Sign of a Late Spring - Car Shelter Removal Delayed
With the winter still haunting us, the city of Two-Mountains has extended the limit for removing your snow shelter (Tempo) from April 15th to Sunday April 27th. That really shows what kind of winter we have had and how the spring has not sprung yet. It's also bad news for golfers who are usually cleaning their clubs at this time of year and have at least gone to the driving range.
While on subject of the city, the council meeting of Thursday April 10th will be held at Veterans' Hall instead of city hall.

Pub Deux-Montagnes Hosts Pub $tar Karaoke Contest
Two Mo Pub is putting on a Karaoke contest that will run for 5 weeks starting on Friday April 25th also known as Audition Night. That evening, the top 12 performers will be picked and by the big finale (on May 30th) the competition will have whittled down to the top 6 performers. They will competing for $500 in prize money with the winner going away with $250 and the title of Pub Star. Unfortunately, I will be not be competing for the title as I will be the animator. Voting will be left up to the people enjoying the performances. For the rules, please visit the pub website here. To see the 30-second promotional video, please click here.

The l'Office québécois de la langue française forces 2mopaul Website to Appear in French First
A few weeks ago I received a official letter from the OQLF that my website had to be translated into French and that French had to be shown first and only on request revert to English. The fine for not doing this was $1000 for the first offence and it had to be done by the end of the month. Being away, I did not have time to change all the headings and the side bar but that will be done in the next few days. Click here for a copy of the letter.

Lions Club Blood Drive - Tuesday April 1st
The Two Mountains Lions Club is putting on their annual blood drive for HEMA Quebec. The drive will start at 13:30 and will close at 19:00 and is located at the Veterans' Hall at 141 Grand Moulin. They are hoping to top 100 donations once again this year.

Eric Avon - 1932 - 2014
Published in The Gazette on Mar. 27, 2014: In St-Eustache on March 24, 2014 at the age of 81, M. Eric Avon, husband of Gisele Brunelle, passed away. He also leaves to mourn his children: Diana (Robert Traunero), Eric (Cathy Chausse), the late Michael (Shirley), Laurie-Ann (Michael Smith); eight grandchildren: Mark, Paul, Megan, Lauren, Kristen, Jennifer, Gabrielle and Erika; two sisters: Barbara and Beverly; a brother, the late Henry; stepbrothers; stepsisters; nephews; nieces and many friends. The family will receive condolences on Thursday, March 27, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. and Friday at 9 a.m. at: Complexe funeraire Goyer ltee 3150 chemin Oka Ste-Marthe sur le Lac 450-473-5934
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m.in Holy Family Church and then at Deux-Montagnes Cemetery. Click here to view his online obituary.
 

Robert Bernard Martell 1955-2014
Excerpt from his online obituary: It is with profound sadness and a “hurting heart” that I have had to say good bye to the love of my life, my best friend and life partner. My husband Robert Bernard Martell, born December 12 1955 was taken suddenly on March 20th, 2014. Rob was born and raised in Montreal, and because of the unfortunate passing of his father and mother when he was just a little boy, his Uncle Eddie and Aunt Yolande welcomed him into their home, bestowing great love. Click here to go to his Obiturary and guest book.

Pub Deux-Montagnes Steak Dinner Raises $4000
The community got together on Friday evening to raise some money to help out our friend John Bartholomew who suffered a stroke in February. About 75 people enjoyed Ron Kesseler's great steak dinner of which $5 went to the cause. There was a half and half draw where both halves were donated. After the dinner, Scott Kesseler used his auctioneering skills to raise a heap of money. The Pub then made a package of bar goodies to be drawn which raised the final amount to $4,000.
John was home for the weekend for the first time and the family was overwhelmed when Ron delivered the news on Saturday morning. Thanks to Ron and the rest of the community for coming up to bat for a great cause. A message from Gail this morning was We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts. Click here for pictures of the evening

Click Here for Pictures of St Patrick's day at Emma and Mike's

Back From The Far East
Those of you who have been wondering about the updates on this site need wonder no more. We were on a 27 day trip to Vietnam and Japan. As usual, I documented our trip through a journal and pictures. Some of you followed us while we were there. The link to the trip is on the O in 2mopaul.com above or you can access through here. Flat Stanley came with us and here is his picture album.

