The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - "The Midterms Are Coming, The Midterms are Coming" - A Random Rant for the Ages

Episode Date: December 11, 2025

It's Thursday and that means Your Turn ...the question this week is soft and cuddly -- are you looking forward to winter? But Thursdays also mean the Random Ranter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of the bridge. It's Thursday. That means your turn, but it also means the random ranter. And does the ranter have a rant for you today on Donald Trump? That's coming right up. And hello there. Winter is here.

winter is our question at least winter is here for many parts of the country certainly is down here in south western Ontario and southern Ontario quite a bit of snow on the ground and certainly in other parts of the country as well so we're going to talk about winter on your turn it's an easier topic than some of the heavy ones we've dealt

with all this fall and as we drift towards the holiday season, we wanted to give you a break. And I love some of your answers today. They really are great. So we get to those in a moment. And as flagged, the ranter never lets us down. He's got an interesting Trump play today. So we get to that.

We'll get to that in a moment at our normal's kind of halfway mark. at the program on Thursdays. But let's get to your answers to the question. It's pretty simple. Are you looking forward to winter? What do you think of winter? Do you like winter? We're Canadians.

Isn't that part of the package? I don't know. I guess we're going to find out in your letters. And we start with Stephen Ross in Hamilton, Ontario. I love winter. I want to ski. I need snow and lots of it. I love my business trips to Montreal and night skiing.

I love my monthly ski trips to the eastern townships and the Laurentians. I look forward to my annual West Coast trip to Alberta and BC. I used to be able to ski in early December in Ontario and western New York. Now the ski season is starting later and later. I'm not sure this year. Seems to be a lot of snow out there. But we get it, Stephen. You like to ski.

Doug Yarnel. in Codette, Saskatchewan. Codette's about an hour and a half east of Prince Albert. You know, I used to live in Saskatchewan, and I got to tell you, I'd never heard of Codette, so this is a welcome addition to my knowledge of that great province. I used to live in Prince Albert. Not for long.

It was only there a couple of months, but I did live in Prince Albert in the summer of 1968. Doug Yarnel writes from Codette, short answer, yes. Winter is what makes us Canadian. Ken Peloshock in Newstad, Ontario. I'm in the snow belt. The cold doesn't bother me. It's the endless snow on the roads, my driveway,

and the way it worryingly collects on my roof that drives me nuts. I miss those warm, snow-free, tropical winters I used to enjoy in the greater Toronto area. Not snow-free yet this year. It's not a lot of snow in Toronto, but there's a bit of snow. Mark McLeod in Kimberly, Ontario, that's south of Georgian Bay. Winter, bring it on. It's minus 14 right now, and I've been outside for a couple of hours. I love the change of seasons.

I like the spare landscape of winter. Have zero desire to go somewhere warm. Hal Johnson, remember that name? Remember Hal. Hal's in Huntsville, Ontario. I'll tell you a little more about Hal in a moment. Yes, writes Hal, I am really looking forward to winter. I can't wait until the lake I live on freezes this year.

Normally, I make a rink, but this year is exciting because my wife and I have bought fat bikes to ride the lake and the winter trails. Be careful out there, Hal. Keep fit and have fun. There's your big clue to Hal. Some of you may be thinking that name is familiar, Hal Johnson, and it should be. if you are a certain age. How was the creator of Body Break, which he also starred in with his wife, Joanne McLeod.

There were more than 300 TV episodes of Body Break. The series began in 1988 to promote healthy living, and there's still a website you can go to for good ideas. Another one from Huntsville, Ontario, from Drew Scott. I moved from Vancouver to Huntsville, and suddenly winter isn't cute. It's an opponent. In Vancouver, snow politely fell and melted before I finished complaining. Here, it piles up like it's plotting against me.

