Yes, I am planning to put a skating rink in my back yard. It will let my D8 practice her hockey any time she wants and gives me the chance to get S5 and S3 out on the ice.
I played hockey as a kid and my dad put a rink in our yard every winter. When my brother and I both played hockey, he even put boards, netting and lights up just like a hockey rink.
So, since our winters haven't cooperated with large amounts of snow lately, I am resorting to putting landscaping edging in a large rectangle with rounded corners. Then after we get a couple of inches of snow I will go out and pat it down for my base. Then I will go out in the freezing temps every night and use the hose or buckets of water and slowly build up the ice. Once it is skateworthy, I will simply clean it off after each use and put a layer of water on late at night to fill in the rough spots.
It is a lot of work, but worth it. My H didn't show much interest in the past, but his attitude about other things has changed so we'll see. Otherwise I will do it myself. My dad will help if needed as he loves to make himself useful and is excited to see the kids skate. As a kid, my dad didn't get to skate, because he lived on a farm and one time they went skating on the creek and a neighbor fell through the ice and died - so no more skating. He really enjoys doing things like this for the kids so he is just a call away if I need him.
Cathy - my H moved out at the end of July and is living in a 2-bedroom apartment about 3 miles from here. He has two beds in the one room for the boys and a pull-out couch, along with his own bed. (I have been over there twice for some quality time with H )
I doubt I will see H tonight after all. I called him at work earlier because we have to decide on our benefits for next year - they are through his job. He is in the finance area and it is their month-end close date so he will be there late. It is even more important for him to get it done as he is leaving early Friday for deer hunting.
I emailed him apologizing for the interuption (although an email is another interuption isn't it?!?!?) and offered to fill out the benefit forms if he brings them over.
I also let him know that I baked some chicken for dinner and he could stop and get some later if he wanted. He is doing the low-carb thing and has lost at least 50# since leaving. He looks great!
So, if I am able to talk to him later when the kids call him, I will suggest the slumber party for tomorrow night - depending on his tone, of course.
Patience, patience, patience...
totite
"Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative..."
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