day 185: ice whiskers

Himes' hill was our own personal luge track.  The finish line ended up being in the corner of our front yard.  All of the neighbor kids would meet at the top of the hill, bundled in our personal insulation, and we would fly down, past the trees that marked the outsides of the track.  The track would become so incredibly icy that you had to drag your sled back up at the risk of your own life.  The safest bet was to try and make a new little trail up each time, so it wouldn't be slick.

The snow in Virginia is different.  It is heavier than the snow here in Utah.  It is crunchy and sparkly and covers each and every little tiny branch like it has been spray-painted on.  I have memories of walking across the yard on a thick top layer of ice that sat on top of inches of soft white stuff.

More than once I was sledding down Himes' hill, head first, and I would go off track.  Face first into the ice, which meant friction burns and scrapes that left me looking like I had a 5 o'clock shadow for a few days.  It was a good reminder to me, as the healing would get under way and the itching would begin.  Stay on track.  Not too many risks.  And, for crying out loud, wear a ski mask.

8 comments

Luann | February 20, 2010 at 6:31 AM

I can totally imagine you tearing down the hill at lightning speed, doing a face plant somewhere along the way, then jumping right up to go get some more. This time WITH a mask. :)

Emma | February 20, 2010 at 8:11 AM

The things we do when we ate young and dumb...

Kazzy | February 20, 2010 at 9:11 AM

I have a little tiny sliver in me that likes some risk, but I have changed a little in that area as I have become more aware of people that need me.

Anonymous | February 20, 2010 at 9:29 AM

I can see it all in my minds eye - beautifully put!

Dona | February 20, 2010 at 12:01 PM

I like that--stay on track but on the way up it was beneficial to blaze a new trail because it got slippery if you just followed everyone else's path...

Kazzy | February 20, 2010 at 12:18 PM

Thanks, Dona. Sometimes my metaphors don't work, but when I assign a metaphor label on my post I always hope someone will get it. You win the prize today!

Rachel Cotterill | February 20, 2010 at 3:04 PM

Sounds like great memories! :D

Connie | February 20, 2010 at 4:57 PM

Have you heard the saying "hell-bent for leather" (let's see, where do I put the question mark?)
I can picture you flying down the slippery slope, un-protected but full of life and fun.