Cycling in the snow

Winter daylight saving has started, so we woke up an hour later this morning, but it was still dark, and now the sun is down by 5 in the afternoon. The clouds have not cleared in two weeks I think, apart from little glimpses of blue every now and again. We are heading into the extreme winter. It snowed two days about a week ago, and we even woke up to a white neigbourhood one morning. It did not stay long, as it is not yet really cold enough for the snow to freeze properly.

I discovered this when I went cycling to university one afternoon. In January, when we came, it was constantly below -10, and so the snow has this powdery quality, it is not wet at all. Not so when it is above 0. Then snow is wet, and cold. I realised this as I set out, but for some reason obscure to me now, thought that it is not so bad, and I should keep going. Some perverted part of my brain was laughing at me all the way there. My upper legs got completely soaked, and had little bits of ice stuck to them. It took me a good hour or two of practicing for my jeans to dry. Then I had to set out again to get home, and the whole thing repeated itself. Seems even highly educated people are stupid.

Tracy has been like one of those spongey monsters that you throw in water and watch them grow to incredible proportions. She is truly 'vooruitstrewend'. Bubs - as we have taken to calling her - also loves stretching out, which is very uncomfortable, especially when she hits bone or some sensitive organ.

We visited the hospital, they provide a little tour before birth in order for the parents to get accustomed to the place. So we saw the waiting rooms, delivery rooms and the ward where you stay afterwards. The midwife also very patiently explained all that will happen before, during and after. It is really helpful to have some idea at least of where we will be going to when the big day arrives.