Sunday, December 14: our first family skating outing. And today, two of my children are putting on skates for the very first time. With gentle snow falling and a temperature of −3 °C, the ice gives us a truly joyful moment.
On the rink, the atmosphere is already there: younger kids mix with older ones, and a little goalie proudly practices with his crew. It takes me back to the rink of my childhood — that gathering place where everyone met, where we put our sticks in the middle to make teams, and where everyone belonged. Yes, sometimes it got a bit too competitive… but more often than not, it was simply magical: young and old brought together around our national sport.
So I’ll allow myself to dream a little bigger for North Hatley. A small set of bleachers, a few outdoor fire pits, Adirondack chairs, cozy blankets… and lots of people — skaters and non-skaters alike — stopping to say hello, chat about anything and everything, with a hot chocolate (or a little caribou 😉) in hand to warm the heart. Winter can feel long when you don’t know what to do, but together, we always find joy — and time passes so much faster.
Thank you to Mr. Tom Price for preparing the rink.
With that said, I look forward to raising a glass with you outdoors this winter!
