We Came So Close!

Two days ago, the forecast called for up to 40 cm of snow to fall on the city over the next 36 hours. It was to be the biggest snow storm of the year. Going into the storm with 176.8 cm of snow so far this winter, we were poised to break the 1938-39 record of 207 cm and take up the mantle as the snowiest winter on record in Toronto.

We were so close. After two days, 25 cm of snow fell, accompanied by sub-zero temperatures and gusty, howling winds, making walking a strenuous effort, navigating around snow mounds and buried cars, an almost impossible task because you can't see more than a few feet in front of you. It was certainly the stormiest night of the year.

What did we do on this stormy night? We went out to dinner.

During the day, a valve from our hot water tank started leaking, soaking through part of our carpetted basement. Between mopping up the water and getting someone in to fix it, I was on the phone making dates for next week. I also dug my way out to the shed, twice, in the middle of the storm to look for tools and parts to fix a table. Finally, I ran outside to see if my neighbours had what I needed.

There they were, three of them, leaning on their shovels, exchanging street gossip. They all had snowy eyebrows and lashes, and a white helmet from the snow collected on their hats. I joined them, producing my table part to see if they had what I was looking for.

Bonnie said, "Jerry across the street could fix that for you. He would love to do it because he has nothing to do. But he probably can't get into his shed right now." We look across at Jerry's house and could see his shed through the driveway. He's never dug his way to his shed this winter. A field of snow was pressed against the shed doors, piling more than half way up the shed.

Andy said, "We're just getting ready to go to the hardware store so we'll take your part with us and get what you need."

"You are braving this weather?"

"Yeah, isn't it great? The perfect day to walked around snuggled up in a warm coat. Want to come?" said his wife, Lucia. I wanted to go, but I was also cleaning the house.

Then John said, "Anyone feel like going for steak down at D-Ganz for dinner?"

We all said, "Yes!"

So on their way to the hardware store, Andy and Lucia stopped by D-Ganz to book a table, and at 5:45, ten of us, with kids in tow, trooped down the street to the restaurant. John's wife, Caitlin, told us today was John's birthday and we were taking part in the dinner celebration. I told John I was honoured he chose to have his birthday dinner with us.

The small restaurant was full! In addition to us, there were two tables of sixes, and a table for two. All the tables in the restaurant were used up. The food presentation and quality of food had improved much since I was last there more than a year ago. Back then, the restaurant served inexpensive, good steak. But the menu, taste, and smell was Greek greasy spoon based.

But tonight, the salad contained mixed greens, grape tomatoes, and sweet onions in a subtle vinegrette, not the knife-cut iceberg lettuce smothered in oil, olives, feta, and bottled dressing of the year before. The steaks were still tender and charred just right, no need for HP sauce, and at $12.95 for an 8-oz New York cut, a real bargain. Niece said, Steak is one of my favourite foods.

Even the vegetables were done well. Strands of tender asparagus laced across glazed carrots and roasted potatoes. A far cry from the near mush boiled and greasy potato lumps of last year.

After dinner, we trudged back home across the No Frills parking lot against the wind and snow. I understand why people get lost in the snow now. We literally fought the weather. John and I stayed a bit behind, fumbling with our cigarettes. Ahead, you can see our group of adults and small kids wrapped tight in their coats, heads down, bodies bent, leaning into the wind, their bodies striking a perpendicular cut into the furious, slanting, slamming snow.

It was amazing. The moment we set foot on our street, we ran into neighbours going out for a walk or coming home from somewhere. We exchanged hellos as we made our way up the street. Then we stomped into John's house and collapsed into his armchairs and sofas, Lucia and I panting and feeling for our faces while Caitlin served us tea and dessert.

The Globe and Mail today said years from now, we will be able to tell our grandchildren how we survived that fierce snow storm of 2008. I will, because I trekked the snow the night of the big storm and had cake with friends.