Let’s take a break from Coronavirus chatter and talk about what is normally everyone’s #1 topic of discussion, the weather. I was talking to my dad out in Victoria where he and mom just celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be much of a celebration because mom is in a long-term care home and dad isn’t allowed in to see her as you can believe under the circumstances. They don’t even allow gifts, flowers or cards to come into the facility. All dad could do was arrange a phone call with mom. He doesn’t have a computer or smart phone so the best they can manage is a good old-fashioned telephone chat. But I was going to talk about weather, wasn’t I? The daily high for Victoria this week is in double-digits, as in plus 10 or better under a mix of sunshine with a few clouds and a 20% chance of rain. My dad, being a bit of a smart-alec at age 97, asks me how spring is evolving in Saskatoon. Of course I said what spring? This is one of those years where our four seasons are almost winter, winter, still winter and construction. Right now we’re in the “still winter” phase, just ahead of construction season, although the temperature is struggling to get above freezing and stay there. My dad can never resist rubbing it in with the old, “too bad you don’t live out here” line and you know what? I don’t mind because he’ll be 98 in 3 weeks and I know that in the not too distant future I won’t be able talk to him anymore.

That’s Coffeetalk. I’m Vic Dubois.