It's a lovely world...

(These are my shoes, and they belonged at a Climate March last weekend.)

Yes, there is great inequality. There is injustice, war, violence, pollution, deforestation... but last Monday morning, while checking my email I noticed something lovely:

Outnumbering the emails about Black Friday and Cyber Monday were emails about the People's Climate March.

We didn't make it to one, but family and friends did.

Over 750,000 did. Even in Paris.

A drop in the ocean perhaps, but a loud and lovely drop.

It reminded me that people care about this planet we call home, care about what we're doing to it.

All those emails and then news stories were a welcome reminder that there are people out there who care more about looking after our home than saving a few dollars when they buy something they might not really need.

I was feeling all warm and fuzzy, thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, we, the people of the world, can make the world less crap, one issue at a time.

Here's to the Paris climate talks resulting in meaningful action and change on a grand scale - because it's needed.

Icy days...

With four days of cold rain, sleet, a smattering of snow, and mostly subzero temperatures, everything was covered in ice... here are some photos, all taken by Michael. Enjoy!

These two are possibly my favourites...

Can you see Jimmy and me? We're there, you might have to turn your computer or phone upside down ;)

Ice on ice on ice and then some icicles... Are you feeling cold now? There was so much ice that I refused to ride my bike to work on Monday (more on the bike later, I hope), but managed to ride it today without incident - although Michael and I had to walk over a few patches of ice... we did so very carefully. By lunchtime there was no more ice on the ground and the light snow this evening melted as it landed. Snow is more fun than ice. Both are pretty.

Giving thanks...

It's the Thanksgiving weekend, and I know it's been quiet here, but we're here, and there are things to be thankful for:

• Family. Our little family here. Our family in other countries. 
• Friends back home and around the world - you are missed.
• Friends here, for making life here easier.
• Good health. Yes, sometimes it feels like a stretch, given the toll living overseas is having on Michael and I, but, for the most part, we do have our health.
• Not having debt. We have our HECS/HELP back in Australia and haven't made back what it cost to move, but we only owe our saving account. There is something nice about that.
• Tea. Preferably leaf tea, shared with at least one other person.

And thank you for reading, always, always thank you.

Also, thanks to Michael for setting up the timer for the first photo and for taking the photo of Jimmy making tea at the Discovery Center, way back when Grandma was visiting.