Yes, the war has begun again. For the last few years I have fired the first shot and then regretted it -- and loved it [sometimes at the same time]. This year will be different. If for no other reason than every year is different. Today I spent about four hours preparing the battle field and another four hours standing in nine degree temperatures [wild chill is zero] fighting hoses, frozen beer and spiritual demons getting the skating rink built.  For the first time in the history of the Royal Oaks Ice Garden I have ice on the first day of battle. Not skate-able ice by any stretch of the imagination, but ice none the less. Already there is a firmness under-foot that says "This year is YOUR year!"  And I like that.

And because my son likes Apolo Anton Ohno, I have extended the rink around the other side of the tree so we have a speed skating short track! How cool is that?  Now, if I only had some long blades...