The bonus of above freezing weather in winter here in Whitehorse is the great weather for hiking. The downside is soft snow as we discover after getting stuck on Grey Mountain Road. However, a second bonus of the nice weather is that there are plenty of people out enjoying the day who are happy to help push your vehicle back onto the road.

With the days getting longer, the weather getting fairer and the routine of work and play becoming more familiar, our family is quite possibly the happiest we've ever been. Last night I stood on on my deck under the stars while the Northern Lights rippled across the sky and I had the strong feeling that everything was how it should be.

Happiness is an odd thing. It is not necessarily achieved. You can work and search and strive for happiness while it eludes you, but when you find it, it's almost a surprise; as if it happened in the moment you forgot to look for it.

Walking in the sunshine yesterday, surrounded by the particular quiet you only get in a still, snow-laden world, I felt a peaceful kind of happy. Rich and I were meandering while Oscar and Maggie played in the snow. Around us were quiet massive views and cold clean air. Rich looked at me, smiling, and declared, "Right now, I am happy." And so was I.