Curled up in The Peg

Thankfully an uneventful trip from Hartford to Winnipeg via O'Hare in Chicago. Except that having learned what Chicago Mix is recently I was quite happy to come across Nuts On Clark in the concourse at O'Hare.

Had to buy a bag - half and half cheese and caramel popcorn! And the best part of this incredibly delicious mix is that Linda doesn't care for it so despite their slogan of "Popcorn is for sharing", I don't have to (although I would, of course, sweetie). BTW, there was no snow in Chicago and lots of open water on Lake Michigan but it didn't take long flying north before everything became snow covered.

Despite the Winnipeg morning temps of 26F by the time I made it through customs - yup, had to sit on the Group W bench again this year as I explained why in the world I was going to be in Canada for 56 days in the winter - it was above freezing, slushy, and even drizzling. Would have looked foolish walking around in my Churchill-strength parka so I toughed it out in my flannel shirt.

Heidi, formerly of CNSC but now working out of Winnipeg for Natural Habitat, met us at the airport and took some of us and luggage to the Fort Garry saving us one taxi ride.

Starman (Roger Woloshyn, the long time aurora expert at the science center and long suffering cribbage player) picked me up at the airport. So great to see him again. Lunch was our first priority as I had enough will power not to eat the Chicago Mix for breakfast and was very hungry and thirsty. He took me to a Chinese buffet that was quite good. So far I'm having a pretty good day if you know me!

Next we headed over to Asham Curling Store.

Yes, the famous Asham! A small store but steeped in curling history. I just had to buy a few things, small things as not much room in my luggage. Even got something for my very tolerant (and lovely) curling widow. Roger and I had a nice talk with the saleslady and curler, Grace Clark, who lived her first 18 years in Churchill so she knew all the locals. I told her I would say hello to Luke Spence who runs the Churchill Curling Club. She graciously threw in an Asham ballcap and broom cleaner and a tote bag. Was really tempted to get a pair of shoes.

Next Roger took me on a tour of the two best garlic sausage stores in town, one Polish, the other Ukranian, where he loaded me up with one from each plus thin pepperoni. Hoping to save it until I get to Churchill so I can share it with everyone.

Then over to Sun Wah Chinese groceries to pick up what turned out to be a hefty amount (lbs and $) of spices and more that Laura the Cook asked me to pick up. How could I say no especially knowing she is planning a Chinese New Year dinner to which I'm invited. Like last year one of the owners took me around the store filling out my list - great service and a store with everything. Got some kumquats, too.

Starting to run out of time but one more stop at a Thai market to look for curry leaves. These were new to me and I was disappointed that they were out until Tuesday. Maybe I can find some tomorrow.

Then to the Fort Garry Hotel
although we took a detour to the Granite Curling Club, the mother club of curling clubs in Winnipeg, just to see where it is. I think we'll be going there tomorrow to watch some club curling.


Finally got settled into my nice room at which point I finally gave up and succumbed to the headache that had been building all day so that was pretty much the end of my day. But in spite of the headache it was a great day! Good night, all, and good curling.