Friday, February 3rd, 2023, the City of Ottawa is in a deep freeze. There is a weather advisory since it is minus 25C, high winds and snow squalls. By 7 pm, my team, Auclair, has played 2 games at 2 different clubs and are now celebrating at the Crystal Heart Gala with a few hundred women. The fundraising event is hosted in Curling Clubs across the City of Ottawa.

Our next game is at 9 a.m. at Rideau Curling Club. We leave the Gala after the band calls last song. When I get dropped off at home, I let my ride know that they can go, as my hubby’s truck is home and the door would be unlocked; besides I can always get into the house through the garage.

It is cold, very cold as I walk up to my door in the dark. To my shock, the door is locked. Not wanting to wake anyone, I make my way to the garage and key in the code. Nothing. I try again. Nothing. I go back to the door and start ringing the doorbell and banging on the door. There is no answer. I take out my phone and call my hubby and am relieved when he answers.

Hi, what are you doing? I ask. He said he’s at the Manotick Curling Club and having a post-game drink.

Oh, I’m locked out of the house, I manage to say before my phone battery dies from being exposed to the cold.

I have no hat, no mitts, and party clothes on. Inappropriately dressed to be outside with the temperature still dropping, I decide to start walking up to the curling club. When I finally arrive, I am frozen. I joined my Friday night team’s table for a drink and a few laughs. We close the bar and get a ride home.

I get up early to get ready for my 9 a.m. draw. Winning team moves on and losing team is out. I head to the kitchen to make coffee only to discover our kitchen waterpipe froze overnight. No time to wallow, we have to get to the Navy Curling Club.

We did not win but had a great weekend, with wonderful friends. The spiel also raised over 50,000.00 dollars for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Team Auclair picture with Gaston, after first game WIN at RCMP Curling Club.