Ron K's Steak Dinner Benefit
Just a quick note to advise you that there will be another BBQ Steak dinner at the 2MO Pub on Friday March 21st. The steaks are "Ron's Specials" and the cost is $25.00.
As you may have heard, recently our friend, John Bartholomew, suffered a stroke which has landed him in the Laval Jewish Convalescent Hospital.  So $5.00 from each meal will be handed to his family to help defray costs of visiting, gas, parking, meals etc.
It is not a "charity" event, it is a bunch of 2MO regulars getting together and gladly helping one of "our own" during a time of need. Scott Kesseler will be conducting a LIVE auction to raise some $$ with some memorabilia which has been donated by "concerned friends".  You will have to be there to take advantage of some cool items on the block.
Spots are limited and going fast, so to reserve, tickets must be paid in advance at the 2MO PUB a,s,a,p.
Should you have an item that you would like to donate, bring it to the supper and we'll see how much we can get for it, obviously for a great cause.

4Korners Clothing Exchange
On Saturday March 22nd, 4Korners Family Resource Centre is having a different kind of fundraiser. How it works.... Bring the clothes you wish to exchange to 4 Korners by March 17th. Clothing for all ages and genders are accepted (children, teens, adults) Shoes, boots, coats, jewellery and accessories accepted as well. Click here for all the info.

The Cat's Back in the Kitchen At the Heritage
The Heritage Social Club is having a St Patrick's celebration once again this year featuring the band The Cat's in the Kitchen on Friday March 14th. The Moran Academy Irish Dancers will be opening the evening with a show. Tickets are $12 if bought in advance or $15 at the door. Click here for all the info. 

DMSA Softball Registration
The 2014 season is fast approaching, don't miss the registration periods which will be on March 8th and 15th from 10am to 2pm at Olympia Park. Check the DMSA website here for all the info.

Two Of Our Own Headed to the World Irish Dancing Championships

Sarah Griffin and Rebecca Mitchell have both qualified for the World Irish Dancing Championships in London, England. Congratulations to these two Moran Academy alumni for their accomplishments. Below is Rebecca's story.

My name is Rebecca Mitchell and I am 22 years old. I started Irish Dancing at the age of 6 and it quickly became my passion. I have done numerous shows for different organizations throughout the years. I started attending competitions right after I started, and have been competing ever since (for the past 15 years). These competitions have been all around Eastern Canada, from Toronto and Hamilton, as far as Halifax. I started competition in the Eastern Regional Canadian Championships when I was nine. I qualified for the North American Nationals at 19 and have attended for the past 2 years. This year, I earned a spot to represent Eastern Canada at the World Irish Dancing Championships, taking place in London England over Easter weekend in 2014! It is an absolutely amazing opportunity and I am grateful for the chance to be able to represent my region and country at the World level.

As a fundraiser to help cut the cost of my trip, I am selling tickets for a comedy night at the Comedy Nest in downtown Montreal. The date is March 21 and if anyone is interested in buying tickets, they can contact Sandi MacDonald at 514-895-1824. The cost of the ticket is $15.00

Busy Little Beavers Open House
Preschool Busy Little Beavers will be starting its 7th year of operation this September. The preschool is targeted at 3 to 5 year olds. They have moved to 248 18th avenue in Two Mountains (All Saints Church basement). They will be holding an open house on Wednesday March 13th from 9:30am to 1:00pm.
They are a bilingual school and offer 2 full days or 2 half days a week. For any info call (514) 703-5128 or come by and see them.

Congratulations to Mikaël Kingsbury for Taking Silver in Sochi
Mikaël Kingsbury skied to a silver just behind Olympic champion Alex Bilodeau who flawlessly skied for gold at Sochi. Mikaël has the last run of the day but had a little glitch in the middle but he managed to hold on to the silver by executing a great final jump. Russian Alexandr Smyshlyaev took the bronze to stop the podium sweep as Marc-Antoine Gagnon of Canada took 4th. Click here to look at the official Sochi website with what looks like security pictures of all the competitors. Congrats to Alex for being the first repeat Olympic champion in Freestyle and Mikaël for making Two-Mountains and Canada proud and claiming his first Olympic medal with probably more to follow. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

Lions Club Senior Citizens Appreciation Day
On Saturday February 8th, the Deux-Montagnes Lions Club is holding their Senior Citizens Appreciation Day. It's from 11:30am to 4:00 pm and is at the Veterans' Hall at 141 Grand Moulin.

