Speaking of Hans Brinker

A past Elfstedentocht.

The Netherlands is trying to decide if the ice is sturdy enough to hold the "Elfstedentocht" -- a huge ice-skating marathon described as "one of the most deeply-cherished Dutch cultural traditions."

This is the first time since 1997 that there may be enough ice to do it. The article says that if a cold snap continues, they should be able to skate "a 200-kilometer (125-mile) network of canals connecting 11 cities around the province of Friesland."

Just like back in the Little Ice Age, I guess. Kinda nice. I wish I was there to skate it. I love ice-skating.

Winter is here

Though it always makes me nervous when the neighborhood kids skate on the pond, it's also rather nice to see. 

It's been very cold for many days so I think they're safe today. Still, I always have an urge to rush out there with a long piece of rope. 

Okay, I admit I also want to rush out there in my skates. But I don't because 6'5" skaters who are not rail-thin should not skate on dicey pond surfaces. I just hope the kids have a great, safe day (and those adults who set out deck chairs on the ice don't eat so much that they crash right through).