Today was a good day. It has long been a dream of mine to ice skate outside in a natural environment and today I ticked that off my list.
Aberdeen has had several days of sub-zero temperatures, freezing the water in lakes and ponds. We found what is really just a puddle of water on a field that froze solid. We’re essentially skating on the grass but it was perfect. Last week we had several days of rain so I guess it pooled here and then froze. It was wonderful. I couldn’t stop smiling. And we had it all to ourselves which made physical distancing a breeze.
Poor Ben has been working like a dog 7 days a week and couldn’t come. Lectures start this week and the covid pandemic has increased his workload exponentially. I spent almost the entire day outside and I really needed it. I had a terrible migraine last night and was up in agony for much of the night. The ice cold air on my head today was soothing. I like it when the temperature falls below zero because it’s dry. There’s no mud and no puddles because everything is frozen. I also like the feel of the cold air on my cheeks. Here’s a video:
My ice-skates I bought at a charity shop a year or two ago in anticipation of this day. This is the first time I’ve used them. I bought the kids’ skates online. Hopefully we’ll get to use them again before spring arrives. This winter feels like a proper winter.
rachel.blog 
It was really nice seeing such an optimistically titled post. And I am so in awe of you going skating. I did it a bit as a teenager but I was always scared.
It does seem very difficult for lecturers at the moment. Sorry to hear about all of Ben’s work.
My mother used to take us ice skating when we were kids and I think if you learn something as a kid it’s easier as an adult. As for Ben I think it’s particularly stressful for him because he’s head of department and it’s not a great time to be leading. There’s just lots more to do and so many unknowns.