When I was a kid, we couldn't wait for the first snowfall. Like most boomers, my parents were still practically kids themselves. My childhood memories of winter involve making snow angels, skating at the local park, building snowmen and snowforts, having snowball fights, sledding, and stuffing as many marshmallows into my cup of hot chocolate as I could fit. My parents did all sorts of things that would probably generate a tip to CAS these days--and some of it probably was a bit dicey! But nobody died, and we had a ball! Most years, dad would build us an igloo in the backyard, hosing it down with water to fortify it, and checking it a couple times a day when the weather got warmer. I also got my first driving experience towing the toboggan, as soon as I was tall enough to reach the pedals. We had a blast!
So when I married a Canadian, and moved here, I figured it would be all Winter Wonderland, all the time! But no. I was surprised to find that many of my Canadian friends weren't enthusiastic about winter, and that's probably because their winter activities mostly involve shovelling the driveway, brushing off the car, and navigating slushy, yucky sidewalks and parking lots. That's a shame! And the weather isn't helpful.
But that said, I found a terrific deal on some new equipment. And we've been able to get out a handful of times since mid-January. I don't think I've pushed through that boundary where my technique improves to the point that I don't feel like I'm on the verge of cardiac arrest, but I'm getting there. On the day I took the pic above, I arrived, got geared up, and started skiing, and thought, YES! I'm back in the groove! ... But then I realised that I actually had a hell of a tail wind. And coming back, that would be a headwind. 😐 I'm still working on it.
The cool thing about being back in Ottawa is that there are so many groomed trails, practically next door. You can grab your skis and jump on the bus, ski back towards home until you've had your fill, then grab a bus! Too easy. Like living in a winter resort.
But of course, all this depends on the weather. And this year hasn't been great so far. In fact, for Valentine's Day, Mr JoyfulC took me out for my first bike ride of the year.
So that's what I'm doing when I'm "not available." Some callers seem to think that I've got back-to-back appointments stacked up, 24/7. 😂 Most weeks, I'm lucky to get in one or two! But I'm a lot closer to the end of my life than the beginning. Or even the middle. So I plan to have fun.