The Lunch will be served at 12:30 and will be a home made stew cooked up by the Lions. Activities will include Bingo, door prizes, entertainment by Mon Uncle Ronald. Admission is free. The Lions look forward to a fun day for all. Please tell your friends about this free activity sponsored by the City of Deux-Montagnes.

Valentine's Steak Dinner and Dance
Where? Heritage Social Club - When? Saturday February 15th at 7:00pm - Who? Steaks by Gary Mitchell and Music by Maddy -  What? Only $20 but tickets must be purchased in advance by February 10th - Why? Because we have to buy the food beforehand - How? Drop in or call 450-472-7023 or book on their webpage attention Heinz. Click here for the poster.

Score For The Cure Ball Hockey Tournament Raises $3500
The annual Klimas ball hockey tournament raised $3500 for Cancer Research of the Royal Vic Hospital Foundation on Saturday February 1st. 8 teams faced-off in a tough but friendly competition. City councillor Micheline Groulx-Stabile was on hand at 8:30 for the official ball drop. She remained on site for 4 hours enjoying the company and the near perfect weather for the ball hockey games played on ice. The rink was exceptionally slick so the going was not that easy even with broomball shoes. You can see some of the action by clicking here for the video. Click here for pictures.

Jean Kaczkowski - September 8, 1928 - January 17, 2014

Jean Kaczkowski of Calgary, formerly of Two Mountains and Montreal, Quebec passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 17, 2014 at the age of 85 after a short illness.
Predeceased by her husband Michael Kaczkowski, Jean is survived by her children, Sharon (Dave), Rick (Debbie) and Stephen (Michelle); her grandchildren, Andrea, David, Keisha, Lee and Nicole and great-granddaughter Kyana. Jean is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Doreen, Ronni, Ronald (Ruth), Dennis (Pat), Valerie, Kathy (Bob), Merle (Minoca) and Heather Zena; numerous nephews and nieces and great-nephews and nieces; and her long-time and very good friends Joyce Morgan, Dorothy Hayden and Beryl Heron.
Before retiring in Calgary, Jean worked many years in the office at the Energy Resources Conservation Board.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision through whom our mother supported many children over the years. There is a direct link to World Vision (go to Donate), select World Vision, select Legacy Giving, select In Memory, select Jean Kaczkowski or use this link.
Click here to view her online obituary with eulogies from her grandkids, pictures and a guestbook.

Super Bowl Parties, This Sunday
If you are a fan of the NFL, the big game is coming up this Sunday. The game features teams from the two states that legalized marijuana on January 1st. Colorado's Denver Broncos will be home team to Washington state's Seattle Seahawks. You many choices of where to watch the game in Two Mountains, all of which are probably better than watching where it's being played in New Jersey. The weather will play a big part as the NFL has decided to risk an outdoor game this far north. The is even a contingency plan to change the time and even the date should the weather be too bad. The scheduled time for kickoff is 6:30 on Sunday. If you like to go out and enjoy the game and the company, you have 3 local choices, the Heritage, the Legion and Two Mo Pub. All 3 venues will be serving snacks while you cheer on your team. Two Mo Pub will also be having a Texas-Hold'em tournament starting at noon. If you live in Two Mo, all venues are within walking distance or save a couple of dollars for a cab as the walk home could be chilly.  

Lions Club Winter Carnival Gets a Break in The Cold Snap
On Saturday January 25th, the Lions Club in collaboration with the City of Two Mountains, held their annual Winter Carnival. The cold weather seemed to have taken a break for a day but there was still a chill in the air. Many people took advantage of all the free activities and free food prepared by the Lions club. The Chili was outstanding as usual. The sleigh ride was once again very popular as it was working to full capacity all day. Of course, Two Moo the carnival mascot was around as well as Relax, the mascot of the Minor Hockey association. Animator Perry Mandacini kept the beat going all day.  Mayor Denis Martin and three of his councillors, Micheline Groulx-Stabile, Karine Gauthier and Robert Monplaisir were on hand to participate in some of the events. Once the Olympia park action was over at 4pm. the Lions quickly turned their energy and attention to the spaghetti supper they were preparing at the Veterans' Hall to raise funds for the 'Les Erables' school. To view a short video of the outdoor event please click here and pictures are here.

