effect on health.

This is just a discussion for you add your thoughts, not really intending to drive any other way. Most perhaps a seasonal rant that gets washed with the spring time quickfloods.

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The cowards never started,
The weak died on the way,
Only the strong arrived.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yK1i9cLAMM

We have winters and then there we have some winters. Once it gets into MINUS it matters very little how cold it gets. Its got to be heaven, because HELL is HOT. And we are not there. It is funny how most of us get adjusted to hot weather and the cold weather knocks the day light out of most of us.

Imagine a few who were sick and had NO home to go to, because the winter storm knocked the power off, for three weeks. I asked one of them there in the temporary shelter.. "What would you like to have?" He said "A nice HOT shower and a bowl of hot soup" and "a warm bed to crash into and sleep for two long days".

Not long ago, I have heard people tell me that they used to get firewood and in a few locations, they delivered a few tons of coal during the winters, and that they had to load it into the fireplace and bank the fire before they hit the sack. Efficiency of that system was 11%. Thank God we are living the life of a Riley now. Hot Air furnaces that are 98% efficient and burn clean fuel like Natural Gas.

Antibiotics, that we use such as Penicillin was a mould that grew on the shoes then. They used to hang a clove of Garlick around their necks and sucked on a Life saver mint then. Chicken soup and Saltine Crackers were the order of the day, when you get slightly under the weather.

We tend to stay indoors and lock ourselves between the four walls and that sets us up for inactivity and the current day TV shows and the internet does not help much either. The only way we can get over this is to start taking walks when it begins to get cold and continue, even if it is for just a few minutes every day and feel the coldness as it gradually gets worse. The body some how starts to adjust itself to the colder climate. But do dress up, or as we say, doll yourself up, before you step outside. Those days Doctors were hard to come by and a pharmacy closed at Five.
And there were days, I also did not want to stir out of bed. But had to go to work, whether I liked it or not.

Here is a joke that I encountered before I left India. You will also enjoy reading it.

" Came across the following. Sounds like an urban legend to me. Couldn't find denial or confirmation anywhere. Can you?

When you've had an absolute "I hate my job" day, try this:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section. You will need to purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson and Johnson. Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the drapes, and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed during your therapy. Change to very comfortable clothing, such as a sweat suit and lie down on your bed. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Carefully place it on the bedside table so that it will not become chipped or broken. Take out the material that comes with the thermometer and read it. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every rectal thermometer made by Johnson and Johnson is personally tested"

Now close your eyes and repeat out loud five times: "I am so glad I do not work for quality control at the Johnson and Johnson Company".

Have a nice day everyone and remember, there is always someone with a worse job than yours.

Read more at http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/thermometer.asp#4DMTJ08aOMhyQglg.99

Have a Great Day.


FH.

Edit.: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/wether-weather-whether/

Quote:

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Originally posted by Full House
When you've had an absolute "I hate my job" day, try this:

"Every rectal thermometer made by Johnson and Johnson is personally tested"

Now close your eyes and repeat out loud five times: "I am so glad I do not work for quality control at the Johnson and Johnson Company".

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Desis are complaining so much about winter where as I have seen even old canadians (goras) continue to do their chores without any fuss.
Personally, given a choice between indian summer or canadian winter , I 'll happily chose winters here. saying this even after I was sent to winnipeg this winter for work.
a harsh winter means you will relish summer. Can you do that in India?

Summers any time anywhere are better than such kind of winters ..at least you enjoy clean & dry roads plus a pleasant morning & evening ...

Winters here kind of pause your life since you indulge in only minimal necessary activities outside ... office , home , grocery shopping ....

Some times I wonder if some one lives for 80 years here , 20 years ( 3 months / year ) are kind of under utilized / wasted away ......

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Fido.

O man! You guys in East are having it so rough. Though, I like to be living in Toronto due to the relatively affordable housing, severe cold gives me a shiver and keeps me at bay. Even in India, never liked Winters. Add Delhi fog to it to make it worst.

Try moving to Vancouver - despite of some rain here and there, it's beautiful, you can walk, wear less clothes (relatively), bike to work in winters (yes, trust me), and still be in Canada. It's 12 degree and sunny here today - already spring.

My parents are now with me, and I thank our luck that they are not in Toronto. or Calgary. Mom has knee pain occassionally, but she goes to walk more often here even in Winters, which helps. Sometimes it rains continuously for days, but even dries up once a day. That's when we go for a walk. Not that cold. Even if it snows, next morning rain washes it from the streets/roads.

If not, other preferences could be Australia and eventually India . There's nothing like a dry warmer place. You only live once.

Quote:

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Originally posted by febpreet

Try moving to Vancouver - despite of some rain here and there, it's beautiful, you can walk, wear less clothes (relatively), bike to work in winters (yes, trust me),

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Quote:

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Originally posted by febpreet
My parents are now with me, and I thank our luck that they are not in Toronto. or Calgary. Mom has knee pain occassionally, but she goes to walk more often here even in Winters, which helps. Sometimes it rains continuously for days, but even dries up once a day. That's when we go for a walk. Not that cold. Even if it snows, next morning rain washes it from the streets/roads.

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-----------------------------------------------------------------
The cowards never started,
The weak died on the way,
Only the strong arrived.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yK1i9cLAMM