I now wrestle with my shovel like it owes me money while trying to salute the plow guy well enough that he takes pity on the end of my driveway. Winter doesn't show up. It doesn't just show up. It moves in like it's paying rent. Glenn Lee writes from Berlin, Germany. In a word yes, in another word, no. Here in Berlin, we haven't had a proper winter in over 10 years. I miss the deep snow,

cold blowing winds, and that lovely sunshine bouncing off the snow in Ontario fields, brightening everything and everyone. So both, yes, if I was in Canada, my homeland, not so much here, because it's mostly rain and clouds. Constance Menzies in Narrow, Manitoba. A good long snowy winter is normal and we're not having these anymore. This is most worrisome as it's a sure indicator of climate change. Less snow weakens our aquifers. It's hard on wildlife and our boreal forests are more susceptible to fire. Aquifers.

I love winter. Fat tire biking, skiing and lovely winter walks and new fallen snow everywhere is always pretty. Pat Wharton in Vernon, BC, I sure am looking forward to winter, love it. You are making me envious with your snow in minus 15. That's what it was in Stratford earlier this week. Pat writes, I woke up to rain and plus eight. Richard Swindells in Mono, Ontario. Last winter, a few days after attending the Burns dinner at which the Selker Grace was said,

that would be Robbie Burns, of course, the Scottish poet and the traditional Scottish prayer, which he is sometimes credited with writing. After all that, I came in after rearranging snow in the driveway, and the following just popped into my head, which I have named the snowblower's grace. Now, I appreciate what Richard is written. You have to know the Selker Grace, so here goes.

And pardon the bad Scottish. accent some may meet some may meet and cannot eat and some what eat that want it but we have meat and we can eat say let the Lord be thank it in modern English that becomes some have meat but cannot eat some have none that want it but we have meat and we can eat so let the Lord be thanked and now Richard's version some may meet and cannot blow, and some would blow but want it, but we have snow and we can blow and say the Lord be thank it. Yes, I don't mind the winter, he says. Don Whitmore in Colonna, BC, but currently in Wadaluco, Mexico, didn't need 75 words for his answer, or even 70, or even 10. He answered

in one word about the question, are you looking forward to winter? answer? No. Paula Grattan in Miramishie, New Brunswick. I could say I'm looking forward to winter simply to spare me negative, but I honestly hate it all. I'm grateful to experience four seasons, but in middle age I can no longer handle the bitter cold. It makes me want to hibernate like a grumpy old bear. I don't want a shovel. I don't want to bundle up. I just want it to permanently be 19 degrees with a breeze. Is that too much?

Claudette Taylor in Kitchener, Ontario. Once I switched from winter car dependency to biking, winter became my companion. It's refreshing air, greeting me along cleared trails. Friends think biking in the cold is hardship, but I enjoy the crisp atmosphere. Though the frigid bite less so, bundled up, I embrace Canadian winters. And when summer finally arrives, no one savour. warm breezes more than a thawed-out Canadian who peddled through the chill. She doesn't mention fat bikes.

I don't know whether those fat tires. I got to check that out myself. The fat tire bikes in the winter. Jerry Corvo, he's also in Kitchener. I grew up in Cochran, Ontario, so no stranger to winter. Now living in Kitchener, Cochran is north of Timmons. It's about eight hours north of Kitchener. Two different worlds, so yes, I'm looking forward to a short winter.

I especially enjoy watching how many drivers just don't understand how to drive on ice and snow-covered roads. Yeah, I learned those in Churchill, Manitoba in the late 60s. Whiteouts, like real whiteouts, not this sort of kind of tokenism whiteout they call in southern Canada. Real white outs. Northern is no what I'm talking about. Debbie Fletcher in Jackson's Point, Ontario on Lake Simco. I love winter, running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing. The quiet that descends when a blanket of snow covers my world.

And I love snow shoveling. Think Zen Garden. Will Greaves in Markdale, Ontario. It's south of Owen Sound. I do forest restoration for a conservation authority, and for us winter signifies the end of a busy fieldwork season, time to catch up on a year's worth of paperwork, and perhaps some downtime. Though I love my work, the slower pace of winter is a welcome annual reprieve. I will savor this winter especially as uncertainty looms for conservation authorities among sweeping changes proposed by the Ford government in Ontario. Tim Stott in

Minnesota, Manitoba Definitely looking forward to winter Ice fishing with family and friends on various lakes in Manitoba Ice fishing is a big deal in Manitoba You still live there too I'm such a lucky guy Don Dufour in Ottawa I embrace every season in Canada and especially enjoy winter

Who can resist snowshoeing on fresh sparkling trails through the woods, cross-country skiing along the gorgeous Ottawa River, or skating on the Rideau Canal. Not me. Since I was a young girl in Toronto many years ago, I refer to these moments as a natural high. I also enjoy snow shoveling as a fantastic aerobic workout that beats indoor exercise by a mile.

