I don't often get asked for directions here in our small town, but when I'm waved down by a stranger they are usually looking for the arena.
We don't spend a lot of time at the rink, but I know a lot of people who do. It brings visitors to the community and keeps families busy throughout the winter months.
The curling ice is attracting more and more younger players wanting to build skills they'll use in the future and the skating rink is always busy. Figure skaters build strength and grace and the fun and exercise the sport offers has even led the hockey moms to strap on the blades and become the hockey players.
During the days when the sun doesn't shine for long, the lights are always blazing brightly over the ice.
It seems too busy for me, but I guess for those who practically live at the rink it is their routine and they know even though the ice is cold they won't be facing the wind chill factor.
Those who spend their days in community arenas throughout the province are building friendships, building skills and building volunteers. The rinks build community.
I like removing the toque and mittens sometimes, so I'm glad most of my children's activities are held in nice heated buildings. I myself would rather spend the winter hibernating, but if I have to be awake I'd choose to be reading about exotic locales, dreaming of beaches and cooking spicy food.
I follow friends on Facebook who post vacation updates and wish I'd been packed in their suitcases. This week I have family members whose flight was delayed and because connecting flights would be missed and were overbooked for the next two days they are spending two extra days in the luxury of the sun and sand. They should be at work but aren't worrying and are planning extra days of diving, dining and doing what they please.
Other friends aren't so lucky, they've planned a vacation in sunny California where they faced rain and a high of 11 C on their first day and the forecast for the rest of their vacation doesn't look much warmer. I hope they're thankful they didn't wake up to a neighbourhood of dead black birds, but they may be wishing they'd stayed home with the proper winter attire and just played hockey.
The world is a strange place and winter can be a challenge, finding something to love about the season helps it go by just a little more quickly.
