Snow in the Neighbourhood

Grab those shovels.  I think this blast of winter might last a while! I am sure there are a few of you out there who are thinking “About Time!”. That doesn’t include my neighbour who suffers from the wind blowing snow into his driveway from mine, but a few ski hills in the area are certainly happy. I have to say that a nice, fresh blanket of the white stuff certainly helps to make the world a prettier place than the drab browns we have been living with thus far this winter. Don’t tell all those folks who found themselves in accidents because of it though!

 

So now that we have  a little snow cover, what are you planning to do with it? Aside from staying inside and avoiding it, that is. How about a little winter fun! Can I suggest a trip to Boler Mountain, right here in London, Ontario. Located at 689 Griffin St in the community of Byron (but still within London city limits), this Not-For-Profit recreational facility has brought smiles to people’s faces since 1946. Originally established as the London Ski Club, it has seen much growth and many changes in its 60+ years of operation. While the Byron Bump’s (as locals have been known to call it) original draw was skiing, there is so much more to offer nowadays. Not only are there 16 runs on the 118-acre location, but Boler Mountain also lays claim to a fantastic Tube Park, three chair lifts, two carpet lifts, a beautiful chalet, a snow school, a tech shop (where you can get your skis and snowboards in shape for the season) and London Track 3. For those not sure what London Track 3 is, it provides ski and/or snowboarding experiences for people with physical and/or intellectual challenges. And while powder is the name of the game today, in the off-season this charitable organization is also home to a mountain biker’s paradise.

If you haven’t headed to Boler yet this season, now is the time! Before you head out though, why not check out their Facebook page. Right now they have a contest running, that is sure to please some lucky winners. I am hoping it will be me, but good luck to you too!

 

When you have had your fill on the hill, why not grab a hot chocolate to warm back up. I came across this spicy little recipe over at the TLC website that is a different take on a classic winter drink. Enjoy!

 

*Image from http://bit.ly/wL0l54

SPICY HOT CHOCOLATE*

Ingredients:

• 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chili pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips

Directions:

• Pour milk into a medium saucepan and heat milk until hot, but not boiling.
• Add chopped chocolate and sugar, stirring until it’s blended well.
• Add cinnamon, chili powder and red pepper and bring to a simmer.
• Remove red pepper strips and pour into mugs.

*Sennebogen, Emilie. “5 Great Hot Chocolate Recipes” 16 November 2009. HowStuffWorks.com.19 January 2012.