We woke up this morning to hear that school buses are not running almost anywhere in southern Manitoba, including the entire city of Winnipeg. There is a wind-chill warning out for the whole region, with wind-chills in the -45C range. The dog wouldn't do his business, but headed back to the house after two minutes of hopping on two feet. My wife's car has a completely dead battery -- probably frozen, best fixed by a quick trip to Canadian Tire for a replacement.
 
What comes with this bone-chilling cold is an awesome crystalline beauty -- the deep blue of the pre-dawn sky, the glitter of ice, the mysterious loops of drifted snow. It is nonetheless a dangerous beauty, something to be admired quickly, with protection and good sense.
 
There are those who do not enjoy the same kind of protection I do, people who lack adequate housing, clothing, and food, finding sustenance and shelter where they can. Thanks be to God, we have not heard of any recent "doorway deaths," of homeless folk. But still people die. There have been three deaths by "exposure" in Saskatchewan in the past few days, when they left their stranded cars to seek help. .
 
Warmer weather is on the way. By next Thursday, temperatures should be above seasonal norms, around -6C.
 
Thanks be to God for the mystery of the turning seasons, and the beauty of creation. Thanks be to God for those who help others in this most dangerous of seasons