Family Loses All In House Fire
On Monday January 20th, the brother of our local Legion Branch 185 president René Cusson lost his house along with all his belongings to a fire. He lived with his wife, daughter and 2 granddaughters. Everyone made it out safely, but now they need help. The Legion is accepting material donations to bring to the family. We will accept ALL donations. (Small appliances, dishes, utensils, non-perishable foods, toiletries, clothes, etc.) If you wish to donate articles, you can do so by dropping them off at the Legion. Between 12:30 pm and 9 pm. The donations will be accepted until Friday January 31st, since they will be delivered to the family on February 1st to the family.
This plea was were sent to all Legion members however I am trying to reach more people here. The family thanks you in advance for your generosity. This will mean the world to them who just lost everything.

City Gives Out Over $40,000 in Grants to Community Groups
On Thursday January 23rd, Mayor Denis Martin presented cheques to local community organizations. Each recipient was asked to address the other attendees describing their activities. There were over 25 groups that received grants. I will try to provide a full list of those groups in a further communiqué. This being the first time that the council has gone through this exercise, they were all surprised on how many organizations existed in our community. I myself had probably only heard of about half of them. Among the known ones presented with financial help were the 4 Korners Family Resource Center, Women's Time Out, Heritage Social Club, Meals on Wheels, Community Connections, Dépanage St-Agapit, Maison des Jeunes, the Cadets, the Lions Club and the Santa Claus Parade. This list is not even half of the groups represented. Below is a picture of the representatives for the groups and the members of the city council. Missing in the picture is Sylvie Martel who works for the city as the Coordinator of Sports and Leisure and interacts with many of these organizations. For more pictures, please click here.

   

Score for the Cure Ball Hockey Tournament
The Annual SFTC Ball hockey tournament will be held on Saturday February 1st at the Klimas Recreation Centre on Regent Street . This year, 8 teams will be competing in 2 divisions with an optional cross divisional for bragging rights if time and energy permits. All the money collected from the team's entry fees, the voluntary donations for BBQ food and beverages and a raffle for Canadiens tickets will be going to the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation. The action starts at 8:30 with games every 30 minutes (Click here for the full schedule). You are invited to see the action and support the cause. The address is 254 Regent. Pictures of the action will be posted on this site.

Demolition Starts at The Barrels
Click here for a short video of the start of demolition of the Vieux Barils brasserie. This will make way for a brand new establishment called La Réserve which will be opened by the current owner of the Barrels some time this summer.

Lions Club Carnival and Spaghetti Supper - Coming this Saturday
 

The Lions Club in collaboration with the City of Two-Mountains will be holding its annual carnival on Saturday Jan 25th between 11am and 4pm.

There will be Sleigh rides, a broomball tournament, face painting, skating, sliding, and other winter activities. The Lions will serve Soup, Hot Dogs, their famous Chilli to keep you warm, Coffee Tea and soft drinks. They will also serve the Maple Toffee on snow, a favourite with Young and Old. Come one and all and enjoy a lovely day with your neighbours! Everything is free although they will accept donations.

The Lions will also be hosting a Spaghetti supper at the Veterans' Hall at 141 Grand Moulin from 5pm to 8pm. The cost is $12 with proceeds going to the 'Les Erables' school.

 

 

Laval West's Barrels Closing
Laval West will never be the same after this Saturday's last call. The Barrels, a/k/a the 3 barrels, the 4 barrels, the 5 barrels but officially the Vieux Barils, will be serving it last libation at 3am on Sunday morning. On Sunday at 1pm, its contents will be auctioned off and the bulldozer will be starting its job on Monday. As you probably saw on the opening picture, the brick work should not be missed.

Much to the chagrin (and surprise) of the Laval West boys, the building has not been deemed a historical structure although it may be part of the heritage of the town. As you can see in the picture, the barrels have aged and I believe one is even missing. There is also one missing above the repas complet sign. That would mean that it could have been called the 6 barrels. As we paid our last (maybe) respects today, the owner was putting away the 1993 Stanley Cup banner that has been on display inside since the Habs left the Montreal Forum in 1996. It was bought at auction for over $30,000. I don't think it will be part of the auction on Sunday.

Replacing the barrels will be a brand new sports bar, that should open in June. For now, some of the staff are looking forward to their time off before the opening.

Cheers to the end of an era! I might post more pictures on the weekend if I make it there for one last one. Of course, I will sit in the carpeted area. Have one of the Laval boys explain that one. Update: I didn't make it there on Saturday, so the place will have to close without me.

