2012 ended with a banner season for ice skaters:  the lakes froze smooth as glass, after our big pre-holiday snowfall.  I’ve spent a lot of happy hours skating on our lakes.  Lake of the Isles is especially fine this year.  The City of Minneapolis maintains a huge rink and warming house which is always a colorful scene.  And this year it was (and still is) possible to skate over the entire lake.

There is even a huge regulation-size oval maintained by at least one speedskating enthusiast.  I don’t know whether I more enjoy skating it myself, or watching him fly gracefully around the curves.  I do appreciate the way he fills in big cracks so as to keep the track smooth!

Here’s wishing a happy, healthy and active 2013 to one and all!