Youthfulness

For our first few days at the cottage, there were eight of us. Four were kids, and by that I mean thirty something, so they likely don't think of themselves as kids. It's all relative, eh?

Life certainly picks up its pace when they are around. Inside, they are frequently found playing games around the kitchen table while I sit and stare at the ceiling in great perplexity, wondering just when my get-up-and-go got up and left. And as I sat in my stupor, they did all of the cooking and washing up. What geezer could ask for more?

On New Years Day, they also made great fun outdoors, beginning with the tossing of boiling water. Actually, I don't know if it was boiling or just very hot. Perhaps the water could have been hotter and the day a wee bit colder (although it was pretty darn cold) for the very best effect, but it was a pretty darn neat effect anyway.

Ben begins the toss.

There it goes, freezing in mid-air.

A close-up from the other side. I didn't get any great pictures, but you get the idea.

And then, with boundless energy, they were off to the river to do a bit of skating.

Through the gate and past the barn.

First comes the clearing ...

... and then comes the skating. Everybody in this family has a camera, but you have to be confident to skate with an expensive DSLR. As you can see, Mary and Laura were supremely confident.

Dad also has a camera or three, and Laura obliges with a flourish.

I processed this one of Ben and Mary with a bit of an arty look, careful to get the footbridge in the frame.

The old guy soon headed back to the warmth while the kids kept at it. It was a memorable New Years Day.