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Photo © Vicki Honeyman

Polar Party

Defying the cold on Murray Ave.

by Vicki Honeyman

From the March, 2019 issue

Early one cold February morning, my neighbor Piotr sent an email to the Murray Ave. mailing list: "The low at 6pm tonight is -13 degrees! We will have a bonfire in our driveway tonight (+ some beers) ... If you can create community on a day like today ... Murray Avenue residents deserves kudos!"

Well.

Piotr provided a roaring bonfire, beer, and martinis to those of us who ventured out into the deep freeze that night. A sizable group joined forces, chattering around the fire. A bottle of vodka, a jar of olives, and cans of beer--cleverly set on top of a snow pile--kept tummies warm and laughter flowing.

The party lasted nearly three hours, with Piotr throwing gas on the fire every now and then to make sure it stayed ablaze. Many neighbors came and went. Some left to warm up in their homes for a bit, then returning to the gathering to prove that Murray Ave. isn't afraid of a little cold weather.

So, there you are Polar Vortex. You can't scare die-hard neighbors who always manage to find a reason to get together for a celebration!    

[Originally published in March, 2019.]