Monday in the 613: cool, cloudy, and a short day of light

Morning, Ottawa. It's a grey, mild start at 7°C with mostly cloudy skies, and the UV is barely there at 2.0, so you won't need the sunscreen today. Dress for a cool walk to the bus stop and leave the sunglasses in the bag. The thing to keep in mind is the light: the sun goes down at 4:40 this afternoon, so anything you're planning for after supper is going to be lit by streetlamps and the glow from the shop windows. Plan your errands and any outdoor walks for the afternoon if you can.

On the roads and transit, there's one item to keep on your radar. OC Transpo is working its way toward testing on the Line 1 east extension, but there aren't any firm pre-trial dates yet, so for your commute today, nothing has changed. Give yourself the usual buffer and you'll be fine.

A few things from around town worth knowing. University of Ottawa's part-time teaching professors are on strike, which means a number of courses are suspended, so if you're a student or have one at home, check in with your department before you head out. Over in Kanata, the theatre is staging Gunderson's play about Émilie du Châtelet from November 18 to 28, a good one to put on the calendar. And on a heavier note, a Montreal man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the stabbing of an Ottawa mother of four.

If you're grabbing a bite, there's sad news from the Glebe: Chahaya Malaysia, the neighbourhood institution that's been feeding people for 41 years, closes for good this Sunday, so if you've got a favourite dish there, this week is the time to go say goodbye. For something new, Zen Bowl has opened in Centretown with Shanghai soup dumplings and pan-fried buns, which sounds like the right kind of lunch on a grey day. And if you're thinking about a splurge, Goldie's and Bakery Burger both charge $25 for a sandwich, and they have their reasons, so it's worth knowing that going in.

For tonight, Monday is quiet on the live-music front, so this is a good night to grab dinner and settle in. Arlo Wine & Restaurant is a solid choice if you want to get out for a glass and a plate of something good. If you're a hockey fan, the Washington Capitals are in town to face the Ottawa Senators, so that's the one to catch if you want to be in the building. Either way, dress warm, since it's going to feel chilly by the time you're walking home.

Have a good Monday, and drive safe.