The chill has finally start to set in. The air is crisp and fresh. The windows rattle with each passing of the wind. Winter may be staying for good this time.

In fact, it started to snow yesterday. It looked very beautiful. The snow was very light and did not stick to the ground. There was enough rain mixed in so I guess I should really call it sleet.

Every time I step out of the apartment, a brisk breeze catches me by surprise. Yes, I am wearing enough, but they like to leave the windows open in the stairwell. I think the theory is that there will be fresh air circulating. True, but it is really a lot of cold, fresh air. I'd rather have them closed.

My lovely and newly installed air conditioner (remember, they both cool and heat) has lost its heating capabilities. The fan isn't working or something. I've had to resort to a detached radiator that leaks a bit of oil. It works, but I don't think it makes my room as warm as the air conditioner. My toes are feeling the pinch a little and when I sit down to type, my fingers start to get a little cold.

Even with all this going on, there is a lot to be thankful for. Yesterday, Beth got two of her students to come over and help cook a post-American Thanksgiving lunch. They made fried eggplant, jiaozi with spaghetti sauce, roasted garlic flavoured mashed potatoes, garlic bread, and some cranberry sauce. One of the former teachers had mailed some of the stuff we can't get here, so it was quite delicious.

Beth's apartment is decked out in holiday wear. Her door has Happy Thanksgiving all over it and she's got some greeting cards and other paraphenalia stuck on her living room wall. She invited all her students to visit her on Thursday night for Thanksgiving. She bought about 65 yuan worth of candy just for that night. Her apartment was packed.

With the all the snow, the lunch, and the decorations, it's really starting to feel like the holidays. I just wanted to belt out some Christmas carols yesterday and some other choruses like "Give Thanks." Christmas isn't too far around the corner. Oh, and if you are expecting a card from me, it will more than likely be late. I haven't bought any cards yet. I saw some for 3 yuan each. It's cheap by Canadian standards, but I could get a decent meal for that same price! Anyway, I'll get down to the store as soon as I can and get them prepped for post.

Until then, happy "start of the holidays"!