Skating at Kitchener City Hall
I took the dog out tonight for five minutes and nearly froze to death. Determined to get my exercise I went back in and donned some extra socks and leggings, and another sweater. What’s happened to my body that I can’t handle this cold? I grew up here in the land of the frigid air, and thought nothing of spending entire days outside cross-country skiing, skating, and tobogganing. This winter has spoiled me; hardly any snow and some days that were bordering on downright balmy!
My shivering little dog in her cute pink sweater opted to let me go back out alone as she curled up on the couch. I stepped out into the cold sharp air, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that I could hardly breathe. Winter slapped me in the face as a gust of icy wind blew down my naked street. Hardened mounds resembling Baked Alaskas plopped on the rock-hard boulevards and lawns, glistening under the street lights - scant evidence of our recent fluky one-day blizzard, almost immediately diminished by dismal rain the next day.
This roller coaster winter has been confusing, not only to me and everyone I know, but to the birds, the squirrels, raccoons, skunks, possums, and my daffodil bulbs! What to do? Hibernate or embrace this fickle winter weather.
“Keep going,” I tell myself. I will walk and get my fresh (very fresh!) air and exercise. Trying to ward off the cold by marching quickly down Queen Street, I felt very alone. But the sky was clear and a deep velvety navy blue.
Along the way I see a lone man, banished from the warmth, hunched over and clutching his cigarette close to help him stay warm.
As I round the corner on King Street, beside the Walper Terrace, I hear children’s laughter and music in the distance. Civilization! My step quickens.
Yes! There are children and bigger people skating on the ice at City Hall! My faith in the joy of the Canadian winter has been completely restored as I pause to watch these happy little bundles of energy gliding around the rink, being chased by their parents. Some have already mastered the finer points of skating and others are just learning, but they are all smiling despite the cold. Rosy cheeked, they slide, twirl, tumble and get back up.
The Zamboni honks, scattering everyone to the sides. Suddenly I feel very warm and turn to go back, with the realization that winter is indeed alive and well, at least for a day or two! The forecast calls for double digits two days from now!
