It is winter now, just enough snow to brighten the darkness. It is cold enough for boots and scarves and cold enough for the ice on the outdoor rink to be frozen solid. Last night, from two blocks away, I heard the skates and hockey pucks - the sound sharpened by the night air. The sound of Winnipeg in winter. The sun rises is so late now that I usually miss it, but some days, when I am lucky, I leave for home early enough to catch it setting, or at least to try. I used to be able to walk each morning facing the sunrise, each evening the sunset - such a wonderful way to begin and end each day. I miss it so much. Now I drive to and from school, not as wonderful, but I am not alone - wire guy Buddha is always with me, meditating on my steering column. And the sky is always there, too. I just have to look a little harder.
