Play Outside Now

The past few days have given us more typical winter temperatures, which worked out well for a local ice sculpture contest. The finished work was impressive, but I was most amazed by one artist, who was wielding a chainsaw to create a wolf figure.

I was inspired, but then considered my options, having only used a chainsaw twice – no intricate detail was required other than not cutting anything besides the intended log. Lack of talent doesn’t usually hold me back, but safety considerations do, so I decided my project would be something along the same ice theme, but simple – ice candles.

I filled a couple bowls with water, floated tea lights in each, and set them outside to let nature take over while I grabbed my skates and headed down the block to the outdoor rink.

Nature’s refrigerator provided the perfect conditions for ice – whether you wanted to make something with it – or slide across it.

During this past cottage weekend, we walked to a friend’s place a few doors down for dinner. When we left, I stepped outside to give the others more room in the tight entranceway to gather their coats and boots. But as often happens, people decide to participate in something I try to avoid – the long goodbyes – which turn into a never-ending conversation in the hallway.

As I waited, I noticed the shapes of my gloves that were cast on the deck under the light and remembered something I hadn’t thought about for a long time – shadow puppets. The last time I did this was during a golf tournament years ago. I’m a horrible golfer, but a fast one – I figure I will get plenty of chances to hit the ball so don’t bother with practice swings. In any event there is always plenty of time spent waiting around. One particular morning, out of boredom, I started making shadow puppets on the green. I don’t usually win any prizes at golf tournaments, but I did this time, in a newly created category that day – best shadow puppets.

In the winter with the shorter days, and the sun lower in the sky, we have so many more opportunities for this. If there is such a thing as a shadow puppet contest, I wouldn’t win any prize – but it doesn’t matter. I’m just having fun outside.

Rudy

A work colleague told me about a local conservation area where chickadees will eat out of your hand. I was doubtful, but curious and thought that either way, a walk in the woods is a nice way to spend an afternoon.

When I saw a few birds flying between two trees, I reached for a handful of seeds. I barely had my hand out of my pocket and was thinking, ‘I wonder if this will even work…’ as a bird landed on my hand – so unbelievably light that I didn’t feel the weight of the bird at all – only the light grasp of tiny feet.

One bird after another landed on my hand, and I didn’t have to concentrate on staying still since I was completely fascinated.

After a while though, I realized that my hand was completely numb from the cold. The expression says, ‘Cold hands. Warm heart.’ Not in this case. I just hadn’t thought it through. Then I looked over at my friend who also had a queue of birds lined up for a snack – taking turns landing on her glove.

This happened to be at the Hilton Falls Conservation Area, but I read afterwards that chickadees get used to humans quite easily. So you can try this anywhere these birds are used to being fed – holding still with your hand beside a bird feeder, for example.

A bird in the hand….doesn’t mean you have to go without warm mitts or gloves – but either way it’s amazing to see these little birds up close.

One day we have snow – the next day rain.  This presents some challenges but also gives us the opportunity to put a new spin on old activities.

Here are a few examples of things I’ve tried in the past few weeks:

• Skated in the rain. It was drizzling, and my friend said, ‘Don’t you get wet?’ I always find it funny when I’m asked that question – it’s worded with such horror as if the person is certain you will be drenched and remain that way forever. There were a few others skating also. We exchanged smirks that seemed to say, ‘Crazy weather? Yes. But why not?’
• Tobogganed on a slope that would best be described as grass with a snow matrix. Worked perfectly.
• Played tennis. I have never been much of a tennis player – tried it a few times as a kid, but wasn’t a fan of running around the court on a hot day. A mild winter day solves that problem.

The weather this season has taught me that we often find fun where we least expect it.

Rudy