We had the pleasure of hosting Canada’s current and former Ambassadors to Japan a few weeks ago.  One I have known for 30 years (and with whom many adventures were had), and the other for 20 (and who brought me into Foreign Affairs).  They drove up from Vancouver for an inspection tour and overnight stay and drove back the next day.  We really appreciated them making the trip (one is a loyal blog reader) and we had a great time catching up and showing what we have done, and what remains to be done.  We had a light snowfall that night and more in the mountain passes so their drive back to Vancouver was a bit more exciting than anticipated.  They shall always be welcome.

A few days after the visit, we had a bit more snow.  The clean air and lack of vehicle traffic means the snow around us stays virgin white, and sparkles in the sunlight.

This is the remains of a large pile of brush I was finally able to burn two days ago, about the size of a small car.  The Regional Municipality only issues open burning permits in the winter, and only when the conditions are right for the smoke to dissipate out of the valley.  This was the first time this winter it was ok to burn.  I am burning mostly knarly branches, rotten wood and twigs and needles which would otherwise be fuel on the forest floor in the event of a fire.  The rest of the wood goes into the wood stove in the shop and keeps it warm.  I have one more pile to burn when they next issue the ok.