Frank Wang in Surrey, BC, a lot of familiar names this week. kind of regular writers, but also sprinkled through all this, a lot of new ones too. Frank writes, like every year, I look forward to poking fun at other parts of the country when they're buried under several feet of snow and it's minus 30 outside. In return, they poke fun at us on the west coast when we don't see the sun for weeks on end. John Mitchell in Comox Valley, BC. I'm looking forward to winter. Living in the Comox Valley, the winters are milder than in most parts of the country.

It's a good time for enjoying the season and all the family celebrations and joyful tidings that winter brings. Deborah Zax in Ottawa. I always look forward to winter, perhaps because I get to enjoy the best of it, on pristine snow with breathtaking vistas on top of mountains. Yes, at age 73, I still downhill ski. And will, until I can no longer walk in my ski boots up to the chairlift. Then I let gravity do the rest. Do I like winter? I love winter.

Jeff Fisher in Riverview, New Brunswick. Ten reasons to like winter in no particular order. Early darkness makes the evenings feel longer. cribbage and whiskey Lots of hockey Go Leaves It's been okay to say go leaves for the last week or so We'll see how long that last

Time to catch up on the to-do list Daytona 500 in February Excitement of snow days for kids Yeah snow days You still love those Holidays without using vacation time A good old-fashioned snowball fight Not spending money on lawn supplies

And of course more time for the bridge Sure, you have to throw that in, Jeff, Just to make sure we used it, right? Renee Perrault in Winnipeg Sent a poem that's 74 words long I'm terrible at reading poems So I'll give you that But I'll read it anyway

nascent flakes of snow fall quickly to ground unfinished limbs too short to sustain a lengthy flight to terrain it's cold outside not frigid though only minus ten not thirty below slow drifts of white deadened sound give oral peace even here in town more snow and cold to come shoveling skating skiing all due exercise a plenty day and night time, too. No bugs or smoke, just clean air. I'm very glad winter is here. Bobby Singh in Edmonton. Every year winter delivers sparkling, glorious beauty, though I do not look forward to the season as I'm surrounded by a populace that dreads its coming. That dread is a terrible thing to feel when your attitude is the opposite. During the cold months, the general attitude is let's get through it. Over the years, I've collected an excellent array of equipment to assist me in joyful outdoor wintertime,

but it is a lonely fire I carry when out there. Larry Swatuck in Sackville, New Brunswick. When I heard the question, a song immediately came to mind, in the immortal words of Gillesvignon, Mont-Pais-N-Pais-Livé. Translation, translation my country isn't a country it's winter as such let's just say that my life is not my life

it is preparing for enduring and sometimes even enjoying winter as another crooner once said let it snow let it snow let it snow that song was written by sammy con and jewel starring in july of 1945. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Imagine what people were thinking in July of 45, just a couple of months after the war ended. Pamela McDermott writes in Burlington, Ontario. I'm looking forward to the incredible part of winter

when we have an enormous snowfall and everything slows down. All the sounds are muffled and it's so very beautiful outside. It feels just so peaceful and makes me note how lucky we are to live in a country of such beauty, no matter the season. Here, here. Good for you, Pamela. Rick Humphreys in Cambridge, Ontario. No, hate the endless, gray, cold, miserable days. Yeah, there are some of those. Nicholas Shirley in Winnipeg.

The best way to get through a Canadian woman. winters by getting outside and making the most of it. Personally, I walk to work every day regardless of the weather. I'm also a big cross-country skier, which requires a certain amount of snow. Unfortunately, we're dealing with very cold temperatures in southern Manitoba right now with very little of the white stuff. Without that, winter feels much less enjoyable. Let it snow.