Barbara Dawn Bedard (née Johnstone) 1929 - 2014
It is with great sadness, her children announce the passing of Barbara Bedard, formerly of Two Mountains/St. Eustache, Quebec on January 11th, 2014 in Georgetown, Ontario. Barbara was born in Timmins, Ontario, the only child of Hazel (Nan) and Harry (Bub) Johnstone. After many moves, she settled with her parents in Brownsburg, Quebec and while attending the local high school, she met her future husband Frank Bedard, of Lachute, Quebec. They were married following her studies at MacDonald Teachers' College and were blessed with 4 children. Paul, Barry (Judy), Sandra Anne (Rick), and Danielle (Dave). She started her career in a one- room schoolhouse and then taught for the Laurenval School Board for nearly 40 years educating children generation after generation. She truly enjoyed teaching and so many benefited from her dedication and care. Mamie/Gramma will be missed greatly by her loving grandchildren Mathieu (Ly), François (SynSin), Mandy (Kyle), Kelly, David, Geffrey, Alyssa, Jordon, Gavin, Clara, and great grandchildren Evianne, Norahly, Liam, and "Pearl". In lieu of flowers, you may express your sympathy by donating in her memory to Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills(Ontario) or St. Alban's the Martyr Anglican Church, Acton, Ontario. Following cremation, Barbara's ashes will be returned to Quebec and buried alongside her beloved parents and husband at a private service. Donation instructions contact BlueSpringsFuneralHome.com, Acton Ontario, 519-853-2399.
Published in the Montréal Gazette - January 15, 2014 - Click here to view her online obituary,

Photographic Experience of Heritage
The region’s heritage seen by high school students
Press Release - Deux-Montagnes, January 10, 2014 - What is Heritage? This is the question that was posed to the Secondary III and IV students at Lake of Two Mountains High School this year. Students were asked to submit a photo that reflects Canadian heritage in their region along with a text, in French, which explains the reason(s) that they choose their particular subject. The result was not only educational and creative, but demonstrates the student’s awareness of the rich and vibrant heritage that exists around them.
The photos were placed on display at Lake of Two Mountains High School in time for Open House so that the community had a chance to view their history-filled region from the eyes of the youth in their community. Furthermore, the photos were judged by a jury, considering the originality, the artistic creativity and the historical aspect. This year’s winning picture was taken by Kristen Tiramola-Pugh, a Secondary 3 student and shows the Moulin Légaré in St-Eustache. The best pictures will enter an international photo heritage contest.
 

The display created by the students is now on exhibit at the Two Mountains Library where it will remain until January 30th.
 

Mikaël Kingsbury Getting Hot in Time For The Olympics
Two-Mountains' own Mikaël Kingsbury has just won his 3rd straight FIS Freestyle World Cup mogul gold medal in Deer Valley Utah. Actually, Canada swept the podium at this event winning all three medals. Montreal's Alex Bilodeau and Marc-Antoine Gagnon won silver and bronze respectively. It was Marc-Antoine's first podium finish, On the women's side in the same event, Canada took 2 of the 3 podium positions. These results are looking very good especially with the Sochi Winter Olympic Games coming less than a month away.

Mikaël is a proud citizen of our little town which make our city sound like were are in the middle of a huge mountain range. When he takes gold home from the Olympics and puts the Deux-Montagnes name on the map, I hope that we don't suddenly get an influx of people coming to Deux-Montagnes to ski. If they do, we will have to send them to Mont St-Eustache or Barbe's hill.

To read all about Mikaël's latest accomplishment please click here.
Watch for updates here as we follow Mikaël and his teammates on the road to Olympic gold.

Pauline (Martin) Hamilton 1924-2013

At St-Eustache, 23 December 2013, at the age of 89 years, died Pauline Martin, wife of the late Mr. Henry Hamilton.
 

She is survived by her children Peter, Bernard and Louise, his brother, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, her friends Jacqueline, Pauline and Bernice, as well as many other relatives and friends.
 

The family will receive condolences on Saturday January 18th beginning at 10:00am at the St-Agapit church in Deux-Montagnes. A service will be held at 11:00am in the church.

Forever Young Theatre Registration
On Monday January 20th at 10am, the FYT will be having their registration for the winter session. It is open to anyone from 50 to infinity. There are no auditions and there is a place for everyone. The group the first registered English speaking senior theatre company in Montreal and the lower Laurentians. To read all about it, please click here.

