Ice isn't so nice

In my book, winter is officially here (though not according to the calendar.) We were fortunate enough to receive our "much-awaited" (right!) first snow last weekend and a little dusting during the annual Miracle on Lake Avenue event on Thursday AND I had my first fall on the ice.

I had just given Santa Claus a hug after the festive parade and as he went on down the sidewalk, so did I.

He obviously wasn't aware - I know that Santa would have come back to assist if he had been aware of my plight behind him. Ever so carefully I pulled myself up thankful that my camera was didn't hit the cement as hard as I did, as it was tucked safely inside my coat. I am thankful, too, that it was dark and no one saw me take a dive.

Darn that hurt!

I was sure that I had damaged more than my ego but found no bruises, cuts or best of all, no blood.

The older I get, the more any little thing hurts the next day - and it did. It could be a long winter. I'm thinking that I may have to invest in some of those spikes that attach to my shoes so I can stay on my feet, or at least get out the traction-loaded snow boots I bought for myself as a Christmas gift - I don't think anyone would care if I did as long as it was going to keep me on my feet instead of my face.)

Ice has its place. It is good to keep my glass of water cold and to use on sprains and strains and sometimes even to help bring a fever down. It's great for those who are equipped and prepared for ice skating.

I used to like ice skating - with the proper bladed shoes. My neighbors, growing up, used to flood their back yard each winter and everyone in the neighborhood enjoyed skating there. I wasn't much good, and was jealous of my friend who could skate backwards but it was always a fun pastime; I am sure I ended up falling many times then, too, but at that age, it never bothered me. I always had layers of warm clothing so was never "damaged" when I went crashing down. Besides, the hot cup of cocoa and marshmallows that we usually finished the skating sessions with could have cured any pain I may have felt.

Looks as though we may be getting more freezing drizzle later this week. Walk cautiously or throw on those ice skates and enjoy it.

* Lorri Glawe is a Pilot staffwriter. Reach the columnist at lglawe@stormlakepilottribune.com