You know, talking about walking in the winter, man, you've got to be careful out there. Yesterday, I came in to Toronto from Stratford. I had a lunch with my friend and Nick Kipprio's. The Kipper used to be with the Leafs and a couple of other different teams, won a Stanley Cup and the Rangers. It's now a terrific radio broadcaster in Toronto. Anyway, you know, we just had a lunch to chat about all things hockey. Anyway, the city is a mess.

There have been a fair amount of snow, fast thaw, lots of ice, and people were slipping and sliding all over the place. I nearly fell a couple of times. And listen to at our age, man, we've got to be careful. Wear the right shoes. Brace yourself. Find things to hold on to. Anyway, moving on.

Ruthie Muller in Toronto. I'm definitely looking forward to winter. It's an outdoor playground. In fact, I find the cold air quite refreshing by being drier and easier to breathe. At any age, winter has a lot to offer. Sledding and skating and skiing and best of all is to experience

the Canadian Winter Wonderland. Mark Seton in Lakeside, Ontario, that's near London. Winter is the best. Snow-shoeing, skating, eating December snow. and watching my dog do bellywops down our hills. She's better at it than Frosty the Snowman. Our new puppy. Border Terrier.

Great little dog. Just discovered snow this week. Like eating snow. Well, eating lots of snow leads to something else that happens a lot, and you want to try to make sure it happens outside, not inside. Calam Arnold in Guelph, Ontario. This weekend I'll be headed to Blue Mountain, great ski resort, to spend time with my family

and maybe even hit the slopes. Winter isn't coming, it's here. It's also ecstatic to spend almost a month in gorgeous Elliott Lake, that's further north, with my loved ones and take time to recharge and get fired up for the new year. Pat Colpitts in Winnipeg. Being Canadian and winter to me are synonymous.

Without question, I look forward to winter. As a prairie kid, cold snow, outdoor rinks were the fundamental building blocks of one's character. Nothing better than skating on the outdoor rink as I did last night with my grandson under a light snowfall. Man, is that a picture? Mother Earth bless us with more snow. It's oh so necessary.

Joanne Stevens in Vancouver. I'm going to Edmonton for, Christmas. I grew up there, but since then have evolved into a paid-up card-carrying West Coast Sissy. If we get five centimeters of snow, I clutch my pearls and descend into the vapors along with the rest of the fragile coastal orchids who are too old to wish for a snowy day. Love that. Thanks, Joanne, for writing. William Ross in Toronto. The question I ask these days is, how much longer can you? and inhabitants of the planet rely on the benefits of winter.

Snow cover, this is important, listen to this. Snow cover reflects the sun's UV rays back into space, cooling the earth. Spring melt is critical for agriculture and electricity generation. The insulating effect of snow is vital to the survival of many seeds, animals, and migratory birds also rely on consistently timed climate. so yes I look forward

to the freezing temperatures you got it William Ross in Toronto good letter good letter which brings us to the halfway point and you know what happens

at the halfway point we take a break and then we come back with a random ranter and I warn you if you're a Trump fan you know

one of those two of you out there who are, if you're a Trump fan or if you're Canada MAGA person, listen closely. Okay, let's start by taking our break. We'll be right back after this. And welcome back. You're listening to The Bridge for this Thursday. Thursdays means your turn. And we've been listening to your questions or your answers to the question. Are you looking forward to winter? And some great, great answers. Mostly yes, but not exclusively yes. You're listening on Series XM, Channel 167, Canada Talks, or on your favorite podcast platform. Well, Thursdays means more than your turn. And as a result, we bring in our good friend, our Thursday regular.

Brace yourself, here he comes, the random renter. The midterms are coming. The midterms are coming. We just have to make it to the midterms, and then everything will be magically okay. What a charmless crock that is. Look, I get wanting to go back to the way it was, but life doesn't come with ruby slippers.

The past is gone and believing otherwise is a pointless fantasy. It's never going to be the same. It's just not going to happen. The damage that Trump has done to the reputation of the United States, as a partner in trade, as a leader of the free world, as a reliable ally or as a signatory to anything, well, that's not the kind of damage that can be repaired.

