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Here’s another way to take advantage of a fresh snowfall – make a snowball and pour a bit of Bailey’s Irish Cream on it. Enjoy.

We had snow cones when we were kids – ice granules with some neon coloured syrup. So it’s understandable that we would have low expectations of anything that seemed similar.

If the snow is heavy, it’s really easy to make a snowball, and this treat is delicious, but my personal favorite is snow so light that snowball making is nearly impossible. I put a pile of these light flakes in my hand, drizzle a bit of Bailey’s on it – perfection.

When I introduce a friend to this, the conversation usually goes something like this:

‘The snow is perfect for making these.’
‘Really? I’ve never been much of a fan of sweet liquors.’
‘This is different. Give it a try.’
‘OK, but…..’

There are no words at this point – only wide eyes, and a big smile.

Then the next thing I know, my friend is busy – making another snowball.

Rudy

I went tobogganing with a few friends yesterday afternoon. It didn’t look promising at first – we just had a light covering of snow and there were still blades of grass showing on the hillside. Still, this made for a perfectly entertaining run – I figured the outing was a success when it didn’t take long before my stomach was hurting from laughing from so much.

If you don’t happen to have a toboggan, you can purchase a KrazyCarpet at any hardware store for less than $10. Also, a garbage bag works surprisingly well as a substitute. Look for hills close to your own neighbourhood. This doesn’t need to be approached as a complicated adventure – a small hill is great, and the short travel time means that you can start having fun sooner.

The park we went to yesterday actually had a sign posted, ‘Winter Sports Prohibited’. Seriously? The sign seemed more like a challenge to have fun – so we did.

Rudy

The extra hours of darkness we have right now give us more opportunities to see the International Space Station as it orbits 386 (240 miles) above the planet.

No special equipment is required, and no work is required on our part – NASA has it all figured out for us.

To find the schedule for sightings in your area, click on the link below. On the top left of the page under ‘Sighting Opportunities’, choose your country, province/state, then your city. A schedule for your location for the next few weeks will be displayed.

From this schedule, look for dates/times where the duration listed is greater than 2 minutes, and the maximum elevation is greater than 45 degrees (since buildings will most likely be in the way otherwise). Then look for clear skies in the weather forecast.

Link to Space Station Sightings:  spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/

Regardless of how often I do this, when I look in the approach direction that was listed on the schedule, then see the pinpoint of light appear and slowly move across the sky, I am amazed – every time.

Photo courtesy of  NASA

‘…Sorry, I’m going to have to talk to you later. The rink closes in an hour.’

There are many outdoor skating rink choices but the milder weather this season has presented us with a challenge – to take advantage of the limited number of days in the year when this opportunity is possible.

If you haven’t skated before, I would suggest lessons – not merely for safety reasons, but to get to the stage faster where skating is completely fun. If you have a friend who wants to teach you, fantastic – but if the friend doesn’t remember being new to skates, this might not be an optimal situation. One way to recognize this is if the friend says something similar to, ‘Come on. Just get out there. It’s no big deal.’ Although well-meaning, this person is probably not going to be very helpful.

It’s also normal to be apprehensive – when you stand on skates, you are instantly 4 inches (10 cm) taller, balancing on blades. Take some time to get comfortable standing before stepping onto the ice.

No need to be concerned about how you will appear on the ice as a new skater. There is a certain sense of camaraderie on the rink – simply by putting on skates, regardless of your ability, you are welcomed.

Most evenings I head over to my local outdoor rink, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Afterwards when I walk home with my skates slung over my shoulder, I usually cross paths with someone walking to the rink. When we notice each other’s skates, we do what I refer to as ‘the Canadian nod’ – a small nod and smile recognizing that we are both part of the same club – those who have fun playing outside on the ice.

Fun Places to Skate:  (L = adult lessons available, R = rentals available)

City of Toronto Outdoor Rinks  (L)

www.toronto.ca/parks/skating/outdoor-rinks.htm

Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail

(listed above into Toronto Parks, Toronto’s first skating trail)

Dufferin Grove Park Rink  (R)

www.dufferinpark.ca

Evergreen Brickworks   (R)

ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/recreation/skating

Harbourfront     (L,R)

www.harbourfrontcentre.com/skateculture/

Video Tips:

Starting to Skate Forward

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0mzLeTMyes&feature=related

 Stopping

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrscg8fLYqY&feature=related

Getting Back on Your Feet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiI-JReWBZ8&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=SP9C9C9BE75F2543D5