Rainbow Valentines...Less is More: Rainbow, Wanna Sketch #12, Stamping Celebration #75: Rainbow Hearts, Mod Squad: Heart & Glitter, Addicted to CAS #31

Happy Thursday, with extra smiles, because today, and tomorrow, are no school days! Yayyy...No, this mid-February break (the first of two, actually...double yayyyy...) isn't a 'cold weather' closure, even though it could be, given that this morning we awoke to -32C, and with the wind chill factored in, it was -43C/-46F. Actually, 'snow day' school closings rarely happen here in Alberta; busses may not run in some areas, meaning kids who rely on those services have opportunity to stay home (although I know parents will drive when busses won't...), but the schools are always opened. Indeed, when I perform a quick memory trek of my 25-plus many years of teaching, I have no recollection of weather-related days off.  We did 'almost' go on strike once, but the issue was resolved in the wee hours of the morning of the strike start date, so that doesn't count.  Nope...here in Alberta, the saying is "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes."  Sorry, strayed from the why-I'm-home topic...Alberta Winter Games.

As of today, young athletes from throughout the province are arriving in our town, and in neighbouring Banff, to compete in the Games. To keep expenses in some semblance of 'reasonable,' the schools are serving as residences for the athletes and coaches; yesterday, a good part of the afternoon was spent moving around desks, securing cabinets and all-around clearing out and tidying up some space for the competitors.  The games begin tomorrow, and many fingers are crossed that the frigid air moves its way anywhere but here, so the events can occur.  Speed-skating, cross-country skiing and biathlon just don't happen when the temperatures fall below a certain point, for the well-being of the athletes as well as the volunteers, many of whom are standing in one spot for hours at a time.  Already some shifts have been made - morning starts moved to afternoon, afternoon to 'later' afternoon.  My husband, of course, is caught up in all this.  I feel for him: he's off working whilst I'm...ummm, busy doing other things *grin*.  Actually, I do have an Alberta Games task: washing and then collating a whole load of biathlon bibs (a bit of an ewww...escaped my lips when I opened the tub Andy had them in. I came close to grabbing tongs to pull them out and throw them in the washing machine, however...I survived. At the moment, one load is tumbling nicely in the dryer while the other is being de-sweatified in the washing machine.  The sorting and folding happens later. I. am. so. excited.

Okay, the Valentine-a-thon continues, so be warned: a post fiesta about to happen. I'm wrapping up my niece and nephew's daycare teacher cards with this little twosome as a start.

They were inspired by, and are heading to:
Less is More: Rainbow theme - HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY to you, as well!!

and some new-to-me challenges.  A couple came to my attention thanks to the wonderful Darnell. Do visit her blog when you have a chance: perfect prescription to lift your spirits and give you an excellent laughter-induced ab workout at the same time.

Stamping Celebration #75: Rainbow Hearts theme:

Addicted to CAS #31

Wanna Sketch #12

First card, which is also going to Simon Monday Challenge: Love Notes

and the second, also going to Mod Squad: Heart and Glitter Challenge,

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NBUS: Wink of Stella to glitter-fy the hearts,  the typewriter stamp and the mini stitched envelope die. Cuties, both.

NOTE: So thrilled and honoured that my hearts and envelope die was selected as a Wanna Sketch highlight! Thank you to Lisa and everyone who commented!!

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments make my day!