It's the kind of damage that needs to be rebuilt from the ground up over many, many years, if at all. I know it's nice to think of Trump as an anomaly, but the truth of the matter is that America freely and fairly elected them twice. The truth is, the forces fueling the MAGA movement have always been, been there, roiling in the background. We've all heard the myth of America as the great melting pot, but the truth has always been that if you dip the ladle deep enough, you'd find a strangely dark concoction of isolation, imperialism, and ugly exceptionalism brewing just below

the surface. While the pot's boiled over now, and Trump has gone full racist, he's not holding back and attacking Afghans, Muslims, and even Europe. Trump's dog whistle of old is gone and it's been replaced by a full bullhorn of hate for Somalis, Venezuelans, and Haitians, even the ones that are there legally, even the ones that are taxpaying American citizens. But oh yeah, the midterms, you say. Well, remember the last time Trump lost an election? His supporters stormed the Capitol building on live TV, and then America elected him again the very next chance they got. I don't see Trump 2.0 letting it get even close to that again. He's already blown through every check and balance you can think of.

Congress is a rubber stamp. The Supreme Court is in his pocket. His oligarchs are buying up the free press, and he's gone from being impeached for quid pro quo to making quid pro quo his only coherent policy. I mean, his level of corruption is enough to make a Nigerian prince blush. Factor in all the gerrymandering, the deploying of military to cities, and let's not forget, ICE. His personal version of the brown shirts have set their sights on terrorizing immigrant communities, and it's no coincidence that they've been largely targeting Democratic districts.

I'd say it's all unbelievable, but that's the fog of war talking. It's what Trump wants people to think. that attitude is part of his trap, part of his everything, everywhere, all the time, full court press to suppress the vote and manipulate the results. If it gets that far, then dollars to donuts, he'll deploy everything he can, including ICE and the military to polling stations. But me, I'm skeptical. I doubt there will even be midterms. I think Trump will just invent some crisis in order to cancel them. You know, the same way he declared a fentanyl crisis at the border,

in order to slap us with tariffs, or the same way he declared Venezuelan fishermen, narco-terrorists, so he could justify murdering them. But election or no election, I don't foresee any circumstance where Trump even entertains risking defeat or accept it if it comes. But what do I know? Maybe democracy in America will prove to be surprisingly resilient.

Maybe MAGA will grow a conscience. Maybe Trump will develop the ability to feel empathy or at least some shame. I think most people agree that democracy under Trump is under serious attack. I think they need to go a step further and recognize that while it might not be actually dead, right now under Trump, it's got no pulse. And people are starting to look at their watches. The midterms are coming. The midterms are coming.

The random ranter is Paul Revere riding through the countryside. The midterms are coming. The midterms are coming. Another winner for the ranter. You must admit, even if you don't agree with them, you sure can't put together a couple of minutes. And we appreciate it. So thanks to the random ranter for this week's rant. All right then. You know what he didn't include?

What's this latest thing about if you go into the states, you're going to have to serve up five years of your social history? Really, I guess this is a really good way of bumping up the tourism trade. Oh, well. Moving on. Let's get back to your letters about winter. nice soft, easy-tubbed.

Kyle Allen writes from Ottawa. As a newer resident of the great city of Ottawa, I do look forward to winter, skating on the Rideau Canal, cross-country skiing in Gatno Park, and loads of hockey. While winters here can be cold, at least there's a lot to do and see.

I agree with that. You know, while I'm going around the country, talking about the different places I've lived and I, you know, some of my growing up was in Ottawa. And that was so long ago as even before they froze the Canurrito Canal. Maureen Weber in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Struggle into snow pants and shrug into layers. Boot laces don't cooperate with arthritic fingers.

Painstaking. My dog quivers with anticipation. Frosty doorknob resists my. Thick mittened hand, creaks open. Ten centimeters of blanket of snow conceals uneven terrain. I hate winter. Henry leaps up with joy, dolphin-like, through new snow, then plunges deep into a fluff of jackrabbit tracks.