M R Ducks in Two Mountains
Many people have mentioned the 'ducks of 8th avenue' and the fact that they stay for the entire winter in Two Mountains. I went to see for myself on the fourth day of an extreme cold spell. Actually when I went there on Friday January 3rd the temperature was a balmy minus 22c. Actually my hands were frozen within 5 minutes so I couldn't take anymore pictures or video. I had brought some leftover bread and they seemed quite happy to see me (or the bread). NOTE - Upon reading up on what to feed wild ducks, bread is NOT a good source of food for them. Actually feeding the ducks is probably what causes so many of them to stay around when they should actually be migrating to warmer climates. I was actually surprised at how many ducks actually hang around this little creek that runs under the football field of the P.D.M. and comes out near the top (north) of 8th avenue. You can go see it for yourselves or watch my 3½ minute video that I edited using some new software I am trying out. It's on YouTube at this link or click on the screen below. M really R Ducks. If you don't know about M R Ducks, Google it. And don't forget, it might not be a good idea to go there and feed them, at least not bread.

Lions Club Activities At Start of New Year
The Deux-Montagnes Lions club will have the following activities in the coming months.
January 25th, 2014 The annual winter carnival. From 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The event will be held at the usual location, i.e. Olympia Park. The event is organized by the Lions club with financial assistance from the City so that all activities are free to all.
There will be the Sleigh ride, a broomball tournament, Face painting, Skating, Sliding, and other winter activities. The Lions will serve Soup, Hot Dogs, our famous Chilli to keep you warm, Coffee Tea and soft drinks. We will also serve the Maple Toffee on snow, a favourite with Young and Old. Come one and all and enjoy a lovely day with your neighbours.

February 8th, 2014. The Lions club Senior Citizens appreciation day. 11:30 to 4:00 pm. Location Veterans Hall. 141 Grand Moulin, Deux-Montagnes.
The Lunch will be served at 12: 30 and the stew will be home made by the Lions. Activities will include Bingo, Door prizes, Entertainment by Mon Uncle Ronald. Admission is free, and we look forward to a fun day for all. Please tell your friends about this free activity sponsored by the City of Deux-Montagnes.

Heritage Social Club Spaghetti Dinner on Friday January 17th at 7:00pm.
The HSC is putting on a Spaghetti dinner to raise money for repairs needed on the roof. Price is $7.00 click here for details. The New Year's Eve party is SOLD OUT. Click here for the HSC website with their full activity list.

LTMHS Bursary Secured for 2014
Thanks to the generous donations of a few people and 2 half and draws at our Monday and Friday Christmas banquets the money for the Paul Goyetche Visual Arts and Multi-Media bursary has reached $545. This secures the scholarship fund to give to a graduating LTM student in October. Of course, this bursary should live on for a few years but it can't be done without your help. It's not a good time of the year to be asking for donations and there are many causes to support. Maybe in the new year, you can throw a loonie in an envelope once a month. By the October LTMHS graduation ceremonies, you will be able to send  $10 to secure the 2015 bursary. Who knows? Maybe the bursary can be bumped up to $750 or even $1000. I won't write about this for the 6 months but there is a link on the upper right that will stay there to show you the progress of the fund. On behalf of the students who will be receiving this bursary in the future for pursuing their education in the arts, thank you in advance. 

The Slow Season
Many of you have noticed that my website has not been updated in the last week or so. I wish it was because we were away in some sunny destination but it's just that there is actually not that much stuff happening these days. Everyone is rushing around getting prepared for Christmas and some of us were staying indoors to stay away from the minus 30 temperature or the plus 30 centimetres of snow (that's a foot for those not familiar with the metric system). Whatever the reason may be, the news of Two Mo has slowed down a bit and everyone deserves to slow down along with it. Of course, if you are not finished your Christmas shopping, this does not apply to you. Whatever mode you are in, have a very Merry Christmas and may the new year bring you happiness and health. 2mopaul.com will be marking it's 10th anniversary very soon, so I will make a extra effort to make it worthwhile to visit.

Snowy Day in Two Mountains
Sunday December 15th brought us our first snow storm or the year as over 30cm of the fluffy white stuff fell on us in less than a day. Coincidently, it was the first day that snow tires were mandatory in Quebec, the only province where this is the law. The temperature was also in the minus teens which made the heavy snowfall feel light. There was a lot of action at our bird feeders including a sighting of a Carolina Wren which a few years ago would have been impossible this far north. The Carolina Wren is not a cold weather bird but we have spotted one this year and back in 2011. If you are into bird watching, you can watch the video I took below by clicking on the picture. You will see that the birds were very happy to find a source of food during the snowfall.