The new year has started with a horizontal slide even flatter than the markets the last couple days - as we went out onto the lake to enjoy a sliver of sunshine before the snows fall again tomorrow. Smallsteps is starting to get it this year and it was funny to see her competitive streak come out, when a little girl slightly younger than herself was skating far better - she stepped up her game. As an only child, she doesn't get that much opportunity to be led by example, but she seems to hold her own when playing with the older kids in most things too.
And it was with a group of them we spent last night, where they played while the parents brought in the new year with a lot of melted cheese. We had raclette as well as fondue for the evening, which was a perfect way to end 2021 and welcome in the new year - well, that and a glass or two of wine, as well as a couple whiskey sours.
This year, we didn't buy any fireworks ourselves and unfortunately, the "crazy firework neighbors" were spending it at their summer place. They normally put on a show that rivals the Sydney firework display, but this year we just relied on the randoms from the neighborhood and sparklers for the kids. The kids really don't care that much for fireworks these days it seems, as the adults were more excited. Perhaps tastes are changing.
At least though, Smallsteps (after seeing the other kids) wasn't scared to hold the sparkler!
I didn't get a lot of chance to get pictures, but I grabbed a few while I could because I think it is always nice to have something from the end of the year as a memory.
The only real "spoiler" for the evening was that one of the neighbors invited himself along to the celebrations and he is currently going through a divorce - because of his drinking. He was drinking again despite his son not wanting to come because he knew his dad would not be able to control himself. I feel sorry for a 9 year old who has to consider these kinds of things and at some point, his dad is going to regret his behavior when his children makes the decision to move on.
But all in all, times were good and we spent time together with (mostly) people we want to spend more time with.
Then, to bring in 2022, we headed onto the lake for a skate and a walk. I was skating too, but I am not a very good skater as while I can move okay, I can't stop and have to do spins and arcs to slow down. It is shameful in a country which has ice hockey as a national sport. The biggest problem in practicing a slide stop is - old person fear.
But as said, Smallsteps is getting into the groove (a term I taught her today) and starting to gain a little more speed. Kids normally step around for a while, walking more than skating, until they are confident enough to glide. She is just starting now, but iI think that my wife needs to get on some skates to encourage her more. I have never seen my wife skate.
We also took a bit of a detour off the cleared ice and had some Glögi (mulled wine - non-alcoholic) by the shore and some cookies with the neighbors. Our gift to them for Christmas was a jar full of ingredients separated into layers to make chocolate chip cookies and they made them just before going out onto the ice. Pretty good!
The snow was not overly deep, but you can see here that ice is right underneath and very skateable. Currently, it is 30-40cm (12-15 inches) thick, which is really, really thick for this time of year. Often, it is still impossible to walk on this lake this early, but at the start of December there was a week of very cold -22C (-7F) temperatures that locked the smaller lakes and coves in for the winter. It will soon be possible to walk across the entire lake (or drive) and cook some sausages for a picnic in the middle somewhere. Things to do in Finland.
But, it was nice to see the sun and perhaps it is "a sign" that 2022 might be a little better than 2021, not that I believe in such types of signs. Still, I am hoping for a better one than last year.
So, that is how we spent New Years Eve and the first day of 2022, how about you? Did you get into the mood with a few drinks? Eat some good food? Spend time with those whose company you enjoy?
Whatever you did, I wish you a great start to the year and may your "resolutions" (wishes in my case) come true.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
