I had ambitious plans this weekend which included completing my retaining wall, planting my garden, and enjoying a nice Sunday at Elk Island National Park. However, Mother Nature had other plans for me.
I woke up Saturday morning ready to face the day but as I looked out my window. Gasped at the snow and rain. I felt a strong sense of defeat. I began to curse Mother Nature and the Sun gods, wondering only why? I realized no awkward sun dance, or rare offering of pistachio nuts would appease the gods to grant us sun. 
After, I ranted, complained, and stomped my feet. I played three solid hours of board games from Monopoly to Clue and subjected myself to watching Little Hercules with the kids. After my Saturday afternoon of non -stop fun was complete. I came to the astonishing conclusion that if I can’t win over Mother Nature and her crew of Sun gods I may as well work with them.
It was on Sunday I put this theory to the test. I woke-up and it was still raining with a mixture of snow.
My husband had a relieved smirk on his face, “I guess we are not doing that 10km death march today?”
I gave him the stink eye.”What are you afraid we are going to melt?”
He looked slightly panicked, “We’re not going out in that for a 10km hike with the kids!”
“Fine, Let’s compromise – We can do a short 3km hike, and drive the bison loop.”
“It’s raining.”
“So!”
My husband looked sceptical and was prepared for the worse as we hopped in the car, setting out on our Merry Way to Elk Island National Park. The children were also not the most enthused bunch and wondered why we couldn’t do this on a sunny day.
My only pep talk was, “What are you wimps! Scared of a little weather! Chickens!”
My oldest responded with an eye roll and a “Whatever! You are, so, mature Mom.”
I ignored his passive complaint, and offered up a variety of Tim bits. They happily noshed as we drove on. Once we arrived, we hit up the Bison Loop. We drove around the corner and were immediately greeted by a herd of bison. 
The kids eyes lit up and they went wild with excitement! They were thrilled to see the Bison so close to our car. However, petrified at the same time, my husband and I debated, how close is too close to these woolly creatures. Needless, to say they grazed, lumbered, and ignored us for the most part. We were just another group of humans passing through for the bison show.
After our encounter with supper, we decided on a short 3 km walk on the Amisk Wuche Trail. It was still pouring rain and my husband saw his last chance to convince me to opt out.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
I sighed, “It is just rain!”Suck it up!”
We hopped on the snow cover trail, wandering across the boardwalks of kettle lakes, and beaver ponds. The kids delighted in snowball fights, the family of chipmunks, and the loons on the lake. We were raucous and loud being the only people on the trail.
As we hopped back in the car, muddy and drenched from the rain, my oldest son looked at me and said, “This maybe one of the best days ever.” 
So, thank you Mother Nature for teaching me to go with the flow, and to work with the weather. I know without the rain-it wouldn’t have been nearly such a fun day. However, I’m ready for a little sun. Please!
Apologies for the poor quality of pictures. My camera fizzled this weekend and I had no choice but to use the blackberry.
