Dorothy Hamel Eat Your Heart Out!

In 1976, during the winter Olympics, Dorothy Hamel made a deep and lasting impression on me. I was young, very, very young. I lived in Montana where it was cold, very, very cold. Ice skating was popular, very, very popular. And, with my new found role model, I began skating lessons and got my hair cut like my Dorothy. That’s about as far as it went. Ok, so Dorothy made a short lived deep and lasting impression on me … but one thing stuck. I can still skate!

Sunday we all took to the ice. The Rathaus (our government building) serves as the backdrop to a winter skating wonderland during the winter months. I couldn’t believe the transformation. They cover the whole grounds with plywood (so those of us w/ice skates can walk about), install ice rinks and paths, construct WC facilities, have an on-site D.J. and host several wurst and hot punch vendors. It’s fantastic!

Parker has been going there once a week for school, but this was the first time we all went as a family. We packed a lunch, our skates (yes, we have our own like all natives do!) and spent the afternoon skating about.

After tucking away my skates during my Dorothy Hamel days, I have not been on a pair of ice skates since Chris and I went (on one of our first dates – be still my heart) over 20 years ago. Back then the sheer adrenaline of being with Chris set my feet to moving. Now, however, I wasn’t sure if that would be the case. After one round, Parker (my sweet used to be favorite child) says to me “Mom, I’m impressed. I didn’t think you’d be any good but you are.” Out of the mouths of babes.

Such simple fun. Such simple goodness.

The rest of the week – a wash out! Monday and Tuesday Libby stayed home from school sick. Tuesday Addison and I start to feel bad. She and I stayed sick through today. Chris played nurse mate, taxi driver, Mom, cook, etc. Hats off to him, again!

Thought some pictures of the Rathaus might put wings to your images in your head of our time. Enjoy!