Sinks the nose into them. Every single, one. He carries me into winter. I'm joyful, too. Marilyn Wallace, Fanny Bay, British Columbia. I love my home on Vancouver Island, but it does get a tad rainy this time of year. Luckily, soon I will pack my skates in winter clothing and fly to Alberta. A bunch of grandchildren will keep me busy, building snowmen, tobogging, and skating on a quintessentially Canadian outdoor rink.

Bright blue skies, crisp air, and the joy of childhood activities will lift my spirits for the new year. T.C. Sang in Vancouver, where he says a little snow can turn it into the laughing stock for the rest of Canada. I somewhat look forward to the winter for the following reason. Winter in Canada is a training ground for mental toughness. When traveling overseas, I often tell people, Canadians not only have to deal with cold weather when going out, as well as shorter days, but also the boredom associated with being stuck indoors during the winter. This makes us mentally tough.

Living in Alberta in my younger days certainly made me mentally tough. David Lapreys in Hakodat, Japan. That's on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. In 2012, my wife and I took our kids to Osaka, Japan, from Burnaby, BC, to spend a year in school where their mother grew up. Our son, who was in grade 6, wasn't so happy,

with the situation, but our daughter, being four years older, had so much fun over here that she stayed on with my wife after my son and I returned to Canada. She's currently in her second to last year of residency at Hakkadat General Hospital, and next year she will be a fully licensed pediatrician. My wife and I will be visiting her hospital ward December 24th with me dressed up in a Santa Claus suit.

I'll be handing out items to the sick kids that have been prepared by the nurses. Christmas in Japan will involve lots of snow, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Strawberry Shortcake. Karen McLean in St. John, New Brunswick. I hate winter. It's cold, dark, messy,

and interferes with getting around. Sure, a snowfall is pretty at first, but it doesn't stay pristine for long. I observe an annual countdown to spring, just to get me through. 98 days from Thursday, in case you're wondering, that's 98 days from now, till spring. Brian Hoyle in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

The outdoor tasks of warmer months cease in winter, and the days move a bit slower. Reading by the warm wood stove while the world turns white is a pleasure. Putting away the golf clubs and bike is rejuvenating. Spring brings renewed zest for, both activities. Garden catalogs arrive and veggie planning begins. My 70-year-old shoveling muscles have yielded to a snowblower and the slushy end of winter in Nova Scotia is a drag. But no way would I trade winter for never-ending warmth and sunshine. Jennifer Reeves in Hazleton, BC, that's

West Central BC on the Skeena River. I love how the house becomes insulated and quiet when a big snowfalls. I love watching the birds at my feeders all fluffed up against the cold. I love how the dog runs with such joy through fresh snow. And I love sitting on a frozen lake, ice fishing, even if we catch nothing. Winter slows life just enough to notice the small, beautiful things that make the season feel peaceful and alive. Anne-Marie Klein in Toronto. Winter is about slowing down once the holiday season ends and the new year begins. Skies are a soft pastel palette at dawn and dusk, and it's a time of cocooning inside with good books and walking in nature as the snow

quiets our surroundings. If you're lucky, your driving is minimal and you have a dog to remind you what winter play is. Trisha Landry in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, that's north of Camloops. I live year-round on a ski hill in British Columbia, so I obviously like winter and the winter sports that go with it. However, what I like most is not worrying about the fires that can plague the coniferous-filled forest around my house in our dry, hot summers. So, let it snow. Wendy Cecil in Toronto. My first five years were in Stratford's snow belt, and we have a snow belt.

I built snowmen, wore bobskates on the Avon River, and sold snowballs from my sled. Walking in a snowstorm or sitting fireside, eating hot soup and buttered toast while it snows are pure heaven. Joni Mitchell sang, I wish I had a river to skate away on. For me, winter is spelled J-O-Y. John Anderson in Stainer, Ontario, that's in the Georgian Bay Area. I love winter, always have, since winter picnics as a kid in Barry, Ontario. Now when November comes around, I book my annual winter camping trip to the Killarney Park interior. Snowshoe, cross-country ski, sleep in a tent in the snow, regardless of the temperature.

so far it's been from plus three to minus 29 colder is better cook on a fire scale the hills and snowshoes four awesome days and nights 17 years so far good for you john kyle 80 in peterborough ontario i do look forward to winter i like the sunsets in particular i also like seeing wildlife prints in fresh snow and the increased chances of spotting an owl. It never used to be this way. The cold and inconvenience of winter would wear on me like a cold, wet sock. But now I find solace in the quiet solitude and natural wonder that winter brings.

