Sunny Day.

Though the snow is epic, the sun finally came out! Since coming home it's been a constant barrage of duty and darkness. Quite literally, the sun is only out for a short period of time.

We seized the opportunity to walk about snowy Belgravia, and to photograph the knee-deep snow.

Our 5 minute journey to the dog park was made so pleasant from shovelled walks.

You have to bring treats if you're going to let Dougal off leash, or else he might not come back.

Dexter with his mommy!

So cute, huh? We really missed him while we were away.

Dougal went nuts in the snow piles. Got lots of exercise today.

No more sitting on the benches until the snow melts.

We missed the furry guy too.

We may have much snow and jet lag, but the family time trumps it all.

It was a happy, sunny day.

It's in these deep winter months that I really hibernate. Biking for me is about fun and efficient transportation all rolled into one. Although I do see people out riding, I am still biding my time for better conditions. In cities like Edmonton I feel as though the combination of cycling and public transportation, and perhaps some supplemental car usage, is likely to be more palatable to those who would otherwise consider transportation alternatives to just driving everywhere, all the time.

For me, the whole point about the blog is to share a bit of my life, a life where I am heavily conscious of my transportation choices. Were I to live in Hong Kong full-time (particularly in Mong Kok) I would no doubt never have to plan on buying groceries for a whole week, worry about whether I can push Dexter's stroller on the sidewalk due to the snow, or resign myself to knowing my cycling limits and needing to drive on occasion.

In these winter months my attitude towards transportation is much more defensive than it is offensive. The application of some perspective on moderation suits me very well, and since I don't particularly prefer driving, I only do it when I must. One can embark on the quest for sustainable transportation practice in a variety of ways. I like consciousness and choice. And sometimes I choose not to go out at all as a way to save a car trip.

Instead, we have fun in our neighbourhood doing hibernation-like things instead of battling the roads. Watching movies. Having brunch. Walking the dog on a sunny afternoon. Spending time building mega blocks towers with Dexter. Ordinary stuff that we should be careful not to take for granted.

There are many ways to save on trips made by car. Taking the bike or bus is one way. So is organization and planning, so less running around needs to occur with errands. Carpooling with friends is also handy. And even having an appreciation for hibernation can play a part. At least that is part of my strategy during this very snow-ful time!