Derek Dillow in Ottawa. Looking forward to winter, as the years go by, I find myself just looking forward to tomorrow. However, all four seasons in Canada have a uniqueness. it can be truly appreciated. With the right mindset and wherewithal, winter can be a joy. A hike in the trails or skate on the canal can be magical this time of year. There are three wonderful holidays to give and receive, gratitude, and love. Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day.

Embrace them all as best you can. Ian Hebblethwaite in Moncton, do I look forward to winter? Well, that really got me thinking. I enjoy winter. I like to snowshoe. I just like hiking in the snow. But the reality is I don't look forward to winter. I prefer the other three seasons overall.

I like wearing shorts instead of pants, but I don't dread winter, and I so embrace what it offers. Brian Miller in Montreal. I love to ski. I play hockey and generally love cold outdoor activities, but thinking about your question, I think my favorite thing is how winter's snow simplifies the landscape.

I love the bursting gardens and colors of spring and summer, but that also screams neighborly competition, weeding, maintenance, and hustle. There's something serene and calming about a uniform white blanket of snow. Maybe this rubs off in late March, but in December, it's magical. Lizanne Donnelly in Sutton, Quebec. I live in a pretty town in Quebec's eastern townships.

The snow arrived early in November, and it's been blowing cold ever since. I bought those stretchable rubber traction cleats for my boots. I wonder how I walked on ice and snow before the cleats. A little noisy, but a real game changer. Smart. Michael Artendale and Sudbury. My snow machine is being serviced. The plow is attached to my ATV.

The snowblower is ready to. to go. Winter tires are installed on my four-by-four truck. My skis are pulled out of summer storage. I guess you could say that not only do I like winter, but I am ready for whatever it may throw my way. Michael Brissin, Kitchener, Ontario. The magical, nearly silent whoosh of the Eon tram. Eon is the public transportation network in Michael's City. Taking tipsy party revelers home Through snow drifts Glistening under street lamps last night

Reminded me of my Grandma Ramsey Recalling how her favorite horse would Wait in silence Just inside the farm gate Until she woke up having drifted off to sleep Under a sled blanket During her driverless

Wush home through the snow Same timeless magic glistening wonder Well over a hundred years ago that's quite the image Teresa Oban Singh in Saskatoon Living in Saskatoon will toughen you up

I have lived my entire 58 years here and I try to find the joy and watching my grandkids play hockey and build snow forts not everyone can live in Victoria or Vancouver I have friends from Vancouver who tease me how can you live there in the winter

my response back to them is, I hear Vancouver, Victoria is overdue for an earthquake. Nice, that's real gentle, friendly, neighborly. Barbara Pratt in Whitehorse, Yukon. I'm ambivalent. It's minus 40 degrees Celsius of the windchill of minus 48, and no relief in sight. Vehicles groan, tires are square. However, the sun shines gloriously.

Trees are trimmed with. with frost, chickadees and grosbeaks gather at the feeder. We dig out our down parkas with the fur-trimmed tunnel hoods, down pants, mucklucks, and mitts, and we're cozy. Excuse me now, it's time to dress the dog for his walk. Robert Loiters in Strathroy, Ontario. That's a little west of London. I'm really looking forward to winter this.

year. I've built an ice rink that takes up my whole backyard and I can wait to teach my four and three-year-old daughters how to skate. We'll have friends and family over the lights on and a fire going. Getting outside and join the fresh air and making the most of a true Canadian winter is something I love and look forward to every year. You know, there's nothing like hearing your kids on a backyard rink. You know, my neighbor in Stratford was fantastic at building a rink. when my son, our son was growing up and playing minor hockey in Stratford and he used to go out every night

and play on the neighbor's rink and you could hear it like I could hear the skates on the ice it was fantastic missed those days Jeff Deegan from Lower Queensbury, New Brunswick that's on the St. John River

west of Fredericton but Jeff's actually writing from the Dominican and Republic. We're looking forward to winter differently this year. It's our first Christmas outside Canada, and we'll miss our family, a spruce tree, turkey, and the oven,

ginger cookies, deer in the yard, snowmobiles on the St. John River, and that light snowfall with a crackling fire. We'll share a Christmas cheer with neighbors and expat friends, support a charity, and enjoy a beach bonfire. Mallon, it captured a lot there. Gus Livingston, who's kind of our resident comedian,

he writes every once in a while from Dunville, Ontario. I love the upcoming winter season with the soft snow and magical atmosphere, sleigh bills, children laughing, and cold winter nights with hot apple cider. Sorry, I've got to cut this short. The air bus just arrived to drive me to the airport so I can board my jet to Auckland, New Zealand. My three-month tour of the South Pacific gets underway this Saturday. Yeah, have a good time, Gus. Michelle Kaufman in Toronto.

There's nothing like the piece of a winter forest. Hearing only the crunch of the snow at my feet along with my home, steady breathing, is meditative and soul cleansing. Literally being able to see the forest through the trees is a fantastic way to ground myself in an otherwise can. chaotic world. Yes, I'm very much looking forward to winter. Yet near the end, Kate Gunn and Edmonton. In 2011, a group of Edmontonians began a conversation about how cities can better embrace winter. As one

community leader said then, people thought of Edmonton winters as dull, dark, and boring. That's no longer the case. Today, winter festivals, outdoor paddies, skating trails and winter markets abound. Winter biking is a thing. We even talk about winter differently. It's part of who we are. I'm not alone in welcoming winter. Paulus Wobbin in Ottawa. I love winter because of the determination, resilience, and grit that winter sports require. In addition to enjoying skiing and skating myself, I'm always so inspired when new adult immigrants try to learn to ski or skate. Skating and skiing are not easy things to learn as an adult, yet many of our newest Canadians show us how to enjoy winter, and they do it with huge smiles and lots of heart. Jillian Blackmore and St. John's. I love winter.

I love being outside, walking when the snow has just fallen on the fir trees, and I can catch a side glimpse of the ocean. There's nothing more refreshing. I enjoy these walks with my dog and my husband, bundled up in cozy layers, because as they say, there's no bad weather, only bad clothing. Sorry, Winter Haters. Jenny Earl and Gord Gilbertson in Calgary, Alberta.

We would love to tell you our thoughts on winter, but we're too busy skiing. On our way to the Rockies, as we write this, attempting to uphold a Canadian tradition of getting out before the deep freeze hits. Come on, Canada. Let's enjoy the season we're in. That's a great one to stop on. Great images in all your letters today.

I really appreciate it. I knew this was a bit of a gamble going soft. as we head into the holidays. But really, this is the time to acknowledge where we live and how much, in fact, most of us really do enjoy it. As one of the first letters said, it's who we are. Winter is who we are.

We're Canadian, and winter is part of the package. And for so many of us, it affords us an opportunity to really enjoy the landscape, enjoy the territory, enjoy the climate, and respect it. All right, that's going to wrap it up for this day and this week on your turn. Tomorrow, Friday, it's good talk, Chantelle, and Bruce will be here. And for Chantelle, it's her last one before her. holiday break we'll have one more show next week

and Bob Ray has going to sit in for Chantelle that should be fun. We'll try to make it fun along with Bruce and I but tomorrow Shantel is here and we'll discuss the week's news and maybe we'll kind of put a try and put a cap on the year

in a sense with a couple of questions that deal with how they look at the year gone by Okay. That's it. I'm Peter Mansbridge. Thanks so much for listening. Hope you enjoyed it. Get out there and enjoy winter. Stay safe. We'll talk to you again tomorrow in less than 24 hours. Cheers. Bye.